Yours as ever
S. L. Clemens,
(per H. S. A.)
In this letter he seems to have forgotten that his trouble had been pronounced an affection of the heart long before he left America, though at first it had been thought that it might be gastritis. The same mail brought a letter from Mr. Allen explaining fully the seriousness of his condition. I sailed immediately for Bermuda, arriving there on the 4th of April. He was not suffering at the moment, though the pains came now with alarming frequency and violence. He was cheerful and brave. He did not complain. He gave no suggestion of a man whose days were nearly ended.
A part of the Stormfield estate had been a farm, which he had given to Jean Clemens, where she had busied herself raising some live stock and poultry. After her death he had wished the place to be sold and the returns devoted to some memorial purpose. The sale had been made during the winter and the price received had been paid in cash. I found him full of interest in all affairs, and anxious to discuss the memorial plan. A day or two later he dictated the following letter-the last he would ever send.
It seemed fitting that this final
word from one who had so long
given happiness to the whole world should record
a special gift to
his neighbors.
To Charles T. Lark, in New York:
Hamilton,
Bermuda.
April
6, 1910.
Dear Mr. Lark,—I have told
Paine that I want the money derived from the sale
of the farm, which I had given, but not conveyed, to
my daughter Jean, to be used to erect a building for
the Mark Twain Library of Redding, the building to
be called the Jean L. Clemens Memorial Building.
I wish to place the money $6,000.00 in the hands of three trustees, —Paine and two others: H. A. Lounsbury and William E. Hazen, all of Redding, these trustees to form a building Committee to decide on the size and plan of the building needed and to arrange for and supervise the work in such a manner that the fund shall amply provide for the building complete, with necessary furnishings, leaving, if possible, a balance remaining, sufficient for such repairs and additional furnishings as may be required for two years from the time of completion.
Will you please draw a document covering these requirements
and have it
ready by the time I reach New York (April 14th).
Very
sincerely,
S.
L. Clemens.