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The New York Times, December 9, 1875

MARK TWAIN'S CONTRIBUTION.

A book of autographs offered for sale at the Massachusetts Infant Asylum Fair, in Boston, contains a letter from Mark Twain, which reads:


HARTFORD, Oct. 5, 1875.

DEAR MADAM: I beg to wish the best success and a long career of usefulness to the Infant Asylum Fair. But words are empty, deeds are what show the earnest spirit. Therefore I am willing to be one of a thousand citizens who shall agree to contribute two or more of their children to this enterprise. I do not make this offer in order that I may appear gaudy or lavish in the eyes of the world, but only to help a worthy cause to the best of my ability.

Very truly yours,

SAMUEL L. CLEMENS. (Mark Twain.)

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