To Charles A. Collin
1–4 July 1883 • Elmira, N.Y.
(MS, in pencil: CU-MARK, UCCL 06025)

1. Is it the privilege of anybody who chooses, to sign another man’s name to a printed paragraph?

2. If not, is the thing actionable, & for heavy damages?

3. The paragraphs—all paragraphs—are put into a newspaper for a distinct purpose: to give the paper interest & bring in money. My name is frequently forged in this way & for that special mercenary [purpose. Have] I no protection under the law?

4. If I have, I wish to apply it in this case.

Textual Commentary

Editorial Signs

Description of Texts and Provenance

Source text(s):

MS, draft, in pencil, CU-MARK. The MS was pasted to Collin’s reply of 6 July 1883, UCLC 50603.

Previous publication:

MicroPUL, reel 2.

Provenance:

see Mark Twain Papers in Description of Provenance.

Emendations and textual notes:

purpose. Have • purpose.— | Have