I have been laid up, in the doctor’s hands, ever since your letter came; but today have got hold of a pen again at last. But if I couldn’t write, I have been able to read; & so I have enjoyed your poems, & with the sincerest pleasure. And I found old friends among them—particularly among the war poems.

Well, your brief visit was an event; & a strongly marked one; a delightful & unforgetable one—& not only to us, but to the Club, also. I will venture to say, for I have heard them speak of your remarks that night with a most hearty appreciation. Mrs Clemens & I thank you & Mrs Stedman for that invitation, & shall hope to ta be able to take advantage of it some time when we have a chance to steal a day’s holiday.

What you have said about the Prince & Pauper is beyond measure gratifying to me; & to Mrs. Clemens, too. I wish I might write all books for the mere pleasure of writing them, & with no prospective audience before me & no intent to publish.