September 25 Friday – Sam was in NYC to see daughter Jean off for Berlin, where she would be treated by a German physician, Professor Hofrath von Reuvers, recommended by Dr. Frederick Peterson, Jean’s primary physician. William Dean Howells and Sam spent some time together [MTHL 837n1]. Note: Clemens likely spent the night in a hotel and saw Jean off early the next morning.
September 24 Thursday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to William Dean Howells.
Oh I reckon you will be able to stand such abuse as my autobiography will deal out to you. Particularly as you will be in heaven & not caring a dam in that distant future day appointed for the appearance of the Auto in print.
September 23 Wednesday – Sam’s original guestbook contained one entry for this date: Harriet W. Barbour, Farmington, Conn. [Mac Donnell TS 3].
Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Ill all day – nervous shock” [MTP: IVL TS 66].
J.H. Burchford for the Circumnavigators Club wrote from Burlington, NJ, a short note to advise a “prospectus” of the club was being sent, “and we should be very glad to receive your application” [MTP].
September 22? Tuesday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Helen Kerr Blackmer (Mrs. Henry Myron Blackmer) (mother of Margaret Gray Blackmer). “I accept with great pleasure. / S.L. Clemens” [MTP]. Note: because Sam wrote on Sept. 18 to Margery as if his call at the Woman’s Club had already been accepted, it may be that this note predates Sept. 22, which the MTP has placed it with question mark.
September 22 Tuesday – Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Benares goes” [MTP: IVL TS 66].
Charles Henry Meltzer, reporter for the New York American, visited Sam to question him about the pamphlet that Elinor Glyn had been circulating. The visit is referred to in Meltzer’s letter of the following day, Sept. 23.
In New York, Jean Clemens wrote to Isabel Lyon [MTP]
September 21 Monday – Isabel Lyon’s journal: “F. Opher [sic Frederick Burr Opper] & C.J. Taylor / Santa to N.Y.” [MTP: IVL TS 66]. See guests above for Sept. 20.
Helen Kerr Blackmer (Mrs. Henry Myron Blackmer) wrote to Sam.
September 20 Sunday – Sam’s new guestbook:
Name Address Date Remarks
F. Opper New York “ [September] 20 [Note: IVL: misspells Opper as “Opher”]
C.J. Taylor “ “ “ “
September 19 Saturday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Marjorie Breckenridge, in Brooklyn.
September 18 Friday – At 12:30 a.m. two burglars, Charles Hoffman and Henry Williams, broke into Sam’s home in Redding, Conn. They were surprised by Isabel Lyon as they were removing silverware. As they were fleeing Claude Benchotte the French butler fired shots at them, and a neighbor, Harry A. Lounsbury, followed them.
September 17 Thursday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Charles Gilman Norris (1881- 1945), author and playwright (see notes) in Toronto.