_Vailima_ [_Summer_ 1891].
MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—I find among my grandfather’s papers his own
reminiscences of his voyage round the north with Sir Walter, eighty years
ago, _labuntur anni_! They are not remarkably good, but he was not a bad
observer, and several touches seem to me speaking. It has occurred to me
you might like them to appear in the _Magazine_. If you would, kindly
let me know, and tell me how you would like it handled. My grandad’s MS.
runs to between six and seven thousand words, which I could abbreviate of
anecdotes that scarce touch Sir W. Would you like this done? Would you
like me to introduce the old gentleman? I had something of the sort in
my mind, and could fill a few columns rather _à propos_. I give you the
first offer of this, according to your request; for though it may
forestall one of the interests of my biography, the thing seems to me
particularly suited for prior appearance in a magazine.
I see the first number of the _Wrecker_; I thought it went lively enough;
and by a singular accident, the picture is not unlike Tai-o-hae!
Thus we see the age of miracles, etc.—Yours very sincerely,