Fantastic ALS signed “S. L. Clemens,” one page, 5.5 x 9, December 8, 1890. Handwritten letter to publisher Henry Oscar Houghton, in full: "I don't remember about this. Of course I am not denying or repudiating the subscription; I merely have no memorandum of it, & there may be some error. I can forget things; I once forgot to die, when four doctors said I was going to. If you find there is no error, please return the bill to me for payment." The top bears an ink stamp indicating that the letter was received by Houghton Mifflin in Boston on December 10th. In fine condition.
Interestingly, this letter does not appear to be published in collections of Clemens's correspondence or documented in his biographical works. It boasts an ideal example of Mark Twain's humor—"I can forget things; I once forgot to die"—and alludes to his opinion of physicians in general, which has been the subject of several works and papers. An exceptionally well-preserved letter with superior content, connecting Clemens to his publisher and featuring a funny line.
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