Letter from H. B. Vandiver to Samuel L. Clemens : an electronic text MS, Mark Twain Papers, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley (CU-MARK). H. B. Vandiver to Samuel L. Clemens April 14 1884 • Weaverville, N.C. (MS: CU-MARK, UCLC 42010)
Weaverville, N.C
Apl 14, 84. My Dear Mr. Twain,

Having seen accounts of the “job” Geo. W. Cable put up on you, I too ask you for your Autograph. I want a patent-double back-cut and cum agin concern. (I want it for a blind man). I am glad that you are dramatising “The Prince and The Pauper,” which I have had the pleasure and honor to read; I think I like it better than any book I ever have read. Would certainly like to see it “played” I am a boy—something of a “Galoot”, and about 18 years old. Yes Mr. Clemens I think you one of the best writers in the country.

Respectfully, N. Dodge.Nicodemus Dodge is the country bumpkin in a tale told in Chapter 23 of Mark Twain's A Tramp Abroad. Roughly based on Clemens's childhood friend Jim Wolf, Dodge comes to Hannibal to learn to be a printer but becomes the victim of a series of practical jokes perpetrated by the “city slickers.” In the end Dodge hoaxes the hoaxers by turning their final joke to his own pecuniary advantage. Vandiver had so signed himself in his first letter (of four) to Clemens (Vandiver to SLC, 18 February 1884, CU-MARK), in which he asked Clemens for a set of all his books.

I enclose my Autograph which I only give to my girl and gentlemen of your standing. My girls named "Daisy."

enclosure:

H. Vandiver,

N. Dodge.

Weaverville N. Car.

 S. L. Clemens. | “Mark Twain” | Hartford | Conn weaverville apr 14 1884 n.c. return to | weaverville, Buncombe Co., N. C., | If not delivered within 10 days. docketed by SLC, in pencil: Read this some | time or other rule