For those who expressed interest in Mark Twains role in the Civil War and the controversy that arose 70 years later on the floors of Congress I offer this abbreviated synopsis of research that I did on the subject. "At the time the MT Memorial Stamp was issued (1935), the question arose in Congress whether Harford, CT or Hannibal, MO should sell the first covers. Representative Shannon of Kansas City, in a speech which he circulated over the state, asserted heatedly that Missouri wanted none of the of the honor; that if Sam Clemens had not been a 'slecker' he would have stayed in Missouri to fight for the Confederacy instead of running away to California." From "The Art Humor, and Humanity of Mark Twain", by Brashear and Rodney 1959. After reading that book and Twains well known pseudo-autobiographical story "The Private History of a Campaign that Failed" I was intrigued to check out the details. The private history story was originally written as an anti-heroic entry to the Century magazines "Battles and Leaders" series. It is a satirical Tom Sawyerish account of a group of untrained, undisciplined, local boys who banded together to repel the invading union forces. )In fact the original story is illustrated by E. W. Kemble.) When they accomplish killing an unidentified union soldier Twain's campaign was spoiled, "It seemed to me that I was not rightly equipped for this awful business...I resolved to retire from this avocation of sham soldiership while I could save some remnant of my self-respect." The story is is the only detailed account that Clemens ever offered of his war experience. Was Twain really a "slecker" as reported by Congressman Shannon or was this an "inconsequential interlude" in the long life of the author as described by Paine? Did he simply leave the army to go west with his brother Orion in search of gold as others have said? In fact half of the "Marion Rangers" apparently left at the same time that Clemens did. There are no known letters or notes written by him during his enlistment in the Southern cause. There are numerous letters and notebooks from his Mississippi piloting and his Western travels but these intervening three or four weeks are essentially barren. Sources that I found to give accounting to his activities are many minor references to this period in newspaper articles and biographical sketches. Some are inconsistent and only cause more confusion that they eliminate. I refer those interested to Paine's biography chapters XXIX to XXXI and a book by Absalom Grimes who served with Twain during the war. ("Absalom Grimes, Confederate Mail Runner") Unfortunately a careful reading of that book , written in Grimes' later years upon prompting from his daughter, leaves one with the impression of someone trying to capitalize on his association with the famous author. It has to be noted that Twain was in no way famous at the time of the war and for Grimes to have paid attention to Twains actions more than anyone else in the group is unlikely. Paine's account is also suspect. It appears to rely in large part on the campaign story and the account of Grimes. The evidence at least does support that Clemens' actions were not one of a coward who left while all the others stayed. The situation in a border state like Missouri was difficult. Even Clemens' family was split as to which side was in the right. Clemens left when it appeared that there was no hope of accomplishing anything with the militia. There are many others who acted the same way he did; some went on to re-enlist in more disciplined outfits while some who had the opportunity to leave and lead a more exciting life did so. This posting summarizes some Twain's civil war experience. I do have available quite a few other details on this but I hesitate to lengthen this all ready ponderous email. There is the whole other side to this story-what happened in Congress when the north and south squared off against each other again to refight the war with Twain as the central figure. I have correspondence from quite a few people from Hannibal who were involved in the Twain stamp's first day of issue festivities and from James A. Farley (long deceased) who was the Postmaster General at that time. If there is interest I would be willing to summarize that interesting story. Or I could post the references to the Congressional Record insertions regarding this. Hope this helped those who expressed interest to me. Long ago I thought of putting all this together and try to publish it but I never got around to it. But I believe Twain himself recommended...Do not put off till tomorrow what can be put off till day-after tomorrow just as well....Dave Neuburger