I do not have a copy of the book "Anybody's Gold," by Joseph H. Jackson, but I believe there is a chapter in that book about a murder in Nevada City a few months before Twain's story, in which a father kills his kids, similar to Twain's massacre. Anyone have a copy of the book handy? Bob Stewart In a message dated 10/31/2011 7:22:43 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Reading Alf Doten's journals I found what might have beenpart inspiration f= or Twain's "Bloody Massacre" hoax of 1863! http://bit.ly/txdKk3 Caroline Lawrence http://www.westernmysteries.comWestern Mysteries Facebook page =