October 11 Sunday – Clemens wrote to E.S. Cunningham of the Melbourne Argus.

I wish I were able to promise myself a look on an Australian platform, just to enjoy seeing the prophecies made good, but indeed I don’t see any prospect of it. I find I was only beguiling myself with the false notion that I liked the platform in order to keep up my spirits while I was chained to it last winter. It was, indeed, beguilement—delusion pure & simple—& it all vanished, & passed utterly away within two months after my emancipation. I dread the platform now, as not even a novice is capable of dreading it, & I am well convinced that I shall never stand upon one again until I do so with a sheriff at my side with his warrant in his hand. I haven’t my any means given up the hope of seeing Australia some day, but when I come I am coming innocently, & not to rob. I have relinquished the latter project entirely. Henceforth, even in my own country, I shall lead in many respect a reformed life.— / Sincerely yours…[MTP].