April 23 Friday – On the day observed and noted by Clemens as William Shakespeare’s birthday (the actual date is unknown), also celebrated as St. George’s day, at 23 Tedworth Square in London, Sam wrote to Miss Ethel Newman, thanking her for “those pleasant words.” If she liked such sentiments he sent along a Pudd’nhead Wilson maxim he’d just written for his new book (FE) that day:

There is no such thing as the “Queen’s English.” The property has passed into the hands of a joint stock Company, & we own the bulk of the shares [MTP]. Note: Newman is likely a fan sending compliments; no other letter to or from her is extant.

Sam also replied to a non-extant letter from Miss Harriet Beecher Stowe, daughter of the late great writer of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. He thanked her for “pleasant words which you have said about our absence,” and added, “We often think of our old neighbors & wish we were back—& that the breaks in the circle could be mended.”

He mentioned paper she had sent him and explained he didn’t use it to answer because his fountain pen “emptied a quart of ink upon” it [MTP].

Richard Whiteing (1840-1928), English journalist and novelist, inscribed a copy of William Swan Sonnenschein’s 1891 book, The Best Books: A Reader’s Guide, etc. to: “S. L. Clemens Esq. From R. Whiteing, London, April 23, ’97, with admiration for the writer, respect for the man” [Gribben 653].