November 5 Tuesday – Sam went to New York with William Dean Howells. “Personal Intelligence” column in the New York Times, Nov. 5, p.5:
Samuel L. Clemens of Hartford is at the Victoria Hotel. [Note: Sam’s usual hotel during this period was the Murray Hill, which did not disclose Sam’s presence there for the newspapers to print. The Victoria may have been Howells’ preference].
Notes: MTNJ 3: 526n142 gives this date with the pair returning the next day. Also, Sam’s notebook entry does give the 5th as the date on the train he began Bellamy’s book (see below). Newspaper accounts were generally one day behind the fact; this article seems to be the exception. It’s probable someone alerted the press that Sam would be in town.
In his Oct. 25 to Taylor, Sam wrote he would be “compelled to spend the first ten days of November in Washington, D.C. Sam’s plans often changed. On Nov. 10, Howells referred to “getting you down to N.Y. on a holiday.” [MTHL 2: 620n7 refers to the hotel as the “Victorian”].
Sam’s notebook:
Began “Looking Backward” Nov. 5, 1889, on the train. A fascinating book [MTNJ 3: 526].
Note: This book by Edward Bellamy was much admired by Sam, who would meet Bellamy at his home on Jan. 3, 1890, accompanied by Sylvester Baxter of the Boston Herald [Gribben 58].
Joseph T. Goodman wrote from New York to Sam: “I hung around the ‘Victoria’ for half an hour before noon, but could gather no intelligence from the obliging clerk as to whether you had left the hotel or not. My attempt to get information was so discouraging that I had no heart to try the 3 o’clock racket.” Joe had no luck sending his card to Mr. Sharin at the Fifth Ave. Hotel. “We start at 6:00 to-night. I will let you know the result of my San Francisco guest immediately after my return home” [MTP].
Orion Clemens wrote to Sam thanking for the monthly check of $200, He wrote more about Paige’s contract and the machine; he noted sister Pamela would be in Denver by now; talk and clippings enclosed about a Keokuk sewer ordinance and Orion’s three papers on the subject presented to the editor of the Keokuk Gate City [MTP].
Edith A. Hawley wrote from Washington to thank Sam for a cold cure; she recommended a trip to “this southern portion of the country,” and wrote “My sister joins with me in sending kindest regards” [MTP]. Note: this is probably Edith Anne Hawley (Horner).