Submitted by scott on

October 22 Thursday – Sam went to Deal, N.J. to “talk business” with George B. Harvey, and planned to stay “2 or 3 days,” but left at noon, Friday, Oct. 23 [Oct. 23 to Jean] .

In Deal, N.J., probably on this evening, Sam wrote to daughter Clara.  

Deal, N.J.

Saturday eve.

Clara dear, I saw Mr. Sawyer & Mr. Benedict & arranged that matter. Here at this country house, exposed to all the winds of winter, they warm all the bedrooms with oil stoves, & are well satisfied with them. They say we need have no fears.

I expect to return to the Wolcott next Tuesday forenoon—don’t you dare to leave before I see you, dear heart. / With lots & lots of love— Father [MTP].  Note: It’s not clear why Sam headed this Saturday eve., which was Oct. 24, since he left Deal on at noon Friday, Oct. 23 [Oct 29 to Blackmer]. Mr. Benedict was likely Elias Cornelius Benedict.

Isabel Lyon’s journal:  “We took Benar to the Station—mother and I—and then we drove for a long way, 20 miles in all. Over Pickett’s Ridge, and through a most beautiful country” [MTP: IVL TS 74].

M.E. Zerfass wrote on Westchester Women’s Club, Mt. Vernon, NY notepaper to again urge Sam, though Lyon had replied he was retired, to speak to their group [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Oct 23 / 08 MLH”

Day By Day Acknowledgment

Mark Twain Day By Day was originally a print reference, meticulously created by David Fears, who has generously made this work available, via the Center for Mark Twain Studies, as a digital edition.   

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