October 23 Monday – Sam gave the “Artemus Ward” lecture in Lincoln Hall, Washington, D. C. [One version of this speech is found in Mark Twain Speaking, 41-7]. The lecture attracted a record crowd for Lincoln Hall, some 2,000, with 150 crowded on stage. The reviews were mixed, and Sam found it difficult to lecture about a dead humorist, or to tell Ward’s jokes and make them funny [MTL 4: 480n3].

Artemus Ward’s real name, as most of you are probably aware, was Charles F. Browne. He was born in Waterford, Main, in 1834. His personal appearance was not like that of most Maine men. He looked like a glove-stretcher. His hair, red, and brushed well forward at the sides, reminded one of a divided flame. His nose rambled on aggressively before him, with all the strength and determination of a cow-catcher, which his red moustache—to follow on the simile—seemed not unlike the unfortunate cow [Fatout, MT Speaking 43].

Sam wrote a receipt for his lecture fee:

Received of JH Demeritt, Treas. G.A.R. Lecture Committee for the delivery of my lecture “Reminiscences of Some Uncommonplace Characters I have Chanced to Meet” at Lincoln Hall Monday evening 23d Octo 1871 One Hundred and Fifty ($150.) Dollars. Saml L. Clemens [MTP] .