At the time, I imagine this was by far the largest sum ever paid a writer for reporting a single event.
December 31st, 1895.
New York.
The Players.
New Year's Eve.
DEAR CHAS: I am not much of a letter writer these days, but I have finished the novel and that must make up for it.

It goes to the Scribners for $5,000 which is not as much as I think I should have got for it.

I am now lying around here until the first of February, when I expect to sail to Somerset's wedding, reaching you in little old Firenzi in March.

We will then paint it.

After that I do not know what I shall do.