December 20 Thursday – Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Geraldine Farrar” [MTP TS 150].

Clemens’ A.D. of this day included: Capt. Osborn tells to Bret Harte, in a Californian restaurant, his adventure of falling overboard and his rescue. A tramp overhears him, claims to be his rescuer, is liberally rewarded, and afterwards discovered to be an impostor [MTP Autodict3].

William R. Coe sent Sam a large fold out map of Bermuda. No letter [MTP].

Samuel Post Davis wrote from Carson City, Nev. to Sam. I was visiting Joe Goodman last week at his home 1423 Central Ave. Alameda. I write to tell you that he is on the verge of extreme poverty through the fire and earthquake in S.F. Nearly all his holdings are now non productive and he told me that he was hunting unsuccessfully for something to do and by spring his savings will be exhausted.

      It occurred to me that you with your influence with Harpers might be able to secure some congenial employment for him in his declining years. It seems a pity to see one of the finest intellects in the country and the best heart in the living world, doomed to poverty in the sunset of his life [MTP]. Note: Davis confided that Joe did not know he was writing about Joe’s situation.