Vol 3 Section 0919

The Committee of the ENDS of the EARTH of which you are the first and most illustrious Honorary MEMBER, have rolled on to me the honor of announcing to you that you have furthermore been elected with most cordial enthusiasm to be Honorary Chairman of he Grand and Glorious COUNCIL—you may meet as infrequently as you please and the responsibilities are akin to those which oppresse CECIL RHODES when he became a Privy Councilor [MTP]. Note: the letter was mailed this day. At the end Bigelow wrote with pen, “Shall bike up after lunch.”

May 12 Tuesday – Sam’s notebook: “If God invented the fly, that is enough. It gives us the measure of His character. If a man had invented the fly, we should curse his name forever. And he would deserve it” [NB 46 TS 16].

Henry C. Griffin, attorney, wrote again about details and how to mail tax payments for the Tarrytown house [MTP].

E.L. Johnston wrote from Boston to Sam, interested in his Christian Science articles in the North American Review. Johnston confirmed that Mary Baker Eddy’s picture was indeed in the “Mother’s Room” of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. He made a trip there on May 3 to confirm the fact since in the article it was denied that it was there. “A picture of Mrs Eddy, as that is generally understood is Not there, but a picture of her in a stained glass window, is there. And, if Mr. Phipps is to be believed it was copied from a photograph” [MTP]. Note: this all had to do with accusations of worshipping Mrs. Eddy.

May 13 Wednesday – In Riverdale, N.Y. Sam wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore asking what delayed sending the mantel-piece design; if it couldn’t be sent the day of this letter’s receipt, to telegraph [MTP]. Note: see May 11 to Whitmore.

Sam’s notebook: “APH / It is bad enough for a Christian to lose his temper, it is worse for a razor to do it” [NB 46 TS 16].

Alma Martin wrote from NY to Sam. “Thinking that perhaps you had not seen the enclosed article I send it to you.” She was looking forward to the Christian Science book [MTP]. Note: clipping from Apr. 25, 1903 Christian Science Sentinel, “Significant Questions” from Mary Baker Eddy dated Apr 20.

May 14 Thursday – In Riverdale, N.Y. Sam wrote to Charles S. Fairchild, now in London.

Day before yesterday I quitted my bed after 5 weeks in it. I am ever so much obliged to you for yours of Apl. 22 [not extant]. I at once cabled the Plasmon Co acknowledging receipt of dividend.

I am very glad you got acquainted with Hillier. He is fine.

I don’t suppose you will get this letter, still I’m going to send it, any way [MTP].

Sam also inscribed two of his “Fulton Day” Orator photographs to unidentified persons: “Truly Yours /

Mark Twain New York, May 14/03. / Born Nov.30, 1835” [New York at the Jamestown Exposition, prepared by Cuyler

Reynolds, historian, p. 411].

Sam also wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore.

“Mr. Reeves asked me if the Hartford house was sold & I said yes. Then we talked about other matters. If he asks you for his commission, refer him to me & I will pay him whatever is necessary” [MTP]. Note: Sam had listed the house with George Reeves of Hoyt & Co.; based on his agreement, a commission might be due Hoyt regardless of who orchestrated the sale.

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