February 28 Monday – Through the efforts of Cadet Andrew G. “Beaut” Hammond, Hartford neighbor and member of Twichell’s congregation, Sam visited West Point with Twichell. Sam gave readings: “Clarence and Eugene,” “How I Escaped Being Killed in a Duel,” and “Cure for Stammering” [Leon 35-50; MTLP 394]. Twichell noted the event in his journal; he gave an address in the ceremonies, given by the literary society of the U.S. Military Academy:

“We reached W.P. via N.Y. at 6 o’clock pm. Dined hastily at the officers mess and repaired to the Cadets Mess Hall where the entertainment was held…. M.T. read to them in the course of the evening, as much as an hour and a half, and produced extreme delight” [Yale, copy at MTP].

Livy wrote from Hartford to Elinor Howells, “delighted” that the Howellses were planning to visit soon.

Western Union Telegraph Co. billed $7.27 for telegrams sent Feb. 3, 7, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 22, 26, 28 all to New York [MTP]. Note: one sent this day, recipient unspecified.

J.P. Newton, Hartford, “meat, poultry, game, fish & vegetables” billed $3.90 for oyster, halibut and other fish purchased Feb. 2, 4, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25; paid Mar. 4 [MTP].

New England Granite Works of Hartford billed Sam $29 for “Making cast of statue for Carl [Karl] Gerhardt; cartages”; paid [MTP].

Augustus Saint-Gaudens wrote from NYC to Sam.

My dear Mr Clemens / I couldn’t help it—I won’t do it again—Don’t be angry with me—I do remember I was to pay you a visit and I haven’t, and I should have written you sooner and I haven’t—But  I give up ever …seeing anyone  any more…Mrs Gaudens wants me to thank both Mrs. Clemens and yourself sincerely for your kind invitation…but it is out of the question, we are in the throes of trying to settle down here… [MTP]. Note: After his intro, Augustus drew a sketch of Twain with a sword aimed at Augustus, kneeling and crying.

Mary Mason Fairbanks wrote from Brooklyn to ask Sam for a story [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Can’t do it”