January 26 Monday – † Sam was in Washington, seeking to confer with Senator John P. Jones on the Paige typesetter.

The Farnham Type-setter Manufacturing Co. sent a printed circular detailing the developments of the Paige Compositor. Directors listed: William Hamersley, W.L. Matson, H.P. Stearns, James Nichols, Leander Hall, Wm. H. Lockwood, and Samuel E. Elmore. A note on the second page advises: “This circular is not issued for publication, and the receiver of it is requested to keep it private” [MTP].

Frederick J. Hall wrote a short note to Sam enclosing reports for the “past two or three weeks”; also a voting slip for Herbert Ward’s book, My Life With Stanley’s Rear Guard which Hall had discussed with Sam earlier. “We publish the book to-day and already secured 1800 orders for it. It took a thousand to pay for getting it out” [MTP].

Charles Noel Flagg, artist, wrote to Sam having received back his MS, “Talks with my Uncle George,” rejected by Gilder. He told of repeatedly losing to a friend at billiards, who then said “Go paint — that’s the only thing you know,” which he agreed with; perhaps he shouldn’t try to write [MTP]. See Sam’s response Jan. 31.

John McComb wrote to Sam on San Quentin State Prison letterhead, that the newly elected governor of California, Gov. Markham was replacing his position with a friend and he would soon be out of work. McComb was involved in a plan to reorganize the Alta California. He had also lost money on a life insurance policy with Charter Oak Ins., Hartford. He wondered if Sam might help, as he needed the funds to complete his reorganization. He also thanked Sam for “the very kind reception accorded to my son when he had the pleasure of meeting you in New York, last June.” Sam wrote on the envelope for Whitmore, “Brer, please get this information. This is an old friend of mine. SLC’ [MTP]. Note: See Vol. I entries about McComb (1829-1896) who played a pivotal role in Sam’s 1867 Holy Land expedition.