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Start Over Collection Papers of Ambrose Bierce, 1842-1914

Letter from Ambrose Bierce, Los Gatos CA, to Harriet Hershberg, Preston School, Waterman CA 1898 MAR 7 Box 4

Bierce expresses joy at the receipt of her letter for "it clears you of the solemn suspicion of running away from me in cold-blooded infraction of our understanding" but he also thinks "it very rascally of you to take all the sunshine out of Oakland to bestow it upon Iona." [#5992-j]

  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
  2. Papers of Ambrose Bierce, 1842-1914
  3. Part 2: General Correspondence

Letter from Ambrose Bierce, Los Gatos CA, to Harriet Hershberg, Waterman CA 1898 MAY 1 Box 4

Responding to her impression of his goodness Bierce writes, "It is pretty easy to be good to you, and I don't expect any credit for it in the books of the Recording Angel. He will say: 'Bah ! who wouldn't be good to Hattie Hershberg?' and then he will debit me with one selfish motive." He also mentions Kodak photographs of a group consisting of Hattie, Mamie, Dave, Selma, Louise, and himself, while assuring her of his devotion, "you are still the only girl in the world; and if there is a man who does not love you he is a scoundrel." Referring to his experience in military life Bierce writes, "No, my pet scheme for making soldiers of the Major's little rascals is not practicable. The confounded Government is so particular about the moral character of its recruits that I couldn't enlist myself. This is a great disappointment to me. I had quite set my heart on getting Co. A into Cuba, to prove that bad boys make the best soldiers. But I'm assured that it cannot be done." [#5992-j]

  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
  2. Papers of Ambrose Bierce, 1842-1914
  3. Part 2: General Correspondence

Letter from Ambrose Bierce, Oakland CA to Harriet Hershberg, Oakland CA [1897 JAN 16] Box 3

Bierce accepts her gratitude and regard for himself although he does not believe that he merits it. He regrets that he cannot say when he will be able to meet Mr. King but agrees to see him informally some time when he is in Oakland. [#5992-j]

  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
  2. Papers of Ambrose Bierce, 1842-1914
  3. Part 2: General Correspondence

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