December 21 Monday – At the Villa Reale di Quarto Sam wrote to George Gregory Smith.
Thursday is our day, & I shall be unqualifiedly glad to welcome Mr. Ford, & thereto any other person ennobled by your accolade.
It was almost cruel that Mrs. Clemens should have been denied the sight of you & Mrs. Smith; she is not reconciled yet, altogether. )
With kindest regards to you both (which Mrs. Clemens will blame me for not elaborating & particularizing according to her directions), & with the pleasantest anticipations of your return [MTP]. Note: Mrs. Smith was Mary S. Smith.
Esther Brewington wrote from Hannibal, Mo. to Sam, announcing she was sending him a “Mark Twain Calendar,” published by the Ladies Aid Society of Park Methodist Church, Hannibal [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote instructions to Isabel Lyon on the env. “Wait & see about this.” A note from Isabel also on the env. “Wishes me to say that it will not do for him to be aware of this Calendar made of copyrighted material. Will not do for Harper to know that Mr. C. is aware.”
Louis Freeland Post (1849-1928), editor of the Public, Chicago wrote to Sam, having quoted from CY in his book, Ethics of Democracy, p.342, he then asked his publishers to send Sam a copy [MTP].
Joseph Blouin, builder, billed Sam $61.50 for additional repairs to the Tarrytown house; paid Jan. 15, 1904 [1903 Financials file MTP]. Note: Blouin had also billed for work on June 4, 1902.