23 September 1852
In this letter, published in the Hannibal Journal, “W. Epaminondas Adrastus Blab” announced his final appearance in that newspaper. Glasscock's Island, in the Mississippi River across from the mouth of Bear Creek, became “Jackson's Island” in Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Mr. Editor:
I believe it is customary, nowadays, for a man, as soon as he gets his name up, to take a “furrin” tour, for the benefit of his health; or, if his health is good, he goes without any excuse at all. Now, I think my health was sufficiently injured by last week's efforts, to justify me in starting on my tour; and, ere your hebdomadal is published, I shall be on my way to another country—yes, Mr. Editor, I have retired from public life to the shades of Glasscock'sⒶemendation Ⓐtextual note Island!—and I shall gratify such of your readers as have never been so far from home, with an account of this great island, and my voyage thither.
W. Epaminondas Adrastus Blab, Esq.
The first printing appeared in the Hannibal Journal for 23 September 1852 (p. 2). The only known copy of this printing, in MoHist, is copy-text. Clemens may have typeset and proofread the sketch.