November 16 Monday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Zoheth S. Freeman, who had just been chosen as vice president of Liberty National Bank, N.Y.C.

Dear Freeman:

I thank you ever so much for accepting that trust. There is no one in the world I would prefer to you for that friendly office.

November 15 Sunday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Champ Clark (James Beauchamp Clark) (1850-1921), prominent democrat politician, speaker of the House of Representatives (1911-1919), at this time a Congressman from Missouri.

When you come East won’t you run up here (an hour & a half from New York), & stay a day or two with me & talk copyright extension?

I’ve got a new scheme. This time there ought to be no objectors, for my plan advantages

Private.

Dear Mr. Clark:

November 14 Saturday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote a poem and a note to Margaret Blackmer.

BE GOOD, BE GOOD. A Poem.

November 13 Friday – Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Benar came back to us, but still I am ill. My forces are very much scattered” [MTP: IVL TS 79].

American Geographical Soc., NYC Per Chandler Robbins sent Sam a printed list of officers with dues of ten dollars [MTP]. Note: IVL: “Many thanks but he is resigning from clubs & societies rather than joining them. And has retired to the country to reside”; and “Ans. Nov. 25 MLH”

November 12 Thursday – Sam’s A.D. for this date focused again on the two burglars at Stormfield [Hill 209]. Note: Sam also dictated on the burglary on Oct. 6 and Dec. 8.  

Isabel Lyon’s journal: “In bed all day, worn out. Paine came and dined with the King” [MTP: IVL TS 79].

Frank N. Doubleday wrote to Lyon (though catalogued to Clemens) [MTP].

November 11 Wednesday – Isabel Lyon’s journal:  “More trial—a weary day in court. Benar stayed to go with me, and be with me. Paine came for billiards with the King. At dinner I went to pieces” [MTP: IVL TS 79].

The New York Times, p. 4, reported on the sentencing of Mark Twain’s burglars:

TWAIN BURGLARS SENTENCED.

———

Men Who Broke Into Samuel L. Clemens’s Home Get Prison Terms.

November 10 Tuesday –  Sam attended the Danbury, Conn. trial of the two burglars, Charles Hoffman and Henry Williams. The New York Times, Nov. 11, 1908, p. 5 reported on the trial:

TWAIN’S BURGLARS ON TRIAL.

———

Author on Witness Stand Identifies Silverware They Stole from Him.

November 9 Monday – Arthur J. Burdick for Gateway Gazette wrote from Beaumont, Calif., having heard the rumor that Clemens contemplated living in California. He promoted the city and wrote he was sending “a paper telling something of Beaumont” [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Nov. 17 MLH”

Frederick A. Duneka wrote from NYC to Sam. “It was very beautiful—our visit—just the happiest kind of times….even the cats seem to be dressed up for the occasion and to join in the welcome…. I am looking into the Mark Twain Spring Water scheme” [MTP].

November 8 Sunday – Charles Este wrote to ask Sam if he would “drop a word” to Mrs. Catherine Starbuck a 90 year old friend of his in Nantucket, Mass. He enclosed a note from the lady wondering if Clemens had decided not to finish his Autobiography [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Dec. 11 MLH” [his address on note paper 4111 Baltimore Ave. City is not given; such an address exists in Phila., Kansas City, Mo. & others].

Friedrich Henke wrote from Berlin, another letter in German to Sam [MTP]. Note: Not translated.

November 7 Saturday – In Redding, Conn. on this day or Nov. 8 Sam sent another receipt on his library notice to Frederick A. Duneka for $1 [MTP].

Sam’s new guestbook:  

Name Address Date Remarks

Mrs. Lillian Duneka     Also her husband   Of Harper & Brothers  November 7-8