September, first week – The telegraph came to Hannibal. Dempsey calls the event Hannibal’s “technological coming of age.” Before the telegraph, news came from boats from St. Louis or across the river in Quincy, Illinois. The intersection of Main and Hill Streets became known as “Telegraph Corner” [Dempsey 125]. At the Courier, Sam was well regarded, and was put in charge of gathering telegraph information on the Mexican War and other news that came over the wire [Benson 6-7].
Sometime this year, Sam found a page in the street about Joan of Arc, which began his fascination with the figure. Younger brother Henry told Sam about the young maid’s life and fiery end (Wecter cites Isabel Van Kleek Lyon (1868-1958), Mark Twain’s secretary in his later years, as claiming Sam consulted his mother about Joan of Arc). Nevertheless, the chance find of a loose page sparked a desire to read and learn everything he could about medieval history [Wecter 211]. Note: It’s possible this find ultimately sparked Prince and the Pauper as well as Connecticut Yankee.
November 16 Monday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Zoheth S. Freeman, who had just been chosen as vice president of Liberty National Bank, N.Y.C.
Dear Freeman:
I thank you ever so much for accepting that trust. There is no one in the world I would prefer to you for that friendly office.
November 15 Sunday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Champ Clark (James Beauchamp Clark) (1850-1921), prominent democrat politician, speaker of the House of Representatives (1911-1919), at this time a Congressman from Missouri.
When you come East won’t you run up here (an hour & a half from New York), & stay a day or two with me & talk copyright extension?
I’ve got a new scheme. This time there ought to be no objectors, for my plan advantages
Private.
Dear Mr. Clark:
November 14 Saturday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote a poem and a note to Margaret Blackmer.
BE GOOD, BE GOOD. A Poem.
November 13 Friday – Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Benar came back to us, but still I am ill. My forces are very much scattered” [MTP: IVL TS 79].
American Geographical Soc., NYC Per Chandler Robbins sent Sam a printed list of officers with dues of ten dollars [MTP]. Note: IVL: “Many thanks but he is resigning from clubs & societies rather than joining them. And has retired to the country to reside”; and “Ans. Nov. 25 MLH”
November 12 Thursday – Sam’s A.D. for this date focused again on the two burglars at Stormfield [Hill 209]. Note: Sam also dictated on the burglary on Oct. 6 and Dec. 8.
Isabel Lyon’s journal: “In bed all day, worn out. Paine came and dined with the King” [MTP: IVL TS 79].
Frank N. Doubleday wrote to Lyon (though catalogued to Clemens) [MTP].
November 11 Wednesday – Isabel Lyon’s journal: “More trial—a weary day in court. Benar stayed to go with me, and be with me. Paine came for billiards with the King. At dinner I went to pieces” [MTP: IVL TS 79].
The New York Times, p. 4, reported on the sentencing of Mark Twain’s burglars:
TWAIN BURGLARS SENTENCED.
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Men Who Broke Into Samuel L. Clemens’s Home Get Prison Terms.
November 10 Tuesday – Sam attended the Danbury, Conn. trial of the two burglars, Charles Hoffman and Henry Williams. The New York Times, Nov. 11, 1908, p. 5 reported on the trial:
TWAIN’S BURGLARS ON TRIAL.
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Author on Witness Stand Identifies Silverware They Stole from Him.
November 9 Monday – Arthur J. Burdick for Gateway Gazette wrote from Beaumont, Calif., having heard the rumor that Clemens contemplated living in California. He promoted the city and wrote he was sending “a paper telling something of Beaumont” [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Nov. 17 MLH”
Frederick A. Duneka wrote from NYC to Sam. “It was very beautiful—our visit—just the happiest kind of times….even the cats seem to be dressed up for the occasion and to join in the welcome…. I am looking into the Mark Twain Spring Water scheme” [MTP].