July 9, 1890 Wednesday

July 9 Wednesday – In Onteora Park, Tannersville, N.Y., Sam wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore about a supposed gift by Connor of a new font for the Paige typesetter. Sam was concerned the gift aspect might have been forgotten and a bill would be presented [MTP]. Note: Connor is not further identified.

Hartford Post Office per John C. Kinney notified Sam that his June 23 to Mrs. Joseph T. Goodman, Hoffman House, N.Y. had been sent to the dead letter office [MTP]. The Goodmans may not have arrived in New York by this time; Joe would write from N.Y. to Sam on July 18.

July 8, 1890 Tuesday

July 8 Tuesday – Franklin G. Whitmore wrote to Sam that he’d arranged for James G. Batterson, president of Travelers Insurance Co. and also head of New England Granite Works, to see the Paige typesetter [MTNJ 3: 561n250]. Note: Sam felt if Batterson or some other wealthy investor put in a substantial sum, that Senator John P. Jones would then be more likely to invest. See Sept. 24 entry.

July 6, 1890 Sunday

July 6 Sunday – In Onteora Park, Tannersville, N.Y., Sam wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore, stressing he wanted Edward M. (Ned) Bunce to see the Paige typesetter.

And be sure you either take Batterson to see it, or have Bunce do it. / I am waiting for news from Goodman [MTP]. Note: James G. Batterson, president of Travelers Insurance; Joe Goodman was in Washington, D.C..

Thomas Fitch in Reno, Nevada sent Sam a clipping (newspaper unspecified) of his July 4th Oratory; no letter was enclosed or is extant [MTP].

July 5, 1890 Saturday

July 5 Saturday – In Onteora Park, near Tannersville, New York, Sam wrote a poem and a sketch of two men passing each other, one with a halo and the other holding a fan, titled, “The Last Meeting, & Final Parting” in honor of Laurence Hutton, who was also visiting Onteora Club at the time.

When I meet you I shall know you, 
By your halo I shall know you — 
Thus shall know you, blameless man; 
And you’ll know me also, Larry, 
When we meet but may not tarry — 
Yes, alas, alas, you’ll know me by my fan [MTP].

July 4, 1890 Friday

July 4 Friday – At Onteora, Sam performed the function of starter for “burlesque races.” In the evening by the fireside he charmed the company with his old story, “Golden Arm” [Powers, MT A Life 532]. Robert Underwood Johnson in his 1923 memoir, Remembered Yesterdays:

Mark was the centre of attraction for the Onteora colony and for none more than the children, between whom and him there was an ideal relation of mutual devotion [325].

July 3, 1890 Thursday

July 3 Thursday – Louise A. Howland wrote with mourning border stationery to thank Sam for his kindness in sending “such sympathizing words” on the death of her husband Robert M. Howland. Sam wrote “No answer required” on the envelope [MTP].

J. Langdon & Co. per C.L. Stillman wrote Sam that a draft for $3,000 had been sent to the US Bank, Hartford, “same to apply on note of Mrs. Clemens” [MTP].

P.D. Ryan, Hartford Merchant Tailor, receipted $6 for Feb 19, May 31, June 10 — all for repair clothing [MTP].

July 2, 1890 Wednesday

July 2 Wednesday – Frederick J. Hall wrote to Sam in Hartford, presuming “you will not want to be bothered with business matters while in the Catskills.” Hall had received Sam’s two letters (one identified by Hall’s reference as Sam’s June 30) and would do as he suggested on “the Stedman matter” (Stedman objected to the firm’s use of the word “Library” in selling their “Great War Library” books — see June 30 from SLC to Hall). As for money Sam needed, Hall could send $500 “any time you want it” and hoped “to follow it very soon by another and larger remittance”.

July 1, 1890 Tuesday

July 1 Tuesday – Frank E. Bliss of American Publishing Co. wrote to Sam enclosing a check for $263.29 to settle all royalties from sales of his books to this date. [MTP].

John M. Knight for Manning Collegiate Institute wrote to thank Sam for gift copies of CY and HF for their library [MTP].

James B. Pond wrote to Sam: “Your kind letter is received. Many thanks. I know you will live until Nov. 18th & go to Boston with our crowd. I have sent your letter to Stanley. I know he will appreciate it” [MTP].

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