I received (in the mail today) a notice about an auction featuring
postcards, sports memorabilia, political buttons, and autographs. I was
about to throw it in the trash when the words "Samuel Clemens letter"
popped out at me.

The auction notice states that there are "two rare Samuel Clemens
autographs, including a handwritten letter."

I needed a magnifying glass to read a very tiny photocopy of the letter
written on the letterhead of the Express Printing Company in Buffalo on
Sept 27. 1869.  (If I remember correctly, that would have been within days
of Twain's start at the Buffalo Express.) I have no idea to whom it was
sent.

Several words are crossed out and a few added to read as follows:

Gentlemen: ---
        I am going to lecture only a little over half the season, & my
present engagements render it impossible for me to go further west than
Pittsburgh. Otherwise I would be most happy to profit by your kind
invitation.
                        Very Truly Yours,
                        Samuel L. Clemens

The auction is to be held February 26 in Cedar Falls, Iowa in case anyone
is interested in purchasing Twain documents. The website at
www.jacksonsauction.com says it will post complete photos of all auction
items after February 1.

Carol

=====
C.J. Peiffer
artist, writer, teacher

Cowtree Collector
founder of
"the MOOsletter", the cow-lovers' quarterly
http://www.cow.net/moosletter

Art Correspondent
New Castle (PA) News