MARK TWAIN

He went to Washington, ostensibly as Secre-
tary to Senator Stewart, really to write Wash-
ington letters for New York papers. His next
notebook begins:

Fame is a vapor; popularity an accident; the only
earthly certainty is oblivion.

Didn't drink much on that ship—was like Congress—
prohibit it save in committee rooms—carry it in demi-
johns and carry it out in demagogues.

Acquainted with General Grant—said I was glad to see
him—he said I had the advantage of him.

Brief Impressions of Washington, Senators
and Congressmen

Washburn of 111.—gray, unshaved, fleshy a little.
Fernando Wood—iron-gray hair—white moustache.
Jas. Brooks—gray and spectacles.
Woodward (Dem.) of Pa.—bald, specs, unshaved.
Eldridge of Wis.—leading and malignant copperhead.

Alison of Iowa—sack-coat, light-blue pants—looks like
a village law student—plays for handsome looks—30—
hands in pockets—excessively ordinary-looking man—
large flat foot—light handsome brown hair—youngest-
looking member—essentially ornamental—stands around
where women can see him.

John Buckland (0.)—large bald, never says anything
—clothes ungainly on his shapeless body.

Thad. Stevens—very deep eyes, sunken unshaven

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