March 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2019
Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, autograph letter signed to his wife Jean regarding a possibly deadly accident or seizure averted by their daughter Jean, who suffered from epilepsy. Datelined Lyons (France) on Wednesday (circa September 1891), two page letter reads in full,
''Congratulations and gratitude my Darling! for Jean's preservation from such frightful peril. It still makes me shudder think[ing] of it. And to think you should have been alone at such a time - it was awful, it was hideous. Two things I can't understand - how you lifted the wardrobe by yourself, & how Jean escaped maiming or death. I want to go home & talk it over - but of course that must not be thought of; for my plan is a good one & fruitful, & I must stick to it if I can.
My telegram sounded stupid, of course; but you see, I was anxious to telegraph immediately: - so I grabbed the letters & rushed to the telegraph office & did not wait to open them until after the telegram was gone. But it is no matter, I merely wanted to send a telegram, to let you know I had arrived. / Write to Avignon, sweetheart, I don't know how to furnish my other address at present - you see this weather threatens to bring up my trip if it continues. / Your letters were unspeakably welcome, & there were two more than I thought you would write - thanks for them all. / I wrote Charley today from the boat on the Rhone, & put it ashore & mailed it at a village. / I shall write you every day, my darling. I'm so glad things look right in Berlin. Joseph will mail the Natural receipts as soon as my advance arrives with my baggage. Love and kisses to you all. Samuel.''
Two pages on a single sheet measures 5.5'' x 8.75''. Folds, and block of toning to first page of letter; overall very good condition.
Very Personal Samuel Clemens Autograph Letter Signed, to His Wife Regarding the Near-Death of Their Daughter Jean -- ''...It still makes me shudder...''
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