Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47251

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47251

[Mark Twain]. Samuel Clemens Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 5 5/8 x 8 3/4 inches; [New York City]; May 15, 1901. Clemens writes to his real estate agent, George V. W. Duryee: "I enclose lease signed & first payment ($150.) I am a little tardy, but I have been busy with unnecessary things. Mrs. Clemens says, 'When you send the inventory, will you kindly send the size of the dining table, as she wishes to know what size cloth to take up.' Yes, we shall be glad to give the place a name - in fact we have already been casually at work on the matter, but without a satisfactory result thus far." Signed, "S. L. Clemens."

In May of 1901, Clemens signed a contract with Duryee for a cottage on Saranac Lake that he would later nickname, "The Lair." This rustic retreat became an important refuge for the Clemens family during a period marked by frequent moves and personal difficulties.

Condition: The letter is mounted to a board, and top and left edges are reinforced. Toned, with flattened folds. Tear along fold at upper right margin, and two at lower margin through Duryee's name; not affecting legibility. Due to the tears, the letter has lifted in said areas from the board. Some surface loss at upper and lower margins on the verso on the board from prior mounting.

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