February 17 Monday – The fog cleared and Sam got a good view of the Himalayas and of Mt. Kinchinjunga, 28,146 feet. As he was being accompanied to the railroad station to leave Darjeeling, Sam said of the view, “I intended to tell the many people in Calcutta, who told me of the grandeur of the snows, that I had seen them, whether I had or not. I am glad to be saved the pain of telling a lie” [Parsons “MT India” 89-90].
Sam’s notebook:
February 16 Sunday – Clara Clemens remembered:
February 15 Saturday – Livy described a 9 a.m. breakfast set for them on the train [Feb. 16 to Jean]. Sam wrote of the trip to Darjeeling:
February 14 Friday – At 4:30 p.m., the Clemens party left Calcutta for Darjeeling, a 24-hour trip of 361 miles.
Until dark we moved through rich vegetation, then changed to a boat and crossed the Ganges [FE ch LV 524].
4.30 p.m. Left Calcutta for Darjeeling in the official car of Mr. Barclay, chief of traffic.
8.30 p.m. changed to boat to cross the Ganges. Had a sumptuous dinner — joined at the table by Mr. Holmes, chief of traffic on the other side, & by another official and his wife
February 13 Thursday – In Calcutta during the morning Sam attended the Supreme Legislative Council, and noted “the Viceroy (Lord Elgin) in the chair” [NB 36 TS 43-4]. The Englishman reported on Feb. 14 that the Council “had a distinguished visitor in the person of Mark Twain at its weekly meeting yesterday morning. Mr Clemens seemed to take considerable interest in the proceedings, which struck him as practical and businesslike” [Ahluwalia 15].
February 12 Wednesday – At 5:30 p.m. in Calcutta Sam gave his “At Home” (No. 2) lecture at the Theatre Royal to a packed house. The early time was selected so those in the suburbs might come, and leave just after 7 p.m. Sam’s Australian Poem was advertised as the “principal feature” by the Englishman (Feb. 12). Note: Reviews published Feb. 13: Calcutta Englishman; Calcutta Statesman [Ahluwalia 22].
February 11 Tuesday – Sam’s notebook in Calcutta:
Went to Government House to see the portraits.
Then an hour in the Museum, among Indian sculptures & inscriptions
Then to call on the Lieut. Governor of Bengal — stayed to luncheon.
Then to call on H.E. the Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of India.
Then to call at the Bengal United Service Club….
Bought a silver mug for my niche as one of the founders of the Players, New York [NB 36 TS 42].
February 10 Monday – Sam’s notebook in Calcutta:
By invitation of His Excellency, Lt-General Sir William Elles, we went to the great field outside of Fort William, 7.20 a.m., & saw the inspection of the Calcutta garrison
At 9 [p.m.] went to the great military tournament — 9 till 12 [NB 36 TS 40, 42].
February 9 Sunday – In Calcutta, Sam went sightseeing. From his notebook:
Drove through native quarter & to Black Hole. Saw them excavating old brick cellars under the old Fort William [NB 36 TS 40].
February 8 Saturday – Sam’s notebook:
To-day and yesterday lay abed & starved a cold.
This evening went to Belvedere & dined with the Lt. Governor of Bengal (Sir Alexander Mackenzie) & a dozen — private dinner party [NB 36 TS 40].
Sam sent a short note to Child & Co. after receiving some pipe tobacco:
This is the brand I wanted. I have smoked your Honey Dew Mixed in another part of the world, and learned to prefer it. Truly yours [MTP].