Vol 3 Section 0923
The nursery carpet and the pink room carpet are to be given to Mary McAlear [sic McAleer].
The pile of garments Katie laid aside can be given to Mary Mc Alear.
Have sent to Mrs. S. L. Crane Elmira. N.Y. (freight paid) the 2nd and 3rd hall carpets and the stair carpets on the 2nd and 3rd flights of stairs. Send also to Mrs. Crane Patrick’s livery, the coats and the fur cape.
Mrs. Clemens would like to know if Mrs. Hooker wished the bust of her brother H.W. Beecher—and if it was sent to her.
If there is any thing to be sold from the kitchen, or any carpets, that Mrs. O. Neil would like, she can have them [MTP]. Note: Ellen O’Neil, with husband, had been the longtime gardener for the Clemenses.
May 21 Thursday – In Riverdale, N.Y. Isabel V. Lyon wrote for Livy a follow up letter to Franklin G. Whitmore about personal property at the Hartford house. Livy was concerned about “some embroideries and handkerchiefs left in the Hartford house” which might be ruined from long storage and wanted to know if laces kept in the Hartford bank needed to be examined. Livy also wanted Ellen O’Neil to have some furniture [MTP].
Frederick W. Coburn wrote from Boston to Sam. “I am forwarding you the enclosed letter [not extant] as an example of the kind of impudence the Christian Science agency deals in. I hope you will continue to swat the damnable delusion” [MTP].
May 22 Friday
May 23 Saturday – In Riverdale, N.Y. Isabel V. Lyon wrote for Sam to Franklin G. Whitmore.
Mr. Clemens wishes me to write for him answering the various points of your letter.
The stained glass can be put in an art store as you suggest.
The mirror can be sold at auction.
The mahogony [sic] bureau and bedstead can be sold at auction.
The sale of the safe at $15 is all right.
Mrs. Clemens does not think it will be necessary for the laces at the Bank to be examined.
Mr. Clemens telegraphed that Mrs. Clemens would like to have Mrs.Whitmore retain the brazier for the present.
Mr. Clemens send herewith his check for $75220 to cover the taxes. And wishes me to say that when all the business is done—and you make a full report of the expenses, he would like to have you include your commission in it. for he would like to pay the entire amount at one time [MTP].
Sam’s notebook: “APH / Martyrdom covers a multitude of sins” [NB 46 TS 16].
J.C. Dana from Newark, N.J. sent a form letter to Sam asking his help “by sending me brief notes descriptive of our favorite method of Escaping from Indians and of Escaping Capture by them when in danger thereof?” [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env. “What a Proposition!”
W.F. Greenberg wrote from Boston, sympathizing with Sam’s illness and praising his “service to
mankind” [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env. “An appreciation from a working man”
May 24 Sunday – The New York Tribune, p. 16 reported on the Clemens family illnesses:
ILLNESS AT TWAIN HOME.
——
Members of Family Have Been Sick—All
Except One Now Well.
SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.