May 17 Friday – The Clemens family was en route on the SS NewYork to New York. After a concert aboard ship, Sam gave two readings for the usual Seaman’s Fund charity. The Brooklyn Eagle, May 18, 1895, p.2. “MARK TWAIN GAVE READINGS” reported:

At the Concert on the American Line Steamer New York.

Among the passengers who arrived on the American line steamer New York at this port this morning [May 18] were the Rev. C. Brett, D.D.; Read Benedict, S.L. Clemens (Mark Twain), Mrs. Clemens and the three Misses Clemens, H.L. Ferguson, assistant naval constructor, U.S.N.; Winthrop Rutherford, M. Stanley Tweedle, Bayard Tuckerman and family, Captain Edward W. Very and Mrs. E.F. Wright. The usual concert was given on board the steamer on Friday evening, May 17, in aid of the American Seaman’s Friend society, etc., at which Mr. Samuel Clemens gave two readings. Quite a handsome sum was realized.