written on the enclosed letter:

Who is this man, Howells? Tell me, & return me his cheeky damned letter.

Boston, 12 March ’85.

Dear Sir:

I am collecting and purpose publishing during the present year a volume of after-dinner speeches— No attempt has before been made— I believe to preserve, and present—selections in collection form—this charming style of oratory.

My purpose in troubling you is to ask your permission to include such of your own as you may suggest.—should my idea meet with your favorable consideration—and to request that you will kindly mention suggestions, that I may take immediate measures to procure copy.—

I may add, that it is intended to make this collection most select and complete, and to include the speeches of those happily gifted in this vein—both in this country and in Europe— Any suggestions at your hands will be gratefully acknowledged by

Sir—

Your most obedient servant,

D. W. Howland.

S. L. Clemens Esq.

Hartford, Connt.