10 July 1871 • (3rd of 3) • Elmira, N.Y. (MS: Bentley, UCCL 00636)
P. S.—
The title is: “Reminiscences of Some un-CommonplaceⒶemendation P Characters I have Chanced to Meet.”
Is it too long? I fear it is, but don’t know how to better it.
I have no MS sketch that is good. Shall I send you an old re-print one that is choice? If so, how long a one?1explanatory note
letter docketed: boston lyceum bureau, redpath & fall. jul 15 1871 and Twain Mark | Title of Lecture | July 10
Redpath was evidently planning a “Lyceum Circular” that would give the new title of Clemens’s lectureⒶemendation and print a short literary piece as well as, presumably, reviews from his previous lecture tour (in 1869–70). The Boston Lyceum Bureau regularly issued such circulars for its clients. None has been found for Mark Twain in 1871, but a mid-season circular, dated 1 January 1872, contained reviews of the season to date, and announced still further changes in his lecture title (see Boston Lyceum Bureau Advertising Circularclick to open link).
MS facsimile. The editors have not seen the MS, which is in the collection of Fred D. Bentley, who provided a photocopy in 1983.
L4 , 435–435; Swann Auction Galleries, lot 61.
Sold by Swann in 1942, the MS was eventually acquired by Bentley.
More information on provenance may be found in Description of Provenanceclick to open link.