Major Pond reported that Twain purchased 3,000 Manila Cheroots before
embarking on the ship that would take him to Australia.  Richard Zacks
reports an amendment to that number, down to 500 cigars.

For those of you interested in Mark Twain's cigars, I found this bit:
Montreal Herald - November 4, 1889

The Manila Cheroot Co.

The high tariff prevailing in the Dominion has prevented the
importation heretofore of these favorite cigars. To meet the demand for
the genuine manila cheroot, the above company was organized in Montreal
a few months ago. They receive the celebrated Manilla tobacco stock of
the Philippine Islands, direct from the largest cheroot manufacturers
in the world, the company Compiana General Tobacos de Filipeanes, who
make the celebrated Government brand of cheroots in their contry. They
report at the factory that the trade is increasing, indeed, that they
cannot keep up with their orders. Their cheroots make an even and most
delightful smoke, and are rapidly growing in popularity.
-- 
 There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of
                          in your philosophy.
                        http://bscottholmes.com