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Some time ago I read a letter from Mr Jas. B Pond of N.Y. who appears to be a Gen
Manager for all the lecturers and readers that are on the globe. He wished me to
take the platform as a lecturer. This honor I achieved; But as I have found that
I can always hold an audience with dialect stories I made a suggestion to him
cots.page.IMG.0612.jpg to consider what the chances of success might be of a
Reading Tour. To this he replied giving his opinion that a joint reading with
Miss Rives or Cable would be
immensely popular. I thought this unpracticable and suggested that he use his
blandishments with you.
He writes me that he is satisfied that a joint reading with you would be an assued success from the start, and offers to take charge of the programme if I can obtain permission.
I should like to know if
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any circumstances agreeable to you.
Pond is the man who managed for Mark Twain and Cobb several years ago and netted
them some $30,000. I have heard. I must say the project has a pleasant look for
me, and if I could induce you to join, I think we might in a couple of months
lay by enough of our Yankee Cousins' gold to compensate us for some we have
furnished them. I have refused up to this
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propositions to read except for some charitable object, but I have been much
flattered at my success whenever I have attempted it.
Col. Johnston wrote to me last summer proposing a Reading Tour but I was at that time too much occupied.
I hope you will not think this presumptuous in this putting Pond on you.