Thanks to Scott for his comments regarding Sam's railroad trip back to Saint Louis from New York in 1854. Yes, Sam almost certainly would have taken the Pennsylvania Railroad to Pittsburgh, however after a bit of follow-up research, I don't believe that he took the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad from Cincinnati on the last leg of the trip. instead, I believe that he took the *Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad*, commonly called the *Pan Handle Route:* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburgh,_Cincinnati,_Chicago_and_St._Louis_Railroad ) https://www.hookedtobooks.com/funny-mark-twain-quotes/ The information in the Wikipedia article appears to be somewhat contradictory. However, it appears clear that Sam's path from Pittsburg went through Columbus. From there, we can't really be sure based on the information it supplies whether he went to Cincinnatti at all on that trip. The map in the Wikipedia article indicates that the more direct route to Indianapolis had been completed. However, the article equivocates about when it was completed. From the standpoint of my story, it doesn't really matter either way, as Sam continued through without stopping... however it would be nice to know! I came across a reference previously that Sam paid $23.50 for the trip. Regarding the relative price between coach and sleeper cars, this is what Wild West Magazine says: Passenger train travel during the 1880s generally cost *two or three cents per mile*. Transcontinental (New York to San Francisco) ticket rates as of June 1870 were $136 for first class in a Pullman sleeping car, $110 for second class and $65 for third, or “emigrant,” class seats on a bench.Jun 25, 2018 Thanks again for your help! Peter