July 7 Sunday – Ashcroft’s notes:
Called on Lady Langattock and others. Lunched with Sir Norman Lockyer
Except Linley Sambourne, the veteran Punch cartoonist, and Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge,whom I had known in Australia in ’95, all present were scientists.
Drove two hours and a half returning calls, with little Francesca for company and support[MTB 1399; MTFWE 108]. Note: Francesca was Frances Nunnally. Lockyer was anastronomer. Georgiana Langattock (Mrs. John Rolls 1st Baron Langattock) born GeorgianaMarcia Maclean.
At Brown’s Hotel in London Sam inscribed on his photograph to Marjorie Bowen: “ToMarjorie Bowen with the kind regards of / her friend / Mark Twain / July 7/07.” [MTP].
Sam also wrote a note to Frances Nunnally, sending his “Itinerary /(Subject to Frances’sapproval),” which was an attempt to catch up on returning social calls.
2.30. Visit the Mac Alister family—a visit of some length.
3. E. H. Abbey, artist.
3.30 or 3.45. Visit Lord & Lady Llangattoch—15 or 20 minutes.
About 4. The Earl & Countess of Portsmouth. Formal.
Then Mrs. General M Cook. 5, or a trifle later: tea with Lord & Lady Avebury [MTAq 42]. Note: Annie Colt McCook (Mrs.Edward M. McCook).
Isabel Lyon’s journal (Halifax): A dull, grey day. Letters from Ashcroft and a copy of abeautiful poem to the King by Eden Philpotts [sic Phillpotts]. I gave it to Santa to read and Ithink she lost it. Oh, fool that I am, ever to let a precious thing out of my hands.
We left tonight at 8:40 and Mr. Dennis came to the station to see us off [MTP 81].
S.A. Andrew wrote from a Nursing Home in Gateshead, England to thank Sam for hiskindness [MTP].
Albert Bruce-Joy (1842-1924), Sculptor, wrote for the Arts Club London to Ashcroft aboutphotographs of Clemens [MTP].
Albert Chancellor wrote from Surrey to Ashcroft, thanking Sam for autographing a photo sent [MTP].
Frederick Dixon wrote from Chelsea to Sam, having rec’d Ashcroft’s letter of July 5: “When a man deliberately goes out of his way to attack his neighbor’s religion, & to blazon this attack across the globe, he becomes bound, morally, by the law of noblesse oblige, to discuss the questions, even at the expense of his own convenience, with the official representatives of that religion when courteously requested to” [MTP]. Note: Dixon had requested an audience on July 4.
Mrs. Helen B. Jastrim wrote from London to Sam, having rec’d his calling card—would he be free any day this week to see her and Dr. Jastrim? [MTP].
Winifred L. Lockyer wrote from London to refer Sam to a portrait of Joan of Arc at The Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly by T. Blake Wingman [MTP].
McNewham wrote from London to Ashcroft re: “Hull Topics” wondering if Sam was pulling his leg. He wanted Sam assured that Hull was not a “place full of ‘stuff-uns,’ that “there are at least 3 live men in Hull, (but as it happens we are all away from the place at the moment).” Would Sam say something publically about Hull? [MTP]. Note: Kingston upon Hull, usually referred to as Hull, a city in Yorkshire with great history.
Ernest H. Mills, photographer wrote from Hampstead to ask Ashcroft to thank Sam for “his generous description o fthe Savage Club portrait”—did Clemens want more copies? [MTP].
Henry Rawcliffe wrote from West Kirby to Sam, thanking for the signed autograph and advising due to his health he would not be at the Lord Mayor’s dinner on the 10th [MTP].
F.A. Besant Rice wrote from Blackheath (an affluent London suburb) to thank Sam for his autograph [MTP].
John E. Rowland wrote a postcard from London to Sam about finding Mark Twain’s name in a scrapbook he bought, and observing that a baby had been given the name of Mark Twain so there was no telling how far the name would go [MTP].
Alfred T. Story wrote from St. Margarets-on-Thames (London suburb) a fan letter of appreciation [MTP].
T. Gordon Stowers wrote from London to ask Sam for “one short sitting for a portrait” [MTP].
Carlotta Welles (before July 8) added: “I’m being very good; you don’t have to worry about me at all, but just enjoy the trip back.” She rather liked him calling her a “rascal” but she actually thought she was very good [MTP].