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].
October 18 Monday – Howells wrote from Belmont to Sam about George Gebbie’s attempt at a “Library of Humor,” about seeing Edward House at the Houghton lunch that day, and praised Sam for his speech introducing Grant in Hartford on Oct. 16 [MTHL 1: 330-1].
October 17 Sunday – Wm. P. Woolley, Hartford livery, billed $9.75 for: May 20 hack to circus; June 10 2 ¼ hrs; June 11 1& ½ hrs; Sept. 30 from cars, express from cars; Oct. 9 use of hack [MTP].
October 16 Saturday – Sam gave a speech welcoming General Grant at Hartford’s Bushnell Park. Fatout in Mark Twain Speaking [136]:
October 15 Friday – Sam telegraphed at 10 AM from Boston to Howells in Belmont, Mass.:
“I will bet you thirty (30) dollars to ten (10) cents that you wont get this telegram before supper which comes of living out in the woods and the money is up in House’s hands but we start at eleven fifteen 11.15 any way—” [MTLE 5: 175].
October 14 Thursday – Sam took a train to Boston and got a room at the Brunswick Hotel [MTLE 5: 173].
He telegraphed Joe Twichell: “I want you to dine with us saturday half past 5 and meet Col Fred Grant no ceremonies Wear the same shirt you always wear / S.L. Clemens” [174]. Note: See Oct. 16 entry; Telegram in Twichell’s journal.