November 21 Monday – Sam reprinted “Hints to Farmers,” by Alphonso Griswold, written for the Cincinnati Times, on page two of the Buffalo Express, calling it “PLAGIARIZED. BY THE ‘FAT CONTRIBUTOR’ ” [MTL 4: 240-1].
November 20 Sunday – Sam wrote from Buffalo to Charles J. Langdon, who had sent baby shoes. Sam invented a conversation with the baby about using slang [MTL 4: 244].
November 19 Saturday – About this day, Sam wrote to brother Orion on the Nov. 17 of Elisha Bliss:
[unknown number of words missing]
November 18 Friday – Elisha Bliss wrote to Sam.
Dr Clemens, / Have I been so stupid, as not to say to you I expect your brother so far as we are concerned. I thought I had said so or as much, & was waiting for report, daily as to his time of arrival &c—
He tells a good yarn in the slip sent. We will give him scope for his talent here— [MTPO].
November 17 Thursday – Sam telegraphed Elisha Bliss:
November 16 Wednesday – Sam wrote to Elisha Bliss:
Friend Bliss— / This is a mild satire of my brother’s on the “Sleeping Beauty” who is making such a stir in St Louis.
Come, let’s hear from you.
Our baby flourishes gallantly. How is Frank’s
Yrs / Clemens [MTPO].
David R. Locke (Petroleum V. Nasby) wrote: “I have been bloviating about Pa & N.J. and have just heard of the birth of a child to you. / I congratulate you with all my heart” [MTP].
November 15 Tuesday – Charles Langdon wrote to Sam enclosing papers for Livy to sign on a deed, the contract of which Jervis ordered before his death “for some property on R.R. Ave adjoining the Boot & Shoe Manuf” [MTP].
November 14 Monday – Sam wrote from Buffalo to Jesse C. Haney (1820-1901), writer and publisher of various handbooks, and editor and publisher of humor magazines. Sam declined to write for almanacs, writing that it “belongs to Josh & I won’t touch it.” He didn’t mind caricatures of himself, but not his new baby, in case Langdon didn’t live [MTL 4: 238].
November 12 Saturday – Sam’s article, “A General Reply,” which had appeared in the November issue of the Galaxy, was printed in the Buffalo Express [McCullough 250].
Sam wrote from Buffalo to James Redpath, wishing he could be at the Press Club dinner that night and that he “sent the boys a dispatch” [MTL 4: 235-6].
November 11 Friday – Sam wrote from Buffalo to Orion, chastising him for his responses to Bliss’ offer of employment. He added, “Livy is very sick & I do not believe the baby will live five days” [MTL 4: 229-230].
Sam also wrote to Livy’s friend, Fidele A. Brooks about the new baby, after receiving a note from her [231].