February 4 Saturday – Sam had long been outspoken in support of international copyright legislation. The lack of protection for foreign writers caused several problems, and not simply to the writers. First, the spread of writing without royalties paid created a competitive disadvantage for domestic writers. Second, increased demand abroad for American writers led to increased piracy there. Third, American readers were hindered from full development of their national literature. Fourth, American booksellers were hurt financially.

February 3 Friday – W.H. Babcock for Southern New England Telephone Co. Returned Sam’s check for $85 and pointed out the bill was for 85¢ [MTP].

February 2 Thursday – A.F. Kelly wrote for the Clearfield Bituminous Coal Co. that “The papers executed by you were duly received.” Payment would be sent [MTP].

February 1 Wednesday – Crown Point Iron Co. Sent a financial statement to Sam [MTP].

Hartford bills:

Clarence L. Palmer & Co, dealers in Meats, Poultry, and Vegetables billed $73.95, for “Amt Bill per pass book” (no detail) paid Feb. 4

Robbins Brothers, Manufacturers and Dealers in Furniture of Every Description billed $7.50 for “Repairing cabinet & 2 chairs & hanging door at house”; paid Feb. 4 [MTP].

February – In Hartford Sam enclosed S.R. Peale’s Jan. 31 letter to Charles J. Langdon, and asked him to return it to him and let him know what answer he should make to the request [MTP].

January 31 Tuesday – S.R. Peale wrote to Sam offering to purchase his bonds of the Clearfield Bituminous Coal Corp. Sam would forward this letter to his brother-in-law, Charles J. Langdon, asking what answer he should make, and received the answer not to make any; Charles would sell [MTP].

January 30 Monday – Sam’s notebook carried a half-page of calculations of N.Y. Tribune output and production using the Mergenthaler Linotype machines [MTNJ 3: 371].

January 29 Sunday – Edward Mott wrote on N.Y. Sun stationery about a possible book of his sketches from his columns in the Sun titled, “Old Settler.” Mott asked to discuss it with Sam [MTP].

January 28 Saturday – From Sam’s notebook, another Webster & Co. Bank balance: Jan. 28 — 9,538.76 [MTNJ 3: 372].

Charles J. Langdon wrote to Sam (Galsway to Langdon Jan. 25 enclosed) asking him to “execute enclosed satisfaction of Mtg. Before notary public” [MTP].

January 27 Friday – Andrew Chatto wrote Sam a reminder of “the steps necessary to be taken to secure copyright in Great Britain, Canada, & the US” for Library of Humor. Other contract matters were discussed [MTNJ 3: 372, 375n242].