April 29 Wednesday – Henry Alden for Harper & Brothers wrote to Sam that he had not fixed a price on his MS “Mental Telegraphy” — how much compensation did Sam expect? Alden liked it, “of course” but didn’t feel it had the value that a humorous story from Mark Twain would have [MTP].

Edward W. Bok wrote from Boston to Sam that he’d received Hall’s telegram and would call on Sam on Friday at about ten a.m. and stay at the Allyn House in Hartford. If Sam preferred he could call on Thursday evening at about eight [MTP].

John Henton Carter wrote to Sam asking if a book he’d sent (Thomas Rutherton) last summer was received — what was Sam’s opinion? Sam wrote on the envelope, “Didn’t get it — couldn’t have spared time to read it anyhow SLC” [MTP].

Howard P. Taylor wrote to Sam that he’d received his telegram “early yesterday and called upon Randall & Dickson and accepted their offer of 5%” (CY play). Taylor enclosed a copy of the agreement and asked if it was acceptable. The plan of R&D was to start at Philadelphia at the opera House in late May or early June to test the play before coming to N.Y. Bok was impressed with their energy [MTP].

Orion Clemens wrote from Fredonia to Sam (Orion misdated Apr. 30; postmarked Apr. 29), “distressed” that Sam was experiencing writing in pain; Ma had suffered with rheumatism also. He related that Hall and Whitford arrived in time (for the graveside) yesterday and would return this afternoon. Charles Webster died at 3 a.m. Sunday and his parents were taking it hard; Orion was Annie Webster’s escort for the services and was going to the cemetery with her today [MTP].