January 27 Wednesday – Sam was in New York City.

Mary E. Boynton wrote before this date to ask Sam to appear before a “very enthusiastic Staten Island audience.” What were his terms? [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Jan 27 M.L.H.”

George Dickson wrote from Alton, Ill. enclosing a formal studio portrait of himself, having been called “Mark Twain” by his friends (in file; not much resemblance). Would Clemens send one of his pictures? [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Jan 27 M.L.H.”

January 26 Tuesday – Sam was in New York City.

January 25 Monday – Sam was in New York City.

Dr. Henry M. Chase and the Boston Dispensary Staff sent an invitation card for a dinner on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Hotel Brunswick, Boston [MTP].

Herbert F. Knowles, “a complete stranger” wrote from Hartford to Sam. Knowles was writing an article, “How I felt after my first smoke” and asked for “a few lines relating to your experience” [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Jan 27 M.L.H.”

January 24 Sunday – Sam was in New York City.

J.C. Hawkins for the Missouri Univ. Savitar wrote to ask Sam for “a small literary contribution.” He mentioned the 1906 Savitar which had been dedicated to Clemens, “the greatest Missourian” [MTP].

Anna Rosenkranz wrote from Bromberg, Prussia to ask permission to translate Eve’s Diary into German for their newspapers [MTP].

January 23 Saturday – Sam was in New York City with Isabel Lyon, who became ill and was forced to return to Stormfield, where she kept her bed for a couple of weeks [Feb. 5 to Blackmer]. Notes: Sam would return home on Jan. 30. Isabel would suffer a mental and physical breakdown, caused perhaps by her great volume of work, and a growing conflict with Clara Clemens. It may have been a standard hen-house issue of control and of access to Sam’s time and attention. She stayed in bed back at Stormfield and is mentioned in several of Clemens’ letters after he returned to Stormfield on Jan.

January 22 Friday – Sam was in New York City.

January 21 Thursday – Sam was in New York City.

Harry Windsor Dearborn for Henry W. Marsh sent an engraved card invitation to tea on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Henry W. Marsh, NYC [MTP].

Mrs. Emma Sheridan Fry wrote to notify Sam of her resignation from the Educational Theatre, enclosing a copy of her resignation to Minnie Herts, which stated her inability to work with Mr. Heniger, “your young Stage Director” [MTP]. Note: Fry wanted no editorial interference.

January 20 Wednesday – Sam went to New York City, accompanied by Isabel Lyon [Feb. 5 to Blackmer]. He would not return to Stormfield until the evening of Jan. 30.

In the evening Sam attended the annual dinner at Delmonico’s, given by the Directors and faculty of the New York Post Graduate Medical School and Hospital. The New York Times reported on the function:

TWAIN TALKS TO DOCTORS.

———

“Dr. Clemens” Describes Imaginary Medical School at His Country Home.

January 19 Tuesday – In Redding Clemens wrote to Frank Cavendish Lascelles, English actor and pageant director who had visited on Jan. 16-17:

Dear Mr. Lascelles: / Mr. Clemens asks me to say that he is very willing to have you burgle the enclosed, & with it sends his warm regards. / Sincerely Yours / Isabel Lyon Jan. 19/09

[first enclosure: postcard with photograph of Stormfield]

[Second enclosure in SLC’s hand:]

TO THE GUEST

January 18 Monday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Mai H. Coe and William R. Coe.

Dear Coes: