Letter from Ambrose Bierce to Walter Neale, Jan. 9, 1913

Washington, D. C.

Dear Neale, Why did you not at once allay my apprehensions by telling me that you had had experience in editing a magazine? I had never heard of it, and naturally did feel some misgiving; for the difference between an untried and a tried edition I know

to be very great - I have been both. You have been more reticent about your affairs than I knew; perhaps it is because you could seldom "get the floor".

Referring to the subject of faulty printing. I am glad to say that in reading your magazine I noted only one printers' error - unless chancellors' assertion that fifty - eight years have passed since Appomatox is one. So you see a close approach

to perfection is possible. You have possibled it.

Guess that all, to-day.

Sincerely yours

Ambrose Bierce.

Jan, 9, 1913