December 13 Friday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam wrote to Champ Clark (James Beauchamp Clark):
I thank you ever so much for your kind offer, but I want to get an extension on it until some later day—indefinitely later—so that I may finish a dialogue which I began last September, & which I may not take up again for a good while.
December 12 Thursday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam wrote to the Plasmon Co..of America to tender his resignation as Vice-President and Director of the Plasmon Co. of America [MTP].
Clemens’ A.D. for this day included: Andrew Carnegie continued — he gives two additional millions to Carnegie Institute—Everybody likes attentions—Prince of Wales once showed Mr. Clemens a match-box and told him it was presented to him by King of Spain [MTP: Autdict. 4].
December 11-24 Tuesday – Sometime during this period at 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y., Sam wrote to Ignace J. Paderewski (Ignacy Jan Paderewski; 1860-1941), Polish pianist and composer, later Prime Minister of Poland.
December 11 Wednesday – Isabel Lyon wrote to John A. Kirlicks: “Mr Clemens asks me to write for him & thank you very much for your pleasant letter & the poem & the little pamphlet. He wishes me also to say that such messages as yours are always welcome” [Gribben 384]. Note: Gribben cites from a letter of 7 June 1977 from Kevin B. Mac Donnell, who he says “speculates” that the publication referred to was I’ve Got the Blues Tonight & Other Troubles (1896) by Kirlicks. See other entries on Kirlicks.
December 10 Tuesday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam wrote to Dorothy Quick about his amazement at touring the Jewish Technical School for girls.
I am very sorry you didn’t see Peter Pan, you dear child, but you will see it yet. Meantime we can hunt up something else when you come.
Saturday after next? Can’t you come then—& stay over till Monday? We hope you can; & that is why I am writing now, at sleep-time, instead of waiting till tomorrow, when I am going to be busy & could be prevented.
December 9 Monday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam wrote to Helena G. Paderewski. “I am glad to have the honor, by grace of Madam Paderewski of standing once more in the presence of my old friend Leschetizky / Very truly …” [MTP: Heritage Book Shop, Nov. 29, 1960].
In the evening Sam spoke at a dedication of the new clubhouse for 400 members of the Engineers Club (Society of Engineers). Fatout writes of the event:
December 8 Sunday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam wrote a postcard (picturing himself in bed and labeled “Mark Twain’s Muse”) to Annie E. Trumbull. “I thank you dear Miss Annie, & wish you a happy holiday season” [MTP].
December 7 Saturday – Eustace D. Conway, son of Moncure Conway, who had died in Paris on Nov. 15, sent Sam an invitation to the funeral service on Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m.[MTP]. Note: Lyon wrote on the letter, “I’ll go to it”
Charles J. Langdon wrote from Elmira, N.Y. to Sam, enclosing a draft for $25 for a coupon of Atlanta Gas Light Co. He had rec’d no acknowledgement of his Nov. 6 draft for $137.50 [MTP].
December 6 Friday – Thomas Commerford Martin for the Engineer’s Club wrote to Miss Lyon that he was sending his son and carriage for Clemens on Monday (Dec. 9) for the Carnegie’s 70th banquet, and according to sam’s wishes Martin would introduced him third on the program [MTP].
Joe Twichell wrote to Sam.
Dear Mark; / I am just setting out with Charley Clark for Buffalo, where we are to be on duty at a Yale Alumni Dinner tomorrow night.
December 5 Thursday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam wrote to Billie Burke, actress.
It was lovely of you, dear Billie, to say those approving & affectionate things to me out of the good heart & the sweet spirit which are special graces of your nature & they are very welcome.
It is healing & refreshment to the sui-sodden crime-worn soul to see you & John Drew in that bewitching play,—I am coming again to gloat & admire.