Vol 3 Section 0429
Note: Sam replied on June 29. Cyril Francis Maude (1862-1951), English actor. At this time he was co-manager of the Haymarket Theatre in London. William Sydney Penley (1851-1912), English actor, singer, comedian, who starred in the farce Charley’s Aunt in 1891, which became an unprecedented hit, running for 1,466 performances in London, a record that stood for decades. At this time Penley was rebuilding the Novelty Theatre, renaming it the Great Queen Street Theatre.
June 28-October 6 – Sometime during this period in London, Sam wrote to John Y. MacAlister, with the Dollis Hill, Kilburn N.W. address. He didn’t know anything about the “Dow machine,” and warned not to “touch it without very full information. (I’ve been there.)” Sam agreed to dine with MacAlister on Friday (date uncertain) [MTP].
June 29 Friday – At 30 Wellington Court in London, Sam replied to John Y. MacAlister’s June 28: “I quite agree with your above suggestions, & say yes, & many thanks to you” [MTP].
Fatout lists a speech for Mark Twain at the Lord Mayor’s Luncheon, London [MT Speaking 667]. Sam’s
notebook lists the event but lines it out: “LORD MAYOR’S lunch—1.30—? / Savoy—dinner. Dillingham, C.B.?”
[NB 43 TS 19]. Note: did he cancel the event or simply line it out as completed?
The London Daily Mail, p.3 announced a “forthcoming lecture on Joan of Arc” by Mark Twain. This may have been a repeat of the talk Sam gave at the Basil Wilberforce home on May 30. No other particulars were found.
June 30 Saturday – Sam’s notebook: “Edgerton-Castle, 2. Sloane Gardens (49) / To-day or / In A. Goerz & Co:
60 Roodepoort Cent. Dp” [NB 43 TS 19]. Note: Egerton. The Roodepoort address was S. Africa.
Rogers office sent Sam a statement showing $44,445.70 to his credit [1900 Financial file MTP].
July – In London, England Sam inscribed a copy of Stories from Old Fashioned Children’s books, etc. to Percy Spalding: “To / Mr. Spalding / with the kindest regards of / Mark Twain / July 1900” [MTP]. Note: in another hand the book bears this inscription: “To Mark Twain / from And: W. Tuer / with admiration & apologies./ p. XVI Intro: / Nov. 1899” [MTP]. Note: it appears this book was originally inscribed to Sam by Andrew W. Tuer, the author.
July 1 Sunday – At 30 Wellington Court in London, Sam wrote a postcard to John Y. MacAlister that he could not go to the Savage Club on the 8th. He would try to come by the next day but he might fail to do so as they were about to move and he had to “do a private reading in the afternoon” [MTP].
Sam also wrote to nephew Samuel E. Moffett that they had taken the Dollis Hill house until they sailed in October. Their plans revolved around doctors. Sam thanked his nephew for his help in the matter of locating a suitable osteopath in New York (Dr. George J. Helmer).
“We concluded to remain here, in order that we might see & talk with Dr. Helmer when he comes in August, & let him diagnose Jean’s case & deliver an opinion. If he has doubts, we shall stay here until Kellgren cures her. We have written Helmer” [MTP].
Sam also replied to James B. Pond, asking him to keep the Dollis Hill address private.
“I didn’t see Mrs. Insly, because I don’t see any interviewer when I can escape. I’ll forgive you this time, but don’t send any more to me” [MTP]. Note: Mrs. Insly, likely a reporter or columnist, is unidentified.
SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.