June 3 Thursday — Ralph W. Ashcroft wrote a registered letter to Sam, acknowledging the revocation of the Nov. 14, 1908 power of attorney, which was recorded by John N. Nickerson on this day (see entry). He added:
Mrs. Ashcroft’s health has been seriously undermined owing to the unjust and unfounded accusations made against her, and she is on the verge of a breakdown. Her doctor orders immediately a complete change. As I have important business to attend to in England, some of which you are acquainted with, we shall probably sail in a few days to be gone about four weeks [MTP; Hill 227-8]. Note: the Ashcrofts sailed on June 8; see entry.
Hill writes
Apparently Stanchfield, who was handling the investigation of the Ashcrofts after Rogers’ death, suggested that it would be preferable to the Clemens faction if the couple remained in the United States until the results of the audit were available. The Ashcrofts chose to sail on June 8, in spite of Stanchfield’s request; nevertheless, Clemens’ claim that they fled surreptitiously to avoid prosecution was clearly false. Not only did Clemens have Ashcroft’s registered letter stating their plans; but when Stanchfield attached both Summerfield [“Lobster Pot”] and Mrs, Ashcroft’s house in Farmington, Isabel immediately booked passage to the United States to answer the charges [228].