Letter from to Samuel L. Clemens : an electronic text MS, Mark Twain Papers, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley (CU-MARK). Brander Matthews to Samuel L. Clemens 31 March 1884 • New York, N.Y. (MS: CU-MARK, UCLC 41966) 121 East 18th St. New York March 31st 28th St. Dear Mr. Clemens:

I have put off from day to day, from a feeling of delicacy and a desire not to intrude on you, the making of a request, which will probably take you altogether by surprise. But I feel it would not be right to delay the matter any longer. It would not be just to me or to you. Under these circumstances I take the liberty of asking you if you will kindly send me at your own expense a priceless boon—your autograph.

Yours Truly, Brander Matthews S. L. Clemens Esq | Hartford | Conn. new york mar 31 3 pm d 84 docketed by SLC, in pencil: Brander Matthews | mention