Lot 376

S.L. Clemens Fantastic Lengthy Letter, Excellent Provenance, Ex-Christie's

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S.L. Clemens Fantastic Lengthy Letter, Excellent Provenance, Ex-Christie's

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000

Starting Bid: $1,000

(0 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Mark Twain
[New York, NY], "Sunday p.m."
S.L. Clemens Fantastic Lengthy Letter, Excellent Provenance, Ex-Christie's
ALS

Samuel L. Clemens (1835-1910). Autograph letter signed, "S.L. Clemens," 2pp, on bifold stationery measuring 10" x 8" unfolded, New York, no date, but circa 1895 and datelined "Sunday p.m." Inner two pages blank. Expected transmittal folds and creases. A tiny hole at fold intersection on second page, not affecting text. Mounting traces at gutter. Small tear at top of second page with early tape repair. Minor toning and soiling. In near fine condition. Ex-Christie's, where it sold for over $3,000 in 1990.

Provenance: Ernest Hertzberg & Sons, Monastery Hill Bindery, with accompanying transcript.

While "Susy" was the family nickname of Twain's eldest daughter, Olivia Susan Clemens (1872-1896), the recipient of our letter is undoubtedly Susan Crane (1836-1922), Twain's sister-in-law, who hosted the Clemens family for over twenty years at Quarry Farm in Elmira, New York. He pens this letter while staying at the home of his friend, Dr. Clarence Rice (1855-1935), who was for many years the house physician to the Metropolitan and Hammerstein Opera Houses.

In full:

"Dr. Rice's, 81 Irving Place
Sunday p.m.

Dear Mrs. Susy,

I am booked for George Warner's hospitalities, in case I get to Hartford, but I am ever so much obliged to you for the offer of yours.

Dr. & Mrs. Rice came a couple of days ago and moved me out of the hotel, and I have prospered ever since; insomuch, indeed, that I mean to forsake my bed and take to the rail once more, whether it is prudent or not - for to my mind nothing is more imprudent than lying abed two weeks in hotels, and I must not run any risk of keeping it up here in a hospitable private house. I leave tomorrow evening - or at latest Tuesday morning - for Elmira, and if I get straightened out all right I am coming to Hartford before I sail the 13th.

With warmest regards to all of you.
Sincerely Yours,
S.L. Clemens."

Reading through our letter, it is evident that Clemens is suffering from severely compromised health, "lying abed two weeks in hotels." Indeed, he was under intense physical and mental strain stemming from bankruptcy, worry, and the grueling start of his worldwide lecture tour in 1895. Despite his ailments, Clemens performed throughout his two-year tour to enthusiastic, sold-out audiences. The tour was ultimately a successful endeavor that enabled him to pay off his debts in full.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 10" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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