Vol 3 Section 0166
the “18 inch balk line” which was a rule in billiards used in the last championship matches [MTHHR 311-4]. Note: The Harper’s Jan. 1898 review was by Laurence Hutton.
January 7 Friday – Katharine I. Harrison wrote to Sam, replying to his Dec. 18 and Dec. 21 letters (neither extant). She sent “the Calcutta letter” to John Brusnahan (foreman at the NY Herald) and would report back what he said. She also clarified the statement she’d sent: Bainbridge Colby (attorney and assignee for Sam’s debts) kept sending information and she had to update the statement three times; Mrs. Jesse Grant was paid “her 50%,” leaving $1,471.55 owed her; and the Thomas Russell debt had been settled. She had rec’d the English version of FE (More Tramps Abroad ,) and “enjoyed it immensely.” The new office (on the 11th floor) was in disorder with painters—“quite an improvement on the 4th floor.” She ended by asking if he would tell Mrs. Clemens that she didn’t want any pay for “the little” she had done, and was “only too glad to be able to do it for you both” [MTHHR 314-5].
A batch of letters of thanks from paid creditors of the C.L. Webster & Co. were forwarded by Katharine I. Harrison to Sam [MTHHR 323 and n1]. See also Feb. 25 from Harrison.
January 8 Saturday
January 9 Sunday – At the Hotel Metropole in Vienna, Livy wrote for Sam to Walter Bliss, replying to Bliss’ Dec. 24 (not extant). Sam verified a quotation on p.619. Receipt of six books was acknowledged; the Clemenses were “very glad the sale of the book has been satisfactory” [MTP].
William Dean Howells wrote to Sam after receiving one of Sam’s 50 printed “In Memoriam” poems with a large picture of Susy Clemens.
Two days ago came the beautiful picture of your Susie with her heavenly face and her eyes of angel innocence. They affect me as the eyes of Winny sometimes did: with the error and the wrong that every man’s life seems to include, I am afraid to look in them, and think of what I am. …
All last summer I was meaning to write to you, but I stupidly hoped that some chance would bring us together, and we might talk out all that was in us, as we used to do in those glorious days when I went to Hartford or you came to Cambridge. But it did not happen, and now the ocean is between us again. …
Of course, I am tugging away at the old root. I have just finished one novel, and am starting another. I suppose neither will convulse the world….
We have all rejoiced in Clara’s triumph; her gift I knew, and I am glad it has been recognized by the highest authority in her art.
I hear that your latest work is succeeding splendidly, and I have lately heard people talking proudly and gladly of your rehabilitation in the business line. …[MTHL 2: 667-9].
Notes: Howells and wife had spent July through October in Carlsbad, Germany and in traveling in Germany and Holland while the Clemenses were in Switzerland. Howells’ latest novel was Ragged Lady, to be serialized in Harper’s Bazar beginning on July 2; the one he was starting was Their Silver Wedding Journey (1899). Howells had been lecturing under James Pond’s management. The congratulations for Clara referred to her being accepted as a pupil by Theodor Leschetizky. FE had quickly sold 30,000 copies [n1-9]. Sam replied on Jan 22.
January 10 Monday – At the Hotel Metropole in Vienna, Austria Livy wrote for Sam to Chatto & Windus, acknowledging receipt of a six months statement and check for £1095.9.10; they were “greatly pleased with the excellent showing of the statement and the consquent size of the check” [MTP]. Note: in the six-month period from July 1, 1897 to Jan. 1, 1898, Chatto printed 18,000 copies of FE [Welland 238]. On the bottom of the letter it is noted an answer was sent from Chatto on Jan. 13, 1898 (not extant).
SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.