To William Dean Howells
1 August 1880 • Elmira, N.Y.
(MS: MH-H, UCCL 01820)

Elmira, Aug. 1/80.

Say—Howells, dear, would it be too much trouble for you to drop in at L Estes & Lauriast’s, 301 Washington street, next time you are in town & look at a book there for me?—an Audubon; I think the price is $150. It can’t be in very good condition, I suppose, at that figure; but if it is, & is complete, & of Audubon’s own issue (however, I believe no one has ever issued an edition but Audubon,) won’t you please ask them to ship it to Hartford, & send bill to Elmira? If the figure wasn’t $150 in their catalogue, I know it wasn’t any more. And if it is off your route, will you have the thing done by somebody who does travel Washington street? It’ll be a great favor to me.

The new baby is thoroughly satisfactory, as far as it goes; but we did hope it was going to be twins. We were alarmed about Mrs. Clemens during 2 or 3 days, but she seems to be coming along all right, now.

Yrs Ever

Mark.