May 9 Friday – Sam’s notebook entry consists of a list of possible readings, though no appearance for this date has been found; “Death of Mary / Tearing down the stable / Watermelon / Dead man / Getting measles / Conspiracy” [NB 45 TS 12]. Note: it is possible Sam did a reading at the Gilder reception mentioned below:
Livy’s diary: “Dined with Mr & Mrs Chapin; went to Mrs Gilder’s reception in the evening” [MTP: DV161].
Sam mentioned the New York Tribune in some book marginalia. Gribben writes: “at the bottom of a page in which Meredith Townsend—Asia and Europe (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1901), p.15—reminds readers that ‘it is hardly a century since torture was disused’ in Europe, Clemens rejoins: ‘It is used in New York. See Tribune of to-day (May 9/02)’” [506].
Nathaniel Pasternak wrote from N.Y.C. two letters to Sam, the second to give an address. In the first:
We rejoice in the anticipation of your visit to the M.T.L.L.
As to the manner of the occasion—shall it be at an informal meeting with the boys? Or in the presence of our friend besides? In the latter case with have the privilege of the auditorium for any night. The boys I think prefer this. At any rate your convenience is our primary consideration.
Our regular meetings are on Saturday night 745 PM. If you care to see me about the matter, I will gladly come up any afternoon after 3:30 or evening. With hearty greeting from the boys….[MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env. “Come up & see me about the boys / ans / Postpone till say the middle of June—then send for him.” The second note gave the corner of Cannon & Rivington Streets for the Alfred Corning Clark Neighborhood House.
Hélène Elisabeth Picard wrote to Sam having rec’d P&P and HF from Christian B.Tauchnitz at Sam’s request. “I really do not know how to thank you, it was so kind of you to send them!” She raved about the books [MTP].
George W. Reeves wrote to Sam that the Tarrytown house title had passed today and bills for the title search would be forwarded. “You are now in a position to take possession at any time” [MTP]. Note: the Clemens family never occupied the house, which Sam sold in Dec. 1904 after Livy’s death.
Carmen Sylva (Queen Elizabeth of Romania) wrote to Sam from Bucharest, Hungary in behalf of a poor lady, who is stranded in Bucharest… Mrs. Hartwig left American at the age of fourteen in order to learn to sing which she has done thoroughly. Her husband had quite a brilliant situation here till he refused to partake dans une affaire onereuse, [in a case, costly] so it seems. They haven’t a penny and each of them must try to find a living [MTP]. Note: Elizabeth had been a neighbor in1898 in Kaltenleutgeben. This, a begging letter from a Queen! (Italics added.)