Vol 3 Section 0945

Frank Bliss wrote two letters, one to Livy and one to Sam. In each case Sam responded with a line or two on the bottom of Bliss’ letter. The letter to Livy included a draft for $2,424.55 less $10.30 charged for books requested, and a statement of the past six months on old books and uniform sets. “…the sales of which…would easily have been five times or more greater…except for the obstacles and the interruptions to business…through no fault of our own.” Sam answered on or just after this day “What obstacles?—particularly to the single volumes? They have undergone a notable slump.”

Bliss’ second to Sam:

Our mutual friend, Mr. Doubleday of New York, is preparing a publication, I think to be called “Masterpieces of Literature”. He would like to have you represented in the list and is desirous of using the “Jumping Frog” story and also an extract from the “Gilded Age”, page 179 to 187. Had we better let him use those articles? We are under some obligation to him for his prompt permission to use the “Niagara” story in our 23d. volume and inasmuch as I suppose the copyright on “Jumping Frog” is long ago expired, it might seem the graceful thing to grant the privilege. I thought best, however, to have your views about the matter.

Sam answered on or just after this day “I agree with you. Give him the privilege. Statement & check received”

[MTP].

Chatto & Windus’ Jan. 1, 1904 statement to Clemens shows another 3,000 copies of the 3s.6d. TA printed, for a total to date of 15,000 [1904 Financials file MTP].

July 30 Thursday – At Quarry Farm in Elmira, N.Y. Sam wrote to George W. Reeves, real estate agent for Hoyt & Co., N.Y.

I return the interview. It is the usual thing—made up out of whole cloth by the bastard son of a prostitute who wrote it.

I enclose receipt for $200—Mr. Gardiner’s third rent-payment.

Also, a note to Mr. Nichols which you can use if you like. It ought to have something libelous added, but I am going away in October, & could not be here to defend the suit. I doubt if he likes me. I said some irreverent things about those Tarrytown estate-milkers that serve in the tax-corral, & I thought he seemed hurt. I thought perhaps he belonged—was one of the official bunco-steerers himself, maybe [MTP]. Note: Charles A. Gardiner had leased the Tarrytown house and would purchase it. It seems strange that Reeves would have shared an interview with Clemens, especially one he found objectionable; the date and nature of it is unknown.

Samuel E. Moffett wrote to Sam.

My Dear Uncle, / I’m asking another little favor. I am anxious for Mary to get out a little more and meet people—she has been so shut up with sickness in the family. She is also interested in art, as you know. John De Witt Warner has put us both up for membership in the National Arts Club, which admits both ladies and gentlemen, but it is necessary to have a second for Mary. Richard Watson Gilder is a member. I think he has met Mary, but I would rather not ask him myself to second her. If you would drop him a line making the request it would be all right, and I should be a thousand times

obliged [MTP]. Note: Sam enclosed Moffett’s letter to Richard Watson Gilder on Aug. 1.

Sam’s notebook: “Am. Pub. Co’s 1/2 yearly check, $ 2414.25. Mailed it to Guaranty Trust & notified Miss Lyon. / Hillcrest 3d month paid (rent) $200.00. Endorsed it to Sue” [NB 46 TS 22].

July 30 on or after – At Quarry Farm in Elmira, N.Y. Sam responded to a July 29 royalties letter sent to Livy by Frank Bliss [MTP]. Note: This is dated July 29 or after by the MTP, but it’s doubtful mail from Hartford to Elmira was delivered the same day, so here it is judged to be July 30 or after.

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