December 31 Saturday – In the morning, Sam left Hartford for New York, and “another troublesome dinner,” which he referred to in his Dec. 28 letter to Webster.
In the evening, Sam read a story (unknown) at the Author’s Club, Watch Night [Fatout, MT Speaking 657].
New York newspapers, including the Brooklyn Eagle, p.2 announced the January Century Magazine would contain,
MEISTERSCHAFT, BY MARK TWAIN
“The Patent Universally Applicable Automatically Adjustable Language Drama.” A Three act play of wide interest.
From Sam’s notebook: Dec. 31, balance about 14,000. Royalties & other bills will reduce this some 3,000 [MTNJ 3: 362].
Orion and Mollie Clemens wrote to Sam and Olivia, having received the monthly $155 check. “Ma’s cold holds on. Her cough continues day and night. We have tried home made syrups and the doctor, alternatively. / Her feet itch considerably” [MTP].