February 25, 1896

February 19, 1896

February 20, 1896

February 7 Friday – The Clemens party ... arrived in Calcutta at 7 a.m. [NB 36 TS 39] . They took rooms at the Hotel Continental [Parsons “MT India” 85].

March 26 Thursday – At 7 a.m. the Clemens party sailed from Calcutta on the S.S. Wardha bound for Ceylon. Before reaching the sea, however, they had to negotiate the Hooghly River. Sam’s notebook:

Lonavala is a hill station surrounded by green valleys in western India near Mumbai. The Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves are ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rock. They feature massive pillars and intricate relief sculptures. South of the Bhaja Caves sits the imposing Lohagad Fort, with its 4 gates. West of here is Bhushi Dam, where water overflows onto a set of steps during rainy season.

January 29 Wednesday – Sam and Carlyle G. Smythe made a “flying trip” to Poona, returning to Bombay the following morning. Sam’s notebook:
Jan. 29. Left for Poona — (southeast).
At the mountain station of Lonauli — 12.30 am, was given that remarkable circus bill. Been passing through ghats since 10 or 11 (now 12.30) [NB 36 TS 28]. (Fears)

"...five hours away to the southeast by train. Smythe went with him; Livy and Clara stayed behind at the Watson's Hotel." (Strathcarron)

March 31 Tuesday – The Wardha was piloted into the harbor of Madras, India at daybreak for a 24 hour stop. Sam was again suffering from a cold and cough. He was interviewed by the Madras Standard; the interview ran on Apr. 1; a longer version on Apr. 11 in the Calcutta Reis and Rayyet (see Budd,
“Interviews” (119) p. 69).
From the interview, Sam was quoted: