April 24 Tuesday – At 30 Wellington Court in London, England Sam wrote to an unidentified man from an unidentified committee to decline an invitation to respond to a given toast, also unidentified. Sam could not do so, and would have to prepare a speech, but afterward “should never be able to remember it.”

I think it would be best to let Mr. Hawkins do the responding; then, if any of his statements shall seem to need refuting, or expanding, or clarifying, or backing up, that is proper work for an unclassified volunteer; & if, upon reflection, you should choose to call me up in that character, I would obey orders & do as well as I could [MTP].

Note: Sam did respond to a toast to literature at the annual dinner of the Royal Literary Fund on May 2; it is likely this note is in reference to that gathering, moreso since Anthony Hope Hawkins (better known as Anthony Hope 1863-1933) is listed in the NY Times May 3 article on the event—see entry. Hawkins was a prolific English author and playwright, who is most remembered for Prisoner of Zenda (1894). Gribben lists two of his books but not Zenda [301].

Sam’s notebook: “McClure coming” [NB 43 TS 8].

The Society of the Middle Temple sent an engraved invitation to Sam for a dinner on Wednesday, May 2 at 6:45 p.m. [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the invitation “Previous Engagement” which would be the Royal Literary Fund dinner.