Vol 3 Section 0544
Sam asked for a letter from Chamberlain with “ammunition of either kind,” and testimony, either way, from Sir Robert Hart, Dr. Morrison, Mr. Bonsell, Mr. Conger “and other men of position and credit” who were familiar with the case [MTP].
Sam also wrote to nephew Samuel E. Moffett, on J.L. Cochran’s inquiry of Feb. 20 (below) as to whether Sam was originally from Kentucky: “Please tell him—oh, what you please. SLC” [MTP].
J.L. Cochran wrote from Columbia, Penn. to Sam asking if he was originally from Kentucky, as he’d seen a tombstone at Mayfield Kentucky with the name Jane Cochran Clemens, and in his youth had heard his grandfather speak of Mark Twain [MTP].
William Marshall Warren wrote compliments of Twain’s “Sitting in Darkness” article. A clipping enclosed has been lost [MTP].
Brander Matthews inscribed a copy of his new book, The Historical Novel and Other Essays (1901;
Scribner’s): “To Mark Twain in testimony of my regard for the man and of my respect for the literary artist /
witness my hand: Brander Matthews, Feb. 20th, 1901.” On the front free endpaper Matthews wrote, “By a recent decision of the Supreme Court the man to whom a book is dedicated is personally responsible for all the opinions in it. B.NM. Feb. 20th. 1901” [Sotheby’s June 19, 2003 Lot 222, Item 165512]. Note: see Sam’s thanks to Matthews in Feb. 21 entry.
February 21 Thursday – At 1410 W. 10th in N.Y.C., Sam wrote thanks to Brander Matthews “for that dedication… / The Supreme Court didn’t need to worry: I was going to assume all the responsibilities any way, just because of the confidence I have always had in you” [MTP]. Note: see Matthews’ dedication in his new book, Feb. 20 entry.
George F. Mockler and Walter B. Douglas signed a certificate for honorary membership for Samuel S.
[sic] Clemens in the Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis [MTP].
Edwin B. Smith for American Anti-Imperialist League, Chicago wrote compliments of Twain’s “Sitting in Darkness” article: “…it is the strongest indictment of imperialism with all its cant and humbug that has appeared” Could they reprint the article? [MTP].
The Executive Committee of the New England Anti-Imperialist League voted to order 2,000 copies of “To the Person Sitting in Darkness” pamphlet from the Anti-Imperialist League of New York [Zwick email Oct. 20, 2007].
February 22 Friday – Rev. Washington Gladden of the First Congregational Church, Columbus, Ohio to Sam; a friend of Rev. Ament’s, Gladden wrote “To any one who knows Mr. Ament these charges have
not for one moment been credible” [MTP].
Thomas Hunt wrote compliments of Twain’s “Sitting in Darkness” article: “O that there were more men in this world like you and Henry George and that you might always be with us!” [MTP].
Granville P. Wilson wrote from Boston to compliment Twain’s “Sitting in Darkness” article [MTP].
February 23 Saturday – Sam’s notebook: “(See Mar 2) University Club—dinner—7.30 o’clock. Stone’s at 9. Corey & Judge Howland” [NB 44 TS 6]. Note: Henry Elias Howland, (1835-1913), former Supreme Court Justice, president of the University Club, popular and witty speaker; William Ellis Corey. Stone’s is not identified. Sam initially misdated the dinner, which took place on Mar. 2
SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.