January 14 Thursday – In Redding, Conn., Isabel V. Lyon wrote for Sam to Archibald Henderson at the Univ. of N. Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dear Dr. Henderson: / I gave your letter to Mr. Clemens who read it very carefully; & then he said that he is very sorry to be obliged to say to you that it would be quite impossible for him to give you, or for him to allow me to give you any assistance, as it would be encroaching upon the absolute rights of Mr. Paine. For three years, now, Mr. Paine has had the exclusive right to obtain access to any information that Mr. Clemens or I could give; and Mr. Clemens now feels that it would be most unfair & discouraging to Mr. Paine if he were to assist anyone else in writing any kind of a biography of him. When you spoke to me about the book you proposed writing, I understood that it would be critical, rather than biographical; and to that kind of book Mr. Clemens would have no objection; on the contrary he would be glad to see such a book written. [MTP].
We shall always remember with pleasure your visit here; & shall hope that it may be repeated. Mr. Clemens wishes me to convey to you his warm regards, in which I know Mr. Ashcroft would join if he were here [MTP]. Note: Henderson wrote an article in the Deutsche Review about Twain; Paine wrote to Henderson on Nov. 15 that Clemens was pleased by the article [Gribben 307].
William Robertson Coe wrote from NYC to invite Clemens to “come down here and spend a few days,” reminding him of his promise to do so when “the country palled on you…” Coe suggested they attend a Feb. 2 dinner of the Campfire Club, “composed of big game hunters”
Oliver Otis Howard for the Lincoln Centennial Committee wrote to Sam, following up on his earlier letter that mentioned Clemens fighting for the Confederacy—he apologized tongue in cheek for “unwittingly hurting a confederate’s feelings.” Could Sam merely sit on the stage at the upcoming meeting for the Lincoln Endowment Committee? [MTP]. Note: General Howard was 79 and with a shaky hand.
Curtis Lubin for Town & Country wrote to Sam having “just obtained from Mr. Paul Thompson some very attractive pictures of yourself and of your home,” which he wanted to run in the next issue of the magazine. “Would it be possible to visit and see the three rooms pictured, the library, billiard room and the dining room?” He suggested Saturday, Jan. 16, if convenient [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Jan 19 M.L.H.”
L.M. Powers wrote to Sam. Since he didn’t know which brand of stogies Sam preferred he hoped that the “little cigar holder in the form of a book” he’d sent would “be acceptable” [MTP]. Note: “Ans. M.L. Howden / Jan 19.”
Clinton Rogers Woodruff for the American Civic Assoc. wrote to ask Sam to write a letter to Governor Charles E. Hughes recommending William B. Howland for appointment on the New York State Commission on Niagara Falls, to fill a vacancy [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Jan 19 M.L.H.”