December 8 Wednesday – Henry M. Stanley arrived with Lady Stanley and James B. Pond in time for dinner at the Clemens residence. In the evening he lectured in Hartford, introduced by Rev. Dr. Edwin Pond Parker. Livy and Sam were most likely in attendance [Sam to Pond Nov. 30]. The Hartford Courant, p.3 reported:

MR. STANLEY’S LECTURE

A Full House and All Well Satisfied

Mr. Henry M. Stanley appeared last evening for a first time before a Hartford audience. Unity hall was packed full, not only every seat but all standing room being taken up stairs and down. The Rev. Dr. Parker introduced the lecturer in a few graceful and appreciative … Mr. Stanley then took the platform.

Joe Twichell was also at the dinner with Stanley at Sam’s house. From Twichell’s journal:

Dined at M.T.’s with a company of gentlemen, to meet Stanley the African Explorer, who was in Hartford to lecture. Attended the lecture afterward, and returned to M.T.’s to a late supper which was followed by talk till a late hour… [Yale, copy at MTP; also in MTHL 2:576n2].

Note: In 1931, Clara Clemens recalled the Stanley’s visit but mis-remembered it as “several days,” when it was only one night.

They were the first English people I had ever seen, and their pronounced inflections fascinated me and helped me to remember remarks they made. For instance, Lady Stanley turned effusively to Father once and said in her lovely voice that had a sincere ring in it, “I did not know whether I should enjoy visiting you, Mr. Clemens, because Americans have customs and habits so different from ours. I feared I might not feel at home in the house of an American, particularly so distinguished a one, but I must confess I find you an easy host to get along with. Stanley agrees with me. Don’t you, Stanley?” She always called her husband by his last name. She was a woman of genial charm and made an interesting contrast to her husband, who possessed the personality necessary for the discoverer of Livingstone. One felt a strong will and ability for endurance in his general make-up — in fact, enormous energy for action [MFMT 41].