December 26 Friday – Two days before, Sam invited James W. Paige to the house to clarify an new contract that would be presented to Senator John P. Jones by the two of them in Washington upon Jones’ return. Sam asked again for a meeting on Dec. 31, so it’s unlikely the meeting took place on this day. Sam had the proposed contract drawn by Henry C. Robinson, sent (probably by messenger or his servant) to Paige. The typesetter broke down again on this day [MTNJ 3: 597 under Dec. 29 entry]. Paige answered on Dec. 30.

Frederick J. Hall wrote that J.J. Little, printers for Webster & Co., had won the appeal of judgment:

At the beginning of the suit Little offered to compromise for $800.00, and Mr. Whitford advised Mr. Webster to accept the compromise, but Mr. Webster thought it best not to [MTNJ 3: 597n86].

Orion Clemens wrote to Sam thanking for his monthly $200 check. He sent $10 to Puss Quarles, paid the undertaker his balance of $65, the doctor his balance of $49, completing all outstanding bills. He hoped to finish his work on the English Kings within six months [MTP].