October 14 Wednesday

October 14 or 21 or 28 Wednesday – In Berlin, Sam wrote a short note of acceptance to William Walter Phelps (1839-1894), the American Minister to Germany (no relation to Prof. William Lyon Phelps, who as a boy killed five of Sam’s white ducks). He accepted save for Jean, who was too young (11) to come. Sam was acquainted with Phelps, of New Jersey [MTB 933]. Note: Phelps, a Yale graduate and congressman in the 43rd Congress, had been appointed Minister to Germany by President Harrison in 1889. Phelps was an avid art collector; he lost his entire collection when his mansion burned down in 1888. The Clemens family saw a lot of him during their Berlin stay.

We accept with our best thanks. Church first — we shall be there promptly at 11 & as gay as the gayest — thence to breakfast, where we shall behave in a way to surprise & gratify you [MTP].