January 29 Monday – Sam was in Washington, D.C. Fatout lists him as giving remarks on copyright [MT Speaking 674].

Charles Alexander, Editor of Alexander’s Magazine (“dedicated to the interests of the black people in every part of the world”) wrote to Sam. He had a copy of “King Leopold’s Soliloquy” and also The Story of the Congo Free State by Henry Wellington Wack. Was Sam acquainted with Wack, and was his story of the Congo “worthy of belief?” Sam’s reply would be kept confidential [MTP]. Note: Sam answered Jan.31.

D. Ceall wrote from Rotterdam, Holland to offer himself as a fan [MTP].

Lee Crandall of Globe, Ariz. left his calling card at Sam’s NY house, writing on the back, “Here opposing joint statehood with New Mexico” [MTP].

A.B. Dodge wrote from Manchester, N.H. to ask Sam where he might get a copy or two of “King Leopold’s Soliloquy” [MTP].

Harper & Brothers wrote to Sam, wishing to renew the copyright on “Punch Brothers, Punch and Other Sketches” published in 1878 by Slote, Woodman & Co.; and could he tell them the name of the “Other Sketches” in the same pamphlet? The original copyright would expire on Mar. 14 [MTP].

Phoebe Holmes wrote to Sam on Board of Education, Eastern High School, Washington, D.C. letterhead to explain the recent production there of his Meisterschaft piece. They hadn’t realized it was copyrighted [MTP]. Note: two days is allowed for postal time, with an estimated ca. Jan. 31 for Isabel Lyon’s answer for Sam.

Olive Robbins, a schoolgirl, wrote from Roxbury, Mass. to ask for Twain’s autograph [MTP].

January 29 ca. – At 21 Fifth Ave., N.Y. Sam directed Isabel Lyon to decline the Jan. 23 invitation of Virgil Rule [MTP]. Note: the MTP catalogs this directive as “on or after 23 Jan.” Five days postal service from St. Louis is allowed here.