December 31 Wednesday – Sam accepted Brooks’ invitation and spent New Year’s Eve until 2:30 AM with the Brookses, the Burrands, the Hardmans, the Jerrolds, the Yateses, and Sir John Tenniel (1820-1914), among others. Note: Sir William Hardman (1828-1890).
From Shirley Brooks’ diary:
Somehow, … I did not fancy we were so jolly as usual, in spite of the fact that Mark Twain proposed the host and hostess in a very funny little speech…. I believe that it was only my fancy that made me think our supper less effective than our other gatherings have been. To bed at 2.30, and all thanks where all should be paid for all the mercies of the year [MTPO]. Note: Mr. Shirley Brooks took ill soon after his diary entry of the next day and died on Feb. 23 [MTL 5: 537n3].
Sam wrote a line to James Redpath with Sam’s sailing date and Sam’s need to see him [MTL 5: 543].
Sam also wrote Livy, probably before the party.
“Thirteen more days in England, & then I sail! If I only do get home safe, & find my darling & the Modoc well, I shall be a grateful soul. And if ever I do have another longing to leave home, even for a week, please dissipate it with a club” [MTL 5: 543].
A handwritten receipt from John Hooker was given this date “for house rent for quarter ending this day” for $300 [MTP].