September 12? Thursday – Sam arrived back in Carson City and wrote to Orion’s wife, Mary E. (Mollie) Clemens. Fragment survives:
well, although I believe I never had the pleasure of her acquaintance,) and left for California the same day; and I told him plainly that I did not believe it, and wouldn’t, if he swore it—for I didn’t, Mollie, and did[n’t] think Billy could be as stupid as that. On the contrary, I thought he was the most talented boy that Keokuk had ever produced. But when I got back, Orion confirmed Billy’s statement—so, you see, I am forced to believe that—(that they are both liars.) If I ever were to marry, I should would certainly stay at home a week, even if the Devil were in town with a writ for my arrest.
Why don’t Ma and Pamela write? Please kiss Jennie for me——
(P. S.—And tell her when she is fifteen years old, I will kiss her myself——)
(P. S.—If she is good-looking.)
P. S.—Don’t get “huffy.”
P. S.—Write.
Thine,
Sam. L. Clemens [MTL 1: 123].