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[Mark Twain]. Samuel Clemens Autograph Letter Signed with a Jean Clemens Autograph Letter Signed....
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Description
[Mark Twain]. Samuel Clemens Autograph Letter Signed with a Jean Clemens Autograph Letter Signed. One page with integral blank, 5" x 6.5", Redding, Connecticut, July 19, 1909. Addressed to artist Eric Pape (1870-1938), the author writes declining an invitation, in full: "By command of physicians who desire to milk me, I am not to stir outside the limits of this farm for the next half-year to come. Otherwise I would be there on the 4th of August & do my share in welcoming the President. Jean sends cordial greetings to you & Mrs. Pape." With the original transmittal envelope addressed in Clemens hand.Two weeks later, Clemens' youngest daughter, Jean, wrote a five and a half page letter to Mrs. Pape, dated August 3, 1909, apologizing for not writing sooner regarding the invitation to the August 4 celebration saying she has been "excessively busy these days, as Father's secretary and farming on my own account." She continues, "I do wish that most attractive pageant had taken place last summer. I should have love to see it. . . . I remember my visits at your charming home and the trips on your boat with such pleasure, that I should be very happy if you could pay us a visit here." With the original transmittal envelope. Jean Clemens was epileptic, manifesting at time in violent outburst. Her father, unable to care for her, sent her to an epilepsy colony in 1906, but she returned home in April 1909. Less than five months after writing this letter, on Christmas Eve, Jean was found dead in the bathtub from a heart attack caused by a seizure. She was 29.
On August 4, 1909, the city of Gloucester held a celebration for President William Howard Taft, which the president attended. Pape served as the master of the pageant.
Condition: Both letters are lightly toned.
Auction Info
2015 November 4 - 5 Manuscripts Grand Format Auction - New York #6149 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2015
4th-5th
Wednesday-Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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