To V. A. Tikhonov, 11 October 1891. Moscow.

Written 11 October 1891 from Moscow to Vladimir Alexeyevich Tikhonov (1857–1914), the playwright, prose writer, and editor with whom Chekhov carried on a long, jocular theatrical-world correspondence.

Chekhov congratulates Tikhonov, mock-formally, on his official confirmation as an editor, wishing him a decoration for it. He begs off naming the story he has promised, offering two placeholder titles – "A Story" or "The Townsfolk" – either of which will serve. He thanks Tikhonov for the journal and for a premium (a subscriber gift) that pleased him because one of its pictures showed storks, birds he is fond of as a Ukrainian. He mentions the young writer A. Gruzinsky (Lazarev), whom he has urged to submit to Tikhonov, and another Moscow writer of short pieces, N. Yezhov, whom he will likewise encourage. He remarks on a caricature or item about Tikhonov that ran in "Oskolki," says his own promised story will not be ready before the end of November since he is buried in work, and closes with good wishes, looking forward to seeing Tikhonov in November.