November 12 Monday – In Hartford Sam wrote two letters to Frederick J. Hall, the first a confidential treatment about Arthur H. Wright’s recent visit (date not found) to Hartford and their conversation. Sam wasn’t going to advise Hall what to do with Wright, saying only that if Wright was valuable in the subscription department to use him there.
It is not proper for me to influence you, & I won’t. Personally I have only this to say against him — he has been very indiscreet…. I was not harsh with him. At least only at first; after that it was a business-like & rational conversation. I will detail it to you when I go down next week.
Sam may have received Hall’s letter of Nov. 10 after he wrote the first response to Hall. The second to Hall shows why:
I approve, all through. Doubtless Mr. Wright concluded it would not be good politics to come & see me. If so, his conclusion was sound. I am glad he is disposed of. Now, let an expert examine his books. [Note: No letters after Nov. 5 are listed between Sam and Wright.]
Sam added a caution not to allow notice of Sheridan’s book publication “before publication-day, lest the foreign copyrights be crippled; and that he’d received a letter from Daniel Whitford dated election day (Nov. 6) that he proposed “to resume command next April” [MTLTP 249&250]. Note: Whitford was an attorney who Sam relied on for many opinions and legal assistance.
Grace King ended her visit with the Clemens family and began a three-week one with their neighbors, the Charles Dudley Warners [MTNJ 3: 434n90].
Wales R. McCormick wrote from Quincy, Ill. to Sam. Wales had answered Sam’s letter on Jan. 1, 1888 but had not heard back — did Sam receive it? He had written then thanking him for his “kind offer” and also for the draft sent. “I want to make you a present of a large crayon of yourself, and would be pleased to have you send a photo of yourself, and one you like the best” [MTP].
Henry M. Alden for Harper & Brothers wrote to Sam that he’d received his invitation of Nov. 9 and it would give him “the greatest pleasure to avail myself of the hospitality offered by Mrs. Clemens & yourself.” Alden was to be at Mrs. Warner’s on Friday, Nov. 16 where he expected to meet Sam at dinner [MTP].