December 25 Friday – Christmas ­– Sam also inscribed six volumes (originally three but rebound) of Our Living World by Rev. John George Wood, adapted by Joseph B. Holder, M.D., to daughter Clara: In volumes 1, 2, and 4: “Clara Clemens / Christmas /1885. / From Papa”; in volume 3: “ Clara Ben Clemens / Christmas / 1885. / From Papa” [Slotta 46]. Note: see Twain’s to the publisher of these books, Selmar Hess July 6, 1885.

Sam also inscribed Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, vol. 1 to Ward Foote: “To / Mr. Ward Foote / with the compliments of the publishers. / per / S. L. Clemens / of the firm. / Christmas, 1885” [MTP].

Sam also inscribed Poems of Oliver Wendell Holmes (1881) to Livy: “Livy L. Clemens / from S. L. C. / December, 1885” [MTP].

Julia Dent Grant (Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant) presented Sam with a set of Grant’s Memoirs with a special binding of tree calf with morocco slipcase. It was also inscribed: “For / Mr. S.L. Clemens / with the compliments of / Julia D. Grant / New York / Dec. 25th 1885” [Christie’s, Lot 103 Sale 1720 Nov. 26, 2006].

Charles Webster wrote about “a few galleys of proof” he’d taken which seemed “so changed and patched that it made” him “nervous.” He objected to changes and strike outs Col. Grant made [MTP].

Joe Twichell wrote Christmas wishes [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Mighty bright xmas ‘85”

Prof. Francis Wayland of Yale College wrote from N. Haven. “I think the colored youth is a promising case & deserving of help from someone. I will take the opinion of some of my associates & write you again very soon. I am glad you are interested in the matter & thank you for writing to me” [MTP].