October 16 Saturday – Sam gave a speech welcoming General Grant at Hartford’s Bushnell Park. Fatout in Mark Twain Speaking [136]:

To give impetus to a Hartford Republican rally, ex-President Grant appeared in person. Mark Twain was one of a committee on arrangements that met the general in Boston, then escorted him to Hartford. After a great parade of five thousand marchers-bands, military companies, and dignitaries—a luncheon followed and a formal reception, at which Mark Twain delivered a speech of welcome.

The Hartford Welcome to General Grant speech may be found in: [136-8]. From Twichell’s journal:

“In the evening I dined at M. T.’s with Col. Fredk Grant, son of our illustrious guest. My invitation to this dinner came by telegraph and is herewith preserved” [shows telegram] [Yale, copy at MTP].

The N.Y. Tribune ran a front-page article on Oct.17:

GEN. GRANT IN HARTFORD

AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME

SPEECHES BY GENERAL GRANT, GENERAL HAWLEY, “MARK TWAIN,” AND JAMES G. BATTERSON—A PARADE, RECEPTION AND TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION.

General Grant arrived in Hartford from Boston at noon yesterday, and was warmly welcomed in the afternoon at a public meeting, where speeches were made…General Hawley’s few remarks were happily conceived, and Mr. Clemens spoke in a characteristic vein, reminding General Grant that he was in a town the most of which was built of the “revered charter oak.” In the evening there was a grand torchlight procession. General Grant left Hartford for New York at 10:25 last evening. [It’s not known if Sam took part in the procession]

Fox, Brusselars & Co., of Hartford billed Sam $50 “decorating residence as per agreement with JG Rathbun” [MTP]. The Oct. 31 bill from Western Union shows a telegram sent to Elmira, recipient unspecified (see Oct. 31 entry).

Edward House telegraphed from Boston to Sam: “With Genl Grants Party / You know one single phrase may start and spread a splendid movement / EH House” [MTP].