To Francis E. Bliss
16 June 1878 • Heidelberg, Germany
(MS facsimile: John Howell–Books, June 1974, UCCL 01571)

The Schloss Hotel
Heidelberg,
Germany, June 16.

Friend Frank:

I have been delayed so long that I only got to work three weeks ago. Shall remain here at work till middle of July or two or three weeks later, & shall then have about half a book finished—say 250 or 300 octavo pages. Shall then begin steady writing once more a month or two after that. By the look of things in America I judge you would not have any market for a book this summer or fall. However, I shall finish & send the MS to you as soon as our touring around will permit, & let you issue it in the winter or hold it till Spring, as shall seem best.

With kindest regards to you & your father,

Yrs Ever

S. L. Clemens