Prefatory Note.—Mr. Clemens began to write his autobiography manyyears ago, and he continues to add to it day by day. It was hisoriginal intention to permit no publication of his memoirs untilafter his death; but, after leaving "Pier No. 70," he concludedthat a considerable portion might now suitably be given to thepublic. It is that portion, garnered from the quarter-million ofwords already written, which will appear in this Review during thecoming year. No part of the autobiography will be published in bookform during the lifetime of the author.—Editor N. A. R.