A Sagebrush Soul: A Biographical Novel of Mark Twain: Great American Authors, #2 by John Isaac Jones

Author:John Isaac Jones
Format: epub

15

Olivia

That first night back in New York, Sam settled into his fifth-floor room at the St. Nicholas Hotel and began making plans to sell the dispatches from the Quaker City excursion as a book. When he checked in that afternoon, he picked up a bundle of waiting mail at the desk, but promised himself he would wait until the morning to go through it. That night, free of the constant noise and swaying motion of the steamship, he got the first good night of restful sleep he had had in six months.

The following morning, after a hearty breakfast of fried eggs, grits, ham and biscuits in the hotel restaurant, he returned to his room and began sorting through his mail. One of the first letters he opened was from Elisha Bliss Jr., owner of American Publishing Company.

November 10, 1867

Dear Sam Clemens:

On November 5 past, William Deans Howells informed me of your plans to consolidate the letters from your Quaker City excursion into a book.

I feel such a project is worthwhile and American Publishing Company would like to have you get up a book for us. We think we see clearly that the book will sell; a humorous work—that is to say a work humorously inclined. The first thing then is…. will you make a book?

We can either buy the finished manuscript outright for $10,000 or pay you four percent royalty on each sale, whichever is your choosing.

Can you arrive at my office on the morning of Nov. 16 to discuss details?

Sincerely,

Elisha Bliss Jr., publisher

***

Four days later, Sam was in Bliss’s New York office negotiating a deal.

“I’m expecting a five percent royalty with a $2,500 advance,” Clemens said.

“Sam, the most we have ever paid any author is four percent. We can’t afford more than that. Printing costs are going up, delivery is becoming more expensive and staff wages are becoming higher and higher.”

“That’s my offer,” Sam said. “Accept it or I shall take it elsewhere.”

Bliss, a short-statured, fiftyish man with a balding head and glasses, hesitated before he answered.

“All right, Sam,” he said finally. “I’m well aware of how popular your work is among readers. Let’s draw up an agreement and I’ll meet your offer.”

Two hours later, when he left the office, Sam had signed a contract and had a bank draft for $2,500 in his pocket. The agreed upon deadline for delivery of the manuscript was July 1, 1868.

***

That afternoon, when he returned to the St. Nicholas Hotel, there was a new letter awaiting him. When he saw the Elmira, New York postmark, Charles’ sister popped into his mind. Back in his room, he feverishly opened it.

November 14, 1867

Dear Mr. Samuel Clemens:

Initially, I wish to express my gratitude at your interest in becoming acquainted with me as a possible suitor.

I must tell you, at this juncture, I feel it would be unwise to pursue such a course of action.

I have discussed your moral character with my brother Charles and he has reported to me that you are a most unchristian

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