October 29 Tuesday – John C. Gardner wrote from Toronto. Gardner denied being a “crank” yet sent 10 pages typed double-spaced relating his life long exposure to Twain’s books and the fall from his estimation caused by the frustration of reading Sam’s Autobiography in serial form in a magazine. While trying to be humorous, Gardner became tedious (this is a rare editorial comment dedicated to Tom Tenney) [MTP].

Miss Bessie V. Holloway wrote from London to thank Sam for the photo sent: “Father says I am a very lucky girl, to be so favoured. / I am sending you a Christmas card with best wishes. I know it is rather early to talk about Christmas but better early than never, I think” [MTP].

John Japp wrote from Liverpool to thank Sam for sending a signed copy of JA [MTP].

A. Raphael, S. Raphael, E. Ciner, and I. Neuwirth wrote to Sam. “We are about to organize a literary society in your honor.” Their four charter members each had full sets of Twain’s works and asked that one book from each set be autographed [MTP]. Note: Lyon wrote on the letter, “Answd. Nov. 18” and “Mr. Clemens will be glad to autograph the 4 books if they were sent here to 21 Fifth Ave.”