November 18 Thursday — In Redding, Conn. Albert B, Paine wrote for Sam to the American Civic Alliance, 507 5" ave. N.Y.C. Paine requested that Clemens wished to withdraw his membership in the Alliance [MTP].
Sam also wrote to Margaret Blackmer.
I don’t seem to remember you, dear. At first I thought it might be Margaret-of-the-Shell, but doubts intruded, because I knew she wouldn’t be a whole year getting ready to write me. However, you will be sure to see her, for she goes to your school; & when you see her & make her acquaintance, you will find her very sweet & lovely, And will you be so good as to tell her day after tomorrow, & am expecting to be back before the middle of December. Also that by that time I shall hope to be well enough to run down to Greenwich & see her.
And please give her a great deal of love from / S L C [MTP; MTAq 266].
Sam also wrote to Dorothy Quick.
Dorothy dear, I haven’t been well for the past 5 months, & so I haven’t stirred from home; but now I've got to make a trip, by the doctor’s orders. I don’t want to. But I must obey, I suppose. I sail for Bermuda day after tomorrow with my secretary Mr. Paine for company. Perhaps we shall be back by the middle of December—we can’t tell, yet.
I wonder how big you are by this time! I suppose you have grown clear out of recognition. I wish I could have a glimpse of you one of these days—& I hope I can. / With lots of love /. ..[MTP; MTAq 266].
Richard Watson Gilder, age 65, died at the home of Mrs. Schuyler Van Rennselaer in N.Y.C. He would be buried in his hometown, Bordentown, N.J. on Nov. 20 [NY Times, Nov. 19, 1909, p.1, “R.W. Gilder Dies of Heart Disease”’].
Joseph B. Gilder sent a telegram to Sam. “Richard died today Helena asks if you can be pall bearer Saturday or Sunday. Please tell Clara” [MTP].