July 2 Monday – In Elmira Sam wrote to Charles H. Clark, associate on the Library of Humor and editor of the Hartford Courant, thanking him for his “initiation intentions” about his recent honorary masters degree.
I am the only literary animal of my particular sub-species who has ever been given a degree by any College in any age of the world, as far as I know [MTP].
Sam also wrote a laundry-list type letter to his brother, Orion Clemens, who evidently had read of Sam’s honorary degree.
Of course I ought to have gone to New Haven — unquestionably; but I was so situated that it was next to impossible. I could not have got back to New York the same night.
Sam also sent advice for Orion to humor their mother in her faulty dreams of playing with cousins long dead; not to send a manuscript as he was “burying” himself in his book (CY), and of the Paige typesetter, which Orion had obviously asked about:
I hear nothing from the machine — & that means it isn’t finished. If it should manage somehow to finish itself by the first of August, that would answer particularly well. It could then work a month or six weeks in Hartford, privately, & get itself all smoothed down & thoroughly adjusted, & go thence to New York just in time to find New York at home again & ready for business [MTP].
Charles H. Clark responded to Sam’s July 2.
My Dear Friend, — You are the “only literary animal of your particular subspecies” in existence, and you’ve no cause for humility in the fact. Yale has done herself at least as much credit as she has done you, and “don’t you forget it.” C.H.C. [MTB 868].
Note: these letters bear the same postmark date, which was more likely in inter-city mail than it was between cities, although Robert Hirst of the MTP assured me that it was possible between Boston and Hartford, or Hartford and New York.
Frank A. Munsey (1854-1925) for Golden Argosy wrote to Sam, asking should he write “another boys story” could he talk to him about “running it through the Argosy” before it became book form. Sam wrote on the envelope, “Brer W. Tell him I am away from home indefinitely” [MTP]. Note: this became Argosy in Dec. 1888. It began in 1882, aimed at the “boys adventure” market, and is thought to be the first American pulp magazine.
Clarence L. Palmer & Co, dealers in Meats, Poultry and Vegetables, Hartford, billed $72.97: “Amt Bill per pass book” (no detail); Paid Aug. 22 [MTP].
Joseph G. Lane, Wholesale Grocer & Commission Merchant, Hartford, billed $41.67 for:
Jan 3 1 doz Smith’s Ale 1.25; Jany 21 1 Sherry Wine 4.00; 1/2 doz Claret 3.00;
Feby 3 1/2 Scotch Whiskey 6.00; Mar 8 1/2 Dz St. Croix 6.00;
Mar 27 1 doz Lager 1.25; Apl 3 4 dz laguer 5 Apr 25 1/2 doz Scotch Whiskey 6;
May 18 4 doz Lager 5.00; Jun 15 25 bottles Apollinarius 4.17; Paid July 10 [MTP].