The speaker was in excellent humor last evening, as also were his hearers, who came to laugh and be merry, and so they were from the opening to the closing syllable of the discourse. The lecture itself was an extravaganza, or an exceedingly humorous narration of what the speaker did or did not experience in a three years’ sojourn in Nevada, coupled with a very funny description of the topography of the country and characteristics of the people of that section. What he said was amusing, as those who have read his writings upon this same topic know full well, but, after all, it was the style of the delivery which produced the climax. (“Mark Twain ‘Roughing It,’” 4)

Said Mr. Clemens, in his usual confidential style: “It is customary on these occasions to have a prominent citizen to introduce the speaker. I like this custom, and so I got Thomas Bailey Aldrich to promise to do this. But, at the last minute, he tells me that he thinks that he would better not attempt it, and I know you’ll excuse him; I will. He might not be complimentary; he’s known me a good while.” (“Roughing It,” 6 Mar 74, 5)