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August 31 Sunday – In Onteora Park near Tannersville, N.Y., Sam wrote to Orion and Mollie Clemens. He was just back from Washington and shared the news that Nevada Senator John P. Jones promised to “set himself seriously to work to raise the capital” in December or January.

Doesn’t want to begin until he can walk the disciples right up to the machine & show it to them. Thinks he will have no trouble about raising the money then. Well, we must wait & see. So I am feeling reasonably comfortable [MTP].

August 30 Saturday – In Onteora Park near Tannersville, N.Y., Sam wrote to Frederick J. Hall. He referenced what was probably the subject of his one-day trip to Philadelphia on Aug. 28.

I failed with the monumental humbug of the century; so you’ll have to fall back on other possibilities, Watson Gilder and the Methodist Book Concern, &c. I shall be down again perhaps in a week or sooner, and then we can consider Whitmore.

August 29 Friday – Sam left Washington and traveled to Onteora Park near Tannersville, N.Y., where Livy and the children waited. In his Aug. 31 to Orion and Mollie Clemens Sam wrote “From Washington to Onteora betwixt 6 in the morning & 9 in the evening is a most exhausting trip.” The rest of the summer would be spent at the resort.

George Standring wrote from London to keep Sam up to date on various typesetter developments there. He enclosed reports from the Pall Mall Gazette and the London Star (neither extant) [MTP].

August 28 Thursday – In Washington, D.C. Sam wrote a short note to Livy, now back in Tannersville, N.Y. Sam complained of “a dreary long separation” and wrote of his plans for the day, which included a quick trip to Philadelphia:

Livy darling, I am up at 6.30 to catch the earliest train for Philadelphia, to assist Mr. Hall in a matter of business, but I shall be back here about nightfall & continue to talk with Jones [MTP].

August 27 Wednesday – In Washington D.C. Sam wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore asking for a “small speech printed on proof-slips” he’d left in a “green tin box near your table in the billiard room.” The speech had been written but never given. It contained statistics for wage-saving machines like the cotton gin, corn-sheller, etc., and Sam wanted it mailed to Senator Jones [MTP].

Orion Clemens wrote to Sam thanking for the $200 monthly check. Ma was suffering still with difficulty now in breathing. “I am dieting on coffee and milk alone, for my cold” [MTP].

August 26 Tuesday – Sam was in Washington, D.C. staying at the Arlington Hotel. He wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore directing him to pay the Paige staff without reduction for the month of August.

I have been here ever since last Friday, & may be here one day more — & possibly a week. Who knows? But there’s no help for it, though it is dull waiting [MTP]. Note: Sam was waiting for Senator John P. Jones to get free from his senatorial duties.

August 25 Monday – Sam was in Washington, D.C.

Orion Clemens wrote to Sam about Ma and sorry that Sam “had to leave so soon.” [MTP].

August 24 Sunday – Sam was in Washington, D.C., waiting. During this stay Senator John P. Jones of the Committee on Finance was involved in the aftermath of the compromise Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890, which fell short of the free coinage of silver, but did increase the amount of silver the government was required to purchase monthly. The Act passed in response to the growing complaints of farmers (beginning in 1887), who had immense debts that could not be paid off due to a series of droughts.

August 23 Saturday – Sam was in Washington, D.C., courting Senator John P. Jones and other investors for the Paige typesetter. Joe Goodman had returned to Fresno, Calif., “about ten days from” July 29 [July 29 to Whitmore]. (No mention is made of Joe in Sam’s few letters from Washington.)

A.G. Harrington wrote to ask Sam if he could send a MS for evaluation [MTP].