Vol 3 Section 0967
Sam also wrote to an unidentified person: “The photos have not arrived. The directions were very explicit—they were not to be to Elmira later than the 30th of September. If they are lost I cannot hold myself responsible. / Truly Yours / Mark Twain” [MTP]..
Sam also wrote to Harper & Brothers.
“I wish to thank you particularly for the volume III of Poultney Bigelow’s German History. I have not seen the other volumes, but I find this one thoroughly interesting. Am not aware that there is another German History that can be charged with having that quality” [MTP].
Frank N. Doubleday for Doubleday, Page & Co. wrote to Sam.
Many thanks for your appreciative remarks about “Country Life in America.” The price is $3.00 a year, therefore you get $1.00 back.
Did your boy get a copy of Kipling’s poems and de Blowitz? I would be almost ashamed to … your Kipling’s letter in which he refers to you, since he puts it so strongly—probably it is better to write it: “I love to think of the great and God-like Clemens. He is the biggest man you have on your side of the water by a damn sight, and don’t you forget it. Cervantes was a relation of his.”
I had a call yesterday from Mr. Gillette. I am going to try to follow out his ideas. He is certainly a delightful chap and I am obliged to you for introducing him [MTP].
October 14 Wednesday – At the Grosvenor Hotel in N.Y.C. Sam wrote to Dr. Edwin Pond Parker.
When I read the words “You lie at leisure,” I was for a moment shocked & a little hurt, for you seemed to be charging me with lack of spirit, energy, industry in my calling, & I thought it a strange attitude for you to take, after knowing me so long & so well & I never having given you any reason for it; but another glance showed me that you were talking about something else & meaning no harm.
I have read it all & enjoyed it all, & I will go bail that Hawthorne’s account is less beautiful than yours—it must be so; both cannot be perfect. Mrs. Clemens is reading it now, & we both thank you for sending it.
I think you will like to know that Mrs. Clemens is getting along so promisingly that to-day the specialist granted her the privilege of crossing the sea without her trained nurse. This leaves her in the hands of a special stewardess & our old Katy. Three months ago we were not prophecying such things—nor a fortnight ago, either. (Unberūfen!)
With our most affectionate regards & remembrances, … [MTP].
Sam also wrote to William Winter.
My daughter’s letter herewith enclosed explains what she wants. Like that other slave of the ring, “I hear & obey.” It is the one function of a proper father which there are not any doubts about.
I know Miss Lawton, & admire her & esteem her & like her, & I know she has a good mind; my daughter knows her intimately.
When Clara come, an hour from now, I will give her a mere card for Miss Lawton to hand to you; & I will tell her I have already sent you word.
We sail for Italy Oct. 24.
Sincerely your friend
Mark
Clara would have said “Mr.” if she had suspected what use I would make of her letter. But in our house “William Winter” without the “Mr.” has always been custom & never disrespectful [MTP; eBay 15 July 2008, item 190214044441].
Livy also wrote to Harriet E. Whitmore (Mrs. Franklin G. Whitmore), thanking her for checking her laces in the safety deposit box in Hartford and for looking for the miniature of her taken at age 17; it was
SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.