DS, signed “S. L. Clemens” and “Olivia R. Clemens” [his wife], one page, 8.5 x 7, November 26, 1886. A document appointing William D. Kelly proxy at a stockholders’ meeting of the Clearfield Bituminous Coal Corporation. Twain’s investment “prowess” would ultimately prove to be disastrous, as it was in the same year that he formed a partnership with James Paige, inventor of a typesetting machine. With Twain as the principal backer, the failure of the machine ruined him financially, led to the demise of his publishing company, and necessitated a series of lecture tours in order to meet his expenses. Horizontal fold, and file hole to blank margin, otherwise fine, clean condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
