February 10 Sunday – Sam’s notebook: “Maybe the Welchs from Hartford” [NB 44 TS 6].

Charles Johnston of Flushing, N.Y. wrote compliments of Twain’s “Sitting in Darkness” article; he mentioned the pleasure of meeting him at Mrs. Boudinot Keiths’ Studio a few weeks ago [MTP]. Note: Mrs. Boudinot Keith was Dora Wheeler Keith, daughter of Candace Wheeler and longtime friend of the Clemenses.

M.S. Van Holland of Brooklyn wrote to Sam, against his article “Sitting in Darkness,” asking where was Twain’s authority for claiming “we have been treacherous”? Since we were at war with Spain, taking the Philippines was spoils for the victor; Van Holland blamed Aguinaldo for the treachery [MTP].