May 19 Friday – Sam was en route to Genoa on the Kaiser Wilhelm II. Based on an account of the voyage by H. W. Mead to the editor of the Brooklyn Eagle, June 25, 1893 p.6, “Brooklyn People in Lucerne,” “On the sixth day we came to and passed the Azores, with two of the islands in sight.” The article relates some of the entertainment on the voyage, including a contribution by Mark Twain:

At the usual concert, given in aid of the Seaman’s society, there was a good show of professional talent, singing by Mme. Nikisch, wife of Arthur Nikisch, lately conductor of the Boston Philharmonic who with his family, is returning to Buda Posth, where he will be connected with the royal opera. Mrs. Hamilton gave a recitation, which was well received, and “Mark Twain” favored us with a characteristic address, or, as he termed it, “a long meter anecdote with a snapper at the end.” And indeed it culminated in a “snap” which convulsed the audience. We have looked in vain for the Innocent Abroad as described by “Mark Twain.” That character seems to have become extinct and in his place we find the man who knows it all; also the man who can order drinks in four languages and a wink. I see that Mr. Clemens was one of the few guests bidden to the marriage of Miss Phelps, daughter of William Walter Phelps, to Dr. von Rottenberg at Berlin.

Note: The text of Sam’s talk was not given. This is one of the many talks, speeches or readings not listed in reference books or on reference websites. There are no doubt dozens left to be discovered.

Frederick J. Hall wrote that “nothing new has occurred since I said good-by to you….The condition of the money market…is something beyond description. You cannot get money even on government bonds.” Hall felt he’d succeeded in interesting Genral Stewart L. Woodford in buying “those royalties” of the Paige typesetter. Hall had sent interest of $361.50 on Livy’s notes to Charles Langdon [MTP].