Vol 3 Section 1097
September 12 Monday – Carlo Paladini, journalist, wrote from Italy to Sam, hoping he was remembered, and asking for an American flag for his cottage, as he was unable to get one there; in exchange he would send “the best Chianti wine of our beloved Tuscany.” He also asked if the autobiography Sam wrote in Florence would be published, and asked after Sam’s “nice, beloved, bright daughters,” recalling Clara’s “voice of nightgale” [MTP].
September 13 Tuesday
September 14 Wednesday – Sam met Mr. & Mrs. H.H. Rogers at the pier as they disembarked from the Oceanic from Liverpool. The New York Times, Sept. 15, p.6, reported Rogers’ homecoming:
H. H. ROGERS HOME AGAIN.
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Has Been Busy Having a Good Time—Mark Twain Meets Him.
H. H. Rogers of the Standard Oil Company, Mrs. Rogers, and Mrs. Simpson Rogers were passengers on the White Star Line steamship Oceanic, which arrived yesterday from Liverpool. Mark Twain was at the pier to meet them. Mr. Rogers said that he went abroad seven weeks ago because Mrs. Rogers was in ill-health and needed an outing. They spent their time in Europe at Vichy.
Mr. Rogers refused to discuss the political situation, saying that he had been so intent while abroad on having a good time that he had completely lost track of affairs. He said that he had not thought of business while away. He said that he met Commodore Plant, the owner of the racing schooner Ingomar, in Paris, and that the Commodore was greatly elated over the victories he had won abroad. He will return on one of the ships due here on Saturday.
Mr. Rogers said that he had no plans for racing his yacht Kanawha; that, as a matter of fact, there would be nothing for him to beat until the new turbine yachts come out.
John Hays Hammond wrote on Waldorf-Astoria letterhead to Sam, offering his perspective on his move to loan the Plasmon Co. $10,000 and then to attach all assets after the loan could not be repaid.
You are quite right in your note just handed me by Mr. Davis, that you did not agree to the terms, but you certainly did approve of them, and stated that you would submit the matter to your attorney.
If you can induce Mr. H.C. Davis to take the management of the company, and will, with the other shareholders, repay me the loan I have made to the company, less my pro rata, i.e, about 22% interest, I will gladly join you and the others in giving Mr. Davis the necessary authority, it being understood that I shall have the opportunity of participating in any new scheme of financing the enterprise pro rata on the basis of my interest [MTP].
September 15 Thursday – Sam, who was staying at the Hotel Wolcott in New York, accompanied by Ralph W. Ashcroft, went to see John Hays Hammond at his hotel, but discovered he was in Gloucester, Mass. Sam then sent the following telegram to Hammond:
NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 1904.
JOHN HAYS HAMMOND:
Broughton suggests Truslow should act as your attorney and proxy in Plasmon matter. We cannot accept Davis, or any one else as permanent manager, but will guarantee to protect your 22% interest on terms stipulated by you. Papers covering Truslow’s appointment mailed you special delivery to-night. Please return them to me at Hotel Walcott [sic Wolcott]. Please wire Wheeler instructing him to vacate Plasmon offices forthwith; withdraw his policemen, recognize new board and release bank account. Also wire Truslow to relinquish deed of trust and other documents on payment of your loan by us. Telegraph reply Hotel Walcott.
S.L. CLEMENS [Report of Cases Vol. 187 (1910): Ashcroft v. Hammond 493].
SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.