September 12 Tuesday – Sam wrote from Elmira, responding to an Aug. 26 letter from George MacDonald, Scottish minister, novelist and poet whom Sam met in 1873 in London. George recommended his literary agent, A.P. Watt. Sam answered that he didn’t need an agent as he was going to publish his own works. He promised to send a copy of LM when issued [Lindskoog 28].
September 11 Monday – Jane Clemens wrote on Patterson House, Keokuk stationery to Sam and Livy. “You see where we are. Our trunks came with us, other things are not here yet. This is a very large building a number of boarders in it.” She described the place and the people [MTP].
David L. Grasmere wrote from NYC to ask for a writing sample for his daughter in England’s fair [MTP].
September 10 Sunday – The New York Times ran an article on page 3: “Mark Twain’s Summer Home”.
September 9 Saturday – Sam wrote from Elmira to Charles Webster.
I want you to be General Agent for my New Book [LM] for the large district of which New York is the center. I can make it pay us both. Go to studying up the methods & mysteries of General Agency right away—no great deal of time left. We will see if we can’t improve on the Prince & Pauper’s luck there. All well & send love, to you both [MTBus 195-6].
September 8 Friday – Jane Clemens and Orion Clemens wrote to Sam. Jane wrote on a small paper: “I read your letter this morning. I lived in Fredonia a long time. I say keep both eyes open & watch as well as pray. Love to Livy yourself & the little children.” Orion wrote: “Nevertheless, I continue to think that Charlie settled everything satisfactory because you made him—just as Howard Brothers pay $1900 for Pamela’s stock because you and Charlie coerced them.
September 7 Thursday – Karl Gerhardt wrote to Sam and Livy with their July expenses detailed and a brief summary of his activities [MTP].
September 6 Wednesday – Sam also wrote to Charles Perkins, asking him to send payment certificates on the Independent Watch Co. stock to Charles Webster, who was in Fredonia [MTP].
Charles L. Brewer wrote from Southport, Ind. to ask for an autograph; SASE in file [MTP].
Independent Watch Co., Fredonia, per O.R. Burchard sent a notice of a stockholders for Monday Sept 18 at 8 a.m. to elect new directors [MTP].
September 5 Tuesday – Sam wrote from Elmira to Orion, commenting on the family upset and taking a sideways slap against Orion’s intelligence:
Dear Bro & the Rest— / I am glad to hear you got through so well. It was much better than I was expecting—especially in Ma’s case. Old as she is, I guess she has more “sand” than any of you.
September 4 Monday – Annie Webster wrote a small card to her uncle Sam, “so glad to feel that every thing is all right again” [MTP].
** James R. Osgood wrote—or someone in his Boston office did, since he was in England, about the trademark issue. (Belford, Clarke & Co to Osgood Sept. 2 enclosed; they agreed to cooperate) [MTP].
September 2 Saturday – Jane Clemens had moved to Keokuk to live with Orion and Mollie Clemens.
Sam wrote from Elmira to Charles Perkins asking him to make up a tax list of taxable items. Sam also wanted him to send his mother’s and Orion’s checks to Keokuk, Iowa, “henceforth, & increase Orion’s to $100 a month.”