August 11 Tuesday – In Redding, Conn., Isabel V. Lyon wrote for Sam to an unidentified person.

“Mr.Tallman should keep in touch with Mr Robert Collier in order that he may keep what Mr. Collier & Mr Clemens have done in the Accident Insurance matter from going astray.

“Mr. Clemens has refrained as long as he could from troubling you in this matter but he feels that it should not be neglected” [MTP]. Note: this note was to Albert Q.W. Tallman, the brother-in-law of the late Samuel Moffett. See Aug. 18 from Moffett’s daughter Anita Moffett to Clemens. Also Aug. 1 news article on the drowning.

Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Benares left—to be gone until mostly September” [MTP: IVL TS 59].

Elisabeth Marbury wrote a short note to Sam that his letter of the 10th enclosing Mr. Martin’s application rec’d. “As arrangements have already been made for Puddnhead Wilson we cannot accede to his request” [MTP].

Thomas Commerford Martin for Electrical World wrote to Sam, enclosing a letter to him from Frank L. Dyer, president of National Phonograph Co. Thomas A. Edison was desirous of making a record of Mark Twain’s voice. Martin asked if he might visit Sam to accomplish that [MTP]. Note: IVL on Dyer’s letter to Martin: “this is a business matter. Very fond of Mr. Edison but do not want business mixed up with friendship”

Annie Eliot Trumbull wrote to Sam, enclosing a booklet (in file) “Haman A tragedy” in blank verse. She asked him to evaluate it without deception [MTP]. Note: IVL: “Not competent to sit in judgment on a printed tragedy would have to see it on the stage, but glad she let me read it.” And “he finds poetry all through—good poetry—fine poetry—& some he read to me”