Hartford, Dec. 12/81.
Dear Miss McLean—
I am just as much obliged to you, all the same, but I have already read it—months ago—& vastly enjoyed & admired it, too; as did also the rest of this family & the visitor within its gates. There was but one regret—[that] there wasn’t more of it. The other sex wanted to write, immediately, & praise & thank the author. I said “Do it—it is not merely a privilege, it is more than that: it is a duty. But mind you sign no name; for the toothsomest compliment is poisoned when you impose upon the receiver the necessity of writing back & thanking you for it—as tough a task as can be laid upon even the most practised pen.”
I don’t know what they did; but at [any] rate I judge I stopped them from doing a graceful thing in an ungraceful way.
I have commanded the Osgood to send you my new book; & although I say it myself that shouldn’t, in my opinion you will travel a long way before you run across an abler binding.
Sincerely Yours
S L Clemens
Should have written long ago, but am just home from an absence of two weeks & a half.
Miss S. P. McLean, | Simsbury | Conn [return address:] return to s. l. clemens, hartford, conn., if not delivered within 10 days. [postmarked:] hartford conn. dec 12 6pm [docketed, probably by McLean:] sent by Mr. C. in my name
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