Samuel L. Clemens 1835-1910 "Mark Twain", American author of such classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Good content A.L. S. "S. L Clemens", 1p. 12mo., London, May 27, 1900 to William A. Wilcot. Almost broken by the deaths of his wife and daughter and severe financial setbacks, Clemens undertook a tour of Europe to raise his flagging spirits. In this letter, He declines to return home to give a speech. In part: "...I must have been too figurative, too poetical, & not quite definite enough. What I meant to convey was, that I couldn't come. I avoid making speeches when it can be avoided, particularly where a journey is involved, for I do not enjoy traveling Twichell [Rev. Joseph Twichell, Twain's preacher] will be able to talk for both of us & He is young and doesn't mind traveling...." With holograph envelope.