February 25 Monday – In New York City, Sam gave a dinner speech for Trinity College Alumni, “The College President.” Hartford Daily Courant published Sam’s remarks (Feb. 26, 1889, p.3.) The speech was in honor of Twain’s friend Dr. George Williamson Smith, a clergyman and President of Trinity College in Hartford. See MTNJ 3: 452n151.

Frank Vincent, Jr. wrote to Sam asking him to recommend his appointment with the President or either of the N.Y. Senators, to the legation in Japan [MTP].

H.L. Dyer for New York Times wrote to Sam that it would be impossible for Mr. Jones or his son to visit Hartford the next day — “just now the new building takes constant watching. We shall be obliged to wait until your machine is in exhibition it our city” [MTP].

John H. Barnett wrote from Peekskill, N.Y. to Sam: “I wrote you last summer from St. John’s hospital, Brooklyn; perhaps you were not at home; or mislaid or tore up…It seems as if you could not have forgotten me. I even remember calling (& spending an whole afternoon most pleasantly) in regard to your writing a play for Miss Katie Putnam…” Sam wrote “Unanswered letters” on the env. [MTP].

John Elderkin wrote to Sam having heard that Mr. Reid could not again accept the presidency of the Lotos Club; that Sam had been the “unanimous choice of the nominating committee.” He hoped that Sam would accept, that “there is not a man in the United States so suited for the office…” Sam wrote on the env., “From good old Elderkin. Answered” [MTP].

Webster & Co. wrote to Sam (Barrow & Co. Accountants to Webster Feb. 20 enclosed): “Your favor received. There is one point about which we had not heard from you…Roscoe Conking’s book…would like to know how you feel in reference to it…” More financial reports were enclosed and the Barrow letter showed small overpayments made to W.E. Dibble and to the Grant account [MTP].