June 8 Sunday – Clara Clemens’ 28th birthday.

Sam’s notebook: “Notify Big 4 I want a parlor to-day. / Train 18, Knickerbocker Special of the Big Four— at noon” [NB 45 TS 17]. Sam also included snippets of Hannibal-boyhood days: “Taking the pledge, Doughnut party…Very ill—Dr. Cunningham. Measles. Envious—want a big funeral—giving dying directions for it. Serenades. The piano & singing. On the barge, at night. Editing newspaper—pictures of Hinton” [ibid.]. Note: (Items listed down the page.) Josiah T. Hinton, the “suicidal” editor of the Hannibal Tri-Weekly Messenger pictured in Sam’s woodcuts—see Sept. 16, 1852 entry, Vol. I.

Sam left St. Louis at about noon, for the 30-hour train ride back to New York [June 10 to James R. Clemens].

The St. Louis Republic, June 9, p.3, reported on Sam’s last day in the city:

“MARK TWAIN” BIDS MISSOURI FAREWELL

After two busy weeks in Missouri, Samuel L. Clemens, Mark Twain, departed yesterday [June 8] for his home at Riverdale, N.Y., probably bidding a final farewell to the State of his birth and the Mississippi Valley, wherein were spent so many years of his eventful life.

Despite his strength, unusual for a man 67 years old, he was much fatigued after his continued exertions. He returned to the home of Doctor James R. Clemens, No. 3956 Washington avenue, from the St. Louis Country Club, where he was entertained Saturday evening, about 11 o’clock at night. He spent the morning quietly yesterday and left the city at noon on the Big Four Knickerbocker Special.

He was escorted to the train by Doctor Clemens. At Union Station were many citizens who came to bid him good-by or to have the opportunity to shake hands with him. To all, stranger or acquaintance, he was genial and friendly, and at the parting gained additional admirers as he gained them wherever he visited after his arrival “back home”[MTCI 466-8].