April 12 Monday – Bridges W. Smith wrote from Atlanta to Clemens:

Mr. Clemens— / Dear Sir —

      As this letterhead will tell you, I am on the ragged edge of sending a book of nonsense to the nonsense reading public. Being my first, with only a few years reputation as a humorous writer to back it, it needs all the stimulus possible. I want the people to see that I am known to the literary world, and my object in writing to you is simply to give me a few words—no matter how indefinite or irrelevant to the matter in hand—with your name (Mark Twain) attached. Thus, a few scratches of your pen will cost you nothing and will help me a great deal. For instance, you might say “It ought to sell” or something similar—You see my object—

      I am a journeyman printer with a small salary, and I am striving to make a reputation as a humorous writer that will give me a position more congenial and more remunerative than keeping my nose in the space-box.

      For years I have written articles for the “fun of the thing” and I now want to reap the harvest, if harvest there be.

      If you could spare the time, give me a letter, and if you have a good word for me, oblige me by writing it. / Yours truly and sincerely… [MTP]. Note: throughout his lifetime, Clemens received literally hundreds of such letters, many pleading for “a few words.” He ignored most, convinced he should not write to strangers who would likely sell his squibs and autographs. Smith (1848-1930) was a Confederate veteran and Macon, Georgia Telegraph and Messenger editor for many years. His later column in that newspaper often mentioned Twain.