November 24 Tuesday – Isabel Lyon’s journal: Will arrived early and Santa. / Prof. Sanford came today to see about having the library moved to Redding Centre. The Hawaiian mantel came today, but the beautiful Koa wood has been polished until it is terribly yellow, and it won’t go anywhere. Steve Barr and Mr. Adams lugged it around from billiard to dining room— but the polish of it was fearful. The King declared it too offensive, but suggested that all the wonderful shine be scraped off—so the men carried it to the garage to reduce its coloring [MTP: IVL TS 80-81]. Note: see Oct. 31 entry for picture of the mantel.
Commodore Daniel Dow of the steamer Caronia ended his visit at Stormfield. He arrived on Nov. 21, for his second visit.
Sam’s A.D. included mention of the London Times, “as Lord Northcliffe’s journal which for a century had wielded political power with world rulers” [Gribben 418].
George A. Gilman wrote from Berks, England to send birthday wishes [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Dec 8. MLH”
W. Haskard for Haskard & Co., Florence, Italy wrote to Sam acknowledging his letter of Nov. 6 and per Sam’s request enclosed a check for the balance of his account there [MTP].
Lilian MacDonald wrote from Belfast, Ireland to offer birthday wishes [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Dec 7 MLH”
Genevieve L. Miller wrote to ask Sam where she might get his article on Christian Science that appeared in the Cosmopolitan in Oct. 1899 [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Nov. 24 MLH”
Missouri University sent an engraved invitation for Sam to attend the inauguration of Albert Ross Hill as President of the University on Dec. 10 and 11 [MTP].
Louis Pelletier wrote to ask Clemens to fill out an enclosed table having to do with his genealogy [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Nov. 27 MLH”; and IVL: “Mr Clemens has been too busy to take any interest in his genealogy”
Thomas Rodgers wrote from Au Sable Forks, NY to describe a book from his youth he was trying to find [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Nov. 27 MLH”; and IVL: “Mr. Clemens has no knowledge of the book”
Lillian T. Schmidt for the Professional Women’s League, NYC wrote to ask Sam for cards with his autograph for sale at their bazaar at the Waldorf Dec. 10-12 [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Nov. 30 6 autographs sent. MLH”
Spencer Trask for the National Arts Club, Gramercy Park, NY wrote to invite Sam to a dinner on Dec. 3 to meet William J. Locke [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Nov. 24 MLH”