June 15 Saturday – On board the Minneapolis en route to England Sam gave a reading from his Autobiography MS, though it is not known just what he read [Fatout, MT Speaking 676]. Written across the top of the second and third pages of a concert program held in the saloon in aid of the Seaman’s Orphanage at 8:30 p.m.: “Please tell the story of the twins, one got drunk and affected the other” [MTP]. Note: Source gives this as to Carlotta Welles.
Isabel Lyon’s journal: Busy all day in the King’s room, cleaning his closet, and his drawers of mss. and dear little clippings and pipes and things that he takes interest in. Usually the clippings are of the most violentest crimes. Oh terrible things that are “permitted by a just God.” and usually there is a comment in the King’s handwriting on the margin. How I do love this life of mine—with Mother & the King & Santa.
Santa was bursting with glee tonight and called me Nan-Pan-Pete-Pan, and snuggled her darling head in my neck. I wish I would write of all the wonders that are occurring in all the lives about me [MTP TS 70].
Charles Lancaster for Hughes & Lancaster wrote to Sam about including H.H. Rogers in the Pilgrims Club luncheon given in Sam’s honor [MTP].
Henry Anckefill wrote to Sam from Durban, Natal, S. Africa sending a satire essay [MTP].
Charles Frohman sent a “Marconigram” telegram to Sam on the S.S. Minneapolis, asking him to visit at the Savoy Hotel in London [MTP].
W.B. Northrop wrote from London to Sam, c/o Minneapolis. “I wonder if you still remember the NEW YORK WORLD reporter who saw you at Lake Saranac some time ago? I enclose a photo I took then which might refresh your memory. / A newspaper here has asked me to get a photograph of you and I am writing to ask if you would see me” [MTP].
Robert P. Porter wrote on Brown’s Hotel, London stationery with invitations and a Memoranda of the various Oxford, Jesus College, events on June 25-30 [MTP].
Charles F. Taney wrote from London that he hoped to be able to meet the Minneapolis on her arrival, but if he could not to accept his welcome. Rogers was anxious to know where Clemens would stay upon his arrival—could Sam fill out the enclosed telegraph form? [MTP].
The New York Times, June 16, p. C1, datelined London June 15, announced London was “eagerly awaiting” Mark Twain’s arrival. “Of all Americans he stands next to Roosevelt in the admiration and affection of the British people.”
Spectator published an anonymous review of King Leopold’s Soliloquy, p. 947. Tenney: “‘While we are wholly in sympathy with Mark Twain’s purpose, we cannot approve of his method. The literary strategy of the attack is not to our liking.’ Fiction is not an appropriate means here, and ‘it is not used with any great subtlety or art. The appendix is much more to the purpose’; in it a Mr. Morel provides details of the Belgian public relations cover-up.’ It is especially deplorable to see that in America high-placed Roman ecclesiastics have taken the wrong side’” [Tenney: “A Reference Guide Second Annual Supplement,” American Literary Realism, Autumn 1978 p. 175].