classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. A.L.S. "SL Clemens" on Hotel Earlington letterhead, 1p. 8vo., New York, Oct. 31, 1900, to "Gentlemen" declining an invitation. In part: "...I thank you sincerely for the compliment of your invitation, but I find that I am obliged to decline it, which I do with great regret. I apologize for not answering sooner, but I have been much pressed & have neglected all duties...". Boldly written and fine.