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].

February 7 Friday – The Clemens party changed trains at Moghalserais at 2 a.m. and arrived in Calcutta at 7 a.m. [NB 36 TS 39]. They took rooms at the Hotel Continental [Parsons “MT India” 85]. FE:

February 6 Thursday – The Clemens party left Benares at 1:28 p.m. [NB 36 TS 39]. It was a seventeen and a half hour train ride from Benares to Calcutta. Parsons writes,

February 5 Wednesday – In Benares The Clemens family was up at 6 a.m. and spent the whole day sightseeing [Feb. 8 to Rogers]. It was likely, then, that this was the day they hired a “commodious hand-propelled ark” and took several trips up and down the Ganges. Parsons writes,