Description:

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 A.L.S. with holograph envelope addressed to "Mrs. S. L. Clemens Hartford Conn", 2pp. 8vo., "Palmer House", Chicago, Nov. 11 [1879], in pencil. In part: "..."Livy darling, George and I walked over 76 miles yesterday, round about the town, inspecting the outsides of beautiful and costly dwellings, the water-works machinery, the street decorations for the [Ulysses S.] Grant reception and so forth, had a good time. He went west last night and I went to three theatres with a lot of newspaper men; staid but a few minutes at two of them, but saw a whole act at the third. It was the first act of Pinafore, admirably done by children-- little children, like ours. The characters were most excellently taken--It was a marvel to see it. The singing was often delightful. I was home and in bed at 10 o'clock. Drank 11 gallons of Appalinaris water and 1 glass of lager during the evening; drank one Scotch whiskey in bed, read 2 hours and went to sleep without needing the other punch. I love you darling, Samuel." Minor toning along folds. Fine condition. Two days after writing this letter, Clemens took the podium before 500 Union veterans as the final speaker at a banquet program which served as the finale of a huge reunion of veterans. At 2:00 AM Clemens gave his famous "Babies" speech, philosophizing that at that very moment, an infant somewhere would grow up to be a great general, but was at that very moment: "...giving his whole strategic mind at this moment to trying to find some way to get his big toe into his mouth, an achievement which, meaning no disrespect, the illustrious guest of this evening turned his entire attention to some fifty-six years ago…". Grant, and the room, dissolved into peals of laughter.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arrange through the auction house. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

September 28, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000