November 1 Saturday – Orion Clemens wrote two one-page letters to Sam:

I am very sorry you were delayed; but it could not be foreseen. / You have nothing to regret toward Ma. You did all you could, and really and generously; but I feel that your praises are real deserved. I am stung with remorse. If I had her back I would recall and abolish every harsh or over-done modulation of voice; I would talk and listen to her more; I would cheer her oftener with hopes of the impossible.

In his second letter Orion wrote on behalf of John Fry, a friend who used to work on the Keokuk Gate City and was now in Washington. Fry was notified to send a picture and life sketch of Mark Twain (or possibly Orion; the letter is not clear) to a newspaper syndicate. Orion wanted to pass it by Sam before he complied [MTP]. See Nov. 13 entry.

Parke Godwin (1816-1904) American Journalist, wrote from Roslyn, N.Y. to Sam: “I saw in the paper yesterday that you were going to try a little wickedness, after having been moderately good all your life. I was so glad to hear it” [MTP].

Wm. B. Smith & Son, Flour, Grain, Feed, Baled and Loose Hay and Straw, Hartford, billed $7.35 for Oct 6, 17, 25, 27: wheat bag, provender, bran; Paid Nov. 5 [MTP].