The finger-mark system of identification has been in use in India & China, to some extent, for twenty-five years. It has been quite thoroughly & scientifically examined by Mr. Galt & I kept myself within the bounds of ascertained facts.
- Letter to Gertrude Darrall,
February 23, 1897

Chicago Daily Tribune, March 5, 1903, p. 1

PUDD'NHEAD WILSON SET RIGHT
Mark Twain Says London Identification Method Vindicates the Character of His Creation.

Mark Twain declares the adoption by the London police of fingertip impressions as the method of identifying criminals justified Pudd'nhead Wilson. Mr. Clemens' plot reached its climax when Pudd'nhead revealed the criminal as well as the duplicity of his mother by means of finger prints. He modestly refuses to claim that the London bureau of identification has taken its idea from his book.

Yesterday THE TRIBUNE asked Mr. Clemens whether or not he believed that the adoption of the system by the police of London vindicated Pudd'nhead. His reply follows:

"Riverdale, N.Y., March 4. - THE TRIBUNE, Chicago: Only at second hand. Pudd'nhead vindicated Francis Galt. This vindicates Pudd'nhead.

MARK TWAIN."