ALS signed “Samuel,” one page on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, USMS New York letterhead, no date but written “At Sea, Friday, 13th, 7:30 pm” [April 13, 1894]. Clemens writes his wife in Paris. In part: “We expect to be in New York about 10 tomorrow morning, my darling. I am waiting to be called to read—& the sea is increasing all the time. I am afraid I shall be alone—as was the case going over…The sea was so rough that the music had to be given up. Think this sea is as rough as that one was. A new thing is the Pig Book. It is a big album full of blank leaves. You are required to shut your eyes & draw a pig & put your signature under it. [Clemens has done precisely that beneath his sentence]. You see I for forgot to put in his eye & so when I shut my eyes again I missed the pig altogether. Some of the pigs in this book are strange looking creatures, & don’t always resemble pigs. I love you dearly, & I do hope you are happy. If my love (not my conduct) could make you happy you would be so always.” Light uniform toning, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed by Clemens to “Mrs. S. L. Clemens” and postmarked April 14, 1894. In the 1880s, Clemens established and operated his own publishing firm, which, unfortunately, was forced to declare bankruptcy in April 1894. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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