paraphrase: Mark Twain explains that his lecture agent, Redpath, opens most of his letters, thus creating discrepancies.

Confound it, I would a heap rather have lectured for the boys, of course—have always been laying for a chance to do it . . . my lecture list hasn't a single unoccupied night in it—therefore, you old rip, how can your servant lecture for the boys?1explanatory note . . . But you better not write me down, you freebooters, & you better not tear down my bills, either, unless you want to stand a small trial for incest—Ⓐemendationor arson, or whatever the technical term for such a crime may be. Go slow!

No, my boy, write me up Ⓐemendation—that is the way to achieve the affection & reverence of your country. Protect my bills (pay them, for instance,) & uphold mine honor & my reputation. That Ⓐemendation is the way to bring down your gray hairs with satisfaction to the grave.

Forgive your crying servant, & accept his love & tender his cordial remembrances to all the boys in the Row—not excepting old Riley, of course.Ⓐemendation