December 31 Thursday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Gertrude Natkin in N.Y.C. “It is the last day of the year, Marjorie dear, & I hope the incoming one will bring you happiness & prosperity to your full content‘—with the like to follow as time moves on” [MTP].

Gribben offers details about newspaper clippings Sam saved:

“Clemens pinned a clipping from the 31 December 1908 issue of the New York Times (pp.3-4)— an article describing an earthquake in Messina, Italy—in the back of his copy of Nathaniel S. Shaler’s Aspects of the Earth  (1904), a volume Clemens signed in 1908” [505].

R.A. Mansfield Hobbs wrote to Sam. “I received a short note from Mr. Ashcroft from the S.S. Lucania, sent back by the pilot, asking me to send you twelve copies of the New York American of December 30th. I sent two clippings of this editorial the other day to Miss Lyon” [MTP]. Note: “Ans Jan 4 MLH”

A.E. Morse wrote from South Paris, Maine to ask in what book of Sam’s would he find a story with: “The male character represented Mr. Caruthers, who by continual unfortunate circumstances was unable to wed his betrothed” [MTP].

Mrs. W.J. Phillips wrote from Danbury, Conn. to ask Sam what an old coin he dug up was worth. He described it [MTP]. Note: “Ans Jan 5 MLH”

Philip Nichols Sunderland wrote to Lyon (though catalogued as to Clemens) [MTP]. Note: Financial statement  from Russell & Erwin, Manufacturing Co. enclosed.