May 21 Thursday – In New York, Frederick J. Hall met with Samuel S. McClure who offered $12,000 to serialize The American Claimant in both the U.S. and abroad. The final contract gave McClure world serial rights with publication to begin Jan. 1, 1892. The story would run three months; Sam would retain copyright and could then publish as early as Mar. 15, 1892 [MTNJ 3: 625n192].

Mollie Clemens wrote to Sam: “Can’t Orion do something for you. He loves you all, and is more than ready to help you. You could have patients with him — you have to have with every body else” [MTP].

Bissell & Co. wrote to Sam offering to store valuables during Sam’s European visit [MTP].

Julius Chambers for N.Y. World followed up his May 19 to Sam: “You are ‘dead right.’ The World will pay you $100 for a 2500 word article describing your impressions of Greater New York….Is this a go? — for a starter The interview we’ll discuss later” [MTP].

Clara B. Griswold wrote from Seymour (Conn.?) asking to include Sam’s name for a Union quilt. Sam wrote on the envelope, “Tell them yes, Brer” [MTP].

Samuel W. Ruckus sent Sam a form letter asking for a photograph for The Wasp, of San Francisco [MTP].