To “Ignoramus” (pseud.)
19 September 1881 • Elmira, N.Y.
(MS: CtY-BR, UCCL 02040)

Elmira, N. Y. Sept. 190, 1881.—

Dear Madam:

I can decide that, without any trouble; not upon my own authority, but upon a higher & better than mine. For instance: above our chiefest [fireplace], at home, in Hartford, is this sentence, cut in enduring brass—& mind you, it is from Emerson:

“The Ornament of a house is the f Friends

who frequent it.”

You perceive, now, that Mr. Emerson would say, “The curse of a house is the mumps who frequent it—especially if they is malarious.” And that is what says also

Ys Truly

S. L. Clemens

Textual Commentary

Editorial Signs

Description of Texts and Provenance

Source text(s):

MS, Collection of American Literature, CtY-BR.

Previous publication:

Ignoramus (pseud.), “Mumps Is, or Mumps Are,” American Magazine 8 (June 1888): 248; MicroPUL, reel 2.

Emendations and textual notes:

fireplace • fire- | place