December 20 Friday – In Hartford, Sam replied to L.E. Parkhurst (incoming not extant) who evidently inquired about the illustration “The Slave Driver” in CY, which was a likeness of robber baron Jay Gould.
I should not be able to tell you anything about the picture, as I did not make it or suggest it. You will have to apply to its author, Mr. Dan Beard, “Judge” Building, New York…. to my mind the illustrations are better than the book — which is a good deal for me to say, I reckon [MTP]. Note: Parkhurst was a Hartford resident and friend of Sam’s, listed in the 1888 Municipal Register on the corner of Park and Cedar, and also in Geer’s City Directory 1899, both viewable online
Frank B. Darby wrote to Sam: “The book with ‘Mark Twain’s” hand writing has arrived, and I assure you it made me happy, and I know it will be appreciated by my friend” [MTP]. Note: Darby was the Clemens’ Elmira dentist.