Description:

Samuel Clemens
Wheeling, WV, January 10, 1872
Samuel Clemens ALS Sending Money During Lecture Tour for "Roughing It"
ALS
An autograph letter signed by Samuel Clemens to the founders of the Boston Lyceum Bureau, Wheeling, West Virginia, dated January 10, 1872. Signed "Saml. L. Clemens" and addressed to James Redpath and George Fall. Clemens sends the two men a check for $180. Docketing on the verso. 1p, measuring 5" x 8". The letter has flattened mail folds and additional creasing. Minor bumping and tearing to the edges. Light soiling and staining at the edges as well. Large, bold signature.

In full:

"Gentlemen - Enclosed please find N.Y. draft in your favor for $180.00. P. Ack. [Please acknowledge]"

Samuel Clemens was in Wheeling for a lecture regarding his book "Roughing It", which was held by the Boston Lyceum Bureau. The Bureau was a part of the lyceum movement in the mid-19th century that provided adult educational programs, mainly in the Northeast and Midwest. James Redpath and George Fall were the founders of this bureau, and supplied promotional materials for Clemens' lectures. Including the Lyceum's 10% commission fee, this accounts for Clemens's need to send the pair a check. This is one of five letters that Clemens wrote to the two men that week regarding payments.

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: 5" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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