ALS signed “S. L. Clemens,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7 mourning stationery, February 11, 1905. Clemens writes Boston attorney Charles Burrage. In full: “You wrote to me a very kind letter eleven years ago (to Hartford.) It arrived here safe & sound last night. I have not been in Hartford for 14 years, but almost all the time in Europe. Your letter was inside a parcel of beautiful pictures; if it had been outside it would have been forwarded to Paris; but by my order all parcels were stopped in Hartford, & stored there. Yours was mislaid, along with a present of tea from India—I do not know how it happened—but both reached me last night. I thank you very much for the beautiful pictures, & greatly regret my (enforced) tardiness in saying so.” In very good condition, with central horizontal mailing fold, partial separation at mid-fold, some scattered soiling, and uniform toning. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed by Clemens. Clemens spent 14 years on a worldwide reading tour to recoup the wealth he had lost following poor investments. Upon his return, he was the most famous celebrity in United States, but still plagued by personal tragedy. His use of mourning stationery is such a reflection, as Clemens’ wife died in 1904. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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