July 10 Friday – In Aix-les-Bains Sam wrote to Frederick J. Hall. Sam added vertically to the top margin of the letter that he would “be present at eight or ten Wagner operas at” Bayreuth, Germany from July 31 to Aug. 12. Sam wanted Hall to see Robert Underwood Johnson or Richard Watson Gilder of Century Magazine to see if they’d pay $1,000 as Samuel S. McClure was doing, for six more letters “and so fill up the twelvemonth.” Sam thought it best to see McClure first and let him make an offer for six more letters. Sam had larger game in mind:

It is my intention to write a book, & take a year or two to collect the material and do the writing.

I haven’t sent McClure anything yet, my right arm being still disabled with rheumatism; but it is improving, these last few days, & I hope to begin pretty soon….Shall be in France again all September — & October — the family will; I may take a courier and a Kodak and go traveling.

November and the winter — Berlin, the family. I may be there, but also I may travel. There are a few summer-places, and also a few winter ones that I want to write about [MTLTP 278-9].

Sam also wrote to Robert Underwood Johnson of the Century.

Hail & howdy!

I am too much of a cripple to write again — I’ve already written a letter to-day, the first time I could use my arm since I left home — but that letter was to Mr. Hall & answers yours. He will see you.

My! I could write reams & volumes I’m so hungry to get hold of a pen, & the place & the air are so inspiring; but my arm won’t let me [MTP].