October 10, 1900 Wednesday

October 10 Wednesday – The Clemens family was at sea en route from London to New York on the SS Minnehaha. Sam’s notebook: “ Captain Robinson—very fine man. Knew him 18 years ago” [NB 43 TS 27]. Note: John Robinson (1856-1922) had a long caereer with the Atlantic Transport Line, and was the first Captain of the Minnehaha, he held that position until 1908, when, at 60, it was customary for Captains of the line to retire.

October 6, 1900 Saturday

October 6 SaturdaySam’s notebook: “Lady Trevelyan 19 Easton Place, SW. / Mrs. Halsey 18 Stanhope Gdns / Lady Stanley (inquire) / Mrs. Sumner, 20 Hans Mansions / Sir Wm Des Voeux / Sailed from Tilbury 3 pm in the Minehaha [sic], 14,000 tons” [NB 43 TS 26].

October 5, 1900 Friday

October 5 Friday – At Brown’s Hotel in London, England Sam inscribed a copy of The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg and Other Stories and Sketches to Archibald Clarke:To / Mr. Archibald Clarke / with compliments of / Mark Twain / Oct. 5/00” [MTP]. Note: Clarke was a contributor to John Y. MacAlister’s quarterly journal, The Library and so this connection may explains his contact with Sam. To wit: 1900 Vol. I p.

October 4, 1900 Thursday

October 4 Thursday – At Brown’s Hotel in London, England Sam wrote to James B. Pond about Samuel Moffett’s editing of Pond’s proposed book:

“I don’t doubt that between you & Sam Moffett you will get the matter arranged all right & satisfactorily.

You always mean right, you old criminal. I am bound to concede that, anyway” [MTP].

October 2, 1900 Tuesday

October 2 TuesdaySam’s notebook: “Plasmon 11.30 Cornhill” [NB 43 TS 26].

At Brown’s Hotel in London, England Sam inscribed a copy of The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg and Other Stories and Sketches to Elise de Bouchere:To Miss Elise de Bouchere with the kindest regards of the Author. Oct 2, 1900,” [MTP: Anderson Galleries catalog, Apr. 29, 1931, No. 3911, Item 106].

Brown's Hotel, London

Brown's Hotel is a 5-star hotel in Mayfair, London, established in 1832  and owned by Rocco Forte Hotels since July 2003. It is London's oldest luxury hotel, never having been renamed, rebuilt or relocated.  Famous visitors include US President Franklin Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi and Diana, Princess of Wales. 

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