December 26 Tuesday – In London, England Sam wrote to H.H. Rogers.

If you approve, won’t you please send the enclosed to Harry Harper & see what comes of it?

In withdrawing these books I am not inventing a precedent, but following one invented by the Harpers. I entered into a detailed agreement with them whereby they were to take my Webster & Co books & add to them the Bliss books from time to time as the old copyrights fell in & restored the books to me. The contract was written out in accord once with the agreement; then after reflection, & consultation with their wonderful lawyer, they blandly withdrew & declined to sign. I am withdrawing now, in my turn [MTHHR 422-3].

Note: Sam wanted the five-year cancellation clause added, the Harpers to have no property in translations or dramatizations of his books; 6 percent should be paid by Harper’s on money due from due date until payment four months later. Source in note 1: “Subsequently he either recognized the hopelessness or the unreasonableness of his demands, or perhaps he took heart on hearing of Col. Harvey’s reorganization of the company; at any rate, after his next note to Miss Harrison, he does not mention it again.”