November 9 Tuesday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Edward House, who had confided what General Grant had thought about some matter. Sam was gratified that he was not offended and didn’t care “sixpence for other people’s opinions.” House accompanied Grant and Sam from Boston to Hartford on Oct. 16 for a Republican rally. Sam wrote that he was expecting a visit from the Houses [MTLE 5: 194].
November 7 Sunday – Sam spent the day visiting with William Dean Howells and family [MTLE 5: 194].
November 6 Saturday – Wm. Wander, pianos in Hartford, billed $200.00 for “Fischer piano style e” paid. Note in MTP 1880 financial file: “Schoolroom piano Christmas present to children.”
The November bill from Western Union shows a telegram sent by Sam to Boston, probably to Howells before leaving Hartford (see Nov. entry).
November 5 Friday – The November bill from Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co. shows a telegram sent to Boston (party unknown, see Dec. 1 entry for others).
November 4 Thursday – The text of Sam’s Nov. 2 speech in Hartford was published in the Chicago Tribune [MTNJ 2: 377n63].
Orion Clemens wrote to his brother.
I received your newspaper extract, and your bitter comment on the margin. They will make a good chapter in the autobiography. That great work will be complete about the first of June.
November 3 Wednesday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Herbert E. Hill (1845-1895) of the Middlesex Club in Boston. Sam told of the Hartford celebration of the night before at the “Opera House till midnight” and his “Funeral oration over the deceased Democratic Party.” Hill had sent an invitation to Sam to speak at the club. Sam declined but then wrote he would “think the matter over” [MTLE 5: 193].
November 2 Tuesday – Sam gave a speech for Hartford Republicans at the Hartford Opera House. It was a celebration of the victory of James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur (1839-1886) in the 1880 presidential election. Sam’s speech was title “Funeral Oration Over the Grave of the Democratic Party.” Some in attendance were taken back by Sam’s doleful presentation [Fatout, MT Speaking 146-7].
November 1 Monday – Park & Tilford billed Sam for “2 doz Glen Whisky” total $28. Note: this made 5 dozen year to date. J.P. Newton, Hartford “meat, poultry, game, fish & vegetables” billed $9.16 for Oct. 5, 6, 8, 15, 16, 20, 22, 27, 29, 30: lobster, salmon, halibut, misc., paid Nov. 6; Fox & Co. $72.92 bill for pass book billed to date (monthly), paid Nov. 6 [MTP].
November – An envelope without contents survives that Sam addressed from Hartford to Cornelia Ward Smith (1831-1897), care of the U.S. consul, Mannheim, Germany. Cornelia was the wife of Edward Meigs Smith (1827-1884), U.S. consul, appointed by President Grant in 1876.
October 31 Sunday – Howells wrote from Boston to Sam.
I have read your Hartford speech twice; and your memoranda, even, can’t put it out of my mind….I await with curiosity your result with the Scotchman [George Gebbie]. If he does not behave honorably, the question for us to consider will be how we can honorably steal his idea. But if we try to be good, we shall be helped [MTHL 1: 337].