TWAIN, Mark (pseudonym of CLEMENS, Samuel Langhorne (1835-1910)). Autographed Letter Signed. Buffalo, Sep. 26 [1871]. Two 8vo pages on one 8vo sheet of lined paper. Addressed ?Dear Captain:" to steamboat captain Charles C. Duncan (1821-1898). Written in pencil and signed ?Yrs Truly Saml. L. Clemens + wife [Olivia L. Clemens, 1845-1904]." Approximately 8 x 5". Two central vertical creases, two horizontal creases, minor edgewear. Two ink notes at upper margin of the first page in unknown hands: ?Sam Clemens" in purple ink and ?Sam Clemens Sept 26/71" in black ink (it is possible that one of these is in Duncan's hand). Embossed stamp at upper corner of a neo-classical building. Fine.AN EARLY LETTER DURING THE CLEMENS FAMILY MOVE TO HARTFORD, CT, TO THE STEAMBOAT CAPTAIN FEATURED IN THE INNOCENTS ABROAD. ?Excuse the pencil. We have packed up every-thing but ourselves to move to Hartford + shall pack ourselves about the train within the hour. It is not possible for me to say whether I can attend the gathering of the pilgrims or not, but I do strongly hope I can be present. If I am not there when you beat to quarters, you will know that circumstances over which, +c +c, have got the advantage of me. In which case I shall [overleaf] at least be present in spirit + make a mute speech well packed with cordial good wishes for the long life + hap-piness of all that stand where they could hear if the silent syllables were voiced. Yrs Truly Saml. L. Clemens + wife." P. S. Considering the very short time now left me in which to prepare for the lecture field, I feel that the chances are much against my getting the oppor-tunity to assist at the proposed pleasant re-union." Duncan was captain of the steamboat ?Quaker City" which transported Clemens/Twain to the Holy Land, which Twain wrote about in his second book, The Innocents Abroad (1869). The irreverent nature of this book (which would become a characteristic style of Twain's) and Twain's satirizing of Duncan offended the captain, and they would have a somewhat contentious relationship for the rest of their lives. The ?pilgrims" mentioned in this letter were most likely Twain's fellow passengers during his trip to the Holy Land (the sub-title of The Innocents Abroad is ?The New Pilgrim's Progress"). A wonderful association. Measurements: 9"L x 5"W x 1"H.