January 20 Wednesday – Sam went to New York City, accompanied by Isabel Lyon [Feb. 5 to Blackmer]. He would not return to Stormfield until the evening of Jan. 30.
In the evening Sam attended the annual dinner at Delmonico’s, given by the Directors and faculty of the New York Post Graduate Medical School and Hospital. The New York Times reported on the function:
TWAIN TALKS TO DOCTORS.
———
“Dr. Clemens” Describes Imaginary Medical School at His Country Home.
January 21 Thursday – Sam was in New York City.
Harry Windsor Dearborn for Henry W. Marsh sent an engraved card invitation to tea on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Henry W. Marsh, NYC [MTP].
Mrs. Emma Sheridan Fry wrote to notify Sam of her resignation from the Educational Theatre, enclosing a copy of her resignation to Minnie Herts, which stated her inability to work with Mr. Heniger, “your young Stage Director” [MTP]. Note: Fry wanted no editorial interference.
January 22 Friday – Sam was in New York City.
January 23 Saturday – Sam was in New York City with Isabel Lyon, who became ill and was forced to return to Stormfield, where she kept her bed for a couple of weeks [Feb. 5 to Blackmer]. Notes: Sam would return home on Jan. 30. Isabel would suffer a mental and physical breakdown, caused perhaps by her great volume of work, and a growing conflict with Clara Clemens. It may have been a standard hen-house issue of control and of access to Sam’s time and attention. She stayed in bed back at Stormfield and is mentioned in several of Clemens’ letters after he returned to Stormfield on Jan.
January 24 Sunday – Sam was in New York City.
J.C. Hawkins for the Missouri Univ. Savitar wrote to ask Sam for “a small literary contribution.” He mentioned the 1906 Savitar which had been dedicated to Clemens, “the greatest Missourian” [MTP].
Anna Rosenkranz wrote from Bromberg, Prussia to ask permission to translate Eve’s Diary into German for their newspapers [MTP].
January 25 Monday – Sam was in New York City.
Dr. Henry M. Chase and the Boston Dispensary Staff sent an invitation card for a dinner on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Hotel Brunswick, Boston [MTP].
Herbert F. Knowles, “a complete stranger” wrote from Hartford to Sam. Knowles was writing an article, “How I felt after my first smoke” and asked for “a few lines relating to your experience” [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Jan 27 M.L.H.”
January 26 Tuesday – Sam was in New York City.
January 27 Wednesday – Sam was in New York City.
Mary E. Boynton wrote before this date to ask Sam to appear before a “very enthusiastic Staten Island audience.” What were his terms? [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Jan 27 M.L.H.”
George Dickson wrote from Alton, Ill. enclosing a formal studio portrait of himself, having been called “Mark Twain” by his friends (in file; not much resemblance). Would Clemens send one of his pictures? [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Jan 27 M.L.H.”
January 28 Thursday – Sam was in New York City.; In Redding, Conn., Mary L. Howden (“Miss Mollie”) wrote for Sam to Mrs. L.T. Guilford.
1) Dear Madam X and to say that as many ladies have written papers on him for their [lunch societies for many years past it is not necessary for him to grant permission. He wishes me to say that he would [ be glad to answer your letter with his own hand but that the mail is so voluminous that it is ] ] impossible for him to attend to any of it personally [MTP]. SEE below:
January 29 Friday – Sam was in New York City and enjoyed a birthday dinner party for H.H. Rogers, “a pretty large one, for it is a big family when they all get together” [Jan. 31 to Sturgis]. Note: this would be HHR’s last birthday.
In Redding, Conn., Mary L. Howden (“Miss Mollie”) wrote for Sam to an unidentified woman. Jan 29.
January 30 Saturday – In the evening Sam returned to Redding, Conn. from N.Y.C. after a ten day visit [Jan. 31 to Sturgis].
Sam’s brief article, “The New Planet” ran in Harper’s Weekly. Hill calls it “uninspired” [218].
Sara Lippman wrote from Phila. to ask if she might send one of his books for his autograph [MTP].
Charles P.G. Scott for the Simplified Spelling Board sent a printed “Call For Third Annual Meeting, April 6 and 7, 1909” [MTP].
January 31 Sunday – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Dorothy Sturgis.
My dear Annieanlouise—
I have been in New York ten days, visiting friends, & got back home with some guests yesterday evening by the light of the fresh snow, no lanterns being needed & none displayed either at the front door or in the loggia. So the days are really lengthening, & I am so glad!
February – In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to Laura H. Frazer, childhood sweetheart. Dear Laura,
Who of this list, have passed away? You will not be able to tell me in all cases, but tell me those you know about.
February 1 Monday - Mrs, Mary Stewart Gatter wrote from Newburgh, NY to ask Sam for a signed Photo to sell to the benefit of St. Luke's Hospital (MTP)
Winifred Holt for the NY Assoc. for the Blind wrote to thank Sam for the use of his name at their Bal de Tete [MTP]
New York Assoc. for the Blind wrote to Sam [MTP]
Robert Chapin Pepper for Gamma Delta Psi Alumni Assoc., Springfield, Mass. wrote to. Sam “wondering if there would be any possibilty of your being induced to address an audience in Springfield” [MTP].