September 1 Saturday – In Dublin, N.H. Sam inscribed a “Year Book” to Simon Wolf:
“There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist” [MTP] Note: MTP calls this “Wolf’s th Commemorative Book of 1906.” For Wolf’s 70 birthday, his daughter, Florence Gotthold, put three books together with over 400 personal messages from famous men of the day, including Twain, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Robert Montgomery Thornburgh, Captain, Asst. Surgeon, US Army, wrote from Camp Overton, Mindanao, Phillipines, about Clemens’ May 26 Harper’s article on Carl Schurz.
The Ben Thornburgh you mention is or was, so I am informed, my grandfather’s brother. My paternal grandfather died before I was born—a prisoner in Andersonville—and my father was killed in action with Ute Indians when I was but seven years of age. … If it would not be too great bother I most respectfully request that you give me what information you can regarding Ben Thornburgh [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the top of the letter: “Have had several letters inquiring about B. Thornburgh but that unfortunately I was not able to furnish any information.
He was a fine & lovable man, but did not talk about himself & so I am ignorant of his history.”
Fatout lists Sam at a “Speech-making Experiment” at the Country Club in Dublin, N.H. but gives no further citation [MT Speaking 676]. Note: IVL’s journal entry below give more information:
Isabel Lyon’s journal: Today the King spoke on Spontaneous Oratory with Mr. Brush & Joe Smith as pupils down at the Club & the show was good. The King was just what he is named & kept the house in a happy clamor of delight. The 2 pupils were more than good too. I sat where I could watch Mr. Dana whose face was a joy. It is such a delight to me to go around with the King, to go to the Club & have him call for me & his carriage & his coat & his hat. I am a part of his institution for a short now. There were a lot of nice people at the Club with whom I chatted afterward. Mr. Montague & Mrs. Dana & Edith Biddle & Harry Greene & [illegible word] & Mrs. Brush and dear Gerome who is wrought into shreds with hard work over the play he has written & which is to be put upon by the small local boards next week. He is working with & coaching the young actors & now he is thin & pale & nervous & beautiful. He took my hand unconsciously, held it unconsciously & dropped it unconsciously after a minute or two [MTP TS 116].