May 5 Wednesday — William Dean Howells wrote from N.Y.C. to Sam
“Dear Clemens: / Pilla is away at Kittery Point, and I can’t leave the old lady alone. But I do want to see Stormfield with its clothes on, and I’ll come sometime before June. Yours ever / W.D. Howells” [MTHL 2: 846]. Note 1; “Howells did not come before October (letter 668, note 2).”
Karl Gerhardt wrote from N. Orleans to Sam.
Dear Mr Clemens — / So many years have elapsed since I saw you last in Hartford, that I suppose when you receive this, it will come in the nature of a surprise!
Recently I made an Equestrian sketch of Gen’! Beauregard and exhibited it: some notice being taken of it, as you will see by the enclosed clipping from (T.D.) [not in file] ... several people of prominence made two busts which also attracted some attention. ...
I believe I am making a bust of an old friend of yours one of your “Mississippi Chums” the late Mr John T Moore. I am glad to be able to tell you of my return to my beloved art and think I have gained by the long unforced rest...1 suppose you heard of Josie’s death poor girl—the picture of health in two short weeks gone—the victim of a rusty nail.
Perhaps I can reach toward you, and grasp your hand and tell you how sorry I feel for you in your bereavement—Well I’m living the simple life; but this return to modeling brings back sweet and bitter memories and I want you to know that my heart is very tender toward you and yours always...[MTP]. Note: IVL wrote: “Young man educated in sculpture by M.T.”; John T. “Tom” Moore: see July 6, 1859 and Feb. 18, 1961 in Vol. I.; Moore was a “mud clerk” on the Roe. “Josie”: Hattie J. Gerhardt, Karl’s late wife.