ALS signed “S. L. Clemens,” one page, 3.5 x 5, Riverdale on the Hudson letterhead, January 29, 1902. Clemens responds to an earlier letter from attorney Augustus T. Gurlitz in New York. Twain writes: “I shall be here for months. But don’t put the matter before until a day before the trial—I should forget every detail, otherwise.” Also included is a related letter to Gurlitz, dated January 22, 1902, from the poet, critic, and essayist E. C. Stedman, who was also a friend of Clemens. In part: “At this season I am ‘four deep’ each day with public & private duties. But of course I wish to make every effort to do my duty, also, with regard to the Clemens vs. Butler case. If you will inform me carefully the day before it will be reached on the calendar, I shall do my best to take the stand….” The legal case to which both men allude was related to pirated editions of Clemens’s work by the firm Butler Brothers. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Clemens’s hand. An excellent example in very fine condition. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
