December 30 Thursday – Sam and Livy attended the single-night performance of “Morte Civile,” (the Civil Death), starring the famous Italian actor Salvini at the Hartford Opera House. The Hartford Courant, Dec. 31 p. 2 reported on the “emotional tragedy”:

“The support was excellent throughout. There were only eight persons in the play, including Salvini, but all were up to their parts. Next to the star Miss Wilton, as Rosalie, bore off the honors. Unfortunately the house was small.”

The December bill from Western Union shows a telegram to New York, and one to Elmira, recipients unknown (see Dec. 31 entry). The Jan. 1, 1881 bill from Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co. shows a telegram sent to Elmira (party unknown, see that entry for others).

George W. Bagby wrote from Richmond, Va. asking for a likeness and “brief biographical sketches & selections of best pieces. Subscription book…You do the Northern, I do the Southern part” [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Can’t”.

Edward House wrote from NYC to Sam, concerned about statements concerning him in a bogus article in the New York Sun (Dec. 28 1880) and from gossip by T.C. Evans, whom House met at Jerome B. Stillson’s funeral—to the idea that Clemens was “subject to protracted spells of melancholy,” and even “in fact deranged, &c &c” [MTP].