Clemens, Samuel L.

Autograph manuscript signed ("M.T."), with autograph note signed (S. L. Clemens"), one page written on the back of an envelope, Quarry Farm, [Elmira, New York], 2 July 1895, to Clara Spaulding, being a contract to meet a million years hence; somewhat soiled and discolored.

twain on immortality: a contract to meet in the year 1,001,895. The three-stanza poem was drafted on this envelope and then transcribed on to three rocks for the wife of Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, who had asked Clemens: "Now, Mr. Clemens, if you meet me in heaven a million years from now, will you confess yourself wrong?" The poem is Clemens's humourous contract with Mrs. Beecher. Clemens has added a note to family friend Clara Spaulding Stanchfield: "Livy says it is this rough old original draft that you preferred. I didn't understand & I beg pardon. This looks too disreputable. My purpose was to have a nice trim comely copy made for you."