December 2 Tuesday – Sam declined an invitation, likely from Herbert Gunnison (1858-1932), publisher of the Brooklyn Eagle, as he suffered from “a domestic affliction,” likely the Nov. 28 passing of his mother-in-law, Olivia Lewis Langdon [Christie’s Lot 1 Sale 1083 May 24, 2002; avail online]. Note: Sam’s decline was in Gunnison’s autograph collection; Gunnison and Clemens were likely acquainted.

Frederick J. Hall wrote to Sam, apologizing for Watson Gill annoying him. He’d seen Gill and “patched up a truce with him, although as soon as our present contracts expire I shall take good care to make no other contracts with him as he is very unreasonable” [MTP].