TWAIN MARK Autograph Letter Signed S L Clemens

Sale 1930 - Lot 281

Price Realized: $ 59,700

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 30,000 - $ 40,000

"WE HAVE GROUND THE MANHOOD OUT OF THEM & THE SHAME IS OURS, NOT THEIRS"TWAIN, MARK. Autograph Letter Signed, "S. L. Clemens," to an unnamed recipient [but Francis Wayland, Dean of Yale Law School] stating his opinion that Black students ought to be better supported, offering to support such a student, denouncing racism and advocating reparations for years of subjegation. 1 1/2 pages, two 8vo sheets. Hartford, 24 December 1885

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"Do you know him? And is he worthy? I do not believe I would very cheerfully help a white student who would ask a benevolence of a stranger, but I do not feel so about the other color. We have ground the manhood out of them, & the shame is ours, not theirs, & we should pay for it. If this young man lives as economically as it is the duty & should be the pride of one to do who is straitened [sic], I would like to know what the cost is, so that I may send 6, 12, or 24 months' board, as the size of the bill may determine. You see he refers to you or I would not venture to intrude."<