June 19 Wednesday – Paine gives us Sam’s busy schedule the day after his arrival:

Sir Thomas Lipton and Bram Stoker, old friends, were among the first to present themselves, and there was no break in the line of callers.

Clemens’s resolutions for secluding himself were swept away. On the very next morning following his arrival [June 19] he breakfasted with J. Henniker Heaton, father of International Penny Postage, at the Bath Club, just across Dover Street from Brown’s. He lunched at the Ritz with Marjorie Bowen and Miss Bisland. In the afternoon he sat for photographs at Barnett’s, and made one or two calls. He could no more resist these things than a debutante in her first season [MTB 1383-4]. Note: editorial emphasis.

Fatout lists a talk for the Society of Women Journalists, London, but gives no particulars and none were found [MT Speaking 676]. Note: this was not included in Paine’s accounting of the day’s activities above.

Sam’s lunch at the Ritz Hotel was reported by London Daily Mail, June 20, p.5,  “Mark Twain at Lunch”:

There was a disturbing element at the luncheon-table of the Ritz Hotel yesterday. Life runs very smoothly in that caravanserai. The great ones of the earth come in to lunch and eat just like ordinary folk, and when a Serene Highness or so is pointed out people either yawn or say, “The fat man on the right or the little one on the left?”

      But yesterday [June 19] the Ritz lunchers ate with one eye upon a table where, together with two ladies [Marjorie Bowen and Miss Bisland], a gentleman with bushy white hair spoke slowly with his companions. Somebody said, “That’s Mark Twain,” and it was the sight of the white hair and the sad face that brought home the fact that humour-making is hard work.  …. [in part; See MTFWE 20-1 for the whole article].

T. Fisher Unwin wrote to welcome Sam to London. He enclosed a few copies of “your little book on the Congo…in its English dress” and would send more if advised. He also enclosed a copy of The History of the Savage Club, which he had published, and requested a meeting when he might “have a few words with you relating to the Congo question” [MTP]. Note: On this same day at Brown’s Hotel, London, Sam wrote instructions on Unwins’ letter to Ralph W. Ashcroft: “I have arranged this—He (Unwin) will breakfast with us tomorrow” [MTP].

Peter Richards’ cartoon ran in the London Daily Chronicle, p.8. Lathem writes “The cartoon had virtually concurrent publication in the United States, as an illustration (page 1054 for Sydney Books’s article ‘Mark Twain in England,’ which appeared in Harper’s Weekly on July twentieth (Volume LI, Number 2,639). It carried as its caption ‘How Mark Twain widened his “Sphere of Influence” while en route for England’’ [MTFWE 139]; There were, however, two cartoons of the same scene, with some interesting variations, possibly for copyright considerations. The first, the lower insert [ibid.] ran in the Chronicle, the upper insert in Harper’s Weekly [Zeichner and Geseichnete].

A great many letters, telegrams, and invitations were at Brown’s Hotel when the two men arrived. Ashcroft and Sam began the job of answering them all [MTP].

Ashcroft  wrote for Sam to the Bath Club Secretary, accepting their invitation [MTP].

Ashcroft also wrote for Sam to the Dean of Christ Church, accepting the June 26 dinner

Ashcroft also wrote for Sam to George N. Curzon, accepting the luncheon invitation of June inviation [MTP]. 26 [MTP].

Ashcroft also wrote for Sam to John Japp, Mayor of Liverpool, having quickly changed his plans:

Mr. Clemens directs me to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 14th inst., enclosing the copy of your letter of May 29th, and to say that it will be his endeavor to visit your city during the week commencing July 7th, in order that he may have the pleasure of spending a day with you before he sails from London for New York on the 13th prox. He has announced to all, except a few intimate friends, that he will leave this country for home on July 6th, and does not wish it generally known, for the present, that it is his intention to remain in England one week longer—a change of program decided upon so that he may have the opportunity, if possible, to accept your most kind invitation. Please, therefore, treat the matter privately until a definite date is set upon for his visit to Liverpool.

Mr. Clemens expects to attend the dinner here on July 4th, and hopes to have the pleasure of meeting you then [MTP]. Note: Rogers was to be in Liverpool on June 27.

Ashcroft also wrote for Sam to Charles Lancaster, having rec’d three letters, June 14, 15 and 18.

He has arranged with the Secretary of The Pilgrims that a seat shall be found for Mr. Rogers at the lunch, although it is against the rules for a member to give up a seat even for another member’s guest.

He will get into touch with Mr. Rogers on Sunday at Claridge’s.

Mr. Clemens has decided to visit Liverpool during the second week in July, unless he feels too fagged out then. Publicly, he will leave for New York on July 6th; privately, on July 13th. He does not wish the press to know this until July 6th is nearly here.

You will, I know, excuse Mr. Clemens from writing personally, but he is in bed most of the time, conserving his strength as much as possible [MTP]. Note: Charles Lancaster was an old friend of H.H Rogers, and would sit opposite Sam at the Liverpool gathering [July 29 to Rogers].

Ashcroft also wrote for Sam to John Lubbock, (Lord Avebury). “Mr. Clemens was very sorry to have been out when you called this afternoon, and wishes to know if it will be convenient to you to have him breakfast with you at 9:30 on Saturday, July 6th ” [MTP]. Note: See July 6 entry.

Ashcroft also wrote for Sam to Helen MacMillan (Mrs. Maurice C. MacMillan) in London to acknowledge her two letters, which “reached him almost simultaneously.” He didn’t see how he could “arrange to dine” with the MacMillans, but would try to call on them [MTP].

Ashcroft also wrote for Sam to Kate D. Wiggin (Riggs), who was also in London.

Mr. Clemens has asked me to write to you, while he is resting his tired bones, and say that he has been trying to get a couple of extra tickets for the affair, but has been informed that even his request cannot be granted owing to limited seating capacity. If he is able to help you out before the event next Wednesday, he will gladly do so, but he does not think it likely that such an accident will happen. We will be the guests of Mr. Robert P. Porter in Oxford [MTP].

Ashcroft also wrote for Sam to Frederick C. Van Duzer, secretary of The American Society in London, accepting an engagement for an unspecified evening. He had another engagment that night however, so would be late [MTP].

Ashcroft also wrote for Sam to Newton Wallop and Beatrice Pease Wallop  (1866-1935), Sixth Earl and Countess of Portsmouth, accepting invitation to dine on Friday, July 5 at 8:15 [MTP]. Note: See Mar. 24, 1900 entry for Wallop. 

Punch ran an anonymous comment on King Leopold’s Soliloquy, p. 439. Tenney gives text in full: “We are glad to see MARK TWAIN taking part in the campaign agasint the owner of the Congo Free State. Mark II is ammunition which has done good service in the past” [43]. Note: see also Punch’s humorous comment on June 26.

Sheila C. Allan wrote from Argyllshire, recently reading LM. “May I…remonstrate against your harsh treatment of that most noble gentleman…Sir Walter Scott.” She hoped he would “venture forth” and see the land which had inspired Scott [MTP].

Arthur W.A. Beckett wrote invitation to come to an Annual Dinner at a salon. He included a postcard ad for his book, Recollections of a Humorist [MTP].

J.Q. Brant-Sero wrote to ask for an interview for the Daily Mirror [MTP].

Mrs. Joan Edwards had beeen commanded by her Editor (of The Throne) to gain ten minutes with Sam [MTP].

Sydney E. Engleman wrote asking for an interview for The Law Clerk, “a comparatively new paper” [MTP].

Mrs. A.F. Fargus wrote from Brighton to send a very long Eskimo word—if he wished the translation she’d be glad to send it on a postcard. Obviously an attempt to get a note from Twain [MTP].

An unidentified person in South Shields, England sent “a most sincere greeting from one who has derived unbounded enjoyment from your works” [MTP].

Isabel Inez Garrison wrote from London that Mark Twain had held her in his arms at the Lick House in San Francisco in the “latter days of the 60’s” and had held her up to the chandelier [MTP].

Rose Goodwin wrote from Hackney N.E., London to offer an effusive but heartfelt fan letter [MTP].

P.P. Gieve wrote from London: “Sir, / I read on the newspaper placard this morning: — /

MARK TWAIN ARRIVES / ASCOT CUP / STOLEN. / and shall be glad to learn if there is any truth in the rumor” [MTP].

Joseph Hatton sent a telegram from St. John’s Wood, London: “Your first visit London among my happiest remembrances today I’ll alas to do more than send you this message of affectionate greeting of old friends” [MTP].

Ellen T. Hopkins wrote from Herne Bay, Kent, England: “Apropos of your funeral! I am hoping to publish a small book entitled ‘Our Friends & Foes in Space.’ The opening incident tells how my step-father (the late Mortimer Collins—author) was seen, by a clairvoyant friend, talking to the guests at his own funeral. Naturally they did not answer him, & he was considerably cross! Am I too daring in asking if I may dedicate my little book to you?” [MTP].

Annie Howell wrote that “many years ago” she’d sent a MS. to him in America, “A Palmistry Story” and Sam had advised her that no editor would publish such a piece from a girl. Now she was older and suffering from an eye operation. “Would you advise me in the matter?” Several pages of hard to read troubles [MTP].

H. Percival Hulse wrote a letter than was sending a copy of the Sheffield Daily Dispatch containing an article by himself on Twain. He would be attending the Pilgrim’s luncheon next Tuesday on behalf of the Sheffield Daily Telegraph and looked forward to paying his respects then [MTP].

W.H. Langhorne wrote from Norfolk, England. He claimed to be a kinsman of the man who Sam got his middle name from. “You may remember our correspondence on the subject some fourteen years ago.” He was glad to see him “turning up at Oxforod in such a conspicuous way” [MTP].

Sidney Lee sent a telegram from Picadilly, London: “Delighted dinner Monday or Tuesday first or second” [MTP].

Mrs. Henry William Lucy had a note hand-delivered that she would be “delighted to see you at luncheon tomorrow at 1.30 sharp” [MTP].

Helen MacMillan (Mrs. Maurice C. MacMillan) wrote, essentially repeating her previous letter sent to the Minneapolis, thinking he hadn’t rec’d it. She solicited an evening for him to join them for dinner [MTP].

Mary R. Mason sent an invitation “At Home” for June 25, 4 to 7 p.m. with music.” She cited a “somewhat ancient connection with the Norwood Literary Society at Mrs. Cabell’s School, Washington, D.C.—of which you were once made honorary member!” [MTP].

James Milne, Editor of The Book Monthly, London wrote asking if Sam would give “a word…on volumes, old or new” [MTP].

Edmund D. Morel wrote from London hoping Sam would “strike another blow for those poor devils in the Congo,” and noted that Mr. Landon of the Daily Chronicle hoped for an interview [MTP].

J.P. Mullins sent Clemens some post cards and asked for an autograph [MTP].

Donald Murray for National Liberal Arts Club, London invited Sam at their next House Dinner on a date convenient [MTP].

Eileen Newton wrote from Kensington West to appreciate his works, especially HF [MTP].

Louis N. Parker wrote to invite Sam to the Bury St. Edmunds Pageant, which ran from July 8 to 13. Parker recalled seeing Twain lecture on Fiji at the old Hanover Square Rooms in London [MTP].

Eden Phillpotts (1862-1960), British author, poet, and dramatist, wrote from Torquay, that it wouldn’t be his good fortune to see Sam on this visit as he continued “to be a country bumpkin & more as far from cities as possible,” but he was rejoicing in Sam’s Oxford honor [MTP].

Mrs. Bennett Smith, a female journalist, asked for ten minutes of Sam’s time [MTP].

Alfred Smyth-Pigott wrote offering a London theatre if he was contemplating a lecture tour [MTP].

Francis Reginald Statham wrote from London to advise that he’d asked his publishers to send sam his book, The Religion of Consciousness and asked that Sam might receive it. “You will probably remember me as one of the people who protested against the South African War [Boer] and the policy that led up to it…” [MTP].

(“Daisy”) Evelyn Suart wrote to Clemens: “I couldn’t summon up courage this afternoon to ask you to write in my visitors’ book so I am sending it to you now with an addressed wrapper for it’s safe return!” [MTP].

R.B. Sunbers for The Clarion: “My stern & unbending Editor has ordered me to get a 10 minute interview…” [MTP].

Kate Thayer wrote for the Lyceum Club, Piccadilly: “The American Circle of the Lyceum Club is giving an At Home tomorrow (3.30—5.30)…” would he come if only for a few minutes? [MTP].

An unidentified woman (signature illegible but for “Mary”) wrote wondering if Sam remembered her from his last visit to England [MTP].

T. Fisher Unwin wrote from London sending copies of Twain’s “little book on the Congo” and Unwin’s The History of the Savage Club, recently published. He wanted a few words on the Congo question [MTP]. Note: Ashcroft wrote on letter: “I have arranged this—he (Unwin) will breakfast with us tomorrow”

Endre Vik sent a cartoon postcard from Kristianig, Norway and wrote: “My country is the country for you! Take a trip to us, We are all yours. Very truly…” [MTP].

Charles M. Wilson wrote from London applying once more about Sam’s ancestry, such questions Sam usually ignored, as he had Wilson’s prior inquiry when both men were in Vienna [MTP].

Israel Zangwill (1864-1926), British born Zionist and writer,  wrote from Worthing, England, hastening “to join the chorus of welcome.” If Sam got “wearied of honors & salons” Zangwill offered rest by the sea and a hammock [MTP].

Adele Chapin wrote wondering if Sam could get her two tickets for the Encoenia [MTP].

Back home, Americans could read all about the latest English worship of Mark Twain: The New York Tribune, June 20, p.1, dateline London, June 19:

Receives Many Invitations—Will “Break the Sabbath” with Archdeacon Wilberforce.

London, June 19.—Mark Twain is receiving as much attention as would a European potentate. The newspapers are devoting columns to his sayings and doings, and he has been overwhelmed with invitations, many of which he has reluctantly been forced to decline, as he is determined not to tire himself out. His engagement book is already filled with acceptances, chiefly for quiet luncheons and dinners with personal friends, while his afternoons will be spent resting and driving in the parks of London.

      Mr. Clemens’s engagements include a bachelors’ dinner to be given by Ambassador Reid on June 21, the Pilgrim’s luncheon on June 25, the Lord Mayor’s dinner to the Savage Club on June 29 and the dinner of the American Society on July 4. He will give a dinner in honor of the Earl and Countess of Portsmouth on July 5.

      Mr. Clemens will also be entertained by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool before his departure. He will go to Oxford on June 25, remaining there until the 29th . He will be the guest of the chancellor of the university at luncheon, after the conferring of the degree, and on the following day the dean, canon and students will give a dinner in his honor. On June 28 the Rhodes scholars will give a reception to Mr. Clemens, and he will spend the afternoon watching the pageant. In his own words he “will break the Sabbath” by spending the afternoon of June 23 with Archdeacon Wilberforce.

Isabel Lyon’s journal summarized Sam’s meeting Shaw at the ship dock, then related N.Y. happenings:

Today Santa is not well. She is droopy and has pains in her head. Tuxedo is not going to be the place for her. It is going to be a strange summer. We remind ourselves of the water bugs, for we dart from N.Y. to Tuxedo and to Redding and to Boston and back again. It isn’t going to be a sweet and restful summer. But at all events as Santa mirthfully says, “It isn’t a treadmill.”

Damned if it isn’t a treadmill, we’ve got into the habit of shooting the shoots and can’t stop it  [MTP TS 71-72].