Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Clemens Letter Missing from Denver

The following was posted on Ex-Libris and I repost it in its entirety here:

GONE MISSING AT THE DENVER BOOK AND PAPER FAIR

The following letter was discovered to be missing opening night of the Denver Fair, Friday, August 1, 2008. Any information regarding its whereabouts will be much appreciated.

CLEMENS, SAMUEL. Two page A.L.S. in pencil to "Dear Captain" and signed "Saml. L. Clemens & wife." Buffalo: September 26, 1871.

8vo, 38 lines, approx. 160 words, on recto and verso of a single sheet, previous folds else very good.

An early letter by Clemens, unpublished and apparently unknown to Clemens scholarship (although listed in the Mark Twain Papers at Berkeley from our catalogue description), written to the Captain of a steamboat Mr. & Mrs. Clemens had just disembarked, regretting that they will not be able to attend "the gathering of the pilgrims."

In part: "We have packed up everything but ourselves, to move to Hartford, & shall pack ourselves aboard the train within the hour . If I am not there when you beat to quarters, you will know that circumstances. have got the advantage of me. In which case I shall at least be present in spirit & make a mute speech well packed with cordial good wishes for the long life & happiness of all that stand where they could hear if the silent syllables were voiced."

Any information, contact Rob Rulon-Miller.