December 22 Saturday – Sam’s notebook: “N.E. Dinner. To-day [?] Go at 9.30? or 10? / Dinner Tablock—7.30” [NB 43 TS 32]. Note: John Tatlock?
At 1410 W. 10th in N.Y.C., Sam wrote again to Augustus T. Gurlitz.
I hope you can look in here anytime to-day before 6 (or 7) this evening, as I am going to dine at 8 away out toward 90th street, & I leave for Elmira, New York, for several days Monday morning at 9.
Or, can you come to me to-morrow (Sunday) any hour in the day—I am here all day [MTP: MS Sotheby Parke-Bernet, N.Y.].
Sam’s letter to Russell E. Watson, written shortly before this day, appeared in the N.Y. Sun, p.6.
DEAR SIR: The high compliment which you and the junior class are paying me might afford a text for another man, but it naturally leaves the complimentee dumb—further than to express his hearty thanks, which I do; and am yours very sincerely,
MARK TWAIN.
On Jan. 2, 1901, Harper & Brothers billed Sam for some books (unspecified) for his personal use giving this the date of purchase [1901 Financials file MTP].
Augustus T. Gurlitz wrote to Sam. “I have your favor of the 21st and beg to say that the plan which I have formed for your matter is as follows:” to bring action against the Brooklyn infringer asking for $5,000 in damages, and applying for an injunction. Also to bring action on the same grounds against the N.Y.C. infringers, though he had found only one so far. He had obtained an affidavit from Stedman to use in the case [MTP]. Note: this related to the Library of Humor piracies.