May 12 Friday – At 21 Fifth Ave. in N.Y.C. Sam wrote to Isabel V. Lyon in Dublin N.H. (only the envelope survives) [MTP]. Note: judging from Lyon’s journal entry below, this likely was a telegram with news of Clara’s condition, and news that he was not ready to come to Dublin quite yet.

Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Santissima’s temperature is normal. There are no complications, but Mr. Clemens won’t come yet” [MTP TS 57]. Isabel Lyon’s journal # 2: “Telegram this morning. / Pulse 80. Temperature 99. / Everything satisfactory [MTP TS 18].

Robert L. Fulton wrote from Reno, Nev. to Sam. Fulton wanted Sam to “deliver the oration” during a weeklong program to “celebrate the glorious Fourth of July” and the building of the Overland railroad.

“I have a delicate yet pleasing task; the attempt to do honor to one of American’s foremost citizens, whom I have never seen and who had never heard of me.

“Your recollections doubtless turn to Nevada…” [MTP]. Note: see Sam’s fascinating reply of May 24.