To John J. Murphy
1 June 1869 • Elmira, N.Y.
(MS: MoSW, UCCL 00310)

Friend John—

I got your letter some little time ago, but I am so addicted to putting off till next week what should be done today, that up to this time it is unanswered.1 I have read proof ever since I saw you—read, & read, & read—interminably. I am sick & tired of it—& still there are several chapters to read yet. I never n knew anything to drag as this thing does.

Blame it, I want to go to California, & I [ don’t want to ] go—the latter is the more vociferous & well defined of the two inclinations.

Well, I’m going to dinner, now, if they don’t quit ringing for me. I will go [ any how ]. Good bye, my boy. The paper comes regularly, & I am much obliged to you for it.

Faithfully your friend

Samℓ. L. Clemens.

Explanatory Notes | Textual Commentary

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1 The letter from Murphy, New York business agent of the San Francisco Alta California, does not survive. In July, he wrote again, promising to assist Clemens with arrangements for his planned California trip (see 9 July to Redpath, n. 1).

Description of Texts and Provenance

Source text(s):

MS, William K. Bixby Papers, Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. (MoSW).

Previous publication: L3, 254–255.

Provenance:donated to MoSW, possibly in 1931, upon the death of William K. Bixby.

Emendations and textual notes:

don’t want to • don’t wanto to [false start]

any how • [possibly ‘any how’]