Lot 181
Clemens, Samuel, Autograph Letter Signed ("Sam. L. Clemens"), on ruled, printed United States Senate Chamber (crossed out) stationery, with the address "76 Indiana Avenue" in his hand, 1 page, 8 x 5 inches, dated at Washington, Feb. 22, 1868. To Col. William C. Church who, with his brother, Francis, founded The Galaxy in 1866. This was one of the magazines to which Twain submitted articles early in his career. Twain starts his letter with a sarcastic salutation, "Friend Church," then castigates the publisher for not returning an unused article: "Confound it, when a man sends you an article & you don't want it, why in the mischief don't you return it at once & give him a chance to use it elsewhere? W's ballad has emasculated that squib now. This isn't right, you know. Yours truly, Sam L Clemens." Minor soiling and a few rust-colored spots. Boldly penned and signed.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500
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| Realized $2,280 |
