May 11 Monday – In Hartford Sam submitted an article to Henry M. Alden, editor of Harper & Brothers in N.Y.

See if this will do to fill a narrow corner in the holiday number. It was told to Rev. Jo. Twichell here, years ago, by the English clergyman who figures in it…. [MTP]. Note: the article in question was likely “Luck,” which Harper’s Monthly published in August.

Sam also wrote to an unidentified man, probably a newspaper or magazine reporter or editor seeking an interview or opinion:

I don’t really think I have anything to say that would be worth printing, but if you want to chance it, all right, I’ll do what I can. …inasmuch as I am in the rush & turmoil of preparation for a long absense in Europe, I have no command of my days, but must run hither & thither on all sorts of business summonses.

If the gentleman wanted to take a chance Sam would be in Hartford, but would not be able to set an appointment, what with all the chaos [MTP].

Frederick J. Hall wrote to Sam about statements sent or to be sent; he’d called on Colonel John Cockerill (of the N.Y.World) last Friday but he was out. A P.S. revealed he failed to see him again this day [MTP].

Thomas F. Shields, the conductor Sam had seen to was fired, wrote to Sam asking for help in finding a new position [MTP]. See Nov. 8, 1890.

The Brooklyn Eagle, p.6 ran a short article announcing more trouble for Sam and Webster & Co:

MARK TWAIN SUED FOR LIBEL

A suit for $25,000 for libel has been begun by Hubbard Bros., a publishing house of Philadelphia, against Samuel C. Clemens [sic] (“Mark Twain”) and Frederick Hall, composing the firm of Charles L. Webster & Co. of New York. The suit had its origin in a statement published by the defendants in regard to the authorship of the life of General W.T. Sherman. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants published a statement to the effect that General O.O. Howard had had no hand in the compilation of the life of General Sherman, the work being done by the plaintiff firm.