January 20 Friday – Charles Webster wrote to Sam (Webster & Co. To Grant Jan.19 enclosed).

Dear Uncle Sam: / I got provoked and sent the enclosed letter to Fred Grant. It is a pretty hard letter but it is all true and states our case exactly. I hope this will bring him to his senses; if it does not he may go right along & sue[.] We are ready.

The letter to Grant is four pages, single space typed, answering Grant’s of Jan. 11 and 16, which objected to inclusion of some costs in calculating royalties; it points out the huge royalty checks paid, Webster’s ruined health “through his efforts,” attorney fees spent to collect Grant’s 70%. Webster & Co. did not wish arbitration: “The laws of our country, which General Grant fought nobly to sustain, are sufficient, and we are willing to abide by them” [MTP].

Montreal Club per Raymond Binmore sent invite to a dinner Feb. 11. “Can’t go” Sam noted [MTP].

F.L. Yoakum for Academy of Science of Texas wrote asking Sam for “some kind of specimen of Natural History,” “marked by your own hand.” Sam wrote on the letter, “Natural ‘science’ specimens! Some D__d quack” [MTP].

Orion Clemens finished a letter began Jan. 19, see that entry [MTP].