CLEMENS, Samuel Langhorn ("Mark Twain"). ALS ("SL Clemens"), New York, 31 October 1900. 1 page, 8o, on illustrated stationery of the Hotel Earlington. "Gentlemen, I thank you sincerely for the compliment of your invitation, but I find myself so circumstanced that I am obliged to decline it, which I do with great regret. I apologize for not answering sooner, but I have been much pressed & have neglected duties."