I’m mighty glad you got in those paragraphs, & paid Fitch’s speech so handsome a compliment editorially; it will glad the heart of a poor devil who was born to greatness but frittered away his opportunities until it was too late, & now recognizes that he is sentenced to the desert for life, & that between Tombstone & his gravestone it is all level land, with no Alp whereon he may stand & challenge the world’s attention.

Howells has written a review of my new book for the N. Y. Tribune, at John Hay’s request, & it is likely to appear at any moment; & when it does, won’t you please telephone me, so that I can order a copy or so to send to a friend or two?