Autographs
Mark Twain Writes His Famous Friend, Harper's Weekly Political Cartoonist & Illustrator, Thomas Nast
SAMUEL LANGHORNE CLEMENS, “MARK TWAIN” (1835-1910). American Author and Humorist.
Dated "26th" [no year], Autograph Letter Signed, "Twain," 1 page, 7.75” x 5”, Octavo, from Elmira (NY), Very Fine. This business letter is written to Thomas Nast (1840-1902), who is best known as the Father of American Political Cartooning. There is slight edge tone from prior matting on its front, traces of prior mounting on the blank reverse edge, deckled left margin and is otherwise in nice condition with boldly written text. Here, Twain pens in vivid purple ink, in full:

"Dear Nast:

Take any sketch you please & you are the man to make the selection, because you can tell what will illustrate best. Take any one you want. You needn't ask anybody permission but mine. I own them.

I daren't go into a book or pamphlet speculation. Contracts forbid it. -- Yours Ever, -- Twain."

Mark Twain and Harper 's Weekly illustrator/cartoonist Thomas Nast shared a long-term friendship, having many common traits, including political views (President Ulysses S. Grant, Mark Twain and Thomas Nast were known to spend many an evening in each other's company in the early 1880s). What Twain put down in words, Nast could convey in a single cartoon. An excellent association item directly showing the close association between these 19th century icons. All written upon one side, so it is quite pleasing for display.