April 25 Sunday - In Redding, Conn. Sam replied to the Apr. 23 from James M. Beck.
Dear Mr. Beck:
The truth is, we don’t know who wrote Shakespeare. There is no evidence at all that S. did it; & as there was only one man alive that could have done it—& the Organum & all the other multiplicities besides (perhaps), the plausibilities favor the suspicion that he did it. We don’t now that Joseph didn’t beget the Savior; but we do know that (his general style & circumstances considered,) it was much too large a contract for him. There was One, & only One, at the time, that was competent & in all ways qualified for the vast production; & as this One could have achieved it & still have time enough left for His other prodigious industries, in the way of constructing universes & such things, the plausibilities favor the idea that He is the one fairly & justifiably under suspicion.
However, if you will run up here & give us a week-end, we will discuss & discuss, & enjoy & enjoy. Will you suggest a week-end that will be convenient for you? If by any chance it shouldn’t fall right, I will suggest another. We generally have a guest or two on hand, & we try to have guests all the time.
I’m enclosing the autographs for the children, with my love; & I will write in the book & return it. And I will give you a very private (& unacknowledged) book of mine when you come.
Very truly yours / S.L. Clemens
b’George, you wrote your letter on Shakespeare’s birth-day [MTP].
C.B. Crosby wrote from Topeka, Kans. to ask Sam if he could send his great uncle’s copy of TA for his signature. His great uncle was the late Ernest Howard Crosby of Hartford [MTP].