October 28 Thursday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Howells, sending him the hieroglyphic notes of his Oct. 26 political speech. It was his plan to “get the advantage of a bad memory.” Though Sam kept the notes in his pocket, he claimed he didn’t have to refer to them [MTLE 5: 186].
October 27 Wednesday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Clara M. Wilson, a girl who had written asking for an autograph with sentiment. “Most of these swell proverbs which we have fed on, morally, all our lives, are brim full of humor…” Sam gave an example: “A lie carries with it its own antidote.”
October 26 Tuesday – Sam gave a political speech at a Republican Rally for James A. Garfield at the Hartford Opera House. The speech and exposition is in Fatout’s Mark Twain Speaking [138-144]. Sam used hieroglyphic notes, which he sent to Howells in a letter of Oct. 28.
October 25 Monday – Sam wrote instructions from Hartford to Charles Perkins. Orion was now to receive $75 a month, beginning with Nov. [MTLE 5: 184].
Paid to Madame Fogarty, New York $495 for various “costumes.” E.L. Bullock billed $11.50 for work on house [MTP]. Note: Bullock later cleaned chimney.
October 24 Sunday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Orion, enclosing $25. Sam wrote simply: “Bliss is dead. The aspect of the balance-sheet is enlightening.” He concluded that “Out of the suspicions” Orion had “bred…years ago” he profited an extra $20,000 on Tramp by making better deals. So, out of gratitude he increased Orion’s monthly stipend to $75, the amount he’d get in interest from the sum he’d saved.
October 23 Saturday – Sylvester Baxter came to visit Sam [MTLE 5: 183], who then wrote from Hartford to Frank Bliss, introducing Baxter, the young reporter from the Boston Herald; Baxter had interviewed him recently. Baxter wanted to know “all about the subscription book business” and Sam vowed that Bliss could “speak freely to him, for he will not print anything you do not want exposed” [180].
October 22 Friday – A receipt with this date shows Livy purchased five hats and a pair of stockings from Annie Bailey on W. 12th street in New York City [MTNJ 2: 358n6]. Note: It’s doubtful she would have gone to the city alone, so Sam and Livy probably made a quick trip there between Oct. 19 and this day, since Sam was home on Oct.
October 21 Thursday – Sam and Livy made a quick shopping trip to New York, probably spending one night there and leaving Oct.22.
October 20 Wednesday – A bill from Woolley’s Livery Stable for use of a hack on Oct. 19 and 20“from Opera [House]” suggests the Clemenses were still in Hartford late this day [MTP].
October 19 Tuesday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Howells, enclosing an article quoting Sam’s speech for General Grant. Evidently, Howells was unable to attend [MTLE 5: 176].