January 1880 • Hartford, Conn. (Photo-engraving of MS correspondence card: CU-MARK,
UCCL 01062)
Mark Twain seems to have begun using this printed card in 1880 to decline lecture invitations. Three unsent cards, of which this is one, are in the Mark Twain Papers (CU-MARK). The card reads:
Hartford, Wednesday.
Dear Sir:
In reply I am obliged to say that I have quitted the platform permanently. With thanks for the compliment of your invitation I am
Truly Yours
Mark Twain
Photo-engraving of MS correspondence card, CU-MARK.
MicroML, reel 4.