[on verso:]
Dr Sir:
The Routledges wrote me the other day that they had refused to pay this bill & I replied that they had done rightly.
These people said they would furnish the picture to me in 2½ years, or at the outside 3; & upon this understanding I gave them an order on Routledge for the money. I don’t know that there is any evidence but my mere memory & oath, as to that contract; but I will not pay any part of this bill or receive the picture unless you think their case is good in law. Shall I pay, or refuse?
Ys Truly
S. L. Clemens
[enclosure:]
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doré gallery, 35, new bond street, O.P. 306 london, Sept. 20. 1877 Samuel L. Clemens Esq. Hartford Connecticut, USA. to fairless and beeforth, printsellers and publishers. Artist’s Proofdoré’s “christ leaving the prætorium” 1515″ frame and glass for ditto box & fm 5″ net £16 ″″ mssrs. fairless and beeforth have the pleasure to announce the despatch of the engraving as above by and respectfully request the favour of a remittance for the amount. |
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