February – Sometime during the month Sam dined with William James, who wrote to his brother Henry James afterward: “Poor man, only good for monologue, in his old age, or for dialogue at best, but he’s a dear little genius all the same” [J. Kaplan 379].

The first edition of Christian Science, with Notes Containing Corrections to Date was published in February, 1907; two copies were deposited with the Copyright Office on Feb. 7 [Hirst, “A Note on the Text” Afterword materials p.13, Oxford ed. 1996].

January, late (before Feb. 1) – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam replied to  the Jan. 2 of Witter Bynner:

Of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these: It might have been.
Ah say not so! as life grows longer, leaner, thinner
We recognize, O God, it might have Bynner! [MTP].

January 31 Thursday – Life Magazine ran a cartoon   of Mark Twain sitting “on a barrel of cigars and smoking, with text praising him in general terms for his good humor and his attacks on folly and vice” [Tenney: “A Reference Guide Sixth Annual Supplement,” American Literary Realism, Spring 1982 p. 10]. Note: compare this to the Dec. 21, 1905 cartoon in Life, celebrating his 70 birthday.  

Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Chinatown and the beads. / The King’s watch is gone” [MTP TS 25].

January 30 Wednesday – Isabel Lyon’s journal: Tearing headache less than 3 weeks since last.

Yesterday the King gave permission to have his name used in the Eleanor Robson benefit for Bret Harte’s daughter, but today he has revoked it, for he sees through the whole thing as being mainly an advertisement for Eleanor Robson. He is so impulsive, & continually has to withdraw from propositions that he has gone into with enthusiasm [MTP TS 25].

January 29 Tuesday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam replied to Miss Eleanor Robson, who was raising money for the support of Bret Harte’s daughter, Mrs. Jessamy Steele, who, Miss Robson wrote this day was “in dire need and in the Portland Me. Almshouse.”

January 28 Monday – In his A.D. Sam referred to songs: “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” as he had in Ch. 11 of PW back in 1894 [Gribben 236]. He also referred to the Jan. 26 dinner, when Senator Clark of Montana “rose to the tune of … ‘God Save the King,’ frantically sawed and thumped by the fiddlers and the piano” during Union League Club speeches [263]. “The Star Spangled Banner” [370]. Note: Devoto selected this day’s dictation for inclusion in Mark Twain in Eruption (1940) p.70-77.  

January 27 Sunday – Isabel Lyon’s journal:

This morning I had no mail for the King so we had talk instead & he read me Mr. Dooley’s ideas about the Army Canteen which appears in today’s Times. He sat up in bed & rolled it out so deliciously, gurgling with delight. I wish Peter Dunne could have seen him. I wish Kipling would see him read those immortal Jungle Tales.

January 26 Saturday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam wrote to daughter Jean in Katonah, N.Y.  

It is good news, Jean dear, that you are having healthful outdoor times, & especially good news that Dr. Hunt perceives that your condition is improved. It is very good news. Miss Lyon is sure you will like the carriage. From the description of it I am of the same opinion. George & the carriage & the horse will doubtless soon be on their way to you.

January 25 Friday – Sam played billiards with Peter Dunne (“Mr. Dooley”) [Jan. 26 to Jean]. Lyon wrote:

Isabel Lyon’s journal: The King said “I am just thirsting for blood & Mr. Dooley is going to furnish it!”—Billiards!—Mr. Dooley is coming for luncheon. But the King is walking up & down the billiard room with quick light eager steps—ready for dictation, but readier for the blood of Mr. Dooley [Peter Dunne].

January 24 Thursday – At 21 Fifth Ave., N.Y. the back of a chair gave way with Sam in it. He fell backward striking his head, his feet in the air, his chin crushing his chest. He was not injured, though he wrote he couldn’t do that again without breaking his neck [Jan. 26 to Jean].