Submitted by scott on
December 23 Saturday – In N.Y.C. Isabel V. Lyon replied for Sam to Robert K. Mackey. “M . Clemens wishes me to thank you for your kind wishes and he directs me to return herewith the autographed speech. May I also express my thanks for your kind message to me” [MTP].

Harper’s Weekly featured a 32-page supplement “MARK TWAIN’S 70 BIRTHDAY” of the Dec. 5 gathering, with nineteen full page photographs of the party tables at Delmonico’s, p. 1883-1914. Tenney: An extensive record of the dinner…with the guest list…and with full-page photographs of those seated at each table…gives text of speeches, poems, and messages honoring MT…and a list of signers of a telegram of birthday greetings from Europe” [40-1].

Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Tonight Mr. Clemens dined with Mr. and Mrs. Collier and enjoyed himself and them, for he likes Mr. Collier and they love him. Santissima is very, very far from well” [MTP TS 116].

Isabel Lyon’s journal # 2: “Dihdwo Twe will arrive / Dinner / Mr. Robert Collier to meet Judge Jerome / 20 Grammercy Park [MTP TS 38].

William Howells Gulliford wrote on Gulliford Academy letterhead, Pueblo, Colo. to Sam, pasting a clipping with “Montefiore’s Clever Retort” above his note: “Do’st remember the old Hanover Square rooms in London thirty years ago? and the Seattle Theatre, with the Philadelphia boys ten years ago? Hope you are well and hearty: all reasonable good wishes” [MTP].

Horace A. Kelly wrote on Hotel Threadgill, Okla. City stationery to Sam. Kelly’s father had, in 1864 or 1865 been a typesetter with Sam at the same “cases” when Clemens “suddenly one day” announced that he was “going to lay down the “Stick” forever.” Kelly sent birthday congratulations [MTP].

Henry Tudor wrote a fan letter from St. Louis to Sam, and wished holiday greetings [MTP].

Day By Day Acknowledgment

Mark Twain Day By Day was originally a print reference, meticulously created by David Fears, who has generously made this work available, via the Center for Mark Twain Studies, as a digital edition.   

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