On his father-in-law's stationery
Autograph letter signed ("S. L. Clemens").
Elmira, New York, 8 Sept. 1879.
1 p. 8vo.
$3,882.00
To the stenographer Miss Mary H. Beale, the Clemenses' neighbour in Hartford, Connecticut, who had applied for a position with the famous author: "In answer to yours of the 5th, I have to reply that my correspondence is not voluminous enough to make a short-hand amanuensis necessary, & in my other work I am obliged to use the pen myself".
On lined stationery with printed letterhead of the McIntyre Coal Company, founded by Mark Twain's father-in-law Jervis Langdon.
Condition
Folded twice; traces of former mounting and tape repairs; folds professionally restored.