January 22 Sunday – Sam responded to Orion Clemens’ letter of Jan. 19-20:

It is an infinite pity that poor old Ma must drag her tired life out in so much needless suffering. Give her our love.

Sam also advised his brother not to write for newspapers, as it was “mere bother” and “does not pay.” He saw a false light ahead for the Paige typesetter, which he thought would,

…be finished & exhibiting its powers or lack of them April 1st. Then my expenses on it will suddenly shrink to $300 a week & I shall be glad [MTP].

Frederick Edwards wrote from Woodbury, N.J. asking if Sam might “direct” him to “any book or matter now published” which he could find “the many good things you have written” to aid him in the preparation of “a small book” of quotations of American Humorists he was preparing [MTP].