Cambridge, Sept. 8, 1876.
My dear Clemens:
Of course I was glad to get the little paper, and I’ll print it in December. I fancied I traced its origin to that story of the cave-collector, but I didn’t enjoy it the less on that account, nor think it the less yours. It came to me at Townsend Harbor, just as I was leaving for Cambridge, and when I got to Cambridge I was seized with dysentery. I had to keep at work on my Hayes book, all the time, and you can imagine that other things went out of my mind. I beg your pardon for the delay.
I finished the book yesterday, having written it in twenty-two days, and read for it as I wrote. It was a terrible pull. They expect to publish it on Monday, and of course I’ll send you a copy at once.
Do you intend to speak or write any politics? I hope you do, though I recognize the difficulties you speak of. I may as well own that it was I who set the National Committee at you.
I’m to be here till Tuesday. Remember me to Mrs. Clemens, who I know likes the Parlor Car though she didn’t say so. Think of my being accused of drawing illogical women! It’s too bad.— How I wish I could see you!
Yours evermore
W. D. Howells.
