November 10 Tuesday – Sam attended the Danbury, Conn. trial of the two burglars, Charles Hoffman and Henry Williams. The New York Times, Nov. 11, 1908, p. 5 reported on the trial:
TWAIN’S BURGLARS ON TRIAL.
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Author on Witness Stand Identifies Silverware They Stole from Him.
DANBURY, Conn., Nov. 10.—Charles Hoffman and Henry Williams were put on trial here to- day on the charge of robbing the home of Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain) in Redding several weeks ago. Against Williams, who resisted arrest and shot at the officer attempting to arrest him, the additional charge of assault, with intent to kill, was placed. The prisoners were guarded by three Deputy Sheriffs while they were in court, as they are believed to be desperate men.
Mr. Clemens came down from his place, Innocents at Home, in an automobile, accompanied by his secretary, Miss Lyon, and several neighbors. He was bundled up in furs, but in a room on the first floor he left his outer garments and appeared in the courtroom attired in a light gray suit.
When called to the witness stand he was addressed as Dr. Clemens by Prosecuting Attorney Stiles Judson throughout his examination. Mr. Clemens identified a large part of the silverware which was recovered at the time the burglars were arrested on a train.
Isabel Lyon’s journal: Today to Court in Danbury. The King, Benar, Paine and I went over in a motor, which waited until the King had identified his silver and then took him and Paine home. It was a trying and terrible day. The poor woman who was sentenced to “six months in jail” for shop lifting, and who went so dead white when she heard her sentence, made me sick with sympathy, and I longed to go and throw my arms about her. And then the burglary trial. I couldn’t feel my feet on the floor when Sheriff Hawley led me to the Witness Box. The King was beautiful and dignified, and made a fine picture as he stood up to take the oath, the 12 jury men and everyone else so keen with interest [MTP: IVL TS 78-79].
Robert Brockway wrote to ask Sam for his autograph [MTP]. Note: “Autogr. Sent Nov 13 MLH”
Charles P.G. Scott for the Simplified Spelling Board wrote to advise Sam he would receive the “book of engrost resolutions” to be presented to Andrew Carnegie, for Sam’s signature [MTP].
Valdemar Thoresen wrote from Randers, Denmark to point out “the fact is that there can be no doubt whatever that this tale [Tom Sawyer Detective] has borrowed the bulk of its subject from Blicher’s The Vicar of Veilby. There are, of course, great differences” [MTP]. Note: “see IVL answer Dec. 9”