August 11 Thursday – Sam wrote from Elmira to Elisha Bliss: “This is a house of mourning, now. My wife is nearly broken down with grief & watching.” In a lighter note, he recalled the exchange of letters he had with “that publisher,” probably the D. Appleton & Co.
August 8 Monday – Jervis Langdon’s funeral. His obituary was printed in the Buffalo Express, incorporating Sam’s eulogy [McCullough 224]. The Mayor of Elmira, John Arnot (1789-1873), requested that all local businesses close for two hours during the funeral [MTL 4: 183].
Sam telegraphed Elisha Bliss:
“Receipt of your check for two thousand dollars is here—hereby acknowledged. Saml L Clemens” [MTPO].
August 7 Sunday – from Elmira Sam wrote a eulogy for Jervis Langdon, and sent it to Josephus N. Larned, his partner on the Express, for use in that newspaper [MTL 4: 181-2].
August 6 Saturday – Jervis Langdon died of stomach cancer at about 5 PM. His last words were, “Beecher, I’m going home” [MTNJ 1: 287]. Sam telegraphed his sister, Pamela Moffett. “Father died this afternoon” [MTL 4: 181]. Sam’s surrogate father had been an influence for good on Sam.
August 5 Friday – Sam wrote from Elmira to Elisha Bliss, asking Bliss’ son Frank to send the quarterly statement. He added, “The physicians pronounce Mr Langdon’s case utterly hopeless. The family are shrouded in gloom, awaiting the end” [MTL 4: 180].
August 2 Tuesday – Sam wrote from Elmira to Elisha Bliss. Claiming that he’d only allowed Appleton to bid on his book—they bid ten per cent—but did not and would not have agreed regardless of what they bid, Sam wrote:
August 1 Monday – Sam wrote from Elmira to Orion. Even though Sam had washed his hands and renounced any share in the Tennessee Land, he helped pay the taxes when due. Here was the final straw—Orion asking for $200 for taxes.
August – In the Galaxy for this month—MARK TWAIN’S MEMORANDA – Included “Personal Explanation,” “Portrait,” and:
A MEMORY
July 28 Thursday – Jane Clemens wrote from Fredonia to Sam and Orion, including a newspaper story of the suicide of Dr. Charles A. Pope. “I send you this, for you to see how such a great wise and good man, as Dr Pope left this world….P S Mela [Pamela] says we are all hoping to see you both here soon, when you can leave your father [Jervis] out of danger” [MTP].
July 27 Wednesday – Sam wrote from Elmira to his mother, Jane Clemens, and family. “We are glad you are all so well satisfied in Fredonia.” Sam wanted his family near, but not too near. He’d been impressed by the “intelligent faces” in Fredonia during a lecture there and recommended the town to his sister Pamela, who rented a Fredonia house right after Sam’s wedding.