ALS signed “S. L. Clemens,” one page, 5.5 x 8.25, March 2, 1889. Letter to Edward House. In full: “I am just home from Boston, & find your letter. There is no time to lose. If I have heedlessly, ignorantly, forgetfully, gone & made a contract-which I had no right to make, it is a serious thing & I must move in the matter, without loss of time. Send me the evidence at once; & send me copy of any & all writings, notes, letters, that throw light upon the thing.” A small edge separation along on horizontal fold, a couple of paperclip impressions and pencil marks to top edge, and a few creases, otherwise fine condition.
Literary intrigue seeps from this handwritten letter—and provides evidence that Clemens may have been rather untruthful under oath. House, this letter’s recipient, was a journalist and playwright who maintained that, in 1886, Clemens commissioned him to write a play based on The Prince and the Pauper. When a stage version of the work, written by Abby Sage Richardson, was produced and appeared on Broadway, House filed an injunction against the production. In an affidavit, Clemens denied any formal agreement, and said he had only consulted with House. This letter, preceding the court case, provides evidence to the contrary as Clemens admits to “heedlessly, ignorantly, forgetfully” entering into an agreement with another playwright and asking to see “any & all writings, notes, letters, that throw light upon the thing.” Presumable the court desired to see the same evidence—eventually ruling for House. A witty retort from Clemens pertaining to a contractual breach. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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