April 2 Monday – The New York Times, Apr. 3, p. 9, “Three New Plays at Vassar Benefit,” reported that “Mark Twain was the centre Times of one admiring group in a lower stage box…” at the Hudson Theatre, N.Y.C. The plays: The Mallet’s Masterpiece; The Land of the Free; The Watteau Shepherdess. Fatout offers more detail and some speculation about this event: That he made a speech is not on record, but he probably said something. Afterward, in an informal reception on the stage, he shook hands and autographed programs, sometimes adding a maxim, such as “Do your duty today and repent tomorrow.” To sign programs he rested them on the shoulder of Miss T.V. Dickson, one of the ushers. “A nice quiet little desk,” he said, that he wished he could keep. He also kissed a good many of the ladies, especially the young ones. He had such a good time with the Vassar girls that he did not make it to the Museum of Natural History, where the governor general of Canada and other very important persons were anxiously waiting for him to take part in some unknown function [MT Speaking 675]. Note: Fatout gives no source for this information.
Sam sent his autograph to Mary Scott Allen [MTP].
Clemens’ A.D. for the day: Government of new Territory of Nevada—Governor Nye & the practical jokers— Clemens begins journalistic life on Virginia City Enterprise—reports legislative sessions—He and Orion prosper—Orion builds $12,000 house—Gov. Nye turns Territory of Nevada into a state [MTP Autodict1].
The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. wrote to Sam enclosing seats for the opening night (Apr. 9) of the billiard tourney (Apr. 9 to 21) at Madison Square Garden. “Should you find it inconvenient to attend on April 9 , we shall be glad to substitute seats for any date you may select” [MTP]. Note: Isabel Lyon answered thanks for Sam ca. Apr. 4 that there were no engagements for Apr. 9. See entry.
Irving Bacheller inscribed a gift of his new book Silas Strong, Emperor of the Woods (1906): “To Mark Twain / who, I hope, for / this little book / will credit me / something on my / great debt to him. / Irving Bacheller / Riverside Conn. / April 2 1906”. Sam signed the front pastedown endpaper: “S L Clemens / 1906 / Apl. / 21 Fifth avenue” [Gribben 37].
Susan Kearny Selfridge wrote to Sam. “Following my husband’s recent death (Captain Selfridge, U.S.Navy) I find I must work—& am opening a very charming Tea House this season at Magnolia,Mass.—that most lovely of American spas.” Would Sam agree to speak there as a Saturday Matinee speaker? She was the daughter of Gen. Phil Kearny, Civil War hero [MTP]. Note: Sam’s reply is given ca. 4 April by the MTP.
E.L. Hathaway wrote from Granger, Wash.: “You do not know me and never will, but I feel quite acquainted with you, through your writings.” He asked for a list of all of Mark Twain’s books; didn’t need an autograph, “a printed or typewritten list” would do [MTP]. Note: Sam answered ca. Apr. 8: “will find the list in the Cyclopaedias.”
April 2 ca. – Sam replied to J.Q. Adams’ Mar. 31 request for a chat. See entry. “Come—am usually at home afternoons. / SLC / Tel. 3907 Gramercy” [MTP].
Sam also gave Isabel Lyon instructions for answering Jervis Langdon II’s ca. Apr. 1 letter: “Write Jervis & tell him he warrants that business better even than his uncle Sam could after all his experience on the platform” [MTP].