I have just finished reading the Foregone Conclusion to Mrs. Clemens, & we think you have even outdone yourself.1explanatory note I should think that this must be the daintiest, truest, most admirable workmanship that was ever put on a story. The creatures of God do not act out their natures more unerringly than yours do. If your genuine stories can die, I wonder by what right old Walter Scott’s artificialities shall continue to live.2explanatory note

But what I originally started to write about, was the fact that I saw Pope in Buffalo, who told David Ⓐemendation Gray & me that he had received his first act & that it was a most noble & altogether perfect piece of work. I was not surprised, but I was gratified to see that he was not a swine who trampled calmly over pearls, mistaking them for paebbles. I argue well from his appreciation.3explanatory note

I brought Mrs. Clemens back from her trip in a dreadfully broken down condition—so by the doctor’s orders we unpacked the trunks sorrowfully to lie idle here another month instead of going at once to Hartford & proceeding at once to furnish the new house which is now finished. We hate to have it gon longer desolate & tenantless, but cannot help it.

By & by, if the madam gets strong again, we are hoping to have the Grays there, & you & Aldrich there, & your & the Aldrich house-holds & Osgood down to engage in an orgy with them.4explanatory note