March 7 Friday – Sam’s notebook: “Friday in the night, March 7, the telephone went out of service” [MTNJ 3: 48].

An article ran on page 7 in the Brooklyn Eagle, headlined Duncan’s continuing libel suit:

MARK TWAIN

He Disclaims the Article Libeling Captain Duncan

The deposition of Mark Twain was read. He deposed that the article represented as being an interview with him did not even remotely approach correctness. Not one single line as printed was uttered by him

In cross examination Mr. Clemens admits that he was informed that Captain Duncan had lodged information against him for criminal trial. He thought Duncan had full authority on the Quaker City, but did not exercise it. [See the rest of the article for Sam’s interesting cross-examination.]

Sam wrote from Hartford to Laurence Hutton, inviting him to come and spend the night: “Mr. Irving will lunch at our house Thursday March 13 at 2 p.m. Warner & 3 others & 2 or 3 ladies will be present” [MTP].

Charles Webster wrote to Sam; checks enclosed for interest on Livy’s western loans; mention of the Duncan suit [MTP].