Vol 3 Section 0824

“For the admiration I have for Riley’s work, and for the affection I have for Riley himself, I wish I had the letters, then I should gladly send them. But we have been homeless for twelve years, our books and things are still warehoused in London, and without doubt the letters are there” [MTP].

In N.Y.C. William Dean Howells wrote to Sam.

The worst of a big dinner is that you don’t get at people to say needed things. I spoke to Harvey about your plan for helping poor old Charley Stoddard out, and yesterday he told me he had thought something out, and would speak to us both about it, last night. Then you got away. But he said he would let me—or you— know his scheme.

I hadn’t a word with you, and I wanted to ask you a lot of things!

Well, I shall see you next week [MTHL 2: 751]. Note: George B. Harvey, head of Harpers; Charles W.

Stoddard (see Nov.16 from Howells).

David A. Munro of the North American Review wrote to Sam, enclosing a check for three Christian

Science articles; the number of words “according to Mr. Franklin’s count, is in the near neighborhood of 12,400.

But I have made the cheque for 12,500…kindly sign the receipt” [MTP].

Clark B. Wakefield wrote from Denison, Texas to William Dean Howells, who then forwarded it to Sam. Wakefield thanked for encouragement of the fiction he was to write: “I do not know if I have sufficiently recovered from the receipt of your letter and that of Mr. Clemens to write an intelligent letter of thanks” [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env. “From Clark Wakefield / Denison, Texas. / I think he will be heard from, yet.” See Gribben, p. 732, who calls the tale “an unprintably obscene” one that has “not survived.” Harper’s Magazine published two of Wakefield’s stories, however, “Fate and the Circus,” in Jan. 1905, p.325, and “The Widow Preble” in July, 1905, p.317.

November 20 Thursday – In Riverdale, N.Y. Sam replied to David A. Munro of the North American Review who wrote on Nov. 19: “Mr. Franklin’s count may be right but it falls short of my estimate by about 4000 words. Did he count 35 pages of reprint? That much of the reprint has never been published” [MTP].

In N.Y.C. William Dean Howells wrote to Sam, having rec’d a letter from Charles W. Stoddard.

“This has just come, and I am off to Boston for three days. If you will get the letter ready, I will sign it. I am not sure about other names; but I will be glad to stand with you alone” [MTHL 2: 751-2]. Note: Sam was

writing a letter petition to Frederick C. Harriott, in behalf of Stoddard.

Sam’s notebook: “Order cat from Davis Collamore (Murray)” [NB 45 TS 34]. Note: Davis Collamore & Co. was a high-end NYC importer of china and glass, rivals of Tiffany & Co. “cat” their catalog?

Susan Crane wrote to Sam.

Beloved Samuel the Holy,

By Clara’s letter received yesterday, it seems as if you, Jean, and Katy, might be able to come to the wedding next week.

If so, I want to engage you to come here as early as you can, and stay as long as you are able, which cannot be very long, I know [MTP]. Note: Sue had a “strange, lonely, lost feeling about” Livy, being ill and unable to come.

Clark B. Wakefield wrote to Sam, having just written Howells a letter of thanks, and now wishing to

thank him [MTP]. Note: see Nov. 19 entry.

SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.