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*'=20


JAMES  V.  CHIXHJPEK  =E2=80=A2=C2=A3=E2=80=A2=20

=E2=80=A2SV,     .=E2=80=9E.  1=C2=A353  Walker  Ave^  Y     Ol=C2=A5=20
Oakland,  Calif,  -f1=20


liCSB    LIBRARY=20


L  IFE=20


OF=20


P.  T.    BARNUM=20


WRITTEN     BY     HIMSELF,=20


INCLUDING   HIS=20


GOLDEN  RULES  FOR  MONEY-MAKING.=20

BROUGHT      UP      TO     1888.=20
ILLUSTRATED.=20


" a  map  of  busy  life.=20

Its  fluctuations  and  its  vast  concerns."=20

'  And  see  what  I  can  show  in  this=20
*****=20
Strange  eventful  history."=20

=E2=80=94 SHAKESPEARE.=20
The  noblest  art=20

Is  that  of  making  others  happy.=20

=E2=80=94P.  T.  BARNUM.=20


BUFFALO :=20
THE   COURIER   COMPANY,  PRINTERS.=20

1888.=20


IMPORTANT    NOTICE!=20


AN  EXACT  FAC-SIMILE  OF  THIS  BOOK  SOLD  AT  COST  !=20
REDUCED  FROM  $1.50  TO  ONLY  FIFTY  CENTS  !=20

Desiring  to  bring  this  History  of  My  Life  (of  which  over  a  mill=
ion=20
copies  have  already  been  sold)  within  the  reach  of  the  poorest  p=
urchaser,=20
I  have  determined  to  have  them  sold  without  a  profit.  By  printin=
g  many=20
thousand  copies  at  one  time  I  have  brought  the  cost  down  to  FIF=
TY  cents,=20
or  SIXTY  cents,  including  postage,  when  sent  by  mail.  Every  book =
 will=20
be  printed  on  the  same  quality  of  paper,  have  the  same  binding, =
 the  same=20
illustrations,  and  be,  in  fact,  a  perfect  foe-simile  of  this  volu=
me.=20

These  books  may  be  procured  by  mail  or  otherwise  from  Leggatt=20
Brothers,  81  Chambers  street,  New  York,  H.  E.  Bowser,  Bridgeport, =
 Ct.,=20
and  in  the  tents  of  "  The  Greatest  Show  on  Earth."=20

The  Public's  Obedient  Servant,=20

P.  T.  BARNUM.=20


N.  B. =E2=80=94 This  book  is  not  copyrighted.     Any  and  all  perso=
ns  are  at  liberty=20

to  publish  al  1  or  any  parts  of  it.=20

P.  T.  BARNUM.=20


=C2=A9ocUco/tod=20

to=20


to=20


wv=20


PREFACE.=20


WBITTEN  originally  in  1869,  this  book  is  my  Recollections  of  more=
  than=20
Fifty  Busy  Years.  Few  men  in  civil  life  have  had  a  career  more =
 crowded=20
with  incident,  enterprise,  and  various  intercourse  with  the  world  =
than=20
mine.  With  the  alternations  of  success  and  defeat,  extensive  trave=
l  in  this=20
and  foreign  lands;  a  large  acquaintance  with  the  humble  and  honor=
ed;=20
having  held  the  preeminent  place  among  all  who  have  sought  to  fu=
rnish=20
healthful  entertainment  to  the  American  people,  and,  therefore,  hav=
ing=20
had  opportunities  for  garnering  an  ample  storehouse  of  incident  an=
d  anec-=20
dote, while,  at  the  same  time,  needing  a  sagacity,  energy,  foresig=
ht  and=20
fortitude  rarely  required  or  exhibited  in  financial  affairs,  my  st=
ruggles  and=20
experiences  (it  is  not  altogether  vanity  in  me  to  think)  cannot  =
be  without=20
interest  to  my  fellow-countrymen.=20

Various  leading  publishers  have  solicited  me  to  place  at  their  di=
sposal=20
my  Recollections  of  what  I  have  been,  and  seen,  and  done.  These =
 pro-=20
posals, together  with  the  partiality  of  friends  and  kindred,  have  =
constrained=20
me  to  put  in  a  permanent  form  what,  it  seems  to  me,  may  be  in=
structive,=20
entertaining  and  profitable.=20

Thirty  years  since,  for  the  purpose,  principally,  of  advancing  my=
=20
interests  as  proprietor  of  the  American  Museum,  I  gave  to  the  pr=
ess  some=20
personal  reminiscences  and  sketches.  They  were,  however,  very  hasti=
ly,=20
and  therefore  imperfectly,  prepared.  Though  including,  necessarily,  =
in=20
common  with  them,  some  of  the  facts  of  my  early  life,  in  order =
 to  make=20
this  autobiography  a  complete  and  continuous  narrative,  yet,  as  th=
e  latter=20
part  of  my  life  has  been  the  more  eventful,  and  my  recollections=
  so  various=20
and  abundant,  this  book  is  new  and  independent  of  the  former.  It=
  is  the=20
matured  and  leisurely  reviewing  of  more  than  half  a  century  of  w=
ork  and=20
struggle,  and  final  success,  in  spite  of  fraud  and  fire =E2=80=94 =
the  story  of  which=20
is  blended  with  amusing  anecdotes,  funny  passages,  felicitous  jokes=
,  cap-=20
tivating narratives,  novel  experiences,  and  remarkable  interviews =E2=
=80=94 the=20
sunny  and  sombre  so  intermingled  as  not  only  to  entertain,  but  c=
onvey=20
useful  lessons  to  all  classes  of  readers.=20


/I  PEBFACB.=20

And  above  and  beyond  this  personal  satisfaction,  I  have  thought  t=
hat  the=20
review  of  a  life,  with  the  wide  contrasts  of  humble  origin  and  =
high  and=20
honorable  success;  of  most  formidable  obstacles  overcome  by  courage=
  and=20
constancy;  of  affluence  that  had  been  patiently  won,  suddenly  wren=
ched=20
away,  and  triumphantly  regained =E2=80=94 would  be  a  help  and  incen=
tive  to  the=20
young  man,  struggling,  it  may  be,  with  adverse  fortune,  or,  at  t=
he  start,=20
looking  into  the  future  with  doubt  or  despair.=20

All  autobiographies  are  necessarily  egotistical.  If  my  pages  are  a=
s=20
plentifully  sprinkled  with  "I's,"  as  was  the  chief  ornament  of  Ho=
od's=20
peacock,  "  who  thought  he  had  the  eyes  of  Europe  on  his  tail," =
 I  can  only=20
say,  that  the  "  I's  "  are  essential  to  the  story  I  have  told. =
 It  has  been  my=20
purpose  to  narrate,  not  the  life  of  another,  but  that  career  in =
 which  I  was=20
the  principal  actor.=20

There  is  an  almost  universal,  and  not  unworthy  curiosity  to  learn=
  the=20
methods  and  measures,  the  ups  and  downs,  the  strifes  and  victorie=
s,  the=20
mental  and  moral  personnel  of  those  who  have  taken  an  active  and=
  promi-=20
nent part  in  human  affairs.  But  an  autobiography  has  attractions  a=
nd=20
merits  superior  to  those  of  a  "life"  written  by  another,  who,  ho=
wever=20
intimate  with  its  subject,  cannot  know  all  that  helps  to  give  in=
terest  and=20
accuracy  to  the  narrative,  or  completeness  to  the  character.  The  =
story  from=20
the  actor's  own  lips  has  always  a  charm  it  can  never  have  when =
 told  by=20
another.=20

That  my  narrative  is  interspersed  with  amusing  incidents,  and  even=
  the=20
recital  of  some  very  practical  jokes,  is  simply  because  my  natura=
l  disposi-=20
tion impels  me  to  look  upon  the  brighter  side  of  life,  and  I  ho=
pe  my=20
humorous  experiences  will  entertain  my  readers  as  much  as  they  we=
re=20
enjoyed  by  myself.  And  if  this  record  of  trials  and  triumphs,  st=
ruggles  and=20
successes,  shall  stimulate  any  to  the  exercise  of  that  integrity, =
 energy,=20
industry,  and  courage  in  their  callings,  which  will  surely  lead  t=
o  happiness=20
and  prosperity,  one  main  object  I  have  in  yielding  to  the  solici=
tations  of=20
my  friends  and  my  publishers  will  have  been  accomplished.=20

P.  T.  BARNUM=20

WALDEMEKB,  BRIDGEPORT,  CONN.,  1888=20


CONTENTS.=20


CHAPTER  I.=E2=80=94 My  Birth  -Going  to  School=E2=80=94 First  Visit  t=
o  New  York=E2=80=94 My  Landed  Property=20
=E2=80=94Trading  Morals=E2=80=94 The  Bethel  Meeting- house=E2=80=94 Sund=
ay  School  and  Bible  Class=E2=80=94 The=20
"  One  Thing  Needful," 17=20

CHAPTER  EL=E2=80=94 Death  of  my  Grandmother=E2=80=94 My  Father=E2=80=
=94 His  Death=E2=80=94 Beginning  the  World=20
Barefooted=E2=80=94 The  Tin  Ware  and  Green  Bottle  Lottery=E2=80=94"  =
Charity  "  Hallett=E2=80=94 A  Novel  Fur=20
Trade=E2=80=94 Country  Store  Experiences=E2=80=94 Old  "  Uncle  Bibblns,=
" 23=20

CHAPTER  III.=E2=80=94 My  Clerkship  in  Brooklyn=E2=80=94 Opening  a  Por=
ter-house=E2=80=94 Selling  Out=E2=80=94 My  Clerk-=20
ship in  New  York=E2=80=94 My  Habits=E2=80=94 In  Bethel  Once  More=E2=
=80=94 Beginning  Business  on  My  Own=20
Account=E2=80=94 The  Lottery  Business=E2=80=94 Wits  and  Wags=E2=80=94 F=
irst  Appeanmce  at  the  Bar=E2=80=94 A  Model=20
Love-letter, 27=20

CHAPTER  IV.=E2=80=94 Pleasure  Visit  to  Philadelphia=E2=80=94 My  Marria=
ge=E2=80=94 A  New  Field=E2=80=94 My  Editorial=20
Career =E2=80=94 Danbury  Jail=E2=80=94 My  Liberation =E2=80=94 Removal  t=
o  New  York =E2=80=94 Keeping  a  Boarding-=20
house,  33=20

CHAPTER  V.=E2=80=94 The  Amusement  Business  =E2=80=94  Joice  Heth =E2=
=80=94 Beginning  Life  as  a  Showman-=20
Second  Step  in  the  Show  Line =E2=80=94 Connecting  Myself  with  a  Ci=
rcus =E2=80=94 An  Abusive  Clergyman=20
=E2=80=94A  Terrible  Practical  Joko, 87=20

CHAPTER  VI. =E2=80=94 An  Unreasonable  Landlord =E2=80=94 Turning  the  T=
ables=E2=80=94 Leaving  the  Circus=E2=80=94 My=20
First  Traveling  Company =E2=80=94 Preaching  to  the  People =E2=80=94 Es=
capes  from  Danger =E2=80=94 Outwitting=20
a  Sheriff=E2=80=94"  Lady  Hayes' " =E2=80=94 Joe  Pentland  as  a  Savage=
 =E2=80=94 A  Nonplussed  Legerdemain  Per-=20
former=E2=80=94Disbanding my  Company =E2=80=94 A  New  Partnership =E2=80=
=94The  Steamboat  "Ceres"=E2=80=94=20
Sadden  Marriage  on  Board=E2=80=94 Arrival  at  New  Orleans, 43=20

CHAPTER  VTL=E2=80=94 Advertising  for  an  Associate =E2=80=94 A  New  Bus=
iness =E2=80=94 Swindled  by  my  Partner-=20
Diamond,  the  Dancer =E2=80=94 A  New  Company =E2=80=94 Desertions=E2=80=
=94 Success  at  New  Orleans =E2=80=94 Back=20
to  New  York=E2=80=94 From  Hand  to  Month=E2=80=94 Fortune  Opening  Her=
  Door=E2=80=94 The  American=20
Museum, 50=20

CHAPTER  Vin.=E2=80=94 I  Become  Proprietor  of  the  American  Museum =E2=
=80=94 Extraordinary  Advertising=20
=E2=80=94 Incidents  and  Anecdotes =E2=80=94 Pleasing  my  Patrons =E2=80=
=94 A  Wilderness  of  Wonders =E2=80=94 Niagara=20
Falls  with  Real  Water=E2=80=94 The  Fejee  Mermaid=E2=80=94 Wholesale  A=
dvertising  Again=E2=80=94 Drnmmond=20
Lights, 55=20

CHAPTER  IX.=E2=80=94 The  Most  Popular  Place  of  Amusement  in  the  Wo=
rld=E2=80=94 Afternoon  and  Holi-=20
day Performances =E2=80=94 Fourth  of  July  Flags =E2=80=94 Victory  Over =
 the  Vestrymen =E2=80=94 St.  Patrick's=20
Day  in  the  Morning =E2=80=94 Inponring  of  Money =E2=80=94 Zoological  =
Eruption =E2=80=94 Baby  Shows =E2=80=94 Grand=20
Buffalo  Hunt=E2=80=94 The  Woolly  Horse=E2=80=94 American  Indians=E2=80=
=94 P.  T.  Barnnm  Exhibited=E2=80=94 A  Curi-=20
ous Spinster, 62=20

CHAPTER  X. =E2=80=94 Peale's  Museum =E2=80=94 Mysterious  Mesmerism=E2=80=
=94 The  Rival  Museums =E2=80=94 My  Mania=E2=80=94=20
My  First  Interview  with  Charles  S.  Stratton=E2=80=94 General  Tom  Th=
umb  in  New  York=E2=80=94 An=20
Apt  Pupil=E2=80=94 Free  From  Debt=E2=80=94 In  Search  of  a  New  Field=
=E2=80=94 Arrival  at  Liverpool=E2=80=94 Exhibition=20
of  General  Tom  Thumb  in  Liverpool, 70=20

CHAPTER  XI.=E2=80=94 Arrival  in  London=E2=80=94 Enormous  Success=E2=80=
=94 Daily  Levees  for  the  Nobility  and=20
Gentry=E2=80=94 At  Buckingham  Palace=E2=80=94 A  Royal  Reception=E2=80=
=94 Favorable  Impression=E2=80=94 Amusing=20
Incidents  of  the  Visit=E2=80=94 Second  Visit  to  the  Queen=E2=80=94 T=
he  General's  Watch=E2=80=94 Napoleon  and=20
the  Duke  of  W=C2=ABllingtoa=E2=80=94 Third  Visit  to  the  Queen, 74=20


X  CONTENTS.=20

CHAPTER  XII.=E2=80=94 In  France=E2=80=94 The  General  and  Party  in  Pa=
ris=E2=80=94 Visit  to  King  Louis  Phillippe=E2=80=94=20
A  Splendid  Present =E2=80=94 Long  Champa=E2=80=94 The  General's  Equipa=
ge =E2=80=94 All  Paris  in  a  Furor =E2=80=94=20
Second,  Third  and  Fourth  Visits  to  the  King  of  the  French=E2=80=
=94 "Tom  Ponce"  Every-=20
where=E2=80=94The General  as  an  Actor, 81=20

CHAPTER  Xin. =E2=80=94 In  Belgium=E2=80=94 Professor  Pinte =E2=80=94 At =
 Brussels=E2=80=94 Presentation  to  King  Leopold=20
=E2=80=94The  General's  Jewels  Stolen=E2=80=94 The  Field  of  Waterloo=
=E2=80=94 An  Accident=E2=80=94 Losing  an  Exhi-=20
bition=E2=80=94The Custom  of  the  Country=E2=80=94 How  Kelics  are  Plan=
ted  at  Waterloo=E2=80=94 From  Brussels=20
to  London, 83=20

CHAPTER  XTV.=E2=80=94 In  England  Again =E2=80=94 Levees  in  Egyptian  H=
all =E2=80=94 Going  to  America=E2=80=94 Samuel=20
Rogers =E2=80=94 An  Astonished  Railway  Superintendent=E2=80=94 Business =
 and  Pleasure=E2=80=94 Albert  Smith=E2=80=94=20
Stratford-on-Avon=E2=80=94 Albert  Smith  as  a  Showman =E2=80=94 The  Roa=
d  from  Warwick  to  Coventry=20
=E2=80=94The  Yankee  Go-ahead  Principle, 87=20

CHAPTER  XV.=E2=80=94 The  Wizard  of  the  North=E2=80=94 Second  Visit  t=
o  the  United  States=E2=80=94"  The  Rules=20
of  the  Ship  "=E2=80=94Three  Years  in  Europe=E2=80=94 Warm  Personal  =
Friends=E2=80=94 Our  Last  Performance=20
in  Dublin=E2=80=94 Departure  for  America =E2=80=94 Notes =E2=80=94 Death=
s  of  Friends, 93=20

CHAPTER  XVI.=E2=80=94 Renewing  the  Lease  of  the  Museum  Building=E2=
=80=94 Tom  Thumb  in  America-=20
Tour  Through  the  Country =E2=80=94 Ceasing  to  be  a  Traveling  Showma=
n =E2=80=94 Return  to  Bridgeport=20
=E2=80=94 Search  for  a  Home =E2=80=94 Building  and  Completion  of  Ira=
nistan=E2=80=94 The  Baltimore  and  Phila-=20
delphia Museums=E2=80=94 My  Agricultural  and  Arborcultural  Doings, 95=
=20

CHAPTER  XVII.=E2=80=94 The  Jenny  Lind  Engagement=E2=80=94 Musical  Note=
s  in  Wall  street=E2=80=94 A  Friend=20
in  Need 100=20

CHAPTER  XVm. =E2=80=94 Arrival  of  Jenny  Lind =E2=80=94 Tremendous  Thro=
ng  at  the  Wharf=E2=80=94"  Welcome=20
to  America"=E2=80=94 The  Prize  Ode  by  Bayard  Taylor=E2=80=94 First  C=
oncert  in  Castle  Garden-=20
Unbounded  Enthusiasm, 105=20

CHAPTER  XIX.=E2=80=94 Managing  Public  Opinion  =E2=80=94 Miss  Lind's  C=
harities  =E2=80=94  The  Nightingale  at=20
Iranistan=E2=80=94 Avoiding  Crowds=E2=80=94 In  Philadelphia,  Baltimore  =
and  Washington=E2=80=94 Visit  to  Mt.=20
Vernon =E2=80=94 Christmas  and  New  Year =E2=80=94 We  go  to  Havana=E2=
=80=94 A  Happy  Month  in  Cuba,  .  Ill=20

CHAPTER  XX. =E2=80=94 A  Magnificent  Triumph =E2=80=94 Benefit  for  the =
 Hospitals =E2=80=94 Vivalla  and  his  Dog-=20
Voyage  to  New  Orleans =E2=80=94 The  Editor  cf  the  New  York  Herald =
 on  Board=E2=80=94 Arrival  at  the=20
Crescent  City=E2=80=94 Up  the  Mississippi =E2=80=94 Amusements  on  Boar=
d,  ...  117=20

CHAPTER  XXI.=E2=80=94 Arrival  at  St.  Louis =E2=80=94 A  Surprising  Pro=
position=E2=80=94 Temperance  Lecture =E2=80=94=20
Sol.  Smith=E2=80=94 Unique  Dedication=E2=80=94 Jenny  Lind's  Character  =
and  Charities, 123=20

CHAPTER  XXII=E2=80=94 Visit  to  the  "  Hermitage  "=E2=80=94"April-fool =
"  Fun=E2=80=94 The  Mammoth  Cave=E2=80=94 Ruse=20
at  Cincinnati=E2=80=94 Rt  turn  to  New  York=E2=80=94 The  Final  Concer=
ts  in  Castle  Garden  and  Metro-=20
politan Hall =E2=80=94 Jenny's  Concerts  on  Her  Own  Account=E2=80=94 He=
r  Marriage  to  Mr.  Otto  Gold-=20
schmidt =E2=80=94 At  Home  Again =E2=80=94 Total  Receipts  of  the  Conce=
rts, 127=20

CHAPTER  XXIII.=E2=80=94 Another  Venture=E2=80=94 General  Tom  Thumb=E2=
=80=94 Elephant  Plowing=E2=80=94 Side-shows=20
and  Various  Enterprises=E2=80=94 Catherine  Hayes=E2=80=94 Iranistan  on =
 Fire=E2=80=94 My  Eldest  Daughter's=20
Marriage, 138=20

CHAPTER  XXIV.=E2=80=94 Vacation  at  Home=E2=80=94 Country  Agricultural  =
Society=E2=80=94 Philosophy  of  Hum-=20
bug=E2=80=94A Chop-fallen  Ticket-seller=E2=80=94 A  Deluded  Hack-driver=
=E2=80=94 Pequonnock  Bank=E2=80=94 The=20
illustrated  News=E2=80=94 The  Crystal  Palace 137=20

CHAPTER  XXV.=E2=80=94 The  East  Bridgeport  Enterprise=E2=80=94 Clock  Co=
mpany  in  Litchfield=E2=80=94 The=20
Jerome  Clock  Company=E2=80=94 A  Rained  Man=E2=80=94 Paying  Honest  Deb=
ts=E2=80=94 My  Failure=E2=80=94 Down  in=20
the  Depths, 143=20

CHAPTER  XXVI.=E2=80=94 Friends  to  the  Rescue=E2=80=94 Citizens'  Meetin=
g  in  Bridgeport=E2=80=94 My  Letter  on=20
the  Situation=E2=80=94 The  Silver  Lining  to  the  Cloud=E2=80=94 Our  N=
ew  Home  in  New  York,  .  .  148=20

CHAPTER  XXVII. =E2=80=94 Sale  of  the  Mnsenm  Collection =E2=80=94 Suppl=
ementary  Proceedings  of  my  Cred-=20
itors=E2=80=94The Summer  Season  on  Long  Island=E2=80=94 A  Black  Whale=
  Pays  my  Summer's  Board=20
=E2=80=94The  Wheeler  and  Wilson  Sewing  Machine  Company  Remove  to  E=
ast  Bridgeport=E2=80=94 The=20
Cause  of  my  Ruin  Promises  to  be  my  Redemption=E2=80=94 Setting  Sai=
l  for  England,  ...  154=20


CONTENTS.  Xi=20

CHAPTBR  XXVIII.=E2=80=94 Old  Friend*  in  Old  England=E2=80=94 Otto  Gol=
dschmtdt  and  Jenny  Lind  Gold=20
=E2=80=A2chmidt=E2=80=94 My  Exhibitions  in  England, 167=20

CHAPTER  XXIX.=E2=80=94 From  London  to  Baden-Baden =E2=80=94 Strasbourg =
=E2=80=94 Scene  in  a  German  Custom-=20
house=E2=80=94Golden Prices  for  the  General=E2=80=94 A  Call  from  the =
 King  of  Holland=E2=80=94 Down  the=20
Rhine=E2=80=94 Departure  for  Holland,  .  .  . 160=20

CHAPTBB  XXX.=E2=80=94 The  Finest  and  Flattest  Country  in  the  World=
=E2=80=94 Habits  and  Customs=E2=80=94=20
The  Hague=E2=80=94 August  Belmont=E2=80=94 Back  to  England  =E2=80=94 I=
  Return  again  to  America=E2=80=94 Fun  on=20
the  Voyage=E2=80=94 Cold  Shoulders  in  New  York=E2=80=94 Iranistan  Bur=
ned  to  the  Ground,  ...  103=20

CHAPTER  XXXI.=E2=80=94 Back  Once  More  to  England=E2=80=94 Tour  Throug=
h  Scotland  and  Wales=E2=80=94 How=20
I  Came  to  Lecture=E2=80=94 How  to  Make  Money  and  How  to  Keep  it=
=E2=80=94 Lecturing  in  the  Prov-=20
inces,   168=20

CHAPTER  XXXn.=E2=80=94 An  English  Yankee=E2=80=94 Dinner  to  Tom  Thumb=
  and  Commodore  Nutt=E2=80=94=20
Measuring  a  Monster =E2=80=94 The  Steam-engines  "  Barnum  "  and  "  C=
harity," 192=20

CHAPTER  XXXIH. =E2=80=94 At  Home =E2=80=94 Barnum  on  his  Feet  Again=
=E2=80=94 Re-purchase  of  the  Museum=E2=80=94=20
My  Reception  by  my  Friends =E2=80=94 Museum  Visitors =E2=80=94 Old  an=
d  Fast  Friends, 196=20

CHAPTER  XXXIV.=E2=80=94 A  Remarkable  Character=E2=80=94 Old  Grizzly  Ad=
ams=E2=80=94 Tour  of  the  Bear-tamer=20
Through  the  Country=E2=80=94 A  Life  and  Death  Struggle  for  a  Wager=
=E2=80=94 Old  Adams  Wins=E2=80=94 His=20
Death=E2=80=94 The  Prince  of  Wales  Visits  the  Museum=E2=80=94 I  Call=
  on  the  Prince  in  Boston=E2=80=94 The=20
Museum  Flourishing, 208=20

CHAPTER  XXXV.=E2=80=94 East  Bridgeport=E2=80=94 Another  New  Home=E2=80=
=94 Lindencroft=E2=80=94 Progress  of  my=20
Pet  City=E2=80=94 Inducements  to  Settlers =E2=80=94 Situation  of  Bridg=
eport =E2=80=94 Its  Advantages  and  Pros-=20
pects,   207=20

CHAPTER  XXXVI.=E2=80=94 More  About  the  Museum=E2=80=94 My  First  Whali=
ng  Expedition=E2=80=94 Transporting=20
Living  Whales  by  Land=E2=80=94 The  First  Hippopotamus  in  America=E2=
=80=94 Commodore  Nutt=E2=80=94 Indian=20
Chiefs, 211=20

CHAPTER  XXXVII.=E2=80=94 Miss  Lavinia  Warren=E2=80=94 The  Little  Commo=
dore  in  Love=E2=80=94 Tom  Thumb=20
Smitten=E2=80=94 Jealousy  of  the  General=E2=80=94 Miss  Warren  Impresse=
d =E2=80=94 Popping  the  Question =E2=80=94 The=20
Engagement=E2=80=94 The  Wedding=E2=80=94 A  Spicy  Letter=E2=80=94 Grand  =
Reception  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stratton=20
=E2=80=94The  Commodore  in  Search  of  a  Green  Country  Girl, 217=20

CHAPTER  XXXVHI.=E2=80=94 My  Political  Principles=E2=80=94 Lindencroft=E2=
=80=94 My  Election  to  the  Legislature=20
=E2=80=94My  War  on  Railroad  Monopolies=E2=80=94 The  XTV.  Amendment, 2=
2V=20

CHAPTER  XXXIX. =E2=80=94 Burning  of  the  American  Museum =E2=80=94 A  P=
ublic  Calamity =E2=80=94 Intention  to=20
Retire  to  Private  Life =E2=80=94 The  New  Up-town  Museum, 241=20

CHAPTER  XL.=E2=80=94 Propositions  for  a  New  Capital  of  Connecticut=
=E2=80=94 The  Railroad  Controversy=E2=80=94=20
My  Victory=E2=80=94 Again  Elected  to  the  Legislature=E2=80=94 Friends =
 at  Lindencroft,  .  ,  .  .247=20

CHAPTER  XLL=E2=80=94 The  American  Museum  Lease=E2=80=94 Its  Value=E2=
=80=94 Bennett  of  the  Herald  Buys  it=20
for  $200,000=E2=80=94 The  Herald's  Influence  and  Hard  Experience=E2=
=80=94 Bennett  Refuses  my  Adver=20
tisements =E2=80=94 Bennett  Humbled=E2=80=94 Damage  to  Bennett's  Establ=
ishment =E2=80=94 Peace,  .  .  .  253=20

CHAPTER  XLJI.=E2=80=94 At  the  West=E2=80=94 A  Ride  on  a  Locomotive=
=E2=80=94 Tricks  to  Secure  Seats  in  the=20
Ladies'  Car=E2=80=94 How  I  Became  a  Teetotaler=E2=80=94 Lecturing  Thr=
oughout  the  Country,  .  .  257=20

CHAPTER  XLIII.=E2=80=94 A  Gigantic  Amusement  Company  =E2=80=94  Curios=
ities  from  Everywhere=E2=80=94 A=20
Superb  Menagerie=E2=80=94 Destruction  of  my  Second  Museum  by  Fire=E2=
=80=94 Foot  Races  at  the  White=20
Mountains, t  gg4=20

CHAPTER  XLTV.=E2=80=94 Popular  Superstitions=E2=80=94 Number  Thirteen=E2=
=80=94 Thirteen  in  Every  Hotel,  269=20

CHATTER  XLV.=E2=80=94 Interest  in  Public  Improvements=E2=80=94 The  Eye=
  of  Faith=E2=80=94 Opening  of  Sea-=20
Side  Park,  274=20

CHAPTER  XLVI.=E2=80=94 Plans  for  the  Public  Benefit  in  Bridgeport=E2=
=80=94 Sale  of  Lindencroft=E2=80=94 Living=20
in  a  Farm-hoube=E2=80=94  VVuldemere 27j=20


Xfl  CONTENTS.=20

CHAFTIB  XL VI I. =E2=80=94 A  New  Experience =E2=80=94 "Doing  Nothing" =
=E2=80=94 A  Failure  =E2=80=94  Excitement  I>=C2=BB=20
manded=E2=80=94 Vtoit  of  English  Friends=E2=80=94 I  Show  Them  Our  Co=
untry=E2=80=94 Trip  to  California=E2=80=94Salt=20
Lake  City=E2=80=94 Brigham  Young =E2=80=94 Sacramento  and  San  Francisc=
o =E2=80=94 Admiral  Dot =E2=80=94 Wild  Buffalo=20
Hunt  In  Kansas=E2=80=94 My  Great  Traveling  Show=E2=80=94 Trip  to  Col=
orado=E2=80=94 Fourteenth  Street  Hip-=20
podrome=E2=80=94 A  Brilliant  Audience=E2=80=94 Departure  for  the  South=
 =E2=80=94 New*  of  the  Conflagration-=20
Speech  at  the  Academy =E2=80=94 An  Expensive  Exhibition=E2=80=94 A  Pl=
easant  Episode =E2=80=94 An  Ocean=20
Voyage=E2=80=94 The  Vienna  Exhibition=E2=80=94 Death  of  Mrs.  Barnnm, .=
  .  281=20

CHAPTER  XLVHL=E2=80=94 The  Roman  Hippodrome=E2=80=94 An  Enthusiastic  R=
eception=E2=80=94 Resting  at  Wai-=20
demere=E2=80=94 A  Complimentary  Dinner=E2=80=94 Interesting  Letters  and=
  Speeches, 299=20

CHAPTER  XLEX.=E2=80=94 Success  of  my  Traveling  Hippodrome  =E2=80=94  =
My  Second  Marriage  =E2=80=94  P.  T.=20
Barnnm  Exhibiting  a  Live  King =E2=80=94 Elected  Mayor  of  Bridgeport =
=E2=80=94 The  Centennial =E2=80=94 Pro-=20
fessor Donaldson=E2=80=94 Close  of  the  Season=E2=80=94 The  Hippodrome  =
Sold  at  Auction=E2=80=94 The  New=20
Traveling  Show=E2=80=94 My  Valedictory  Message  as  Mayor  of  Bridgepor=
t, 80ft=20

CHAPTER  L.=E2=80=94 Breakfast  with  Lord  Rosebery  and  Mr.  Tupper=E2=
=80=94 My  Show  in  Nova  Scotia=20
and  elsewhere =E2=80=94 My  New  Book  "Lion  Jack" =E2=80=94 Death  of  m=
y  Youngest  Daughter=E2=80=94 My=20
Visit  to  England =E2=80=94 Lecturing  there =E2=80=94 The  London  World'=
s  Description  of  my  Home  anil=20
Habits  in  Bridgeport=E2=80=94 Fatal  Accident  to  the  Advertisers  of  =
my  Great  Show=E2=80=94 Visit  to=20
Colorado =E2=80=94 My  third  Election  to,  and  Doings  in,  the  Connect=
icut  Legislature =E2=80=94 Building  a=20
Dyke=E2=80=94 Byronic  Poetry  thereon=E2=80=94 My  fourth  Election  to  t=
he  General  Assembly  of  Con-=20
necticut,   315=20

CHAPTER  LI. =E2=80=94 Bergh  Vanquished=E2=80=94 Transformation  Scene =E2=
=80=94 Baby  Elephant =E2=80=94 The  Great  Alii=20
ance =E2=80=94 Winter  Quarters  of  the  Great  Barnum-London  Show=E2=80=
=94 Valley  of  the  Shadow  of=20
Death =E2=80=94 Four  Pullman  Carloads  of  Editors =E2=80=94 Torch-light =
 Procession  and  Grand  Opening=20
=E2=80=94 Testimonials  from  Garfleld  and  Arthur =E2=80=94 My  Voyage  t=
o  Europe=E2=80=94 Presentation  of  Foun-=20
tain to  Bethel 823=20

CHAPTER  LIL=E2=80=94 Another  Baby  Elephant=E2=80=94 Jumbo,  the  Greates=
t  of  the  Great=E2=80=94 Visit  to=20
England=E2=80=94 Irving  Dinner =E2=80=94 George  Augustus  Sala=E2=80=94 B=
arnum  more  than  half  English,  330=20

CHAPTER  LHL=E2=80=94  Visit  to  Europe=E2=80=94 Sir  Charles  Lees=E2=80=
=94 Mackay,  the  Millionaire=E2=80=94 Death  of  Tom=20
Thumb=E2=80=94 Enormous  Show  Receipts =E2=80=94 "  Barnum  in  Britishlan=
d  " =E2=80=94 Almost  my  Obituary=E2=80=94-=20
The Sacred  White  Elephant=E2=80=94 The  Show  in  1884=E2=80=94 How  a  M=
ean  Town  got  Left=E2=80=94 Opening=20
of  the  Barnum  Natural  History  Museum,  at  Tuft's  College,  Boston =
=E2=80=94 I  offer  Gen.  Grant=20
One  Hundred  Thousand  Dollars  and  Valuable  Inducement=E2=80=94 Recepti=
on  of  Letter  from=20
Burmah  addressed,  "  Mr.  Barnum,  America." , 335=20

CHAPTER  LIV.=E2=80=94 The  Show  in  1885=E2=80=94 Elephant  Albert  Sente=
nced  to  Death  and  Shot=E2=80=94 Death=20
of  Jumbo=E2=80=94 His  Skin  Stuffed  and  His  Skeleton  prepared  for  E=
xhibition=E2=80=94 Jumbo's  Size-=20
Purchase  of  Alice,  Jumbo's  Widow=E2=80=94 I  visit  the  Show  incognit=
o=E2=80=94 Withdrawal  of  my=20
Partners,  Messrs.  Hutchinson,  Cole  and  Cooper=E2=80=94 Death  of  Jenn=
y  Lind,  ....  3-14=20

CHAPTER  LV.=E2=80=94 The  Church  and  Circus=E2=80=94 The  Mission  of  t=
he  Circus=E2=80=94 Morality  of  Employees=20
=E2=80=94Speaking  in  Church=E2=80=94 Indorsed  by  the  Clergy  and  Reli=
gious  Press=E2=80=94 Bust  for  the  Smith-=20
sonian Institute =E2=80=94 Mr.  Henry  Bergh's  Indorsement, 348=20

CHAPTER  LVI=E2=80=94 Burning  of  the  Winter  Quarters  at  Bridgeport,  =
Conn.=E2=80=94 Mrs.  Gilligan  and=20
the  Lion=E2=80=94 Death  of  the  White  Elephant  and  Alice=E2=80=94 Gro=
wth  of  the  City  of  Bridgeport-=20
Inauguration  of  Bridgeport  Hospital=E2=80=94 I  give  two  Gold  Prize  =
Medals  annually  to  Students=20
in  Bridgeport  High  School=E2=80=94 Opening  of  Sea  Side  Institute=E2=
=80=94 My  Gift  to  Sea  Side  Park,  352=20


1.  PORTRAIT  OP  P.  T.  BARNUM Frontispiece.=20

2.  MY  BIRTHPLACE 17=20

3  PHINEAS  TAYLOR 24=20

4.  MY  PROPERTY  AND  MY  TENANT 32=20

5.  MY  DELIVERY  FROM  IMPRISONMENT 36=20

6.  THE  COWARD  AND  THE  "BRAVE" 40=20

7.  VICTORY  OVER  VESTRYMEN 48=20

8.  SQUALLS  AND  BREEZES 56=20

9.  THE  AUTHOR  TRAINING  TOM  THUMB 72=20

10.  TOM  THUMB  AND  THE  POODLE 70=20

11.  ROYAL  HONORS  TO  THE  GENERAL 81=20

12.  MANURE  CART  EXPRESS 85=20

13.  PUTMEINIRONS 88=20

14.  IRANISTAN 97=20

15.  PORTRAITS  OF  JENNY  LIND  AND  P.  T.  BARNUM  IN  1851 100=20

16.  WELCOME  TO  JENNY  LIND 105=20

17.  THE  PRINCE  IN  THE  MUSEUM 112=20

18.  THE  ITALIAN  AND  HIS  DOG 120=20

19.  ELEPHANTINE  AGRICULTURE 132=20

20.  MOUNTAIN  GROVE  CEMETERY 144=20

=E2=80=A221.  THE  "  CUSTOMS  "  OF  THE  COUNTRY 156=20

22.  THE  GREAT  DUKE  AND  THE  LITTLE  GENERAL 168=20

23.  THE  MUSEUM  BUILDING 180=20

24.  "THE  LONG  AND  SHORT  OF  IT" 193=20

25.  GRIZZLY  ADAMS  AND  HIS  FAMILY 200=20

26.  EAST  BRIDGEPORT 208=20

27.  CAPTURING  WHITE  WHALES 216=20

28.  THE  FAIRY  WEDDING  GROUP 225=20

29.  MARRIAGE  IN  MINIATURE 228=20

30.  ALARM  AT  LINDENCROFT 240=20

31.  THE  GREAT  UNKNOWN 252=20

32.  AFTER  THE  FIRE 264=20

33.  SEA  SIDE  PARK 276=20

34.  WALDEMERE 278=20

35.  BARNUM  FIVE  SECONDS  AHEAD 300=20

36.  BRONZE  FOUNTAIN  PRESENTED  TO  MY  NATIVE  TOWN 328=20

37.  WINTER  QUARTERS  OF  THE  GREAT  TLONDON-BARNUM  SHOW 330=20

38.  PROPOSED  CHANGE  OF  ENGLISH  COAT-OF-ARMS 33*=20

39.  P.  T.  BARNUM'S  MOTHER,  IRENA 88=20

40.  P.  T.  BARNUM'S  WIFE,  CHARITY 288=20

41.  PRIVATE  SHOW  TO  A  SICK  BOY 287=20

42.  BURNING  OF  WINTER  QUARTERS 359=20


CHAPTER   I.=20

EARLY    LIFE.=20

1  WAS  born  in  the  town  of  Bethel,  in  the  State  of  Connecticut, =
 July  5, 1810.  My=20
name,  Phineas  Taylor,  is  derived  from  my  maternal  grandfather,  who=
  was  a=20
great  wag  in  his  way,  and  who,  as  I  was  his  first  grandchild,  =
handed  over  to  his=20
daughter  Irena,  my  mother,  at  my  christening,  a  gift-deed,  in  my =
 behalf,  of  five=20
acres  of  land,  called  "Ivy  Island,"  situated  in  that  part  of  the=
  parish  of  Bethel=20
known  as  the  "Plum  Trees."=20

My  father,  Philo  Barnum,  was  the  son  of  Ephraim  Barnum,  of  Bethe=
l,  who=20
was  a  captain  in  the  revolutionary  war.  My  father  was  a  tailor, =
 a  farmer,  and=20
sometimes  a  tavern-keeper,  and  my  advantages  and  disadvantages  were=
  such  as=20
fall  to  the  general  run  of  farmers'  boys.  I  drove  cows  to  and  =
from  the  pasture,=20
shelled  corn,  weeded  the  garden;  as  I  grew  larger  I  rode  horse  =
for  ploughing,=20
turned  and  raked  hay;  in  due  time  I  handled  the  shovel  and  the =
 hoe,  and  when  I=20
could  do  so  I  went  to  school=20

I  was  six  years  old  when  I  began  to  go  to  school,  and  the  fir=
st  date  I  remember=20
inscribing  upon  my  writing-book  was  1818.  The  ferule,  in  those  da=
ys,  was  the=20
assistant  school-master.  I  was  a  willing,  and,  I  think,  a  pretty =
 apt  scholar.  In=20
arithmetic  I  was  unusually  ready  and  accurate,  and  I  remember,  at=
  the  age  of=20
ten  years,  being  called  out  of  bed  one  night  by  my  teacher,  who=
  had  wagered=20
with  a  neighbor  that  I  could  calculate  the  correct  number  of  fee=
t  in  a  load  of=20
wood  in  five  minutes.  The  dimensions  given,  I  figured  out  the  re=
sult  in  less  than=20
two  minutes,  to  the  great  delight  of  my  teacher  and  to  the  equa=
l  astonishment  of=20
nis  neighbor.=20

My  organ  of  "acquisitiveness"  was  manifest  at  an  early  age.  Befor=
e  I  was=20
five  years  of  age  I  began  to  accumulate  pennies  and  "four-pences,=
"  and  when  I=20
was  six  years  old  my  capital  amounted  to  a  sum  sufficient  to  ex=
change  for  a  sil-=20
ver dollar,  the  possession  of  which  made  me  feel  far  richer  than =
 I  have  ever  since=20
felt  in  the  world.=20

Nor  did  my  dollar  long  remain  alone.  As  I  grew  older  I  earned  =
ten  cents=20
a  day  for  riding  the  horse  which  led  the  ox-team  in  ploughing,  =
and  on  holi-=20
days and  "training  days,"  instead  of  spending  money,  I  earned  it. =
 I  was  a=20
small  peddler  of  molasses  candy  (of  home  make),  ginger-bread,  cook=
ies  and  cherry=20
rum,  and  I  generally  found  myself  a  dollar  or  two  richer  at  the=
  end  of  a  holiday=20
than  I  was  at  the  beginning.  By  the  time  Ins  twelve  years  old, =
 besides  other=20
property,  I  was  the  owner  of  a  sheep  and  a  calf,  and  should  so=
on,  no  doubt,  have=20
become  a  small  Croesus,  had  not  my  father  kindly  permitted  me  to=
  purchase  my=20
own  clothing,  which  somewhat  reduced  my  little  store.=20

When  I  was  nearly  twelve  years  old  I  made  my  first  visit  to  th=
e  metropolis.=20
It  happened  in  this  wise :  Late  one  afternoon  in  January,  1822,  =
Mr.  Daniel=20
Brown,  of  Southbury,  Connecticut,  arrived  at  my  father's  tavern,  i=
n  Bethel,=20
with  some  fat  cattle  he  was  driving  to  New  York  to  sell,  and  p=
ut  up  for  the  night.=20
After  supper  hearing  Mr.  Brown  say  to  my  father  that  he  intended=
  to  buy  more=20

17=20


18  EARLY    LIFE.=20

cattle,  and  that  he  would  be  glad  to  hire  a  boy  to  assist  in  =
driving  them,  I  im=20
mediately  besought  my  father  to  secure  the  situation  for  me,  and =
 he  did  so.  My=20
mother's  consent  was  gained,  and  at  daylight  next  morning,  I  star=
ted  on  foot  in=20
the  midst  of  a  heavy  snow  storm  to  help  drive  the  cattle.  Befor=
e  reaching  Ridge-=20
field,  I  was  sent  on  horseback  after  a  stray  ox,  and,  in  gallop=
ing,  the  horse  fell=20
and  my  ankle  was  sprained.  I  suffered  severely,  but  did  not  comp=
lain  lest  my=20
employer  should  send  me  back.  We  arrived  at  New  York,  in  three  =
or  four  days,=20
and  put  up  at  the  Bull's  Head  Tavern,  where  we  were  to  stay  a =
 week  while=20
the  drover  disposed  of  his  cattle.  It  was  an  eventful  week  for  =
me.  Before  I  left=20
borne  my  mother  had  given  me  a  dollar  which  I  supposed  would  su=
pply  every=20
want  that  heart  could  wish.  My  first  outlay  was  for  oranges  whic=
h  I  was  told=20
were  four  pence  apiece,  and  as  "four  pence"  in  Connecticut  was  s=
ix  cents,  I=20
offered  ten  cents  for  two  oranges,  which  was  of  course  readily  t=
aken  ;  and  thus,=20
instead  of  saving  two  cents,  as  I  thought,  I  actually  paid  two  =
cents  more  than=20
the  price  demanded.  I  then  bought  two  more  oranges,  reducing  my  =
capital  to=20
eighty  cents.  Thirty-one  cents  was  the  "charge"  for  a  small  gun  =
which  would=20
"go  off "  and  send  a  stick  some  little  distance,  and  this  gun  I=
  bought.  Amusing=20
myself  with  this  toy  in  the  bar-room  of  the  Bull's  Head,  the  ar=
row  happened  to=20
hit  the  bar-keeper,  who  forthwith  came  from  behind  the  counter  an=
d  shook  me,=20
and  soundly  boxed  my  ears,  telling  me  to  put  that  gun  out  of  t=
he  way  or  he=20
would  put  it  into  the  fire.  I  sneaked  to  my  room,  put  my  treas=
ure  under  the=20
pillow,  and  went  out  for  another  visit  to  the  toy  shop.=20

There  I  invested  six  cents  in  "torpedoes,"  with  which  I  intended =
 to  astonish=20
my  schoolmates  in  Bethel.  I  could  not  refrain,  however,  from  expe=
rimenting=20
upon  the  guests  of  the  hotel,  which  I  did  when  they  were  going =
 in  to  dinner.  I=20
threw  two  of  the  torpedoes  against  the  wall  of  the  hall  through =
 which  the  guests=20
were  passing,  and  the  immediate  results  were  as  follows :  two  lou=
d  reports, =E2=80=94=20
astonished  guests, =E2=80=94 irate  landlord, =E2=80=94 discovery  of  the=
  culprit,  and  summary  pun-=20
ishment=E2=80=94 for  the  landlord  immediately  floored  me  with  a  sin=
gle  blow  with  his=20
open  hand,  and  said  :=20

"  There,  you  little  greenhorn,  see  if  that  will  teach  you  better=
  than  to  explode=20
your  infernal  fire-crackers  in  my  house  again."=20

The  lesson  was  sufficient  if  not  entirely  satisfactory.  I  deposite=
d  the  balance=20
of  the  torpedoes  with  my  gun,  and  as  a  solace  for  my  wounded  f=
eelings  I  again=20
visited  the  toy  shop,  where  I  bought  a  watch,  breastpin  and  top,=
  leaving  but=20
eleven  cents  of  my  original  dollar.=20

The  following  morning  found  me  again  at  the  fascinating  toy  shop,=
  where  I=20
saw  a  beautiful  knife  with  two  blades,  a  gimlet,  and  a  corkscrew=
, =E2=80=94 a  whole=20
carpenter  shop  in  miniature,  and  all  for  thirty-one  cents.  But,  a=
las!  I  had  only=20
eleven  cents.  Have  that  knife  I  must,  however,  and  so  I  proposed=
  to  the  shop-=20
woman  to  take  back  the  top  and  breastpin  at  a  slight  deduction, =
 and  with  my=20
eleven  cents  to  let  me  have  the  knife.  The  kind  creature  consent=
ed,  and  this=20
makes  memorable  my  first  "swap."  Some  fine  and  nearly  white  molas=
ses  candy=20
then  caught  my  eye,  and  I  proposed  to  trade  the  watch  for  its  =
equivalent  in  candy.=20
The  transaction  was  made  and  the  candy  was  so  delicious  that  bef=
ore  night  my=20
gun  was  absorbed  in  the  same  way.  The  next  morning  the  torpedoes=
  "went  off  "=20
in  the  same  direction,  and  before  night  even  my  beloved  knife  wa=
s  similarly=20
exchanged.  My  money  and  my  goods  all  gone,  I  traded  two  pocket  =
handker-=20
chiefs and  an  extra  pair  of  stockings  I  was  sure  I  should  not  w=
ant  for  nine  more=20
rolls  of  molasses  candy,  and  then  wandered  about  the  city  discons=
olate,  sighing=20
because  there  was  no  more  molasses  candy  to  conquer.=20


EAELY  LIFE.  19=20

I  doubt  not  that  in  these  first  wanderings  about  the  city  I  oft=
en  passed  the=20
corner  of  Broadway  and  Ann  street =E2=80=94 never  dreaming  of  the  =
stir  I  was  destined=20
at  a  future  day  to  make  in  that  locality  as  proprietor  and  mana=
ger  of  the=20
American  Museum.=20

After  wandering,  gazing  and  wondering  for  a  week,  Mr.  Brown  took =
 me  in=20
his  sleigh  and  on  the  evening  of  the  following  day  we  arrived  i=
n  Bethel  I  had=20
a  thousand  questions  to  answer,  and  for  a  long  time  I  was  quite=
  a  lion  among  my=20
mates  because  I  had  seen  the  great  metropolis.  My  brothers  and  s=
isters,  how-=20
ever, were  much  disappointed  at  my  not  bringing  them  something  fro=
m  my=20
dollar,  and  when  my  mother  examined  my  wardrobe  and  found  two  po=
cket=20
handkerchiefs  and  one  pair  of  stockings  missing  she  whipped  me  an=
d  sent  me  to=20
bed.  Thus  ingloriously  terminated  my  first  visit  to  New  York.=20

Previous  to  my  visit  to  New  York,  I  think  it  was  in  1820,  when=
  I  was  ten  years=20
of  age,  I  made  my  first  expedition  to  my  landed  property,  "  Ivy=
  Island."  From=20
the  time  when  I  was  four  years  old  I  was  continually  hearing  of=
  this  "  property."=20
My  grandfather  always  spoke  of  me  (in  my  presence)  to  the  neighb=
ors  and  to=20
strangers  as  the  richest  child  in  town,  since  I  owned  the  whole =
 of  "  Ivy  Island,"=20
one  of  the  most  valuable  farms  in  the  State.  My  father  and  moth=
er  frequently=20
reminded  me  of  my  wealth  and  hoped  I  would  do  something  for  the=
  family  when=20
I  attained  my  majority.  The  neighbors  professed  to  fear  that  I  m=
ight  refuse  to=20
play  with  their  children  because  I  had  inherited  so  large  a  prop=
erty.=20

These  constant  allusions,  for  several  years,  to  "  Ivy  Island  "  e=
xcited  at  once  my=20
pride  and  my  curiosity  and  stimulated  me  to  implore  my  father's  =
permission  to=20
visit  my  property.  At  last,  he  promised  I  should  do  so  in  a  fe=
w  days,  as  we=20
should  be  getting  some  hay  near  "  Ivy  Island."  The  wished  for  d=
ay  arrived  and=20
my  father  told  me  that  as  we  were  to  mow  an  adjoining  meadow,  =
I  might  visit=20
my  property  in  company  with  the  hired  man  during  the  "  nooning."=
  My  grand-=20
father reminded  me  that  it  was  to  his  bounty  I  was  indebted  for =
 this  wealth,  and=20
that  had  not  my  name  been  Phineas  I  might  never  have  been  propr=
ietor  of  "  Ivy=20
Island."  To  this  my  mother  added  :=20

"Now,  Taylor,  don't  become  so  excited  when  you  see  your  property =
 as  to  let=20
your  joy  make  you  sick,  for  remember,  rich  as  you  are,  that  it =
 will  be  eleven=20
years  before  you  can  come  into  possession  of  your  fortune."=20

She  added  much  more  good  advice,  to  all  of  which  I  promised  to =
 be  calm  and=20
reasonable  and  not  to  allow  my  pride  to  prevent  me  from  speaking=
  to  my  brothers=20
and  sisters  when  I  returned  home.=20

When  we  arrived  at  the  meadow,  which  was  in  that  part  of  the  "=
  Plum  Trees"=20
known  as  "  East  Swamp,"  I  asked  my  father  where  "  Ivy  Island  "=
  was.=20

"  Yonder,  at  the  north  end  of  this  meadow,  where  you  see  those =
 beautiful  trees=20
rising  in  the  distance."=20

All  the  forenoon  I  turned  grass  as  fast  as  two  men  could  cut  i=
t,  and  after  a=20
hasty  repast  at  noon,  one  of  our  hired  men,  a  good  natured  Iris=
hman,  named=20
Edmund,  took  an  axe  on  his  shoulder  and  announced  that  he  was  r=
eady  to=20
accompany  me  to  "Ivy  Island."  We  started,  and  as  we  approached  t=
he  north=20
end  of  the  meadow  we  found  the  ground  swampy  and  wet  and  were  =
soon  obliged=20
to  leap  from  bog  to  bog  on  our  route.  A  mis-step  brought  me  up=
  to  my  middle=20
in  water,  and  to  add  to  the  dilemma  a  swarm  of  hornets  attacked=
  me.  Attain-=20
ing the  altitude  of  another  bog  I  was  cheered  by  the  assurance  t=
hat  there  was=20
only  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  this  kind  of  travel  to  the  edge  o=
f  my  property.  I=20
waded  on.  In  about  fifteen  minutes  more,  after  floundering  through=
  the  morass,=20
I  found  myself  half -drowned,  hornet-stung,  mud-covered,  and  out  of=
  breath,  on=20
comparatively  dry  land.=20


3d  EARLY   LLPE.=20

"Never  mind,  my  boy,"  said  Edmund,  "  we  have  only  to  crow  this =
 little  creek,=20
and  yell  be  upon  your  own  valuable  property."=20

We  were  on  the  margin  of  a  stream,  the  banks  of  which  were  thi=
ckly  covered=20
with  alders.  I  now  discovered  the  use  of  Edmund's  axe,  for  he  f=
elled  a  small  oak=20
to  form  a  temporary  bridge  to  my  "Island"  property.  Crossing  over=
,  I  pro-=20
ceeded to  the  center  of  my  domain.  I  saw  nothing  but  a  few  stun=
ted  ivies=20
and  straggling  trees.  The  truth  Sashed  upon  me.  I  had  been  the  =
laugh-=20
ing-stock of  the  family  and  neighborhood  for  years.  My  valuable  " =
 Ivy  Island"=20
was  an  almost  inaccessible,  worthless  bit  of  barren  land,  and  whi=
le  I  stood  deplor-=20
ing my  sudden  downfall,  =C2=BB>  huge  black  snake  (one  of  my  te=
nants)  approached=20
me  with  upraised  head.  J  <jave  one  shriek  and  rushed  for  the =
 bridge.*=20

This  was  my  first  and  '=C2=ABst  visit  to  "  Ivy  Island."  My  fath=
er  asked  me  "  how=20
I  liked  my  property  ? "  and  I  responded  that  I  would  sell  it  p=
retty  cheap.=20

As  I  grew  older  my  srttled  aversion  to  manual  labor,  farm  or  ot=
her  kind,  was=20
manifest  in  various  wpys,  which  were  set  down  to  the  general  sco=
re  of  laziness.=20
In  despair  of  doing  batter  with  me,  my  father  concluded  to  make =
 a  merchant  of=20
me.  He  erected  a  building  in  Bethel,  and  with  Mr.  Hiram  Weed  as=
  a  partner,=20
purchased  a  Ftonk  of  dry  goods,  hardware,  groceries,  and  general  =
notions  and=20
installed  me  WE  clerk  in  this  country  store.=20

We  krpt  a  cash,  credit  and  barter  store,  and  I  drove  sharp  barg=
ains  with=20
women  who  brought  butter,  eggs,  beeswax  and  feathers  to  exchange  =
for  dry=20
goods,  and  with  men  who  wanted  to  trade  oats,  corn,  buckwheat,  a=
xe-helves,=20
hats,  and  other  commodities  for  tenpenny  nails,  molasses,  or  New  =
England  rum.=20
It  was  a  drawback  upon  my  dignity  that  I  was  obliged  to  take  d=
own  the  shutters,=20
sveep  the  store,  and  make  the  fire.  I  received  a  small  salary  f=
or  my  services=20
and  the  perquisites  of  what  profit  I  could  derive  from  purchasing=
  candies  on  my=20
own  account  to  sell  to  our  younger  customers,  and,  as  usual,  my =
 father  stipulated=20
tbat  I  should  clothe  myself.=20

There  is  a  great  deal  to  be  learned  in  a  country  store,  and  pr=
incipally  this =E2=80=94=20
that  sharp  trades,  tricks,  dishonesty  and  deception  are  by  no  mea=
ns  confined  to=20
the  city.  More  than  once,  in  cutting  open  bundles  of  rags,  broug=
ht  to  be=20
exchanged  for  goods,  and  warranted  to  be  all  linen  and  cotton,  I=
  have  discovered=20
in  the  interior  worthless  woolen  trash  and  sometimes  stones,  grave=
l  or  ashes.=20
Sometimes,  too,  when  measuring  loads  of  oats,  corn  or  rye,  declar=
ed  to  contain=20
a  specified  number  of  bushels,  say  sixty,  I  have  found  them  four=
  or  five  bushels=20
short  In  the  evenings  and  on  wet  days  trade  was  always  dull,  an=
d  at  such=20
iimes  the  story-telling  and  joke-playing  wits  and  wags  of  the  vil=
lage  used  to=20
assemble  hi  our  store,  and  from  them  I  derived  considerable  amuse=
ment,  if  not=20
profit.  After  the  store  was  closed  at  night,  I  frequently  joined =
 some  of  the=20
village  boys  at  the  houses  of  their  parents,  where,  with  story-te=
lling  and  play,  a=20
couple  of  hours  would  soon  pass  by,  and  then  as  late,  perhaps,  =
as  eleven  o'clock,=20
I  went  home  and  slyly  crept  up  stairs  so  as  not  to  awaken  my  =
brother  with=20
whom  I  slept,  and  who  would  be  sure  to  report  my  late  hours.  H=
e  made  every=20
attempt,  and  laid  all  sorts  of  plans  to  catch  me  on  my  return, =
 but  as  sleep  always=20
overtook  him,  I  managed  easily  to  elude  his  efforts.=20

Like  most  people  in  Connecticut  in  those  days,  I  was  brought  up =
 to  attend=20
church  regularly  on  Sunday,  and  long  before  I  could  read  I  was  =
a  prominent=20
scholar  in  the  Sunday  school  My  good  mother  taught  me  my  lessons=
  in  the  New=20
Testament  and  the  Catechism,  and  my  every  effort  was  directed  to =
 win  one  of=20

=E2=80=A28*0  Illustration,  page  82.=20


1BABLT    LIFE.  21=20

those  "  Rewards  of  Merit,"  which  promised  to  pay  the  bearer  one =
 mill,  so  that=20
ton  of  these  prizes  amounted  to  one  cent,  and  one  hundred  of  th=
em,  which  might=20
be  won  by  faithful  assiduity  every  Sunday  for  two  years,  would  b=
uy  a  Sunday=20
school  book  worth  ten  cents.  Such  were  the  magnificent  rewards  he=
ld  out  to  the=20
religious  ambition  of  youth  in  those  days.  : .=20

There  was  but  one  church  or  "meeting-house"  in  Bethel,  which  all =
 attended,=20
sinking  all  differences  of  creed  in  the  Presbyterian  faith.  The  o=
ld  meeting-=20
house had  neither  steeple  nor  bell  and  was  a  plain  edifice,  comfo=
rtable  enough  m=20
summer,  but  my  teeth  chatter  even  now  when  I  think  of  the  drear=
y,  cold,  freez-=20
ing hours  we  passed  in  that  place  in  winter.  A  stove  in  a  meeti=
ng-house  in  those=20
days  would  have  been  a  sacrilegious  innovation.  The  sermons  were  =
from  an  hour=20
and  one-half  to  two  hours  long,  and  through  these  the  congregatio=
n  would  sit=20
and  shiver  till  they  really  merited  the  title  the  profane  gave  t=
hem  of  "blue=20
skins."  Some  of  the  women  carried  a  "foot-stove"  consisting  of  a =
 small  square=20
tin  box  in  a  wooden  frame,  the  sides  perforated,  and  in  the  int=
erior  there  was  a=20
small  square  iron  dish,  which  contained  a  few  live  coals  covered =
 with  ashes.=20
These  stoves  were  usually  replenished  just  before  meeting  time  at =
 some  neigh-=20
bor's near  the  meeting-house.=20

After  many  years  of  shivering  and  suffering,  one  of  the  brethren =
 had  the=20
temerity  to  propose  that  the  church  should  be  warmed  with  a  stov=
e.  His  impious=20
proposition  was  voted  down  by  an  overwhelming  majority.  Another  ye=
ar  came=20
iround,  and  in  November  the  stove  question  was  again  brought  up. =
 The  excite-=20
ment was  immense.  The  subject  was  discussed  in  the  village  stores =
 and  in  the=20
juvenile  debating  club  ;  it  was  prayed  over  in  conference  ;  and =
 finally  in  general=20
"society's  meeting,"  in  December,  the  stove  was  carried  by  a  majo=
rity  of  one=20
and  was  introduced  into  the  meeting-house.  On  the  first  Sunday  th=
ereafter,  two.=20
ancient  maiden  ladies  were  so  oppressed  by  the  dry  and  heated  at=
mosphere=20
occasioned  by  the  wicked  innovation,  that  they  fainted  away  and  w=
ere  carried=20
out  into  the  cool  air  where  they  speedily  returned  to  consciousne=
ss,  especially=20
when  they  were  informed  that  owing  to  the  lack  of  two  lengths  o=
f  pipe,  no  fire=20
bad  yet  been  made  in  the  stove.  The  next  Sunday  was  a  bitter  c=
old  day,  and=20
the  stove,  filled  with  well-seasoned  hickory,  was  a  great  gratific=
ation  to  the=20
many,  and  displeased  only  a  few.=20

During  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lowe's  ministrations  at  Bethel,  he  formed  a  =
Bible  class,=20
of  which  I  was  a  member.  We  used  to  draw  promiscuously  from  a  =
hat  a  text  of=20
scripture  and  write  a  composition  on  the  text,  which  compositions =
 were  read  after=20
service  in  the  afternoon,  to  such  of 'the  congregation  as  remained=
  to  hear  the=20
exercises  of  the  class.  Once,  I  remember,  I  drew  the  text,  Luke =
 x.  43 :  "But=20
one  thing  is  needful;  and  Mary  hath  chosen  that  good  part  which =
 shall  not  be=20
taken  away  from  her."  Question,  "  What  is  the  one  thing  needful?=
 "  My  answer=20
was  nearly  as  follows :=20

"  This  question  '  what  is  the  one  thing  needful  ? '  is  capable =
 of  receiving  various=20
answers,  depending  much  upon  the  persons  to  whom  it  is  addressed.=
  The  mer-=20
chant might  answer  that  '  the  one  thing  needful '  is  plenty  of  c=
ustomers,  who  buy=20
liberally,  without  beating  down  and  pay  cash  for  all  their  purcha=
ses.'  The=20
farmer  might  reply,  that '  the  one  thing  needful  is  large  harvest=
s  and  high  prices.'=20
The  physician  might  answer  that  'it  is  plenty  of  patients.'  The  =
lawyer  might=20
be  of  opinion  that  '  it  is  an  unruly  community,  always  engaging =
 in  bickerings=20
and  litigations. '  The  clergyman  might  reply,  '  It  is  a  fat  sala=
ry  with  multitudes=20
of  sinners  seeking  salvation  and  paying  large  pew  rents.'  The  bac=
helor  might=20
exclaim,  '  It  is  a  pretty  wife  who  loves  her  husband,  and  who  =
knows  how  to  sew=20


22  EARLY    LIFE.=20

on  buttona'  The  maiden  might  answer,  '  It  is  a  good  husband,  wh=
o  will  love,=20
cherish  and  protect  me  while  life  shall  last.'  But  the  most  prop=
er  answer,  and=20
doubtless  that  which  applied  to  the  case  of  Mary,  would  be,  "The=
  one  thing=20
needful  is  to  believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  follow  in  his  f=
ootsteps,  love  God=20
and  obey  His  commandments,  love  our  fellow-man,  and  embrace  every =
 oppor-=20
tunity of  administering  to  his  necessities.'  In  short,  '  the  one  =
thing  needful '  is  to=20
live  a  life  that  we  can  always  look  back  upon  with  satisfaction,=
  and  be  enabled=20
ever  to  contemplate  its  termination  with  trust  in  TTim  who  has  s=
o  kindly  vouch-=20
safed it  to  us,  surrounding  us  with  innumerable  blessings,  if  we  =
have  but  the=20
heart  and  wisdom  to  receive  them  in  a  proper  manner."=20

The  reading  of  a  portion  of  this  answer  occasioned  some  amusement=
  in  the=20
congregation,  in  which  the  clergyman  himself  joined,  and  the  name =
 of  "Taylor=20
Barnum "  was  whispered  in  connection  with  the  composition;  but  at =
 the  close  of=20
the  reading  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  hearing  Mr.  Lowe  say  that =
 it  was  a  well=20
written  answer  to  the  question,  "  What  is  the  one  thing  needful?=
 "=20


P.  T.  BARNUM'S  MOTHER,  IRENA,=20

AT  THE  AGE  OF  78.  See  page  23.=20


CHAPTER   II.=20

INCIDENTS   AND   ANECDOTES.=20

IN  the  month  of  August,  1825,  my  maternal  grandmother  met  with  a=
n  accident=20
in  stepping  on  the  point  of  a  rusty  nail,  and,  though  the  incid=
ent  was  at  first  con-=20
sidered trivial,  it  resulted  in  her  death.  Alarming  symptoms  soon  =
made  her=20
sensible  that  she  was  on  her  death-bed  ;  and  while  she  was  in  =
full  possession  of=20
her  faculties,  the  day  before  she  died  she  sent  for  her  grandchi=
ldren  to  take  final=20
leave  of  them.  I  shall  never  forget  the  sensations  I  experienced =
 when  she  took=20
me  by  the  hand  and  besought  me  to  lead  a  religious  life,  and  e=
specially  to  remem-=20
ber that  I  could  in  no  way  so  effectually  prove  my  love  to  God =
 as  by  loving  all=20
my  fellow-beings.  The  impressions  of  that  death-bed  scene  have  eve=
r  been  among=20
my  most  vivid  recollections,  and  I  trust  they  have  proved  in  som=
e  degree=20
salutary.=20

My  father,  for  his  time  and  locality,  was  a  man  of  much  enterpr=
ise.  He  could,=20
and  actually  did,  "  keep  a  hotel ;"  he  had  a  livery  stable  and =
 ran,  in  a  small  way,=20
what  in  our  day  would  be  called  a  Nor  walk  Express  ;  and  he  a=
lso  kept  a  country=20
store.  With  greater  opportunities  and  a  larger  field  for  his  effo=
rts  and  energies,=20
he  might  have  been  a  man  of  mark  and  means.  Not  that  he  was  s=
uccessful,  for=20
he  never  did  a  profitable  business ;  but  I,  who  saw  him  in  his =
 various  pursuits,=20
and  acted  as  his  clerk,  caught  something  of  his  enterprising  spir=
it,  and,  perhaps=20
without  egotism,  I  may  say  I  inherited  that  characteristic.  My  bu=
siness  educa-=20
tion was  as  good  as  the  limited  field  afforded,  and  I  soon  put  =
it  to  account  and=20
service.=20

On  the  7th  of  September,  1825,  my  father,  who  had  been  sick  sin=
ce  the  month=20
of  March,  died  at  the  age  of  forty-eight  years.  My  mother  was  l=
eft  with  five=20
children,  of  whom  I,  at  fifteen  years  of  age,  was  the  eldest,  w=
hile  the  youngest=20
was  but  seven.  It  was  soon  apparent  that  my  father  had  provided =
 nothing  for=20
the  support  of  his  family  ;  his  estate  was  insolvent,  and  did  n=
ot  pay  fifty  cents=20
on  the  dollar.  My  mother,  by  economy,  industry,  and  perseverance, =
 succeeded=20
in  a  few  years  afterwards  in  redeeming  the  homestead  and  becoming=
  its  sole=20
possessor ;  but,  at  the  date  of  the  death  of  my  father,  the  wor=
ld  looked  gloomy=20
indeed  ;  the  few  dollars  I  had  accumulated  and  loaned  to  my  fat=
her,  holding  his=20
note  therefor,  were  decided  to  be  the  property  of  a  minor,  belon=
ging  to  the=20
father  and  so  to  the  estate,  and  my  small  claim  was  ruled  out. =
 I  was  obliged  to=20
get  trusted  for  the  pair  of  shoes  I  wore  to  my  father's  funeral=
  I  literally  began=20
the  world  with  nothing,  and  was  barefooted  at  that.=20

I  went  to  Grassy  Plain,  a  mile  northwest  of  Bethel,  and  secured =
 a  situation  as=20
clerk  in  the  store  of  James  8.  Keeler  &  Lewis  Whitlock  at  s=
ix  dollars  a  month=20
and  my  board.  I  lived  with  Mrs.  Jerusba  Wheeler  and  her  daughter=
s,  Jerusha=20
and  Mary,  and  found  an  excellent  home.  I  chose  my  uncle,  Alanson=
  Taylor,  as=20
my  guardian.  I  soon  gained  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  my  emplo=
yers;  they=20
afforded  me  many  facilities  for  making  money  on  my  own  account,  =
and  I  soon=20
entered  upon  sundry  speculations  and  succeeded  in  getting  a  small =
 sum  of  money=20
ahead.=20

23=20


24  INCIDENTS  AND   ANECDOTES.=20

I  made  a  very  remarkable  trade  at  one  time  for  my  employers  by =
 purchasing,=20
in  their  absence,  a  whole  wagon-load  of  green  glass  bottles  of  v=
arious  sizes,  for=20
which  I  paid  in  unsalable  goods  at  very  profitable  prices.  How  t=
o  dispose  of  the=20
bottles  was  then  the  problem,  and  as  it  was  also  desirable  to  g=
et  rid  of  a  large=20
quantity  of  tin-ware  which  had  been  in  the  shop  for  years  and  w=
as  considerably=20
''shop-worn,"  I  conceived  the  idea  of  a  lottery  in  which  the  hig=
hest  prize  should=20
be  twenty-five  dollars,  payable  in  any  goods  the  winner  desired,  =
while  there  were=20
to  be  fifty  prizes  of  five  dollars  each,  payable  in  goods,  to  b=
e  designated  in  the=20
scheme.  Then  there  were  one  hundred  prizes  of  one  dollar  each,  o=
ne  hundred=20
prizes  of  fifty  cents  each,  and  three  hundred  prizes  of  twenty-fi=
ve  cents  each.  It=20
is  unnecessary  to  state  that  the  minor  prizes  consisted  mainly  of=
  glass  and  tin-=20
ware; the  tickets  sold  like  wildfire,  and  the  worn  tin  and  glass =
 bottles  were=20
speedily  turned  into  cash.=20

As  my  mother  continued  to  keep  the  village  tavern  at  Bethel,  I  =
usually  went=20
home  on  Saturday  night  and  stayed  till  Monday  morning,  going  to  =
church  with=20
my  mother  on  Sunday.  This  habit  was  the  occasion  of  an  adventure=
  of  momen-=20
tous consequence  to  me.  One  Saturday  evening,  during  a  violent  thu=
nder  shower,=20
Miss  Mary  Wheeler,  a  milliner,  sent  me  word  that  there  was  a  gi=
rl  from  Bethel=20
at  her  house,  who  had  come  up  on  horseback  to  get  a  new  bonnet=
 ;  that  she=20
was  afraid  to  go  back  alone ;  and  if  I  was  going  to  Bethel  tha=
t  evening  she=20
wished  me  to  escort  her  customer.  I  assented,  and  went  over  to  =
"  Aunt  Rushia's  "=20
where  I  was  introduced  to  "Chairy"  (Charity)  Hallett,  a  fair,  ros=
y-cheeked,=20
buxom  girl,  with  beautiful  white  teeth.  I  assisted  her  to  her  sa=
ddle,  and,  mount-=20
ing my  own  hone,  we  trotted  towards  Bethel=20

My  first  impressions  of  this  girl  as  I  saw  her  at  the  house  we=
re  exceedingly=20
favorable.  As  soon  as  we  started  I  began  a  conversation  with  her=
,  and,  finding=20
her  very  affable,  I  regretted  that  the  distance  to  Bethel  was  no=
t  five  miles  instead=20
of  one.  A  flash  of  lightning  gave  me  a  distinct  view  of  the  fa=
ce  of  my  fair  com-=20
panion, and  then  I  wished  the  distance  was  twenty  miles.  During  o=
ur  ride  I=20
learned  that  she  was  a  tailoress,  working  with  Mr.  Zerah  Benedict=
,  of  Bethel.=20
The  next  day  I  saw  her  at  church,  and,  indeed,  many  Sundays  aft=
erwards,  but  1=20
had  no  opportunity  to  renew  the  acquaintance  that  season.=20

Mrs.  Jerusha  Wheeler,  with  whom  I  boarded,  and  her  daughter  Jerus=
ha  were=20
familiarly  known,  the  one  as  "  Aunt  Rushia,"  and  the  other  as  "=
  Rushia."  Many=20
of  our  store  customers  were  hatters,  and  among  the  many  kinds  of=
  furs  we  sold=20
for  the  nap  of  hats  was  one  known  to  the  trade  as  "  Russia."  =
One  day  a  hatter,=20
Walter  Dibble,  called  to  buy  some  furs.  I  sold  him  several  kinds=
,  including=20
' '  beaver  "  and  ' '  cony, "  and  he  then  asked  for  some  ' '  Ru=
ssia. "  We  had  none,  and,=20
as  I  wanted  to  play  a  joke  upon  him,  I  told  him  that  Mrs.  Whe=
eler  had  several=20
nundred  pounds  of  "Rushia."=20

"  What  on  earth  is  a  woman  doing  with  '  Russia  ? ' "  said  he.=
=20

I  could  not  answer,  but  I  assured  him  that  there  were  one  hundr=
ed  and  thirty=20
pounds  of  old  Rushia  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  of  young  =
Rushia  in  Mrs.=20
Wheeler's  house,  and  under  her  charge,  but  whether  or  not  it  was=
  for  sale  I  could=20
not  say.  Off  he  started  to  make  the  purchase  and  knocked  at  the=
  door.  Mrs.=20
Wheeler,  the  elder,  made  her  appearance.=20

"  I  want  to  get  your  Russia,"  said  the  hatter.=20

Mrs.  Wheeler  asked  him  to  walk  in  and  be  seated.  She,  of  course=
,  supposed=20
(hat  he  had  come  for  her  daughter  "  Rushia."=20

"  What  do  you  want  of  Rushia!"  asked  the  old  lady.=20

"  To  make  hats,"  was  the  reply.=20


PHINEAS    TAYLOR.  See  page   17.=20


!N=C2=AB:rDENTS    AND    ANECDOTES.  45=20

"To  trim  hats,  i  suppose  you  mean?"  responded  Mi's.  Wheeler.=20

"No,  for  the  outside  of  hats,"  replied  the  hatter.=20

"Well,  I  don't  know  much  about  nats,-'  said  the  old  lady,  "but  =
I  will  call  n\y=20
daughter."=20

Passing  into  another  room  where  "Rushia"  the  younger  was  at  work,=
  she=20
informed  her  that  a  man  wanted  her  to  make  hats.=20

"Oh,  he  means  sister  Mary,  probably.     I  suppose  he  wants  some  =
ladies'  hats.''=20
replied  Rushia,  as  she  went  into  the  parlor.=20

"  This  is  my  daughter,"  said  the  old  lady.=20

"I  want  to  get  your  Russia,"  said  he,  addressing  the  young  lady.=
=20

"I  suppose  you  wish  to  see  my  sister  Mary  ;  she  is  our  milline=
r,"  said  young=20
Rushia.=20

"I  wish  to  see  whoever  owns  the  property,"  said  the  hatter.=20

Sister  Mary  was  sent  for,  and,  as  she  was  introduced,  the  hatter=
  informed  hei=20
that  he  wished  to  buy  her  "  Russia."  4*=20

"Buy  Rushia! "  exclaimed  Mary  in  surprise  ;  "  I  don't  understand =
 you."=20

"Your  name  is  Miss  Wheeler,  I  believe,"  said  the  hatter,  who  was=
  annoyed  bj=20
the  difficulty  he  met  with  in  being  understood.=20

"It  is,  sir."=20

"  Ah !  very  well.     Is  there  old  and  young  Russia  in  the  house=
  i "=20

"I  believe  there  is,"  said  Mary,  surprised  at  the  familiar  manner=
  in  which  !)=E2=80=A2=E2=80=A2=20
spoke  of  her  mother  and  sister,  who  were  present.=20

"  What  is  the  price  of  old  Russia  per  pound?"  asked  the  hatter.=
=20

"  I  believe,  sir,  that  old  Rushia  is  not  for  sale,"  replied  Mar=
y  indignantly.=20

"  Well,  what  do  you  ask  for  young  Russia?"  pursued  the  hatter.=
=20

" Sir, "  said  Miss  Rushia  the  younger,  springing  to  her  feet,  "do=
  you  come  heiv=20
to  insult  defenceless  females  ?  If  you  do,  sir,  our  brother,  who=
  is  in  the  garden=20
will  punish  you  as  you  deserve."=20

"  Ladies! "  exclaimed  the  hatter,  in  astonishment,  "what  on  earth =
 have  I  don=C2=AB=20
to  offend  you  ?  I  came  here  on  a  business  matter.  I  want  to  b=
uy  some  Russia=20
1  was  told  you  had  old  and  young  Russia  in  the  house.  Indeed,  =
this  young  lad.}=20
just  stated  such  to  be  the  fact,  but  she  says  the  old  Russia  i=
s  not  for  sale.  Now=20
if  I  can  buy  the  young  Russia  I  want  to  do  so =E2=80=94 but  if =
 that  can't  be  done,  pleas*=20
to  say  so  and  I  will  trouble  you  no  further."=20

"Mother,  open  the  door  and  let  this  man  go  out;  he  is  undoubted=
ly  crazy,'=20
said  Miss  Mary.=20

"  By  thunder!  I  believe  I  shall  be  if  I  remain  here  long,"  exc=
laimed  the  hatter=20
considerably  excited.  "I  wonder  if  folks  never  do  business  in  the=
se  parts,  thai=20
yon  think  a  man  is  crazy  if  he  attempts  such  a  thing?"=20

"  Business!  poor  man! "  said  Mary  soothingly,  approaching  the  door=
.=20

"I  am  not  a  poor  man,  madam,"  replied  the  hatter.  "My  name  is  =
Waltei=20
Dibble  ;  I  carry  on  hatting  extensively  in  Danbury  ;  I  came  to =
 Grassy  Plain  tc=20
buy  fur,  and  have  purchased  some  'beaver'  and  'cony,'  and  now  it=
  seems  I  am=20
to  be  called  'crazy'  and  a  'poor  man,'  because  I  want  to  buy  a=
  little  '  Russia  '  to=20
make  up  my  assortment."=20

The  ladies  began  to  open  their  eyes  ;  they  saw  that  Mr.  Dibble =
 was  quite  in=20
earnest,  and  his  explanation  threw  considerable  light  upon  the  sub=
ject.=20

"Who  sent  you  here?"  asked  sister  Mary.=20

"  The  clerk  at  the  opposite  store,"  was  the  reply.=20

"  HP  is  a  wicked  young  fellow  for  making  all  this  trouble,"  sai=
d   the  old  lady=20
'  he  has  been  doing  this  for  a  joke."=20


26  INCIDENTS   AND   ANECDOTES.=20

=E2=80=A2'  A  joke! "  exclaimed  Dibble,  iii  surprise.     "  Have  you=
  no  Russia,  theu! "=20
"My  name  is  Jerusha,  and  so  is  my  daughter's,"  said  Mrs.  Wheeler=
,  ''and  that,=20
1  suppose,  is  what  he  meant  by  telling  you  about  old  and  young =
 Rushia."=20

Mr.  Dibble  bolted  through  the  door  without  another  word  and  made =
 directly=20
for  our  store.  "  You  young  scamp ! "  said  he,  as  he  entered  ;  =
"  what  did  you  mean=20
by  sending  me  over  there  to  buy  Russia? "=20

"  I  did  not  send  you  to  buy  Rushia  ;  I  supposed  you  were  eith=
er  a  bachelor  or=20
widower  and  wanted  to  marry  Rushia,"  I  replied,  with  a  serious  c=
ountenance.=20

"You  lie,  you  young  dog,  and  you  know  it ;  but  never  mind,  I'll=
  pay  you  off=20
some  day; "  and  taking  his  furs,  he  departed  with  less  ill-humor =
 than  could  ha.\  e=20
been  expected  under  the  circumstances.=20

Among  our  customers  were  three  or  four  old  Revolutionary  pensioner=
s,  who=20
traded  out  the  amounts  of  their  pensions  before  they  were  due,  l=
eaving  their=20
papers  as  security.  One  of  these  pensioners  was  old  Bevans,  commo=
nly  known=20
as  "Uncle  Bibbins,"  a  man  Hho  loved  his  glass  and  was  very  pron=
e  to  relate=20
romantic  Revolutionary  anecdotes  and  adventures,  in  which  he,  of  c=
ourse,  was=20
conspicuous.  At  one  time  he  was  in  our  debt,  and  though  we  held=
  his  pension=20
papers,  it  would  be  three  months  before  the  money  could  be  drawn=
.  It  was=20
desirable  to  get  him  away  for  that  length  of  time,  and  we  hinte=
d  to  him  that  it=20
would  be  pleasant  to  make  a  visit  to  Guilford,  where  he  had  rel=
ations,  but  he=20
would  not  go.  Finally,  I  hit  upon  a  plan  which  "  moved  "  him,=
=20

A  journejrman  hatter,  named  Benton,  who  was  fond  of  a  practical  =
joke,  was=20
let  into  the  secret,  and  was  persuaded  to  call  "  Uncle  Bibbins" =
 a  coward,  to  tell=20
him  that  he  had  been  wounded  in  the  back,  and  thus  to  prpvoke  =
a  duel,  which  he=20
lid,  and  at  my  suggestion  "Uncle  Bibbins"  challenged  Benton  to  fi=
ght  him  with=20
musket  and  ball  at  a  distance  of  twenty  yards.  The  challenge  was=
  accepted,  I=20
was  chosen  second  by  "Uncle  Bibbins,"  and  the  duel  was  to  come  =
off  imme-=20
diately. My  principal,  taking  me  aside,  begged  me  to  put  nothing  =
in  the  guns=20
but  blank  cartridges.  I  assured  him  it  should  be  so,  and  therefo=
re  that  he  might=20
feel  perfectly  safe.=20

The  ground  was  measured  in  the  lot  at  the  rear  of  our  store,  a=
nd  the  principals=20
and  seconds  took  their  places.  At  the  word  given  both  parties  fi=
red.  "Uncle=20
Bibbins "  of  course,  escaped  unhurt,  but  Benton  leaped  several  fee=
t  into  the  air,=20
and  fell  upon  the  ground  with  a  dreadful  yell,  as  if  he  had  be=
en  really  shot.=20
"Uncle  Bibbins"  was  frightened.  I  ran  to  him,  told  him  I  had  ne=
glected  to=20
extract  the  bullet  from  his  gun  (which  was  literally  true,  as  th=
ere  was  no  bullet=20
in  it  to  extract),  and  he  supposed,  of  course,  he  had  killed  hi=
s  adversary.  I  then=20
whispered  to  him  to  go  immediately  to  Guilford,  to  keep  quiet,  a=
nd  he  should=20
hear  from  me  as  soon  as  it  would  be  safe  to  do  so.  He  started=
  up  the  street  on  11=20
run,  and  immediately  quit  the  town  for  Guilford,  where  he  kept  h=
imself  quiet=20
until  it  was  time  for  him  to  return  and  sign  his  papers.  I  the=
n  wrote  him  that=20
"  he  could  return  in  safety  ;  that  his  adversary  had  recovered  =
from  his  wound,=20
and  now  forgave  him  all,  as  be  felt  himself  much  to  blame  for  =
having  insulted  a=20
man  of  his  known  courage."=20

"Uncle  Bibbins"  returned,  signed  the  papers,  and  we  obtained  the  =
pension=20
money.  A  few  days  thereafter  he  met  Bentou.=20

"  My  brave  old  friend,"  said  Beuton,  "  I  forgive  you  my  terribl=
e  wound  and=20
long  confinement  on  the  brink  of  the  grave,  and  I  beg  you  to  f=
orgive  me  also.  I=20
insulted  you  without  a  cause."=20

" I  forgive  you  freely,  "  said  "Uncle  Bibbins;"  "but,"  he  added, =
 "you  must=20
bt=C2=BB  careful  next  time  how  you  insult  a  dead  shot."=20


CHAPTER    III.=20

IN    BUSINESS    FOR    MYSELF.=20

ALB.  OLIVER  TAYLOR  removed  from  Danbury  to  Brooklyn,  Long  Island, =
 where=20
ue  kept  a  grocery  store  and  also  had  a  large  comb  factory  and  =
a  comb  store  in=20
New  York.  In  the  fall  of  1826  he  offered  me  a  situation  as  cle=
rk  in  Ms  Brooklyn=20
>tore,  which  I  accepted,  and  before  long  was  entrusted  with  th=
e  purchasing  of  all=20
goods  for  Ks  store.  I  bought  for  cash  entirely,  going  into  the  =
lower  part  of  New=20
York  city  in  search  of  the  cheapest  market  for  groceries,  often  =
attending  auctions=20
of  teas,  sugars,  molasses,  etc.,  watching  the  sales,  noting  prices=
  and  buyers,  and=20
frequently  combining  with  other  grocers  to  bid  off  large  lots,  wh=
ich  we  subse-=20
quently divided,  giving  each  of  us  the  quantity  wanted  at  a  lower=
  rate  than  if  the=20
goods  had  passed  into  other  hands,  compelling  us  to  pay  another  =
profit.=20

Well  treated  as  I  was  by  my  employer,  who  manifested  great  inter=
est  in  me,=20
still  I  was  dissatisfied.  A  salary  was  not  sufficient  for  me.  My=
  disposition  was=20
of  that  speculative  character  which  refused  to  be  satisfied  unless=
  I  was  engaged  in=20
some  business  where  my  profits  might  be  enhanced,  or,  at  least,  =
made  to  depend=20
upon  my  energy,  perseverance,  attention  to  business,  tact,  and  "ca=
lculation."=20

In  the  following  summer,  1827,  I  was  taken  down  with  the  small-p=
ox  and  was=20
confined  to  the  house  for  several  months.  This  sickness  made  a  s=
ad  inroad  upon=20
my  means.  When  I  was  sufficiently  recovered,  I  went  home  to  recr=
uit.=20

During  my  convalescence  at  my  mother's  house,  I  visited  my  old  f=
riends  and=20
neighbors  and  had  the  opportunity  to  renew  iny  acquaintance  with  =
the  attractive=20
tailoress,  "  Chairy  "  Hallett.  A  month  afterwards,  I  returned  to =
 Brooklyn,  where=20
I  gave  Mr.  Taylor  notice  of  my  desire  to  leave  his  employment;  =
and  I  then  opened=20
a  porter-house  on  my  own  account.  In  a  few  months  I  sold  out  t=
o  good  advantage '=20
and  accepted  a  favorable  offer  to  engage  as  clerk  in  a  similar  =
establishment,  kept=20
by  Mr.  David  Thorp,  29  Peck  Slip,  New  York.  It  was  a  great  res=
ort  for  Danbury=20
and  Bethel  comb  makers  and  hatters,  and  I  thus  had  frequent  oppo=
rtunities  of=20
seeing  and  healing  from  my  fellow-townsmen.  I  lived  in  Mr.  Thorp'=
s  family  and=20
was  kindly  treated.  I  was  often  permitted  to  visit  the  theater  w=
ith  friends  who=20
came  to  New  York,  and,  as  I  had  considerable  taste  for  the  f Ir=
ama,  I  soon  became,  in=20
my  own  opinion,  a  discriminating  critic =E2=80=94 nor  did  I  fail  t=
o  exhibit  my  powers  to  my=20
Connecticut  friends  who  accompanied  me  to  the  play.  Let  me  gratef=
ully  add=20
that  my  habits  were  hot  bad.  Though  I  sold  liquors  to  others,  I=
  do  not  think  I=20
ever  drank  a  pint  of  liquor,  wine,  or  cordials  before  I  was  twe=
nty-two  years  of=20
age.  I  always  had  a  Bible,  which  I  frequently  read,  and  I  atten=
ded  church  regu-=20
larly. These  habits,  so  far  as  they  go,  are  in  the  right  directi=
on,  and  I  am  thankful=20
to-day  that  they  characterized  my  early  youth.  However  worthy  or  =
unworthy=20
may  have  been  my  later  years,  I  know  that  I  owe  much  of  the  b=
etter  part  of  my=20
nature  to  my  youthful  regard  for  Sunday  and  its  institutions =E2=
=80=94 a  regard,  I  trust,=20
still  strong  in  my  character.=20

In  February,  1828,  I  returned  to  Bethel  and  opened  a  retail  frui=
t  and  confec-=20
tionery store  in  a  part  of  my  grandfather's  carriage-house,  which  =
was  situated  011=20
the  main  street,  and  which  was  offered  to  me  rent  free  if  I  wo=
uld  return  to  my=20

27=20


28  IN    BUSINESS    FOR    MYSELF.=20

native  village  and  establish  some  sort  of  business.  This  beginning=
  of  business  on=20
my  own  account  was  an  eventful  era  in  my  life.  My  total  capital=
  was  one  hun-=20
dred and  twenty  dollars,  fifty  of  which  I  had  expended  in  fitting=
  up  the  store,  and=20
the  remaining  seventy  dollars  purchased  my  stock  in  trade.  I  had =
 arranged  with=20
fruit  dealers  whom  I  knew  in  New  York,  to  receive  my  orders,  an=
d  I  decided  to=20
open  my  establishment  on  the  first  Monday  in  May =E2=80=94 our  "ge=
neral  training  "  day.=20

It  was  a  "red  letter"  day  for  me.  The  village  was  crowded  with =
 people  from=20
the  surrounding  region  and  the  novelty  of  my  little  shop  attracte=
d  attention.=20
Long  before  noon  I  was  obliged  to  call  in  one  of  my  old  school=
mates  to  assist  in=20
waiting  upon  my  numerous  customers  and  when  I  closed  at  night  I =
 had  the  satis-=20
faction of  reckoning  up  sixty-three  dollars  as  my  day's  receipts.  =
Nor,  although  I=20
had  received  the  entire  cost  of  my  goods,  less  seven  dollars,  di=
d  the  stock  seem=20
seriously  diminished:  showing  that  my  profits  had  been  large.  I  n=
eed  not  say=20
how  much  gratified  I  was  with  the  result  of  this  first  day's  ex=
periment.  The=20
store  was  a  fixed  fact.  I  went  to  New  York  and  expended  all  ra=
y  money  in  a=20
stock  of  fancy  goods,  such  as  pocket-books,  combs,  beads,  rings,  =
pocket-knives,=20
and  a  few  toys.  These,  with  fruit,  nuts,  etc.,  made  the  business=
  good  through  the=20
summer,  and  in  the  fall  I  added  stewed  oysters  to  the  inducement=
s.=20

My  grandfather,  who  was  much  interested  in  my  success,  advised  me=
  to  take  an=20
agency  for  the  sale  of  lottery  tickets,  on  commission.  In  those  =
days,  the  lottery=20
was  not  deemed  objectionable  on  the  score  of  morality.  Very  worth=
y  people=20
invested  in  such  schemes  without  a  thought  of  evil,  and  then,  as=
  now,  churches=20
even  got  up  lotteries,  with  this  difference =E2=80=94 that  then  the=
y  were  called  lotteries,=20
and  now  they  go  under  some  other  name.  While  I  am  very  glad  th=
at  an  improved=20
public  sentiment  denounces  the  lottery  in  general  as  an  illegitima=
te  means  of=20
getting  money,  and  while  I  do  not  see  how  any  one,  especially  i=
n  or  near  a  New=20
England  State,  can  engage  in  a  lottery  without  feeling  a  reproach=
  which  no  pecu-=20
niary return  can  compensate,  yet  I  cannot  now  accuse  myself  for  h=
aving  been=20
lured  into  a  business  which  was  then  sanctioned  by  good  Christian=
  people,  who=20
now  join  with  me  in  reprobating  enterprises  they  once  encouraged. =
 But  as  public=20
.sentiment  was  forty-five  years  ago,  I  obtained  an  agency  to  sell=
  lottery  tickets  on  a=20
commission  of  ten  per  cent.,  and  this  business,  in  connection  wit=
h  my  little  store,=20
made  my  profits  quite  satisfactory.=20

I  used  to  have  some  curious  customers.  On  one  occasion  a  young  =
man  called=20
on  me  and  selected  a  pocket-book  which  pleased  him,  asking  me  to=
  give  him  credit=20
for  a  few  weeks.  I  told  him  that  if  he  wanted  any  article  of  =
necessity  in  my=20
line,  1  should  not  object  to  trust  him  for  a  short  time,  but  i=
t  struck  me  that  a=20
pocket-book  was  a  decided  superfluity  for  a  man  who  had  no  money=
.=20

My  store  had  much  to  do  in  giving  shape  to  my  future  character =
 as  well  as=20
career,  in  that  it  became  a  favorite  resort;  the  theater  of  vill=
age  talk,  and  the=20
scene  of  many  practical  jokes.  For  any  excess  of  the  jocose  elem=
ent  in  my  char-=20
acter, part  of  the  blame  must  attach  to  my  early  surroundings  as =
 a  village  clerk=20
and  merchant.  In  that  true  resort  of  village  wits  and  wags,  the =
 country  store,=20
fun,  pure  and  simple,  will  be  sure  to  find  the  surface.  My  Beth=
el  store  was  the=20
scene  of  many  most  amusing  incidents,  in  some  of  which  I  was  an=
  immediate=20
participant,  though  in  many,  I  was  only  a  listener  or  spectator.=
=20

The  following  scene  makes  a  chapter  in  the  history  of  Connecticut=
,  as  the  State=20
was  when  "blue  laws"  were  something  more  than  a  dead  letter.  To =
 swear  in=20
those  days  was  according  to  custom,  but  contrary  to  law.  A  perso=
n  from  New=20
York  State,  whom  I  will  call  Crofut,  who  was  a  frequent  visitor =
 at  my  store,  was=20
equally  noted  for  bis  self-will  and  his  really  terrible  profanity.=
  One  day  he  was=20


IN   BUSINESS    FOR   MYSELF.  29=20

in  my  little  establishment  engaged  in  conversation,  when  Nathan  Se=
elye,  Esq. .=20
one  of  our  village  justices  of  the  peace,  and  a  man  of  strict  =
religious  principles,=20
came  in,  and  hearing  Crofut's  profane  language  he  told  him  he  co=
nsidered  it  his=20
duty  to  fine  him  one  dollar  for  swearing.=20

Crofut  responded  immediately  with  an  oath,  that  he  did  not  care  =
a  d n  for=20

the  Connecticut  blue  laws.=20

"That  will  make  two  dollars,"  said  Mr.  Seelye.=20

This  brought  forth  another  oath.=20

"Three  dollars,"  said  the  sturdy  justice.=20

Nothing  but  oaths  were  given  in  reply,  until  Esquire  Seelye  decla=
red  the  damage=20
to  the  Connecticut  laws  to  amount  to  fifteen  dollars.=20

Crofut  took  out  a  twenty-dollar  bill,  and  handed  it  to  the  justi=
ce  of  the  peace,=20
with  an  oath.=20

"Sixteen  dollars,"  said  Mr.  Seelye,  counting  out  four  dollars  to  =
hand  to  Mr.=20
Crofut,  as  his  change.=20

"  Oh,  keep  it,  keep  it,"  said  Crofut,  "  I  don't  want  any  chang=
e,  I'll  d d  soon=20

swear  out  the  balance."  He  did  so,  after  which  he  was  more  circ=
umspect  in  his=20
conversation,  remarking  that  twenty  dollars  a  day  for  swearing  was=
  about  as=20
much  as  he  could  stand.=20

On  another  occasion,  a  man  arrested  for  assault  and  battery  was  =
to  be  tried=20
before  my  grandfather,  who  was  a  justice  of  the  peace.  A  young  =
medical  student=20
named  Newton,  volunteered  to  defend  the  prisoner,  and  Mr.  Couch,  =
the  grand=20
juryman,  came  to  me  and  said  that  as  the  prisoner  had  engaged  a=
  pettifogger,  the=20
State  ought  to  have  some  one  to  represent  its  interests  and  he  =
would  give  me  a=20
dollar  to  present  the  case.  I  accepted  the  fee  and  proposition.  =
The  fame  of  the=20
"eminent  counsel"  on  both  sides  drew  quite  a  crowd  to  hear  the  =
case.  As  for=20
the  case  itself,  it  was  useless  to  argue  it,  for  the  guilt  of  =
the  prisoner  was  estab-=20
lished by  evidence  of  half  a  dozen  witnesses.  However,  Newton  was =
 bound  to=20
display  himself,  and  so,  rising  with  much  dignity,  he  addressed  m=
y  grandfather=20
with,  "May  it  please  the  honorable  count,"  etc.,  proceeding  with  =
a  mixture  of=20
poetry  and  invective  against  Couch,  the  grand  juryman  whom  he  ass=
umed  to  be=20
the  vindictive  plaintiff  in  this  case.  After  alluding  to  him  as  =
such  for  the  twen-=20
tieth time,  my  grandfather  stopped  Newton  in  the  midst  of  his  spl=
endid  peroration=20
and  informed  him  that  Mr.  Couch  was  not  the  plaintiff  in  the  ca=
se.=20

"Not  the  plaintiff  1  Then  may  it  please  your  honor  I  should  lik=
e  to  know  who=20
is  the  plaintiff  ? "  inquired  Newton.=20

He  was  quietly  informed  that  the  State  of  Connecticut  was  the  pl=
aintiff,  where-=20
upon Newton  dropped  into  his  seat  as  if  he  had  been  shot.  Thereu=
pon,  I  rose=20
with  great  confidence,  and  speaking  from  my  notes,  proceeded  to  s=
how  the  guilt=20
of  the  prisoner  from  the  evidence;  that  there  was  no  discrepancy =
 in  the  testi-=20
mony ;  that  none  of  the  witnesses  had  been  impeached ;  that  no  d=
efense  had  been=20
offered;  that  1  was  astonished  at  the  audacity  uf  both  counsel  a=
nd  prisoner  in  not=20
pleading  guilty  at  once;  and  then,  soaring  aloft  on  general  princ=
iples,  I  began  to=20
look  about  for  a  safe  place  to  alight,  when  my  grandfather  inter=
rupted  me  with =E2=80=94=20

"Young  man,  will  you  have  the  kindness  to  inform  the  court  which=
  side  you=20
are  pleading  for =E2=80=94 the  plaintiff  or  the  defendant  ? "=20

It  was  my  turn  to  drop,  which  I  did  amid  a  shout  of  laughter  =
from  every  corner=20
of  the  court-room.  Newton,  who  had  been  very  downcast,  looked  up =
 with  a=20
broad  grin  and  the  two  "eminent  counsel "  sneaked  out  of  the  roo=
m  in  company,=20
while  the  prisoner  was  bound  over  to  the  next  County  Court  for  =
trial.=20


30  IN    BUSINESS   FOR   MYSELF.=20

While  my  business  in  Bethel  continued  to  increase  beyond  my  expec=
tations,  1=20
was  also  happy  in  believing  that  my  suit  with  the  fair  tailoress=
,  Charity  Hallett,=20
was  duly  progressing.=20

How  I  managed  one  of  our  sleigh  rides  may  be  worth  narrating.  M=
y  grand-=20
father would,  at  any  time,  let  me  have  a  horse  and  sleigh,  alway=
s  excepting  his=20
new  sleigh,  the  finest  in  the  village,  and  a  favorite  horse  call=
ed  "Arabian."  I=20
especially  coveted  this  turnout  for  one  of  our  parties,  knowing  t=
hat  I  could  eclipse=20
all  my  comrades,  and  so  I  asked  grandfather  if  I  could  have  "  =
Arabian  "  and  the=20
new  sleigh.=20

"  Yes,  if  you  have  twenty  dollars  in  your  pocket,"  was  the  repl=
y.=20

I  immediately  showed  the  money,  and,  putting  it  back  in  my  pocke=
t,  said  with=20
a  laugh :  ' '  You  see  I  have  the  money.  I  am  much  obliged  to  =
you ;  I  suppose  I  can=20
have  'Arab'  and  the. new  sleigh  ?"=20

Of  course,  he  meant  to  deny  me  by  making  what  he  thought  to  be=
  an  impossi-=20
ble condition,  to  wit:  that  I  should  hire  the  team,  at  a  good  r=
ound  price,  if  I  had=20
it  at  all,  but  I  had  caught  him  so  suddenly  that  he  was  compel=
led  to  consent,  and=20
"  Chairy  "  and  I  had  the  crack  team  of  the  party.=20

There  was  a  young  apprentice  to  the  tailoring  trade  in  Bethel,  w=
hom  I  will  call=20
John  Mallett,  whose  education  had  been  much  neglected,  and  who  ha=
d  been  pay-=20
ing his  addresses  to  a  certain  "Lucretia"  for  some  six  months,  wi=
th  a  strong=20
probability  of  being  jilted  at  last.  On  a  Sunday  evening  she  had=
  declined  to  take=20
his  arm,  accepting  instead  the  arm  of  the  next  ma,n  who  offered,=
  and  Mallett=20
determined  to  demand  an  explanation.  He  accordingly  came  to  me  th=
e  Saturday=20
evening  following,  asking  me,  when  I  had  closed  my  store,  to  wri=
te  a  strong  and=20
rernonstratory  "love-letter"  for  him.  I  asked  "BUI  Shepard,"  who  w=
as  present,=20
to  remain  and  assist,  and,  in  due  time,  the  joint  efforts  of  Sh=
epard,  Mallett  and=20
myself  resulted  in  the  following  production.  I  give  the  letter  as=
  an  illustrative=20
chapter  in  real  life.  It  is  certainly  not  after  the  manner  of  C=
hesterfield,  but  i=20
such  a  letter  as  a  disappointed  lover,  spurred  by=20

The  green-eyed  monster,  which  doth  mock=20
The  meat  it  feeds  on,=20

frequently  indites.    With  a  demand  from  Mallett  that  we  should  b=
egin  in  strong=20
terms,  and  Shepard  acting  as  scribe,  we  concocted  the  following:=
=20

BETHEL, .  18=E2=80=94.=20

Miss  LUCRETIA  :  I  write  this  to  ask  an  explanation  of  your  cond=
uct  in  giving  me  the  uiitteu=20
on  Sunday  night  last.  If  you  think,  madam,  that  you  can  trifle  =
with  my  affections,  and  turn=20
ne  off  for  every  little  whipper-snapper  that  you  can  pick  up,  yo=
n  will  find  yourself  consid-=20

.wiKli'   tvi  i^t.iL-dn          rYX7=C2=AB  ..,..1,1    tViti^    f.i*>=
;  t.,   Af.illr.tt     ond     it    mot     liic   =E2=80=A2mnrrkvnl     =
     H*=C2=BB  caifl     ho    lib-nH=20


*  These  were  the  euphonious  names  of  localities  in  the  vicinity  =
of  Bethel.=20


IN    BUSINESS    FOR   MYSELF.  31=20

my  mind,  and  when,  my  dear  girl,  I  remember  how  often  you  have =
 told  me  that  yon  loved=20
me  better  than  anybody  else,  and  I  assured  you  my  feelings  were =
 the  same  as  yours,  it  almost=20
breaks  my  heart  to  think  of  last  Sunday  night.  ["  Can't  you  sti=
ck  in  some  aflecting  poetry=20
here  ?"  said  Mallett.  Shepard  could  not  recollect  any  to  the  poi=
nt,  nor  could  I,  but  as  the=20
exigency  of  the  case  seemed  to  require  it,  we  concluded  to  manuf=
acture  a  verse  or  two,  which=20
we  did,  as  follows:]=20

Lucretia,  dear,  what  have  I  done,=20

That  yon  should  use  me  thus  and  so.=20
To  take  the  arm  of  Tom  Beers'  son,=20

And  let  your  dearest  true  love  go?=20

Miserable  fate,  to  lose  you  now,=20
And  tear  this  bleeding  heart  asunder!=20


Will  you  forget  your  tender  vow?=20
I  can't  believe  it=E2=80=94 no,  by  thunder=20


[Mallett  did  not  like  the  word  "thunder,"  but  being  informed  that=
  no  other  word  could=20
be  substituted  without  destroying  both  rhyme  and  reason,  he  consen=
ted  that  it  should  remain,=20
provided  we  added  two  more  stanzas  of  a  softer  nature  ;  somethin=
g,  he  said,  that  would=20
make  the  tears  come,  if  possible.  We  then  ground  out  the  followi=
ng  :]=20

Lucretia.  dear,  do  write  to  Jack,=20
And  say  with  Beers  you  are  not  smitten ;=20

And  thus  to  me  in  love  come  back,=20
And  give  all  other  boys  the  mitten.=20

Do  this,  Lucretia,  and  till  death=20

I'll  love  you  to  intense  distraction:=20
I'll  spend  for  you  my  every  breath,=20

And  we  will  live  in  satisfaction.=20

I"  That  will  do  very  well,"  said  Mallett.  "Now  I  guess  you  had =
 better  blow  her  up  a=20
little  more."  We  obeyed  orders  as  follows :]  It  makes  me  mad  to =
 think  what  a  fool  I  was=20
to  give  you  that  finger-ring  and  bosom-pin,  and  spend  so  much  ti=
me  in  your  company,  just=20
to  be  flirted  and  bamboozled  as  I  was  on  Sunday  night  last.  If =
 you  continue  this  course  ol=20
conduct,  we  part  forever,  and  I  will  thank  you  to  send  back  tha=
t  jewelry.  I  would  sooner=20
see  it  crushed  under  my  feet  than  worn  by  a  person  who  abused  =
me  as  you  have  done.  1=20
shall  despise  you  forever  if  you  don't  change  your  conduct  toward=
s  me,  and  send  DC  e  a  letter=20
*pf  apology  on  Monday  next.  I  shall  not  go  to  meeting  to-morrow,=
  for  I  would  scorn  to  sit=20
in  the  same  meeting-house  with  you  until  I  have  an  explanation  o=
f  your  conduct.  If  you=20
illow  any  young  man  to  go  home  with  you  to-morrow  night,  I  shal=
l  know  it,  for  yon  will  be=20
watched.  [" There,"  said  Mallett,  "that  is  pretty  strong.  Now  I  g=
uess  you  had  bette*=20
touch  her  feelings  once  more,  and  wind  up  the  letter."  We  procee=
ded  as  follows:)  My  sweet=20
girl,  if  you  only  knew  the  sleepless  nights  which  I  have  spent  =
during  the  present  v  eek,  the=20
torments  and  sullerings  which  I  endure  on  your  account ;  if  you  =
could  but  reall  e  that  I=20
regard  the  world  as  less  than  nothing  without  you,  I  ascertain  y=
ou  would  pi'yme.  A=20
homely  cot  and  a  crust  of  bread  with  my  adorable  Lucretia  would =
 be  a  paradif^,  where  a=20
palace  without  you  would  be  a  hades.  ["  What  in  thunder  is  hade=
s  ?  "  inquired  Jack.  We=20
explained.  He  considered  the  figure  rather  bold,  and  requested  us =
 to  close  as  soon  as  pos-=20
sible.] Now,  dearest,  in  bidding  you  adieu,  I  implore  you  to  refl=
ect  on  our  past  enjoyments,=20
look  forward  with  pleasure  to  our  future  happy  meetings,  at.d  rel=
y  upon  your  aflectionate=20
Jack  in  storm  or  calm,  in  sickness,  distress,  or  want,  for  all  =
these  will  be  powerless  to=20
change  my  love.  I  hope  to  hear  from  you  on  Monday  next,  and.  I=
f  favorable,  I  shall  be=20
happy  to  call  on  you  the  same  evening,  when  in  ecstatic  joy  we =
 will  laugh  at  the  past,  hope=20
for  the  future,  and  draw  consolation  from  the  fact  that  "  the  c=
ourse  of  true  love  never  did=20
run  smooth."  This  from  your  disconsolate  but  still  hoping  lover  a=
nd  admirer,=20

JACK  MALLETT.=20

P.  S. =E2=80=94 On  reflection  I  have  concluded  to  go  to  meeting  t=
o-morrow.  If  all  is  well,  hold=20
your  pocket  handkerchief  in  your  left  hand  as  you  stand  up  losin=
g  with  the  choir =E2=80=94 in  which=20
.case  I  shall  expect  the  pleasure  of  giving  you  my  arm  to-morrow=
  night.  J.  M.=20

The  effect  of  this  letter  upon  Lucretia,  I  regret  to  say,  was  n=
ot  as  favorable  as=20
could  have  been  desired.  She  declined  to  remove  her  handkerchief  =
from  her  right=20
hand,  and  she  returned  the  "ring  and  bosom -pin"  to  her  disconsol=
ate  admirer,=20
while,  not  many  months  after,  Mallett's  rival  led  Lucretia  to  the=
  altar.  As  for=20
Mallett's  agreement  to  pay  Shepard  and  nr 'self  five  pounds  of  ca=
rpet  rags  and=20
twelve  yards  of  broadcloth  "lists,"  for  our  services,  owing  to  hi=
s  ill  success,  we=20
compromised  for  one-half  the  amount.=20


CHAPTER    IV.=20

STKU-GGLES    FOR   A    LIVELIHOOD.=20

DURING  this  season  I  made  arrangements  with  Mr.  Samuel  Sherwood,  =
of  Bridge=20
j)ort,  to  go  on  an  exploring  expedition  to  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania=
,  where  we=20
understood  there  was  a  fine  opening  for  a  lottery  office,  and  wh=
ere  we  meant  to=20
try  our  fortunes,  provided  the  prospects  should  equal  our  expectat=
ions.  We  went=20
to  New  York,  where  I  had  an  interview  with  Mr.  Dudley  S.  Gregor=
y,  the  princi-=20
pal business  man  of  Messrs.  Yates  and  Mclntyre,  who  dissuaded  me  =
from  going=20
to  Pittsburg,  and  offered  me  the  entire  lottery  agency  for  the  S=
tate  of  Tennessee,=20
if  I  would  go  to  Nashville  and  open  an  office.  The  offer  was  t=
empting,  but  the=20
distance  was  too  far  from  a  certain  tailoress  in  Bethel.=20

The  Pittsburg  trip  given  up,  Sherwood  and  I  went  to  Philadelphia =
 for  a  pleas-=20
ure excursion  and  put  up  at  Congress  Hall  in  Chestnut  street  wher=
e  we  lived  in=20
much  grander  style  than  we  had  been  accustomed  to,  and  for  a  we=
ek  we  were  in=20
clover.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  however,  when  we  concluded  to  =
start  for  home,=20
the  amount  of  our  hotel  bill  astounded  us.  After  paying  it  and  =
securing  tickets=20
for  New  York,  our  combined  purses  showed  a  balance  of  but  twenty=
-seven  cents.=20

Twenty-five  cents  of  this  sum  went  to  the  boot-black.  Fortunately =
 our  breakfast=20
was  included  in  our  bill,  and  we  secured  from  the  table  a  few  =
biscuits  for  our=20
dinner  on  the  way  to  New  York.=20

On  arriving  we  carried  our  own  baggage  to  Holt's  Hotel.  The  next=
  morning=20
Sherwood  obtained  a  couple  of  dollars  from  a  friend,  and  went  to=
  Newark  and=20
borrowed  fifty  dollars  from  his  cousin,  Dr.  Sherwood,  loaning  me  =
one-half  the=20
sum.  After  a  few  days'  sojourn  in  the  city  we  returned  home.=20

During  our  stay  in  New  York,  I  derived  considerable  information  f=
rom  the=20
city  managers  with  regard  to  the  lottery  business,  and  thereafter =
 I  bought  my=20
tickets  directly  from  the  Connecticut  lottery  managers  at  what  was=
  termed  "  the=20
scheme  price,"  and  also  established  agencies  throughout  the  country=
,  selling  con-=20
siderable quantities  of  tickets  at  handsome  profits.  My  uncle,  Alan=
son  Taylor,=20
joined  me  in  the  business,  and,  as  we  sold  several  prizes,  my  o=
ffice  came  to  be=20
considered  "lucky,"  and  I  received  orders  from  all  parts  of  the  =
country.=20

During  this  time  I  kept  a  close  eye  upon  the  attractive  tailores=
s,  Charity  Hallett,=20
and  in  the  summer  of  1829  I  asked  her  hand  in  marriage.  My  sui=
t  was  accepted,=20
and  the  wedding  day  was  appointed;  I,  meanwhile,  applying  myself  =
closely  to=20
business,  and  no  one  but  the  parties  immediately  interested  suspec=
ting  that  the=20
event  was  so  near  at  hand.  Miss  Hallett  went  to  New  York  in  Oc=
tober,  ostensibly=20
to  visit  her  uncle,  Nathan  Beers,  who  resided  at  No.  3  Allen  St=
reet.  I  followed=20
in  November,  pressed  by  the  necessity  of  purchasing  goods  for  my =
 store;  and  the=20
evening  after  my  arrival,  November  8,  1829,  the  Rev.  Dr.  McAuley =
 married  us=20
in  the  presence  of  sundry  friends  and  relatives  of  my  wife,  and =
 I  became  the=20
husband  of  one  of  the  best  women  in  the  world.  In  the  course  o=
f  the  week  we=20
went  back  to  Bethel  and  took  board  in  the  family  where  Charity  =
Barniun  as=20
"Chairy  "  Hallett  had  previously  resided.=20

I  rto  not  approve  or  recommend  early  marriages.  The  minds  of  men=
  and=20

32=20


STRUGGLES   FOR   A    LIVELIHOOD.  33=20

women  taking  so  important  a  step  in  life  should  be  matured,  but =
 although  I  was=20
only  little  more  than  nineteen  years  old  when  I  was  married,  I  =
have  always  felt=20
assured  that  if  I  had  waited  twenty  years  longer  I  could  not  ha=
ve  found  another=20
woman  so  well  suited  to  my  disposition  and  so  aiimirable  and  val=
uable  in  every=20
character  as  a  wife,  a  mother,  and  a  friend.=20

In  the  winter  of  1829-30,  my  lottery  business  had  so  extended  th=
at  I  had  branch=20
offices  in  Danbury,  Norwalk,  Stamford  and  Middletown,  as  well  as  =
agencies  in=20
the  small  villages  for  thirty  miles  around  Bethel.  I  had  also  pu=
rchased  from  my=20
grandfather  three  acres  of  laud  on  which  I  built  a  house  and  we=
nt  to  housekeej=20
ing.  My  lottery  business,  which  was  with  a  few  large  customers,  =
was  so  arranged=20
that  I  could  safely  entrust  it  to  an  agent,  making  it  necessary =
 for  me  to  find  some=20
other  field  for  my  individual  enterprise.=20

So  I  tried  my  hand  as  an  auctioneer  in  the  book  trade,  travelin=
g  about  the=20
country,  but  at  Newburgh,  New  York,  several  of  my  best  books  wer=
e  stolen,  and=20
I  quit  the  business  in  disgust.=20

In  July,  1831,  my  uncle,  Alanson  Taylor,  and  myself  opened  a  cou=
ntry  store  in=20
a  building,  which  I  had  put  up  in  Bethel  in  the  previous  spring=
,  and  we  '=E2=80=A2=E2=80=A2tocked=20
the  "yellow  store,"  as  it  was  called,  with  a  full  assortment  of =
 groceries,  hard-=20
ware, crockery,  and  "notions;"  but  we  were  not  successful  in  the  =
enterprise,=20
and  in  October  following,  I  bought  out  my  uncle's  interest  and  w=
e  dissolved=20
partnership.=20

About  this  time,  circumstances,  partly  religious  and  partly  politic=
al  in  their=20
character,  led  me  into  still  another  fie1  A  of  enterprise  which  =
honorably  opened=20
to  me  that  notorietv  o=C2=A3  *iucu  in  later  lite  I  surely  have  =
had  a  surfeit.  Consider-=20
ing my  youth,  this  new  enterprise  reflected  credit  upon  my  ability=
,  as  well  as=20
energy,  and  so  I  may  be  excused  if  I  now  recur  to  it  with  som=
ething  like  pride=20
In  a  period  of  strong  political  excitement,  1  wrote  several  commu=
nications  for=20
the  Danbury  weekly  paper,  setting  forth  what  I  conceived  to  be  t=
he  dangers  of  a=20
sectarian  interference  which  was  then  apparent  in  political  affairs=
.  The  publica-=20
tion of  these  communications  was  refused,  and  I  accordingly  purchas=
ed  a  press=20
and  types,  and  October  19,  1831,  I  issued  the  first  number  of  m=
y  own  paper,  The=20
Herald  of  Freedom.=20

I  entered  upon  the  editorship  of  this  journal  with  all  the  vigor=
  and  vehemence=20
of  youth.  The  boldness  with  which  the  paper  was  conducted  soon  e=
xcited  wide-=20
spread attention  and  commanded  a  circulation  which  extended  beyond  =
the  imme-=20
diate locality  into  nearly  every  State  in  the  Union.  But  lacking  =
that  experience=20
which  induces  caution,  and  without  the  dread  of  consequences,  I  f=
requently  laid=20
myself  open  to  the  charge  of  libel,  and  three  times  in  three  ye=
ars  I  was  prosecuted.=20
A  Danbury  butcher,  a  zealous  politician,  brought  a  civil  suit  aga=
inst  me  for  accus-=20
ing him  of  being  a  spy  in  a  Democratic  caucus.  On  the  first  tri=
al  the  jury  did=20
not  agree,  but  after  a  second  trial  I  was  fined  several  hundred =
 dollars.  Anothei=20
libel  suit  against  me  was  withdrawn.  The  third  was  sufficiently  i=
mportant  to=20
warrant  the  following  detail:=20

A  criminal  prosecution  was  brought  against  me  for  stating  in  my  =
paper  that  a=20
man  in  Bethel,  prominent  in  church,  had  "been  guilty  of  taking  u=
sury  of  an=20
orphan  boy,"  and  for  severely  commenting  on  the  fact  in  my  edito=
rial  columns.=20
When  the  case  came  to  trial  the  truth  of  my  statement  was  subst=
antially  proved=20
by  several  witaesses  and  even  by  the  prosecuting  party.  But  "the =
 greater  the=20
truth,  the  greater  the  libel,"  and  then  I  had  used  the  term  "us=
ury,"  instead  of=20
extortion,  or  note-shaving,  or  some  other  expression  which  might  h=
ave  softened=20

Z*=20


34  STRUGGLES   FOR   A    LIVELIHOOD.=20

the  verdict.    The  result  was  that  I  was  sentenced  to  pay  a  fin=
e  of  one  hundred=20
dollars  and  to  be  imprisoned  in  the  common  jail  for  sixty  days.=
=20

The  most  comfortable  provision  was  made  for  me  in  Danbury  jaiL  M=
y  room=20
was  papered  and  carpeted;  I  lived  well;  I  was  overwhelmed  with  t=
he  constant=20
visits  of  my  friends;  I  edited  my  paper  as  usual  and  received  l=
arge  accessions  to=20
my  subscription  list;  and  at  the  end  of  my  sixty  days'  term  the=
  event  was  cele-=20
brated by  a  large  concourse  of  people  from  the  surrounding  country=
.  The  court=20
room  in  which  I  was  convicted  was  the  scene  of  the  celebration. =
 An  ode,  written=20
for  the  occasion,  was  sung;  an  eloquent  oration  on  the  freedom  o=
f  the  press  was=20
delivered;  and  several  hundred  gentlemen  afterwards  partook  of  a  s=
umptuous=20
dinner  followed  by  appropriate  toasts  and  speeches.  Then  came  the =
 triumphant=20
part  of  the  ceremonial,  which  was  reported  in  my  paper  of  Decemb=
er  12,  1832,=20
as  follows:=20

"  P.  T.  BAKNUM  and  the  band  of  music  took  their  seats  in  a  co=
ach  drawn  by  six  horses,=20
which  had  been  prepared  for  the  occasion.  The  coach  was  preceded =
 by  forty  horsemen,=20
and  a  marshal,  bearing  the  national  standard.  Immediately  in  the  =
rear  of  the  coach  was=20
the  carriage  of  the  orator  and  the  President  of  the  day,  followe=
d  by  the  committee  of=20
arrangements  and  sixty  carriages  of  citizens,  which  joined  in  esco=
rting  the  editor  to  his=20
home  in  Bethel.*=20

"  When  the  procession  commenced  its  march  amidst  the  roar  of  can=
non,  three  cheers=20
were  given  by  several  hundred  citizens  who  did  not  join  in  the  =
procession.  The  band  of=20
music  continued  to  play  a  variety  of  national  airs  until  their  a=
rrival  in  Bethel  (a  distance=20
of  three  miles),  when  they  struck  up  the  beautiful  and  appropriat=
e  tune  of  'Home,  Sweet=20
Home!'  After  giving  three  hearty  cheers,  the  procession  returned  t=
o  Danbury.  The=20
utmost  harmony  and  unanimity  of  feeling  prevailed  throughout  the  d=
ay,  and  we  are  happy=20
to  add  that  no  accident  occurred  to  mar  the  festivities  of  the  =
occasion."=20

My  editorial  career  was  one  of  continual  contest.  I  however  publi=
shed  the=20
160th  number  of  The  Herald  of  Freedom,  in  Danbury,  November  5,  1=
834,  after=20
which  my  brother-in-law,  John  "W.  Amerman,  issued  the  paper  forme =
 at  Nor=20
walk  till  the  following  year,  when  the  Herald  was  sold  to  Mr.  G=
eorge  Taylor.=20

Meanwhile,  I  had  taken  Horace  Fairchild  into  partnership  in  my  me=
rcantile=20
business,  in  183],  and  I  had  sold  out  to  him  and  to  a  Mr.  Tou=
cey,  in  1833,  they=20
forming  a  partnership  under  the  firm  of  Fairchild  &  Co.  So  f=
ar  as  I  was  con-=20
cerned, my  store  was  not  a  success.  Ordinary  trade  was  too  slow  =
for  me.  I=20
bought  largely  and  in  order  to  sell  I  was  obliged  to  give  exten=
sive  credits.  Hence=20
I  had  an  accumulation  of  bad  debts:  and  my  old  ledger  presents  =
a  long  series  of=20
accounts  balanced  by  "death,"  by  "running  away,"  by  "failing,"  and=
  by  other=20
similarly  remunerative  returns.=20

There  was  nothing  more  for  me  to  do  in  Bethel;  and  in  the  wint=
er  of  1834-5,  I=20
removed  my  family  to  New  York,  where  I  hired  a  house  in  Hudson =
 street.  I=20
tiad  no  pecuniary  resources,  excepting  such  as  might  be  derived  f=
rom  debts  left=20
for  collection  with  my  agent  at  Bethel,  and  I  went  to  the  metro=
polis  literally  to=20
seek  my  fortune.  I  hoped  to  secure  a  situation  in  some  mercantil=
e  house,  not  at=20
a  fixed  salary,  but  so  as  to  derive  such  portion  of  the  profits=
  as  might  be  due  to=20
my  individizal  tact,  energy,  and  perseverance  in  the  interests  of =
 the  business.=20
But  I  could  find  no  such  position;  my  resources  began  to  fail ; =
 my  family  were=20
in  ill  health;  I  must  do  something  for  a  living;  and  so  I  acte=
d  as  "drummer  "  to=20
several  stores  which  allowed  me  a  small  commission  on  sales  to  c=
ustomers  of  my=20
introduction.=20

Nor  did  all  my  efforts  secure  a  situation  for  me  during  the  who=
le  winter;  but=20
in  the  spring,  I  received  several  hundred  dollars  from  my  agent  =
in  Bethel,  and=20

*  See  illustration,  page  36.=20


STRUGGLES    FOR    A    LIVELIHOOD.  35=20

finding  no  better  business,  May  1,  1835,  I  opened  a  small  privat=
e  boarding-house=20
at  No.  52  Frankfort  street.  We  soon  had  a  very  good  run  of  cus=
tom  ^rom  our=20
Connecticut  acquaintances  who  had  occasion  to  visit  New  York,  and =
 as  this=20
business  did  not  sufficiently  occupy  my  time,  I  bought  an  interes=
t  with  Mr.  John=20
Moody  in  a  grocery  store,  No.  156  South  street.=20

Although  the  years  of  manhood  brought  cares,  anxieties,  and  strugg=
les  for  a=20
livelihood,  they  did  not  change  my  nature  and  the  jocose  element =
 was  still  an=20
essential  ingredient  of  my  being.  I  loved  fun,  practical  fun,  for=
  itself  and  for=20
the  enjoyment  which  it  brought.  During  the  year,  I  occasionally  v=
isited  Bridge-=20
port where  I  almost  always  found  at  the  hotel  a  noted  joker,  nam=
ed  Barrow,=20
who  spared  neither  friend  nor  foe  in  his  tricks.  He  was  the  lif=
e  of  the  bar-room=20
and  would  always  try  to  entrap  some  stranger  in  a  bet  and  so  w=
in  a  treat  for  the=20
company.  He  made  several  ineffectual  attempts  upon  me,  and  at  las=
t,  one  even-=20
ing, Darrow,  who  stuttered,  made  a  final  trial  as  follows:  "Come, =
 Barnum,  I'll=20
make  you  another  proposition;  I'll  bet  you  hain't  got  a  whole  sh=
irt  on  your  back."=20
The  catch  consists  in  the  fact  that  generally  only  one-half  of  t=
hat  convenient=20
garment  is  on  the  back;  but  I  had  anticipated  the  proposition =E2=
=80=94 in  fact  I  had=20
induced  a  friend,  Mr.  Hough,  to  put  Darrow  up  to  the  trick =E2=
=80=94 and  had  folded  a=20
shirt  nicely  upon  my  back,  securing  it  there  with  my  suspenders. =
 The  bar-room=20
was  crowded  with  customers  who  thought  that  if  I  made  the  bet  I=
  should  b<=20
nicely  caught,  and  I  made  pretense  of  playing  off  and  at  the  sa=
me  time  stim-=20
ulated Darrow  to  press  the  bet  by  saying:=20

" That  is  a  foolish  bet  to  make;  I  am  sure  my  shirt  is  whole  =
because  it  is  nearly=20
new;  but  I  don't  like  to  bet  on  such  a  subject."=20

"A  good  reason  why,"  said  Darrow,  in  great  glee;  "it's  ragged.  C=
ome,  I'll=20
bet  you  a  treat  for  the  whole  company  you  haint  got  a  whole  sh=
irt  on  your=20
b-b-b-back!"=20

"  I'll  bet  my  shirt  is  cleaner  than  yours,"  I  replied.=20

"  That's  nothing  to  do  w-w-with  the  case;  it's  ragged,  and  y-y-y=
ou  know  it."=20

"  I  know  it  is  not,"  I  replied,  with  pretended  anger,  which  cau=
sed  the  crowd  to=20
laugh  heartily.=20

"You  poor  ragged  f-f-fellow,  comedown  here  from  D-D-Danbury,  I'm  s=
orry=20
for  you,"  said  Darrow  tantalizingly.=20

"  You  would  not  pay  if  you  lost,"  I  remarked.=20

"Here's  f-f-five  dollars  I'll  put  in  Captain  Hinman's  (the  landlor=
d's)  hands.=20
Now  b-b-bet  if  you  dare,  you  ragged  c-c-creature,  you."=20

I  put  five  dollars  in  Captain  Hinman's  hands,  and  told  him  to  t=
reat  the  com=20
pany  from  it  if  I  lost  the  bet.=20

"Remember,"  said  Darrow,  "I  b-b-bet  you  hain't  got  a  whole  shirt =
 on  your=20
b-b-back!"=20

"All  right,"  said  I,  taking  off  my  coat  and  commencing  to  unbutt=
on  my  vest.=20
The  whole  company,  feeling  sure  that  I  was  caught,  began  to  laug=
h  heartily.=20
Old  Darrow  fairly  danced  with  delight,  and  as  I  laid  my  coat  on=
  a  chair  he  came=20
running  up  in  front  of  me,  and  slapping  his  hands  together,  excl=
aimed:=20

"You  needn't  t-t-take  off  any  more  c-c-clothes,  for  if  it  ain't  =
all  on  your=20
b-b-back,  you've  lost  it."=20

"If  it  is,  I  suppose  you  have!"  I  replied,  pulling  the  whole  sh=
irt  from  off  my=20
back!=20

Such  a  shriek  of  laughter  as  burst  forth  from  the  crowd  I  scarc=
ely  ever  heard,=20
and  certainly  such  a  blank  countenance  as  old  Darrow  exhibited  it=
  would  be  hard=20
to  conceive.  Seeing  that  he  was  most  incontinently  "done  for,"  an=
d  perceiving=20


36  STRUCWLES    FOR   A    LIVELIHOOD.=20

that  his  neighbor  Hough  had  helped  to  do  it,  he  ran  up  to  him =
 in  great  auger=20
and  shaking  his  fist  in  his  face  exclaimed:=20

"  H-H-Hough,  you  infemal  r-r-rascal,  to  go  against  your  own  neigh=
bor  in  favor=20
of  a  D-D-Danbury  man.  I'll  pay  you  for  that  some  time,  you  see =
 if  I  d-d-don't."=20

All  hands  went  up  to  the  bar  and  drank  with  a  hearty  good  will=
,  for  it  was=20
seldom  that  Darrow  got  taken  in,  and  he  was  such  an  inveterate  =
joker  they  liked=20
to  see  him  paid  in  his  own  coin.  Never  til]  the  day  of  his  de=
ath  did  he  hear  the=20
last  of  th=C2=AB=C2=BB  "  whole  shirt."=20


CHAPTER    V.=20

MY   START   AS    A   SHOWMAN.=20

BY  this  time  it  was  clear  to  my  mind  that  my  proper  position  i=
n  this  busy=20
world  was  not  yet  reached.  The  business  for  which  I  was  destined=
,  and,  1=20
believe,  made,  had  not  yet  come  to  me.  I  had  not  found  that  I =
 was  to  cater  for=20
that  insatiate  want  of  human  nature =E2=80=94 the  love  of  amusement=
;  that  I  was  to=20
make  a  sensation  on  two  continents;  and  that  fame  and  fortune  aw=
aited  me  so=20
soon  as  I  should  appear  before  the  public  in  the  character  of  a=
  showman.=20

The  show  business  has  all  phases  and  grades  of  dignity,  from  the=
  exhibition  of=20
a  monkey  to  the  exposition  of  that  highest  art  in  music  or  the =
 drama,  which=20
entrances  empires  and  secures  for  the  gifted  artist  a  world-wide  =
fame  which=20
princes  well  might  envy.  Men,  women  and  children,  who  cannot  live=
  on  gravity=20
alone,  need  something  to  satisf y  their  gayer,  lighter  moods  and  =
hours,  and  he=20
who  ministers  to  this  want  is  in  a  business  established  by  the  =
Author  of  our=20
nature.  If  he  worthily  fulfils  his  mission,  and  amuses  without  co=
rrupting,  he=20
need  never  feel  that  he  has  lived  in  vain.=20

The  least  deserving  of  all  my  efforts  in  the  show  line  was  the =
 one  which  intro-=20
duced me  to  the  business  ;  a  scheme  in  no  sense  of  my  own  devi=
sing;  one  which=20
had  been  some  time  before  the  public  and  which  had  so  many  vouc=
hers  for  its=20
genuineness  that  at  the  time  of  taking  possession  of  it  I  honest=
ly  believed  it  to  be=20
genuine.=20

In  the  summer  of  1835,  Mr.  Coley  Bartram,  of  Reading,  Connecticut=
,  informed=20
me  that  he  had  owned  an  interest  in  a  remarkable  negro  woman  wh=
om  he=20
believed  to  be  one  hundred  and  sixty-one  years  old,  and  whom  he =
 also  believed=20
to  have  been  the  nurse  of  General  Washington.  He  then  showed  me =
 a  copy  of=20
the  following  advertisement  in  the  Pennsylvania  Inquirer,  of  July  =
15,  1835 :=20
=E2=80=A2=20

CURIOSITY.=E2=80=94 The  citizens  of  Philadelphia  and  its  vicinity  ha=
ve  an  opportunity  of  witness-=20
ing at  the  Masonic  Hall,  one  of  the  greatest  natural  curiosities  =
ever  witnessed,  viz.:  JOICB=20
HETH,  a  negress,  aged  101  years,  who  formerly  belonged  to  the  fa=
ther  of  General  Wash-=20
ington. She  has  been  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church  one  hundred  =
and  sixteen  years,  and=20
can  rehearse  many  hymns,  and  sing  them  according  to  former  custom=
.  She  was  born  near=20
the  old  Potomac  River  in  Virginia,  and  has  for  ninety  or  one  hu=
ndred  years  lived  in  Paris,=20
Kentucky,  with  the  BoA'ling  family.=20

All  who  have  seen  this  extraordinary  woman  are  satisfied  of  the  =
truth  of  the  account  of=20
her  age.  The  evidence  of  the  Bowling  family,  which  is  respectable=
,  is  strong,  but  the=20
original  bill  of  sale  of  Augustine  Washington,  in  his  own  hand-wr=
iting,  and  other  evidences=20
which  the  proprietor  has  in  his  possession,  will  satisfy  even  the=
  most  incredulous.=20

A  lady  will  attend  at  the  hall  during  the  afternoon  and  evening =
 for  the  accommodation  of=20
those  ladies  who  may  call.=20

Mr.  Bartram  further  stated  that  he  had  sold  out  his  interest  to =
 his  partner,  R.=20
W.  Lindsay,  of  Jefferson  county,  Kentucky,  who  was  then  exhibiting=
  Joice=20
Heth  in  Philadelphia,  but  was  anxious  to  sell  out  and  go  home =
=E2=80=94 the  alleged=20
reason  being  that  he  had  very  little  tact  as  a  showman.  As  the =
 New  York  papers=20
had  also  contained  some  account  of  Joice  Heth,  I  went  on  to  Phi=
ladelphia  to  3ee=20
Mr,  Liusday  and  his  exhibition.=20

37=20


38  MY   START    AS    A    SHOWMAN.=20

Joice  Heth  was  certainly  a  remarkable  curiosity,  and  she  looked  a=
s  if  she=20
might  have  been  far  older  than  her  age  as  advertised.  She  was  a=
pparently  in=20
good  health  and  spirits,  but  from  age  or  disease,  or  both,  was  =
unable  to  change=20
her  position;  she  could  move  one  arm  at  will,  but  her  lower  lim=
bs  could  not  be=20
straightened;  her  left  arm  lay  across  her  breast  and  she  could  n=
ot  remove  it;  the=20
fingers  of  her  left  hand  were  drawn  down  so  as  nearly  to  close =
 it,  and  were=20
fixed;  the  nails  on  that  hand  were  almost  four  inches  long  and  =
extended  above=20
her  wrist ;  the  nails  on  her  large  toes  had  grown  to  the  thickn=
ess  of  a  quarter  of=20
on  inch;  her  head  was  covered  with  a  thick  bush  of  grey  hair;  =
but  she  was  tooth-=20
less and  totally  blind,  and  her  eyes  had  sunk  so  deeply  in  the  =
sockets  as  to  have=20
disappeared  altogether.=20

Nevertheless  she  was  pert  and  sociable  and  would  talk  as  long  as=
  people  would=20
converse  with  her.  She  was  quite  garrulous  about  her  protege  "dea=
r  little=20
George,"  at  whose  birth  she  declared  she  was  present,  having  been=
  at  the  time  a=20
slave  of  Elizabeth  Atwood,  a  half-sister  of  Augustine  Washington,  =
the  father  of=20
George  Washington.  As  nurse  she  put  the  first  clothes  on  the  inf=
ant,  and  she=20
claimed  to  have  "raised  him."  She  professed  to  be  a  member  of  t=
he  Baptist=20
church,  talking  much  in  her  way  on  religious  subjects,  and  she  s=
ang  a  variety  of=20
ancient  hymns.=20

In  proof  of  her  extraordinary  age  and  pretensions,  Mr.  Lindsay  ex=
hibited  a=20
bill  of  sale,  dated  February  5,  1727,  from  Augustine  Washington,  =
county  of=20
Westmoreland,  Virginia,  to  Elizabeth  Atwood,  a  half-sister  and  neig=
hbor  of  Mr.=20
Washington,  conveying  "one  negro  woman  named  Joice  Heth,  aged  fift=
y-four=20
years,  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  thirty -three  pound=
s  lawful  money=20
of  Virginia."  It  was  further  claimed  that  she  had  long  been  a  n=
urse  in  the=20
Washington  family ;  she  was  called  in  at  the  birth  of  George  and=
  clothed  the  new-=20
born infant.  The  evidence  seemed  authentic,  and  hi  answer  to  the  =
inquiry  why=20
so  remarkable  a  discovery  had  not  been  made  before,  a  satisfactor=
y  explanation=20
was  given  in  the  statement  that  she  had  been  carried  from  Virgin=
ia  to  Kentucky,=20
had  been  on  the  plantation  of  John  S.  Bowling  so  long  that  no  =
one  knew  or  cared=20
how  old  she  was,  and  only  recently  the  accidental  discovery  by  M=
r.  Bowling's=20
son  of  the  old  bill  of  sale  in  the  Record  Office  in  Virginia  h=
ad  led  to  the  identifi-=20
cation of  this  negro  woman  as  "the  nurse  of  Washington."=20

Everything  seemed  so  straightforward  that  I  was  anxious  to  become =
 proprietor=20
of  this  novel  exhibition,  which  was  offered  to  me  at  one  thousan=
d  dollars,  though=20
the  price  first  demanded  was  three  thousand.  I  had  five  hundred  =
dollars,  bor-=20
rowed five  hundred  dollars  more,  sold  out  my  interest  in  the  groc=
ery  business  to=20
my  partner,  and  began  life  as  a  showman.  At  the  outset  of  my  c=
areer  I  saw=20
that  everything  depended  upon  getting  the  people  to  think,  and  ta=
lk,  and  become=20
curious  and  excited  over  and  about  the  "rare  spectacle."  According=
ly,  posters,=20
transparencies,  advertisements,  newspaper  paragraphs =E2=80=94 all  calc=
ulated  to  extort=20
attention =E2=80=94 were  employed,  regardless  of  expense.  My  exhibiti=
on  rooms  in  New=20
York,  Boston,  Philadelphia,  Albany,  and  in  other  large  and  small  =
cities,  were=20
continually  thronged  and  much  money  was  made.  In  the  following  Fe=
bruary,=20
Joice  Heth  died,  literally  of  old  age,  and  her  remains  received  =
a  respectable=20
burial  in  the  town  of  BetheL=20

At  a  post-mortem  examination  of  Joice  Heth  by  Dr.  David  L.  Roger=
s,  in  the=20
presence  of  some  medical  students,  it  was  thought  that  the  absenc=
e  of  ossifica-=20
tion indicated  considerably  less  age  than  had  been  assumed  for  her=
; 'but  the=20
doctors  disagreed,  and  this  "dark  subject"  will  probably  always  co=
ntinue  to  be=20
shrouded  in  mystery=20


MY   8TAKT   AS    A    SHOWMAN.  36=20

I  bad  at  last  found  my  true  vocation.  My  next  venture,  whatever =
 it  maj=20
have  been  in  other  respects,  had  the  merit  of  being,  in  every  e=
ssential,  unmis-=20
takably genuine.  I  engaged  from  the  Albany  Museum  an  Italian  who  =
called=20
himself  "Signer  Antonio"  and  who  performed  certain  remarkable  feats=
  of=20
balancing,  stilt-walking,  plate-spinning,  etc.  I  made  terms  with  hi=
m  for  one=20
year  to  exhibit  anywhere  in  the  United  States  at  twelve  dollars  =
a  week  and=20
expenses,  and  induced  him  to  change  his  stage  name  to  "Signer  Vi=
valla."  1=20
then  wrote  a  notice  of  his  wonderful  qualities  and  performances,  =
printed  it  in=20
one  of  the  Albany  papers  as  news,  sent  copies  to  the  theatrical =
 managers  in  New=20
York  and  in  other  cities,  and  went  with  Vivalla  to  the  metropoli=
s.=20

Manager  William  Dinneford,  of  the  Franklin  Theatre,  had  seen  so  m=
any  per-=20
tormances  of  the  kind  that  he  declined  to  engage  my  "eminent  Ita=
lian  artist;"=20
but  I  persuaded  him  to  try  Vivalla  one  night  for  nothing,  and  b=
y  the  potent  aid=20
of  printer's  ink  the  house  was  crammed.  I  appeared  as  a  supernum=
erary  to  assist=20
Vivalla  in  arranging  his  plates  and  other  "properties; "  and  to  h=
and  him  his  gun=20
to  fire  while  he  was  hopping  on  one  stilt  ten  feet  high.  This  =
was  "my  first=20
appearance  on  any  stage."  The  applause  which  followed  Vivalla's  fe=
ats  was  tre-=20
mendous, and  Manager  Dinneford  was  so  delighted  that  he  engaged  hi=
m  for  the=20
remainder  of  the  week  at  fifty  dollars.  At  the  close  of  the  per=
formance,  in=20
response  to  a  call  from  the  house,  I  made  a  speech  for  Vivalla,=
  thanking  the  audi-=20
ence for  their  appreciation  and  announcing  a  repetition  of  the  exh=
ibition  every=20
evening  during  the  week.=20

Vivalla  i-emained  a  second  week  at  the  Franklin  Theatre,  for  whic=
h  1  received=20
$]  50.  I  realized  the  same  sum  for  a  week  in  Boston.  We  then  =
went  to  Washing-=20
ton to  fulfill  an  engagement  which  was  far  from  successful,  since =
 my  remuneration=20
depended  upon  the  receipts,  and  it  snowed  continually  during  the  =
week.  I  was  a=20
loser  to  such  an  extent  that  I  had  not  funds  enough  to  return  =
to  Philadelphia.  I=20
pawned  my  watch  and  chain  for  thirty-five  dollars,  when,  fortunate=
ly,  Manager=20
Wemyss  arrived  on  Saturday  morning  and  loaned  me  the  money  to  re=
deem  my=20
property.=20

As  this  was  my  first  visit  to  Washington,  I  was  much  interested =
 in  visiting  the=20
capitol  and  other  public  buildings.  I  also  satisfied  my  curiosity =
 in  seeing  Clay,=20
Calhoun,  Benton,  John  Quincy  Adams,  Richard  M.  Johnson,  Polk,  and =
 other=20
leading  statesmen  of  the  time.  I  was  also  greatly  gratified  in  c=
alling  upon  Anne=20
Royall,  author  of  the  Black  Book,  publisher  of  a  little  paper  ca=
lled  "  Paul  Pry,"=20
and  quite  a  celebrated  personage  in  her  day.  I  had  exchanged  The=
  Herald  of  Free-=20
dom with  her  journal,  and  she  strongly  sympathized  with  me  in  my =
 persecutions.=20
She  was  delighted  to  see  me,  and  although  she  was  the  most  garr=
ulous  old  woman=20
[  ever  saw,  I  passed  a  very  amusing  and  pleasant  time  with  her.=
  Before  leaving=20
her,  I  manifested  my  showman  propensity  by  trying  to  hire  her  to=
  give  a  dozen=20
or  more  lectures  on  "  Government,"  in  the  Atlantic  cities,  but  I=
  could  not  engage=20
her  at  any  price,  although  I  am  sure  the  speculation  would  have =
 been  a  very=20
profitable  one.  I  never  saw  this  eccentric  woman  again;  she  died =
 at  a  very=20
advanced  age,  October  1,  1854,  at  her  residence  in  Washington.=20

I  went  with  Vivalla  to  Philadelphia  and  opened  at  the  Walnut  Str=
eet  Theatre.=20
Though  Ms  performances  were  very  meritorious  and  were  well  receive=
d,  theatri-=20
cals were  dull  and  houses  were  slim.  It  was  evident  that  somethin=
g  must  be  done=20
to  stimulate  the  public.=20

And  now  that  instinct =E2=80=94 I  think  it  must  be =E2=80=94 which  =
can  arouse  a  community  and=20
=E2=80=A2Bake  it  patronize,  provided  the  article  offered  is  worthy =
 of  patronage =E2=80=94 an  instinct=20
#luch  served  me  strangely  in  later  years,  astonishing  the  public  =
and  surprising=20


40  MY    START    AS    A    SHOWMAN.=20

me,  came  to  my  relief,  and  the  help,  curiously  enough,  appeared  =
in  the  shape  of=20
an  emphatic  hiss  from  the  pit !=20

This  hiss,  I  discovered,  came  from  one  Roberts,  a  circus  performe=
r,  and  I  had  an=20
interview  with  him.  He  was  a  professional  balancer  and  juggler,  w=
ho  boasted=20
that  he  could  do  all  Vivalla  had  done  and  something  more.  1  at =
 once  published=20
a  card  hi  Vivalla's  name,  offering  ?1,000  to  any  one  who  would  =
publicly  perform=20
Vivalla's  feats  at  such  place  as  should  be  designated,  and  Robert=
s  issued  a  counter=20
card,  accepting  the  offer.  I  then  contracted  with  Mr.  Warren,  tre=
asurer  of  the=20
Walnut  Street  Theatre,  for  one-third  of  the  proceeds,  if  I  should=
  bring  the  receipts=20
up  to  $400  a  night =E2=80=94 an  agreement  he  could  well  afford  to=
  make  as  his  receipts  the=20
night  before  had  been  but  seventy-five  dollars.  From  him  I  went  =
to  Roberts,=20
who  seemed  disposed  to  "back  down,"  but  I  told  him  I  should  not=
  insist  upon  the=20
terms  of  his  published  card,  and  ask  him  if  he  was  under  any  e=
ngagement?  Learn-=20
ing that  he  was  not,  I  offered  him  thirty  dollars  to  perform  und=
er  my  direction=20
one  night  at  the  Walnut,  and  he  accepted.  A  great  trial  of  skil=
l  between  Roberts=20
and  Vivalla  was  duly  announced  by  posters  and  through  the  press. =
 Meanwhile,=20
they  rehearsed  privately  to  see  what  tricks  each  could  perform,  a=
nd  the  "busi-=20
ness "  was  completely  arranged.=20

Public  excitement  was  at  fever  heat,  and  on  the  night  of  the  tr=
ial  the  pit  and=20
upper  boxes  were  crowded  to  the  full.  The  "contest"  between  the  =
performers=20
was  eager,  and  each  had  his  party  in  the  house.  So  far  as  I  c=
ould  learn,  no  one=20
complained  that  he  did  n<5t  get  all  he  paid  for  on  that  occa=
sion.  I  engaged  Rob-=20
erts for  a  mouth  and  his  subsequent  "contests"  with  Vivalla  amused=
  the  public=20
and  put  money  hi  my  purse.=20

In  April,  1836,  I  connected  myself  with  Aaron  Turner's  traveling  =
circus  com-=20
pany as  ticket-seller,  secretary  and  treasurer,  at  thirty  dollars  a=
  month  and  one-=20
fifth  of  the  entire  profits,  while  Vivalla  was  to  receive  a  sala=
ry  of  fifty  dollars.=20
As  I  was  already  paying  him  eighty  dollars  a  month,  our  joint  s=
alaries  reimbursed=20
me  and  left  me  the  chance  of  twenty  per  cent,  of  the  net  recei=
pts.  We  started=20
from  Danbury  for  West  Springfield,  Massachusetts,  April  26th,  and  =
on  the  first=20
day,  instead  of  halting  to  dine,  as  I  expected,  Mr.  Turner  regal=
ed  the  whole  com-=20
pany with  three  loaves  of  r ye  bread  and  a  pound  of  butter,  boug=
ht  at  a  farm=20
house  at  a  cost  of  fifty  cents,  and  after  watering  the  horses,  =
we  went  on  our  way.=20

We  began  our  performances  at  West  Springfield,  April  2Sth,  and  as=
  our  expected=20
band  of  music  had  not  arrived  from  Providence,  I  made  a  prefator=
y  speech=20
announcing  our  disappointment,  and  our  intention  to  please  our  pat=
rons,  never-=20
theless. The  two  Turner  boys,  sons  of  the  proprietor,  rode  finely.=
  Joe  Pentland,=20
one  of  the  wittiest,  best,  and  most  original  of  clowns,  with  Viv=
alla's  tricks  and=20
other  performances  in  the  ring,  more  than  made  up  for  the  lack  =
of  music.  In  a=20
day  or  two  our  band  arrived  and  our  "houses"  improved.  My  diary =
 is  full  of=20
incidents  of  our  summer  tour  through  numerous  villages,  towns,  and=
  cities  ii.=20
New  England,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland=
,  Dis=20
trict  of  Columbia,  Virginia,  and  North  Carolina.=20

While  we  were  at  Cabotville,  Massachusetts,  on  going  to  bed  one  =
night  one  of=20
my  room-mates  threw  a  lighted  stump  of  a  cigar  into  a  spit-box  =
filled  with  saw-=20
dust, and  the  result  was  that  about  one  o'clock  T.  V.  Turner,  wh=
o  slept  hi  the  room,=20
awoke  in  the  midst  of  a  dense  smoke,  and  barely  managed  to  craw=
l  to  the  win-=20
dow to  open  it,  and  to  awaken  us  in  time  to  save  us  from  suffo=
cation.=20

At  Lenox,  Massachusetts,  one  Sunday  I  attended  church  as  usual,  a=
nd  the=20
preacher  denounced  our  circus  and  all  connected  with  it  as  immora=
l,  and  was  very=20
abusive;  whereupon,  when  he  had  read  the  closing  hymn,  I  walked  =
up  the  pulpit=20


MY    START   AS   A   SHOWMAN.  41=20

stall's  and  handed  him  a  written  request,  signed  "P.  T.  Barnum,  =
connected  with=20
the  circus,  June  5th,  1836,"  to  be  permitted  to  reply  to  him.  H=
e  declined  to=20
notice  it,  and  after  the  benediction  I  lectured  him  for  not  givi=
ng  me  an  opportu-=20
nity to  vindicate  myself  and  those  with  whom  I  was  connected.  The=
  affair=20
created  considerable  excitement,  and  some  of  the  members  of  the  c=
hurch  apolo-=20
gized to  me  for  their  clergyman's  ill-behavior.  A  similar  affair  h=
appened  after-=20
wards at  Port  Deposit,  OIL  the  lower  Susquehanna,  and  in  this  ins=
tance  I  addressed=20
the  audience  for  half  an  hour,  defending  the  circus  company  again=
st  the  attacks  of=20
the  clergyman,  and  the  people  listened,  though  their  pastor  repeat=
edly  implored=20
them  to  go  home.  Often  have  I  collected  our  company  on  Sunday  a=
nd  read  to  them=20
the  Bible  or  a  printed  sermon,  and  one  or  more  of  the  men  freq=
uently  accompanied=20
me  to  church.  We  made  no  pretence  of  religion,  but  we  were  not =
 the  worst=20
people  in  the  world,  and  we  thought  ourselves  entitled  to  at  lea=
st  decent  treatment=20
when  we  went  to  hear  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel.=20

The  proprietor  of  the  circus,  Aaron  Turner,  was  a  self-made  man, =
 who  had=20
acquired  a  large  fortune  by  his  industry.  He  believed  that  any  m=
an  with  health=20
and  common  sense  could  become  rich  if  he  only  resolved  to  be  so=
,  and  he  was=20
very  proud  of  the  fact  that  he  began  the  world  with  no  advantag=
es,  no  educa-=20
tion, and  without  a  shilling.  Withal,  he  was  a  practical  joker,  a=
s  I  more  thai]=20
once  discovered  to  my  cost.  While  we  were  at  Annapolis,  Maryland,=
  he  played=20
a  trick  upon  me  which  was  fun  to  him,  but  was  very  nearly  deat=
h  to  me.=20

We  arrived  on  Saturday  night,  and  as  I  felt  quite  "  flush  "  I =
 bought  a  fine  suit=20
of  black  clothes.  On  Sunday  morning  I  dressed  myself  in  my  new  =
suit  and=20
started  out  for  a  stroll.  While  passing  through  the  bar-room  Turn=
er  called  the=20
attention  of  the  company  present  to  me  and  said:=20

"  I  think  it  very  singular  you  permit  that  rascal  to  march  your=
  streets  in  open=20
day.  It  wouldn't  be  allowed  in  Rhode  Island,  and  I  suppose  that =
 is  the  reason=20
the  black-coated  scoundrel  has  come  down  this  way."=20

"  Why,  who  is  he?"  asked  half  a  dozen  at  once.=20

"  Don't  you  know?  Why  that  is  the  Rev.  E.  K.  Avery,  the  murder=
er  of  Miss=20
Cornell!"=20

"  Is  it  possible! "  they  exclaimed,  all  starting  for  the  door,  e=
ager  to  get  a  look  at=20
me,  and  swearing  vengeance.=20

It  was  only  recently  that  the  Rev.  Ephraim  K.  Avery  had  been  tr=
ied  in  Rhode=20
Island  for  the  murder  of  Miss  Cornell,  whose  body  was  discovered =
 in  a  stack-=20
yard, and  though  Avery  was  acquitted  in  court,  the  general  sentime=
nt  of  the=20
country  condemned  him.  It  was  this  Avery  whom  Turner  made  me  rep=
resent.=20
I  had  not  walked  far  in  my  fine  clothes,  before  I  was  overtaken=
  by  a  mob  of  a=20
dozen,  which  rapidly  increased  to  at  least  a  hundred,  and  my  ear=
s  were  suddenly=20
saluted  with  such  observations  as,  "the  lecherous  old  hypocrite,"  =
"the  sanctified=20
murderer,"  "the  black-coated  villian,"  "lynch  the  scoundrel,"  "let's=
  tar  and=20
feather  him,"  and  like  remarks  which  I  had  no  idea  applied  to  m=
e  till  one  man=20
seized  me  by  the  collar,  while  five  or  six  more  appeared  on  the=
  scene  with  a  rail.=20

"  Come,"  said  the  man  who  collared  me,  "old  chap,  you  can't  wal=
k  any  further;=20
we  know  you,  and  as  we  always  make  gentlemen  ride  in  these  part=
s,  you  may=20
just  prepare  to  straddle  that  rail! "=20

My  surprise  may  be  imagined.  "Good  heavens!"  I  exclaimed,  as  they=
  all=20
pressed  around  me,  "gentlemen,  what  have  I  done?"=20

"Oh,  we  know  you,"  exclaimed  half  a  dozen  voices;  "you  needn't  r=
oll  your=20
sanctimonious  eyes;  that  game  don't  take  in  this  country  Come,  st=
raddle  the=20
rail,  and  remember  the  stack-yard  ' "=20


42  MY    START   AS   A   SHOWMAN.=20

l  grew  more  and  more  bewildered;  I  could  not  imagine  what  possib=
le  offence  I=20
was  to  suffer  for,  and  I  continued  to  exclaim,  "Gentlemen,  what  =
have  I  done?"=20
Don't  kill  me,  gentlemen,  .but  tell  me  what  1  have  done."=20

"Come,  make  him  straddle  the  rail;  we'll  show  him  how  to  hang  p=
oor  factory=20
girls,"  shouted  a  man  in  the  crowd.=20

The  man  who  had  me  by  the  collar  then  remarked,  "Come,  Mr.  Aver=
y,  it's  m.-=20
use,  you  see,  we  know  you,  and  we'll  give  you  a  touch  of  Lynch=
  law,  and  start=20
you  for  home  again."=20

"My  name  is  not  Avery,  gentlemen;  you  are  mistaken  in  your  man,"=
  1=20
exclaimed.=20

"Come,  come,  none  of  your  gammon;  straddle  the  rail,  Ephraim."=20

The  rail  was  brought  and  I  was  about  to  be  placed  on  it,  when =
 the  truth  flashed=20
upon  me.=20

"Gentlemen,"  I  exclaimed,  "I  am  not  Avery;  I  despise  that  villain=
  as  much  as=20
you  can;  my  name  is  Bamum;  I  belong  to  the  circus  which  arrived=
  here  last=20
night,  and  I  am  sure  Old  Turner,  my  partner,  has  hoaxed  you  wit=
h  this  ridicu-=20
lous story."=20

"If  he  has  we'll  lynch  him,"  said  one  of  the  mob.=20

"Well,  he  has,  I'll  assure  you,  and  if  you  will  walk  to  the  ho=
tel  with  me,  I'll=20
convince  you  of  the  fact."=20

This  they  reluctantly  assented  to,  keeping,  however,  a  close  hand =
 upon  me.  As=20
we  walked  up  the  main  street,  the  mob  received  a  re-enforcement  =
of  some  fifty=20
or  sixty,  and  I  was  marched  like  a  malefactor  up  to  the  hotel  =
Old  Turner  stood=20
on  the  piazza  ready  to  explode  with  laughter.  I  appealed  to  him =
 for  heaven's=20
sake  to  explain  this  matter,  that  I  might  be  liberated.  He  conti=
nued  to  laugh,=20
but  finally  told  them  "  he  believed  there  was  some  mistake  about=
  it.  The  fact  is,"=20
said  he,  "my  friend  Barnum  has  a  new  suit  of  black  clothes  on  =
and  he  looks  so=20
much  like  a  priest  that  I  thought  he  must  be  Avery."=20

The  crowd  saw  the  joke  and  seemed  satisfied.  My  new  coat  had  be=
en  half  torn=20
from  my  back,  and  I  had  been  very  roughly  handled.  But  some  of =
 the  crowd=20
apologized  for  the  outrage,  declaring  that  Turner  ought  to  be  ser=
ved  in  the  same=20
way,  while  others  advised  me  to  "get  even  with  him."  I  was  very=
  much=20
offended,  and  when  the  mob  dispersed  I  asked  Turner  what  could  h=
ave  induced=20
him  to  play  such  a  trick  upon  me.=20

"My  dear  Mr.  Barnum,"  he  replied,  "it  was  all  for  our  good.  Rem=
ember,  all=20
we  need  to  insure  success  is  notoriety.  You  will  see  that  this  =
will  be  noised  all=20
about  town  as  a  trick  played  by  one  of  the  circus  managers  upon=
  the  other,  and=20
our  pavilion  will  be  crammed  to-morrow  night."=20

It  was  even  so ;  the  trick  "was  told  all  over  town  and  every  o=
ne  came  to  see  the=20
circus  managers  who  were  in  a  habit  of  playing  practical  jokes  u=
pon  each  other.=20
We  had  fine  audiences  while  we  remained  at  Annapolis,  but  it  was=
  a  long  tim*=20
lief  ore  I  forgave  Turner  for  his  rascally  "  joke."=20


CHAPTER    VI.=20

MY    FIRST   TRAVELING    COMPANY.=20

AN  amusing  incident  occurred  when  we  were  at  Hanover  Court  House,=
  in  Vir=20
ginia.  It  rained  so  heavily  that  we  could  not  perform  there,  and=
  Turner  decided=20
to  start  for  Richmond  immediately  after  dinner,  when  he  was  infor=
med  by  the=20
landlord  that  as  our  agent  had  engaged  three  meals  and  lodging  f=
or  the  whole=20
company,  the  entire  bill  must  be  paid  whether  we  went  then,  or  =
next  morning=20
No  compromise  could  be  effected  with  the  stubborn  landlord,  and  s=
o  Turner=20
proceeded  to  get  the  worth  of  his  money  as-follows:=20

He  ordered  dinner  at  twelve  o'clock,  which  was  duly  prepared  and =
 eaten.  The=20
table  was  cleared  and  re-set  for  supper  at  half -past  twelve.  At =
 one  o'clock  we  all=20
went  to  bed,  every  man  carrying  a  lighted  candle  to  his  room.  T=
here  were  thirty-=20
six  of  us  and  we  all  undressed  and  tumbled  into  bed  as  if  we  =
were  going  to  stay=20
all  night.  In  half  an  hour  we  rose  and  went  down  to  the  hot  b=
reakfast  which=20
Turner  had  demanded  and  which  we  found  smoking  on  the  table.  Tur=
ner  was=20
very  grave,  the  landlord  was  exceedingly  angry,  and  the  rest  of  =
us  were  convulsed=20
with  laughter  at  the  absurdity  of  the  whole  proceeding.  We  dispos=
ed  of  our=20
breakfast  as  if  we  had  eaten  nothing  for  ten  hours,  and  then  st=
arted  for  Richmond=20
with  the  satisfaction  that  we  fairly  settled  with  our  unreasonable=
  landlord.=20

At  Richmond,  after  performances  were  over  one  night,  I  managed  to=
  partially=20
pay  Turner  for  his  A  very  trick.  A  dozen  or  more  of  us  were  e=
njoying  ourselves  in=20
the  sitting-room  of  the  hotel,  telling  stories  and  singing  songs, =
 when  some  of  the=20
company  proposed  sundry  amusing  arithmetical  questions,  followed  by =
 one  from=20
Turner  which  was  readily  solved.  Hoping  to  catch  Turner  I  then  p=
roposed  the=20
following  problem :=20

"Suppose  a  man  is  thirty  years  of  age,  and  he  has  a  child  one =
 year  of  age;=20
he  is  thirty  times  older  than  his  child.  When  the  child  is  thir=
ty  years  old,  the=20
father,  being  sixty,  is  only  twice  as  old  as  his  child,  When  th=
e  child  is  sixty  the=20
father  is  ninety,  and  therefore  only  one-third  older  than  the  chi=
ld.  When  the=20
child  is  ninety  the  father  is  one  hundred  and  twenty,  and  theref=
ore  only  one-=20
fourth  older  than  the  child.  Thus  you  see,  the  child  is  graduall=
y  but  surely  gain-=20
ing on  the  parent,  and  as  he  certainly  continues  to  come  nearer  =
and  nearer,  in  time=20
he  must  overtake  him.  The  question  therefore  is,  suppose  it  was  =
possible  for  them=20
to  live  long  enough,  how  old  would  the  father  be  when  the  child=
  overtook  him=20
and  became  of  the  same  age?"=20

The  company  generally  saw  the  catch ;  but  Turner  was  very  much  i=
nterested=20
in  the  problem,  and  although  he  admitted  he  knew  nothing  about  a=
rithmetic,  he=20
was  convinced  that  as  the  son  was  gradually  gaining  on  the  fathe=
r  he  must  reach=20
him  if  there  was  time  enough =E2=80=94 say,  a  thousand  years,  or  =
so =E2=80=94 for  the  race.  But=20
an  old  gentleman  gravely  remarked  that  the  idea  of  a  son  becomin=
g  as  old  as  his=20
father  while  both  were  living,  was  simply  nonsense,  and  he  offere=
d  to  bet  a  dozen=20
of  champagne  that  the  thing  was  impossible,  even  "in  figures."  Tu=
rner,  who=20
was  a  betting  man,  and  who  thought  the  problem  might  be  proved, =
 accepted  the=20
wager;  but  he  was  soon  convinced  that  however  much  the  boy  might=
  relatively=20

43=20


44  MY    FIRST  TRAVELING   COMPANY.=20

gain  upon  his  father,  there  would  always  be  thirty  years  differen=
ce  in  their  agt=C2=BB=20
The  champagne  cost  him  $25,  and  he  failed  to  see  the  fun  of  my=
  arithmetic,=20
though  at  last  he  acknowledged  that  it  was  a  fair  offset  to  the=
  Avpry  trick.=20

We  went  from  Richmond  to  Petersburg,  and  from  that  place  to  Warr=
enton,=20
North  Carolina,  where,  October  30th,  my  engagement  expired  with  a =
 profit  to=20
myself  of  $1,200.  I  now  separated  from  the  circus  company,  taking=
  Vivalla,=20
James  Sandford  (a  negro  singer  and  dancer),  several  musicians,  hor=
ses,  wagons,=20
and  a  small  canvas  tent  with  which  I  intended  to  begin  a  travel=
ing  exhibition  of=20
my  own.  My  company  started  and  Turner  took  me  on  the  way  in  hi=
s  own  car-=20
riage some  twenty  miles.  We  parted  reluctantly,  and  my  friend  wish=
ed  me  every=20
success  in  my  new  venture.=20

On  Saturday,  November  12,  1836,  we  halted  at  Rocky  Mount  Falls,  =
North  Car-=20
olina, and  on  my  way  to  the  Baptist  Church,  Sunday  morning,  I  no=
ticed  a  stand=20
and  benches  in  a  grove  near  by,  and  determined  to  speak  to  the =
 people  if  I  was=20
permitted.  The  landlord  who  was  with  me  said  that  the  congregatio=
n,  coming=20
from  a  distance  to  attend  a  single  service,  would  be  very  glad  =
to  hear  a  stranger,=20
and  1  accordingly  asked  the  venerable  clergyman  to  announce  that  =
after  service=20
I  would  speak  for  half  an  hour  in  the  grove.  Learning  that  I  w=
as  not  a  clergy-=20
man, he  declined  to  give  the  notice,  but  said  that  he  had  no  ob=
jection  to  my=20
making  the  announcement,  which  I  did,  and  the  congregation,  number=
ing  about=20
three  hundred,  promptly  came  to  hear  me.=20

I  told  them  I  was  not  a  preacher,  and  had  very  little  experienc=
e  in  public=20
speaking;  but  I  felt  a  deep  interest  in  matters  of  morality  and =
 religion,  and=20
would  attempt,  in  a  plain  way,  to  set  before  them  the  duties  an=
d  privileges  of=20
man.  I  appealed  to  every  man's  experience,  observation  and  reason,=
  to  confirm=20
the  Bible  doctrine  of  wretchedness  in  vice  and  happiness  in  virtu=
e.  We  cannot=20
violate  the  laws  of  God  with  impunity,  and  He  will  not  keep  bac=
k  the  wages  of=20
well-doing.  The  outside  show  of  things  is  of  very  small  account. =
 We  must  look=20
to  realities  and  not  to  appearances.  "  Diamonds  may  glitter  on  a=
  vicious  breast,"=20
but  "the  soul's  calm  sunshine  and  the  heart-felt  joy  is  virtue's =
 prize."  The=20
rogue,  the  passionate  man,  the  drunkard,  are  not  to  be  envied  ev=
en  at  the  best,  and=20
a  conscience  hardened  by  sin  is  the  most  sorrowful  possession  we =
 can  think  of.  I=20
went  on  in  this  way,  with  some  scriptural  quotations  and  familiar=
  illustrations,=20
for  three-quarters  of  an  hour.  At  the  close  of  my  address  severa=
l  persons  took=20
me  by  the  hand,  expressing  themselves  as  greatly  pleased  and  desi=
ring  to  know=20
my  name;  and  I  went  away  with  the  feeling  that  possibly  I  might=
  have  done=20
some  good  in  the  beautiful  grove  on  that  charming  Sunday  morning.=
=20

When  we  were  at  Camden,  South  Carolina,  Sandford  suddenly  left  me=
,  and  as=20
1  had  advertised  negro  songs  and  none  of  my  company  was  competen=
t  to  fill=20
Sandf  ord's  place,  not  to  disappoint  my  audience,  I  blacked  mysel=
f  and  sung  the=20
advertised  songs  "Zip  Coon,"  etc.,  and  to  my  surprise  was  much  a=
pplauded,=20
while  two  of  the  songs  were  encored.  One  evening,  after  singing  =
my  songs,  I=20
heard  a  disturbance  outside  the  tent,  and  going  to  the  spot  foun=
d  a  person  disput-=20
ing with  my  men.  I  took  part  on  the  side  of  the  men,  when  the =
 person  who  was=20
quarreling  with  them  drew  a  pistol  and  exclaiming,  "  You  black  s=
coundrel !  how=20
dare  you  use  such  language  to  a  white  man,"  he  proceeded  to  coc=
k  it.  I  saw  that=20
he  thought  I  was  a  negro  and  meant  to  blow  my  brains  out.  Quic=
k  as  thought  1=20
rolled  my  sleeve  up,  showed  my  skin,  and  said,  "  I  am  as  white=
  as  you  are,  sir."=20
He  dropped  his  pistol  in  positive  fright  and  begged  my  pardon.  M=
y  presence  of=20
mind  saved  me.=20


MY   FIRST   TRAVELING   COMPANY.  45=20

On  four  different  occasions  in  my  life  I  nave  had  a  loaded  pist=
ol  pointed  at  my=20
head  and  each  time  I  have  escaped  death  by  what  seemed  a  miracl=
e.  I  have  also=20
often  been  in  deadly  peril  by  accidents,  and  when  I  think  of  th=
ese  things  I  realize=20
my  indebtedness  to  an  all-protecting  Providence.  Reviewing  my  caree=
r,  too,=20
and  considering  the  kind  of  company  I  kept  for  years  and  the  as=
sociations  with=20
which  I  was  surrounded  and  connected,  1  am  surprised  as  well  as =
 grateful  that  1=20
was  not  ruined.  I  honestly  believe  that  I  owe  my  preservation  fr=
om  the  degra-=20
dation of  living  and  dying  a  loafer  and  a  vagabond,  to  the  singl=
e  fact  that  I  was=20
never  addicted  to  strong  drink.  To  be  sure,  I  have  in  times  pas=
t  drank  liquor,=20
'nit  I  have  generally  wholly  abstained  from  intoxicating  beverages,=
  and  for  more=20
than  twenty  years  past,  I  am  glad  to  say,  I  have  been  a  strict=
  "teetotaller."=20

At  Camden  I  lost  one  of  my  musicians,  a  Scotchman  named  Cochran,=
  who  was=20
arrested  for  advising  the  negro  barber  who  was  shaving  him  to  ru=
n  away  to  the=20
Free  States  or  to  Canada.  I  made  every  effort  to  effect  Cochran'=
s  release,  but  he=20
was  imprisoned  more  than  six  months.=20

I  bought  four  horses  and  two  wagons  and  hired  Jbe  Pentland  and  =
Robert=20
White  to  join  my  company.  White,  as  a  negro  singer,  would  reliev=
e  me  from=20
that  roll,  and  Pentland,  besides  being  a  capital  clown,  was  celeb=
rated  as  a  ven-=20
triloquist, comic  singer,  balancer,  and  legerdemain  performer.  My  re=
-enforced=20
exhibition  was  called  "  Barnum's  Grand  Scientific  and  Musical  Thea=
tre."=20

Some  time  previously,  in  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  I  had  sold  one-=
half  of  my=20
establishment  to  a  man,  whom  I  will  call  Henry,  who  now  acted  a=
s  treasurer  and=20
ticket-taker.  At  Augusta,  Georgia,  the  sheriff  served  a  writ  upon =
 this  Henry=20
for  a  debt  of  $500.  As  Henry  had  $GOO  of  the  company's  money  i=
n  his  possession,=20
t  immediately  procured  a  bill  of  sale  of  all  his  property  in  th=
e  exhibition  and=20
returned  to  the  theatre  where  Henry's  creditor  and  the  creditor's =
 lawyer  were=20
waiting  for  me.  They  demanded  the  key  of  the  stable  so  as  to  l=
evy  on  the=20
horses  and  wagons.  I  begged  delay  till  I  could  see  Henry,  and  t=
hey  consented.=20
Henry  was  anxious  to  cheat  his  creditor  and  he  at  once  signed  t=
he  bill  of  sale.  1=20
returned  and  informed  the  creditor  that  Henry  refused  to  pay  or  =
compromise=20
the(  claim.  The  sheriff  then  demanded  the  keys  of  the  stable  doo=
r  to  attach=20
Henry's  interest  in  the  property.  "Not  yet,"  said  I,  showing  a  b=
ill  of  sale,=20
"  you  see  I  am  in  full  possession  of  the  property  as  entire  ow=
ner.  You  confess=20
that  you  have  not  yet  levied  on  it,  and  if  you  touch  my  proper=
ty,  you  do  it  at=20
your  peril."=20

They  were  very  much  taken  aback,  and  the  sheriff  immediately  conv=
eyed=20
Henry  to  prison.  The  next  day  I  learned  that  Henry  owed  his  cre=
ditors  thirteen=20
hundred  dollars,  and  that  he  had  agreed  when  the  Saturday  evening=
  performance=20
was  ended  to  hand  over  five  hundred  dollars  (company  money)  and  =
a  bill  of  sale=20
of  his  interest,  in  consideration  of  which  one  of  the  horses  was=
  to  be  ready  for=20
him  to  run  away  with,  leaving  me  in  the  lurch!  Learning  this,  I=
  had  very  little=20
sympathy  for  Henry,  and  my  next  step  was  to  secure  the  five  hun=
dred  dollars  he=20
bad  secreted.  Vi valla  had  obtained  it  from  him  to  keep  it  from =
 the  sheriff;  I|=20
received  it  from  Vivalla,  on  Henry's  order,  as  a  supposed  means  =
of  procuring=20
bail  for  him  on  Monday  morning.  I  then  paid  the  creditor  the  fu=
ll  amount=20
obtained  from  Henry  as  the  price  of  his  half  interest  in  the  ex=
hibition  and=20
received  in  return  an  assignment  of  five  hundred  dollars  of  the  =
creditor's  claims=20
and  a  guaranty  that  I  should  not  be  troubled  by  my  late  partner=
  on  that  score.=20
Thus,  promptness  of  action  and  good  luck  relieved  me  from  one  of=
  the  most=20
unpleasant  positions  in  which  1  had  ever  been  placed.=20


46  MY    FIRST  TRAVELING    COMPANTY.=20

While  traveling  with  our  teams  and  show  through  a  desolate  part  =
of  Georgia,=20
our  advertiser,  who  was  in  advance  of  the  party,  finding  the  rou=
te,  on  one  occa-=20
sion, too  long  for  us  to  reach  a  town  at  night,  arranged  with  a=
  poor  widow=20
woman  named  Hayes,  to  furnish  us  with  meals  and  let  us  lodge  in=
  her  hut  and=20
out-houses.  It  was  a  beggarly  place,  belonging  to  one  of  the  poo=
rest  of  "  poor=20
whites."  Our  horses  were  to  stand  out  all  night,  and  a  farmer,  =
six  miles  distant,=20
was  to  bring  a  load  of  provender  on  the  day  of  our  arrival  Bil=
ls  were  then=20
posted  announcing  a  performance  under  a  canvas  tent  near  Widow  Ha=
yes's,=20
for,  as  a  show  was  a  rarity  in  that  region,  it  was  conjectured =
 that  a  hundred  or=20
more  small  farmers  and  "poor  whites"  might  be  assembled  and  that =
 the  receipts=20
would  cover  the  expenses.=20

Meanwhile,  our  advertiser,  who  was  quite  a  wag,  "wrote  back  infor=
ming  us  of=20
the  difficulties  of  reaching  a  town  on  that  part  of  our  route,  =
and  stating  that  he=20
had  made  arrangements  for  us  to  stay  over  night  on  the  plantatio=
n  of  "  Lady=20
Hayes,"  and  that  although  the  country  was  sparsely  settled,  we  co=
uld  doubtless=20
give  a  profitable  performance  to  a  fair  audience.=20

Anticipating  a  fine  time  on  this  noble  "plantation,"  we  started  a=
t  four  o'clock=20
in  the  morning  so  as  to  arrive  at  one  o'clock,  thus  avoiding  th=
e  heat  of  the  after-=20
noon. Towards  noon  we  came  to  a  small  river  where  some  men,  whom=
  we=20
afterwards  discovered  to  be  down-east  Yankees,  from  Maine,  were  re=
pairing  a=20
l>ridge.  Every  flooring  plank  had  been  taken  up,  and  it  was  i=
mpossible  for  our=20
teams  to  cross.  "  Could  the  bridge  be  fixed  so  that  we  could  g=
o  over? "  I  inquired.=20
"  No ;  it  would  take  half  a  day,  and  meantime,  if  we  must  cros=
s,  there  was  a  place=20
about  sixteen  miles  down  the  river  where  we  could  get  over.  "But=
  we  can't=20
go  so  far  as  that;  we  are  under  engagement  to  perform  on  Lady  =
Hayes's=20
place  to-night,  and  we  must  cross  here.  Fix  the  bridge  and  we  w=
ill  pay  you=20
handsomely."=20

They  wanted  no  money,  but  if  we  would  give  them  some  tickets  to=
  our  show=20
they  thought  they  might  do  something  for  us.  I  gladly  consented, =
 and  in  fifteen=20
minutes  we  crossed  that  bridge.  The  cunning  rascals  had  seen  our =
 posters  and=20
knew  we  were  coming;  so  they  had  taken  up  the  planks  of  the  br=
idge  and  had=20
I  ridden  them  till  they  had  levied  upon  us  for  tickets,  when  th=
e  floor  was  re-laid=20
in  a  quarter  of  an  hour.=20

Towards  dinner-time  we  began  to  lookout  for  the  grand  mansion  of =
 "lady=20
Hayes,"  and  seeing  nothing  but  little  huts  we  quietly  pursued  our=
  journey.  At=20
one  o'clock =E2=80=94 the  time  when  we  should  have  arrived  at  our =
 destination =E2=80=94 I  became=20
impatient,  and  riding  up  to  a  poverty-stricken  hovel  and  seeing  a=
  ragged,  bare-=20
footed old  woman,  with  her  sleeves  rolled  up  to  her  shoulders,  wh=
o  was  washing=20
clothes  in  front  of  the  door,  I  inquired =E2=80=94=20

"Hallo I  can  you  tell  me  where  Lady  Hayes  lives?"=20

The  old  woman  raised  her  head,  which  was  covered  with  tangled  lo=
cks  and=20
matted  hair,  and  exclaimed =E2=80=94=20

"Hey?"=20

"No,  Hayes,  Lady  Hayes;  where  is  her  plantation?"=20

"This  is  the  place,"  she  answered;  "  I'm  Widder  Hayes,  and  you  =
are  all  to  stay=20
here  to-night."=20

We  could  not  believe  our  ears  or  eyes;  but  after  putting  the  di=
rty  old  woman=20
through  a  severe  cross-examination  she  finally  produced  a  contract,=
  signed  by=20
our  advertiser,  agreeing  for  board  and  lodging  for  the  company,  a=
nd  we  found=20
ourselves  booked  for  the  night.  It  appeared  that  our  advertiser  c=
ould  find  110=20
totter  quarters  in  that  forlorn  section,  and  he  had  indulged  in  =
a  joke  at  our=20


M-y    FIRST  TRAVELING   OOMPANY.  47=20

expense  by  exciting  our  appetites  and  imaginations  in  anticipation =
 of  the  luxu-=20
ries we  should  find  in  the  magnificent  mansion  of  "  Lady  Hayes."=
=20

Joe  Pentland  grumbled,  Bob  White  indulged  in  some  very  strong  lan=
guage,  and=20
Signer  Vivalla  laughed.*  He  had  traveled  with  his  monkey  and  orga=
n  in  Italy=20
and  could  put  up  with  any  fare  that  offered.  I  took  the  disappo=
intment  philo-=20
sophically, simply  remarkiug  that  we  must  make  the  best  of  it  and=
  compensate=20
ourselves  when  we  reached  a  town  next  day.=20

The  next  forenoon  we  arrived  at  Macon,  and  congratulated  ourselves=
  that  we=20
had  again  reached  the  regions  of  civilization.=20

In  going  from  Columbus,  Georgia,  to  Montgomery,  Alabama,  we  were  =
obliged=20
to  cross  a  thinly-settled,  desolate  tract,  known  as  the  "  Indian =
 Nation,"  and  a*=20
several  persons  had  been  murdered  by  hostile  Indians  in  that  regi=
on,  it  was=20
deemed  dangerous  to  travel  the  road  without  an  escort.  Only  the  =
day  before  we=20
started,  the  mail  stage  had  been  stopped  and  the  passengers  murde=
red,  the  driver=20
alone  escaping.  We  were  well  armed,  however,  and  trusted  that  our=
  numbers=20
would  present  too  formidable  a  force  to  be  attacked,  though  we  d=
readed  to  incur=20
the  risk.  Vivalla  alone  was  fearless  and  was  ready  to  encounter  =
fifty  Indians=20
and  drive  them  into  the  swamp.=20

Accordingly,  when  we  had  safely  passed  over  the  entire  route  to  =
within  four-=20
teen miles  of  Montgomery,  and  were  beyond  the  reach  of  danger,  Jo=
e  Pentland=20
determined  to  test  Vivalla's  bravery.  He  had  secretly  purchased  at=
  Mount  Megs,=20
on  the  way,  an  old  Indian  dress  with  a  fringed  hunting  shirt  an=
d  moccasins  and=20
these  he  put  on,  after  coloring  his  face  with  Spanish  brown.  The=
n,  shouldering=20
his  musket  he  followed  Vivalla  and  the  party  and,  approaching  ste=
althily,  leaped=20
into  their  midst  with  a  tremendous  whoop.=20

Vivalla's  companions  were  in  the  secret,  and  they  instantly  fled  =
in  all  direc-=20
tions. Vivalla  himself  ran  like  a  deer  and  Pentland  after  him,  gu=
n  in  hand  and=20
yelling  horribly.  After  running  a  full  mile  the  poor  little  Itali=
an,  out  of  breath=20
and  frightened  nearly  to  death,  dropped  on  his  knees  and  begged  =
for  his  life.=20
The  "Indian"  leveled  his  gun  at  his  victim,  but  soon  seemed  to  =
relent,  and=20
signified  that  Vivalla  should  turn  his  pockets  inside  out =E2=80=94=
 which  he  did,  produc-=20
ing and  handing  over  a  purse  containing  eleven  dollars.  The  savage=
  then=20
inarched  Vivalla  to  an  oak,  and  with  a  handkerchief  tied  him  in =
 the  most=20
approved  Indian  manner  to  the  tree,  leaving  him  half  dead  with  f=
right.*=20

Pentland  then  joined  us,  and  washing  his  face  and  changing  his  d=
ress,  we  all=20
went  to  the  relief  of  Vivalla.  He  was  overjoyed  to  see  us,  and =
 when  he  was=20
released  his  courage  returned;  he  swore  that  after  his  companions =
 left  him,  the=20
Indian  had  been  re-enforced  by  six  more,  to  whom,  in  default  of =
 a  gun  or  other=20
means  to  defend  himself,  Vivalla  had  been  compelled  to  surrender. =
 We  pre-=20
tended to  believe  his  story  for  a  week,  and  then  told  him  the  j=
oke,  which  he=20
refused  to  credit,  and  also  declined  to  take  the  money  which  Pen=
tland  offered=20
to  return,  as  it  could  not  possibly  be  his  since  seven  Indians  =
had  taken  his  money.=20
We  had  a  great  deal  of  fun  over  Vivalla's  courage,  but  the  matt=
er  made  him  so=20
cross  and  surly  that  we  were  finally  obliged  to  drop  it  altogeth=
er.  From  that=20
time  forward,  however,  Vivalla  never  boasted  of  his  prowess.=20

We  arrived  at  Montgomery,  February  27th,  1837.  Here  I  met  Henry  =
Hawley,=20
a  legerdemain  performer,  and  I  sold  him  one-half  of  my  exhibition=
.  He  had  a=20
ready  wit,  a  happy  way  of  localizing  his  tricks,  was  very  popula=
r  in  that  part  of=20
the  country,  where  he  had  been  performing  for  several  years,  and =
 I  never  saw=20
him  nonplussed  but  once.  This  was  when  he  was  performing  on  one =
 occasion  the=20
well-known  egg  and  bag  trick,  which  he  did  with  his  usual  succes=
s,  producing  egg=20

=E2=80=A2  See  Illustration,  page  40.=20


48  MT    FIRST  TRAVELING   COMPANY.=20

after  egg  from  the  bag,  and  finally  breaking  one  to  show  that  t=
hey  were  genuine.=20
"Now,"  said  Hawley,  "I  will  show  you  the  old  hen  that  laid  them=
."  It  hap-=20
pened, however,  that  the  negro  boy  to  whom  had  been  intrusted  the=
  duty  of=20
supplying  the  bag  had  made  a  slight  mistake,  which  was  manifest  =
when  Hawley=20
triumphantly  produced,  not  "the  old  hen  that  laid  the  eggs,"  but =
 a  rooster!  The=20
whole  audience  was  convulsed  with  laughter,  and  the  abashed  Hawley=
  retreated=20
to  the  dressing-room,  cursing  the  stupidity  of  the  black  boy  who =
 had  been  paid=20
to  put  a  hen  in  the  bag.=20

After  performing  in  different  places  in  Alabama,  Kentucky,  and  Ten=
nessee,=20
\ve  disbanded  at  Nashville  in  May,  1837,  Vivalla  going  to  New  Yo=
rk,  where  he=20
i>erfonned  on  his  own  account  for  a  while  previous  to  sailing =
 for  Cuba,  Hawley=20
staying  in  Tennessee  to  look  after  our  horses  which  had  been  tur=
ned  out  to  grass,=20
and  I  returning  home  to  spend  a  few  weeks  with  my  family.=20

Early  in  July,  returning  west  with  a  new  company  of  performers,  =
I  rejoined=20
Hawley,  and  we  began  our  campaign  in  Kentucky.  We  were  not  succe=
ssful;=20
one  of  our  small  company  was  incompetent;  another  was  intemperate =
=E2=80=94 both=20
were  dismissed;  and  our  negro-singer  was  drowned  in  the  river  at =
 Frank-=20
fort. Funds  were  low,  and  I  was  obliged  to  leave  pledges  here  an=
d  there,  in=20
payment  for  bills,  which  I  afterwards  i-edeemed.  Hawley  and  I  dis=
solved  in=20
August,  and  making  a  new  partnership  with  Z.  Graves,  I  left  him =
 in  charge  of=20
the  establishment  and  went  to  Tiffin,  Ohio,  where  I  re-engaged  Jo=
e  Pentland,=20
buying  his  horses  and  wagons,  and  taking  him,  with  several  musici=
ans,  to=20
Kentucky.=20

During  my  short  stay  at  Tiffin,  a  religious  conversation  at  the  =
hotel  introduced=20
me  to  several  gentlemen  who  requested  me  to  lecture  on  the  subje=
cts  we  had=20
discussed,  and  I  did  so  to  a  crowded  audience  in  the  school-hous=
e  Sunday  after-=20
noon and  evening.  At  the  solicitation  of  a  gentleman  from  Republic=
,  I  also=20
delivered  two  lectures  in  that  town,  on  the  evenings  of  September=
  4th  and  5th.=20

On  our  way  to  Kentucky,  just  before  we  reached  Cincinnati,  we  me=
t  a  drove=20
of  hogs,  and  one  of  the  drivers  making  an  insolent  remark  becaus=
e  our  wagons=20
interfered  with  his  swine,  I  replied  in  the  same  vein,  when  he  =
dismounted  and,=20
pointing  a  pistol  at  my  breast,  swore  he  would  shoot  me  if  I  d=
id  not  apologise.  1=20
begged  him  to  permit  me  to  consult  a  friend  in  the  next  wagon, =
 and  the  misun=20
derstanding  should  be  satisfactorily  settled.  My  friend  was  a  load=
ed  double=20
l>arreled  gun,  which  I  pointed  at  him  and  said:=20

"  Now,  sir,  you  must  apologize,  for  your  brains  are  in  danger.  =
You  drew  a=20
weapon  upon  me  for  a  trivial  remark.  You  seem  to  hold  human  lif=
e  at  a  cheap=20
price;  and  now,  sir,  you  have  the  choice  between  a  load  of  shot=
  and  an  apology."=20

This  led  to  an  apology  and  a  friendly  conversation,  in  which  we =
 both  agi-eed=20
that  many  a  life  is  sacrificed  in  sudden  anger,  because  one  or  =
both  of  the  con  =E2=80=A2=20
tending  parties  carry  deadly  weapons.=20

In  our  subsequent  southern  tour  we  exhibited  at  Nashville  (where  =
I  visitor=20
General  Jackson,  at  the  Hermitage),  Huntsville,  Tuscaloosa,  Vicksbur=
g  and  inter-=20
mediate places,  doing  tolerably  well.  At  Vicksburg  we  sold  all  our=
  land  convey-=20
mces,  excepting  the  band  wagon  and  four  horses,  bought  the  steamb=
oat  "Ceres,"=20
[or  six  thousand  dollars,  hired  the  captain  and  crew,  and  started=
  down  the  river=20
to  exhibit  at  places  on  the  way.  At  Natchez  our  cook  left  us,  =
and  in  the  search  for=20
another  I  found  a  white  widow  who  would  go,  only  she  expected  t=
o  marry  a=20
painter.  I  called  on  the  painter  who  had  not  made  up  his  mind  =
whether  to  marry=20
*;he  widow  or  not,  but  I  told  him  if  he  would  many  her  the  ne=
xt  morning  1=20
would  hire  her  at  twenty-five  dollars  a  month  as  cook,  employ  hi=
m  at  the  same=20


MY   FIEST  TRAVELING   COMPANY.=20


wages  as  painter,  with  board  for  both,  and  a  cash  bonus  of  fift=
y  dollars.    There=20
was  a  wedding  on  board  the  next  day,  and  we  had  a  good  cook  a=
nd  a  good  dinner.=20

During  one  of  our  evening  performances  at  Francisville,  Louisiana, =
 a  man=20
tried  to  pass  me  at  the  door  of  the  tent,  claiming  that  he  had=
  paid  for  admit-=20
tance. I  refused  him  entrance;  and  as  he  was  slightly  intoxicated,=
  he  struck  me=20
with  a  slung  shot,  mashing  my  hat  and  gracing  what  phrenologists =
 call  "the=20
organ  of  caution."  He  went  away  and  soon  returned  with  a  gang  o=
f  armed  and=20
half-drunken  companions,  who  ordered  us  to  pack  up  our  "traps  and=
  plunder"=20
and  to  get  on  board  our  steamboat  within  an  hour.  The  big  tent =
 speedily  came=20
down.  No  one  was  permitted  to  help  us,  but  the  company  worked  w=
ith  a  will,=20
and  within  five  minutes  of  the  expiration  of  the  hour  we  were  o=
n  board  and=20
ready  to  leave.  The  scamps  who  had  caused  our  departure  escorted =
 us  and  our=20
last  load,  waving  pine  torches,  and  saluted  us  with  a  hurrah  as =
 we  swung  into=20
the  stream.=20

The  New  Orleans  papers  of  March  19,  1838,  announced  the  arrival  =
of  the=20
"Steamer  Ceres,  Captain  Barnum,  with  a  theatrical  company."  After  =
a  week's=20
performances,  we  started  for  the  Attakapas  country.  At  Opelousas  w=
e  ex-=20
changed the  steamer  for  sugar  and  molasses;  our  company  was  disban=
ded,  and=20
I  started  for  home,  arriving  in  New  York,  June  4,  183&=20
I=20


CHAPTEK    VII  .=20

AT  THE    FOOT   OF   THE   LADDER.=20

LONGING  now  for  some  permanent,  respectable  business,  I  advertised =
 for  a  part=20
ner,  stating  that  I  had  $2,500  to  invest,  and  would  add  my  unre=
mitting  personal=20
attention  to  the  capital  and  the  business.  This  advertisement  gave=
  me  an  alto-=20
gether new  insight  into  human  nature.  Whoever  wishes  to  know  how  =
some  people=20
live,  or  want  to  live,  let  him  advertise  for  a  partner,  at  the =
 same  time  stating  that=20
he  has  a  large  or  small  capital  to  invest.  I  was  flooded  with  =
answers  to  my  adver-=20
tisements and  received  no  less  than  ninety-three  different  propositi=
ons  for  the  use=20
of  my  capital.  Of  these,  at  least  one-third  were  from  porter-hous=
e  keepers.  Bro-=20
kers, pawnbrokers,  lottery-policy  dealers,  patent  medicine  men,  inven=
tors,  and=20
others  also  made  application.  Some  of  my  correspondents  declined  t=
o  specifically=20
state  the  nature  of  their  business,  but  they  promised  to  open  th=
e  door  to  untold=20
wealth.=20

I  had  interviews  with  some  of  these  mysterious  million-makers.  One=
  of  them=20
was  a  counterfeiter,  who,  after  much  hesitation  and  pledges  of  se=
crecy,  showed=20
me  some  counterfeit  coin  and  bank  notes;  he  wanted  $2,500  to  pur=
chase  paper  and=20
ink  and  to  prepare  new  dies,  and  he  actually  proposed  that  I  sh=
ould  join  him  in=20
the  business  which  promised,  he  declared,  a  safe  and  rich  harvest=
  Another  sedate=20
individual,  dressed  in  Quaker  costume,  wanted  me  to  join  him  in  =
an  oat  specula-=20
tion. By  buying  a  horse  and  wagon,  and  by  selling  oats,  bought  a=
t  wholesale,  in=20
bags,  he  thought  a  good  business  could  be  done,  especially  as  pe=
ople  would  not  be=20
particular  to  measure  after  a  Quaker.=20

" Do  you  mean  to  cheat  in  measuring  your  oats  ?"  I  asked.=20

"  O,  I  should  probably  make  them  hold  out,"  he  answered,  with  a=
  leer.=20

One  application  came  from  a  Pearl  street  wool  merchant,  who  faile=
d  a  month=20
afterwards.  Then  came  a  "  perpetual  motion  "  man  who  had  a  fort=
une-making=20
machine,  in  which  I  discovered  a  main-spring  slyly  hid  in  a  holl=
ow  post,  the=20
spring  making  perpetual  motion =E2=80=94 till  it  ran  down.  Finally, =
 I  went  into  partner-=20
ship with  a  German,  named  Proler,  who  was  a  manufacturer  of  paste=
-blacking,=20
water-proof  paste  for  leather,  Cologne  water  and  bear's  grease.  "W=
e  took  the=20
store  No.  101  >=C2=A3  Bowery,  at  a  rent  (including  the  dwellin=
g)  of  $600  per  ajinnrp,=20
and  opened  a  large  manufactory  of  the  above  articles.  Proler  manu=
factured  and=20
sold  the  goods  at  wholesale  in  Boston,  Charleston,  Cleveland,  and =
 various  other=20
parts  of  the  country.  I  kept  the  accounts,  and  attended  to  sales=
  in  the  store,=20
wholesale  and  retail.  For  a  while  the  business  seemed  to  prosper =
=E2=80=94 at  least  till  my=20
capital  was  absorbed  and  notes  for  stock  began  to  fall  due,  with=
  nothing  to  meet=20
them,  since  we  had  sold  our  goods  on  long  credits.  In  January,  =
1840,  I  dissolved=20
partnership  with  Proler,  he  buying  the  entire  interest  for  $2,600 =
 on  credit,  and=20
then  running  away  to  Rotterdam  without  paying  his  note,  and  leavi=
ng  me  noth-=20
ing but  a  few  receipts.  Proler  was  a  good-looking,  plausible,  prom=
ising =E2=80=94 scamp.=20

During  my  connection  with  Proler,  I  became  acquainted  with  a  rema=
rkable=20
young  dancer  named  John  Diamond,  one  of  the  first  and  best  of  t=
he  numerous=20
negro  and  "  break -down  "  dancers  who  have  since  surprised  and  a=
mused  the  public,=20

50=20


AT  THE   FOOT   OF   THE   LADDER.  51=20

and  I  entered  into  an  engagement  with  his  father  for  his  service=
s,  putting  Dia-=20
mond in  the  hands  of  an  agent,  as  I  did  not  wish  to  appear  in =
 the  transaction.  In=20
the  spring  of  1840, 1  hired  and  opened  the  Vauxhall  Garden  saloon=
,  in  New  York,=20
and  gave  a  variety  of  performances,  including  singing,  dancing,  Ya=
nkee  stories,=20
etc.  In  this  saloon  Miss  Mary  Taylor,  afterwards  so  celebrated  as=
  an  actress  and=20
singer,  made  her  first  appearance  on  the  stage.  The  enterprise,  h=
owever,  did  not=20
meet  my  expectation,  and  I  relinquished  it  in  August.=20

What  was  to  be  done  next?  I  dreaded  resuming  the  Me  of  an  itin=
erant  show-=20
man, but  funds  were  low,  I  had  a  family  to  care  for,  and  as  no=
thing  bettor  pre-=20
sented, I  made  up  my  mind  to  endure  the  vexations  and  uncertainti=
es  of  a  tour  in=20
the  West  and  South.  1  collected  a  company,  consisting  of  Mr.  C. =
 D.  Jenkins,  an=20
excellent  singer  and  delineator  of  Yankee  and  other  characters;  Ma=
ster  John=20
Diamond,  the  dancer;  Francis  Lynch,  an  orphan  vagabond,  fourteen  y=
ears  old,=20
whom  I  picked  up  at  Troy,  and  a  fiddler.  My  brother-in-law,  Mr. =
 John  Hallett,=20
preceded  us  as  agent  and  advertiser,  and  our  route  passed  through=
  Buffalo,=20
Toronto,  Detroit,  Chicago,  Ottawa,  Springfield,  the  intermediate  pla=
ces,  and  St.=20
Louis,  where  I  took  the  steamboat  for  New  Orleans  with  a  company=
  reduced  by=20
desertions  to  Master  Diamond  and  the  fiddler.=20

Arriving  in  New  Orleans,  January  3d,  1841,  I  had  but  $100  in  my=
  purse,  and  I=20
had  started  from  New  York  four  months  before  with  quite  as  much =
 in  my  pocket.=20
Excepting  some  small  remittances  to  my  family  I  had  made  nothing =
 more  than=20
current  expenses;  and,  when  I  had  been  in  New  Orleans  a  fortnigh=
t,  funds  were=20
so  low  that  I  was  obliged  to  pledge  my  watch  as  security  for  m=
y  board  bilL  But=20
on  the  16th,  I  received  from  the  St.  Charles  Theatre  $500  as  my=
  half  share  of=20
Diamond's  benefit;  the  next  night  I  had  $50;  and  the  third  night=
  $479  was  my=20
share  of  the  proceeds  of  a  grand  dancing  match  at  the  theatre  b=
etween  Diamond=20
and  a  negro  dancer  from  Kentucky.  Subsequent  engagements  at  Vicksb=
urg  and=20
Jackson  were  not  so  successful,  but  returning  to  New  Orleans  we  =
again  succeeded=20
admirably,  and  afterwards  at  Mobile.  Diamond,  however,  after  extort=
ing  con-=20
siderable sums  of  money  from  me,  finally  ran  away,  and,  March  12t=
h,  I  started=20
homeward  by  way  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  Ohio.=20

At  Pittsburg,  where  I  arrived  March  30th,  I  learned  that  Jenkins,=
  who  had=20
enticed  Francis  Lynch  away  from  me  at  St.  Louis,  was  exhibiting  =
him  at  the=20
Museum  under  the  name  of  "Master  Diamond,"  and  visiting  the  perfo=
rmance,=20
the  next  day  I  wrote  Jenkins  an  ironical  review,  for  which  he  t=
hreatened  suit,  and=20
he  actually  instigated  R.  W.  Lindsay,  from  whom  I  hired  Joice  He=
th  in  Phila-=20
delphia in  1835,  and  whom  I  had  not  seen  since,  though  he  was  t=
hen  residing  in=20
Pittsburg,  to  sue  me  for  a  pipe  of  brandy  which,  it  was  pretend=
ed,  was  promised=20
in  addition  to  the  money  paid  him.  I  was  required  to  give  bonds=
  of  $500,  which,=20
as  I  was  among  strangers,  I  could  not  immediately  procure,  and  I=
  was  accord-=20
ingly thrown  into  jail  till  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  I=
  was  liberated.=20
The  next  day  I  caused  the  arrest  of  Jenkins  for  trespass  in  ass=
uming  Master=20
Diamond's  name  and  reputation  for  Master  Lynch,  and  he  was  sent  =
to  jail  till=20
four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Each  having  had  his  turn  at  this =
 amusement,  we=20
adjourned  our  controversy  to  New  York  where  I  beat  him.  As  for  =
Lindsay,  I=20
heard  nothing  more  of  his  claim  or  him  till  twelve  years  afterwa=
rds,  when  he=20
called  on  me  in  Boston  with  an  apology.  He  was  very  poor  and  I=
  was  highly=20
prosperous,  and  I  may  add  that  Lindsay  did  not  lack  a  friend.=20

I  arrived  in  New  York,  April  23d,  1841,  after  an  absence  of  eig=
ht  months,=20
resolved  once  more  that  I  would  never  again  be  an  itinerant  show=
man.  Three=20
days  afterwards  I  contracted  with  .Robert  Sears,  the  publisher,  fo=
r  five  hundred=20


52  AT  THE  FOOT  OF  THE  LADDER.=20

copies  of  "Sears'  Pictorial  Illustrations  of  the  Bible,"  at  $500, =
 and  accepting  the=20
United  States  agency,  I  opened  an  office,  May  10th,  at  the  corne=
r  of  Beekman=20
and  Nassau  streets,  the  site  of  the  present  Nassau  Bank.  I  had  =
had  a  limited=20
experience  with  that  book  in  this  way :  When  I  was  in  Pittsburg,=
  an  acquaintance,=20
Mr.  C.  D.  Harker,  was  complaining  that  he  had  nothing  to  do,  wh=
en  I  picked  up=20
a  New  York  paper  and  saw  the  advertisement  of  "  Sears'  Pictorial=
  Illustrations=20
of  the  Bible,  price  $3  a  copy."  Mr.  Harker  thought  he  could  get=
  subscribers,  and=20
I  bought  him  a  specimen  copy,  agreeing  to  furnish  him  with  as  m=
any  as  he  wanted=20
at  $1.37}=C2=A3  a  copy,  though  I  had  never  before  seen  the  work,=
  and  did  not  know  the=20
wholesale  price.  The  result  was  that  he  obtained  eighty  subscriber=
s  in  two  days,=20
and  made  $50.  My  own  venture  in  the  work  was  not  so  successful;=
  I  advertised=20
largely,  had  plenty  of  agents,  and  in  six  months,  sold  thousands =
 of  copies;  but=20
irresponsible  agents  used  up  all  my  profits  and  my  capital=20

While  engaged  in  this  business  I  once  more  leased  Vauxhall  saloon=
,  opening  it=20
June  14th,  1841,  employing  Mr.  John  Hallett,  my  brother-in-law,  as=
  manager=20
under  my  direction,  and  at  the  close  of  the  season,  September  25=
th,  we  had  cleared=20
about  two  hundred  dollars.  This  sum  was  soon  exhausted,  and,  with=
  my  family=20
on  my  hands  and  no  employment,  I  was  glad  to  do  anything  that  =
would  keep  the=20
wolf  from  the  door.  I  wrote  advertisements  and  notices  for  the  B=
owery  Amphi-=20
theatre, receiving  for  the  service  four  dollars  a  week,  which  I  w=
as  very  glad  to=20
get,  and  I  also  wrote  articles  for  the  Sunday  papers,  deriving  a=
  fair  remuneration=20
and  managing  to  get  a  li ving.  But  I  was  at  the  bottom  round  o=
f  f  ortune's  ladder,=20
and  it  was  necessary  to  make  an  effort  which  would  raise  me  abo=
ve  want.=20

I  was  specially  stimulated  to  this  effort  by  a  letter  which  I  r=
eceived,  about  this=20
time,  from  my  esteemed  friend,  Hon.  Thomas  T.  Whittlesey,  of  Danb=
ury.  He=20
held  a  mortgage  of  five  hundred  dollars  on  a  piece  of  property  =
I  owned  in  that=20
place,  and,  as  he  was  convinced  that  I  would  never  lay  up  anyth=
ing,  he  wrote  me=20
that  I  might  as  well  pay  him  then  as  ever.  This  letter  made  me=
  resolve  to  live  no=20
longer  from  hand  to  mouth,  but  to  concentrate  my  energies  upon  l=
aying  up=20
something  for  the  future.=20

While  I  was  forming  this  practical  determination,  I  was  much  near=
er  to  its '=20
realization  than  my  most  sanguine  hopes  could  have  predicted.    Th=
e  road  to=20
fortune  was  close  by.=20

As  outside  clerk  for  the  Bowery  Amphitheatre  I  had  casually  learn=
ed  that  the=20
collection  of  curiosities  comprising  Scudder's  American  Museum,  at  =
the  corner  of=20
Broadway  and  Ann  streets,  was  for  sale.  It  belonged  to  the  daugh=
ters  of  Mr.=20
Scudder,  and  was  conducted  for  their  benefit  by  John  Purzman,  und=
er  the=20
authority  of  Mr.  John  Heath,  administrator.  The  price  asked  for  t=
he  entire=20
collection  was  fifteen  thousand  dollars.  It  had  cost  its  founder, =
 Mr.  Scudder,=20
probably  fifty  thousand  dollars,  and  from  the  profits  of  the  esta=
blishment  he  had=20
been  able  to  leave  a  large  competency  to  his  children.  The  Museu=
m,  however,=20
had  been  for  several  years  a  losing  concern,  and  the  heirs  were =
 anxious  to  sell  it.=20
Looking  at  this  property,  I  thought  I  saw  that  energy,  tact  and =
 liberality,  were=20
only  needed  to  make  it  a  paving  institution,  and  I  determined  to=
  purchase  it  if=20
possible.=20

"You  buy  the  American  Museum!"  said  a  friend,  who  knew  the  state=
  of  my=20
funds,  "what  do  you  intend  buying  it  with? "=20

"Brass,"  I  replied,  "for  silver  and  gold  have  I  none."=20

The  Museum  building  belonged  to  Mr.  Francis  W.  Olmsted,  a  retired=
  merchant,=20
to  whom  I  wrote  stating  my  desire  to  buy  the  collection,  and  th=
at  although  I=20
had  no  means,  if  it  could  be  purchased  upon  reasonable  credit,  I=
  was  confident=20


AT  THE   FOOT   OF  THE   LADDER.  53=20

=E2=80=A2=20

that  my  tact  and  experience,  added  to  a  determined  devotion  to  b=
usiness,  would=20
enable  me  to  make  the  payments  when  due.  I  therefore  asked  him  =
to  purchase=20
the  collection  in  his  own  name;  to  give  me  a  writing  securing  i=
t  to  me,  provided  I=20
made  the  payments  punctually,  including  the  rent  of  his  building; =
 to  allow  me=20
twelve  dollars  and  a  half  a  week  on  which  to  support  my  family;=
  and  if  at  any=20
time  I  failed  to  meet  the  installment  due,  I  would  vacate  the  p=
remises,  and  forfeit=20
all  that  might  have  been  paid  to  that  date.  "In  fact,  Mr.  Olmst=
ed,"  I  continued=20
in  my  earnestness,  "  you  may  bind  me  in  any  way,  and  as  tightl=
y  as  you  please =E2=80=94=20
only  give  me  a  chance  to  dig  out,  or  scratch  out,  and  I  will  =
do  so  or  forfeit  all  the=20
labor  and  trouble  I  may  have  incurred."=20

In  reply  to  this  letter,  which  I  took  to  his  house  myself,  he  =
named  an  hour  when=20
I  could  call  on  him,  and  as  I  was  there  at  the  exact  moment,  =
he  expressed  himself=20
pleased  with  my  punctuality.  He  inquired  closely  as  to  my  habits =
 and  antece-=20
dents, and  I  frankly  narrated  my  experiences  as  a  caterer  for  the=
  public,  mention-=20
ing my  amusement  ventures  in  Vauxhall  Garden,  the  circus,  and  in  =
the  exhibitions=20
I  had  managed  at  the  South  and  West.=20

"Who  are  your  references?"  he  inquired.=20

"Any  man  in  my  line,"  I  replied,  "from  Edmund  Simpson,  manager  o=
f  the=20
Park  Theatre,  or  William  Niblo,  to  Messrs.  Welch,  June,  Titus,  Tu=
rner,  Angevine,=20
or  other  circus  or  menagerie  proprietors;  also  Moses  Y.  Beach,  of=
  the  New  York=20
Sun.=20

"  Can  you  get  any  of  them  to  call  on  me?"  he  continued.=20

I  told  him  that  I  could,  and  the  next  day  my  friend  Niblo  rode=
  down  and  had=20
an  interview  with  Mr.  Olmsted,  while  Mr.  Beach  and  several  other =
 gentlemen=20
also  called,  and  the  following  morning  I  waited  upon  him  for  his=
  decision.=20

"I  don't  Like  your  references,  Mr.  Bamum,"  said  Mr.  Olmsted,  abru=
ptly,  as=20
soon  as  I  entered  the  room.=20

I  was  confused,  and  said  "  I  regretted  to  hear  it."=20

"  They  aU  speak  too  well  of  you,"  he  added,  laughing;  " in  fact=
  they  all  talk  as=20
if  they  were  partners  of  yours,  and  intended  to  share  the  profit=
s."=20

Nothing  could  have  pleased  me  better.  He  then  asked  me  what  secu=
rity  I=20
could  offer  in  case  he  concluded  to  make  the  purchase  for  me,  a=
nd  it  was  finally=20
agreed  that,  if  he  should  do  so,  he  should  retain  the  property  =
till  it  was  entirely=20
paid  for,  and  should  also  appoint  a  ticket-taker  and  accountant  (=
at  my  expense),=20
who  should  render  him  a  weekly  statement.  I  was  further  to  take =
 an  apartment=20
hitherto  used  as  a  billiard  room  in  his  adjoining  building,  allow=
ing  therefor  $500=20
a  year,  making  a  total  rental  of  $3,000  per  annum,  on  a  lease  =
of  ten  years.  He=20
then  told  me  to  see  the  administrator  and  heirs  of  the  estate,  =
to  get  their  best=20
terms,  and  to  meet  him  on  his  return  to  town  a  week  from  that =
 time.=20

I  at  once  saw  Mr.  John  Heath,  the  administrator,,  and  his  price =
 was  $15,000.  1=20
offered  $10,000,  payable  in  seven  annual  installments,  with  good  s=
ecurity.  After=20
several  interviews,  it  was  finally  agreed  that  I  should  have  it  =
for  =C2=A712,000,  pay-=20
able as  above =E2=80=94 possession  to  be  given  on  the  15th  of  Nove=
mber.  Mr.  Olmsted=20
assented  to  this,  and  a  morning  was  appointed  to  draw  and  sign  =
the  writings.=20
Mr.  Heath  appeared,  but  said  he  must  decline  proceeding  any  furth=
er  in  my  case,=20
as  he  had  sold  the  collection  to  the  directors  of  Peale's  Museum=
  (an  incorporated=20
institution)  for  $15,000,  and  had  received  $1,000  in  advance.=20

I  was  shocked,  and  appealed  to  Mr.  Heath's  honor.  He  said  that  =
he  had  signed=20
no  writing  with  me;  was  in  no  way  legally  bound,  and  that  it  w=
as  his  duty  to  do=20
the  best  he  could  for  the  heirs.  Mr.  Olmsted  was  sorry,  but  cou=
ld  not  help  me;=20
the  new  tenants  would  not  require  him  to  incur  any  risk,  and  my=
  matter  was  at=20
an  end.=20


54  AT  THE  FOOT  OF  THE  LADDER.=20

Of  course,  I  immediately  informed  myself  an  to  the  character  of  =
Peale  s  Mus-=20
eum company.  It  proved  to  be  a  band  of  speculators  who  had  bough=
t  Peale's=20
collection  for  a  few  thousand  dollars,  expecting  to  unite  the  Ame=
rican  Museum=20
with  it,  issue  and  sell  stock  to  the  amount  of  $50,000,  pocket  =
$30,000  profits,  and=20
permit  the  stockholders  to  look  out  for  themselves.=20

I  went  immediately  to  several  of  the  editors,  including  Major  M. =
 M.  Noah,  M.=20
Y.  Beach,  my  good  friends  West,  Herrick  and  Ropes,  of  the  Atlas,=
  and  others,=20
and  stated  my  grievances.  "Now,"  said  I,  "if  you  will  grant  me  =
the  use  of=20
your  columns,  I'll  blow  that  speculation  sky-high."  They  all  conse=
nted,  and  I=20
wrote  a  large  number  of  squibs,  cautioning  the  public  against  buy=
ing  the  Museum=20
stock,  ridiculing  the  idea  of  a  board  of  broken-down  bank  directo=
rs  engaging  in=20
the  exhibition  of  stuffed  monkeys  and  gander-skins;  appealing  to  t=
he  case  of  the=20
Zoological  Institute,  which  had  failed  by  adopting  such  a  plan  as=
  the  one  now=20
proposed;  and  finally,  I  told  the  public  that  such  a  speculation =
 would  be  infinitely=20
more  ridiculous  than  Dickens'  "Grand  United  Metropolitan  Hot  Muffin=
  and=20
Crumpet-baking  and  Punctual  Delivery  Company."=20

The  stock  was  as  "dead  as  a  herring! "  I  then  went  to  Mr.  Heat=
h  and  asked=20
him  when  the  directors  were  to  pay  the  other  $14,000.  "  On  the =
 26th  day  of=20
December,  or  forfeit  the  $1,000  already  paid,"  was  the  reply.  I  =
assured  him  that=20
they  would  never  pay  it,  that  they  could  not  raise  it,  and  that=
  he  would  ulti-=20
mately find  himself  with  the  Museum  collection  on  his  hands,  and  =
if  once  I=20
started  off  with  an  exhibition  for  the  South,  I  would  not  touch =
 the  Museum  at=20
any  price.  "Now,"  said  I,  "if  you  will  agree  with  me  confidentia=
lly,  that  in=20
case  these  gentlemen  do  not  pay  you  on  the  26th  of  December,  I =
 may  have  it  on=20
the  27th  for  $12,000, 1  will  run  the  risk,  and  wait  in  this  cit=
y  until  that  date."  He=20
readily  agreed  to  the  proposition,  but  said  he  was  sure  they  wou=
ld  not  forfeit=20
their  $1,000.=20

"Very  well,"  said  I;  "all  I  ask  of  you  is,  that  this  arrangemen=
t  shall  not  be=20
mentioned."  He  assented.  "On  the  27th  day  of  December,  at  ten  o'=
clock  A.=20
M.,  I  wish  you  to  meet  me  in  Mr.  Olmsted's  apartments,  prepared =
 to  sign  the=20
writings,  provided  this  incorporated  company  do  not  pay  you  $14  0=
00  on  the=20
26th."  He  agreed  to  this,  and  by  my  request  put  it  in  writing.=
=20

From  that  moment  I  felt  that  the  Museum  was  mine.  I  saw  Mr.  Ol=
msted,=20
and  told  him  so.  He  promised  secrecy,  and  agreed  to  sign  the  do=
cument  if  the=20
other  parties  did  not  meet  their  engagement.=20

This  was  about  November  15th,  and  I  continued  my  shower  of  newsp=
aper=20
squibs  at  the  new  company,  which  could  not  sell  a  dollar's  worth=
  of  its  stock.=20
Meanwhile,  if  any  one  spoke  to  me  about  the  Museum,  I  simply  re=
plied  that  J=20
had  lost  it.=20


CHAPTER   VIII.=20

THE   AMERICAN   MUSEUM.=20

MY  newspaper  squib  war  against  the  Peale  combination  was  vigorousl=
y  kept=20
up;  when  one  morning,  about  the  first  of  December,  I  received  a =
 letter  from=20
the  secretary  of  that  company  (now  calling  itself  the  "New  York  =
Museum=20
Company"),  requesting  me  to  meet  the  directors  at  the  Museum  on  =
the  following=20
Monday  morning.  I  went,  and  found  the  directors  in  session.  The  =
venerable=20
president  of  the  board,  who  was  also  the  ex-president  of  a  broke=
n  bank,  blandly=20
proposed  to  hire  me  to  manage  the  united  museums,  and  though  I  =
saw  that  he=20
merely  meant  to  buy  my  silence,  I  professed  to  entertain  the  pro=
position,  and  in=20
reply  to  an  inquiry  as  to  what  salary  I  should  expect,  I  specif=
ied  the  sum  of  $3,000=20
a  year.  This  was  at  once  acceded  to,  the  salary  to  begin  Januar=
y  1,  1842,  and=20
after  complimenting  me  on  my  ability,  the  president  remarked:  "  O=
f  course,  Mr.=20
Barnuni,  we  shall  have  no  more  of  your  squibs  through  the  newspa=
pers" =E2=80=94 to=20
which  I  replied  that  I  should  "ever  try  to  serve  the  interests  =
of  my  employers,"=20
and  I  took  my  leave.=20

It  was  as  clear  to  me  as  noonday,  that  after  buying  my  silence =
 so  as  to  appre-=20
ciate their  stock,  these  directors  meant  to  sell  out  to  whom  they=
  could,  leaving=20
me  to  look  to  future  stockholders  for  my  salary.  They  thought,  n=
o  doubt,  that=20
they  had  nicely  entrapped  me,  but  I  knew  I  had  caught  them.=20

For,  supposing  me  to  be  out  of  the  way,  and  having  no  other  ri=
val  purchaser,=20
these  directors  postponed  the  advertisement  of  their  stock  to  give=
  people  time  to=20
forget  the  attacks  I  had  made  on  it,  and  they  also  took  their  =
own  time  for  pay-=20
ing the  money  promised  to  Mr.  Heath,  December  26th =E2=80=94 indeed,=
  they  did  not  even=20
call  on  him  at  the  appointed  time.  But  on  the  following  morning,=
  as  agreed,  I=20
was  promptly  and  hopefully  at  Mr.  Olmsted's  apartments  with  my  le=
gal  adviser,=20
at  half -past  nine  o'clock;  Mr.  Heath  came  with  his  lawyer  at  te=
n,  and  before  two=20
o'clock  that  day  I  was  in  formal  possession  of  the  American  Muse=
um.  My  first=20
managerial  act  was  to  write  and  dispatch  the  following  compKmentar=
y  note :=20

AMERICAN  MITSBUM,  NEW  YORK,  Dec.  27, 1841.=20
To  the  Preskl  =E2=80=A2>  and  Directors  of  the  New  York  Museum:=
=20

GENTLEMEN  :  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  you  a=
re  placed  upon  the=20
Free  List  of  this  establishment  until  further  notice.=20

P.  T.  BARNTJM,  Proprietor.=20

It  is  unnecessary  to  say  that  the  "President  of  the  New  York  Mu=
seum "  was=20
astounded,  and  when  he  Qalled  upon  Mr.  Heath,  and  learned  that  I=
  had  bought=20
and  was  really  in  possession  of  the  American  Museum,  he  was  indi=
gnant.  He=20
talked  of  prosecution,  and  demanded  the  $1,000  paid  on  his  agreem=
ent,  but  he  did=20
not  prosecute,  and  he  justly  forfeited  his  deposit  money.=20

And  now  that  I  was  proprietor  and  manager  of  the  American  Museum=
,  I  had=20
reached  a  new  epoch  in  my  career,  which  I  felt  was  the  beginnin=
g  of  better  days,=20
though  the  full  significance  of  this  important  step  I  did  not  se=
e.  I  was  still  in=20
the  show  business,  but  in  a  settled,  substantial  phase  of  it,  th=
at  invited  industry=20

55=20


50  THE   AMEKICAN   MUSEUM.=20

and  enterprise,  and  palled  for  ever  earnast  and  ever  heroic  endea=
vor.  Whether  1=20
should  sink  or  swim,  depended  wholly  upon  my  own  energy.  I  must =
 pay  for  the=20
establishment  within  a  stipulated  time,  or  forfeit  it  with  whateve=
r  I  had  paid=20
on  account.  I  meant  to  make  it  my  own,  and  brains,  hands  and  e=
very  effort=20
=E2=80=A2  were  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  Museum.=20

The  nucleus  of  this  establishment,  Scudder's  Museum,  was  formed  in=
  1810,  tt=20
year  in  which  I  was  born.  It  was  begun  in  Chatham  street,  and  =
was  afterwards=20
transferred  to  the  old  City  Hall,  and  from  small  beginnings,  by  =
purchases,  and  to=20
a  considerable  degree  by  presents,  it  had  grown  to  be  a  large  a=
nd  valuable  collec-=20
tion. People,  in  all  parts  of  the  country,  had  sent  in  relics  an=
d  rare  curiosities:=20
sea  captains,  for  years,  had  brought  and  deposited  strange  things =
 from  foreign=20
lands;  and  besides  all  these  gifts,  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  pr=
evious  proprietor=20
had  actually  expended,  as  was  stated,  $50,000,  in  making  the  coll=
ection.  No  one=20
could  go  through  the  halls,  as  they  were  when  they  came  under  m=
y  proprietor-=20
ship, and  see  one-half  there  was  worth  seeing,  in  a  single  day;  =
and  then,  as  I=20
always  justly  boasted  afterwards,  no  one  could  visit  my  Museum  an=
d  go  away=20
without  feeling  that  he  had  received  the  full  worth  of  his  money=
.  In  looking=20
over  the  immense  collection,  the  accumulation  of  so  many  years,  I=
  saw  that  it=20
was  only  necessary  to  properly  present  its  merits  to  the  public, =
 to  make  it  the=20
most  attractive  and  popular  place  of  resort  and  entertainment  in  =
the  United=20
States.=20

Valuable  as  the  collection  was  when  I  bought  it,  it  was  only  th=
e  beginning  of=20
the  American  Museum  as  I  made  it.  In  my  long  proprietorship,.  I =
 considerably=20
more  than  doubled  the  permanent  attractions  and  curiosities  of  the=
  establish-=20
ment. In  1843, 1  bought  and  added  to  my  collection  the  entire  con=
tents  of  Peale's=20
Museum;  in  1850, 1  purchased  the  large  Peale  collection  in  Philade=
lphia;  and  year=20
after  year,  I  bought  genuine  curiosities,  regardless  of  cost,  wher=
ever  I  could  find=20
them,  in  Europe  or  America,=20

At  the  very  outset,  I  was  determined  to  deserve  success.  My  plan=
  of  economy=20
included  the  intention  to  support  my  family  in  New  York  on  $600 =
 a  year,  and=20
my  treasure  of  a  wife,  not  only  gladly  assented,  but  was  willing=
  to  reduce  the=20
sum  to  $400,  if  necessary.  Some  six  months  after  I  had  bought  t=
he  Museum,=20
Mr.  Olmsted  happened  in  at  my  ticket-office  at  noon,  and  found  m=
e  eating  a=20
frugal  dinner  of  cold  corned  beef  and  bread,  which  I  had  brought=
  from  home.=20

"  Is  this  the  way  you  eat  your  dinner?"  he  asked.=20

"I  have  not  eaten  a  warm  dinner,  except  on  Sundays,"  I  replied, =
 "since  1=20
bought  the  Museum,  and  I  never  intend  to,  on  a  week  day,  till  =
I  am  out  of  debt."=20

"Ah!"  said  he,  clapping  me  on  the  shoulder,  "you  are  safe,  and  =
will  pay  for=20
the  Museum  before  the  year  is  out."=20

And  he  was  right,  for  within  twelve  months  I  was  in  full  posses=
sion  of  the=20
property  as  my  own,  and  it  was  entirely  paid  for  from  the  profi=
ts  of  the  business.=20

In  1865,  the  space  occupied  for  my  Museum  purposes  was  more  than=
  double=20
what  it  was  in  1843.  The  Lecture  Room,  originally  narrow,  ill-con=
trived  and=20
inconvenient,  was  so  enlarged  and  improved  that  it  became  one  of =
 the  most  com-=20
modious and  beautiful  amusement  halls  in  the  city  of  New  York.  At=
  first,  my=20
attractions  and  inducements  were  merely  the  collection  of  curiositi=
es  by  day,=20
and  an  evening  entertainment,  consisting  of  such  variety  performanc=
es  as  were=20
current  in  ordinary  shows.  Then  Saturday  afternoons,  and,  soon  aft=
erwards,=20
Wednesday  afternoons  were  devoted  to  entertainments,  and  the  popula=
rity  of  the=20
Museum  grew  so  rapidly  that  I  presently  found  it  expedient  and  p=
rofitable  tc=20
open  the  great  Lecture  Room  every  afternoon,  as  well  as  every  ev=
ening,  on  every=20


THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM.  57=20

week-day  In  the  year.  The  first  experiments  In  this  direction,  mo=
re  than  justi-=20
fied my  expectations,  for  the  day  exhibitions  were  always  more  thr=
onged  than=20
those  of  the  evening.  Of  course  I  made  the  most  of  the  holidays=
,  advertising=20
extensively  and  presenting  extra  inducements;  nor  did  attractions  e=
lsewhere=20
seem  to  keep  the  crowd  from  coming  to  the  Museum.  On  great  holi=
days,  I  gave=20
as  many  as  twelve  performances  to  as  many  different  audiences.=20

By  degrees  the  character  of  the  stage  performances  was  changed.  T=
he  tran-=20
sient attractions  of  the  Museum  were  constantly  diversified,  and  ed=
ucated  dogs,=20
industrious  fleas,  automatons,  jugglers,  ventriloquists,  living  statu=
ary,  tableaux,=20
gipsies,  Albinoes,  fat  boys,  giants,  dwarfs,  rope-dancers,  live  "Ya=
nkees,"  panto-=20
mime, instrumental  music,  singing  and  dancing  in  great  variety,  dio=
ramas,=20
panoramas,  models  of  Niagara,  Dublin,  Paris,  and  Jerusalem;  Hanning=
ton's=20
dioramas  of  the  Creation,  the  Deluge,  Fairy  Grotto,  Storm  at  Sea;=
  the  first=20
English  Punch  and  Judy  in  this  country,  Italian  Fantoc=C2=ABini,  m=
echanical  figures,=20
fancy  glass-blowing,  knitting  machines  and  other  triumphs  in  the  m=
echair=20
ical  arts;  dissolving  views,  American  Indians,  who  enacted  their  w=
arlike  and=20
religious  ceremonies  on  the  stage, =E2=80=94 these,  among  others,  we=
re  all  exceedingly=20
successful.=20

I  thoroughly  understood  the  art  of  advertising,  not  merely  by  mea=
ns  of  print-=20
er's ink,  which  I  have  always  used  freely,  and  to  which  I  confes=
s  myself  so  much=20
indebted  for  my  success,  but  by  turning  every  possible  circumstanc=
e  to  my=20
account.  It  was  my  monomania  to  make  the  Museum  the  town  wonder =
 and  town=20
talk.  I  often  seized  upon  an  opportunity  by  instinct,  even  before=
  I  had  a  very=20
definite  conception  as  to  how  it  should  be  used,  and  it  seemed, =
 somehow,  to  ma-=20
ture itself  and  serve  my  purpose.  As  an  illustration,  one  morning =
 a  stout,=20
hearty-looking  man  came  into  my  ticket-office  and  begged  some  mone=
.y.  I  asked=20
him  why  he  did  not  work  and  earn  his  living  ?  He  replied  that =
 he  could  get=20
nothing  to  do,  and  that  he  would  be  glad  of  any  job  at  a  doll=
ar  a  day.  I  handed=20
hun  a  quarter  of  a  dollar,  told  him  to  go  and  get  his  breakfas=
t  and  return,  and  I=20
would  employ  him,  at  light  labor,  at  a  dollar  and  a  half  a  day=
.  When  he  returned=20
I  gave  him  five  common  bricks.=20

"Now,"  said  I,  "go  and  lay  a  brick  on  the  sidewalk,  at  the  cor=
ner  of  Broadway=20
and  Ann  street ;  another  close  by  the  Museum  ;  a  third  diagonall=
y  across  the=20
way,  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Vesey  street,  by  the  Astor  H=
ouse ;  put=20
down  the  fourth  on  the  sidewalk,  in  front  of  St.  Paul's  Church, =
 opposite  ;  then,=20
with  the  fifth  brick  in  hand,  take  up  a  rapid  march  from  one  p=
oint  to  the  other,=20
making  the  circuit,  exchanging  your  brick  at  every  point,  and  say=
  nothing  to=20
any  one.=20

"  What  is  the  object  of  this  ?"  inquired  the  man.=20

"No  matter,"  I  replied  ;  "all  you  need  to  know  is  that  it  brin=
gs  you  fifteen=20
cents  wages  per  hour.  It  is  a  bit  of  my  fun,  and  to  assist  me=
  properly  you  must=20
seem  to  be  as  deaf  as  a  post ;  wear  a  serious  countenance  ;  an=
swer  no  questions  ;=20
pay  no  attention  to  any  one  ;  but  attend  faithfully  to  the  work=
,  and  at  the  end  of=20
every  hour,  by  St.  Paul's  clock,  show  this  ticket  at  the  Museum =
 door ;  enter,=20
walking  solemnly  through  every  hall  in  the  building  ;  pass  out,  =
and  resume  your=20
work."=20

With  the  remark  that  it  was  "all  one  to  him,  so  long  as  he  co=
uld  earn  his=20
living,"  the  man  placed  his  bricks,  and  began  his  round.  Half  an=
  hour  after-=20
wards, at  least  five  hundred  people  were  watching  his  mysterious  m=
ovements.  He=20
had  assumed  a  military  step  and  bearing,  and,  looking  as  sober  a=
s  a  judge,  he=20
made  no  response  whatever  to  the  constant  inquiries  as  to  the  ob=
ject  of  his  sin-=20


58  THE   AMERICAN   MUSEUM.=20

gular  conduce.  At  the  end  of  the  first  hour,  the  sidewalks  in  t=
he  vicinity  were=20
packed  with  people,  all  anxious  to  solve  the  mystery.  The  man,  a=
s  directed,  then=20
went  into  the  Museum,  devoting  fifteen  minutes  to  a  solemn  survey=
  of  the  halls,=20
and  afterwards  returning  to  his  round.  This  was  repeated  every  ho=
ur  till  sun-=20
down, and  whenever  the  man  went  into  the  Museum  a  dozen  or  more =
 persons=20
would  buy  tickets  and  follow  him,  hoping  to  gratify  their  curiosi=
ty  in  regard  to=20
the  purpose  of  his  movements.  This  was  continued  for  several  days=
  =E2=80=94the  curious=20
people  who  followed  the  man  into  the  Museum  considerably  more  tha=
n  paying=20
his  wages =E2=80=94 till  finally  the  policeman,  to  whom  I  had  impa=
rted  my  object,  com-=20
plained that  the  obstruction  of  the  sidewalk  by  crowds,  had  become=
  so  serious=20
that  I  must  call  in  my  "brick  man."  This  trivial  incident  excite=
d  considerable=20
talk  and  amusement ;  it  advertised  me  ;  and  it  materially  advance=
d  my  purpose=20
of  making  a  lively  corner  near  the  Museum.=20

The  stories  illustrating  merely  my  introduction  of  novelties  would =
 more  than=20
Oil  this  book,  but  I  must  make  room  for  a  few  of  them.=20

An  actor,  named  La  Rue,  presented  himself  as  an  imitator  of  cele=
brated  his-=20
trionic personages,  including  Macready,  Forrest,  Kemble,  the  elder  B=
ooth,  Kean,=20
Hamblin  and  others.  Taking  him  into  the  green-room  for  a  private =
 rehearsal,  and=20
finding  his  imitations  excellent,  I  engaged  him.  For  three  nights =
 he  gave  great=20
satisfaction,  but  early  in  the  fourth  evening  he  staggered  into  t=
he  Museum  so=20
drunk  that  he  could  hardly  stand,  and  in  half  an  hour  he  must  =
be  on  the  stage  !=20
Calling  an  assistant,  we  took  La  Rue  between  us,  and  marched  him=
  up  Broadway=20
as  far  as  Chambers  street,  and  back  to  the  lower  end  of  the  Pa=
rk,  hoping  to=20
sober  him,  At  this  point  we  put  his  head  under  a  pump,  and  gav=
e  him  a  good=20
ducking,  with  visible  beneficial  effect =E2=80=94 then  a  walk  around=
  the  Park,  and  another=20
ducking, =E2=80=94 when  he  assured  me  that  he  should  be  able  to  g=
ive  his  imitations  "  to  a=20
charm."=20

"You  drunken  brute,"  said  I,  "if  you  fail,  and  disappoint  my  aud=
ience,  I  will=20
throw  you  out  of  the  window."=20

He  declared  that  he  was  "  all  right,"  and  I  led  him  behind  the=
  scenes,  where  I=20
waited  with  considerable  trepidation  to  watch  his  movements  on  the=
  stage.  He=20
began  by  saying :=20

"  Ladies  and  gentlemen  :  I  will  now  give  you  an  imitation  of  M=
r.  Booth,  the=20
eminent  tragedian."=20

His  tongue  was  thick,  his  language  somewhat  incoherent,  and  I  had=
  great  mis-=20
givings as  he  proceeded ;  but  as  no  token  of  disapprobation  came  =
from  the=20
audience,  I  began  to  hope  he  would  go  through  with  his  parts  wi=
thout  exciting=20
suspicion  of  his  condition.  But  before  he  had  half  finished  his  =
representation  of=20
Booth,  in  the  soliloquy  in  the  opening  act  of  Richard  III.,  the =
 house  discovered=20
that  he  was  very  drunk,  and  began  to  hiss.  This  only  seemed  to =
 stimulate  him  to=20
make  an  effort  to  appear  sober,  which,  as  is  usual  in  such  case=
s,  only  made  matters=20
worse,  and  the  hissing  increased.  I  lost  all  patience,  and  going =
 on  the  stage  and=20
taking  the  drunken  fellow  by  the  collar,  I  apologized  to  the  aud=
ienca,  assuring=20
them  that  he  should  not  appear  before  them  again.  I  was  about  t=
o  march  him=20
off,  when  he  stepped  to  the  front,  and  said:=20

"  Ladies  and  gentlemen  :  Mr.  Booth  often  appeared  on  the  stage  =
in  a  state  of=20
inebriety,  and  I  was  simply  giving  you  a  truthful  representation  =
of  him  on  such=20
occasions.  I  beg  to  be  permitted  to  proceed  with  my  imitations."=
=20

The  audience  at  once  supposed  it  was  all  right,  and  cried  out,  =
'  go  on,  go  on  "  ;=20
which  he  did,  and  at  every  imitation  of  Booth,  whether  as  Richar=
d,  Shylock,  or=20
Sir  Giles  Overreach,  he  received  a  hearty  round  of  applause.  [  w=
as  quite=20


THE   AMERICAN   MUSEUM.  59=20

delighted  with  his  success  ;  but  when  he  came  to  imitate  Forrest=
  and  Hamblin,=20
necessarily  representing  them  as  drunk  also,  the  audience  could  be=
  no  longer=20
deluded;  the  hissing  was  almost  deafening,  and  I  was  forced  to  l=
ead  the  actor  off.=20
It  was  his  last  appearance  on  my  stage.=20

I  determined  to  make  people  talk  about  my  Museum;  to  exclaim  ove=
r  its  won-=20
ders; to  have  men  and  women  all  over  the  country  say:  "There  is =
 not  another=20
place  in  the  United  States  where  so  much  can  be  seen  for  twenty=
-five  cents  as  in=20
Barnum's  American  Museum."  It  was  the  best  advertisement  I  could  =
possibly=20
have,  and  one  for  which  I  could  afford  to  pay.  I  knew,  too,  th=
at  it  was  an=20
honorable  advertisement,  because  it  was  as  deserved  as  it  was  spo=
ntaneous.  And=20
so,  in  addition  to  the  permanent  collection  and  the  ordinary  attr=
actions  of  the=20
stage,  I  labored  to  keep  the  Museum  well  supplied  with  transient =
 novelties ;  I=20
exhibited  such  living  curiosities  as  a  rhinoceros,  giraffes,  grizzl=
y  bears,  ourang-=20
outaugs,  great  serpents,  and  whatever  else  of  the  kind  money  woul=
d  buy  or=20
enterprise  secure.=20

It  was  the  world's  way  then,  as  it  is  now,  to  excite  the  commu=
nity  with  naming=20
pdsters,  promising  almost  everything  for  next  to  nothing.  I  confes=
s  that  I  took=20
no  pains  to  set  my  enterprising  fellow-citizens  a  better  example. =
 I  fell  in  with=20
the  world's  way;  and  if  my  "  puffing  "  was  more  persistent,  my =
 advertising  more=20
audacious,  my  posters  more  glaring,  my  pictures  more  exaggerated,  =
my  flags=20
more  patriotic  and  my  transparencies  more  brilliant  than  they  woul=
d  have  been=20
under  the  management  of  my  neighbors,  it  was  not  because  I  had  =
less  scruple=20
than  they,  but  more  energy,  far  more  ingenuity,  and  a  better  fou=
ndation  for=20
such  promises.  In  all  this,  if  I  cannot  be  justified,  I  at  leas=
t  find  palliation  in  the=20
fact  that  I  presented  a  wilderness  of  wonderful,  instructive  and  =
amusing  realities=20
of  such  evident  and  marked  merit  that  I  have  yet  to  learn  of  a=
  single  instance=20
where  a  visitor  went  away  from  the  Museum  complaining  that  he  ha=
d  been  de-=20
frauded of  his  money.  Surely  this  is  an  offset  to  any  eccentricit=
ies  to  which  I=20
may  have  resorted  to  make  my  establishment  widely  known.=20

Very  soon  after  introducing  my  extra  exhibitions,  I  purchased  for =
 $200,  a=20
curiosity  which  had  much  merit  and  some  absurdity.  It  was  a  mode=
l  of  Niagara=20
Falls,  in  which  the  merit  was  that  the  proportions  of  the  great =
 cataract,  the=20
trees,  rocks,  and  buildings  in  the  vicinity  were  mathematically  gi=
ven,  while  the=20
absurdity  was  in  introducing  "real  water  "  to  represent  the  falls=
.  Yet  the  model=20
served  a  purpose  in  making  "  a  good  line  in  the  bill " =E2=80=94=
 an  end  in  view  which  was=20
never  neglected =E2=80=94 and  it  helped  to  give  the  Museum  notoriet=
y.  One  day  I  was=20
summoned  to  appeal-  before  the  Board  of  Croton  Water  Commissioners=
,  and  was=20
informed  that  as  I  paid  only  $25  per  annum  for  water  at  the  Mu=
seum,  I  must  pay=20
a  large  extra  compensation  for  the  supply  for  my  Niagara  Falls.  =
I  begged  the=20
board  not  to  believe  all  that  appeared  in  the  papers,  nor  to  in=
terpret  my  show-=20
bills too  literally,  and  assured  them  that  a  single  barrel  of  wat=
er,  if  my  pump=20
was  in  good  order,  would  furnish  my  falls  for  a  month.=20

It  was  even  so,  for  the  water  flowed  into  a  reservoir  behind  th=
e  scenes,  and  was=20
forced  back  with  a  pump  over  the  falls.  On  one  occasion,  Mr.  Lo=
uis  Gaylord=20
Clark,  the  editor  of  the  Knickerbocker,  came  to  view  my  Museum,  =
and  intro-=20
duced himself  to  me.  As  I  was  quite  anxious  that  my  establishment=
  should=20
receive  a  first-rate  notice  at  his  hands,  I  took  pains  to  show  =
him  everything  of=20
interest,  except  the  Niagara  Falls,  which  I  feared  would  prejudice=
  him  against=20
my  entire  show.  But  as  we  passed  the  room,  the  pump  was  at  wor=
k,  warning=20
me  that  the  great  cataract  was  in  full  operation,  and  Clark,  to =
 my  dismay,=20
insisted  upon  seeing  it.=20


60  THE   AMEKICAN   MUSEUM.=20

"Well,  Baruum,  I  declare,  this  is  quite  a  new  idea;  I  never  saw=
  the  like  before."=20

"  No  ? "  I  faintly  inquired,  with  something  like  reviving  hope.=
=20

"No,"  said  Clark,  "and  I  hope,  with  all  my  heart,  I  never  shall=
  again."=20

But  the  Knickerbocker  spoke  kindly  of  me,  and  refrained  from  all =
 allusions  to=20
"  the  Cataract  of  Niagara,  with  real  water."  Some  months  after,  =
Clark  came  in=20
breathless  one  day,  and  asked  me  if  I  had  the  club  with  which  =
Captain  Cook  was=20
killed  i  As  I  had  a  lot  of  Indian  war  clubs  in  the  collection =
 of  aboriginal  curiosi=20
ties,  and  owing  Clark  something  on  the  old  Niagara  Falls  account,=
  I  told  him  I=20
had  the  veritable  club,  with  documents  which  placed  its  identity  =
beyond  question,=20
and  I  showed  him  the  warlike  weapon.=20

"Poor  Cook  !  Poor  Cook  !"  said  Clark,  musingly.  "Well,  Mr.  Barnu=
m,"  he=20
continued,  with  great  gravity,  at  the  same  time  extending  his  han=
d  and  giving=20
mine  a  hearty  shake,  "  I  am  really  very  much  obliged  to  you  fo=
r  your  kindness.=20
I  had  an  irrepressible  desire  to  see  the  club  that  killed  Captai=
n  Cook,  and  I  felt=20
quite  confident  you  could  accommodate  me.  I  have  been  in  half  a =
 dozen  smaller=20
museums,  and  as  they  all  had  it,  I  was  sure  a  large  establishme=
nt  like  yours=20
would  not  be  without  it."=20

A  few  weeks  afterwards,  I  wrote  to  Clark  that  if  he  would  come =
 to  my  office  I=20
was  anxious  to  consult  him  on  a  matter  of  great  importance.  He  =
came,  and  1=20
said:=20

"  Now,  I  don't  want  any  of  your  nonsense,  but  I  want  your  sobe=
r  advice."=20

He  assured  me  that  he  would  serve  me  in  any  way  in  his  power, =
 and  I  pro-=20
ceeded to  tell  him  about  a  wonderful  fish  from  the  Nile,  offered =
 to  me  for  exhibi=20
tion  at  $100  a  week,  the  owner  of  which  was  willing  to  forfeit =
 $5,000,  if,  within=20
six  weeks,  this  fish  did  not  pass  through  a  transformation  in  wh=
ich  the  tail  would=20
disappear  and  the  fish  would  then  have  legs.=20

"  Is  it  possible  ! "  asked  the  astonished  Clark.=20

1  assured  him  that  there  was  no  doubt  of  it.=20

Thereupon  he  advised  me  to  engage  the  wonder  at  any  price ;  that=
  it  would=20
startle  the  naturalists,  wake  up  the  whole  scientific  world,  draw =
 in  the  masses,=20
and  make  $20,000  for  the  Museum.  I  told  him  that  I  thought  well=
  of  the  specu-=20
lation, only  I  did  not  like  the  name  of  the  fish.=20

"That  makes  no  difference  whatever,"  said  Clark;  "what  is  the  nam=
e  of  the=20
fish?"=20

"Tadpole,"  I  replied,  with  becoming  gravity,  "but  it  is  vulgarly  =
called=20
'pollywog.' "=20

"  Sold,  by  thunder  1 "  exclaimed  Clark,  and  he  left.=20

A  curiosity,  which  in  an  extraordinary  degree  served  my  ever-prese=
nt  object=20
of  extending  the  notoriety  of  the  Museum,  was  the  so-called  "Feej=
ee  Mermaid."=20
It  has  been  supposed  that  this  mermaid  was  manufactured  by  my  or=
der,  but  such=20
is  not  the  fact.  I  was  known  as  a  successful  showman,  and  stran=
ge  things  of=20
every  sort  were  brought  to  me  from  all  quarters,  for  sale  or  ex=
hibition.  In  the=20
summer  of  1842,  Mr.  Moses  Kimball,  of  the  Boston  Museum,  came  to=
  New  York=20
and  showed  me  what  purported  to  be  a  mermaid.  He  bad  bought  it =
 from  a=20
sailor,  whose  father,  a  sea  captain,  had  purchased  it  in  Calcutta=
,  in  1822,  from=20
some  Japanese  sailors.  I  may  mention  here  that  this  identical  pre=
served  speci-=20
men was  exhibited  in  London  in  1822,  as  I  fully  verified  in  my  =
visit  to  that  city=20
in  1  sr>\  for  I  found  an  advertisement  of  it  in  an  old  file=
  of  the  London  Times,=20
and  a.  friend  gave  me  a  copy  of  the  Mirror,  published  by  J.  Li=
mbird,  335  Strand,=20
November  9,  1822,  containing  a  cut  of  tin's  same  creature  and  tw=
o  pages  of  letter-=20
press describing  it,  together  with  an  account  of  other  mermaids  sa=
id  to  have  been=20


THE  AMEBKJAN   MUSEUM.  61=20

captured  in  different  parts  of  the  world.  The  Mirror  stated  that =
 this  specimen=20
was  "the  great  source  of  attraction  in  the  British  metropolis,  an=
d  three  to  four=20
hundred  people  every  day  paid  their  shilling  to  see  it."=20

This  was  the  curiosity  which  had  fallen  into  Mr.  Kimball's  hands.=
  I  requested=20
my  naturalist's  opinion  of  the  genuineness  of  the  animal,  and  he =
 said  he  could=20
not  conceive  how  it  could  have  been  manufactured,  for  he  never  s=
aw  a  monkey=20
with  such  peculiar  teeth,  arms,  hands,  etc.,  and  he  never  saw  a =
 fish  with  such=20
peculiar  fins;  but  he  did  not  believe  in  mermaids.  Nevertheless,  =
I  concluded  to=20
hire  this  curiosity  and  to  modify  the  general  incredulity  as  to  =
the  possibility  of=20
the  existence  of  mermaids,  and  to  awaken  curiosity  to  see  and  ex=
amine  the=20
specimen,  I  invoked  the  potent  power  of  printer's  ink.=20

Since  Japan  has  been  opened  to  the  outer  world,  it  has  been  dis=
covered  that=20
certain  "artists"  in  that  country  manufacture  a  great  variety  of  =
fabulous=20
animals,  with  an  ingenuity  and  mechanical  perfection  well  calculate=
d  to  deceive.=20
No  doubt  my  mermaid  was  a  specimen  of  this  curious  manufacture.  =
I  used  it=20
mainly  to  advertise  the  regular  business  of  the  Museum,  and  this =
 effective=20
indirect  advertising  is  the  only  feature  I  can  commend,  in  a  spe=
cial  show  of  which,=20
I  confess,  I  am  not  proud.  Newspapers  throughout  the  country  copi=
ed  the=20
mermaid  notices,  for  they  were  novel  and  caught  the  attention  of =
 readers.  Thus=20
was  the  fame  of  the  Museum,  as  well  as  the  mermaid,  wafted  from=
  one  end  of=20
the  land  to  the  other.  I  was  careful  to  keep  up  the  excitement,=
  for  I  knew  that=20
every  dollar  sown  in  advertising  would  return  in  tens,  and  perhap=
s  hundreds,  in=20
a  future  harvest,  and  after  obtaining  all  the  notoriety  possible  =
by  advertising=20
and  by  exhibiting  the  mermaid  at  the  Museum,  I  sent  the  curiosit=
y  throughout=20
the  country,  directing  my  agent  to  everywhere  advertise  it  as  "  =
From  Barnmn's=20
Great  American  Museum,  New  York."  The  effect  was  immediately  felt;=
  money=20
flowed  in  rapidly,  and  was  readily  expended  in  more  advertising.=
=20

When  I  became  proprietor  of  the  establishment,  there  were  only  th=
e  words:=20
"American  Museum,"  to  indicate  the  character  of  the  concern;  there=
  was  no=20
bustle  or  activity  about  the  place;  no  posters  to  announce  what  =
was  to  be  seen; =E2=80=94=20
the  whole  exterior  was  as  dead  as  the  skeletons  and  stuffed  skin=
s  within.  My=20
experiences  had  taught  me  the  advantages  of  advertising.  I  printed=
  whole  columns=20
in  the  papers,  setting  forth  the  wonders  of  my  establishment.  Old=
  "fogies"=20
opened  their  eyes  in  amazement  at  a  man  who  could  expend  hundred=
s  of  dollars=20
in  announcing  a  show  of  "  stuffed  monkey  skins  ; "  but  these  sa=
me  old  fogies  paid=20
their  quarters,  nevertheless,  and  when  they  saw  the  curiosities  an=
d  novelties  in=20
the  Museum  halls,  they,  like  all  other  visitors,  were  astonished  =
as  well  as  pleased,=20
and  went  home  and  told  their  friends  and  neighbors,  and  thus  ass=
isted  in  adver-=20
tising my  business.=20

Other  and  not  less  effective  advertising, =E2=80=94 flags  and  banner=
s, =E2=80=94 began  to  adorn=20
the  exterior  of  the  building.  I  kept  a  band  of  music  on  the  fr=
ont  balcony  and=20
announced  "  Free  Music  for  the  Million."  People  said,  "Well,  that=
  Barnum  is  a=20
liberal  fellow  to  give  us  music  for  nothing,"  and  they  flocked  d=
own  to  hear  my=20
outdoor  free  concerts.  But  I  took  pains  to  select  and  maintain  t=
he  poorest  band=20
I  could  find =E2=80=94 one  whose  discordant  notes  would  drive  the  =
crowd  into  the  Museum,=20
out  of  earshot  of  my  outside  orchestra.  *  Of  course,  the  music  =
was  poor.  When=20
people  expect  to  get  "something  for  nothing "  they  are  sure  to  b=
e  cheated.  Pow-=20
erful Drummond  lights  were  placed  at  the  top  of  the  Museum,  which=
,  in  the=20
darkest  night,  threw  a  flood  of  light  up  and  down  Broadway,  from=
  the  Battery=20
to  Niblo's,  that  won!.!  enable  one  to  read  a  newspaper  in  the  s=
treet.  These  were=20
the  first  Drummond  lights  ever  seen  in  New  York,  and  they  made  =
people  talk,=20
and  so  advertised  my  Museum.=20


CHAPTER    IX.=20

THE   BQAD   TO   RICHES.=20

THE  American  Museum  was  the  ladder  by  which  I  rose  to  fortune.  =
Whenever=20
1  cross  Broadway  at  the  head  of  Vesey  street,  and  see  the  Heral=
d  building  and=20
that  gorgeous  pile,  the  Park  Bank,  my  mind's  eye  recalls  that  le=
ss  solid,  more  showy=20
edifice  which  once  occupied  the  site,  and  was  covered  with  pictur=
es  of  all  manner=20
of  beasts,  birds  and  creeping  things,  and  in  which  were  treasures=
  that  brought=20
treasures  and  notoriety  and  pleasant  hours  to  me.  The  Jenny  Lind =
 enterprise=20
was  more  audacious,  more  immediately  remunerative,  and  I  remember  =
it  with  a=20
pride  which  I  do  not  attempt  to  conceal;  but  instinctively  I  oft=
en  go  back  and=20
h've  over  again  the  old  days  of  my  struggles  and  triumphs  in  th=
e  American=20
Museum.=20

The  Museum  was  always  open  at  sunrise,  and  this  was  so  well  kno=
wn  throughout=20
the  country  that  strangers  coming  to  the  city  would  often  take  a=
  tour  through=20
my  halls  before  going  to  breakfast  or  to  their  hotels.  I  do  not=
  believe  there  was=20
ever  a  more  truly  popular  place  of  amusement.  I  frequently  compar=
ed  the  annual=20
number  of  visitors  with  the  number  officially  reported  as  visiting=
  (free  of  charge)=20
the  British  Museum  in  London,  and  my  list  was  invariably  the  lar=
ger.  Nor  do  I=20
believe  that  any  man  or  manager  ever  labored  more  industriously  t=
o  please  his=20
patrons.  I  furnished  the  most  attractive  exhibitions  which  money  c=
ould  procure ;=20
I  abolished  all  vulgarity  and  profanity  from  the  stage,  and  I  pr=
ided  myself  upon=20
the  fact,  that  parents  and  children  could  attend  the  dramatic  per=
formances  in  the=20
so-called  Lecture  Room,  and  not  be  shocked  or  offended  by  anythin=
g  they  might=20
see  or  hear;  I  introduced  the  "Moral  Drama,"  producing  such  plays=
  as  "The=20
Drunkard,"  "  Uncle  Tom's  Cabin,"  "  Moses  in  Egypt,"  "  Joseph  and=
  his  Brethren,"=20
and  occasional  spectacular  melodramas  produced  with  great  care  at  =
considerable=20
outlay.=20

Mr.  Sothern,  who  has  since  attained  such  wide-spread  celebrity  at =
 home  and=20
abroad  as  a  character  actor,  was  a  member  of  my  dramatic  company=
  for  one  or=20
two  seasons.  Mr.  Barney  Williams  also  began  his  theatrical  career =
 at  the  Museum,=20
occupying,  at  first,  quite  a  subordinate  position,  at  a  salary  of=
  ten  dollars  a  week.=20
During  his  last  twelve  or  fifteen  years,  I  presume  his  weekly  re=
ceipts,  when  lie=20
acted,  must  have  been  nearly  $3,000.  The  late  Miss  Mary  Gannon  a=
lso  commenced=20
at  the  Museum,  and  many  more  actors  and  actresses  of  celebrity  h=
ave  been,  from=20
time  to  time,  engaged  there.  What  was  once  the  small  Lecture  Roo=
m  was  con-=20
verted into  a  spacious  and  beautiful  theater,  extending  over  the  l=
ots  adjoining  the=20
Museum,  and  capable  of  holding  about  three  thousand  persons.  The  =
saloons  were=20
greatly  multiplied  and  enlarged,  and  the  "egress"  having  been  made=
  to  work  to=20
perfection,  on  holidays  I  advertised  Lecture  Room  performances  ever=
y  hour=20
through  the  afternoon  and  evening,  and  consequently  the  actors  and=
  actresses=20
were  dressed  for  the  stage  as  early  as  eleven  o'clock  in  the  mo=
rning,  and  did  not=20
resume  their  ordinary  clothes  till  ten  o'clock  at  night.  In  these=
  busy  days  the=20
meals  for  the  company  were  brought  in  and  served  in  the  dressing=
-rooms  and=20
green-rooms,  and  the  company  always  received  extra  pay.=20

62=20


THE  ROAD  TO   RICHES.  63=20

I  confess  that  I  liked  the  Museum  mainly  for  the  opportunities  i=
t  afforded  for=20
rapidly  making  money.  Before  I  bought  it,  I  weighed  the  matter  w=
ell  in  my=20
mind,  and  was  convinced  that  I  could  present  to  the  American  pub=
lic  such  a=20
variety,  quantity  and  quality  of  amusement,  blended  with  instructio=
n,  "all  for=20
twenty-five  cents,  children  half  price,"  that  my  attractions  would =
 be  irresistible,=20
and  my  fortune  certain.  I  myself  relished  a  higher  grade  of  amus=
ement,  and  I=20
was  a  frequent  attendant  at  the  opera,  first-class  concerts,  lectu=
res,  and  the  like;=20
but  I  worked  for  the  milling  and  I  knew  the  only  way  to  make  =
a  million  from=20
my  patrons  was  to  give  them  abundant  and  wholesome  attractions  fo=
r  a  small=20
sum  of  money.=20

About  the  first  of  July,  1842, 1  began  to  make  arrangements  for  =
extra  novelties,=20
additional  performances,  a  large  amount  of  extra  advertising,  and  =
an  out-door=20
display  for  the  "  Glorious  Fourth."  Large  parti-colored  bills  were=
  ordered,  trans-=20
parencies were  prepared,  the  free  band  of  music  was  augmented  by  =
a  trumpeter,=20
and  columns  of  advertisements,  headed  with  large  capitals,  were  wr=
itten  and  put=20
on  file.=20

I  wanted  to  run  out  a  string  of  American  flags  across  the  stree=
t  on  that  day,=20
for  I  knew  there  would  be  thousands  of  people  passing  the  Museum=
  with  leisure=20
and  pocket-money,  and  I  felt  confident  that  an  unusual  display  of=
  national  flags=20
would  arrest  their  patriotic  attention,  and  bring  many  of  them  wi=
thin  my  walls.=20
Unfortunately  for  my  purpose,  St.  Paul's  Church  stood  directly  opp=
osite,  and=20
there  was  nothing  to  which  I  could  attach  my  flag-rope,  unless  i=
t  might  be  one  of=20
the  trees  in  the  church-yard.  I  went  to  the  vestrymen  for  permis=
sion  to  so=20
attach  my  flag -rope  on  the  Fourth  of  July,  and  they  were  indign=
ant  at  what  they=20
called  my  "insulting  proposition;"  such  a  concession  would  be  "sac=
rilege."  I=20
plied  them  with  arguments,  and  appealed  to  their  patriotism,  but  =
in  vain.=20

Returning  to  the  Museum,  I  gave  orders  to  have  the  string  of  fl=
ags  made  ready,=20
with  directions  at  daylight  on  the  Fourth  of  July  to  attach  one =
 end  of  the  rope=20
to  one  of  the  third-story  windows  of  the  Museum,  and  the  other  =
end  to  a  tree  in=20
St.  Paul's  churchyard.  The  great  day  arrived,  and  my  orders  were =
 strictly=20
followed.  The  flags  attracted  great  attention.  By  half-past  nine  B=
roadway  was=20
thronged,  and  about  that  time  two  gentlemen,  in  a  high  state  of =
 excitement,  rushed=20
into  my  office,  announcing  themselves  as  injured  and  insulted  vest=
rymen  of  St.=20
Paul's  Church.=20

" Keep  cool,  gentlemen,"  said  I;  "I  guess  it  is  all  right."=20

"Right!"  indignantly  exclaimed  one  of  them,  "do  you  think  it  is  =
right  to=20
attach  your  Museum  to  our  Church?  We  will  show  you  what  is  '  r=
ight '  and  what=20
is  law,  if  we  live  till  to-morrow;  those  flags  must  come  down  i=
nstantly."=20

"Thank  you,"  I  said,  "but  let  us  not  be  in  a  hurry.  I  will  go=
  out  with  you=20
and  look  at  them,  and  I  guess  we  can  make  it  all  right. "=20

Going  into  the  street,  I  remarked:  "Really,  gentlemen,  these  flags=
  look  very=20
beautiful;  they  do  not  injure  your  tree;  I  always  stop  my  balcon=
y  music  for  your=20
accommodation  whenever  you  hold  week-day  services,  and  it  is  but  =
fair  that  you=20
should  return  the  favor."=20

"We  could  indict  your  'music,'  as  you  call  it,  as  a  nuisance,  i=
f  we  chose,"=20
answered  one  vestryman,  "and  now  I  tell  you  that  if  these  flags =
 are  not  taken=20
down  in  ten  minutes,  /  will  cut  them  down. "=20

His  indignation  was  at  boiling  point.  The  crowd  in  the  street  wa=
s  dense,  and=20
the  angry  gesticulation  of  the  vestryman  attracted  their  attention.=
  I  saw  there=20
was  no  use  in  trying  to  parley  with  him  or  coax  him,  and  so,  =
assuming  an  angry=20
air.  I  rolled  up  my  sleeve^  arid  exclaimed,  in  a  loud  tone,=20


64  THE  BO  AD  TO   RICHES.=20

"  Well,  Mister,  I  should  just  like  to  see  you  dare  to  cut  down=
  the  American  flag=20
on  the  Fourth  of  July;  you  must  be  a  '  Britisher '  to  make  suc=
h  a  threat  as  that:=20
but  I'll  show  you  a  thousand  pairs  of  Yankee  hands  in  two  minut=
es,  if  you  dare=20
to  attempt  to  take  down  the  stars  and  stripes  on  this  great  bir=
th-day  of  American=20
freedom!"*=20

"  What's  that  John  Bull  a-saying? "  asked  a  brawny  fellow,  placin=
g  himself  in=20
front  of  the  irate  vestryman.  "Look  here,  old  fellow,"  he  continu=
ed,  "if  you=20
want  to  save  a  whole  bone  in  your  body,  you  had  better  slope,  =
and  never  dare  to=20
talk  again  about  hauling  down  the  American  flag  hi  the  city  of  =
New  York."=20

Throngs  of  excited,  exasperated  men  crowded  around,  and  the  vestry=
man,=20
seeing  the  effect  of  my  ruse,  smiled  faintly  and  said,  "  Oh,  of=
  course  it  is  all  right,"=20
and  he  and  his  companion  quietly  edged  out  of  the  crowd.=20

On  that  Fourth  of  July,  at  one  o'clock  p.  M.,  my  Museum  was  so=
  densely=20
crowded  that  we  could  admit  no  more  visitors,  and  we  were  compel=
led  to  stop  the=20
sale  of  tickets.  Looking  down  into  the  street  it  was  a  sad  sigh=
t  to  see  the  thousands=20
of  people  who  stood  ready  with  their  money  to  enter  the  Museum, =
 but  who  were=20
actually  turned  away.  It  was  exceedingly  harrowing  to  my  feelings.=
  Rushing=20
down  stairs,  I  told  my  carpenter  and  his  assistants  to  cut  throu=
gh  the  partition=20
and  floor  in  the  rear  and  to  put  in  a  temporary  flight  of  stai=
rs  so  as  to  let  out=20
people  by  that  egress  into  Ann  street.  By  three  o'clock  the  egre=
ss  was  opened,=20
and  a  few  people  were  passed  down  the  new  stairs,  while  a  corre=
sponding  number=20
came  in  at  the  front.  But  I  lost  a  large  amount  of  money  that =
 day  by  not  having=20
sufficiently  estimated  the  value  of  my  own  advertising,  and  conseq=
uently  not=20
having  provided  for  the  thousands  who  had  read  my  announcements  a=
nd  seen  my=20
outside  show,  and  had  taken  the  first  leisure  day  to  visit  the  =
Museum.  I  had=20
learned  one  lesson,  however,  and  that  was  to  have  the  egress  rea=
dy  on  future=20
holidays.=20

Early  in  the  following  March  I  received  notice  from  some  of  the =
 Irish  popula-=20
tion that  they  meant  to  visit  me  in  great  numbers  on  "  St.  Patr=
ick's  day  in  the=20
morning."  "All  right,"  said  I  to  my  carpenter,  "get  your  egress  =
ready  for=20
March  17 ;"  and  I  added,  to  my  assistant  manager :  "If  there  is =
 much  of  a=20
crt>wd,  dont  let  a  single  person  pass  out  at  the  front,  even =
 if  it  were  St.  Patrick=20
himself  ;  put  every  man  out  through  the  egress  in  the  rear."  Th=
e  day  came,  and=20
before  noon  we  were  caught  in  the  same  dilemma  as  we  were  on  t=
he  Fourth  of=20
July  ;  the  Museum  was  jammed,  and  the  sale  of  tickets  was  stopp=
ed.  I  went  to=20
the  egress  and  asked  the  sentinel  how  many  hundreds  had  passed  o=
ut  ?=20

"Hundreds,"  he  replied,  "why  only  three  persons  have  gone  out  by =
 this=20
way  and  they  came  back,  saying  that  it  was  a  mistake  and  beggin=
g  to  be  let  in=20
again."=20

"What  does  this  mean  ?"  I  inquired  ;  "surely  thousands  of  people=
  have  been=20
all  over  the  Museum  since  they  came  in."=20

"  Certainly,"  was  the  reply,  "  but  after  they  have  gone  from  on=
e  saloon  to  an-=20
other, and  have  been  on  every  floor,  even  to  the  roof,  they  come=
  down  and  travel=20
the  same  route  over  again,"=20

At  this  time  I  espied  a  tall  Irish  woman  with  two  good-sized  ch=
ildren  whom  1=20
had  happened  to  notice  when  they  came  early  in  the  morning."=20

"Step  this  way,  madam,"  said  I,  politely,  "you  will  never  be  abl=
e  to  get  into=20
the  street  by  the  front  door  without  crushing  these  dear  children=
.  We  have=20
opened  a  large  egress  here,  and  you  can  pass  by  these  rear  stai=
rs  into  Ann=20
street  and  thus  avoid  all  danger. "=20


*  See  Illustration,  page  48.=20


THE  ROAD  TO   RICHES.  65=20

"  Sure,"  replied  the  woman,  indignantly,  "  an'  I'm  not  going  out=
  at  all,  at  all,=20
nor  the  children  aither,  for  we've  brought  our  dinners  and  we  ar=
e  going  to  stay=20
all  day."=20

Further  investigation  showed  that  pretty  much  all  of  my  visitors  =
had  brought=20
their  dinners  with  the  evident  intention  of  literally  "making  a  d=
ay  of  it."  No=20
one  expected  to  go  home  till  night ;  the  building  was  overcrowded=
,  and  mean-=20
while hundreds  were  waiting  at  the  front  entrance  to  get  in  when =
 they  could.=20
In  despair  I  sauntered  upon  the  stage  behind  the  scenes,  biting  =
my  lips  with  vex-=20
ation, wheii  I  happened  to  see  the  scene-painter  at  work  and  a  h=
appy  thought=20
struck  me  :  "  Here,"  1  exclaimed,  "  take  a  piece  of  canvas  fou=
r  feet  square,  and=20
paint  on  it,  as  soon  as  you  can,  in  large  letters,=20

tSfTO    THE    EGRESS."=20

Seizing  his  brush,  he  finished  the  sign  in  fifteen  minutes,  and  =
I  directed  the  car=20
penter  to  nail  it  over  the  door  leading  to  the  back  stairs.  He =
 did  so,  and  as  the=20
crowd,  after  making  the  entire  tour  of  the  establishment,  came  po=
uring  down=20
the  main  stairs  from  the  third  story,  they  stopped  and  looked  at=
  the  new  sign,=20
while  some  of  them  read  audibly  :  "To  the  Aigress."=20

"The  Aigress,"  said  others,  "sure  that's  an  animal  we  haven't  see=
n,"  and  the=20
throng  began  to  pour  down  the  back  stairs  only  to  find  that  the=
  "Aigress"  was=20
the  elephant,  and  that  the  elephant  was  all  out  o'doors,  or  so  =
much  of  it  as  began=20
with  Ann  street.  Meanwhile,  I  began  to  accommodate  those  who  had =
 long  been=20
waiting  with  their  money  at  the  Broadway  entrance.=20

Money  poured  in  upon  me  so  rapidly  that  I  was  sometimes  actually=
  embar-=20
rassed to  devise  means  to  carry  out  my  original  plan  for  laying  =
out  the  entire=20
profits  of  the  first  year  in  advertising.  I  meant  to  sow  first  =
and  reap  afterwards.=20
I  finally  hit  upon  a  plan  which  cost  a  large  sum,  and  that  was=
  to  prepare  large=20
oval  oil  paintings  to  be  placed  between  the  windows  of  the  entir=
e  building,  repre-=20
senting nearly  every  important  animal  known  in  zoology.  These  paint=
ings  were=20
put  on  the  building  in  a  single  night,  and  so  complete  a  transf=
ormation  in  the  ap-=20
pearance of  an  edifice  is  seldom  witnessed.  When  the  living  stream=
  rolled  down=20
Broadway  the  next  morning  and  reached  the  Astor  House  corner,  opp=
osite  the=20
Museum,  it  seemed  to  meet  with  a  sudden  check.  I  never  before  s=
aw  so  many=20
open  mouths  and  astonished  eyes.  Some  people  were  puzzled  to  know=
  what  it  all=20
meant ;  some  looked  as  if  they  thought  it  was  an  enchanted  palac=
e  that  had  sud-=20
denly sprung  up  ;  others  exclaimed,  "Well,  the  animals  all  seem  t=
o  have  'broken=20
out '  last  night,"  and  hundreds  came  in  to  see  how  the  establish=
ment  survived  the=20
sudden  eruption.=20

From  that  morning  the  Museum  receipts  took  a  jump  forward  of  nea=
rly  a  hun-=20
dred dollars  a  day,  and  they  never  fell  back  again.=20

The  Museum  had  become  an  established  institution  in  the  laud.  Now=
  and  then=20
some  one  would  cry  out  "humbug "  and  " charlatan,"  but  so  much  t=
he  better  for=20
me ;  it  helped  to  advertise  me,  and  I  was  willing  to  bear  the  =
reputation.=20

On  several  occasions  I  got  up  "  Baby  shows,"  at  which  I  paid  l=
iberal  prizes  for=20
the  finest  baby,  the  fattest  baby,  the  handsomest  twins,  for  trip=
lets,  and  so  on.=20
These  shows  were  as  popular  as  they  were  unique,  and  while  they =
 paid,  in  a  finan-=20
cial point  of  view,  my  chief  object  in  getting  them  up  was  to  s=
et  the  newspapers=20
to  talking  about  me,  thus  giving  another  blast  on  the  trumpet  wh=
ich  I  always=20
tried  to  keep  blowing  for  the  Museum.  Flower  shows,  dog  shows,  p=
oultry  shows=20
and  bird  shows,  were  held  at  intervals  in  my  establishment  and  i=
n  each  instance=20
the  same  end  was  attained  as  by  the  baby  shows.  I  gave  prizes  =
in  the  shape  of=20


66  THE   ROAD   TO    RICHES.=20

medals,  money  and  diplomas,  and  the  whole  came  back  to  me  four-f=
old  in  the=20
shape  of  advertising.=20

There  was  great  difficulty,  however,  in  awarding  the  principal  pri=
ze  of  $100  at=20
the  baby  shows.  Every  mother  thought  her  own  baby  the  brightest  =
and  best,  and=20
confidently  expected  the  capital  prize.=20

For  where  was  ever  seen  the  mother=20
Would  give  her  baby  for  another  ?=20

Not  foreseeing  this  when  I  first  stepped  into  the  expectant  circl=
e  and  announsed=20
in  a  matter  of  fact  way  that  a  committee  of  ladies  had  decided =
 upon  the  baby  of=20
Mrs.  So  and  So  as  entitled  to  the  leading  prize,  I  was  ill-prep=
ared  for  the  storm=20
of  indignation  that  arose  on  every  side.  Ninety-nine  disappointed  =
and,  as  they=20
thought,  deeply  injured  mothers  made  common  cause  and  pronounced  t=
he  suc-=20
cessful little  one  the  meanest,  homeliest  baby  in  the  lot,  and  ro=
undly  abused  me=20
and  my  committee  for  our  stupidity  and  partiality.  "  Very  well,  =
ladies,"  said  I=20
in  the  first  instance,  "select  a  committee  of  your  own  and  I  wi=
ll  give  another=20
$100  prize  to  the  baby  you  shall  pronounce  to  be  the  best  speci=
men."  This  was=20
only  throwing  oil  upon  flame  ;  the  ninety-nine  confederates  were  =
deadly  enemies=20
from  the  moment,  and  no  new  babies  were  presented  in  competition =
 for  the  sec-=20
ond prize.  Thereafter,  I  took  good  care  to  send  in  a  written  rep=
ort  and  did  not=20
attempt  to  announce  the  prize  in  person.*=20

In  June,  1843,  a  herd  of  yearling  buffaloes  was  on  exhibition  in=
  Boston.  1=20
bought  the  lot,  brought  them  to  New  Jersey,  hired  the  race-course=
  at  Hoboken,=20
chartered  the  ferry-boats  for  one  day,  and  advertised  that  a  hunt=
er  had  arrived=20
with  a  herd  of  buffaloes =E2=80=94 I  was  careful  not  to  state  the=
ir  age =E2=80=94 and  that  August=20
31st  there  would  be  a  "Grand  Buffalo  Hunt"  on  the  Hoboken  race-c=
ourse =E2=80=94 all=20
persons  to  be  admitted  free  of  charge.=20

The  appointed  day  was  warm  and  delightful,  and  no  less  than  twen=
ty-four=20
thousand  people  crossed  the  North  River  in  the  ferry-boats  to  enj=
oy  the  cooling=20
breeze  and  to  see  the  "  Grand  Buffalo  Hunt."  The  hunter  was  dre=
ssed  as  an  In-=20
dian, and  mounted  on  horseback  ;  he  proceeded  to  show  how  the  wi=
ld  buffalo  is=20
captured  with  a  lasso,  but  unfortunately  the  yearlings  would  not  =
run  till  the=20
crowd  gave  a  great  shout,  expressive  at  once  of  derision  and  del=
ight  at  the  harm-=20
less humbug.  This  shout  started  the  young  animals  into  a  weak  gal=
lop  and  the=20
lasso  was  duly  thrown  over  the  head  of  the  largest  calf.  The  cr=
owd  roared  with=20
laughter,  listened  to  my  balcony  band,  which  I  also  furnished  "fr=
ee,"  and  then=20
started  for  New  York,  little  dreaming  who  was  the  author  of  this=
  sensation,  or=20
what  was  its  object.=20

Mr.  N.  P.  Willis,  then  editor  of  the  Home  Journal,  wrote  an  art=
icle  illustrating=20
the  perfect  good  nature  with  which  the  American  public  submit  to =
 a  clever  hum=20
bug.  He  said  that  he  went  to  Hoboken  to  witness  the  buffalo  hun=
t.  It  was=20
nearly  four  o'clock  when  the  boat  left  the  foot  of  Barclay  stree=
t,  and  it  was  so=20
densely  crowded  that  many  persons  were  obliged  to  stand  on  the  r=
ailings  and=20
hold  on  to  the  awning-posts.  When  they  reached  the  Hoboken  side  =
a  boat=20
equally  crowded  was  coming  out  of  the  slip.  The  passengers  just  =
arriving  cried=20
out  to  those  who  were  coming  away,  "Is  the  buffalo  hunt  over?"  =
To  which=20
came  the  reply,  "  Yes,  and  it  was  the  biggest  humbug  you  ever  =
heard  of  ! "  "Wil-=20
lis added  that  passengers  on  the  boat  with  him  instantly  gave  thr=
ee  cheers  for  the=20
author  of  the  humbug,  whoever  he  might  be.=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  56=20


THE   ROAD   TO    RICHES.  67=20

After  the  public  had  enjoyed  a  laugh  for  several  days  over  the  =
Hoboken  "Free=20
Grand  Buffalo  Hunt,"  I  permitted  it  to  be  announced  that  the  pro=
prietor  of  the=20
American  Museum  was  responsible  for  the  joke,  thus  using  the  buff=
alo  hunt  as  a=20
sky-rocket  to  attract  public  attention  to  my  Museum.  The  object  w=
as  accom-=20
plished, and  although  some  people  cried  out  "humbug,"  I  had  added =
 to  the  noto-=20
riety which  I  so  much  wanted,  and  I  was  satisfied.  As  for  the  c=
ry  of  "humbug,"=20
it  never  harmed  me,  and  I  was  in  the  position  of  the  actor  who=
  had  much  rather=20
be  roundly  abused  than  not  to  be  noticed  at  all.  I  ought  to  ad=
d,  that  the  forty=20
eight  thousand  sixpences =E2=80=94 the  usual  fare =E2=80=94 received  f=
or  ferry  fares,  less  what  1=20
paid  for  the  charter  of  the  boats  on  that  one  day,  more  than  r=
emunerated  me  for=20
the  cost  of  the  buffaloes  and  the  expenses  of  the  "hunt;"  and  t=
he  enormous=20
gratuitous  advertising  of  the  Museum  must  also  be  placed  to  my  c=
redit.=20

With  the  same  object =E2=80=94 that  is,  advertising  my  Museum,  I  p=
urchased  f=C2=ABr  $500,=20
in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  a  "Woolly  Horse"  I  found  on  exhibition  in  t=
hat  city.  It=20
was  a  well-formed,  small-sized  horse,  with  no  mane,  and  not  a  pa=
rticle  of  hair  on=20
his  tail,  while  his  entire  body  and  legs  were  covered  with  thick=
,  fine  hair  or  wool,=20
which  curled  tight  to  his  skin.  This  horse  was  foaled  in  Indiana=
,  and  was  a  re-=20
markable freak  of  nature,  and  certainly  a  very  curious-looking  anim=
al.=20

I  had  not  the  remotest  idea,  when  I  bought  this  horse,  what  I  =
should  do  with=20
him  ;  but  when  the  news  came  that  Colonel  John  C.  Fremont  (who =
 was  supposed=20
to  have  been  lost  in  the  snows  of  the  Rocky  Mountains)  was  in  =
safety,  the=20
"Woolly  Horse"  was  exhibited  in  New  York  and  was  widely  advertise=
d  as  a=20
most  remarkable  animal  that  had  been  captured  by  the  great  explor=
er's  party  in=20
the  passes  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  The  exhibition  met  with  only  =
moderate  suc-=20
cess in  New  York,  and  in  several  Northern  provincial  towns,  and  t=
he  show  would=20
have  fallen  flat  in  Washington,  had  it  not  been  for  the  over-zea=
l  of  Colonel=20
Thomas  H.  Benton,  then  a  United  States  Senator  from  Missouri.  He =
 went  to  the=20
show,  and  then  caused  the  arrest  of  my  agent  for  obtaining  twent=
y-five  cents=20
from  him  under  "false  pretences."  No  mention  had  been  made  of  th=
is  curious=20
animal  in  any  letter  he  had  received  from  his  son-in-law,  Colonel=
  John  C.  Fre-=20
mont, and  therefore  the  Woolly  Horse  had  not  been  captured  by  any=
  of  Fremont's=20
party.  The  reasoning  was  hardly  as  sound  as  were  most  of  the  ar=
guments  of=20
"  Old  Bullion,"  and  the  case  was  dismissed.  After  a  few  days  of=
  merriment,  pub-=20
lic curiosity  no  longer  turned  in  that  direction,  and  the  old  hor=
se  was  permitted=20
to  retire  to  private  life.  My  object  in  the  exhibition,  however, =
 was  fully  at-=20
tained. When  it  was  generally  known  that  the  proprietor  of  the  Am=
erican=20
Museum  was  also  the  owner  of  the  famous  "Woolly  Horse,"  it  cause=
d  yet  more=20
talk  about  me  and  my  establishment,  and  visitors  began  to  say  th=
at  they  would=20
give  more  to  see  the  proprietor  of  the  Museum  than  to  view  the =
 entire  collection=20
of  curiosities.  As  for  my  ruse  in  advertising  the  "Woolly  Horse" =
 as  having=20
been  captured  by  Fremont's  exploring  party,  of  course  the  announce=
ment  neither=20
added  to  nor  took  from  the  interest  of  the  exhibition;  but  it  a=
rrested  public  at-=20
tention, and  it  was  the  only  feature  of  the  show  that  I  now  car=
e  to  forget.=20

It  will  be  seen  that  very  much  of  the  success  which  attended  my=
  many  years=20
proprietorship  of  the  American  Museum  was  due  to  advertising,  and =
 especially=20
to  my  odd  methods  of  advertising.  Always  determined  to  have  curio=
sities  worth=20
showing  and  worth  seeing,  at  "twenty-five  cents  admission,  children=
  half  price,"=20
I  studied  ways  to  arrest  public  attention;  to  startle,  to  make  p=
eople  talk  and=20
wonder;  in  short,  to  let  the  world  know  that  I  had  a  Museum.=20

About  this  tune,  I  engaged  a  band  of  Indians  from  Iowa.  They  ha=
d  never=20
seen  a  railroad  or  steamboat  until  they  saw  them  on  the  route  f=
rom  Iowa  to  New  '=20


68  THE   ROAD  TO   RICHES.=20

York.  The  party  comprised  large  and  noble  specimens  of  the  untuto=
red  savage,  as=20
well  as  several  very  beautiful  squaws,  with  two  or  three  interest=
ing  "papooses."=20
They  lived  and  lodged  in  a  large  room  on  the  top  floor  of  the =
 Museum,  and=20
cooked  their  own  victuals  in  their  own  way.  They  gave  their  war-=
dances  on  the=20
stage  in  the  Lecture  Room  with  great  vigor  and  enthusiasm,  much  =
to  the  satisfac-=20
tion of  the  audiences.  But  these  wild  Indians  seemed  to  consider  =
their  dances  as=20
realities.  Hence,  when  they  gave  a  real  war  dance,  it  was  danger=
ous  for  any=20
parties,  except  their  manager  and  interpreter,  to  be  on  the  stage=
,  for  the  moment=20
they  had  finished  their  war  dance,  they  began  to  leap  and  peer  =
about  behind  the=20
scenes  in  search  of  victims  for  their  tomahawks  and  scalping  kniv=
es  I  Indeed,=20
lest  in  these  frenzied  moments  they  might  make  a  dash  at  the  or=
chestra  or  the=20
audience,  we  had  a  high  rope  barrier  placed  between  them  and  the=
  savages  on=20
the  front  of  the  stage.=20

After  they  had  been  a  week  in  the  Museum,  I  proposed  a  change  =
of  perform-=20
ance for  the  week  following,  by  introducing  new  dances.  Among  thes=
e  was  the=20
Indian  wedding  dance.  At  that  time  I  printed  but  one  set  of  pos=
ters  (large=20
bills)  per  week,  so  that  whatever  was  announced  for  Monday,  was  =
repeated  every=20
day  and  evening  during  that  week.  Before  the  wedding  dance  came  =
off  on=20
Monday  afternoon,  I  was  informed  that  I  was  to  provide  a  large  =
new  red  woollen=20
blanket,  at  a  cost  of  ten  dollars,  for  the  bridegroom  to  present=
  to  the  father  of=20
the  bride.  I  ordered  the  purchase  to  be  made ;  but  was  considera=
bly  taken  aback,=20
when  I  was  informed  that  I  must  have  another  new  blanket  for  th=
e  evening,=20
inasmuch  as  the  savage  old  Indian  Chief,  father-in-law  to  the  bri=
degroom,  would=20
not  consent  to  his  daughter's  being  approached  with  the  wedding  d=
ance  unless=20
he  had  his  blanket  present.=20

I  undertook  to  explain  to  the  chief,  through  the  interpreter,  tha=
t  this  was  onlT=20
a  "make  believe"  wedding;  but  the  old  savage  shrugged  his  shoulde=
rs,  and  gave=20
such  a  terrific  "  Ugh  1 "  that  I  was  glad  to  make  my  peace  by=
  ordering  another=20
blanket.  As  we  gave  two  performances  per  day,  I  was  out  of  pock=
et  $120  for=20
twelve  "wedding  blankets,"  that  week.=20

One  of  the  beautiful  squaws  named  Do-humme  died  in  the  Museum.  S=
he  had=20
been  a  great  favorite  with  many  ladies,  among  whom  I  can  especia=
lly  name  Mrs.=20
C.  M.  Sawyer,  wife  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  T.  J.  Sawyer.  Do-humme  was  =
buried  on=20
the  border  of  Sylvan  Water,  at  Greenwood  Cemetery,  where  a  small =
 monument=20
erected  by  her  friends,  designates  her  last  resting-place.=20

The  poor  Indians  were  very  sorrowful  for  many  days,  and  desired  =
to  get  back=20
again  to  their  western  wilds.  The  father  and  the  betrothed  of  Do=
-humme  cooked=20
various  dishes  of  food  and  placed  them  upon  the  roof  of  the  Mus=
eum,  where  they=20
believed  the  spirit  of  their  departed  friend  came  daily  for  its  =
supply;  and  these=20
dishes  were  renewed  every  morning  during  the  stay  of  the  Indians =
 at  the=20
Museum.=20

It  was  sometimes  very  amusing  to  hear  the  remarks  of  strangers  w=
ho  came  to=20
visit  my  Museum.     One  afternoon  a  prim  maiden  lady  from  Portlan=
d,  Maine,=20
walked  into  my  private  office,  where  I  was  busily  engaged  in  wri=
ting,  and,  tak=20
ing  a  seat  on  the  sofa,  she  asked:=20
'  Is  this  Mr.  Barnum  ?"=20
'It  is,"  I  replied.=20
'  Is  this  Mr.  P.  T.  Barnum,  the  proprietor  of  the  Museum  ? "  s=
he  asked.=20

"The  same,"  was  my  answer.=20

'Why,  really,  Mr.  Barnum,"  she  continued,  "  vou  look  much  like  o=
ther  com=20
mon  folks,  after  all."=20


THE  BOAD  TO  EICHBS.  69=20

"  Dear  me  1  Mr.  Barnum,"  said  she,  "  I  never  went  to  any  Muse=
um  before,  nor=20
to  any  place  of  amusement  or  public  entertainment,  excepting  our  =
school  exhibi-=20
tions ;  and  I  have  sometimes  felt  that  they  even  may  be  wicked, =
 for  some  parts=20
of  the  dialogues  seemed  frivolous;  but  I  have  heard  so  much  of  =
your  'moral=20
drama,'  and  the  great  good  you  are  doing  for  the  rising  generati=
on  that  I  thought=20
1  must  come  here  and  see  for  myself."=20

At  this  moment  the  gong  sounded  to  announce  the  opening  of  the  =
Lecture=20
Room,  and  the  crowd  passed  on  in  haste  to  secure  seats.  My  spin=
ster  visitor=20
sprang  to  her  feet  and  anxiously  inquired:=20

"Are  the  services  about  to  commence  ? "=20

"  Yes,"  I  replied,  "the  congregation  is  now  going  up."=20


CHAPTER   X.=20

A.NOTHER   SUCCESSFUL   SPECULATION".=20

BY  some  arrangement,  the  particulars  of  which  I  do  not  remember, =
 if,  indeed,=20
1  ever  cared  to  know  them,  Mr.  Peale  was  conducting  Peale's  Muse=
um,  which  he=20
claimed  was  a  more  "scientific"  establishment  than  mine,  and  he  p=
retended  to=20
appeal  to  a  higher  class  of  patrons.  Mesmerism  was  one  of  his  s=
cientific  attrac-=20
tions, and  he  had  a  subject  upon  whom  he  operated  at  times  with =
 the  greatest=20
seeming  success,  and  fairly  astonished  his  audiences.  But  there  we=
re  times  when=20
the  subject  was  wholly  unimpressible  and  then  those  who  had  paid =
 their  money=20
to  see  the  woman  put  into  the  mesmeric  state  cried  out  "humbug,"=
  and  the  repu-=20
tation of  the  establishment  .seriously  suffered.=20

It  devolved  upon  me  to  open  a  rival  mesmeric  performance,  and  ac=
cordingly  1=20
engaged  a  bright  little  girl  who  was  exceedingly  susceptible  to  s=
uch  mesmeric=20
influences  as  I  could  induce.  That  is,  she  learned  her  lesson  th=
oroughly,  and=20
when  I  had  apparently  put  her  to  sleep  with  a  few  passes  and  s=
tood  behind  hei,=20
she  seemed  to  be  duly  "impressed"  as  I  desired;  raised  her  hands=
  as  I  willed,=20
fell  from  her  chair  to  the  floor;  and  if  I  put  candy  or  tobacc=
o  into  my  mouth,=20
she  was  duly  delighted  or  disgusted.  She  never  failed  in  these  r=
outine  perform-=20
ances. Strange  to  say,  believers  in  mesmerism  used  to  witness  her =
 performances=20
with  the  greatest  pleasure  and  adduce  them  as  positive  proofs  tha=
t  there  was=20
something  in  mesmerism,  and  they  applauded  tremendously =E2=80=94 up =
 to  a  certain=20
point.=20

That  point  was  reached  when,  leaving  the  girl  "asleep,"  I  called =
 up  some  one=20
in  the  audience,  promising  to  put  him  "in  the  same  state"  within=
  five  minutes,=20
or  forfeit  fifty  dollars.  Of  course,  all  my  "passes"  would  not  p=
ut  a  man  in  the=20
mesmeric  state ;  at  the  end  of  three  minutes  he  was  as  wide  awa=
ke  as  ever.=20

" Never  mind,"  I  would  say,  looking  at  my  watch;  " I  have  two  m=
inutes  more,=20
and  meantime,  to  show  that  a  person  in  this  state  is  utterly  in=
sensible  to  pain,  1=20
propose  to  cut  off  one  of  the  fingers  of  the  little  girl  who  i=
s  still  asleep."  I  would=20
then  take  out  my  knife  and  feel  of  the  edge,  and  when  I  turned=
  around  to  the=20
girl  whom  I  left  on  the  chair,  she  had  fled  behind  the  scenes, =
 to  the  intense=20
amusement  of  the  greater  part  of  the  audience,  and  to  the  amazem=
ent  of  the=20
mesmerists  who  were  present.=20

"Why!  where's  my  little  girl?"  I  asked  with  feigned  astonishment.=
=20

"Oh!  she  ran  away  when  you  began  to  talk  about  cutting  off  fing=
ers."=20

" Then  she  was  wide  awake,  was  she?"=20

"  Of  course  she  was,  all  the  time."=20

"I  suppose  so;  and,  my  dear  sir,  I  promised  that  you  should  be =
 'in  the  same=20
state '  at  the  end  of  five  minutes,  and  as  I  believe  you  are  s=
o,  I  do  not  forfeit=20
fifty  dollars."=20

I  kept  up  this  performance  for  several  weeks,  till  I  quite  kille=
d  Peale's  "gen-=20
uine "  mesmerism  in  the  rival  establishment.  At  the  end  of  six  m=
onths  I  bought=20
Peale's  Museum,  and  the  whole,  including  the  splendid  gallery  of  =
American=20
portraits,  was  removed  to  the  American  Museum,  and  I  immediately  =
advertised=20

70=20


ANOTHER   SUCCESSFUL   SPECULATION.  71=20

the  great  card  of  a  "Double  attraction"  and  "Two  Museums  in  One,=
"  without=20
extra  charge.=20

The  Museum  became  a  mania  with  me,  and  I  made  everything  possibl=
e  subser-=20
vient to  it.  On  the  eve  of  elections,  rival  politicians  would  ask=
  me  for  whom  I=20
was  going  to  vote,  and  my  answer  invariably  was,  "I  vote  for  th=
e  American=20
Museum."  In  fact,  at  that  time,  I  cared  very  little  about  politi=
cs,  and  a  great=20
deal  about  my  business.  Meanwhile  the  Museum  prospered  wonderfully,=
  and=20
everything  I  attempted  or  engaged  in,  seemed  at  the  outset  an  as=
sured  success.=20

The  giants  whom  I  exhibited  from  time  to  time,  were  always  liter=
ally  great=20
features  in  my  establishment,  and  they  oftentimes  afforded  me,  as =
 well  as  my=20
patrons,  food  for  much  amusement  as  well  as  wonder.  The  Quaker  g=
iant,  Hales,=20
was  quite  a  wag  in  his  way.  He  went  once  to  see  the  new  house=
  of  an  acquaint-=20
ance who  had  suddenly  become  rich,  but  who  was  a  very  ignorant  m=
an.  When=20
he  came  back  he  described  the  wonders  of  the  mansion,  and  said  =
that  the  proud=20
proprietor  showed  him  everything  from  basement  to  attic :  parlors, =
 bed-rooms,=20
dining-room,  and,"  said  Hales,  "what  he  calls  his  'study' =E2=80=94=
 meaning,  I  suppose,=20
the  place  where  he  intends  to  study  his  spelling-book ! "=20

I  had  at  one  time  two  famous  men,  the  French  giant,  M.  Bihin,  =
a  very  slim=20
man,  and  the  Arabian  giant,  Colonel  Groshen.  These  men  generally  =
got  on=20
together  very  well,  though,  of  course,  each  was  jealous  of  the  o=
ther,  and  of  the=20
attention  the  rival  received,  or  the  notice  he  attracted.  One  day=
  they  quarreled,=20
and  a  lively  interchange  of  compliments  ensued,  the  Arabian  callin=
g  the  French-=20
man a  "Shanghai,"  and  received  in  return  the  epithet  of  "Nigger." =
 From=20
words  both  were  eager  to  proceed  to  blows,  and  both  ran  to  my  =
collection  of=20
arms,  one  seizing  the  club  with  which  Captain  Cook,  or  any  ether=
  man,  might=20
have  been  killed,  if  it  were  judiciously  wielded,  and  the  other  =
laying  hands  on  a=20
sword  of  the  terrific  size,  which  is  supposed  to  have  been  conve=
ntional  in  the  days=20
of  the  Crusades.  The  preparations  for  a  deadly  encounter,  and  the=
  high  words  of=20
the  contending  parties,  brought  a  dozen  of  the  Museum  attaches  to=
  the  spot,  and=20
these  men  threw  themselves  between  the  gigantic  combatants.  Hearing=
  the=20
disturbance,  I  ran  from  my  private  office  to  the  dueling  ground, =
 and  said :=20

"Look  here!  This  is  all  right;  if  you  want  to  fight  each  other,=
  maiming  and=20
perhaps  killing  one  or  both  of  you,  that  is  your  affair;  but  my=
  interest  lies  here:=20
you  are  both  under  engagement  to  me,  and  if  this  duel  is  to  co=
me  off,  I  and  the=20
public  have  a  right  to  participate.  It  must  be  duly  advertised,  =
and  must  take=20
place  on  the  stage  of  the  Lecture.  Room.  No  performance  of  yours=
  would  be  a=20
greater  attraction,  and  if  you  kill  each  other,  our  engagement  ca=
n  end  with  your=20
duel."=20

This  proposition,  made  in  apparent  earnest,  so  delighted  the  giant=
s  that  they  at=20
once  burst  into  a  laugh,  shook  hands,  and  quarreled  no  more.=20

In  November,  1842,  I  was  at  Bridgeport,  Connecticut,  where  I  hear=
d  of  a=20
remarkably  small  child,  and,  at  my  request,  my  brother,  Philo  F. =
 Barnuin,=20
brought  him  to  the  hotel.  He  was  not  two  feet  high;  he  weighed =
 less  than  six-=20
teen pounds,  and  was  the  smallest  child  I  ever  saw  that  could  wa=
lk  alone;  he=20
was  a  perfectly  formed,  bright-eyed  little  fellow,  with  light  hair=
  and  ruddy=20
cheeks,  and  he  enjoyed  the  best  of  health.  He  was  exceedingly  ba=
shful,  but=20
after  some  coaxing,  he  was  induced  to  talk  with  me,  and  he  told=
  me  that  he  was=20
the  son  of  Sherwood  E.  Stratton,  and  that  his  own  name  was  Char=
les  S.  Stratton.=20
After  seeing  him  and  talking  with  him,  I  at  once  determined  to  =
secure  his  ser-=20
vices from  his  parents  and  to  exhibit  him  in  public.=20


72  ANOTHER  SUCCESSFUL  SPECULATION.=20

I  engaged  him  for  four  weeks,  at  three  dollars  a  week,  with  all=
  traveling  and=20
boarding  charges  for  himself  and  his  mother  at  my  expense.  They  =
came  to=20
New  York  Thanksgiving  day,  December  8,  1842,  and  I  announced  the =
 dwarf  on=20
my  Museum  bills  as  "  General  Tom  Thumb."=20

I  took  the  greatest  pains  to  educate  and  train  my  diminutive  pro=
digy,  devoting=20
many  hours  to  the  task  by  day  and  by  night,  and  I  was  very  su=
ccessful,  for  he=20
was  an  apt  pupil,  with  a  great  deal  of  native  talent,  and  a  ke=
en  sense  of  the=20
ludicrous.*=20

I  afterwards  re-engaged  him  for  one  year,  at  seven  dollars  a  wee=
k,  with  a=20
gratuity  of  fifty  dollars  at  the  end  of  the  engagement,  and  the =
 privilege  of  exhib-=20
iting him  anywhere  in  the  United  States,  in  which  event  his  paren=
ts  were  to=20
accompany  him  and  I  was  to  pay  all  traveling  expenses.  He  speedi=
ly  became  a=20
public  favorite,  and  long  before  the  year  was  out,  I  voluntarily =
 increased  his=20
weekly  salary  to  twenty-five  dollars,  and  he  fairly  earned  it.=20

Two  years  had  now  elapsed  since  I  bought  the  Museum,  and  I  had =
 long  since=20
paid  for  the  entire  establishment  from  the  profits;  I  had  bought =
 out  my  only=20
rival;  I  was  free  from  debt,  and  had  a  handsome  surplus  in  the =
 treasury.  The=20
business  had  long  ceased  to  be  an  experiment;  it  was  an  establis=
hed  success,  and=20
was  in  such  perfect  running  order,  that  it  could  safely  be  commi=
tted  to  the  man-=20
agement of  trustworthy  and  tried  agents.=20

Accordingly,  looking  for  a  new  field  for  my  individual  efforts,  I=
  entered  into=20
an  agreement  for  General  Tom  Thumb's  services  for  another  year,  a=
t  fifty  dollars=20
a  week  and  all  expenses,  with  the  privilege  of  exhibiting  him  in=
  Europe.  I  pro-=20
posed to  test  the  curiosity  of  men  and  women  on  the  other  side  =
of  the  Atlantic.=20

After  arranging  my  business  affairs  for  a  long  absence,  and  makin=
g  every=20
preparation  for  an  extended  foreign  tour,  on  Thursday,  January  18,=
  1844,  I  went=20
on  board  the  new  and  fine  sailing  ship  "Yorkshire,"  Captain  D.  G=
.  Bailey,  bound=20
for  Liverpool.  Our  party  included  General  Tom  Thumb,  his  parents, =
 his  tutor,=20
and  Professor  Guillaudeu,  the  French  naturalist.  We  were  accompanie=
d  by=20
several  personal  friends,  and  the  City  Brass  Band  kindly  volunteer=
ed  to  escort  us=20
to  Sandy  Hook.=20

A  voyage  to  Liverpool  is  now  an  old,  familiar  story,  and  I  abst=
ain  from  enter-=20
ing into  details,  though  I  have  abundant  material  respecting  my  ow=
n  experiences=20
of  my  first  sea- voyage  in  the  first  two  of  a  series  of  one  hu=
ndred  letters  which  I=20
wrote  in  Europe,  as  correspondent  of  the  New  York  Atlas.=20

On  our  arrival  at  Liverpool,  quite  a  crowd  had  assembled  at  the =
 dock  to  see=20
Pom  Thumb,  for  it  had  been  previously  announced  that  he  would  ar=
rive  in  the=20
"  Yorkshire,"  but  his  mother  managed  to  smuggle  him  ashore  unnoti=
ced,  for  she=20
carried  him,  as  if  he  was  an  infant,  in  her  arms.=20

My  letters  of  introduction  speedily  brought  me  into  friendly  relat=
ions  with=20
many  excellent  families,  and  I  was  induced  to  hire  a  hall  and  p=
resent  the  General=20
to  the  public,  for  a  short  season  in  Liverpool  I  had  intended  t=
o  proceed  directly=20
to  London,  and  begin  operations  at  "headquarters,"  that  is,  in  Bu=
ckingham=20
Palace,  if  possible;  but  I  had  been  advised  that  the  royal  famil=
y  was  in  mourn=20
ing  for  the  death  of  Prince  Albert's  father,  and  would  not  permi=
t  the  approacl=20
of  any  entertainments.=20

Meanwhile,  confidential  lettei's  from  London,  informed  me  that  Mr. =
 Maddox,=20
Manager  of  Princess's  Theater,  was  coming  down  to  witness  my  exlu=
'bition,  with=20
a  view  to  making  an  engagement.  He  came  privately,  but  I  was  fu=
lly  informed=20

*Se=C2=AB  Illustration,  opposite.=20


ANOTHER   SUCCESSFUL  SPECULATION.  73=20

as  to  his  presence  and  object.  A  friend  pointed  him  out  to  me  =
in  the  hall,  and=20
when  I  stepped  up  to  him,  and  called  him  by  name,  he  was  "take=
n  all  aback,"=20
and  avowed  his  purpose  in  visiting  Liverpool.  An  interview  resulte=
d  in  an=20
engagement  of  the  General  for  three  nights  at  Princess's  Theater. =
 I  was  unwill-=20
ing to  contract  for  a  longer  period,  and  even  this  short  engageme=
nt,  though  on=20
liberal  terms,  was  acceded  to  only  as  a  means  of  advertisement.  =
So  soon,  there-=20
fore, as  I  could  bring  my  short,  but  highly  successful  tOMon  in  =
Liverpool  to  a=20
close,  wij  went  to  London.=20
4=20


CHAPTER    XI.=20

GENERAL  TOM   THUMB    IN   ENGLAND.=20

IMMEDIATELY  after  our  arrival  in  London,  the  General  came  oMt  at =
 the  Prin-=20
cess's Theater,  and  made  so  decided  a  "  hit "  that  it  was  diffic=
ult  to  decide[who  was=20
best  pleased,  the  spectators,  the  manager,  or  myself.  I  was  offer=
ed  far  higher=20
terms  for  a  re-engagement,  but  my  purpose  had  been  already  answer=
ed;  the=20
news  was  spread  everywhere  that  General  Tom  Thumb,  an  unparalleled=
  curiosity,=20
was  in  the  city;  and  i$  only  remained  for  me  to  bring  him  befo=
re  the  public,  on=20
my  own  account,  and  in  my  own  time  and  way.=20

I  took  a  furnished  mansion  in  Grafton  street,  Bond  street,  West  =
End,  in  the=20
very  center  of  the  most  fashionable  locality.  The  house  had  previ=
ously  beei=20
occupied  for  several  years  by  Lord  Talbot,  and  Lord  Brougham  and =
 half  a  dozen=20
families  of  the  aristocracy  and  many  of  the  gentry  were  my  neigh=
bors.  From=20
this  magnificent  mansion,  I  sent  letters  of  invitation  to  the  edi=
tors  and  several  of=20
the  nobility,  to  visit  the  General  Most  of  them  called,  and  were=
  highly  gratified.=20
The  word  of  approval  was  indeed  so  passed  around  in  high  circles=
,  that  uninvited=20
parties  drove  to  my  door  in  crested  carriages,  and  were  not  admi=
tted.=20

This  procedure,  though  in  some  measure  a  stroke  of  policy,  was  n=
either  singular=20
nor  hazardous,  under  the  circumstances.  I  had  not  yet  announced  a=
  public  exhi-=20
bition, and  as  a  private  American  gentleman,  it  became  me  to  main=
tain  the  dignity=20
of  my  position.  I  therefore  instructed  my  liveried  servant  to  den=
y  admission  to=20
see  my  "ward,"  excepting  to  persons  who  brought  cards  of  invitati=
on.  He  did=20
it  in  a  proper  manner,  and  no  offence  could  be  taxen,  though  I =
 was  always  partic-=20
ular to  send  an  invitation  immediately  to  such  as  had  not  been  a=
dmitted.=20

During  our  first  week  in  London,  the  Hon.  Edward  Everett,  the  Am=
erican=20
Minister,  to  whom  I  had  letters  of  introduction,  called  and  was  =
highly  pleased=20
with  his  diminutive  though  renowned  countryman.  We  dined  with  him =
 the  next=20
day,  by  invitation,  and  his  family  loaded  the  young  American  with=
  presents.=20
Mr.  Everett  kindly  promised  to  use  influence  at  the  Palace  in  pe=
rson,  with  a=20
view  to  having  Tom  Thumb  introduced  to  Her  Majesty  Queen  Victoria=
,=20

A  few  evenings  afterwards  the  Baroness  Rothschild  sent  her  carriag=
e  for  us.=20
We  were  received  by  a  half  a  dozen  servants,  and  were  ushered  u=
p  a  broad  flight=20
of  marble  stairs  to  the  drawing-room,  where  we  met  the  Baroness  =
and  a  party  of=20
twenty  or  more  ladies  and  gentlemen.  In  this  sumptous  mansion  of =
 the  richest=20
banker  in  the  world,  we  spent  about  two  hours,  and  when  we  took=
  our  leave  a=20
well-filled  purse  was  quietly  slipped  into  my  hand.  The  golden  sh=
ower  had  begun=20
to  fall.=20

I  now  engaged  the  "Egyptian  Hall,"  in  Piccadilly,  and  the  announc=
ement  of=20
my  unique  exhibition  was  promptly  answered  by  a  rush  of  visitors,=
  in  which  the=20
wealth  and  fashion  of  London  were  liberally  represented.  I  made  t=
hese  arrange-=20
ments because  I  had  little  hope  of  being  soon  brought  to  the  Que=
en's  presence=20
(for  the  reason  before  mentioned),  but  Mr.  Everett's  generous  infl=
uence  secured=20
ray  object.  I  breakfasted  at  his  house  one  morning,  by  invitation=
,  in  company=20
with  Mr.  Charles  Murray,  an  author  of  creditable  repute,  who  held=
  the  office  of=20

74=20


GENERAL  TOM   THUMB   IN   ENGLAND.  75=20

Master  of  the  Queen's  Household.  In  the  course  of  conversation,  M=
r.  Murray=20
inquired  as  to  my  plans,  and  I  informed  him  that  I  intended  goi=
ng  to  the  Conti-=20
nent shortly,  though  I  should  be  glad  to  remain  if  the  General  c=
ould  have  an=20
interview  with  the  Queen,  adding  that  such  an  event  would  be  of =
 great  consequence=20
to  me.=20

Mr.  Murray  kindly  offered  his  good  offices  in  the  case,  and  the =
 next  day  one  of=20
the  Life  Guards,  a  tall,  noble-looking  fellow,  bedecked  as  became =
 his  station,=20
brought  me  a  note,  conveying  the  Queen's  invitation  to  General  To=
m  Thumb  and=20
his  guardian,  Mr.  Barnum,  to  appear  at  Buckingham  Palace  on  an  e=
vening  speci-=20
fied. Special  instructions  were  the  same  day  orally  given  me  by  M=
r.  Murray,  by=20
Her  Majesty's  command,  to  suffer  the  General  to  appear  before  her=
,  as  he  would=20
appear  anywhere  else,  without  any  training  in  the  use  of  the  tit=
les  of  royalty,  as=20
the  Queen  desired  to  see  him  act  naturally  and  without  restraint.=
=20

Determined  to  make  the  most  of  the  occasion,  I  put  a  placard  on=
  the  door  of=20
the  Egyptian  Hall:  "  Closed  this  evening,  General  Tom  Thumb  being=
  at  Bucking-=20
ham Palace  by  command  of  Her  Majesty."=20

On  arriving  at  the  Palace,  the  Lord  in  Waiting  put  me  "  under  =
drill "  as  to  the=20
manner  and  form  in  which  I  should  conduct  myself  in  the  presence=
  of  royalty.=20
I  was  to  answer  all  questions  by  Her  Majesty  through  him,  and,  =
in  no  event,  to=20
speak  directly  to  the  Queen.  In  leaving  the  royal  presence  I  was=
  to  "back  out,"=20
keeping  my  face  always  towards  Her  Majesty,  and  the  illustrious  l=
ord,  kindly=20
gave  me  a  specimen  of  that  sort  of  backward  locomotion.  How  far =
 I  profited  by=20
his  instructions  and  example,  will  presently  appear.=20

We  were  conducted  through  a  long  corridor  to  a  broad  flight  of  =
marble  steps,=20
which  led  to  the  Queen's  magnificent  picture  gallery,  where  Her  M=
ajesty  and=20
Prince  Albert,  the  Duchess  of  Kent,  \  '.  ;;jul  others  were=20

awaiting  our  arrival  They  were  standing  at  the  farther  end  of  th=
e  room  when=20
the  doors  were  thrown  open,  and  the  General  walked  in,  looking  l=
ike  a  wax  doll=20
gifted  with  the  power  of  locomotion.  Surprise  and  pleasure  were  d=
epicted  on=20
the  countenances  of  the  royal  circle  at  beholding  this  remarkable =
 specimen  of=20
humanity  so  much  smaller  than  they  had  evidently  expected  to  find=
  him.=20

The  General  advanced  with  a  firm  step,  and,  as  he  came  within  h=
ailing  dis-=20
tance, made  a  very  graceful  bow,  and  exclaimed,  "Good  evening,  lad=
ies  and=20
gentlemen!"=20

A  burst  of  laughter  followed  this  salutation.  The  Queen  then  took=
  him  by  the=20
hand,  led  him  about  the  gallery,  and  asked  him  many  questions,  t=
he  answers  to=20
which  kept  the  party  in  an  uninterrupted  strain  of  merriment.  The=
  General=20
familiarly  informed  the  Queen  that  her  picture  gallery  was  "first-=
rate,"  and  told=20
her  he  should  like  to  see  the  Prince  of  Wales.  The  Queen  replie=
d  that  the  Prince=20
had  retired  to  rest,  but  that  he  should  see  him  on  soAe  future =
 occasion.  The=20
General  then  gave  his  songs,  dances,  and  imitations,  and,  after  a=
  conversation=20
with  Prince  Albert  and  all  present,  which  continued  for  more  than=
  an  hour,  we=20
were  permitted  to  depart.=20

Before  describing  the  process  and  incidents  of  "  backing  out,"  I =
 must  acknowl-=20
edge how  sadly  I  broke  through  the  counsel  of  the  Lord  in  Waitin=
g.  While=20
Prince  Albert  and  others  were  engaged  with  the  General,  the  Queen=
  was  gather-=20
ing inf ormation  from  me  in  regard  to  his  history,  etc.  Two  or  t=
hree  questions=20
were  put  and  answered  through  the  process  indicated  in  my  drill. =
 It  was  a=20
round-about  way  of  doing  business,  not  at  all  to  my  liking  and  =
I  suppose  the=20
Lord  in  waiting  was  seriously  shocked,  if  not  outraged,  when  I  e=
ntered  directly=20
into  conversation  with  Her  Majesty.  She,  however,  seemed  not  dispo=
sed  to  check=20


76  GENEBAL  TOM  THUMB   IN  ENGLAND.=20

my  boldness,  f Of  she  immediately  spoke  directly  to  me  in  obtaini=
ng  the  informa-=20
tion which  she  sought.  I  felt  entirely  at  ease  in  her  presence,  =
and  could  not  avoid=20
contrasting  her  sensible  and  amiable  manners  with  the  stiffness  an=
d  formality  of=20
upstart  gentility  at  home  or  abroad.=20

The  Queen  was  modestly  attired  in  plain  black,  and  wore  no  ornam=
ents.  Indeed,=20
surrounded  as  she  was  by  ladies  arrayed  in  the  highest  style  of =
 magnificence,=20
their  dresses  sparkling  with  diamonds,  she  was  the  last  person  wh=
om  a  stranger=20
would  have  pointed  out  in  that  circle  as  the  Queen  of  England=20

The  Lord  in  waiting  was  perhaps  mollified  toward  me  when  he  saw =
 me  f  oUow-=20
ing  his  illustrious  example  in  retiring  from  the  royal  presence.  =
He  was  accustomed=20
to  the  process,  and  therefore  was  able  to  keep  somewhat  ahead  (o=
r  rather  aback)=20
of  me,  but  even  /  stepped  rather  fast  for  the  other  member  of  =
the  retiring  party.=20
We  had  a  considerable  distance  to  travel  in  that  long  gallery  be=
fore  reaching  the=20
door,  and  whenever  the  General  found  he  was  losing  ground,  he  tu=
rned  around=20
and  ran  a  few  steps,  then  resumed  the  position  of  "backing  out,"=
  then  turned=20
around  and  ran,  and  so  continued  to  alternate  his  methods  of  get=
ting  to  the  door,=20
until  the  gallery  fairly  rang  with  the  merriment  of  the  royal  sp=
ectators.  It  was=20
really  one  of  the  richest  scenes  I  ever  saw;  running,  under  the =
 circumstances,  was=20
an  offence  sufficiently  heinous  to  excite  the  indignation  of  the  =
Queen's  favorite=20
poodle  dog,  and  he  vented  his  displeasure  by  barking  so  sharply  =
as  to  startle  the=20
General  from  his  propriety.  He,  however,  recovered  immediately,  and=
,  with  his=20
little  cane,  commenced  an  attack  on  the  poodle,  and  a  funny  figh=
t  ensued,  which=20
renewed  and  increased  the  merriment  of  the  royal  party.*=20

This  was  near  the  door  of  exit.  We  had  scarcely  passed  into  the=
  ante-room,=20
when  one  of  the  Queen's  attendants  came  to  us  with  the  expressed=
  hope  of  Her=20
Majesty  that  the  General  had  sustained  no  damage;  to  which  the  L=
ord  in  Wait-=20
ing playfully  added,  that  in  case  of  injury  to  so  renowned  a  per=
sonage,  he  should=20
fear  a  declaration  of  war  by  the  United  States!=20

The  courtesies  of  the  Palace  were  not  yet  exhausted,  for  we  were=
  escorted  to=20
an  apartment  in  which  refreshments  had  been  provided  for  us.  I  w=
as  anxious=20
that  the  "Court  Journal"  of  the  ensuing  day  should  contain  more  =
than  a=20
mere  line  in  relation  to  the  General's  interview  with  the  Queen, =
 and,  on=20
inquiry,  I  learned  that  the  gentleman  who  had  charge  of  that  fea=
ture  in  the  daily=20
papers  was  then  in  the  Palace.  He  was  sent  for  by  my  solicitati=
on,  and  promptly=20
acceded  to  my  request  for  such  a  notice  as  would  attract  attenti=
on.  He  even=20
generously  desired  me  to  give  him  an  outline  of  what  I  sought,  =
and  I  was  pleased=20
to  see  afterwards,  that  he  had  inserted  my  notice  verbatim.=20

This  notice  of  my  visit  to  the  Queen  wonderfully  increased  the  a=
ttraction  of=20
"  Gen.  Tom  Thumb.."  and  compelled  me  to  obtain  a  more  commodious=
  hall  for  my=20
exhibition.  I  accordingly  removed  to  the  larger  room  in  the  same =
 building.=20

On  our  second  visit  to  the  Queen,  we  were  received  in  what  is  =
called  the=20
"Yellow  Drawing-Room,"  a  magnificent  apartment,  surpassing  in  splend=
or  and=20
gorgeousness  anything  of  the  kind  I  had  ever  seen.  It  is  on  the=
  north  side  of  the=20
gallery,  and  is  entered  from  that  apartment.  It  was  hung  with  dr=
apery  of  rich=20
yellow  satin  damask,  the  couches,  sofas  and  chairs  being  covered  =
with  the  same=20
material.  The  vases,  urns  and  ornaments  were  all  of  modern  patter=
ns,  and  the=20
most  exquisite  workmanship.  The  room  was  panelled  in  gold,  and  th=
e  heavy=20
cornices  beautifully  carved  and  gilt.  The  tables,  pianos,  etc.,  we=
re  mounted=20
mth  gold,  inlaid  with  pearl  of  various  hues,  and  of  the  most  el=
egant  designs.=20

*  See  Illustration,  opposite.=20


GENERAL  TOM  THUMB  IN  ENGLAND.  77=20

W=C2=AB  were  ushered  into  this  gorgeous  drawing-room  before  the  Qu=
een  and  royal=20
circle  had  left  the  dining-room,  and,  as  they  approached,  the  Gen=
eral  bowed=20
respectfully,  and  remarked  to  Her  Majesty  "  that  he  had  seen  her=
  before,"  adding,=20
"  I  think  this  is  a  prettier  room  than  the  picture  gallery;  tha=
t  chandelier  is  very=20
fine."=20

The  Queen  smilingly  took  him  by  the  hand,  and  said  she  hoped  he=
  was  very=20
well.=20

"  Yes,  ma'am,"  he  replied,  "  I  am  first  rate."=20

"General,"  continued  the  Queen,  "this  is  the  Prince  of  Wales."=20

"  How  are  you,  Prince? "  said  the  General,  shaking  him  by  the  h=
and;  and  then=20
standing  beside  the  Prince,  he  remarked,  "the  Prince  is  taller  th=
an  I  am,  but  I=20
feel  as  big  as  anybody,"  upon  which  he  strutted  up  and  down  the=
  room  as  proud=20
as  a  peacock,  amid  shouts  of  laughter  from  all  present.=20

The  Queen  then  introduced  the  Princess  Royal,  and  the  General  imm=
ediately=20
led  her  to  his  elegant  little  sofa,  which  we  took  with  us,  and =
 with  much  politeness=20
sat  himself  down  beside  her.  Then,  rising  from  his  seat,  he  went=
  through  his=20
various  performances,  and  the  Queen  handed  Tnim  an  elegant  and  co=
stly  souvenir,=20
which  had  been  expressly  made  for  him  by  her  order,  for  which,  =
he  told  her,=20
"  he  was  very  much  obliged,  and  would  keep  it  as  long  as  he  l=
ived."  The  Queen=20
of  the  Belgians  (daughter  of  Louis  Philippe)  was  present  on  this =
 occasion.  She=20
asked  the  General  where  he  was  going  when  he  left  London?=20

"  To  Paris,"  he  replied.=20

"  Whom  do  you  expect  to  see  there  ? "  she  continued.=20

Of  course  all  expected  he  would  answer,  "the  King  of  the  French,=
"  but  the=20
little  fellow  replied,=20

"  Monsieur  Guillaudeu."=20

The  two  Queens  looked  inquiringly  to  me,  and  when  I  informed  the=
m  that  M.=20
Gillaudeu  was  my  French  naturalist,  who  had  preceded  me  to  Paris,=
  they  laughed=20
most  heartily.=20

On  our  third  visit  to  Buckingham  Palace,  Leopold,  King  of  the  Be=
lgians,  was=20
also  present.  He  was  highly  pleased,  and  asked  a  multitude  of  qu=
estions.  Queen=20
Victoria  desired  the  General  to  sing  a  song,  and  asked  him  what =
 song  he  preferred=20
to  sing.=20

"Yankee  Doodle,"  was  the  prompt  reply.=20

This  answer  was  as  unexpected  to  me  as  it  was  to  the  royal  par=
ty.  When  the=20
merriment  it  occasioned  had  somewhat  subsided,  the  Queen  gopd-humor=
edly=20
remarked, ' '  That  is  a  very  pretty  song,  General,  sing  it,  if  y=
ou  please. "  The  General=20
complied,  and  soon  afterwards  we  retired.  I  ought  to  add,  that  a=
fter  each  of  our=20
three  visits  to  Buckingham  Palace,  a  very  handsome  sum  was  sent  =
to  me,  of=20
course  by  the  Queen's  command.  This,  however,  was  the  smallest  pa=
rt  of  the=20
advantage  derived  from  these  interviews,  as  will  be  at  once  appar=
ent  to  all  who=20
consider  the  force  of  Court  example  in  England.=20

The  British  public  were  now  fairly  excited.  Not  to  have  seen  Gen=
eral  Tom=20
Thumb  was  decidedly  unfashionable,  and  from  March  20th  until  July =
 20th,  the=20
levees  of  the  little  General,  at  Egyptian  Hall,  were  continually  =
crowded,  the=20
receipts  averaging  during  the  whole  period  about  five  hundred  doll=
ars  per  day,=20
and  sometimes  going  considerably  beyond  that  sum.  At  the  fashionab=
le  hour,=20
sixty  carriages  of  the  nobility  have  been  counted  at  one  time  st=
anding  in  front=20
of  our  exhibition  rooms  in  Piccadilly.=20

Portraits  of  the  little  General  were  published  in  all  the  pictori=
al  papers  of  the=20
time.  Polkas  and  quadrilles  were  named  after  him,  and  songs  were =
 sung  in  his=20


78  GENERAL  TOM  THUMB   IN  ENGLAND.=20

praise.  He  was  an  almost  constant  theme  for  the  London  Punch,  wh=
ich  served=20
up  the  General  and  myself  so  daintily  that  it  no  doubt  added  va=
stly  to  our=20
receipts.=20

Besides  his  three  public  performances  per  day,  the  little  General =
 attended  three=20
or  four  private  parties  per  week,  for  which  we  were  paid  eight  =
to  ten  guineas  each.=20
Frequently  we  would  visit  two  parties  in  the  same  evening,  and  t=
he  demand  in=20
that  line  was  much  greater  than  the  supply.  The  Queen  Dowager  Ad=
elaide=20
requested  the  General's  attendance  at  Marlborough  House  one  afterno=
on.  He=20
went  in  his  court  dress,  consisting  of  a  richly  embroidered  brown=
  silk-velvet  coat=20
and  short  breeches,  white  satin  vest  with  fancy  colored  embroidery=
,  white  silk=20
stockings  and  pumps,  wig,  bagwig,  cocked  hat,  and  a  dress  sword.=
=20

"  Why,  General,"  said  the  Queen  Dowager,  "  I  think  you  look  ver=
y  smart=20
to-day."=20

"  I  guess  I  do,"  said  the  General  complacently.=20

A  large  party  of  the  nobility  were  present.  The  old  DuKe  of  Cam=
bridge=20
offered  the  little  General  a  pinch  of  snuff,  which  he  declined.  =
The  General  sang=20
his  songs,  performed  his  dances,  and  cracked  his  jokes,  to  the  g=
reat  amusement=20
and  delight  of  the  distinguished  circle  of  visitors.=20

"Dear  little  General,"  said  the  kind-hearted  Queen,  taking  him  upo=
n  her  lap,=20
"  I  see  you  have  got  no  watch.  Will  you  permit  me  to  present  =
you  with  a  watch=20
and  chain* "=20

"I  would  like  them  very  much,"  replied  the  General,  bis  eyes  gli=
stening  with=20
joy  as  he  spoke.=20

"I  will  have  them  made  expressly  for  you,"  responded  the  Queen  D=
owager;=20
and  at  the  same  moment  she  called  a  friend  and  desired  him  to  =
see  that  the=20
proper  order  was  executed.  A  few  weeks  thereafter  we  were  called =
 again  to=20
Marlborough  House.  A  number  of  the  children  of  the  nobility  were =
 present,  as=20
well  as  some  of  their  parents.  After  passing  a  few  compliments  w=
ith  the=20
General,  Queen  Adelaide  presented  him  with  a  beautiful  little  gold=
  watch,  placing=20
the  chain  around  his  neck  with  her  own  Via"d,s,=20

After  giving  his  performances,  we  withdrew  from  the  royal  presence=
,  and  the=20
elegant  little  watch  presented  by  the  hands  of  Her  Majesty  the  Q=
ueen  Dowager=20
was  not  only  duly  heralded,  but  was  also  placed  upon  a  pedestal =
 in  the  hall  of=20
exhibition,  together  with  the  presents  from  Queen  Victoria,  and  co=
vered  with  a=20
glass  vase.  These  presents,  to  which  were  soon  added  an  elegant  =
gold  snuff-box=20
mounted  with  turquois,  presented  by  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Devonsh=
ire,  and=20
many  other  costly  gifts  of  the  nobility  and  gentry,  added  to  the=
  attractions  of=20
the  exhibition.  The  Duke  of  Wellington  called  frequently  to  see  t=
he  little  General=20
at  his  public  levees.  The  first  time  he  called,  the  General  was =
 personating  Napo-=20
leon Bonaparte,  marching  up  and  down  the  platform,  and  apparently  =
taking=20
snuff  in  deep  meditation.  He  was  dressed  in  the  well-known  unifor=
m  of  the=20
Emperor.  I  introduced  him  to  the  "  Iron  Duke,"  who  inquired  the =
 subject  of  his=20
meditations.  "I  was  thinking  of  the  loss  of  the  battle  of  Waterl=
oo,"  was  the=20
little  General's  immediate  reply.  This  display  of  wit  was  chronicl=
ed  throughout=20
the  country,  and  was  of  itself  worth  thousands  of  pounds  to  the =
 exhibition.*=20

General  Tom  Thumb  had  visited  the  King  of  Saxony  and  also  Ibrahi=
m  Pacha=20
who  was  then  in  London.  At  the  different  parties  we  attended,  we=
  met,  in  the=20
course  of  the  season,  nearly  all  of  the  nobility.  Scarcely  a  nob=
leman  in  England=20
failed  to  see  General  Tom  Thumb  at  his  own  house,  at  the  house =
 of  a  friend,  or  at=20

*  See  niostration  page  168.=20


GENERAL  TOM   THUMB    IN   ENGLAND.  79=20

the  public  levees  at  Egyptian  Hall  The  General  was  a  decided  pet=
  with  some  of=20
the  first  personages  in  the  land,  among  whom  may  be  mentioned  Si=
r  Robert  and=20
Lady  Peel,  the  Duke  and  Duchess  of  Buckingham,  Duke  of  Bedford,  =
Duke  of=20
Devonshire,  Count  d'Orsay,  Lady  Blessington,  Daniel  O'Connell,  Lord =
 Adolphus=20
Fitzclarence,  Lord  Chesterfield,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joshua  Bates,  of  the=
  firm  of  Baring=20
Brothers  &  Co.,  and  many  other  persons  of  distinction.  We  had=
  the  free  entree  to=20
all  the  theaters,  public  gardens,  and  places  of  entertainment,  and=
  frequently  met=20
the  principal  artists,  editors,  poets,  and  authors  of  the  country.=
  Albert  Smith=20
wrote  a  play  for  the  General  entitled  "  Hop  o'  my  Thumb,"  which=
  was  presented=20
with  great  success  at  the  Lyceum  Theater,  London,  and  in  several =
 of  the  provin-=20
cial theaters.  Our  visit  in  London  and  tour  through  the  provinces =
 were  enor-=20
mously successful,  and  after  a  brilliant  season  in  Great  Britain  I=
  made  preparations=20
to  take  the  General  to  Paris.=20


CHAPTER  XII.=20

IN    FKAKCE.=20

BEFORE  taking  the  little  General  and  party  to  Paris,  1  went  over=
  alone  to=20
arrange  the  preliminaries  for  our  campaign  in  that  city.=20

I  was  very  fortunate  in  making  the  acquaintance  of  Mr.  Dion  Bouc=
icault,  who=20
was  then  temporarily  sojourning  in  that  city,  and  who  at  once  ki=
ndly  volunteered=20
to  advise  and  assist  me  in  regard  to  numerous  matters  of  importa=
nce  relating  to=20
the  approaching  visit  of  the  General.  He  spent  a  day  with  me  in=
  the  search  for=20
suitable  accommodations  for  my  company,  and  by  giving  me  the  bene=
fit  of  his=20
experience,  he  saved  me  much  trouble  and  expense.  I  have  never  f=
orgotten  the=20
courtesy  extended  to  me  by  this  gentleman.=20

I  hired,  at  a  large  rent,  the  Salle  Musard,  Rue  Vivienne.  I  mad=
e  the  most=20
complete  arrangements,  even  to  starting  the  preliminary  paragraphs  =
in  the  Paris=20
papers;  and  after  calling  on  the  Honorable  William  Rufus  King,  th=
e  United=20
States  Minister  at  the  Court  of  France,  who  assured  me  that,  aft=
er  my  success=20
in  London,  there  would  be  no  difficulty  whatever  in  my  presentati=
on  to  King=20
Louis  Philippe,  I  returned  to  England.=20

I  went  back  to  Paris  with  General  Tom  Thumb  and  party  some  time=
  before  1=20
intended  to  begin  my  exhibitions,  and  on  the  very  day  after  my  =
arrival  I  received=20
a  special  command  to  appear  at  the  Tuileries  on  the  following  Su=
nday  evening.=20

At  the  appointed  hour  the  General  and  I,  arrayed  in  the  conventi=
onal  court=20
costume,  were  ushered  into  a  grand  saloon  of  the  palace,  where  w=
e  were  intro-=20
duced to  the  King,  the  Queen,  Princess  Adelaide,  the  Duchess  d'Orl=
eans  and  her=20
son,  the  Count  de  Paris,  Prince  de  Joinville,  Duke  and  Duchess  d=
e  Nemours,  the=20
Duchess  d'Aumale,  and  a  dozen  or  more  distinguished  persons,  among=
  whom  was=20
the  editor  of  the  official  Journal  des  Debate.  General  Tom  Thumb =
 went  through=20
his  various  performances  to  the  manifest  pleasure  of  all  who  were=
  present,  and  at=20
the  close  the  King  presented  to  him  a  large  emerald  brooch  set  =
with  diamonds.=20
The  General  expressed  his  gratitude,  and  the  King,  turning  to  me,=
  said:  "You=20
may  put  it  on  the  General,  if  you  please,"  which  I  did,  to  the=
  evident  gratifica-=20
tion of  the  King  as  well  as  the  General.=20

King  Louis  Philippe  was  so  condescending  and  courteous,  that  I  fe=
lt  quite  at=20
home  in  the  royal  presence,  and  ventured  upon  a  bit  of  diplomacy=
.  The  Long-=20
champs  celebration  was  coming =E2=80=94 a  day  once  devoted  to  relig=
ious  ceremony,  but=20
now  conspicuous  for  the  display  of  court  and  fashionable  equipages=
  in  the  Champs=20
Elysees  and  the  Bois  des  Boulogne,  and,  as  the  King  was  familiar=
ly  conversing=20
with  me,  I  ventured  to  say  that  I  had  hurried  over  to  Paris  to=
  take  part  in  the=20
Longchamps  display,  and  I  asked  him  if  the  General's  carriage  cou=
ld  not  be  per-=20
mitted to  appear  in  the  avenue  reserved  for  the  court  and  the  di=
plomatic  corps,=20
representing  that  the  General's  small,  but  elegant  establishment,  w=
ith  ite  poniee=20
and  little  coachman  and  footman,  would  be  in  danger  of  damage  in=
  the  general=20
throng,  unless  the  special  privilege  I  asked  was  accorded.=20

The  King  smilingly  turned  to  one  of  the  officers  of  his  househol=
d,  and,  after=20
conversing  with  him  for  a  few  moments,  he  said  to  me  :=20

80=20


IK  FBANCB.  81=20

"  Call  on  the  Prefect  of  Police  to-morrow  afternoon,  and  you  wil=
l  find  a  permit=20
ready  for  you."=20

Our  visit  occupied  two  hours,  and  when  we  went  away  the  General =
 was  loaded=20
with  fine  presents.  The  next  morning  all  the  newspapers  noticed  t=
he  visit,  and=20
the  Journal  des  Debats,  gave  a  minute  account  of  the  interview  a=
nd  of  the  Gen-=20
eral's performances,  taking  occasion  to  say,  in  speaking  of  the  ch=
aracter  parts,=20
that  "there  was  one  costume  which  the  General  wisely  kept  at  the=
  bottom  of=20
his  box"  That  costume,  however =E2=80=94 the  uniform  of  Bonaparte =
=E2=80=94 was  once  exhib-=20
ited, by  particular  request,  as  will  be  seen  anon.=20

Longchamps  day  arrived,  and  among  the  many  splendid  equipages  on  =
the  grand=20
avenue,  none  attracted  more  attention  than  the  superb  little  carri=
age  with  four=20
ponies  and  liveried  and  powdered  coachman  and  footman,  belonging  t=
o  the  Gen-=20
eral, and  conspicuous  in  the  line  of  carriages  containing  the  Amba=
ssadors  to=20
the  Court  of  France.  Thousands  upon  thousands  rent  the  air  with  =
cheers  for=20
"General  Tom  Pouce."*=20

Thus,  before  I  opened  the  exhibition,  all  Paris  knew  that  General=
  Tom  Thumb=20
was  in  the  city.  The  elite  of  the  city  came  to  the  exhibition; =
 the  first  day's=20
receipts  were  5,500  francs,  which  would  have  been  doubled  if  I  c=
ould  have  made=20
room  for  more  patrons.  There  were  afternoon  and  evening  performanc=
es,  and=20
from  that  day  secured  seats,  at  an  extra  price,  were  engaged  in =
 advance  for  the=20
entire  two  months.  The  season  was  more  than  a  success;  it  was  a=
  triumph.=20

It  seemed,  too,  as  if  the  whole  city  was  advertising  me.  The  pa=
pers  were=20
profuse  in  their  praises  of  the  General  and  his  performances.  Fig=
aro,  the  Punch=20
of  Paris,  gave  a  picture  of  an  immense  mastiff  running  away  with=
  the  General's=20
carriage  and  horses  in  his  mouth.  Statuettes  of  "Tom  Pouce"  appea=
red  in  all=20
the  windows,  in  plaster,  Parian,  sugar  and  chocolate;  songs  were  =
written  about=20
Him,  and  his  lithograph  was  seen  everywhere.  A  fine  cafe  on  one =
 of  the  boule-=20
vards, took  the  name  of  "Tom  Pouce, "  and  displayed  over  the  door=
  a  life-size=20
statue  of  the  General.  In  Paris,  as  in  London,  several  eminent  p=
ainters  expressed=20
their  desire  to  paint  his  portrait,  but  the  General's  engagements =
 were  so  pressing=20
that  he  found  little  time  to  sit  to  artists.  All  the  leading  ac=
tors  and  actresses=20
came  to  the  General's  levees,  and  petted  him  and  made  him  many  =
presents.=20
Meanwhile,  the  daily  receipts  continued  to  swell,  and  I  was  compe=
lled  to  take  a=20
cab  to  carry  my  bag  of  silver  home  at  night.=20

We  were  commanded  to  appear  twice  more  at  the  Tuileries,  and  we =
 were  also=20
invited  to  the  palace  on  the  King's  birthday,  to  witness  the  dis=
play  of  fireworks=20
in  honor  of  the  anniversary.  Our  fourth  and  last  visit  to  the  r=
oyal  family  was,  by=20
special  invitation,  at  St.  Cloud.  On  this  one  occasion,  and  by  t=
he  special  request=20
of  the  King,  the  General  personated  Napoleon  Bonaparte  in  full  co=
stume.  Louis=20
Philippe  had  heard  of  the  General  in  this  character,  and  particul=
arly  desired  to=20
see  him;  but  the  affair  was  quite  "on  the  sly,"  and  no  mention =
 was  made  of  it  in=20
the  papers.  We  remained  an  hour,  and,  at  parting,  each  of  the  r=
oyal  company=20
gave  the  General  a  splendid  present,  almost  smothered  him  with  ki=
sses,  wished=20
him  a  safe  journey  through  France,  and  a  long  and  happy  life.  A=
fter  bidding=20
them  adieu,  we  retired  to  another  portion  of  the  palace  to  make =
 a  change  of  the=20
General's  costume,  and  to  partake  of  some  refreshments  which  were =
 prepared  for=20
us.  Half  an  hour  afterwards,  as  we  were  about  leaving  the  palace=
,  we  went=20
through  a  hall  leading  to  the  front  door,  and  in  doing  so,  pass=
ed  the  sitting-room=20
in  which  the  royal  family  were  spending  the  evening.  The  door  wa=
s  open,  and=20

*  See  Illustration,  opposite.=20


82  IN  FBANOB.=20

some  of  them  happening  to  espy  the  General,  called  out  for  him  =
to  come  in=20
and  shake  hands  with  them  once  more.  We  entered  the  apartment,  a=
nd  there=20
found  the  ladies  sitting  around  a  square  table,  each  provided  wit=
h  two  candles,  and=20
every  one  of  them,  including  the  Queen,  was  engaged  in  working  a=
t  embroidery,=20
while  a  young  lady  was  reading  aloud  for  their  edification.  I  am=
  sorry  to  say,  I=20
believe  this  is  a  sight  seldom  seen  in  families  of  the  aristocra=
cy  on  either  side  of=20
the  water.  At  the  church  fairs  in  Paris,  I  had  frequently  seen  =
pieces  of  embroi=20
dery  for  sale,  which  were  labelled  as  having  been  presented  and  =
worked  by  th=C2=AB=20
Duchess  d'Orleans,  Princess  Adelaide,  Duchess  de  Nemours,  and  other=
  titled=20
ladies.=20

During  my  stay  in  Paris,  a  Russian  Prince,  who  had  been  living  =
in  great=20
splendor  in  that  city,  suddenly  died,  and  his  household  and  perso=
nal  effects  were=20
sold  at  auction.  I  attended  the  sale  for  several  days  in  success=
ion,  buying  many=20
articles  of  vertu,  and,  among  others,  a  magnificent  gold  tea-set, =
 and  a  silver  din-=20
ing-service,  and  many  rare  specimens  of  Sevres  china.  These  articl=
es  bore  the=20
initials  of  the  family  name  of  the  Prince,  and  his  own,  "P.  T."=
  thus  damaging=20
the  articles,  so  that  the  silver  and  gold  were  sold  for  their  w=
eight  value  only.  I=20
bought  them,  and  adding  " B."  to  the  "P.  T.,"  had  a  very  fine  =
table  service,  still=20
in  my  possession,  and  bearing  my  own  initials,  "P.  T.  B."=20

After  a  protracted  and  most  profitable  season  we  started  on  a  to=
ur  through=20
France.  We  went  first  to  Rouen,  and  from  thence  to  Toulon,  visit=
ing  all  the=20
intermediate  towns,  including  Orleans,  Nantes,  Brest,  Bordeaux,  wher=
e  I  wit-=20
nessed a  review  by  the  Dukes  de  Nemours  and  d'Aumale,  of  20,000  =
soldiers  who=20
were  encamped  near  the  city.  From  Bordeaux  we  went  to  Toulouse,  =
Montpellier,=20
Nismes,  Marseilles,  and  many  other  less  important  places,  holding  =
levees  for  a=20
longer  or  shorter  time.  While  at  Nantes,  Bordeaux  and  Marseilles, =
 tho  General=20
also  appeared  in  the  theaters  in  his  French  part  of  "  Petit  Pou=
cet,"  a  French  play=20
written  expressly  for  him  in  Paris,  and  performed  with  great  ecla=
t  in  the  theater=20
Vaudeville  in  that  city.=20


OHAPTEK    XIIL=20

IN  BELGIUM.=20

In  crossing  the  border  from  France  into  Belgium,  Professor  Piute, =
 our  inter-=20
preter and  General  Tom  Thumb's  preceptor,  discovered  that  he  had  l=
eft  his  pass-=20
port behind  Him =E2=80=94 at  Lille,  at  Marseilles,  or  elsewhere  in  =
France,  he  could  not  tell=20
where,  for  it  was  a  long  time  since  he  had  been  called  upon  to=
  present  it.=20

When  we  came  to  Courtrai  on  the  Belgian  frontier,  I  managed  to  =
procure  a=20
permit  for  him  which  enabled  him  to  proceed  with  the  party.=20

Brussels  is  Paris  in  miniature  and  is  one  of  the  most  charming  =
cities  I  ever=20
visited.  We  found  elegant  quarters,  and  the  day  after  our  arrival=
  by  command=20
we  visited  King  Leopold  and  the  Queen  at  their  palace.  The  King =
 and  Queen=20
had  already  seen  the  General  in  London,  but  they  wished  to  prese=
nt  him  to  their=20
children  and  to  the  distinguished  persons  whom  we  found  assembled.=
  After  a=20
most  agreeable  hour  we  came  away,  the  General,  as  usual,  receivin=
g  many  fine=20
presents.=20

The  following  day  I  opened  the  exhibition  in  a  beautiful  hall,  w=
hich  on  that=20
day  and  on  every  afternoon  and  evening  while  we  remained  there,  =
was  crowded=20
by  throngs  of  the  first  people  in  the  city.  On  the  second  or  t=
hird  day,  in  the=20
midst  of  the  exhibition,  I  suddenly  missed  the  case  containing  th=
e  valuable  pres-=20
ents the  General  had  received  from  kings,  queens,  noblemen  and  gen=
tlemen,  and=20
instantly  gave  the  alarm;  some  thief  had  intruded  for  the  express=
  purpose  of=20
stealing  these  jewels,  and,  in  the  crowd,  had  been  entirely  succe=
ssful  in  his=20
object.=20

The  police  were  notified,  and  I  offered  2,000  francs  reward  for  =
the  recovery  of=20
the  property.  A  day  or  two  afterwards  a  man  went  into  a  jewelle=
r's  shop  and=20
offered  for  sale,  among  other  things,  a  gold  snuff-box,  mounted  w=
ith  turquoises,=20
and  presented  by  the  Duke  of  Devonshire  to  the  General  The  jewel=
ler,  seeing=20
the  General's  initials  on  the  box,  sharply  questioned  the  man,  wh=
o  became=20
alarmed  and  ran  out  of  the  shop.  An  alarm  was  raised,  and  the  =
man  was  caught.=20
He  made  a  clean  breast  of  it,  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  hour=
s  the  entire  property=20
was  returned,  to  the  great  delight  of  the  General  and  myself.  Wh=
erever  we  ex-=20
hibited afterwards,  no  matter  how  respectable  the  audience,  the  cas=
e  of  presents=20
was  always  carefully  watched.=20

While  I  was  in  Brussels  I  could  do  no  less  than  visit  the  batt=
le-field  of  Waterloo,=20
and  I  proposed  that  our  party  should  be  composed  of  Professor  Pi=
nte,  Mr,  Strat-=20
ton,  father  of  General  Tom  Thumb,  Mr.  II.  G.  Sherman  and  myself.=
=20

We  engaged  a  coach  and  horses  the  night  previous,  and  started  pu=
nctually  at=20
the  hour  appointed.  We  stopped  at  the  neat  little  church  in  the =
 village  of  Wa-=20
terloo, for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  tablets  erected  to  the  m=
emory  of  some=20
of  the  English  who  fell  in  the  contest.  Thence  we  passed  to  the=
  house  in  which=20
the  leg  of  Lord  Uxbridge  (Marquis  of  Anglesey)  was  amputated.  A  =
neat  little=20
monument  in  the  garden  designates  the  spot  where  the  shattered  me=
mber  had=20
been  interred.  In  the  house  is  shown  a  part  of  the  boot  which  =
is  said  to  have=20
once  covered  the  unlucky  lep  T  expressed  a  derire  to  have  a  sma=
ll  piece  of  the=20

S3=20


84  IN  BELGIUM.=20

boot  to  exhibit  in  my  Museum;  the  lady  cut  off,  without  hesitati=
on,  a  slip  three=20
inches  long  by  one  in  width.  I  could  not  help  thinking  that  if =
 the  lady  was  thus=20
liberal  in  dispensing  pieces  of  the  "  identical  boot "  to  all  vi=
sitors,  this  must  have=20
been  about  the  ninety-nine  thousandth  boot  that  had  been  cut  as  =
the  "Simon=20
pure  "  since  1815.=20

Arriving  at  Mont  Saint  Jean,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  groun=
d,  we  were=20
beset  by  some  eighteen  or  twenty  persons,  who  offered  their  servi=
ces  as  guides,=20
to  indicate  the  most  important  localities.  Each  applicant  professed=
  to  know  the=20
exact  spot  where  every  man  had  been  placed  who  had  taken  part  i=
n  the  battle,=20
and  each,  of  course,  claimed  to  have  been  engaged  in  that  sangui=
nary  contest,=20
although  it  had  occurred  thirty  years  before,  and  some  of  these  =
fellows  were=20
only,  it  seemed,  from  twenty-five  to  twenty-eight  years  of  age  ! =
 We  accepted=20
an  old  man,  who,  at  first  declared  that  he  was  killed  in  the  b=
attle,  but,  perceiving=20
our  looks  of  incredulity,  consented  to  modify  his  statement  so  fa=
r  as  to  assert=20
that  he  was  horribly  wounded,  and  lay  upon  the  ground  three  days=
  before  receiv-=20
ing assistance.=20

Once  upon  the  ground,  our  guide,  with  much  gravity,  pointed  out  =
the  place=20
where  the  Duke  of  Wellington  took  his  station  during  a  great  par=
t  of  the  action;=20
the  locality  where  the  reserve  of  the  British  army  was  stationed;=
  the  spot  where=20
Napoleon  placed  his  favorite  guard;  the  little  mound  on  which  was=
  erected  a  tem-=20
porary observatory  for  his  use  during  the  battle ;  the  portion  of =
 the  field  at  which=20
Blucher  entered  with  the  Prussian  army;  the  precise  location  of  t=
he  Scotch=20
Greys;  the  spot  where  fell  Sir  Alexander  Gordon,  Lieut.  CoL  Canni=
ng,  and  many=20
others  of  celebrity.  I  asked  him  if  he  could  tell  me  where  Capt=
ain  Tippitiwichet,=20
of  the  Connecticut  Fusileers,  was  killed.  "Oui,  Monsieur,"  he  repl=
ied,  with  per-=20
fect confidence,  for  he  felt  bound  to  know,  or  to  pretend  to  kno=
w,  every  particu-=20
lar. He  then  proceeded  to  point  out  exactly  the  spot  where  my  un=
fortunate=20
Connecticut  friend  had  breathed  his  last.  After  indicating  the  loc=
ations  where=20
some  twenty  more  fictitious  friends  from  Coney  Island,  New  Jersey,=
  Cape  Cod  and=20
Saratoga  Springs,  had  given  up  the  ghost,  we  handed  him  his  comm=
ission  and=20
declined  to  give  him  further  trouble.=20

Upon  quitting  the  battle-field  we  were  accosted  by  a  dozen  person=
s  of  both  sexes=20
with  baskets  on  their  arms  or  bags  in  their  hands,  containing  re=
lics  of  the  battle=20
for  sale.  These  consisted  of  a  great  variety  of  implements  of  wa=
r,  pistols,  bul-=20
lets, etc.,  besides  brass  French  eagles,  buttons,  etc.  I  purchased =
 a  number  of  them=20
for  the  Museum,  and  Stratton  was  equally  liberal  in  obtaining  a  =
supply  for  his=20
friends  in  "  Old  Bridgeport."  We  also  purchased  maps  of  the  batt=
le-ground,  pic=20
tures  of  the  triumphal  mound  surmounted  by  the  colossal  Belgic  Li=
on  in  bronze,=20
etc.,  etc.  These  frequent  and  renewed  taxations  annoyed  Stratton  v=
ery  much,=20
and,  as  he  handed  out  a  five  franc  piece  -for  a  ' '  complete  g=
uide-book, "  he  remarked,=20
that  "  he  guessed  the  battle  of  Waterloo  had  cost  a  darned  sigh=
t  more  since  it=20
was  fought  than  it  did  before  ! "=20

But  his  misfortunes  did  not  terminate  here.  When  we  had  proceeded=
  four  or=20
rtve  miles  upon  our  road  home,  crash  went  the  carriage.  We  aligh=
ted,  and  found=20
that  the  axle-tree  was  broken.  It  was  now  a  quarter  past  one  o'=
clock.  The  little=20
General's  exhibition  was  advertised  to  commence  in  Brussels  at  two=
  o'clock,  and=20
could  not  take  place  without  us.  We  were  unable  to  walk  the  dis=
tance  in  double=20
the  time  at  our  disposal,  and,  as  no  carriage  was  to  be  got  in=
  that  part  of  the=20
country,  I  concluded  to  take  the  matter  easy,  and  forego  all  ide=
a  of  exhibiting=20
before  evening.  Stratton,  however,  could  not  bear  tLv  thought  of  =
losing  the=20
chance  of  taking  in  six  or  eight  hundred  francs,  and  he  determin=
ed  to  take  mat-=20


IK  BELGIUM.  85=20

ters  in  band,  in  order,  if  possible,  to  get  our  party  into  Brus=
sels  in  time  to  save=20
the  afternoon  exhibition.  He  hastened  to  a  farm-house,  accompanied =
 by  the  in-=20
terpreter, Professor  Pinte,  Sherman  and  myself  leisurely  .bringing  u=
p  the  rear.=20
Stratton  asked  the  old  farmer  if  he  had  a  carriage.  He  had  not.=
  "  Have  you  no=20
vehicle  ? "  he  inquired.=20

'  'Yes,  I  have  that  vehicle, "  he  replied,  pointing  to  an  old  c=
art  filled  with  manure,=20
and  standing  in  his  barnyard.*=20

"  Thunder  !  is  that  all  the  conveyance  you  have  got  ?"  asked  S=
tratton,  Being=20
assured  that  it  was,  Stratton  concluded  that  it  was  better  to  ri=
de  in  a  manure-cart=20
than  not  to  get  to  Brussels  in  time.=20

"  What  will  you  ask  to  drive  us  to  Brussels  in  three-quarters  o=
f  an  hour  ? "  de-=20
manded Stratton.=20

"  It  is  impossible,"  replied  the  farmer;  "  I  should  want  two  ho=
urs  for  my  horse=20
to  do  it  in."=20

"  But  ours  is  a  very  pressing  case,  and  if  we  are  not  there  i=
n  time  we  lose  more=20
than  five  hundred  francs,"  said  Stratton.=20

The  old  farmer  pricked  up  his  ears  at  this,  and  agreed  to  get  =
us  to  Brussels  in  an=20
hour,  for  eighty  francs.  Stratton  tried  to  beat  him  down,  but  it=
  was  of  no  use.=20

"  Oh,  go  it,  Stratton,"  said  Sherman;  "eighty  francs  you  know  is=
  only  sixteen=20
dollars,  and  you  will  probably  save  a  hundred  by  it,  for  I  expe=
ct  a  full  house  at=20
our  afternoon  exhibition  to-day."=20

"  But  I  have  already  spent  about  ten  dollars  for  nonsense,"  said=
  Stratton,  "  and=20
we  shall  have  to  pay  for  the  broken  carriage  besides."=20

"But  what  can  you  do  better?"  chimed  in  Professor  Pinte.=20

"It  is  an  outrageous  extortion  to  charge  sixteen  dollars  for  an  =
old  horse  and=20
cart  to  go  ten  miles.  Why,  in  old  Bridgeport  I  could  get  it  do=
ne  for  three  dollars, "=20
replied  Stratton,  in  a  tone  of  vexation.=20

"  It  is  the  custom  of  the  country,"  said  Professor  Pinbe,  "  and=
  we  must  submit=20
to  it."=20

"Well,  it's  a  thundering  mean  custom,  any  how,"  said  Stratton,  "a=
nd  I  won't=20
stand  such  imposition."=20

"But  what  shall  we  do?"  earnestly  inquired  Mr.  Pinte.  "It  may  be=
  a  high=20
price,  but  it  is  better  to  pay  that  than  to  lose  our  afternoon =
 performance  and  five=20
or  six  hundred  francs."=20

This  appeal  to  the  pocket  touched  Stratton's  feelings;  so,  submitt=
ing  to  the  extor-=20
tion, he  replied  to  our  interpreter,  "  Well,  tell  the  old  robber =
 to  dump  his  dung-=20
cart  as  soon  as  possible,  or  we  shall  lose  half  an  hour  in  sta=
rting."=20

The  cart  was  "  dumped"  and  a  large,  lazy-looking  Flemish  horse  w=
as  attached=20
to  it  with  a  rope  harness.  Some  boards  were  laid  across  the  car=
t  for  seats,  the=20
party  tumbled  into  the  rustic  vehicle,  a  red-haired  boy,  son  of  =
the  old  farmer,=20
mounted  the  horse,  and  Stratton  gave  orders  to  "  get  along."  "  =
Wait  a  moment,'=20
said  the  farmer,  "  you  have  not  paid  me  yet."  "  I'll  pay  your =
 boy  when  we  get  to=20
Brussels,  provided  he  gets  there  within  the  hour,"  replied  Stratto=
n.=20

"  Oh,  he  is  sure  to  get  there  in  an  hour,"  said  the  farmer,  "=
  but  I  can't  let  him=20
go  unless  you  pay  in  advance."  The  minutes  were  flying  rapidly,  =
the  anticipated=20
loss  of  the  day  exhibition  of  General  Tom  Thumb  flitted  before  h=
is  eyes,  and=20
Stratton,  in  very  desperation,  thrust  his  hand  into  his  pocket  an=
d  drew  forth=20
sixteen  five-franc  pieces,  which  he  dropped,  one  at  a  time,  into =
 the  hand  of  the=20
farmer,  and  then  called  out  to  the  boy,  "There  now,  do  try  to  =
see  if  you  can  go=20
ahead."=20

*  See  Illustration,  opposite.=20


86  TX    BELGIUM.=20

The  boy  did  go  ahead,  but  it  was  with  each  a  snail's  pace  that=
  it  would  have=20
puzzled  a  man  of  tolerable  eyesight  to  have  determined  whether  th=
e  horse  was=20
moving  or  standing  stilL  To  make  it  still  more  interesting,  it  c=
ommenced  raining=20
furiously.  As  we  had  left  Brussels  in  a  coach,  and  the  morning  =
bad  promised  us=20
a  pleasant  day,  we  had  omitted  our  umbrellas.  We  were  soon  soake=
d  to  the  skin.=20
We  "grinned  and  bore  it"  awhile  without  grumbling.  At  length  Stra=
tton,  who=20
was  almost  too  angry  to  speak,  desired  Mr.  Pinte  to  ask  the  red=
-haired  boy  if  he=20
expected  to  walk  his  horse  all  the  way  to  Brussels.=20

"Certainly,"  replied  the  boy;  "he  is  too  big  and  fat  to  do  anyt=
hing  but  walk.=20
We  never  trot  him."=20

Stratton  was  terrified  as  he  thought  of  the  loss  of  the  day  exh=
ibition;  and  he=20
cursed  the  boy,  the  cart,  the  rain,  the  luck,  and  even  the  batt=
le  of  Waterloo  itself.=20
But  it  was  all  of  no  use,  the  horse  would  not  run,  but  the  ra=
in  did =E2=80=94 down  our=20
backs.=20

At  two  o'clock,  the  time  appointed  for  our  exhibition,  we  were  y=
et  some  seven=20
miles  from  Brussels.  The  horse  walked  slowly  and  philosophically  t=
hrough  the=20
pitiless  storm,  the  steam  majestically  rising  from  the  old  manure-=
cart,  to  the  no=20
small  disturbance  of  our  unfortunate  olfactories.  "  It  will  take  =
two  hours  to  get=20
to  Brussels  at  this  rate,"  growled  Stratton.  "  Oh,  no,"  replied  =
the  boy,  "  it  will=20
Duly  take  about  two  hours  from  the  time  we  started  "=20

"  But  your  father  agreed  to  g=C2=ABt  us  there  in  an  hour,"  answ=
ered  Stratton.=20

" I  know  it,"  responded  the  boy,  " but  he  knew  it  would  take  mo=
re  than  two."=20

" I'll  sue  him  for  damage,  by  thunder! "  said  Stratton.=20

"Oh,  there  would  be  no  use  in  that,"  chimed  in  Mr.  Pinte,  "for =
 you  could  get=20
no  satisfaction  in  this  country."=20

"But  I  shall  lose  more  than  a  hundred  dollars  by  being  two  hour=
s  instead  of=20
one,"  said  Stratton.=20

"They  care  nothing  about  that;  all  they  care  for  is  your  eighty =
 francs,"=20
remarked  Pinte.=20

"But  they  have  lied  and  swindled  me,"  replied  Stratton.=20

"Oh,  you  must  not  mind  that,  it  is  the  custom  of  the  country."=
=20

All  things  will  finally  have  an  end,  and  our  party  did  at  lengt=
h  actually  arrive=20
in  Brussels,  cart  and  all,  in  precisely  two  hours  and  a  half  fr=
om  the  time  we  left=20
the  farmer's  house.  Of  course  we  were  too  late  to  exhibit  the  l=
ittle  General.=20
Hundreds  of  visitors  had  gone  away  disappointed.=20

Several  months  subsequent  to  our  visit  to  Waterloo,  I  was  in  Bir=
mingham,  and=20
there  made  the  acquaintance  of  a  firm  who  manufactured  to  order, =
 and  sent  to=20
Waterloo,  barrels  of  "relics"  every  year.  At  Waterloo  these  "relic=
s"  are=20
planted,  and  in  due  time  dug  up,  and  sold  at  large  prices  as  p=
recious  remem-=20
brances of  the  great  battle.  Our  Waterloo  pin-chases  looked  rather =
 cheap  after=20
this  discovery.=20


CHAPTER  XIV.=20

IN   ENGLAND  AGAIN.=20

IN  London  the  General  again  opened  his  levees  in  Egytian  Hall  wi=
th  increased=20
success.  His  unbounded  popularity  on  the  Continent,  and  his  recept=
ions  by  King=20
Louis  Philippe,  of  France,  and  King  Leopold,  of  Belgium,  had  adde=
d  greatly  to=20
his  prestige  and  fame.  Those  who  had  seen  him  when  he  was  in  L=
ondon  months=20
before,  came  to  see  him  again,  and  new  visitors  crowded  by  thous=
ands  to  the=20
General's  levees.=20

Besides  giving  these  daily  entertainments,  the  General  appeared  occ=
asionally=20
for  an  hour,  during  the  intermissions,  at  some  place  in  the  subu=
rbs;  and  for  a=20
long  time  he  appeared  every  day  at  the  Surrey  Zoological  Gardens,=
  under  the=20
direction  of  the  proprietor,  my  particular  friend,  Mr.  W.  Tyler.  =
This  place=20
subsequently  became  celebrated  for  its  great  music  hall,  in  which =
 Spurgeon,  the=20
sensational  preacher,  first  attained  his  notoriety.  The  place  was  =
always  crowded,=20
and  when  the  General  had  gone  through  with  his  performances  on  t=
he  little  stage,=20
in  order  that  all  might  see  him,  he  was  put  into  a  balloon,  wh=
ich,  secured  by=20
ropes,  was  then  passed  around  the  ground,  just  above  the  people's=
  heads.  Some=20
forty  men  managed  the  ropes  and  prevented  the  balloon  from  rising=
 ;  but, '  one=20
day,  a  sudden  gust  of  wind  took  the  balloon  fairly  out  of  the  =
hands  of  half  the=20
men  who  had  hold  of  the  ropes,  while  others  were  lifted  from  th=
e  ground,  and=20
had  not  an  alarm  been  instantly  given,  which  called  at  least  two=
  hundred  to  the=20
rescue,  the  little  General  would  have  been  lost.=20

In  October,  1844,  I  made  my  first  return  visit  to  the  United  St=
ates,  leaving=20
General  Tom  Thumb  in  England,  in  the  hands  of  an  accomplished  an=
d  faithful=20
agent.  One  of  the  principal  reasons  for  my  return  at  this  time, =
 was  my  anxiety=20
to  renew  the  Museum  building  lease,  although  my  first  lease  of  f=
ive  years  had=20
still  three  years  longer  to  run.=20

Having  completed  my  business  arrangements  in  New  York,  I  returned =
 to  Eng-=20
land with  my  wife  and  daughters,  and  hired  a  house  in  London.  My=
  house  was=20
the  scene  of  constant  hospitality,  which  I  extended  to  my  numerou=
s  friends  in=20
return  for  the  many  attentions  shown  to  me.  It  seemed  then  as  i=
f  I  had  more  and=20
stronger  friends  in  London  than  in  New  York.  I  had  met  and  had =
 been  introduced=20
to  "almost  everybody  who  was  anybody,"  and  among  them  all,  some  =
of  the=20
best  soon  became  to  me  much  more  than  mere  acquaintances.=20

Among  the  distinguished  people  whom  I  met,  I  was  introduced  to  t=
he  poet-=20
banker,  Samuel  Rogers.  I  saw  him  at  a  dinner  party  at  the  resid=
ence  of  the=20
American  Minister,  the  Honorable  Edward  Everett.  As  we  were  going =
 in  to=20
dinner,  I  stepped  aside,  so  that  Mr.  Rogers  who  was  tottering  al=
ong  leaning  on=20
the  arm  of  a  friend,  could  go  in  before  me,  when  Mr.  Rogers  sa=
id:=20

"Pass  in,  Mr.  Barnum,  pass  in;  I  always  consider  it  an  honor  to=
  follow  au=20
American."=20

When  our  three  months'  engagement  at  Egytian  Hall  had  expired,  I =
 arranged=20
for  a  protracted  provincial  tour  through  Great  Britain.  I  had  mad=
e  a  flying=20
=E2=80=A2digit  to  Scotland  before  we  went  to  Paris =E2=80=94 mainly =
 to  procure  the  beautiful  Scotch=20

87=20


88  IN  ENGLAND  AGAIN.=20

costumes,  daggers,  etc.,  which  \rere  carefully  made  for  the  Genera=
l  at  Edinburgh,=20
and  to  teach  the  General  the  Scotch  dances,  with  a  bit  of  the  =
Scotch  dialect,=20
which  added  so  much  to  the  interest  of  his  exhibitions  in  Paris =
 and  elsewhere.=20
My  second  visit  to  Scotland,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  exhibition=
s,  extended  as=20
far  as  Aberdeen.=20

In  England  we  went  to  Manchester,  Birmingham,  and  to  almost  every=
  city,  town=20
and  even  village  of  importance.  We  traveled  by  post  much  of  the =
 time =E2=80=94 that  is,  I=20
had  a  suitable  carriage  made  for  my  party,  and  a  van  which  conv=
eyed  the  Gen-=20
eral's carriage,  ponies,  and  such  other  "property"  as  was  needed  f=
or  our  levees.=20
This  mode  of  traveling  was  not  only  very  comfortable  and  independ=
ent,  but  it=20
enabled  us  to  visit  many  out  of  the  way  places,  off  from  the  g=
reat  lines  of  travel,=20
and  in  such  places  we  gave  some  of  our  most  successful  exhibitio=
ns.  We  also=20
used  the  railway  lines  freely,  leaving  our  carriages  at  any  stati=
on,  and  taking=20
them  up  again  when  we  returned.=20

I  remember  once  making  an  extraordinary  effort  to  reach  a  branch-=
line  station,=20
where  I  meant  to  leave  my  teams  and  take  the  rail  for  Rugby.  I=
  had  a  time-=20
table, and  knew  at  what  hour  exactly  I  could  hit  the  train;  but =
 unfortunately  the=20
axle  to  my  carriage  broke,  and,  as  an  hour  was  lost  in  repairin=
g  it,  I  lost  exactly=20
an  hour  in  reaching  the  station.  The  train  had  long  been  gone,  =
and  I  must  be  in=20
Rugby,  where  we  had  advertised  a  performance.  I  stormed  around  ti=
ll  I  found=20
the  superintendent,  and  told  him  "I  must  instantly  have  an  extra =
 train  to=20
Rugby."=20

"Extra  train?"  said  he,  with  surprise  and  a  hall  sneer,  "extra  t=
rain?"  why=20
you  can't  have  an  extra  train  to  Rugby  for  less  than  sixty  poun=
ds."=20

"Is  that  all?"  I  asked;  "well,  get  up  your  train  immediately  and=
  here  are=20
your  sixty  pounds.  What  in  the  world  are  sixty  pounds  to  me,  wh=
en  I  wish  to=20
go  to  Rugby,  or  elsewhere,  in  a  hurry  1 "=20

The  astonished  superintendent  took  the  money,  bustled  about,  and  t=
he  train=20
was  soon  ready.  He  was  greatly  puzzled  to  know  what  distinguished=
  person =E2=80=94=20
he  thought  he  must  be  dealing  with  some  prince,  or,  at  least,  a=
  duke =E2=80=94 was  willing=20
to  give  so  much  money  to  save  a  few  hours  of  time,  and  he  hes=
itatingly  asked=20
whom  he  had  the  honor  of  serving.=20

"General  Tom  Thumb."=20

We  reached  Rugby  in  time  to  give  our  performance,  as  announced,  =
and  our=20
receipts  were  =C2=A3160,  which  quite  covered  the  expense  of  our  e=
xtra  train  and  left  a=20
handsome  margin  for  profit.=20

When  we  were  in  Oxford,  a  dozen  or  more  of  the  students  came  t=
o  the  conclu-=20
sion that,  as  the  General  was  a  little  fellow,  the  admission  fee =
 to  his  entertainments=20
should  be  paid  in  the  smallest  kind  of  money.  They  accordingly  p=
rovided  them-=20
selves with  farthings,  and  as  each  man  entered,  instead  of  handing=
  in  a  shilling=20
for  his  ticket,  he  laid  down  forty-eight  farthings.  The  counting  =
of  these  small=20
coins  was  a  great  annoyance  to  Mr.  Stratton,  the  General's  father=
,  who  was=20
ticket-seller,  and  after  counting  two  or  three  handfuls,  vexed  at =
 the  delay  which=20
was  preventing  a  crowd  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  from  buying  ticket=
s,  Mr.  Strat-=20
ton lost  his  temper  and  cried  out:=20

"Blast  your  quarter-pennies!  I  am  not  going  to  count  them!  you  c=
haps  who=20
haven't  bigger  money  can  chuck  your  copper  into  my  hat  and  walk =
 in,"=20

Mr.  Stratton  was  a  genuine  Yankee,  and  thoroughly  conversant  with =
 the=20
Yankee  vernacular,  which  he  used  freely.  In  exhibiting  the  General=
,  I  often=20
said  to  visitors,  that  Tom  Thumb's  parents,  and  the  rest  of  the =
 family,  were=20
persons  of  the  ordinary  size,  and  that  the  gentleman  who  presided=
  in  the  ticket-=20


PUT  ME  IN  IRONS.=20


See  page     93.=20


IN   ENGLAND   AGAIN.=20

office  was  the  General's  father.  This  made  poor  Stratton  an  objec=
t  of  no  little=20
curiosity,  and  he  was  pestered  with  all  sorts  of  questions;  on  o=
ne  occasion  an  old=20
dowager  said  to  him:=20

"Are  you  really  the  father  of  General  Tom  Thumb?"=20

"  Wa'al,"  replied  Stratton,  " I  have  to  support  him! "=20

This  evasive  answer  is  common  enough  in  New  England,  but  the  lit=
eral  dowa-=20
ger had  her  doubts,  and  promptly  rejoined:=20

"  I  rather  think  he  supports  youl "=20

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  during  my  protracted  stay  abroad  I =
 confined=20
myself  wholly  to  business,  or  limited  my  circle  of  observation  wi=
th  a  golden  rim.=20
To  bo  sure,  I  ever  had  "  an  eye  to  business,"  but  I  had  also =
 two  eyes  for  observa-=20
tion, and  these  were  busily  employed  in  leisure  hours.  I  made  the=
  most  of  my=20
opportunities  and  saw,  hurriedly,  it  is  true,  nearly  everything  wo=
rth  seeing  in=20
the  various  places  which  I  visited.  All  Europe  was  a  great  curio=
sity  shop  to  me,=20
and  I  willingly  paid  my  money  for  the  show.=20

While  in  London,  my  friend  Albert  Smith,  a  jolly  companion,  as  w=
ell  as  a=20
witty  and  sensible  author,  promised  that  when  I  reached  Birmingham=
  he  would=20
come  and  spend  a  day  with  me  in  "sight-seeing,"  including  a  visi=
t  to  the  house=20
in  which  Shakespeare  was  born.=20

Early  one  morning  in  the  autumn  of  1844,  my  friend  Smith  and  my=
self  took=20
the  box-seat  of  an  English  mail-coach,  and  were  soon  whirling  at =
 the  rate  of=20
twelve  miles  an  hour  over  the  magnificent  road  leading  from  Birmi=
ngham  to=20
Stratford.  The  distance  is  thirty  miles.  At  a  little  village  four=
  miles  from=20
Stratford,  we  found  that  the  fame  of  the  bard  of  Avon,  had  trav=
eled  thus  far,=20
for  we  noticed  a  sign  over  a  miserable  barber's  shop,  "  Shakespe=
are  hair-dressing=20
=E2=80=94 a  good  shave  for  a  penny."  In  twenty  minutes  more  we  w=
ere  set  down  at  the=20
door  of  the  Red  Horse  Hotel,  in  Stratford.  The  coachman  and  guar=
d  were  each=20
paid  half  a  crown  as  their  perquisites.=20

While  breakfast  was  preparing,  we  called  for  a  guide-book  to  the =
 town,  and  the=20
waiter  brought  in  a  book,  saying  that  we  should  find  in  it  the =
 best  description=20
extant  of  the  birth  and  burial  place  of  Shakespeare.  I  was  not  =
a  little  proud  to  find=20
this  volume  to  be  no  other  than  the  "Sketch-Book"  of  our  illustr=
ious  country-=20
man, Washington  Irving;  and,  in  glancing  over  his  humorous  descript=
ion  of  the=20
place,  I  discovered  that  he  had  stopped  at  the  same  hotel  where =
 we  were  then=20
awaiting  breakfast.=20

After  examining  the  Shakespeare  House,  as  well  as  the  tomb  and  t=
he  church  in=20
which  all  that  is  mortal  of  the  great  poet  rests,  we  ordered  a =
 post-chaise  for=20
Warwick  Castle.  While  the  horses  were  harnessing,  a  stage-coach  st=
opped  at  the=20
hotel,  and  two  gentlemen  alighted.  One  was  a  sedate,  sensible-look=
ing  man;  the=20
other  an  addle-headed  fop.  The  former  was  mild  and  unassuming  in =
 his  man-=20
ners; the  latter  was  all  talk,  without  sense  or  meaning =E2=80=94 i=
n  fact,  a  regular  Charles=20
Chatterbox.  He  evidently  had  a  high  opinion  of  himself,  and  was  =
determined=20
that  all  within  hearing  should  understand  that  he  was =E2=80=94 som=
ebody.  Presently  the=20
sedate  gentleman  said:=20

"Edward,  this  is  Stratford.  Let  us  go  and  see  the  house  where  S=
hakespeare=20
was  born."=20

"Who  the  devil  is  Shakespeare?"  asked  the  sensible  young  gentleman=
.=20

Our  post-chaise  was  at  the  door;  we  leaped  into  it,  and  were  of=
f,  leaving  the=20
"  nice  young  man  "  to  enjoy  a  visit  to  the  birth-place  of  an  =
individual  of  whom=20
he  had  never  before  heard.  The  distance  to  Warwick  Is  fourteen  m=
iles.  We=20
went  to  the  Castle,  and,  approaching  the  door  of  the  Great  Hall,=
  were  informed=20


90  US'   ENGLAND   AGAIN.=20

by  a  well-dressed  porter  that  the  Earl  of  Warwick  and  family  wer=
e  absent,  and=20
that  he  was  permitted  to  show  the  apartments  to  visitors.  He  int=
roduced  us  suc-=20
cessively into  "The  Bed  Drawing-Room,"  "The  Cedar  Drawing-Room,"  "Th=
e=20
Gilt  Room,"  "The  State  Bed-Room"  " Lady  Warwick's  Boudoir,"  "The  C=
om-=20
pass Room,"  "The  Chapel,"  and  "  The  Great  Dining-Room."  As  we  pas=
sed  out=20
of  the  Castle,  the  polite  porter  touched  his  head  (he  of  course =
 had  no  hat  on  it)=20
in  a  style  which  spoke  plainer  than  words,  "  Half  a  crown  each,=
  if  you  please,=20
gentlemen."  We  responded  to  the  call,  and  were  then  placed  in  ch=
arge  of=20
another  guide,  who  took  us  to  the  top  of  "Guy's  Tower,"  at  the =
 bottom  of  which=20
he  touched  his  hat  a  shilling's  worth;  and  placing  ourselves  in  =
charge  of  a  third=20
conductor,  an  old  man  of  seventy,  we  proceeded  to  the  Greenhouse =
 to  see  the=20
Warwick  Vase =E2=80=94 each  guide  announcing  at  the  end  of  his  sho=
rt  tour :  ' '  Gentlemen,  I=20
go  no  farther,"  and  indicating  that  the  bill  for  his  services  wa=
s  to  be  paid.  The=20
old  gentleman  mounted  a  rostrum  at  the  side  of  the  vase,  and  co=
mmenced  a  set=20
speech,  which  we  began  to  fear  was  interminable;  so,  tossing  him =
 the  usual  fee,=20
we  left  him  in  the  middle  of  his  oration.=20

Passing  through  the  porter's  lodge  on  our  way  out,  under  the  imp=
ression  that=20
we  had  seen  all  that  was  interesting,  the  old  porter  informed  us=
  that  the  most=20
curious  things  connected  with  the  Castle  were  to  be  seen  in  his =
 lodge.  Feeling=20
for  our  coin,  we  bade  him  produce  his  relics,  and  he  showed  us =
 a  lot  of  trumpery,=20
which  he  gravely  informed  us,  belonged  to  that  hero  of  antiquity,=
  Guy,  Earl  of=20
Warwick.  Among  these  were  his  sword,  shield,  helmet,  breast-piate, =
 walking-=20
staff,  and  tilting-pole,  each  of  enormous  size =E2=80=94 the  horse  =
armor,  neariy  large=20
enough  for  an  elephant,  a  large  pot  which  would  hold  seventy  gal=
lons,  called=20
"Guy's  Porridge  Pot,"  his  flesh-fork,  the  size  of  a  farmer's  hay-=
fork,  his  lady's=20
stirrups,  the  rib  of  a  mastodon,  which  the  porter  pretended  belon=
ged  to  the  great=20
"Dun  Cow,"  which,  according  to  tradition,  haunted  a  ditch  near  Co=
ventry,  and,=20
after  doing  injury  to  many  persons,  was  slain  by  the  valiant  Guy=
.  The  sword=20
weighed  nearly  100  pounds,  and  the  armor  200  pounds.=20

I  told  the  old  porter  he  was  entitled  to  great  credit  for  havin=
g  concentrated=20
more  lies  than  I  had  ever  before  heard  in  so  small  a  compass.  =
He  smiled,  and=20
evidently  felt  gratified  by  the  compliment.=20

"  I  suppose,"  I  continued,  "  that  you  have  told  these  marvelous =
 stories  so  often=20
that  you  believe  them  yourself? "=20

"Almost!"  replied  the  porter,  with  a  grin  of  satisfaction  that  sh=
owed  he  was=20
"  up  to  snuff,"  and  had  really  earned  two  shillings.=20

"  Come  now,  old  fellow,"  said  I,  "  what  will  you  take  for  the =
 entire  lot  of  those=20
traps?  I  want  them  for  my  Museum  in  America."=20

"  No  money  would  buy  these  valuable  historical  mementoes  of  a  by=
-gone  age,"=20
replied  the  old  porter,  with  a  leer.=20

"Never  mind,"  I  exclaimed,  'Til  have  them  duplicated  for  my  Museu=
m,  so=20
that  Americans  can  see  them  and  avoid  the  necessity  of  coming  he=
re,  and  in  that=20
way  I'll  burst  up  your  show."=20

Albert  Smith  laughed  immoderately  at  the  astonishment  of  the  porte=
r  when=20
1  made  this  threat,  and  I  was  greatly  amused  some  years  afterwar=
ds,  when=20
Albert  Smith  became  a  successful  showman  and  was  exhibiting  his  '=
 '  Mont  Blanc  "=20
to  delighted  audiences  in  London,  to  discover  that  he  had  introdu=
ced  this  very=20
incident  into  bis  lecture,  of  course,  changing  the  names  and  loca=
lity.  He  often=20
confessed  that  he  derived  his  very  first  idea  of  becoming  a  show=
man  from  my=20
talk  about  the  business  and  my  doings,  on  this  charming  day  when=
  we  visited=20
Warwick.=20


IN   ENGLAND  AGAIN.  91=20

We  returned  to  the  hotel,  took  a  post-chaise,  and  drove  through  =
decidedly  the=20
most  lovely  country  I  ever  beheld.  Since  taking  that  tour,  I  hav=
e  heard  that=20
two  gentlemen  once  made  a  bet,  each  that  he  could  name  the  most=
  delightful  drive=20
in  England.  Many  persons  were  present,  and  each  gentleman  wrote  o=
n  a  separate=20
slip  of  paper  the  scene  which  he  most  admired.  One  gentleman  wro=
te,  "The=20
road  from  Warwick  to  Coventry;"  the  other  had  written,  "The  road =
 from=20
Coventry  to  Warwick."=20

In  less  than  an  hour  we  were  set  down  at  the  outer  walls  of  K=
enilworth  Castle.=20
This  once  noble  and  magnificent  castle  is  now  a  stupendous  ruin, =
 which  has  been=20
so  often  described  that  I  think  it  unnecessary  to  say  anything  a=
bout  it  here.  We=20
spent  half  an  hour  in  examining  the  interesting  ruins,  and  then  =
proceeded  by=20
post-chaise  to  Coventry,  a  distance  of  six  or  eight  miles.  Here  =
we  visited  St.=20
Mary's  Hall,  which  has  attracted  the  notice  of  many  antiquaries.  =
We  also  took=20
our  own  "peep  "  at  the  effigy  of  the  celebrated  "  Peeping  Tom,"=
  after  which  we=20
visited  an  exhibition  called  the  "  Happy  Family,"  consisting  of  a=
bout  two  hun-=20
dred birds  and  animals  of  opposite  natures  and  propensities,  all  l=
i ving  in  harmony=20
together  in  one  cage.  This  exhibition  was  so  remarkable  that  I  b=
ought  it  and=20
hired  the  proprietor  to  accompany  it  to  New  York,  and  it  became =
 an  attractive=20
feature  in  my  Museum.=20

We  took  the  cars  the  same  evening  for  Birmingham,  where  we  arriv=
ed  at  ten=20
o'clock,  Albert  Smith  remarking,  that  never  before  in  his  life  ha=
d  he  accomplished=20
a  day's  journey  on  the  Yankee  go-ahead  principle.  He  afterwards  p=
ublished  a=20
chapter  in  Bentleifx  M.,<juzine  entitled  "  A  Day  with  Bamum,"  =
in  which  he  said=20
we  accomplished  business  with  such  rapidity  that,  \vheu  he  attempt=
ed  to  write  out=20
the  accounts  of  the  day,  he  found  the  whole  thing  so  confused  i=
n  his  brain  that  he=20
came  near  locating  "Peeping  Tom"  in  the  house  of  Shakespeare,  whi=
le  Guy  of=20
Warwick  would  stick  his  head  above  the  ruins  of  Kenilworth,  and  =
the  Warwick=20
Vase  appeared  in  Coventry.=20


CHAPTEE    XV.=20

RETURN   TO   AMERICA.=20

WHILE  I  was  at  Aberdeen,  in  Scotland,  I  met  Anderson,  the  "  Wiz=
ard  of  the=20
North."  I  had  known  him  for  a  long  time,  and  we  were  on  famili=
ar  terms.  He=20
came  to  our  exhibition,  and,  at  the  close,  we  went  to  the  hotel=
  together  to  get  a=20
little  supper.  After  supper  we  were  having  some  fun  and  jokes  to=
gether,  when=20
it  occurred  to  Anderson  to  introduce  me  to  several  persons  who  w=
ere  sitting  in=20
the  room,  as  the  "  Wizard  of  the  North,"  at  the  same  time  aski=
ng  me  about  my=20
tricks  and  my  forthcoming  exhibition.  He  kept  this  up  so  persiste=
ntly  that  some=20
of  our  friends  who  were  present  declared  that  Anderson  was  "too  =
much  for  me,"=20
and,  meanwhile,  fresh  introductions  to  strangers  who  came  in,  had =
 made  me=20
pretty  generally  known  in  that  circle  as  the  "  Wizard  of  the  No=
rth,"  who  was  to=20
astonish  the  town  in  the  following  week.  I  accepted  the  situation=
  at  last,  and=20
said:=20

"  Well,  gentlemen,  as  I  perform  here  for  the  first  time,  on  Mon=
day  evening,  1=20
like  to  be  liberal,  and  I  should  be  very  happy  to  give  orders  =
of  admission  to  those=20
of  you  who  will  attend  my  exhibition."=20

The  applications  for  orders  were  quite  general,  and  I  had  written=
  thirty  or=20
forty,  when  Anderson,  who  saw  that  I  was  in  a  fair  way  of  fill=
ing  his  house  with=20
"  deadheads,"  cried  out:=20

"Hold on!  I  am  the  'Wizard  of  the  North.'  Pll  stand  the  orders  =
already=20
given,  but  not  another  one."=20

Our  friends,  including  the  "  Wizard  "  himself,  began  to  think  th=
at  I  had  rather=20
the  best  of  the  joke.=20

During  our  three  years'  stay  abroad,  I  made  a  second  hasty  visit=
  to  America,=20
leaving  the  General  in  England  in  the  hands  of  my  agents.  I  too=
k  passage  from=20
Liverpool  on  board  a  Cunard  steamer,  commanded  by  Captain  Judkins.=
  One  of=20
my  fellow  passengers  was  the  celebrated  divine,  Robert  Baird,  who =
 had  been  for=20
some  time  a  missionary  in  Sweden,  and  was  now  paying  a  visit  to=
  his  native  land.=20

On  Sunday  divine  service  was  held  as  usual  in  the  large  after-ca=
bin.  Of  course=20
it  was  the  Episcopal  form  of  worship.=20

Those  who  have  witnessed  this  service,  as  conducted  by  Captain  Ju=
dkins,  need=20
not  be  reminded  that  he  does  it  much  as  he  performs  his  duties =
 on  deck.  He=20
speaks  as  one  having  authority ;  and  a  listener  could  hardly  help=
  f  eeling  that  there=20
would  be  some  danger  of  a  "row"  if  the  petitions  (made  as  a  so=
rt  of  command)=20
were  not  speedily  answered.=20

After  dinner  I  asked  Dr.  Baird  if  he  would  be  willing  to  preach=
  to  the  passengers=20
in  the  forward  cabin.  He  said  he  would  cheerfully  do  so  if  it  =
was  desired.  I=20
mentioned  it  to  the  passengers,  and  there  was  a  generally  express=
ed  wish  among=20
them  that  he  should  preach.  I  went  into  the  forward  cabin,  and  =
requested  the=20
steward  to  arrange  the  chairs  and  tables  properly  for  religious  s=
ervice.  He=20
replied  that  I  must  first  get  the  captain's  consent.  Of  course,  =
I  thought  this  was=20
a  mere  matter  of  form;  so  I  went  to  the  captain's  oflice,  and  =
said:=20

"  Captain,  the  passengers  desire  to  have  Dr.  Baird  conduct  a  rel=
igious  service  in=20
the  forward  cabin.  I  suppose  there  is  no  objection."=20

92=20


RETURN  TO  AMERICA.  93=20

'  Decidedly  there  is,"  replied  the  captain,  gruffly;  "  and  it  wi=
ll  not  be  permitted."=20
'  Why  not? "  I  asked,  in  astonishment.=20
'  It  is  against  the  rules  of  the  ship."=20

'  What!  to  have  religious  services  on  board?"=20

"There  have  been  religious  services  once  to-day,  and  that  is  enou=
gh.  If  the=20
passengers  do  not  think  that  is  good  enough,  let  them  go  without=
,"  was  the=20
captain's  hasty  and  austere  reply.=20

"  Captain,"  I  replied,  "  do  you  pretend  to  say  you  will  not  al=
low  a  respectable=20
and  well-known  clergyman  to  offer  a  prayer  and  hold  religious  ser=
vices  on  board=20
your  ship  at  the  request  of  your  passengers?"=20

"  That,  sir,  is  exactly  what  I  say.    So,  now,  let  me  hear  no =
 more  about  it."=20

By  this  time  a  dozen  passengers  were  crowding  around  his  door,  a=
nd  expressing  f=20
their  surprise  at  his  conduct.     I  was  indignant,  and  used  sharp=
  language.=20

"  Well,"  said  I,  "  this  is  the  most  contemptible  thing  I  ever  =
heard  of  on  the  part=20
of  the  owners  of  a  public  passenger  ship.  Their  meanness  ought  t=
o  be  published=20
far  and  wide."=20

"You  had  better  'shut  up,' "  said  Captain  Judkins,  with  great  ste=
rnness.=20

"I  will  not  'shut  up,'  "  I  replied;  "for  this  thing  is  perfectl=
y  outrageous.  In=20
that  out-of-the-way  forward  cabin,  you  allow,  on  week  days,  gambli=
ng,  swearing,=20
smoking  and  singing,  till  late  at  night;  and  yet  on  Sunday  you  =
have  the  impu-=20
dence to  deny  the  privilege  of  a  prayer-meeting,  conducted  by  a  g=
ray-haired  and=20
respected  minister  of  the  gospel.  It  is  simply  infamous  1"=20

Captain  Judkins  turned  red  in  the  face;  and,  no  doubt  feeling  th=
at  he  was=20
"monarch  of  all  he  surveyed,"  exclaimed,  in  a  loud  voice:=20

"  If  you  repeat  such  language,  I  will  put  you  in  irons."  *=20

"Do  it,  if  you  dare,"  said  I,  feeling  my  indignation  rising  rapi=
dly.  "I  dar=C2=AB=20
and  defy  you  to  put  your  finger  on  me.  I  would  like  to  sail  i=
nto  New  York  Har-=20
bor in  handcuffs,  on  board  a  British  ship,  for  the  terrible  crime=
  of  asking  that=20
religious  worship  may  be  permitted  on  board.  So  you  may  try  it  =
as  soon  as  you=20
please  ;  and,  when  we  get  to  New  York,  I'll  show  you  a  touch  =
of  Yankee  ideas=20
of  religious  intolerance."=20

The  captain  made  no  reply  ;  and,  at  the  request  of  friends,  I  =
walked  to  another=20
part  of  the  ship.  I  told  the  doctor  how  the  matter  stood,  and  =
then,  laughingly,=20
said  to  him  :=20

"Doctor,  it  may  be  dangerous  for  you  to  tell  of  this  incident  w=
hen  you  get  on=20
shore  ;  for  it  would  be  a  pretty  strong  draught  upon  the  credul=
ity  of  many  of=20
my  countrymen  if  they  were  told  that  my  zeal  to  hear  an  Orthodo=
x  minister=20
preach  was  so  great  that  it  came  near  getting  me  into  solitary  =
confinement.  But=20
I  am  not  prejudiced,  and  I  like  fair  play."=20

The  old  Doctor  replied:  "Well,  you  have  not  lost  much;  and,  if  =
the  rules -of=20
this  ship  are  so  stringent,  I  suppose  we  must  submit."=20

The  captain  and  myself  had  no  further  intercourse  for  five  or  si=
x  days ;  not=20
until  a  few  hours  before  our  arrival  in  New  York.  Being  at  dinn=
er,  he  sent  his=20
champagne  bottle  to  me,  and  asked  to  "drink  my  health,"  at  the  =
same  time  stat-=20
ing that  he  noped  no  ill  feeling  would  be  carried  ashore.  I  was =
 not  then,  as  I  am=20
now,  a  teetotaler;  so  I  accepted  the  proffered  truce,  and  I  regr=
et  that  I  must  add=20
I  "washed  down"  my  wrath  in  a  bottle  of  Heidsick =E2=80=94 a  poor=
  example,  which  I=20
hope  never  to  repeat.  We  have  frequently  met  since,  and  always  w=
ith  friendly=20
greetings;  but  I  have  ever  felt  that  his  manners  were  unnecessari=
ly  coarse  and=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  88.=20


94  RETURN   TO   AMERICA.=20

offensive  in  carrying  out  an  arbitrary  and  bigoted  rule  of  the  s=
teamship  company.=20

With  the  exception  of  the  brief  time  passed  in  making  two  short =
 visits  to=20
America,  I  had  now  passed  three  years  with  General  Tom  Thumb  in =
 Great  Britain=20
and  on  the  Continent.  The  entire  period  had  been  a  season  of  un=
broken  pleasure=20
and  profit.  1  had  immensely  enlarged  my  business  experiences  and  =
had  made=20
money  and  many  friends.  Among  those  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  s=
pecial=20
courtesies  while  I  was  abroad  are  Dr.  C.  S.  Brewster,  whose  pros=
perous  profes-=20
sional career  in  Russia  and  France  is  well  known,  and  Henry  Sumne=
r,  Esq.,=20
who  occupied  a  high  position  in  the  social  and  literary  circles  =
of  Paris,  and  who=20
introduced  me  to  George  Sand  and  to  many  other  distinguished  pers=
ons.  To  both=20
these  gentlemen,  as  well  as  to  Mr.  John  Nimmo,  an  English  gentle=
man  connected=20
with  Galignani's  Messenger,  Mr.  Lorenzo  Draper,  the  American  Consul=
,  and  Mr.=20
Dion  Boucicault,  I  was  largely  indebted  for  attention.  In  London, =
 two  gentle-=20
men especially  merit  my  warm  acknowledgments  for  many  valuable  favo=
rs.  I=20
refer  to  the  late  Thomas  Brettell,  publisher,  Haymarket;  and  Mr.  =
R.  Fillingham,=20
Jr.,  Fenchurch  street.  1  was  also  indebted  to  Mr.  G.  P.  Putnam, =
 at  that  time  a=20
London  publisher,  for  much  useful  information.=20

We  had  visited  nearly  every  city  and  town  in  France  and  Belgium,=
  all  the=20
principal  places  in  England  and  Scotland,  besides  going  to  Belfast=
  and  Dublin,  in=20
Ireland.  I  had  several  times  met  Daniel  O'Connell  in  private  life=
,  and  in  the=20
Irish  capital  I  heard  him  make  an  eloquent  and  powerful  public  R=
epeal  speech=20
in  Conciliation  HalL  In  Dublin,  after  exhibiting  a  week  in  Rotund=
a  Hall,=20
our  receipts  on  the  last  day  were  =C2=A3261,  or  $1,305,  and  the =
 General  also  received=20
=C2=A350,  or  $250,  for  playing  the  same  evening  at  the  Theater  R=
oyal  Thus  closing  a=20
truly  triumphant  tour,  we  set  sail  for  New  York,  arriving  in  Feb=
ruary,  1847=20

NOTE. =E2=80=94 This  Autobiography  was  originally  written  fifteen  yea=
rs  ago  (1869).=20
On  now  revising  it  in  18$4, 1  am  forcibly  struck  with  the  brevit=
y  and  uncertainty=20
of  human  life.  Every  person  mentioned  on  this  page,  with  the  exc=
eption  of  Mr.=20
Boucicault,  has  passed  away.  My  assistant  museum  manager,  John  Gre=
enwood,=20
Jr. ,  became  a  consul  to  Brunswick,  Germany,  and  died  there  about=
  1872.  An-=20
other valuable  assistant  manager,  Fordyce  Hitchcock,  died  the  presen=
t  year.=20
General  Tom  Thumb  died  at  Middleboro,  Mass.,  July  15,  1883,  aged =
 45>=C2=A3  years.=20
His  parents  are  also  both  deceased.  Minnie  Warren  died  July  23,  =
1878,  aged  2V>=20
years.  Commodore  Nutt  died  May  25,  1881,  aged  33  years.=20


CHAPTER    XVI.=20

AT   HOME.=20

ONE  of  my  main  objects  in  returning  home  at  this  time,  was  to  =
obtain  a  longer=20
lease  of  the  premises  occupied  by  the  American  Museum.  My  lease  =
had  stiL=20
three  years  to  run,  but  Mr.  Olmsted,  the  proprietor  of  the  build=
ing,  was  dead,  and=20
I  was  anxious  to  make  provision  in  time  for  the  perpetuity  of  m=
y  establishment,=20
for  I  meant  to  make  the  Museum  a  permanent  institution  in  the  c=
ity,  and  if  I  could=20
not  renew  my  lease,  I  intended  to  build  an  appropriate  edifice  o=
p  Broadway.  I=20
finally  succeeded,  however,  in  getting  the  lease  of  the  entire  bu=
ilding,  covering=20
fifty-six  feet  by  one  hundred,  for  twenty-five  years,  at  an  annua=
l  rent  of  $10,000=20
and  the  ordinary  taxes  and  assessments.  I  had  already  hired  in  a=
ddition  the=20
upper  stories  of  three  adjoining  buildings.  My  Museum  receipts  wer=
e  more  in=20
one  day,  than  they  formerly  were  in  an  entire  week,  and  the  est=
ablishment  had=20
become  so  popular  that  it  was  thronged  at  all  hours,  from  early =
 morning  to=20
closing  time  at  night.=20

On  my  return,  I  promptly  made  use  of  General  Tom  Thumb's  Europea=
n  reputa-=20
tion. He  immediately  appeared  in  the  American  Museum,  and  for  four=
  weeks  drew=20
such  crowds  of  visitors  as  had  never  been  seen  there  before.  He =
 afterwards  spent=20
a  month  in  Bridgeport,  with  his  kindred.  To  prevent  being  annoyed=
  by  the  curi-=20
ous, who  would  be  sure  to  throng  the  houses  of  his  relatives,  he=
  exhibited  two=20
days  at  Bridgeport,  and  the  receipts,  amounting  to  several  hundred=
  dollars,  were=20
presented  to  the  Bridgeport  Charitable  Society.=20

On  January  1,  1845,  while  in  England,  my  engagement  with  the  Gen=
eral  at  a=20
salary  ceased,  and  we  made  a  new  arrangement  by  which  we  were  e=
qual  partners,=20
the  General,  or  his  father  for  him,  taking  one-half  of  the  profi=
ts.  A  reservation,=20
however,  was  made  of  the  first  four  weeks  after  our  arrival  in  =
New  York,  during=20
which  he  was  to  exhibit  at  my  Museum  for  two  hundred  dollars.  W=
hen  we=20
returned  to  America,  the  General's  father  had  acquired  a  handsome =
 fortune,  and=20
settling  a  large  sum  upon  the  little  General  personally,  he  place=
d  the  balance  at=20
interest,  secured  by  bond  and  mortgage,  excepting  thirty  thousand  =
dollars,  with=20
which  he  purchased  land  near  the  city  limits  of  Bridgeport,  and  =
erected  a  large=20
and  substantial  mansion,  where  he  resided  till  the  day  of  his  de=
ath.=20

After  spending  a  month  in  visiting  his  friends,  it  was  determined=
  that  the=20
General  and  his  parents  should  travel  through  the  United  States.  =
I  agreed  to=20
accompany  them,  with  occasional  intervals  of  rest  at  home,  for  on=
e  year,  sharing=20
the  profits  equally.  We  proceeded  to  Washington  city,  where  the  G=
eneral  held=20
his  levees  in  April,  1847,  visiting  President  Polk  and  lady  at  t=
he  White  House =E2=80=94=20
thence  to  Richmond,  returning  to  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia.  Our  r=
eceipts  in=20
Philadelphia  in  twelve  days  were  $5,594.91.  The  tour  for  the  enti=
re  year  realized=20
about  the  same  average.  The  expenses  were  from  twenty-five  dollars=
  to  thirty=20
dollars  per  day.  From  Philadelphia  we  went  to  Boston,  Lowell,  and=
  Providence.=20
Our  receipts  on  one  day  in  the  latter  city  were  $976.97.  We  the=
n  visited  New=20
Bedford,  Fall  River,  Salem,  Worcester,  Springfield,  Albany,  Troy,  N=
iagara=20
Falls,  Buffalo,  and  intermediate  places,  and  in  returning  to  New  =
York  we  stopped=20

95=20


96  A.T    HOME.=20

at  the  principal  towns  on  the  Hudson  River.    After  this  we  visi=
ted  New  Haven,=20
Hartford,  Portland,  Me.,  and  intermediate  towns.=20

I  was  surprised  to  find  that,  during  my  long  absence  abroad,  I  =
had  become  very=20
much  of  a  curiosity  to  my  patrons.  If  I  showed  myself  about  the=
  Museum  01=20
wherever  else  I  was  known,  1  found  eyes  peering  and  fingers  poin=
ting  at  me,  and=20
could  frequently  overhear  the  remark,  "There's  Barnum."  On  one  occ=
asion  soon=20
after  my  return,  I  was  sitting  in  the  ticket-office  reading  a  ne=
wspaper.  A  man=20
came  and  purchased  a  ticket  of  admission.  "  Is  Mr.  Barnum  in  th=
e  Museum =C2=BB'*=20
he  asked.  The  ticket-seller,  pointing  to  me,  answered,  "This  is  M=
r.  Barnum  "=20
Supposing  the  gentleman  had  business  with  me,  I  looked  up  from  t=
he  paper.  '=E2=80=A2  Is=20
this  Mr.  Barnum  ?"  he  asked.  "  It  is,"  I  replied.  He  stared  at=
  me  for  a  moment,=20
and  then,  throwing  down  his  ticket,  exclaimed,  "It's  all  right;  I=
  have  got  the=20
worth  of  my  money;"  and  away  he  went,  without  going  into  the  Mu=
seum  at  all:=20
In  November,  1847,  we  started  for  Havana  taking  the  steamer  from =
 New  York=20
to  Charleston,  where  the  General  exhibited,  as  well  as  at  Columbi=
a,  Augusta,=20
Savannah,  Milledgeville,  Macon,  Columbus,  Montgomery,  Mobile  and  New=
  Or-=20
leans. At  this  latter  city  we  remained  three  weeks,  including  Chri=
stmas  and=20
New  Year's.  We  arrived  in  Havana  by  the  schooner  Adams  Gray,  in =
 January,=20
1848,  and  were  introduced  to  the  Captain-General  and  the  Spanish  =
nobility.  We=20
remained  a  month  in  Havana  and  Ma.tan7.as,  the  General  proving  an=
  immense=20
favorite.  In  Havana  he  was  the  especial  pet  of  Count  Santovania. =
 In  Matanzas=20
we  were  very  much  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  a  princely  America=
n  merchant,=20
Mr.  Brinckerhoff.  Mr.  J.  S.  Thrasher,  the  American  patriot  and  ge=
ntleman,  was=20
also  of  great  assistance  to  us,  and  placed  me  under  deep  obligat=
ions.=20

The  hotels  in  Havana  are  not  good.  An  American  who  is  accustomed=
  to=20
substantial  living  finds  it  difficult  to  get  enough  to  eat.  We  s=
topped  at  the=20
Washington  House,  which  at  that  time  was  "first-rate  bad."=20

From  Havana  we  went  to  New  Orleans,  where  we  remained  several  da=
ys,  and=20
from  New  Orleans  we  proceeded  to  St.  Louis,  stopping  at  the  prin=
cipal  towns  on=20
the  Mississippi  river,  and  returning  via  Louisville,  Cincinnati,  an=
d  Pittsburgh.=20
We  reached  the  latter  city  early  in  May,  1848.  From  this  point  =
it  was  agreed=20
between  Mr.  Stratton  and  myself,  that  I  should  go  home  and  hence=
forth  travel=20
no  more  with  the  little  General.  I  had  competent  agents  who  coul=
d  exhibit  him=20
without  my  personal  assistance,  and  I  preferred  to  relinquish  a  p=
ortion  of  the=20
profits,  rather  than  continue  to  be  a  traveling  showman.  I  had  n=
ow  been  a=20
straggler  from  home  most  of  the  time  for  thirteen  years,  and  I  =
cannot  describe=20
the  feelings  of  gratitude  with  which  I  reflected,  that  having  by =
 the  most  arduous=20
toil  and  deprivations  succeeded  in  securing  a  satisfactory  competen=
ce,  I  should=20
henceforth  spend  my  days  in  the  bosom  of  my  family.=20

My  new  home,  at  Bridgeport,  Connecticut,  which  was  then  nearly  re=
ady  for=20
occupancy,  was  the  well-known  Iranistan.  More  than  two  years  had  =
been=20
employed  in  building  this  beautiful  residence.=20

I  wished  to  reside  within  a  few  hours  of  New  York.  I  had  never=
  seen  more=20
delightful  locations  than  there  are  upon  the  borders  of  Long  Isla=
nd  Sound,=20
between  New  Rochelle,  New  York,  and  New  Haven,  Connecticut ;  and  =
my  atten-=20
tion was  therefore  turned  in  that  direction.  Bridgeport  seemed  to  =
be  about  the=20
proper  distance  from  the  great  metropolis.  It  is  pleasantly  situat=
ed  at  the  ter-=20
minus of  two  railroads,  which  traverse  the  fertile  valleys  of  the =
 Naugatuck  and=20
Housatonic  rivers.  The  New  York  and  New  Haven  Railroad  runs  throu=
gh  the=20
city,  and  there  is  also  daily  steamboat  communication  with  New  Yo=
rk.  The=20
enterprise  which  characterized  the  city,  seemed  to  mark  it  as  des=
tined  to  become=20


AT   HOME.  9?=20

the  first  in  the  State  in  size  and  opulence ;  and  I  was  not  lo=
ng  in  deciding,  with=20
the  concurrence  of  my  wife,  to  fix  our  future  residence  in  that =
 vicinity.=20

I  accordingly  purchased  seventeen  acres  of  land,  less  than  a  mile=
  west  of  the=20
city,  and  fronting  with  a  good  view  upon  the  Sound.=20

In  visiting  Brighton,  in  England,  I  had  been  greatly  pleased  with=
  the  Pavilion=20
erected  by  George  IV.  It  was  the  only  specimen  of  Oriental  archi=
tecture  in=20
England,  and  the  style  had  not  been  introduced  into  America,  I  c=
oncluded  to=20
adopt  it,  and  engaged  a  London  architect  to  furnish  me  a  set  of=
  dra wings  after=20
the  general  plan  of  the  Pavilion,  differing  sufficiently  to  be  ad=
apted  to  the  spot=20
of  ground  selected  for  my  homestead.  On  my  second  return  visit  t=
o  the  United=20
States,  I  brought  these  drawings  with  me  and  engaged  a  competent =
 architect  and=20
builder,  giving  him  instructions  to  proceed  with  the  work,  not  " =
 by  the  job  "  but=20
"by  the  day,"  and  to  spare  neither  tune  nor  expense  in  erecting =
 a  comfortable,=20
convenient,  and  tasteful  residence.  The  work  was  thus  begun  and  c=
ontinued=20
while  I  was  still  abroad,  and  during  the  time  when  I  was  making=
  my  tour  with=20
General  Tom  Thumb  through  the  United  States  and  Cuba.  Elegant  and=
  appro-=20
priate furniture  was  made  expressly  for  every  room  in  the  house.  =
I  erected=20
expensive  water  works  to  supply  the  premises.  The  stables,  conserv=
atories  and=20
out-buildings  were  perfect  in  their  kind.  There  was  a  profusion  o=
f  trees  set  out=20
on  the  grounds.  The  whole  was  built  and  established  literally  "re=
gardless  of=20
expense,"  for  I  had  no  desire  even  to  ascertain  the  entire  cost.=
=20

The  whole  was  finally  completed  to  my  satisfaction.  My  family  rem=
oved  into=20
the  premises  and,  on  the  foui-teenth  of  November,  1848,  nearly  on=
e  thousand=20
invited  guests,  including  the  poor  and  the  rich,  helped  us  in  th=
e  old-fashioned=20
custom  of  "house-warming."=20

When  the  name  "  Iranistan  "  was  announced,  a  waggish  New  York  e=
ditor  sylla-=20
bled it,  I-ran-i-stan,  and  gave  as  the  interpretation,  that  "  I  r=
an  a  long  time  before=20
I  could  stan' ! "  Literally,  however,  the  name  signifies,  "Eastern =
 Country  Place,"=20
or,  more  poetically,  "  Oriental  Villa."  *=20

The  years  1848  and  1849  were  mainly  spent  with  my  family,  though=
  I  went=20
every  week  to  New  York  to  look  after  the  interests  of  the  Ameri=
can  Museum.=20
While  I  was  in  Europe,  in  1845,  my  agent,  Mr.  Fordyce  Hitchcock,=
  had  bought=20
out  for  me  the  Baltimore  Museum,  a  fully-supplied  establishment,  i=
n  full  opera-=20
tion, and  I  placed  it  under  the  charge  of  my  uncle,  Alanson  Tayl=
or.  He  died  in=20
1846,  and  I  then  sold  the  Baltimore  Museum  to  the  "  Orphean  Fam=
ily,"  by  whom=20
it  was  subsequently  transferred  to  Mr.  John  E.  Owens,  the  celebra=
ted  comedian.=20
After  my  return  from  Europe,  I  opened,  in  1849,  a  Museum  in  Dr.=
  Swain's  fine=20
building,  at  the  corner  of  Chestnut  and  Seventh  streets,  in  Phila=
delphia.=20

I  stayed  in  Philadelphia  long  enough  to  identify  myself  with  this=
  Museum  and=20
to  successfully  start  the  enterprise,  and  then  left  it  in  the  ha=
nds  of  different  mana-=20
gers who  profitably  conducted  it  till  1851,  when,  finding  that  it =
 occupied  too  much=20
of  my  time  and  attention,  I  sold  it  to  Mr.  Clapp  Spooner  for  $=
40,000.  At  the=20
end  of  that  year,  the  building  and  contents  were  destroyed  by  fi=
re.=20

While  my  Philadelphia  Museum  was  in  full  operation,  Peale's  Philad=
elphia=20
Museum  ran  me  a  strong  opposition  at  the  Masonic  Hall.  Peale's  e=
nterprise  proved=20
disastrous,  and  I  purchased  the  collection  at  sheriff 's  sale,  for=
  five  or  six  thousand=20
dollars,  on  joint  account  of  my  friend  Moses  Kimball  and  myself. =
 The  curiosi-t=20
ties  were  equally  divided,  one-half  going  to  his  Boston  Mr.soinn  =
and  the  other=20
half  to  my  American  Museum  in  New  York.=20

*  See  Illustration,  opposite.=20


98  AT    HOME.=20

Ill  1848  1  was  elected  President  of  the  Fail-field  County  Agricul=
tural  Society  in=20
Connecticut  Although  not  practically  a  farmer,  I  had  purchased  abo=
ut  one=20
hundred  acres  of  land  in  the  vicinity  of  my  residence  and  felt  =
and  still  feel  a=20
deep  interest  in  the  cause  of  agriculture.  I  had  begun  by  import=
ing  some  blood=20
stock  for  Iranistan,  and,  as  I  was  at  one  time  attacked  by  the =
 "hen  fever,  "  J=20
erected  several  splendid  poultry-houses  on  my  grounds.=20

In  1849  it  was  determined  by  the  Society  that  1  should  deliver  =
the  annual  address.=20
I  begged  to  be  excused  on  the  ground  of  incompetency,  but  my  ex=
cuses  were  of=20
no  avail,  and,  as  I  could  not  instruct  my  auditors  in  farming,  =
I  gave  them  the=20
benefit  of  several  mistakes  which  I  had  committed.  Among  other  th=
ings,  I  told=20
them  that  in  the  fall  of  1848  my  head-gardener  reported  that  I  =
had  fifty  bushels=20
of  potatoes  to  spare.  I  thereupon  directed  him  to  barrel  them  up=
  and  ship  them=20
to  New  York  for  sale.  He  did  so,  and  received  two  dollars  per  =
barrel,  or  about=20
sixty-seven  cents  per  busheL  But,  unfortunately,  after  the  potatoes=
  had  been=20
shipped,  I  found  that  my  gardener  had  selected  all  the  largest  f=
or  market,  and=20
left  my  family  nothing  but  "  small  potatoes  "  to  live  on  during=
  the  winter.  But=20
the  worst  is  still  to  come.  My  potatoes  were  all  gone  before  Ma=
rch,  and  I  was=20
obliged  to  buy,  during  the  spring,  over  fifty  bushels  of  potatoes=
,  at  $1.25  per=20
bushel!  I  also  related  my  first  experiment  in  the  arboricultural  =
line,  when  I  cut=20
from  two  thrifty  rows  of  young  cherry-trees  any  quantity  of  what =
 I  supposed  to=20
be  "suckers,"  or  "sprouts,"  and  was  thereafter  informed  by  my  gar=
dener  that  I=20
had  cut  off  all  his  grafts!=20

A  friend  of  mine,  Mr.  James  D.  Johnson,  lived  in  a  fine  house  =
a  quarter  of  a=20
mile  west  of  Iranistan,  and,  as  I  owned  several  acres  of  land  a=
t  the  corner  of  two=20
streets,  directly  adjoining  his  homestead,  I  surrounded  the  ground =
 with  high=20
pickets,  and,  introducing  a  number  of  Rocky  Mountain  elk,  reindeer=
,  and  Ameri-=20
can deer,  I  converted  it  into  a  deer  park.  Strangers  passing  by  =
would  naturally=20
suppose  that  it  belonged  to  Johnson's  estate,  and  to  render  the  =
illusion  more=20
complete,  his  son-in-law,  Mr.  S.  H.  Wales,  of  the  Scientific  Amer=
ican,  placed  a=20
sign  in  the  park,  fronting  on  the  street,  and  reading:=20

"  ALL  PERSONS  ABE  FORBID  TRESPASSING  ON  THESE  GROUNDS,  OR  DISTURB=
ING=20
THE  DEER.  J.  D.  JOHNSON."=20

I  "  acknowledged  the  corn,"  and  was  much  pleased  with  the  joke. =
 Johnson=20
was  delighted,  and  bragged  considerably  of  having  got  ahead  of  Ba=
rnum,  and=20
the  sign  remained  undisturbed  for  several  days.  It  happened  at  le=
ngth  that  a=20
party  of  friends  came  to  visit  him  from  New  York,  arriving  in  t=
he  evening.=20
Johnson  told  them  he  had  got  a  capital  joke  on  Barnum;  he  would=
  not  explain,=20
but  said  they  should  see  it  for  themselves  the  next  morning.  Bri=
ght  and  early=20
he  led  them  into  the  street,  and,  after  conducting  them  a  proper=
  distance,=20
wheeled  them  around  in  front  of  the  sign.  To  his  dismay  he  disc=
overed  that  I=20
had  added  directly  under  his  name  the  words  "  Game-keeper  to  P. =
 T.  Barnum."=20

Thereafter,  Mr.  Johnson  was  known  among  his  friends  and  acquaintan=
ces  as=20
"Barnum's  game-keeper."  Sometime  afterwards,  when  I  was  President  o=
f  the=20
Pequonnock  Bank,  it  was  my  custom  every  year  to  give  a  grand  di=
nner  at  Iran-=20
istan, to  the  directors,  and  in  making  preparations  I  used  to  sen=
d  to  certain=20
friends  in  the  West  for  prairie  chickens  and  other  game.  On  one =
 occasion,  a=20
large  box,  marked  "P.  T.  Barnum,  Bridgeport;  Game,"  was  lying  in =
 the  express=20
office,  when  Johnson,  seeing  it  and  espying  the  word  "game,"  said=
:=20

"  Look  here!    1  am  '  Barnum's  game-keeper,'  and  I'll  take  charg=
e  of  this  box."=20


AT  HOME.  99=20

And  "take  charge"  of  it  he  did,  carrying  it  home  and  notifying  =
me  that  it=20
was  in  his  possession,  and  that,  as  he  was  my  game-keeper,  he  w=
ould  "keep"=20
this,  unless  I  sent  him  an  order  for  a  new  hat.  He  knew  very  =
well,  that  I  would=20
give  fifty  dollars  rather  than  be  deprived  of  the  box,  and  as  h=
e  also  threatened  to=20
give  a  game  dinner  at  his  own  house,  I  speedily  sent  the  order =
 for  the  hat,=20
acknowledged  the  good  joke,  and  my  own  guests  enjoyed  the  double =
 "game."=20

During  the  year  1848,  Mr.  Frank  Leslie,  since  so  widely  known  as=
  the  publisher=20
of  several  illustrated  journals,  came  to  me  with  letters  of  intro=
duction  from=20
London,  and  I  employed  him  to  get  up  for  me  an  illustrated  cata=
logue  of  my=20
Museum.  This  he  did  in  a  splendid  manner,  and  hundreds  of  thousa=
nds  of=20
copies  were  sold  and  distributed  far  and  near,  thus  adding  greatl=
y  to  the  renown=20
of  the  establishment.=20


CHAPTER   XVII.=20

THE   JENXT   LIND   ENTERPRISE.=20

AND  now  I  come  to  speak  of  an  undertaking  which  all  will  admit =
 was  bol=C2=ABi=20
in  its  conception,  complete  in  its  development,  and  astounding  in =
 its  success.=20
That  I  am  proud  of  it,  I  freely  confess.  It  placed  me  before  t=
he  world  in  a  new=20
light;  it  gained  me  many  warm  friends  in  new  circles;  it  was  in=
  itself  a  fortune=20
to  me =E2=80=94 I  risked  much,  but  I  made  more.=20

It  was  in  October,  1849,  that  I  conceived  the  idea  of  bringing  =
Jenny  Lind  to=20
this  country.  I  had  never  heard  her  sing,  inasmuch  as  she  arrive=
d  in  London  a=20
few  weeks  after  I  left  that  city  with  General  Tom  Thumb.  Her  re=
putation,=20
however,  was  sufficient  for  me.=20

I  found  in  Mr.  John  Hall  Wilton,  an  Englishman  who  had  visited  =
this  country=20
with  the  Sax-Horn  Players,  the  best  man  whom  I  knew  for  that  pu=
rpose.  A=20
few  minutes  sufficed  to  make  the  arrangement  with  him,  by  which  =
I  was  to  pay=20
but  little  more  than  his  expenses  if  he  failed  in  his  mission,  =
but  by  which,  also,  he=20
was  to  be  paid  a  large  sum  if  he  succeeded  in  bringing  Jenny  L=
ind  to  our  shores=20
on  any  terms  within  a  liberal  schedule  which  I  set  forth  to  him=
  in  writing.=20

The  sum  of  all  my  instructions,  public  and  private,  to  Wilton,  a=
mounted  to=20
this:  He  was  to  engage  her  on  shares,  if  possible.  I,  however,  =
authorized  him  to=20
engage  her  at  any  rate,  not  exceeding  one  thousand  dollars  a  nig=
ht,  for  any=20
number  of  nights  up  to  one  hundred  and  fifty,  with  all  her  expe=
nses,  including=20
servants,  carriages,  secretary,  etc.,  besides  also  engaging  such  mu=
sical  assistants,=20
not  exceeding  three  in  number,  as  she  should  select,  let  the  ter=
ms  be  what  they=20
might.  If  necessary,  I  should  place  the  entire  amount  of  money  n=
amed  in  the=20
engagement,  in  the  hands  of  London  bankers  before  she  sailed.  Wil=
ton's  com-=20
pensation was  arranged  on  a  kind  of  sliding  scale,  to  be  governed=
  by  the  terms=20
which  he  made  for  me.  He  proceeded  to  London,  and  opened  a  corr=
espondence=20
with  Miss  Lind,  who  was  then  on  the  Continent.  He  learned  from  =
the  tenor  of=20
her  letters,  that  if  she  could  be  induced  to  visit  America  at  a=
ll,  she  must  be=20
accompanied  by  *  Mr.  Julius  Benedict,  the  accomplished  composer,  p=
ianist,  and=20
musical  director,  and  also  she  was  impressed  with  the  belief  that=
  Signer  Belletti,=20
the  fine  baritone,  would  be  of  essential  service.  Wilton,  therefor=
e,  at  once  called=20
upon  Mr.  Benedict  and  also  Signor  Belletti,  who  were  both  then  i=
n  London,  and  in=20
numerous  interviews,  was  enabled  to  leam  the  terms  on  which  they =
 would  con-=20
sent to  engage  to  visit  this  country  with  Miss  Lind.  Having  obtai=
ned  the=20
information  desired,  he  proceeded  to  Lubeck,  in  Germany,  to  seek  =
an  interview=20
with  Miss  Lind  herself.=20

In  the  course  of  the  fii'st  conversation,  she  frankly  told  him  t=
hat  during  the=20
time  occupied  by  their  correspondence,  she  had  written  to  friends =
 in  London,=20
including  my  friend  Mr.  Joshua  Bates,  of  the  house  of  Baring  Bro=
thers,  and  had=20
informed  herself  respecting  my  character,  capacity,  and  responsibili=
ty,  which=20
she  assured  him  were  quite  satisfactory.  She  informed  him,  however=
,  that  at=20
that  time  there  were  four  persons  anxious  to  negotiate  with  her  =
for  an  American=20

*  ICow  Sir  Julius.=20


THE   JENNY    LIND    ENTERPRISE.  101=20

tour.  One  of  these  gentlemen  was  a  well-known  opera  manager  in  L=
ondon;=20
another,  a  theatrical  manager  in  Manchester;  a  third,  a  musical  c=
omposer  and=20
conductor  of  the  orchestra  of  Her  Majesty's  Opera  in  London;  and =
 the  fourth,=20
Chevalier  Wyckoff,  a  person  who  had  conducted  a  successful  specula=
tion  some=20
years  previously,  by  visiting  America  in  charge  of  the  celebrated =
 danseuse,=20
Fanny  Elisler.=20

Several  interviews  ensued,  during  which  she  learned  from  Wilton  th=
at  he  had=20
settled  with  Messrs.  Benedict  and  Belletti,  in  regard  to  the  amou=
nt  of  their=20
salaries,  provided  the  engagement  was  concluded,  and  in  the  course=
  of  a  week,=20
Mr.  Wilton  and  Miss  Lind  had  arranged  the  terms  and  conditions  o=
n  which  she=20
was  ready  to  conclude  the  negotiations.  As  these  terms  were  withi=
n  the  limits=20
fixed  in  my  private  letter  of  instructions,  the  following  agreemen=
t  was  duly=20
drawn  in  triplicate,  and  signed  by  herself  and  Wilton^  at  Lubeck,=
  January  9,=20
1850;  and  the  signatures  of  Messrs.  Benedict  and  BellettT  were  af=
fixed  in  London=20
a  few  days  afterwards:=20

MEMORANDUM  of  an  agreement  entered  into  this  ninth  day  of  January=
,  in  the  year  of  our=20
Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty,  between  John  Hall  Wilt=
ou,  as  ag=C2=ABnt  for  PIIIN-=20
EAS  T.  I^AHNUM,  o(  New  York,  in  the  United  States  of  North  Amer=
ica,  of  the  one  part,  and=20
Mademoiselle  JENNY  LIND,  Vocalist,  of  Stockholm,  in  Sweden,  of  the=
  other  part  wherein=20
the  said  Jenny  Lind  doth  agree:=20

First.  To  sing  for  the  said  Phineas  T.  Barnum  in  one  hundred  an=
d  fifty  concert?,  inclui-=20
ing  oratorios,  within  (if  possible;  one  year  or  eighteen  months  f=
rom  the  date  of  hc<  rrival=20
in  the  city  of  New  York =E2=80=94 the  said  concerts  to  be  given  =
in  the  United  States  ci  North=20
America  and  Havana.  She,  the  said  Jenny  Lind,  having  fall  control=
  as  to  the  number  of=20
nights  or  concerts  in  each  week,  and  the  number  of  pieces  in  wh=
ich  she  will  sing  in  eacJ1=20
concert,  to  be  regulated  conditionally  with  her  health  and  safety =
 of  voice,  but  the  forme/=20
never  less  than  one  or  two,  nor  the  latter  less  than  four;  but =
 hi  no  case  to  appear  ii=20
operas.=20

Second.  In  consideration  of  said  services,  the  said  John  Hall  Wil=
ton,  as  agent  'or  the=20
said  Phineas  T.  Barnum,  of  New  York,  agrees  to  furnish  the  said =
 Jenny  Lind  wrL=C2=BB  a  ser-=20
vant as  waiting-maid,  and  a  male  servant  to  and  for  the  sole  ser=
vice  of  her  and  her  party;=20
to  pay  the  traveling  and  hotel  expenses  of  a  friend  to  accompany=
  her  as  a  companion;  to=20
pay  also  a  secretary  to  superintend  her  finances;  to  pay  all  her=
  and  her  party's  traveling=20
expenses  from  Europe,  iwd  during  the  tour  in  the  United  States  o=
f  North  America  and=20
Havana  ;  to  pay  all  hotel  expenses  for  board  and  lodging  during =
 the  same  period  ;  to  place=20
at  her  disposal  in  each  city,  a  carriage  and  horses  with  their  =
necessary  attendants,  and  to=20
give  her  in  addition,  the  sum  o.f  two  hundred  pounds  sterling,  o=
r  one  thousand  dollars,  for=20
each  concert  or  oratorio  in  which  the  said  Jenny  Lind  shall  sing=
.=20

Third.  And  the  saiJ  John  Hall  Wilton,  as  agent  for  the  said  Phi=
neas  T.  Barnum,  doth=20
further  agree  to  give  the  said  Jenny  Lind  the  most  satisfactory  =
security  and  assurance  for=20
the  full  amount  of  her  engagement,  which  will  be  placed  in  the  =
hands  of  Messrs.  Baring=20
Brothers,  of  London,  previous  to  the  departure,  and  subject  to  th=
e  order  of  the  said  Jenny=20
Lind,  with  its  interest  due  on  its  current  reduction,  by  her  ser=
vices  in  the  concerts  or=20
oratorios.=20

Fourth.  And  the  said  John  Hall  Wilton,  on  the  part  ol  the  said =
 Phineas  T.  Barnum,=20
further  agrees,  that  should  the  said  Phineas  T.  Barnum,  after  sev=
enty-live  concerts,  have=20
realized  so  much  as  shall,  after  paying  all  current  expenses,  hav=
e  returned  to  him  all  the=20
sums  disbursed,  either  as  deposits  at  interest,  for  securities  of =
 salaries,  preliminary  outlay,=20
or  moneys  in  any  way  expended  consequent  on  this  engagement,  and =
 in  addition,  have=20

=C2=A7  lined  a  clear  profit  of  at  least  fifteen  thousand  pounds  =
sterling,  then  the  said  Phineas  T.=20
arnuni  will  give  the  said  Jenny  Lind,  in  addition  to  the  former =
 sum  of  one  thousand  dol-=20
lars current  money  of  the  United  States  of  North  America,  nightly,=
  one-fifth  part  of  the=20
profits  arising  from  the  remaining  seventy-five  concerts  or  oratori=
os,  after  deducting  every=20
expense  current  :md  appertaining  thereto;  or  the  said  Jenny  Lind  =
agrees  to  try,  with  the=20
said  Phineas  T.  Baruum,  fifty  concerts  or  oratorios  on  the  afores=
aid  and  first-named  terms,=20
and  if  then  found  to  fall  short  of  the  expectations  of  the  said=
  Phineas  T.  Barnum,  then  the=20
said  Jenny  Lind  agrees  to  re-organize  this  agreement,  on  terms  qu=
oted  in  his  first  proposal,=20
as  set  forth  in  the  annexed  copy  of  his  letter ;  but  should  suc=
h  be  found  unnecessary,  then=20
the  engagement  continues  up  to  seventy-five  concerts  or  oratorios, =
 at  the  end  of  which,=20
should  the  aforesaid  profit  of  fifteen  thousand  pounds  sterling  ha=
ve  not  been  realized,  then=20
the  engagement  shall  continue  as  at  first=E2=80=94 the  sums  herein,=
  after  expenses  for  Julius  Bene-=20
dict and  Giovanni  Belletti,  to  remain  unaltered,  except  for  advance=
ment.=20

Fifth.  And  the  said  John  Hall  Wilton,  agent  for  the  said  Phineas=
  T.  Barnum,  at  the=20
request  of  the  said  Jenny  Lind, .agrees  to  pay  to  Julius  Benedict=
,  of  London,  to  accompany=20
the  said  Jenny  Lind  as  musical  director,  pianist,  and  superintende=
nt  of  the  HI  u>.ical  depart-=20


103  THE   JENNY   LIND   ENTERPRISE.=20

ment,  also  to  assist  the  said  Jenny  Lind  in  one  hundred  and  fif=
ty  concerts  or  oratorios,  to=20
be  given  in  the  United  States  of  North  America  and  Havana,  the  =
sum  of  five  thousand=20
pounds  (=C2=A35,000)  sterling,  to  be  satisfactorily  secured  to  him =
 with  Messrs.  Baring  Brothers.=20
of  London,  previous  to  his  departure  from  Europe;  and  the  Baid  J=
ohn  Hall  Wilton  agrees=20
further,  for  the  said  Phiueas  T.  Barnum  to  pay  all  his  traveling=
  expenses  from  Europe,=20
together  with  his  hotel  and  traveling  expenses  during  the  time  oc=
cupied  in  giving  the  afore-=20
said one  hundred  and  fifty  concerts  or  oratorios=E2=80=94 he,  the  s=
aid  Julius  Benedict  to  superin-=20
tend the  organization  of  oratorios,  if  required.=20

Sixth.  And  the  said  John.  Hall  Wilton,  at  the  request,  selection,=
  and  for  the  aid  of  the=20
said  Jenny  Lind,  agrees  to  pay  to  Giovanni  Belletti,  baritone  voc=
alist,  to  accompany  the=20
said  Jenny  Lind  during  her  tour  and  in  one  hundred  and  fifty  co=
ncerts  or  oratorios  in  the=20
United  States  of  North  America  and  Havana,  and  in  conjunction  wit=
h  the  aforesaid  Julius=20
Benedict,  the  sum  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  pounds  (=C2=A32,500=
)  sterline,  to  be  satisfac-=20
torily secured  to  him  previous  to  his  departure  from  Europe,  in  a=
ddition  to  all  his  hotel  and=20
traveling  expenses.=20

Seventh.  And  it  is  further  agreed  that  the  said  Jenny  Lind  shall=
  be  at  full  liberty  to  sing=20
at  any  time  she  may  think  fit  tor  charitable  institutions,  or  pu=
rposes  independent  of  the=20
engagement  with  the  said  Phineas  T.  Barnum,  she,  the  said  Jenny  =
Lind,  consulting  with=20
the  said  Phineas  T.  Barnum  with  a  view  to  mutually  agreeing  as  =
to  the  time  and  its  pro-=20
priety, it  being  understood  that  in  no  case  shall  the  first  or  s=
econd  concert  in  any  city=20
selected  for  the  tour  be  for  such  purpose,  or  wherever  it  shall =
 appear  against  the  interests=20
of  the  said  Phineas  T.  Barnum.=20

Eighth.  It  is  further  agreed  that  should  the  said  Jenny  Lind  by =
 any  act  of  God,  be=20
Incapacitated  to  fulfil  the  entire  engagement  before  mentioned,  tha=
t  an  equal  proportion  ol=20
the  terms  agreed  upon  shall  be  given  to  the  said  Jenny  Lind,  Ju=
lius  Benedict,  and  Giovanni=20
Belletti,  for  services  rendered  to  that  time.=20

Ninth.  It  is  further  agreed  and  understood,  that  the  said  Phineas=
  T.  Barnum  shall  pay=20
every  expense  appertaining  to  the  concerts  or  oratorios  before  men=
tioned,  excepting  those=20
for  charitable  purposes,  and  that  all  accounts  shall  be  settled  a=
nd  rendered  by  all  parties=20
weekly.=20

Tenth.  And  the  said  Jenny  Lind  furthers  agrees  that  she  will  not=
  engage  to  Ring  for=20
any  other  person  during  the  progress  of  this  said  engagement  with=
  the  said  Phineas  T.=20
Barnum,  of  New  York,  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  concerts  or  orato=
rios,  excepting  for=20
charitable  purposes  as  before  mentioned  ;  and  all  traveling  to  be=
  first  and  best  class.=20

In  witness  hereof  to  the  within  written  memorandum  of  agreement  w=
e  set  hereunto  om=20
hand  and  seal.=20


IL.  s.=20
L.S.=20
I..  8.=20
L.8.=20


JOHN  HALL  WILTON,  Agent  for  Phineas  T.  Barnum,  of  New  York.  U.  =
8.=20
JENNY  LIND.=20
JULIUS  BENEDICT.=20
GIOVANNI  BELLETTI.=20


In  the  presence  of  C.  ACHILLINQ,  Consul  of  His  Majesty  the  King =
 of  Sweden  and  Norway.=20

extract  from  a  Utter  addressed  to  John  Hall  WiUan  by  PHINEAS  T. =
 BARNUM,  and  referred=20

to  in  paragraph.  No  4  of  the  annexed  agreement:=20

NEW  YORK,  November  fr,  1849.=20
MB.  J.  HALL  WILTON  :=20

Sir:  In  reply  to  your  proposal  to  attempt  a  negotiation  with  Mil=
e.  Jenny  Lind  to  visit=20
tb=C2=AB  United  States  professionally,  I  propose  to  enter  into  an =
 arrangement  with  her  to  the=20
following  effect :  I  will  engage  to  pay  all  her  expenses  from  Eu=
rope,  provide  for  and  pay  for=20
Ou=C2=AB  principal  tenor,  and  one  pianist,  their  salaries  not  exce=
eding  together,  one  hundred  aud=20
flfly  dollars  per  night ;  to  support  for  her  a  carriage,  two  ser=
vants,  and  a  friend  to  accom-=20
pany her  and  superintend  her  finances.  I  will  furthermore  pay  all =
 and  every  expense  apper-=20
taining to  her  appearance  before  the  public,  and  give  her  half  of=
  the  gross  receipts  arising=20
from  concerts  or  operas.  I  -will  engage  to  travel  with  her  perso=
nally,  and  attend  to  the=20
arrangements,  provided  she  will  undertake  to  give  not  less  than  e=
ighty,  nor  more  than  one=20
hundred  and  fifty  concerts,  or  nights'  performances.=20

PHINEAS  T.  BARNUM.=20

I  certify  the  above  to  be  a  true  extract  from  the  letter.  J.  H=
.  WILTON.=20

I  was  at  my  Museum  in  Philadelphia  when  Wilton  arrived  in  New  Y=
ork,  Feb-=20
ruary 19.  1850.  He  immediately  telegraphed  to  me,  in  the  cipher  w=
e  had  agreed=20
upon,  taat  he  had  signed  an  engagement  with  Jenny  Land,  by  which=
  she  was  to=20
commence  her  concerts  in  America  in  the  following  September.  I  wa=
s  somewhat=20
startled  by  this  sudden  announcement;  and  feeling  that  the  time  t=
o  elapse  before=20
her  arrival  was  so  long  that  it  would  be  policy  to  keep  the  en=
gagement  private=20
for  a  rew  months,  I  immediately  telegraphed  him  not  to  mention  i=
t  to  any=20
person,  and  that  I  would  meet  him  the  next  day  in  New  York.=20


THE   JENNY    LIND   ENTERPRISE.  103=20

When  we  reflect  how  thoroughly  Jenny  Lind,  her  musical  powers,  he=
r  char-=20
acter, and  wonderful  successes,  were  subsequently  known  by  all  clas=
ses  in  thi=C2=AB=20
country  as  well  as  throughout  the  civilized  world,  it  is  difficul=
t  to  realize  that,  at=20
the  time  this  engagement  was  made,  she  was  comparatively  unknown  =
on  this  side=20
the  water.  We  can  hardly  credit  the  fact,  that  millions  of  perso=
ns  in  America=20
had  never  heard  of  her,  that  other  millions  had  merely  read  her =
 name,  but  had=20
no  distinct  idea  of  who  or  what  she  was.  Only  a  small  portion  =
of  the  public  were=20
really  aware  of  her  great  musical  triumphs  in  the  Old  World,  and=
  this  portion=20
was  confined  almost  entirely  to  musical  people,  travelers  who  had =
 visited  the=20
Old  World,  and  the  conductors  of  the  press.=20

The  next  morning  I  started  for  New  York.  On  arriving  at  Princeto=
n  we  met=20
the  New  York  cars,  and,  purchasing  the  morning  papers,  I  was  sur=
prised  to  find=20
in  them  a  full  account  of  my  engagement  with  Jenny  Lind.  This  p=
remature=20
announcement  could  not  be  recalled,  and  I  put  the  best  face  on  =
the  matter.=20
Anxious  to  learn  how  this  communication  would  strike  the  public  m=
ind,  I=20
informed  the  conductor,  whom  I  well  knew,  that  I  had  made  an  en=
gagement  with=20
Jenny  Lind,  and  that  she  would  surely  visit  this  country  in  the =
 following  August.=20

"  Jenny  Lind!    Is  she  a  dancer  ?"  asked  the  conductor.=20

I  informed  him  who  and  what  she  was,  but  his  question  had  chill=
ed  me  as  if  his=20
words  were  ice.  Really,  thought  I,  if  this  is  all  that  a  man  i=
n  the  capacity  of  a=20
railroad  conductor  between  Philadelphia  and  New  York  knows  of  the =
 greatest=20
songstress  in  the  world,  I  am  not  sure  that  six  months  will  be =
 too  long  a  time  for=20
me  to  occupy  in  enlightening  the  public  in  regard  to  her  merits.=
=20

I  had  an  interview  with  Wilton,  and  learned  from  him  that,  in  a=
ccordance=20
with  the  agreement,  it  would  be  requisite  for  me  to  place  the  e=
ntire  amount  stipu=20
lated,  $187,500,  in  the  hands  of  the  London  bankers.  I  at  once  =
resolved  to  ratify=20
the  agreement,  and  immediately  sent  the  necessary  documents  to  Mis=
s  Lind  and=20
Messrs.  Benedict  and  BellettL=20

I  then  began  to  prepare  the  public  mind,  through  the  newspapers, =
 for  th.>=20
reception  of  the  great  songstress.  How  effectually  this  was  done, =
 is  still  within=20
the  remembrance  of  the  American  public.  As  a  sample  of  the  manne=
r  in  which=20
I  accomplished  my  purpose,  I  present  the  following  extract  from  m=
y  first  letter,=20
which  appeared  in  the  New  York  papers  of  February  23,  1850:=20

"Perhaps  I  may  not  make  any  money  by  this  enterprise;  but  I  ass=
ure  you  that=20
if  I  knew  I  should  not  make  a  farthing  profit,  I  would  ratify  =
the  engagement,  so=20
anxious  am  I  that  the  United  States  should  be  visited  by  a  lady=
  whose  vocal=20
powers  have  never  been  approached  by  any  other  human  being,  and  =
whose=20
character  is  charity,  simplicity,  and  goodness  personified.=20

"  Miss  Lind  has  great  anxiety  to  visit  America.  She  speaks  of  t=
his  country=20
and  its  institutions  in  the  highest  terms  of  praise.  In  her  enga=
gement  with  me=20
(which  includes  Havana),  she  expressly  reserves  the  right  to  give =
 charitable  con-=20
certs whenever  she  thinks  proper.=20

"  Since  her  debut  in  England,  she  has  given  to  the  poor  from  h=
er  own  private=20
purse  more  than  the  whole  amount  which  I  have  engaged  to  pay  he=
r,  and  the=20
proceeds  of  concerts  for  charitable  purposes  in  Great  Britain,  whe=
re  she  has  sung=20
gratuitously,  have  realized  more  than  ten  times  that  amount."=20

After  getting  together  all  my  available  funds  for  the  purpose  of =
 transmitting=20
them  to  London  in  the  shape  of  United  States  bonds,  I  found  a  =
considerable  sum=20
still  lacking  to  make  up  the  amount.  I  had  some  second  mortgages=
  which  were=20
perfectly  good,  but  I  could  not  negotiate  them  hi  Wall  street.  N=
othing  would=20
answer  there  short  of  first  mortgages  on  New  York  or  Brooklyn  ci=
ty  property.=20


104  THE   JENNY    L1ND    ENTERPRISE.=20

1  went  to  the  president  of  the  bank  where  I  had  done  all  my  b=
usiness  for  eight,=20
years.  I  offered  him,  as  security  for  a  loan,  my  second  mortgage=
s,  and  as  an=20
additional  inducement,  I  proposed  to  make  over  to  him  my  contract=
  with  Jenny=20
Liiid,  with  a  written  guaranty  that  he  should  appoint  a  receiver,=
  who,  at  my=20
expense,  should  take  charge  of  all  the  receipts  over  and  above  t=
hree  thousand=20
dollars  per  night,  and  appropriate  them  towards  the  payment  of  my=
  loan.  He=20
laughed  in  my  face,  and  said:  "  Mr.  Barnum,  it  is  generally  bel=
ieved  in  Wall=20
street,  that  your  engagement  with  Jenny  Liud  will  ruin  you.  I  do=
  not  think=20
you  will  ever  receive  so  much  as  three  thousand  dollars  at  a  si=
ngle  concert."  I=20
was  indignant  at  his  want  of  appreciation,  and  answered  him  that =
 I  would  not  at=20
that  moment  take  $150,000  for  my  contract;  nor  would  I.  I  found,=
  upon  further=20
inquiry,  that  it  was  useless  in  Wall  street  to  offer  the  "  Nigh=
tingale  "  in  exchange=20
for  Goldfinches.  I  finally  was  introdured  to  Mr.  John  L.  Aspinwal=
l,  of  the  firm=20
of  Messrs.  Howland  &  Aspinwall,  and  he  gave  me  a  letter  of  =
credit  from  his=20
firm  on  Baring  Brothers,  for  a  large  sum  on  collateral  securities=
,  which  a  spirit=20
of  genuine  respect  for  my  enterprise  induced  him  to  accept.=20

After  disposing  of  several  pieces  of  property  for  cash,  I  footed =
 up  the  various=20
amounts,  and  still  discovered  myself  five  thousand  dollars  short.  =
I  felt  that  it=20
was  indeed  "  the  last  feather  that  breaks  the  camel's  back."  Hap=
pening  casually=20
to  state  my  desperate  case  to  the  Rev.  Abel  C.  Thomas,  of  Phila=
delphia,  for  many=20
years  a  friend  of  mine,  he  promptly  placed  the  requisite  amount  =
at  my  disposal=20
I  gladly  accepted  Ms  proffered  friendship,  and  felt  that  he  had  =
removed  a  moun-=20
tain-weight from  my  shoulders.=20


CHAPTER    XVIII.=20

THE   NIGHTINGALE   IN   NEW    YORK.=20

ON  Wednesday  morning,  August  21,  1S50,  Jenny  Lind  and  Messrs.  Ben=
edict=20
and  Belletti,  set  sail  from  Liverpool  in  the  steamship  Atlantic,  =
in  which  I  had=20
long  before  engaged  the  necessary  accommodations,  and  on  board  of =
 which  I  had=20
shipped  a  piano  for  their  use.  They  were  accompanied  by  my  agent=
,  Mr.  Wilton,=20
and  also  by  Miss  Ahmansen  and  Mr.  Max  Hjortzberg,  cousins  of  Mis=
s  Lind,  tht>=20
latter  being  her  secretary;  also  by  her  two  servants,  and  the  va=
let  of  Messra.=20
Benedict  and  Belletti.=20

It  was  expected  that  the  steamer  would  arrive  on  Sunday,  Septembe=
r  1.  but;=20
determined  to  meet  the  songstress  on  her  arrival  whenever  it  migh=
t  be,  I  \vt-nt  to=20
Staten  Island  on  Saturday,  and  slept  at  the  hospitable  residence  =
of  my  friend.=20
Dr.  A.  Sidney  Doane,  who  was  at  that  time  the  Health  Officer  of=
  the  Port  of=20
New  York.  A  few  minutes  before  twelve  o'clock,  on  Sunday  morning,=
  tht.=20
Atlantic  hove  in  sight,  and  immediately  afterwards,  through  the  ki=
ndness  of  my=20
friend  Doane,  I  was  on  board  the  ship,  and  had  taken  Jenny  Lind=
  by  the  hand.=20

After  a  few  moments'  conversation,  she  asked  me  when  and  where  I=
  had  heard=20
her  sing.=20

"  I  never  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  before  hi  my  life,"  I=
  replied.=20

"How  is  it  poasible  that  you  dared  risk  so  much  money  on  a  per=
son  whom  you=20
never  heard  sing  ?"  she  asked  in  surprise.=20

"  I  risked  it  on  your  reputation,  which  in  musical  matters  I  wo=
i  '  ~=C2=BB>nch  rathw=20
trust  than  my  own  judgment,"  I  replied.=20

I  may  as  well  state,  that  although  I  relied  prominently  upon  Jen=
ny  Lind's=20
reputation  as  a  great  musical  artiste,  I  also  took  largely  into  =
my  estimate  of  her=20
success  with  all  classes  of  the  American  pubh'c,  her  character  fo=
r  extraordinary=20
benevolence  and  generosity.  Without  this  peculiarity  in  her  disposi=
tion,  I  never=20
would  have  dared  make  the  engagement  which  I  did,  as  I  felt  sur=
e  that  there=20
were  multitudes  of  individuals  in  America  who  would  be  prompted  t=
o  attend  her=20
concerts  by  this  feeling  alone.=20

Thousands  of  persons  covered  the  shipping  and  piers,  and  other  th=
ousands  had=20
congregated  on  the  wharf  at  Canal  street,  to  see  her.  The  wildes=
t  enthusiasm=20
prevailed  as  the  steamer  approached  the  dock.  So  great  was  the  r=
ush  on  a  sloop=20
near  the  steamer's  berth,  that  one  man,  in  his  zeal  to  obtain  a=
  good  view,  acci-=20
dentally tumbled  overboard,  amid  the  shouts  of  those  near  him,  Mis=
s  Lind=20
witnessed  this  incident,  and  was  much  alarmed.  He  was,  however,  s=
oon  rescued,=20
after  taking  to  himself  a  cold  duck  instead  of  securing  a  view  =
of  the  Nightingale.=20
A  bower  of  green  trees,  decorated  with  beautiful  flags,  was  disco=
vered  on  the=20
wharf,  together  with  two  triumphal  arches,  on  one  of  which  was  i=
nscribed,=20
"  Welcome,  Jenny  Lind ! "  *  The  second  was  surmounted  by  the  Ame=
rican  eagle,=20
and  bore  the  inscription,  "Welcome  to  America!"  These  decorations  =
were  not=20
produced  by  magic,  and  I  do  not  know  that  I  can  reasonably  find=
  fault  with  those=20

*  See  Illustration,  opposite.=20

105=20


106  THE  NIGHTINGALE  IN  NEW  YORK.=20

who  suspected  I  had  a  hand  in  their  erection.  My  private  carriag=
e  was  In  wait-=20
ing, and  Jenny  Lind  was  escorted  to  it  by  Captain  West.  The  rest=
  of  the  musical=20
party  entered  the  carriage,  and,  mounting  the  box  at  the  driver's=
  side,  I  directed=20
him  to  the  Irving  House.  I  took  that  seat  as  a  legitimate  adver=
tisement,  and  my=20
presence  on  the  outside  of  the  carriage  aided  those  who  filled  t=
he  windows  and=20
sidewalks  along  the  whole  route,  in  coming  to  the  conclusion  that=
  Jenny  Lind=20
had  arrived,=20

A  reference  to  the  journals  of  that  day  will  show  that  never  be=
fore  had  there=20
been  such  enthusiasm  in  the  city  of  New  York,  or  indeed  hi  Amer=
ica.  Within=20
ten  minutes  after  our  arrival  at  the  Irving  House,  not  less  than=
  twenty  thousand=20
persons  had  congregated  around  the  entrance  in  Broadway,  nor  was  =
the  number=20
diminished  before  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening.  At  her  request,  I =
 dined  with  her=20
that  afternoon,  and  when,  according  to  European  custom,  she  prepar=
ed  to  pledge=20
me  in  a  glass  of  wine,  she  was  somewhat  surprised  at  my  saying,=
  "Miss  Lind,  I=20
do  not  think  you  can  ask  any  other  favor  on  earth  which  I  woul=
d  not  gladly=20
grant;  but  I  am  a  teetotaler,  and  must  beg  to  be  permitted  to  =
drink  your  health=20
=E2=80=A2Mid  happiness  in  a  glass  of  cold  water."=20

At  twelve  o'clock  that  night,  she  was  serenaded  by  the  New  York =
 Musical  Fund=20
Society,  numbering,  on  that  occasion,  two  hundred  musicians.  They  =
were=20
escorted  to  the  Irving  House  by  about  three  hundred  firemen,  in  =
their  red  shirts,=20
bearing  torches.  There  was  a  far  greater  throng  in  the  streets  t=
han  there  was=20
even  during  the  day.  The  calls  for  Jenny  Lind  were  so  vehement  =
that  I  led  her=20
through  a  window  to  the  balcony.  The  loud  cheers  from  the  crowds=
  lasted  for=20
several  minutes,  before  the  serenade  was  permitted  to  proceed  agai=
n.=20

I  have  given  the  merest  sketch  of  but  a  portion  of  the  incident=
s  of  Jenny  Land's=20
first  day  in  America.  For  weeks  afterwards  the  excitement  was  una=
bated.  Her=20
rooms  were  thronged  by  visitors,  including  the  magnates  of  the  la=
nd  in  both=20
Church  and  State.  The  carriages  of  the  wealthiest  citizens  could  =
be  seen  in  front=20
of  her  hotel,  at  nearly  all  hours  of  the  day,  and  it  was  with =
 some  difficulty  that  I=20
prevented  the  "fashionables"  from  monopolizing  her  altogether,  and  =
thus,  as  I=20
believed,  sadly  marring  my  interests  by  cutting  her  off  from  the =
 warm  sympa-=20
thies she  had  awakened  among  the  masses.  Presents  of  all  sorts  we=
re  showered=20
upon  her.  Milliners,  mantua-makers,  and  shopkeepers  vied  with  each =
 other  in=20
calling  her  attention  to  their  wares,  of  which  they  sent  her  man=
y  valuable  speci-=20
mens, delighted  if,  in  return,  they  could  receive  her  autograph  ac=
knowledgment.=20
Songs,  quadrilles  and  polkas  were  dedicated  to  her,  and  poets  sun=
g  in  her  praise.=20
We  had  Jenny  Lind  gloves,  Jenny  Lind  bonnets,  Jenny  Lind  riding  =
hats,  Jenny=20
Lind  shawls,  mantillas,  robes,  chairs,  sofas,  pianos =E2=80=94 in  fa=
ct,  everything  was=20
Jenny  Lind.  Her  movements  were  constantly  watched,  and  the  moment =
 her=20
carriage  appeared  at  the  door,  it  was  surrounded  by  multitudes,  e=
ager  to  catch  a=20
glimpse  of  the  Swedish  Nightingale.=20

In  looking  over  my  "scrap-books"  of  extracts  from  the  New  York  p=
apers  of=20
that  day,  in  which  all  accessible  details  concerning  her  were  dul=
y  chronicled,  it=20
seems  almost  incredible  that  such  a  degree  of  enthusiasm  should  h=
ave  existed.=20
An  abstract  of  the  "sayings  and  doings  "  in  regard  to  the  Jenny=
  Lind  mania  for  the=20
first  ten  days  after  her  arrival,  appeared  in  the  London  Times  o=
f  Sept.  23,  1850,=20
and,  although  it  was  an  ironical  "showing  up"  of  the  American  en=
thusiasm,=20
filling  several  columns,  it  was  nevertheless  a  faithful  condensatio=
n  of  facts  which=20
at  this  late  day  seem,  even  to  myself,  more  like  a  dream  than  =
reality.=20

Before  her  arrival  I  had  offered  $200  for  a  prize  ode,  "  Greeti=
ng  to  America,"=20
to  be  sung  by  Jenny  Lind  at  her  first  concert.  Several  hundred  =
"poems"  were=20


THE   NIGHTINGALE   IN   NEW    YORK.  10?=20

sent  in  from  all  parts  of  the  United  States  and  the  Canadas.  Th=
e  duties  of  the=20
Prize  Committee,  in  reading  these  effusions  and  making  choice  of  =
the  one  most=20
worthy  the  prize,  were  truly  arduous.  The  "offerings,"  with  perhap=
s  a  dozen=20
exceptions,  were  the  merest  doggerel  trash.  The  prize  was  awarded =
 to  Bayard=20
Taylor  for  the  following  ode:=20

GREETING  TO  AMERICA.=20

WOHD8  BY  BAYARD  TAYLOB =E2=80=94 MUSIC  BY  JULIUS    BENEDICT.=20

I  GREET  with  a  full  heart  the  Land  of  the  West,=20

Whose  Banner  of  Stars  o'er  a  world  is  unrolled  ;=20
Whose  empire  o'ershadows  Atlantic's  wide  breast,=20

And  opens  to  sunset  its  gateway  of  gold  1=20
The  land  of  the  mountain,  the  land  of  the  lake,=20

And  rivers  that  roll  in  magnificent  tide =E2=80=94=20
Where  the  souls  of  the  mighty  from  slumber  awake,=20

And  hallow  the  soil  for  whose  freedom  they  died  !=20

Thou  Cradle  of  empire  1  though  wide  be  the  foam=20

That  severs  the  land  of  my  fathers  and  thee,=20
I  hear,  from  thy  bosom,  the  welcome  of  home.=20

For  song  has  a  home  in  the  hearts  of  the  Free  I=20
And  long  as  thy  waters  shall  gleam  in  the  sun,=20

And  long  as  thy  heroes  remember  their  scars,=20
Be  the  hands  of  thy  children  united  as  one,=20

And  Peace  shed  her  light  011  thy  Banner  of  Stars  I=20

This  award,  although  it  gave  general  satisfaction,  yet  was  met  wi=
th  disfavor=20
by  several  disappointed  poets,  who,  notwithstanding  the  decision  of=
  the  com-=20
mittee, persisted  in  believing  and  declaring  their  own  productions  =
to  be  the  best.=20
This  state  of  feeling  was  doubtless,  in  part,  the  cause  which  le=
d  to  the  publication,=20
about  this  time,  of  a  witty  pamphlet  entitled  "Barnum's  Parnassus;=
  being  Cou=20
fidential  Disclosures  of  the  Prize  Committee  on  the  Jenny  Land  so=
ng."=20

It  gave  some  capital  hits  in  which  the  committee,  the  enthusiasti=
c  public,  the=20
Nightingale,  and  myself,  were  roundly  ridiculed.  The  following  is  =
a  fair  speci-=20
men from  the  work  in  question:=20

BARNUMOPSIS.=20

A.  RECITATIVE.=20

WHEN  to  the  common  rest  that  crowns  his  days.=20

Dusty  and  worn  the  tired  pedestrian  goes,=20
What  light  is  that  whose  wide  o'erlooking  bla/,e=20

A  sudden  glory  on  his  pathway  throws?=20

'Tis  not  the  setting  sun,  whose  drooping  lid=20

Closed  on  the  weary  world  at  half-past  six;=20
'Tis  not  the  rising  moon,  whose  rays  are  hid=20

Behind  the  city's  sombre  piles  of  bricks.=20

It  is  the  Drummond  Light,  that  from  the  top=20
Of  Barnum's  massive  pile,  sky-mingling  there,=20

Darts  its  quick  gleam  o'er  every  shadowed  shop.=20
And  gilds  Broadway  with  unaccustomed  glare.=20

There  o'er  the  sordid  gloom,  whose  deep'niug  track*=20

Furrow  the  city's  brow,  the  front  of  ages,=20
Thy  loltier  light  descends  on  cabs  and  hacks,=20

And  on  two  dozen  different  lines  of  stages!=20

O  twilight  Sun,  with  thy  far  darting  ray,=20

Thou  art  a  type  of  him  whose  tireless  hands=20
Hung  thee  on  high  to  guide  the  stranger's  way.=20

Where,  in  its  pride,  his  vast  Museum  stands.=20


108  THE   NIGHTINGALE   IN   NEW    YORK.=20

Him,  who  in  search  of  wonders  new  and  strange,=20
Grasps  the  wide  skirts  of  Nature's  mystic  robe=20

Explores  the  circles  of  eternal  change,=20
And  the  dark  chambers  of  the  central  globe.=20

He,  from  the  reedy  shores  ol  fabled  Nile,=20
Has  brought,  thick-ribbed  anil  undent  afl  old  iron.=20

That  venerable  beast,  the  crocodile,=20
And  many  a  skin  of  many  a  famous  lion.=20

Go  lose  thyself  in  those  continuous  halls,=20
Where  strays  the  lond  papa  with  son  and  daughter:=20

And  all  that  cliarms  or  startles  or  appals,=20
Thou  shalt  behold,  and  fora  single  quarter.=20

Far  from  the  Barcan  deserts  now  withdrawn,=20
There  huge  constrictors  coil  their  scaly  backs ;=20

There,  cased  in  glass,  malignant  and  unshorn,=20
Old  murderers  glare  in  sullenness  and  wax.=20

There  many  a  varied  form  the  sight  beguiles,=20
In  rusty  broadcloth  decked  and  shocking  hat.=20

And  there  the  unwieldy  Lambert  sits  and  smiles,=20
In  the  majestic  plenitude  ol  fat.=20

Or  for  thy  gayer  hours,  the  orang-outang=20
Or  ape  salutes  thee  with  his  strange  grimace.=20

And  in  their  shapes.  stuO'ed  as  on  earth  they  sprang,=20
Thine  individual  being  thou  canst  trace!=20

And  joys  the  youth  in  life's  green  spring,  who  goes=20
With  the  sweet  babe  and  the  gray-hea'ded  nurse,=20

To  see  those  Cosmoramicorbs  disclose=20
The  varied  beauties  of  the  universe.=20

And  last,  not  least,  the  marvelous  Ethiope,=20

Changing  his  skin  by  preternatural  skill,=20
Whom  =C2=AB?vory  setting  sun's  diurnal  slope=20

Leaves  whiter  than  the  last,  and  whitening  still=20

All  that  of  monstrous,  scaly,  strange  and  queer.=20
Has  come  from  out  the  womb  of  earliest  time,=20

Thou  hast,  O  Biirniim,  in  thy  keeping  here,=20
Nor  is  this  all=E2=80=94 for  triumphs  more  'sublime=20

Await  thee  yet!  I,  Jenny  Lind,  who  reigned=20
Sublimely  throned,  the  imperial  queen  of  song,=20

Wooed  by  thy  gohlen  harmonies,  have  deigned=20
Captive  to  join  the  heterogeneous  throng.=20

Sustained  by  an  unfaltering  trust  in  coin.=20

Dealt  from  thy  hand,  O  thou  illustrious  man,=20
Gladly  I  heard  the  summons  come  to  join=20

Myself  the  innumerable  caravan.=20

Besides  the  foregoing,  this  pamphlet  contained  eleven  poems,  most  =
of  \vlik-h=20
abounded  in  wit.  1  have  room  but  for  a  single  stanza.  The  poet =
 speaks  of  the=20
various  curiosities  in  the  Museum,  and,  representing  me  as  still  =
searching  for=20
further  novelties,  makes  me  address  the  Swedish  Nightingale  as  fol=
lows:=20

=E2=80=A2'  So  Jeuny.  come  along!  you're  just  the  card  for  me.=20
And  quit  these  kings  and  queens,  for  the  country  of  the  free  :=
=20
They'll  welcome  you  with  speeches,  and  serenades,  and  rockets,=20
And  you  will  touch  their  hearts,  and  I  will  tap  their  pockets  ;=
=20
And  if  between  us  both  the  public  isn't  skinned,=20
Why,  my  name  isn't  Baruum,  nor  your  name  Jenny  Lind  1"=20


THE   NIGHTINGALE   IN    NEW    YORK.  109=20

Among  the  many  complimentary  poems  sent  in,  was  the  following,  by=
  Mrs.  L.=20
H.  SIGOURNEY,  which  that  distinguished  writer  enclosed  in  a  letter=
  to  me,  with=20
the  request  that  I  should  hand  it  to  Miss  Lind:=20

THE  SWEDISH  SONGSTRESS  AND  HER  CHARITIES.=20

BY  MRS.   L.   H.   SIGOUBNEY.=20

BLEST  must  their  vocation  be=20
Who,  with  tones  of  melody,=20
Charm  the  discord  and  the  strife=20
And  the  railroad  rush  of  life,=20
And  ^yith  Orphean  magic  move=20
Souls  inert  to  life  and  love.=20
But  there's  one  who  doth  inherit=20
Angel  gift  and  angel  spirit,=20
Bidding  tides  of  gladness  flow=20
Through  the  realms  of  want  and  woe;=20
'Mid  lone  age  and  misery's  lot,=20
Kindling  pleasures  long  forgot,=20
Seeking  minds  oppressed  with  night,=20
And  on  darkness  shedding  light,=20
She  the  seraph's  speech  doth  know,=20
She  hath  done  their  deeds  below;=20
So,  when  o'er  this  misty  strand=20
She  shall  clasp  their  waiting  hand.=20
They  will  fold  her  to  their  breast,=20
More  a  sister  than  a  guest.=20

Jenny  Liiid's  first  concert  was  fixed  to  come  off  at  Castle  Gard=
en,  on  Wednes-=20
day evening,  September  llth,  and  most  of  the  tickets  were  sold  at=
  auction  on  the=20
Saturday  and  Monday  previous  to  the  concert.  John  N.  Genin,  the  =
hatter,  laid=20
the  foundation  of  his  fortune  by  purchasing  the  first  ticket  at  =
$225.  It  has  been=20
extensively  reported  that  Mr.  Genin  and  I  are  brothers-in-law,  but=
  our  only  rela-=20
tions are  those  of  business  and  friendship.  The  proprietors  of  the=
  Garden  saw=20
fit  to  make  the  usual  charge  of  one  shilling  to  all  persons  who=
  entered  the  premises,=20
yet  three  thousand  people  were  present  at  the  auction.  One  thousa=
nd  tickets=20
were  sold  at  auction  on  the  first  morning  for  an  aggregate  sum  =
of  $10,141.=20

On  the  Tuesday  after  her  arrival,  I  informed  Miss  Lind  that  I  w=
ished  to  make=20
a  slight  alteration  in  our  agreement.  "  What  is  it? "  she  asked =
 in  surprise.=20

"I  am  convinced,"  I  replied,  "that  our  enterprise  will  be  much  m=
ore  success-=20
ful than  either  of  us  anticipated.  I  wish,  therefore,  to  stipulate=
  that  you  shall=20
receive  not  only  $1,000  for  each  concert,  besides  all  the  expense=
s,  as  heretofore=20
agreed  on,  but  after  taking  =C2=A75,500  per  night  for  expenses  an=
d  my  services,  the=20
balance  shall  be  equally  divided  between  us.=20

Jenny  looked  at  me  with  astonishment.  She  could  not  comprehend  my=
  propo-=20
sition. After  I  had  repeated  it,  and  she  fully  understood  its  imp=
ort,  she  cordially=20
grasped  me  by  the  hand,  and  exclaimed,  "  Mr.  Barnum,  you  are  a =
 gentleman  of=20
honor;  you  are  generous;  it  is  just  as  Mr.  Bates  told  mo';  I  w=
ill  sing  for  you  as=20
long  as  you  please ;  I  =E2=80=A2will  sing  for  you  in  America =E2=
=80=94 in  Europe =E2=80=94 anywhere  1 "=20

On  Tuesday,  September  10th,  I  informed  Miss  Lind  that,  judging  by=
  present=20
appearances,  her  portion  of  the  proceeds  of  the  first  concert  wou=
ld  amount  to=20
$10,000.  She  immediately  resolved  to  devote  every  dollar  of  it  to=
  charity;  and,=20
sending  for  Mayor  Woodhull,  she  acted  under  his  and  my  advice  in=
  selecting  the=20
various  institutions  among  which  she  wished  the  amount  to  be  dist=
ributed.=20

My  arrangements    of   the   concert-room  were    very  complete.     Th=
e   great=20
parterre  and  gallery  of   Castle  Garden  were  divided  by  imaginary  =
lines  into=20
four  compartments,  each  of  which  was  designated  by  a  lamp  of  a  =
different  coloi=20
The  tickets  were  printed  in  colors  corresponding  with  the  location=
  which  the=20


110  THE   2TIGHTIHGALE   IN   NEW   YOBK.=20

holders  were  to  occugy,  and  one  hundred  ushers,  with  rosettes  and=
  bearing=20
wands  ripped  with  ribBbns  of  the  several  hues,  enabled  every  indi=
vidual  to  find=20
his  or  her  seat  without  the  slightest  difficulty.  Every  seat  was =
 of  course  num-=20
bered in  color  to  correspond  with  the  check,  which  each  person  re=
tained  after=20
giving  up  an  entrance  ticket  at  the  door.  Thus,  tickets,  checks, =
 lamps,  rosettes,=20
wands,  and  even  the  seat  numbers  were  all  in  the  appropriate  col=
ors  to  designate=20
the  different  departments.  These  arrangements  were  duly  advertised, =
 and  every=20
particular  was  also  printed  upon  each  ticket.  In  order  to  prevent=
  confusion,  the=20
doors  were  opened  at  five  o'clock,  while  the  concert  did  not  com=
mence  until  eight.=20
The  consequence  was,  that  although  about  five  thousand  persons  wer=
e  present  at=20
the  first  concert,  their  entrance  was  marked  with  as  much  order  =
and  quiet  as  was=20
ever  witnessed  in  the  assembling  of  a  congregation  at  church.  The=
se  precautions=20
were  observed  at  all  the  concerts  given  throughout  the  country  un=
der  my  admin-=20
istration, and  the  good  order  which  always  prevailed  was  the  subje=
ct  of  number-=20
less encomiums  from  the  public  and  the  press.=20

The  reception  of  Jenny  Lind  on  her  first  appearance,  in  point  of=
  enthusiasm,=20
was  probably  never  before  equalled.  As  Mr.  Benedict  led  her  towar=
ds  the  foot-=20
lights, the  entire  audience  rose  to  their  feet  and  welcomed  her  w=
ith  three  cheers,=20
accompanied  by  the  waving  of  thousands  of  hats  and  handkerchiefs. =
 This  was=20
pciuu^  Lue  largest  audience  to  which  Jenny  Lind  had  ever  sung.  S=
he  was=20
evidently  much  agitated,  but  the  orchestra  commenced,  and  before  s=
he  had  sung=20
a  dozen  notes  of  "  Casta  Diva,"  she  began  to  recover  her  self-p=
ossession,  and  long=20
before  the  scena  was  concluded,  she  was  as  calm  as  if  she  was  =
in  her  own  draw-=20
ing-room. Towards  the  last  portion  of  the  caratina,  the  audience  w=
ere  so=20
completely  carried  away  by  their  feelings,  that  the  remainder  of  =
the  air  was=20
drowned  in  a  perfect  tempest  of  acclamation.  Enthusiasm  had  been  =
wrought  to=20
its  highest  pitch,  but  the  musical  powers  of  Jenny  Lind  exceeded =
 all  the  brilliant=20
inticipations  which  had  been  formed,  and  her  triumph  was  complete.=
  At  the=20
conclusion  of  the  concert  Jenny  Lind  was  loudly  called  for,  and  =
was  obliged  to=20
appear  three  times  before  the  audience  could  be  satisfied.  Then  t=
hey  called=20
vociferously  for  "  Barnum,"  and  I  reluctantly  responded  to  their  =
demand.=20

On  this  first  night,  Mr.  Julius  Benedict  firmly  established  with  =
the  American=20
people  his  European  reputation,  as  a  most  accomplished  conductor  a=
nd  musical=20
composer;  while  Signor  Belletti  inspired  an  admiration  which  grew  =
warmer  and=20
deeper  in  the  minds  of  the  public,  to  the  end  of  his  career  in=
  this  country.=20

The  Rubicon  was  passed.  The  successful  issue  of  the  Jenny  Lind  e=
nterprise=20
was  established.  I  think  there  were  a  hundred  men  in  New  York,  =
the  day  after=20
her  first  concert,  who  would  have  willingly  paid  me  $200,000  for =
 my  contract.  I=20
received  repeated  offers  for  an  eighth,  a  tenth,  or  a  sixteenth, =
 equivalent  to  that=20
price.  But  mine  had  been  the  risk,  and  I  was  determined  mine  sh=
ould  be  the=20
triumph.=20

The  amount  of  money  received  for  tickets  to  the  first  concert  wa=
s  $17,864.05,=20
As  this  made  Miss  Land's  portion  too  small  to  realize  the  $10,00=
0  which  had  been=20
announced  as  devoted  to  charity,  I  proposed  to  divide  equally  wit=
h  her  the=20
proceeds  of  the  first  two  concerts,  and  not  count  them  at  all  i=
n  our  regular=20
engagement.  Accordingly,  the  second  concert  was  given  September  13t=
h,  and=20
the  receipts,  amounting  to  $14,203.03,  were,  like  those  of  the  fi=
rst  concert,  equally=20
divided.  Our  third  concert,  but  which,  as  between  ourselves,  we  c=
alled  the  "first=20
regular  concert,"  was  given  Tuesday,  September  17,  1850.=20


CHAP  TEE   XI X.=20

SUCCESSFUL   MANAGEMENT.=20

THE  first  great  assembly  at  Castle  Garden  was  not  gathered  by  Je=
nny  Lind's=20
musical  genius  and  powers  alone.  She  was  effectually  introduced  to=
  the  public=20
before  they  had  seen  or  heard  her.  She  appeared  in  the  presence =
 of  a  jury=20
already  excited  to  enthusiasm  in  her  behalf.  She  more  than  met  t=
heir  expecta-=20
tions, and  all  the  means  I  had  adopted  to  prepare  the  way  were  =
thus  abundantly=20
justified.=20

As  a  manager,  I  worked  by  setting  others  to  work.  Biographies  of=
  the=20
Swedish  Nightingale  were  largely  circulated;  "Foreign  Correspondence =
"  glori-=20
fied her  talents  and  triumphs  by  narratives  of  her  benevolence;  an=
d  "printer's=20
ink  "  was  invoked  in  every  possible  form,  to  put  and  keep  Jenny=
  Lind  before  the=20
people.  I  am  happy  to  say  that  the  press  generally  echoed  the  v=
oice  of  her=20
praise  from  first  to  last.  I  could  fill  many  volumes  with  the  p=
rinted  extracts=20
which  are  nearly  all  of  a  similar  tenor  to  the  following  unbough=
t,  unsolicited=20
editorial  article,  which  appeared  in  the  New  York  Herald  of  Sept.=
  10,  1850  (the=20
day  before  the  first  concert  given  by  Miss  Lind  in  the  United  S=
tates) :=20

"JENNY  LIND  AND  THE  AMERICAN  PEOPLE.=E2=80=94  What  ancient  monarch =
 was  he,  either  in=20
history  or  in  fable,  who  offered  half  his  kingdom  (the  price  of =
 box-tickets  and  choice=20
seats  in  those  days)  for  the  invention  of  an  original  sensation, =
 or  the  discovery  of  a  fresh=20
pleasure?  That  sensation =E2=80=94 that  pleasure  which  royal  power  i=
n  the  Old  World  failed  to  dis-=20
cover=E2=80=94 has  been  called  into  existence  at  a  less  price,  by =
 Mr.  Barnum,  a  plain  republican,=20
and  is  now  about  to  be  enjoyed  by  the  sovereigns  of  the  N*w  Wo=
rld.=20

"Jenny  Lind,  the  most  remarkable  phenomenon  in  the  musical  art  wh=
ich  has  for  the  .ast=20
century  flashed  across  the  horizon  of  the  Old  World,  is  now  amon=
g  us,  and  will  make  her=20
debut  to-morrow  night  to  a  house  of  nearly  ten  thousand  listeners=
,  yielding  in  proceeds  by=20
auction,  a  sum  of  forty  or  fifty  thousand  dollars.  For  the  last =
 ten  clays  our  musical  report-=20
ers have  furnished  our  readers  with  every  matter  connected  with  he=
r  arrival  in  this=20
metropolis,  and  the  steps  adopted  by  Mr.  Barnum  in  preparation  fo=
r  her  first  appearance.=20
The  proceedings  of  yesterday,  consisting  of  the  sale  of  the  remai=
nder  of  the  tickets,  and=20
the  astonishing,  the  wonderful  sensation  produced  at  her  first  reh=
earsal  on  the  few  persons,=20
critics  in  musical  art,  who  were  admitted  on  the  occasion,  will  =
be  found  elsewhere  in  our=20
columns.=20

"We  concur  in  everything  that  has  been  said  by  our  musical  repor=
ter,  describing  her=20
extraordinary  genius =E2=80=94 her  unrivalled  combination  of  power  an=
d  art.  Nothing  has  been=20
exaggerated,  not  an  iota.  Three  years  ago,  more  or  less,  we  hear=
d  Jenny  Lind  on  many=20
occasions,  when  she  made  the  first  great  sensation  in  Europe,  by =
 her  debut  at  the  London=20
Opera  House.  Then  she  was  great  in  power=E2=80=94 in  art=E2=80=94 i=
n  genius  ;  now  she  is  greater  in  all.=20
We  speak  from  experience  and  conviction.  Then  she  astonished,  and =
 pleased,  and  fascin-=20
ated the  thousands  of  the  British  aristocracy;  now  she  will  fascin=
ate,  and  please,  and=20
delight,  and  almost  make  mad  with  musical  excitement,  the  mill  on=
s  of  the  American=20
democracy.  To-morrow  night,  this  new  sensation=E2=80=94 this  fresh  m=
ovement=E2=80=94 this  excitement=20
excelling  all  former  excitements =E2=80=94 will  be  called  into  exist=
ence,  when  she  pours  out  the=20
notes  of  Casta  Diva,  and  exhibits  her  astonishing  powers=E2=80=94 h=
er  wonderful  peculiarities,=20
that  seem  more  of  heaven  than  of  earth=E2=80=94 more  of  a  voice  =
from  eternity,  than  from  the=20
lips  of  a  human  being.=20

"  We  speak  soberly =E2=80=94 seriously =E2=80=94 calmly.  The  public  e=
xpectation  has  run  very  high  for=20
the  last  week=E2=80=94 higher  than  at  any  former  period  of  our  pa=
st  musical  annals.  But  high  as  it=20
has  risen,  the  reality=E2=80=94 the  fact=E2=80=94 the  concert =E2=80=
=94 the  voice  and  power  of  Jenny  Lind =E2=80=94 will  far=20
surpass  all  past  expectations.  Jenny  Lind  is  a  wonder,  and  a  pro=
digy  in  song=E2=80=94 and  no=20
mistake."=20

After  the  first  month  the  business  became  thoroughly  systematized, =
 and  by  the=20
help  of  such  agents  as  my  faithful  treasurer,  L.  C.  Stewart,  and=
  the  indefatiga-=20
ble Le  Grand  Smith,  my  personal  labors  were  materially  relieved;  b=
ut  from  the=20

111=20


112  SUCCESSFUL   MAXAGEMENT.=20

first  concert  on  the  llth  of  September,  1850,  until  the  ninety-th=
ird  concert  on  the=20
9th  of  June  1851,  a  space  of  nine  months,  I  did  not  know  a  wa=
king  moment  that=20
was  entirely  free  from  anxiety.=20

I  could  not  hope  to  be  exempted  from  trouble  and  perplexity  in  =
managing  an=20
enterprise  =E2=80=A2which  depended  altogether  on  popular  favor,  and =
 which  involved  great=20
consequences  to  myself.  Miss  Lind  did  not  dream,  nor  did  any  one=
  else,  of  the=20
unparalleled  enthusiasm  that  would  greet  her;  and  the  first  immens=
e  assembly  at=20
Castle  Garden  somewhat  prepared  her,  I  suspect,  to  listen  to  evil=
  advisers.  It=20
would  seem  that  the  terms  of  our  revised  contract  were  sufficient=
ly  liberal  to  her=20
and  sufficiently  hazardous  to  myself,  to  justify  the  expectation  o=
f  perfectly  hon-=20
orable treatment;  but  certain  envious  intermeddlers  appeared  to  thin=
k  differently.=20
"Do  you  not  see,  Miss  Lind,  that  Mr.  Barnum  is  coining  money  ou=
t  of  your=20
genius? "  said  they;  of  course  she  saw  it,  but  the  high-minded  S=
wede  despised=20
and  spurned  the  advisers  who  recommended  her  to  repudiate  her  con=
tract  with=20
me  at  all  hazards,  and  take  the  enterprise  into  her  own  hands =
=E2=80=94 possibly  to  put  it=20
into  theirs.  I,  however,  suffered  much  from  the  unreasonable  inter=
ference  of  her=20
lawyer,  Mr.  John  Jay.  Benedict  and  Belletti  behaved  like  men,  and=
  Jenny=20
afterwards  expressed  to  me  her  regret  that  she  had  for  a  moment =
 listened  to  the=20
vexatious  exactions  of  her  legal  counselor.=20

To  show  the  difficulties  with  which  I  had  to  contend  thus  early =
 in  my  enter-=20
prise, I  copy  a  letter  which  I  wrote,  a  little  more  than  one  mo=
nth  after  Miss  Lind=20
commenced  her  engagement  with  me,  to  my  Mend  Mr.  Joshua  Bates,  o=
f  Messrs.=20
Baring,  Brothers  &  Co.,  London:=20

NEW  YORK,  Oct.  23,  1850.=20
JOSHUA  BATES,  ESQ.  :=20

Dear  Sir  :  I  take  the  liberty  to  write  you  a  few  lines,  merely=
  to  say  that  we  are  getting=20
along  as  well  as  could  reasonably  be  expected.  In  this  country  y=
ou  are  aware  that  the=20
rapid  accumulation  of  wealth  always  creates  much  envy,  and  envy  s=
oon  augments  to=20
malice.  Such  are  the  elements  at  work  to  a  limited  degree  asrain=
st  myself,  and  although=20
Miss  Lind,  Benedict  and  myself  have  never,  as  yet.  had  the  sligh=
test  feelings  between  us,=20
to  my  knowledge,  except  those  of  friendship,  yet  I  cannot  weil  s=
ee  how  this  can  long  con-=20
tinue in  the  face  of  the  facf  that,  nearly  every  day  they  allow =
 persons  (some  moving  in  the=20
first  classes  of  society)  to  approach  them,  and  spend  hours  in  t=
raducing  me  :  even  her=20
attoni'-y,  Mr.  John  Jay.  has  been  so  blind  to  her  interests,  as =
 to  aid  in  poisoning  her  mind=20
against  me,  by  pouring  into  her  ears  the  most  silly  twaddle,  all=
  of  which  amounts  to  noth-=20
ing and  less  than  nothing =E2=80=94 such  as  the  regret  thai  1  was =
 a  showman,  exhibitor  of  Tom=20
Thumb,  etc..  etc.=20

Without  the  elements  which  I  possess  for  business,  as  well  as  my=
  knowledge  of  human=20
nature,  acquired  in  catering  for  the  public,  the  result  of  her  c=
oncerts  here  would  not  have=20
been  pecuniarily  one-half  as  much  as  the  present =E2=80=94 and  such=
  men  as  the  Hon.  Edward=20
Everett.  G.  G.  Rowland,  and  others,  will  tell  you  that  there  is =
 no  charlatanism  or  lack  ol=20
dignity  in  my  management  of  these  concerts.  I  know  as  well  as  a=
ny  person,  that  the=20
merits  of  Jenny  Lind  f.re  the  best  capital  to  depend  upon  to  se=
cure  public  favor,  and  I  have=20
thus  far  acted  on  this  knowledge.  Everything  which  money  and  atte=
ntion  can  procure  for=20
their  comfort,  they  have,  and  I  am  srlad  to  know  that  they  are =
 satisfied  on  this  score.  All=20
I  fear  is.  that  these  continual  backbitings.  if  listened  to  by  h=
er.  will,  by  and  by,  produce  a=20
feeling  of  distrust  or  regret,  which  will  lead  to  unpleasant  resu=
lts.=20

%  The  fact  is.  her  mind  ought  to  be  as  free  as  air,  and  she  =
herself  as  free  as  a  bird,  and=20
being  satisfied  of  my  probity  and  ability,  she  should  turn  a  dea=
f  ear  to  all  envious  and=20
malevolent  attacks  on  me.  I  have  hoped  that  by  thus  briefly  stat=
ing  to  you  the  facts  in  the=20
case,  you  mi=C2=ABrht  be  induced  for  her  interests  as  well  as  mi=
ne  to  drop  a  One  of  advice  to  Mr.=20
Benedict  and  another  to  Mr.  Jay  on  thi<  subject.  If  I  am  ask=
ing  or  expecting  too  much.  I=20
pray  you  to  not  give  it  a  thought,  for  I  feel  myself  fully  abl=
e  to  carry  through  my  rights  alone,=20
although  I  should  deplore  nothing  so  much  as  to  be  obliged  to  d=
o  so  in  a  feelin"!;  of  unfriend-=20
liness. I  have  risked  much  money  on  the  issue  of  this  speculation=
=E2=80=94 it  has  proved  -=20
ful.  lam  full  of  perplexity  and  anxiety,  and  labor  continually  fo=
r  success,  and  I  cannot=20
allow  ignorance  or  envy  to  rob  me  of  the  fruits  of  my  enterpris=
e.=20

Sincerely  and  gratefully,  yours,  P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

Jenny  Land's  character  for  benevolence  became  so  generally  known,  =
that  her=20
door  was  beset  by  persons  asking  charity,  and  she  was  in  the  re=
ceipt,  while  in  the=20


SUCCESSFUL  MANAGEMENT.  113=20

principal  cities,  of  numerous  letters,  all  oil  the  same  subject.  =
I  knew  of  many=20
instances  in  which  she  gave  sums  of  money  to  applicants,  varying =
 in  amount=20
from  $20,  $50,  $500,  to  $1,000,  and  in  one  instance  she  gave  $5=
,000  to  a  Swedish=20
friend.=20

The  night  after  Jenny's  arrival  in  Boston,  a  display  of  fireworks=
  was  given  in=20
her  honor,  in  front  of  the  Revere  House,  after  which  followed  a =
 beautiful  torch-=20
light procession  by  the  Germans  of  that  city.=20

On  her  return  from  Boston  to  New  York,  Jenny,  her  companion,  and=
  Messrs=20
Benedict  and  Belletti,  stopped  at  Iranistan,  my  residence  in  Bridg=
eport,  where  they=20
remained  until  the  following  day.  The  morning  after  her  arrival,  =
she  took  my  arm=20
and  proposed  a  promenade  through  the  grounds.  She  seemed  much  ple=
ased,  and=20
said,  "  I  am  astonished  that  you  should  have  left  such  a  beauti=
ful  place  for  the=20
sake  of  traveling  through  the  country  with  me."=20

The  same  day  she  told  me  in  a  playful  mood,  that  she  had  heard=
  a  most  extra-=20
ordinary report.  "I  have  heard  that  you  and  I  are  about  to  be  m=
arried,"  said=20
she;  "now  how  could  such  an  absurd  report  ever  have  originated? "=
=20

"Probably  from  the  fact  that  we  are  'engaged,'"  I  replied.  She  e=
njoyed  a=20
joke,  and  laughed  heartily.=20

"Do  you  know,  Mr.  Barmun,"  said  she,  "  that  if  you  had  not  bui=
lt  Iranistan,  I=20
should  never  have  come  to  America  for  you?"=20

I  expressed  my  surprise,  and  asked  her  to  explain.=20

"  I  had  received  several  applications  to  visit  the  United  States,=
"  she  continued,=20
"but  I  did  not  much  like  the  appearance  of  the  applicants,  nor  =
did  I  relish  the=20
idea  of  crossing  3,000  miles  of  ocean;  so  I  declined  them  all.  =
But  the  first  letter=20
which  Mr.  Wilton,  your  agent,  addressed  me,  was  written  upon  a  s=
heet  headed=20
with  a  beautiful  engraving  of  Iranistan.  It  attracted  my  attention=
.  I  said  to=20
myself,  a  gentleman  who  has  been  so  successful  in  his  business  a=
s  to  be  able  to  build=20
and  reside  in  such  a  palace  cannot  be  a  mere  '  adventurer.'  So =
 I  wrote  to  your=20
agent,  and  consented  to  an  interview,  which  I  should  have  decline=
d,  if  I  had  not=20
seen  the  picture  of  Iranistan!"=20

"That,  then,  fully  pays  me  for  building  it,"  I  replied.=20

Jenny  Lind  always  desired  to  reach  a  place  in  which  she  was  to =
 sing,  without=20
having  the  time  of  her  arrival  known,  thus  avoiding  the  excitemen=
t  of  promiscu-=20
ous crowds.  As  a  manager,  however,  I  knew  that  the  interests  of  =
the  enterprise=20
depended  in  a  great  degree  upon  these  excitements.=20

On  reaching  Philadelphia,  a  large  concourse  of  persons  awaited  the=
  approach  of=20
the  steamer  which  conveyed  her.  With  difficulty  we  pressed  through=
  the  crowd,=20
and  were  followed  by  many  thousands  to  Jones's  Hotel.  The  street =
 in  front  of=20
the  building  was  densely  packed  by  the  populace,  and  poor  Jenny, =
 who  was  suf-=20
fering from  a  severe  headache,  retired  to  her  apartments.  I  tried =
 to  induce  the=20
crowd  to  disperse,  but  they  declared  they  would  not  do  so  until =
 Jenny  Lind  should=20
appear  on  the  balcony.  I  would  not  disturb  her,  and,  knowing  tha=
t  the  tumult=20
might  prove  an  annoyance  to  her,  I  placed  her  bonnet  and  shawl  =
upon  her  com-=20
panion, Miss  Ahmansen,  and  led  her  out  on  the  balcony.  She  bowed =
 gracefully=20
to  the  multitude,  who  gave  her  three  hearty  cheers  and  quietly  d=
ispersed.  Miss=20
Land  was  so  utterly  averse  to  anything  like  deception,  that  we  n=
ever  ventured  to=20
tell  her  the  part  which  her  bonnet  and  shawl  had  played  in  the =
 absence  of  then-=20
owner.=20

Jenny  was  in  the  habit  of  attending  church  whenever  she  could  do=
  so  without=20
attracting  notice.  She  always  preserved  her  nationality,  also,  by  =
inquiring  out=20


114  SUCCESSFUL  MANAGEMENT.=20

aiid  attending  Swedish  churches  wherever  they  could  be  found.  She =
 gave=20
$1,000  to  a  Swedish  church  in  Chicago.=20

My  eldest  daughter,  Caroline,  and  her  Mend,  Mrs.  Lyman,  of  Bridge=
port,=20
accompanied  me  on  the  tour  from  New  York  to  Havana,  and  thence  =
home,  via=20
New  Orleans  and  the  Mississippi.=20

We  were  at  Baltimore  on  the  Sabbath,  and  my  daughter,  accompanyin=
g  a=20
friend,  who  resided  in  the  city,  to  church,  took  a  seat  with  he=
r  in  the  choir,  and=20
joined  in  the  singing.  A  number  of  the  congregation,  who  had  see=
n  Caroline=20
with  me  the  day  previous,  and  supposed  her  to  be  Jenny  Land,  we=
re  yet  laboring=20
under  the  same  mistake,  and  it  was  soon  whispered  through  the  ch=
urch  that=20
Jenny  Land  was  in  the  choir!  The  excitement  was  worked  to  its  h=
ighest  pitch=20
when  my  daughter  rose  as  one  of  the  musical  group.  Every  ear  wa=
s  on  the  alert=20
to  catch  the  first  notes  of  her  voice,  and  when  she  sang,  glanc=
es  of  satisfaction=20
passed  through  the  assembly.  Caroline,  quite  unconscious  of  the  at=
tention  she=20
attracted,  continued  to  sing  to  the  end  of  the  hymn.  Not  a  note=
  was  lost  upon=20
the  ears  of  the  attentive  congregation.  "  What  an  exquisite  singe=
r ! "  "  Heavenly=20
sounds!"  "I  never  heard  the  like!"  and  similar  expressions  were  w=
hispered=20
through  the  church.=20

At  the  conclusion  of  the  services,  my  daughter  and  her  friend  fo=
und  the  passage-=20
way to  their  carriage  blocked  by  a  crowd  who  were  anxious  to  obt=
ain  a  nearer=20
view  of  the  "  Swedish  Nightingale."  The  pith  of  the  joke  is  tha=
t  we  have  never=20
discovered  that  my  daughter  has  any  extraordinary  claims  as  a  voc=
alist.=20

Our  orchestra  in  New  York  consisted  of  sixty.  When  we  started  on=
  our  south-=20
ner  tour,  we  took  with  us  permanently  as  the  orchestra,  twelve  o=
f  the  best=20
musicians  we  could  select,  and  in  New  Orleans  augmented  the  force=
  to  sixteen.=20
We  increased  the  number  to  thirty-five,  forty  or  fifty,  as  the  c=
ase  might  be,  by=20
choice  of  musicians  residing  where  the  concerts  were  given.  On  ou=
r  return  to=20
New  York  from  Havana,  we  enlarged  the  orchestra  to  one  hundred  p=
erformers.=20

The  morning  after  our  arrival  in  Washington,  President  Fillmore  ca=
lled,  and=20
left  his  card,  Jenny  being  out.  When  she  returned  and  found  the =
 token  of  his=20
attention,  she  was  in  something  of  a  flurry.  "  Come,"  said  she, =
 "we  must  call=20
on  the  President  immediately."=20

"  Why  so  ?"  I  inquired.=20

"  Because  he  has  called  on  me,  and  of  course  that  is  equivalent=
  to  a  command=20
for  me  to  go  to  his  house."=20

I  assured  her  that  she  might  make  her  mind  at  ease,  for  whateve=
r  might  be  the=20
custom  with  crowned  heads,  our  Presidents  were  not  wont  to  "  com=
mand  "  the=20
movements  of  strangers,  and  that  she  would  be  quite  in  time  if  =
she  returned  his=20
call  the  next  day.  She  was  accompanied  to  the  "  White  House  "  =
by  Messrs.  Bene-=20
dict, Belletti  and  myself,  and  several  happy  hours  were  spent  in  =
the  private  circle=20
of  the  President's  family.=20

Both  concerts  in  Washington  were  attended  by  the  President  and  hi=
s  family,=20
and  every  member  of  the  Cabinet.  I  noticed,  also,  among  the  audi=
ence,  Henry=20
Clay,  Benton,  Foote,  Cass  and  General  Scott,  and  nearly  every  mem=
ber  of  Con-=20
gress. On  the  following  morning,  Miss  Land  was  called  upon  by  Mr,=
  Webster,=20
Mr.  Clay,  General  Cass,  and  Colonel  Benton,  and  all  parties  were =
 evidently=20
gratified.  I  had  introduced  Mr.  Webster  to  her  in  Boston.  Upon  h=
earing  one  of=20
her  wild  mountain  songs  in  New  York,  and  also  in  Washington,  Mr.=
  Webster=20
signified  his  approval  by  rising,  drawing  himself  up  to  his  full =
 height,  and  making=20
a  profound  bow.  Jenny  was  delighted  by  this  expression  of  praise =
 from  the  great=20
statesman.  When  I  first  introduced  Miss  Land  to  Mr.  Webster,  at  =
the  Revera=20


SUCCESSFUL   MANAGEMENT.  115=20

House,  in  Boston  she  was  greatly  impressed  with  his  manners  and  =
conversation,=20
and  after  his  departure,  walked  up  and  down  the  room  in  great  e=
xcitement,=20
exclaiming:  "  Ahi  Mr.  Bamum,  that  is  a  man;  I  have  never  before=
  seen  such  a=20
man!"=20

We  visited  the  Capitol  while  both  Houses  were  in  session.  Miss  L=
ind  took  the=20
arm  of  Hon.  C.  P.  Cleveland,  representative  from  Connecticut,  and =
 was  by  him=20
escorted  into  various  pans  of  the  Capitol  and  the  grounds,  with  =
all  of  which  she=20
was  much  pleased.=20

During  the  week  I  was  invited  with  Miss  Lind  and  her  immediate  =
friends,  to=20
visit  Mount  Vernon,  with  Colonel  Washington,  the  then  proprietor,  =
and  Mr.=20
Seaton,  ex-Mayor  of  Washington,  and  editor  of  the  Intelligencer.  C=
olonel=20
Washington  chartered  a  steamboat  for  the  purpose.  We  were  landed  =
a  short=20
distance  from  the  tomb,  which  we  first  visited.  Proceeding  to  the=
  house,  we  were=20
introduced  to  Mrs.  Washington,  and  several  other  ladies.  Much  inte=
rest  was=20
manifested  by  Miss  Lind  in  examining  the  mementoes  of  the  great  =
man  whose=20
home  it  had  been.  A  beautiful  collation  was  spread  out  and  arran=
ged  in  fine=20
taste.  Before  leaving,  Mrs.  Washington  presented  Jenny  with  a  book=
  from  the=20
library,  with  the  name  of  Washington  written  by  his  own  hand.  Sh=
e  was  much=20
overcome  at  receiving  this  present,  called  me  aside,  and  expressed=
  her  desire  to=20
give  something  in  return.  "  I  have  nothing  with  me,"  she  said,  =
"  excepting  this=20
watch  and  chain,  and  I  will  give  that  if  you  think  it  will  be =
 acceptable."  I  knew=20
the  watch  was  very  valuable,  and  told  her  that  so  costly  a  pres=
ent  would  not  be=20
expected,  nor  would  it  be  proper.  "  The  expense  is  nothing,  comp=
ared  to  the=20
value  of  that  book,"  she  replied,  with  deep  emotion;  "but  as  the=
  watch  was  a=20
present  from  a  near  friend,  perhaps  I  should  not  give  it  away." =
 Jenny  Lind,  I=20
am  sure,  never  forgot  the  pleasurable  emotions  of  that  day.=20

The  voyage  from  Wilmington  to  Charleston  was  an  exceedingly  rough =
 and=20
perilous  one.  We  were  about  thirty-six  hours  in  making  the  passag=
e,  the  usual=20
time  being  seventeen.  We  arrived  safely  at  last,  and  I  was  griev=
ed  to  learn  that=20
for  twelve  hours  the  loss  of  the  steamer  had  been  considered  cer=
tain,  and  had=20
even  been  announced  by  telegraph  in  the  Northern  cities.=20

We  remained  at  Charleston  about  ten  days,  to  take  the  steamer  " =
 Isabella  "  on=20
her  regular  trip  to  Havana.  Jenny  had  been  through  so  much  excit=
ement  at  the=20
North,  that  she  determined  to  have  quiet  here,  and  therefore  decl=
ined  receiving=20
any  calls.  One  young  lady,  the  daughter  of  a  wealthy  planter  nea=
r  Augusta,=20
was  so  determined  upon  seeing  her  in  private,  that  she  paid  one =
 of  the  servants=20
to  allow  her  to  put  on  a  cap  and  white  apron,  and  carry  in  th=
e  tray  for  Jenny's=20
tea,  I  afterwards  told  Miss  Lind  of  the  joke,  and  suggested  that=
  after  such  an=20
evidence  of  admiration,  she  should  receive  a  call  from  the  young =
 lady.=20

"It  is  not  admiration =E2=80=94 it  is  only  curiosity,"  replied  Jenn=
y,  "and  I  will  not=20
encourage  such  folly."=20

Christmas  was  at  hand,  and  Jenny  Lind  determined  to  honor  it  in =
 the  way  she=20
had  often  done  in  Sweden.  She  had  a  beautiful  Christmas  tree  pri=
vately  pre-=20
pared, and  from  its  boughs  depended  a  variety  of  presents  for  mem=
bers  of  the=20
company.  These  gifts  were  encased  in  paper,  with  the  names  of  th=
e  recipients=20
written  on  each.=20

After  spending  a  pleasant  evening  in  her  drawing-room,  she  invited=
  us  into  the=20
parlor,  where  the  "surprise"  awaited  us.  Each  person  commenced  ope=
ning  the=20
packages  bearing  his  or  her  address,  and  although  every  individual=
  had  one  or=20
more  pretty  presents,  she  had  prepared  a  joke  for  each.  Mr.  Bene=
dict,  for  instance,=20
took  off  wrapper  after  wrapper  from  one  of  his  packages,  which  a=
t  first  was  as=20


116  SUCCESSFUL  MANAGEMENT.=20

large  as  his  head,  but  after  having  removed  some  forty  coverings =
 of  paper,  it  was=20
reef  need  to  a  size  smaller  than  his  hand,  and  the  removal  of  =
the  last  envelope=20
exposed  to  view  a  piece  of  cavendish  tobacco.  One  of  my  presents=
,  choicely=20
wrapped  in  a  dozen  coverings,  was  a  jolly  young  Bacchus  in  Paria=
n  marble,=20
inter iled  as  a  pleasant  hit  at  my  temperance  principles!=20

Thvi  night  before  New  Year's  day  was  spent  in  her  apartment  with=
  great  hilarity.=20
Enlivened  by  music,  singing,  dancing  and  story-telling,  the  hours  =
glided  swiftly=20
awaj .  Miss  Lind  asked  me  if  I  would  dance  with  her.  I  told  he=
r  my  education=20
had  been  neglected  in  that  line,  and  that  I  had  never  danced  in=
  my  life.  "  That=20
is  all  the  better,"  said  she;  "now  dance  with  me  in  a  cotillion=
.  I  am  sure  you=20
can  do  it."  She  was  a  beautiful  dancer,  and  I  never  saw  her  la=
ugh  more  heartily=20
than  she  did  at  my  awkwardness.  She  said  she  would  give  me  the =
 credit  of  being=20
the  poorest  dancer  she  ever  sawl=20

I  had  arranged  with  a  man  in  New  York  to  transport  furniture  to=
  Havana,=20
provide  a  house,  and  board  Jenny  Lind  and  our  immediate  party  du=
ring  our  stay.=20
When  we  arrived,  we  found  the  building  converted  into  a  semi-hote=
l,  and  the=20
apartments  were  anything  but  comfortable.  Jenny  was  vexed.  Soon  af=
ter  din-=20
ner, she  took  a  volante  and  an  interpreter,  and  drove  into  the  s=
uburbs.  She  was=20
absent  four  hours.  Whither  or  why  she  had  gone,  none  of  us  knew=
.  At  length=20
she  returned  and  informed  us  that  she  had  hired  a  commodious  fur=
nished  house=20
in  a  delightful  location  outside  the  walls  of  the  city,  and  invi=
ted  us  all  to  go  and=20
live  with  her  during  our  stay  in  Havana,  and  we  accepted  the  in=
vitation.  She=20
was  now  freed  from  all  annoyances;  her  time  was  her  own,  she  re=
ceived  no  calls,=20
went  and  came  when  she  pleased,  had  no  meddlesome  advisers  about =
 her,  legal  or=20
otherwise,  and  was  as  merry  as  a  cricket.  We  had  a  large  court-=
yard  in  the  rear=20
of  the  house,  and  here  she  would  come  and  romp  and  run,  sing  a=
nd  laugh,  like  a=20
young  school-girL  "  Now,  Mr.  Barnum,  for  another  game  of  ball,"  =
she  would=20
say  half  a  dozen  times  a  day;  whereupon,  she  would  take  an  indi=
a-rubber  ball,=20
(of  which  she  had  two  or  three),  and  commence  a  game  of  throwin=
g  and  catching,=20
which  would  be  kept  up  until,  being  completely  tired  out,  I  woul=
d  say,  "  I  give  it=20
up."  Then  her  rich,  musical  laugh  would  be  heard  ringing  through =
 the  house,  as=20
she  exclaimed,  "  Oh,  Mr.  Barnum,  you  are  too-fat  and  too  lazy;  =
you  cannot  stand=20
it  to  play  ball  with  me! "=20

Her  celebrated  countrywoman,  Miss  Frederika  Bremer,  spent  a  few  da=
ys  with=20
us  very  pleasantly,  and  it  is  difficult  to  conceive  of  a  more  d=
elightful  month  than=20
was  passed  by  the  entire  party  at  Jenny  Land's  house  in  the  out=
skirts  of  Havana.=20


CHAPTER  XX.=20

INCIDENTS   OF   THE   TOUK.=20

SOON  after  arriving  in  Havana,  1  discovered  that  a  strong  prejudi=
ce  existed=20
against  our  musical  enterprise.  I  might  rather  say  that  the  Haban=
eros,  not=20
accustomed  to  the  high  figure  which  tickets  had  commanded  in  the =
 States,=20
were  determined  on  forcing  me  to  adopt  their  opera  prices;  wherea=
s  I  paid  one=20
thousand  dollars  per  night  for  the  Tacon  Opera  House,  and  other  =
expenses  being=20
in  proportion,  I  was  determined  to  receive  remunerating  prices  or =
 give  no  con-=20
certs. They  attended  the  concert,  but  were  determined  to  show  the =
 great  song-=20
stress no  favor.  I  perfectly  understood  this  feeling  in  advance,  b=
ut  studiously=20
kept  all  knowledge  of  it  from  Miss  Land.  I  went  to  the  first  c=
oncert,  therefore,=20
with  some  misgivings  in  regard  to  her  reception.  The  following,  w=
hich  I  copy=20
from  the  Havana  correspondence  of  the  New  York  Tribune,  gives  a  =
correct=20
account  of  it:=20

*********=20

"  Jenny  Lind  soon  appeared,  led  on  by  Signer  Belletti.  Some  thre=
e  or  four  hundred  per=20
sons  clapped  their  hands  at  her  appearance,  but  this  token  of  ap=
probation  was  instantly=20
silenced  by  at  least  two  thousand  live  hundred  decided  hisses.  Th=
us  having  settled  the=20
matter  that  there  should  be  no  forestalling  of  public  opinion,  an=
d  that  if  applause  was=20
given  to  Jenny  Lind  in  that  house  it  should  first  be  incontestab=
ly  earned,  the  most  solemn=20
silence  prevailed.  I  have  heard  the  Swedish  Nightingale  often  in  =
Europe  as  well  as  in=20
America,  and  have  ever  noticed  a  distinct  tremulousness  attending  =
her  first  appearance  in=20
any  city.  Indeed  this  feeling  was  plainly  manifested  in  her  count=
enance  as  she  neared  the=20
foot-lights;  but  when  she  witnessed  the  kind  of  reception  in  stor=
e  for  her =E2=80=94 so  different=20
from  anything  she  had  reason  to  expect =E2=80=94 her  countenance  ch=
anged  in  an  instant  to  a=20
haughty  self-possession,  her  eyes  flashed  defiance,  and,  becoming  i=
mmovable  us  a  statue,=20
she  stood  there  perfectly  calm  and  beautilul.  She  was  satisfied  t=
hat  she  now  had  an  ordea!=20
to  pass  and  a  victory  to  gain  worthy  of  her  powers.  In  a  momen=
t  her  eye  scanned  the=20
immense  audience,  the  music  began  alid  then  followed =E2=80=94 how  =
can  I  describe  it  ? =E2=80=94 such=20
heavenly  strains  as  I  verily  believe  mortal  never  breathed  except =
 Jenny  Lind,  and  mortal=20
never  heard  except  from  her  lips.  Some  of  the  oldest  Castilians  =
kept  a  frown  upon  their=20
brow  and  a  curling  sneer  upon  their  lips  ;  their  ladies,  however=
,  and  most  of  the  audience=20
began  to  look  surprised.  The  gushing  melody  flowed  on,  increasing =
 in  beauty  and  glory.=20
Tlie  caballerot,  the  svnoras  =E2=80=A2An<\'se/iorit<ts  began  to=
  look  at  each  other;  nearly  all.  however,=20
kept  tln'ir  teeth  clenched  and  their  lips  closed,  evidently  determ=
ined  to  resist  to  the  last.=20
The  torrent  flowed  deeper  and  faster,  the  lark  flew  higher  and  h=
igher,  the  melody  grew=20
richer  and  grander  ;  still  every  lip  was  compressed.  By  and  by, =
 as  the  rich  notes  came=20
dashing  in  rivers  upon  our  enraptured  ears,  one  poor  critic  invol=
untarily  whispered  a  '  brava.'=20
This  outburst  in;;  of  the  soul  was  instantly  hissed  down.  The  st=
ream  of  harmony  rolled  on=20
till,  at  the  close,  it  made  a  clean  sweep  of  every  obstacle,  an=
d  carried  all  before  it.  Not  a=20
vestige  of  opposition  remained,  but  such  a  tremendous  shout  of  ap=
plause  aa  went  up  I=20
never  before  heard.=20

=E2=80=A2'  The  triumph  was  most  complete.  And  how  was  Jenny  Lind =
 affected?  She  who  stood=20
a  few  moments  previous  like  adamant,  now  trembled  like  a  reed  in=
  the  wind  before  the=20
storm  of  enthusiasm  which  her  own  simple  notes  had  produced.  Trem=
blingly,  slowly,  and=20
almost  bowing  her  face  to  the  ground,  she  withdrew.  The  roar  and=
  applause  of  victory=20
increased.  ''Encore!  encore!  encore!''  came  from  every  lip.  She  as=
ain  appeared,  and=20
courtesying  low,  again  withdrew;  but  again,  again  and  again  did  t=
hey  call  her  out  and  at=20
every  appearance  the  thunders  of  applause  rang  louder  and  louder. =
 Thus  five  times  was=20
Jenny  Lind  called  out  to  receive  their  unanimous  and  deafening  pl=
audits."=20

I  cannot  express  what  my  feelings  were  as  I  watched  this  scene  =
from  the  dress=20
circle.  Poor  Jenny!  I  deeply  sympathized  with  her  when  I  heard  t=
hat  first=20
hiss.  I  indeed  observed  the  resolute  bearing  which  she  assumed,  b=
ut  was  appre-=20
hensive of  the  result.  When  I  witnessed  her  triumph,  I  could  not =
 restrain  the=20

117=20


118  INCIDENTS   OF  THE   TOUR.=20

tears  of  joy  that  rolled  down  my  cheeks;  and  rushing  through  a  =
private  box,  I=20
reached  the  stage  just  as  she  was  withdrawing  after  the  fifth  en=
core.  "God=20
bless  you,  Jenny,  you  have  settled  them!"  I  exclaimed.=20

"Are  you  satisfied?"  said  she,  throwing  her  arms  around  my  neck. =
 She,  too,=20
was  crying  with  joy,  and  never  before  did  she  look  so  beautiful =
 in  my  eyes  as  on=20
that  evening.=20

One  of  the  Havana  papers,  notwithstanding  the  great  triumph,  conti=
nued  to=20
cry  out  for  low  prices.  This  induced  many  to  absent  themselves,  =
expecting=20
soon  to  see  a  reduction.  It  had  been  understood  that  we  would  g=
ive  twelve=20
concerts  in  Havana;  but  when  they  saw  after  the  fourth  concert,  =
which  was=20
devoted  to  charity,  that  no  more  were  announced,  they  became  unea=
sy.  Com-=20
mittees waited  upon  us  requesting  more  concerts,  but  we  peremptoril=
y  declined.=20
Some  of  the  leading  Dons,  among  whom  was  Count  Penalver,  then  of=
fered  to=20
guarantee  us  $25,000  for  three  concerts.  My  reply  was,  that  there=
  was  not  money=20
enough  on  the  island  of  Cuba  to  induce  me  to  consent  to  it.=20

I  found  my  little  Italian  plate-dancer,  Vivalla,  in  Havana.  He  ca=
lled  on  me=20
frequently.  He  was  in  great  distress,  having  lost  the  use  of  las=
  limbs  on  the  left=20
side  of  his  body  by  paralysis.  He  was  thus  unable  to  earn  a  li=
velihood,  although=20
he  still  kept  a  performing  dog,  which  turned  a  spinning-wheel  and=
  performed  some=20
curious  tricks.  One  day  as  I  was  passing  him  out  of  the  front  =
gate,  Miss  Lind=20
inquired  who  he  was.  I  briefly  recounted  to  her  his  history.  She=
  expressed  deep=20
interest  in  his  case,  and  said  something  should  be  set  apart  for=
  him  in  the  benefit=20
which  she  was  about  to  give  for  charity.  Accordingly,  when  the  b=
enefit  came=20
off,  Miss  Lind  appropriated  $500  to  him,  and  I  made  the  necessar=
y  arrangements=20
for  his  return  to  his  friends  in  Italy.  At  the  same  benefit  $4,=
000  were  distributed=20
between  two  hospitals  and  a  convent.=20

A  few  mornings  after  the  benefit  our  bell  was  rung,  and  the  ser=
vant  announced=20
that  I  was  wanted.  I  went  to  the  door  and  found  a  large  proces=
sion  of  children,=20
neatly  dressed  and  bearing  banners,  attended  by  ten  or  twelve  pri=
ests,  arrayed=20
in  their  rich  and  flowing  robes.  I  inquired  their  business,  and  =
was  informed  that=20
they  had  come  to  see  Miss  Lind,  to  thank  her  in  person  for  her=
  benevolence.  I=20
took  their  message,  and  informed  Miss  Lind  that  the  leading  pries=
ts  of  the  con-=20
vent had  come  in  great  state  to  see  and  thank  her.  "  I  will  no=
t  see  them,"  she=20
replied;  "  they  have  nothing  to  thank  me  for.  If  I  have  done  g=
ood,  it  is  no  more=20
than  my  duty,  and  it  is  my  pleasure.  I  do  not  deserve  their  th=
anks,  and  I  will=20
not  see  them."  I  returned  her  answer,  and  the  leaders  of  the  gr=
and  procession=20
went  away  in  disappointment.=20

The  same  day  Vivalla  called,  and  brought  her  a  basket  of  the  mo=
st  luscious=20
fruit  that  he  could  procure.  The  little  fellow  was  very  happy  an=
d  extremely=20
grateful.  Miss  Liud  had  gone  out  for  a  ride.=20

"  God  bless  her !  I  am  so  happy ;  she  is  such  a  good  lady.  I =
 sViqll  see  my  broth-=20
ers and  sisters  again.  Oh,  she  is  a  very  good  lady,"  said  poor  =
Vivalla,  overcome=20
by  his  feelings.  He  begged  me  to  thank  her  for  him,  and  give  h=
er  the  fruit.  As=20
he  was  passing  out  of  the  door,  he  hesitated_  a  moment,  and  the=
n  said,  "Mr.=20
Barnum  I  should  like  so  much  to  have  the  good  lady  see  my  dog =
 turn  a  wheel;=20
it  is  very  nice;  he  can  spin  very  good.  Shall  I  bring  the  dog =
 and  wheel  for  her?=20
She  is  such  a  good  lady,  I  wish  to  please  her  very  much."  I  s=
miled,  and  told=20
him  she  would  not  care  for  the  dog;  that  he  was  quite  welcome  =
to  the  money,=20
and  that  she  refused  to  see  the  priests  from  the  convent  that  m=
orning,  because  she=20
never  received  thanks  for  favors.=20


INCIDENTS   OF   THE   TOUR.  119=20

When  Jenny  came  in  I  gave  her  the  fruit,  and  laughingly  told  he=
r  that  Vivalla=20
wished  to  show  her  how  his  performing  dog  could  turn  a  spinning-=
wheeL=20

"  Poor  man,  poor  man,  do  let  him  come;  it  is  all  the  good  cre=
ature  can  do  for=20
me,"  exclaimed  Jenny,  and  the  tears  flowed  thick  and  fast  down  h=
er  cheeks.  "  I=20
like  that,  I  like  that,"  she  continued,  "do  let  the  poor  creatur=
e  come  and  bring=20
his  dog.  It  will  make  him  so  happy."=20

I  confess  it  made  me  happy,  and  I  exclaimed,  for  my  heart  was  =
full,  "  God=20
bless  you,  it  will  make  him  cry  for  joy;  he  shall  come  to-morro=
w."=20

I  saw  Vivalla  the  same  evening,  and  delighted  him  with  the  intel=
ligence  that=20
Jenny  would  see  his  dog"  perform  the  next  day,  at  four  o'clock  =
precisely.*=20

"I  will  be  punctual,"  said  Vivalla,  in  a  voice  trembling  with  em=
otion;  but  I=20
was  sure  she  would  like  to  see  my  dog  perform."=20

For  full  half  an  hour  before  the  time  appointed  did  Jenny  Lind  =
sit  in  her  win-=20
dow on  the  second  floor  and  watch  for  Vivalla  and  his  dog.  A  fe=
w  minutes=20
before  the  appointed  hour,  she  saw  him  coming.  "Ah,  here  he  come=
s!  here  he=20
comes! "  she  exclaimed  in  delight,  as  she  ran  down  stairs  and  op=
ened  the  door  to=20
admit  him,  A  negro  boy  was  bringing  the  small  spinning-wheel,  whi=
le  Vivalla=20
led  the  dog.  Handing  the  boy  a  silver  coin,  she  motioned  him  aw=
ay,  and  taking=20
the  wheel  in  her  arms,  she  said,  "This  is  very  kind  of  you  to =
 come  with  your=20
dog.  Follow  me.  I  will  carry  the  wheel  up  stairs."  Her  servant  =
offered  to  take=20
the  wheel,  but  no,  she  would  let  no  one  carry  it  but  herself.  =
She  called  us  all  up=20
to  her  parlor,  and  for  one  full  hour  did  she  devote  herself  to =
 the  happy  Italian.=20
She  went  down  on  her  knees  to  pet  the  dog  and  to  ask  Vivalla  =
all  sorts  of  questions=20
about  his  performances,  his  former  course  of  lif e,  his  friends  i=
n  Italy,  and  his=20
present  hopes  and  determinations.  Then  she  sang  and  played  for  hi=
m,  gave  him=20
some  refreshments,  finally  insisted  on  carrying  his  wheel  to  the  =
door,  and  her=20
servant  accompanied  Vivalla  to  his  boarding-house.=20

Poor  Vivalla!  He  was  probably  never  so  happy  before,  but  his  enj=
oyment  did=20
not  exceed  that  of  Miss  Lind.  That  scene  alone  would  have  paid  =
me  for  all  my=20
labors  during  the  entire  musical  campaign.  A  few  months  later,  ho=
wever,  the=20
Havana  correspondent  of  the  New  York  Herald  announced  the  death  o=
f  Vivalla=20
and  stated  that  the  poor  Italian's  last  words  were  about  Jenny  L=
ind  and  Mr.=20
Barnum.=20

In  the  party  which  accompanied  me  to  Havana,  was  Mr.  Henry  Benne=
tt,  who=20
formerly  kept  Peale's  Museum  in  New  York,  afterwards  managing  the =
 same=20
establishment  for  me  when  I  purchased  it,  and  he  was  now  with  m=
e  in  the=20
capacity  of  a  ticket-taker.  He  was  as  honest  a  man  as  ever  live=
d,  and  a  good=20
deal  of  a  wag.  I  remember  his  going  through  the  market  once  and=
  running=20
across  a  decayed  actor  who  was  reduced  to  tending  a  market  stand=
;  Bennett=20
hailed  him  with  "Hallo!  what  are  you  doing  here;  what  are  you  k=
eeping  that=20
old  turkey  for?"=20

"  O !  for  a  profit,"  replied  the  actor.=20

"  Prophet,  prophet  I "  exclaimed  Bennett,  "patriarch,  you  mean! "=
=20

With  all  his  waggery  he  was  subject  at  times  to  moods  of  the  d=
eepest  despond-=20
ency, bordering  on  insanity.  Madness  ran  in  his  family.  His  brothe=
r,  in  a  fit  of=20
frenzy,  had  blown  his  brains  out.  Henry  himself  had  twice  attempt=
ed  his  own=20
life  while  in  my  employ  in  New  York.  Some  time  after  our  presen=
t  journey  to=20
Havana,  I  sent  him  to  London.  He  conducted  my  business  precisely =
 as  I=20
directed,  writing  up  his  account  with  me  correctly  to  a  penny.  T=
hen  handing  it=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  120.=20


120  INCIDENTS   OF   THE  TOUR.=20

to  a  mutual  friend  with  directions  to  give  it  to  me  when  I  arr=
ived  in  London  the=20
following  week,  he  went  to  bis  lodgings  and  committed  suicide.=20

"While  we  were  in  Havana,  Bennett  was  so  despondent  at  times  tha=
t  we  were=20
obliged  to  watch  him  carefully,  lest  he  should  do  some  damage  to=
  himself  or=20
others.  When  we  left  Havana  for  New  Orleans,  on  board  the  steame=
r  "Falcon,"=20
Mr.  James  Gordon  Bennett,  editor  of  the  New  York  Herald,  and  his=
  wife,  were=20
also  passengers.  After  permitting  one  favorable  notice  in  his  pape=
r,  Bennett=20
had  turned  around,  as  usual,  and  had  abused  Jenny  Lind  and  bitte=
rly  attacked=20
me.  I  was  always  glad  to  get  such  notices,  for  they  served  as  =
inexpensive  adver-=20
tisements to  my  Museum.  =E2=80=A2>=20

Ticket-taker  Bennett,  however,  took  much  to  heart  the  attacks  of  =
Editor  Ben-=20
nett upon  Jenny  Lind.  When  Editor  Bennett  came  on  board  the  "  Fa=
lcon,"  his=20
violent  name-sake  said  to  a  by-stander:=20

"I  would  willingly  be  drowned  if  I  could  see  that  old  scoundrel =
 goto  the=20
bottom  of  the  sea."=20

Several  of  our  party  overheard  the  remark  and  1  turned  laughingly=
  to  Bennett=20
and  said:  "  Nonsense;  he  can't  harm  any  one.  and  there  is  an  o=
ld  proverb  about=20
the  impossibility  of  drowning  those  who  are  born  to  another  fate.=
"=20

That  very  night,  however,  as  I  stood  near  the  cabin  door,  conver=
sing  with  my=20
treasurer  and  other  members  of  my  company,  Henry  Bennett  came  up =
 to  me=20
with  a  wild  air,  and  hoarsely  whispered:=20

"Old  Bennett  has  gone  forward  alone  in  the  dark =E2=80=94 and  I  a=
m  going  to  throw=20
him  overboard!"=20

We  were  all  startled,  for  we  knew  the  man  and  he  seemed  terribl=
y  in  earnest.=20
Knowing  how  most  effectively  to  address  him  at  such  times,  I  exc=
laimed :=20

" Ridiculous!  you  would  not  do  such  a  thing."=20

"  I  swear  I  will,"  was  his  savage  reply.  I  expostulated  with  hi=
m,  and  several=20
of  our  party  joined  me.=20

"  Nobody  will  know  it,"  muttered  the  maniac,  "  and  I  shall  be  =
doing  the  world=20
a  favor."=20

I  endeavored  to  awaken  him  to  a  sense  of  the  crime  he  contempla=
ted,  assuring=20
him  that  it  could  not  possibly  benefit  any  one,  and  that  from  t=
he  fact  of  the=20
relations  existing  between  the  editor  and  myself,  I  should  be  the=
  first  to  be=20
accused  of  his  murder.  I  implored  him  to  go  to  his  state-room,  =
and  he  finally=20
did  so,  accompanied  by  some  of  the  gentlemen  of  our  party.  I  to=
ok  pains  to  see=20
that  he  was  carefully  watched  that  night,  and,  indeed,  for  severa=
l  days,  till  he=20
became  calm  again.  He  was  a  large,  athletic  man,  quite  able  to  =
pick  up  his  name-=20
sake and  drop  him  overboard.  The  matter  was  too  serious  for  a  jo=
ke,  and  we=20
made  little  mention  of  it;  but  more  than  one  of  our  party  said =
 then,  and  has=20
said  since,  what  I  really  believe  to  be  true,  that  "James  Gordon=
  Bennett  would=20
have  been  drowned  that  night  had  it  uofTbeen  for  P.  T.  Baruum."=
=20

In  New  Orleans  the  wharf  was  crowded  by  a  great  concourse  of  pe=
rsons,  as  the=20
steamer  "Falcon"  approached.  Jenny  Lind  had  enjoyed  a  month  of  qu=
iet,  and=20
dreaded  the  excitement  which  she  must  now  again  encounter.=20

"Mr.  Barnum,  I  am  sure  I  can  never  get  through  that  crowd,"  sai=
d  she,  in=20
despair.=20

"  Leave  that  to  me.  Remain  quiet  for  ten  minutes,  and  there  sha=
ll  be  no  crowd=20
here,"  I  replied.=20

Taking  my  daughter  on  my  arm,  she  threw  her  veil  over  her  face,=
  and  we=20
descended  the  gangway  to  the  dock.  The  crowd  pressed  around.  Ihad=
beckoiu-.J=20
for  a  carriage  before  leaving  the  ship.=20


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  TOUR.  121=20

"  That's  Barnum,  I  know  him,"  called  out  several  persons  at  the =
 top  of  their=20
voices.=20

"  Open  the  way,  if  you  please,  for  Mr.  Barnum  and  Miss  Lind !  =
"  cried  Le  Grand=20
Smith  over  the  railing  of  the  ship,  the  deck  of  which  he  had  j=
ust  reached  from=20
the  wharf.=20

"Don't  crowd  her,  if  you  please,  gentlemen,"  I  exclaimed,  and  by =
 dint  of  push-=20
ing, squeezing  and  coaxing,  we  reached  the  carriage,  and  drove  for=
  the  Montalba=20
buildings,  where  Miss  Land's  apartments  had  been  prepared,  and  the=
  whole  crowd=20
came  following  at  our  heels.  In  a  few  minutes  afterwards,  Jenny  =
and  her  com-=20
panion came  quietly  in  a  carriage,  and  were  in  the  house  before  =
the  ruse  was=20
discovered.  In  answer  to  incessant  calls,  she  appeared  a  moment  u=
pon  the=20
balcony,  waved  her  handkerchief,  received  three  hearty  cheers,  and =
 the  crowd=20
dispersed.=20

A  funny  incident  occurred  at  New  Orleans.  Our  concerts  were  given=
  in  the=20
St.  Charles  Theater,  then  managed  by  my  good  friend,  the  late  So=
L  Smith.  In=20
the  open  lots  near  the  theater  were  exhibitions  of  mammoth  hogs, =
 five-footed=20
horses,  grizzly  bears,  and  other  animals.=20

A  gentleman  had  a  son  about  twelve  years  old,  who  had  a  wonderf=
ul  ear  for=20
music.  He  could  whistle  or  sing  any  tune  after  hearing  it  once. =
 His  father  did=20
not  know  nor  care  for  a  single  note,  but  so  anxious  was  he  to =
 please  his  son,  that=20
he  paid  thirty  dollars  for  two  tickets  to  the  concert.=20

"I  liked  the  music  better  than  I  expected,"  said  he  to  me  the  =
next  day,  "but=20
my  son  was  in  raptures.  He  was  so  perfectly  enchanted  that  he  s=
carcely  spoke=20
the  whole  evening,  and  I  would  on  no  account  disturb  his  delight=
ful  reveries.=20
When  the  concert  was  finished  we  came  out  of  the  theater.  Not  a=
  word  was=20
spoken.  I  knew  that  my  musical  prodigy  was  happy  among  the  cloud=
s,  and  I=20
said  nothing.  I  could  not  help  envying  him  his  love  of  music,  a=
nd  considered  my=20
thirty  dollars  as  nothing,  compared  to  the  buss  which  it  secured =
 to  him.  Indeed,=20
I  was  seriously  thinking  of  taking  him  to  the  next  concert,  when=
  he  spoke.  We=20
were  just  passing  the  numerous  shows  upon  the  vacant  lots.  One  o=
f  the  signs=20
attracted  him,  and  he  said,  '  Father,  let  us  go  in  and  see  the=
  big  hog ! '  The  little=20
scamp!  I  could  have  horsewhipped  him!"  said  the  father,  who,  lovi=
ng  a  joke,=20
could  not  help  laughing  at  the  ludicrous  incident.=20

Some  months  afterwards,  I  was  relating  this  story  at  my  own  tabl=
e  to  several=20
guests,  among  whom  was  a  very  matter-of-fact  man  who  had  not  the=
  faintest=20
conception  of  humor.  After  the  whole  party  had  laughed  heartily  a=
t  the  anecdote,=20
my  matter-of-fact  friend  gravely  asked:=20

"  And  was  it  a  very  large  hog,  Mr.  Barnum  ?"=20

I  made  arrangements  with  the  captain  of  the  splendid  steamer  "  M=
agnolia,"=20
of  Louisville,  to  take  our  party  as  far  as  Cairo,  the  junction  =
of  the  Mississippi=20
and  Ohio  rivers,  stipulating  for  sufficient  delay  in  Natchez,  Miss=
issippi,  and  in=20
Memphis,  Tennessee,  to  give  a  concert  in  each  place.  It  was  no  =
unusual  thing  for=20
me  to  charter  a  steamboat  or  a  special  train  of  cars  for  our  p=
arty.  With  such  an=20
enterprise  as  that,  time  and  comfort  were  paramount  to  money.=20

The  time  on  board  the  steamer  was  whiled  away  in  reading,  viewin=
g  the  scenery=20
of  the  Mississippi,  and  other  diversions.  One  day  we  had  a  pleas=
ant  musical=20
festival  in  the  ladies'  saloon  for  the  gratification  of  the  passe=
ngers,  at  which  Jenny=20
volunteered  to  sing  without  ceremony.  It  seemed  to  us  she  never  =
sang  so  sweetly=20
before.  I  also  did  my  best  to  amuse  my  fellow  passengers  with  a=
necdotes  and=20
the  exhibition  of  sundry  legerdemain  tricks  which  I  had  been  obli=
ged  to  learn=20
and  use  in  the  South  years  before,  and  under  far  different  circu=
mstances  than=20
6=20


122  INCIDENTS   OF   THE   TOUR.=20

those  which  attended  the  performance  now.  Among  other  tricks,  I  c=
aused  a=20
quarter  of  a  dollar  to  disappear  so  mysteriously  from  beneath  a  =
card,  that  the=20
mulatto  barber  on  board  came  to  the  conclusion  that  I  was  in  le=
ague  with  the=20
deviL=20

The  next  morning  I  seated  myself  for  the  operation  of  shaving,  a=
nd  the  colored=20
gentleman  ventured  to  dip  into  the  mystery.  "  Beg  pardon,  Mr.  Ba=
rnum,  but  1=20
have  heard  a  great  deal  about  you,  and  I  saw  more  than  I  wante=
d  to  see  last=20
night.  Is  it  true  that  you  have  sold  yourself  to  the  devil,  so =
 that  you  can  do=20
what  you've  a  mind  to? "=20

"Oh,  yes,"  was  my  reply,  "that  is  the  bargain  between  us."=20

"  How  long  did  you  agree  for? "  was  the  question  next  in  order.=
=20

"Only  nine  years,"  said  L  "I  have  had  three  of  them  already.  Be=
fore  the=20
other  six  are  out,  I  shall  find  a  way  to  nonplus  the  old  gentl=
eman,  and  I  have  told=20
him  so  to  his  face."=20

At  this  avowal,  a  larger  space  of  white  than  usual  was  seen  in =
 the  darkey's=20
eyes,  and  he  inquired,  "Is  it  by  this  bargain  that  you  get  so  =
much  money?"=20

"Certainly,  No  matter  who  has  money,  nor  where  he  keeps  it,  in  =
his  box  or=20
till,  or  anywhere  about  him,  I  have  only  to  speak  the  words,  an=
d  it  comes."=20

The  shaving  was  completed  in  silence,  but  thought  had  been  busy  =
in  the  bar-=20
ber's mind,  and  he  embraced  the  speediest  opportunity  to  transfer  =
Ms  bag  of  coin=20
to  the  iron  safe  in  charge  of  the  clerk.=20

The  movement  did  not  escape  me,  and  immediately  a  joke  was  afoot=
.  I  had=20
barely  time  to  make  two  or  three  details  of  arrangement  with  the=
  clerk,  and=20
resume  my  seat  in  the  cabin,  ere  the  barbt.T  sought  a  second  in=
terview,  bent  on=20
testing  the  alleged  powers  of  Beelzebub's  colleague.=20

"Beg  pardon,  Mr.  Barnum,  but  where  is  my  money?    Can  you  get  i=
t?"=20

"  I  do  not  want  your  money,"  was  the  quiet  answer.     "  It  is =
 safe."=20

"  Yes,  I  know  it  is  safe =E2=80=94 ha!  ha! =E2=80=94 it  is  in  the=
  iron  safe  in  the  clerk's  office =E2=80=94 safe=20
enough  from  you!"=20

"It  is  not  in  the  iron  safe !"  said  I.  This  was  said  so  quietl=
y,  yet  positively,=20
that  the  colored  gentleman  ran  to  the  office,  and  inquired  if  al=
l  was  safe.  "All=20
right,"  said  the  clerk.  "  Open,  and  let  me  see,"  replied  the  ba=
rber.  The  safe  was=20
unlocked  and  lo!  the  money  was  gone!=20

In  mystified  terror  the  loser  applied  to  me  for  relief.  "You  wil=
l  find  the  bag=20
in  your  drawer,"  said  I,  and  there  it  was  found!=20

His  curiosity  was  still  great.     "  Please  do  another  trick,"  sai=
d  he.=20

"Very  well,"  I  replied,  "stand  perfectly  still"=20

He  did  so,  and  I  commenced  muttering  some  mysterious  words,  as  i=
f  performing=20
an  incantation.=20

"  What  are  you  doing  ?"  asked  the  barber.=20

"  I  am  changing  you  into  a  black  cat,"  I  replied,  "but  don't  b=
e  afraid;  I  will=20
change  you  back  again,  if  I  don't  forget  the  words  to  do  it  wi=
th."=20

This  was  too  much  for  the  terrified  darkey;  with  an  awful  screec=
h  he  rushed  to=20
the  side  of  the  boat  resolved  to  drown  rather  than  undergo  such =
 a  transf  ormation.=20

He  was  captured  and  brought  back  to  me,  when  I  dispelled  his  fr=
ight  by  explan-=20
ing  the  way  in  which  I  had  tricked  him.  Relieved  and  reassured, =
 he  clapped  his=20
nands  and  executed  an  impromptu  jig,  exclaiming,  "  Ha!  ha!  when  =
I  get  back  to=20
New  Orleans  won't  I  come  de  Barnum  ober  dem  niggers! "=20


CHAPTEE   XXI.=20

JENNY  LIND.=20

ACCORDING  to  agreement,  the  "  Magnolia  "  waited  for  us  at  Natche=
z  and  Mem-=20
phis, and  we  gave  profitable  concerts  at  both  places.  The  concert =
 at  Memphis=20
was  the  sixtieth  in  the  list  since  Miss  land's  arrival  in  Americ=
a,  and  the  first=20
concert  in  St.  Louis  would  be  the  sixty-first.  When  we  reached  t=
hat  city,  on  the=20
morning  of  the  day  when  our  first  concert  was  to  be  given,  Miss=
  Land's  secretary=20
came  to  me,  commissioned,  he  said,  by  her,  and  announced  that  as=
  sixty  concerts=20
had  already  taken  place,  she  proposed  to  avail  herself  of  one  of=
  the  conditions  of=20
our  contract,  and  cancel  the  engagement  next  morning.  As  this  was=
  the  first=20
intimation  of  the  kind  I  had  received,  I  was  somewhat  startled,  =
though  I  assumed=20
an  entirely  placid  demeanor,  and  asked:=20

"  Does  Miss  land  authorize  you  to  give  me  this  notice?"=20

"  I  so  understand  it,"  was  the  reply.=20

I  immediately  reflected  that  if  our  contract  was  thus  suddenly  ca=
nceled,  Miss=20
Land  was  bound  to  repay  to  me  all  I  had  paid  her  over  the  sti=
pulated  $1,000  for=20
each  concert,  and  a  little  calculation  showed  that  the  sum  thus  =
to  be  paid  back=20
was  $77,000,  since  she  had  already  received  from  me  $137,000  for =
 sixty  concerts.=20
In  this  view,  I  could  not  but  think  that  this  was  a  ruse  of  s=
ome  of  her  advisers,=20
and,  possibly,  that  she  might  know  nothing  of  the  matter.  So  I  =
told  her  secre-=20
tary that  I  would  see  him  again  in  an  hour,  and  meanwhile  I  wen=
t  to  my  old=20
friend  Mr.  SoL  Smith  for  his  legal  and  friendly  advice.=20

I  showed  him  my  contract  and  told  him  how  much  I  had  been  anno=
yed  by  the=20
selfish  and  greedy  hangers-on  and  advisers,  legal  and  otherwise,  o=
f  Jenny  Land.=20
I  talked  to  him  about  the  "  wheels  within  wheels  "  which  moved =
 this  great  musical=20
enterprise,  and  asked  and  gladly  accepted  his  advice,  which  mainly=
  coincided=20
with  my  own  views  of  the  situation.  I  then  went  back  to  the  se=
cretary  and=20
quietly  told  him  that  I  was  ready  to  settle  with  Miss  Land  and =
 to  close  the=20
engagement.=20

"But,"  said  he,  manifestly  "taken  aback,"  "you  have  already  advert=
ised=20
concerts  in  Louisville  and  Cincinnati,  I  believe."=20

"Yes,"  i  replied;  "but  you  may  take  my  contracts  for  halls  and  =
printing  off=20
my  hands  at  cost."  I  further  said  that  he  was  welcome  to  the  a=
ssistance  of  my=20
agent  who  had  made  these  arrangements,  and,  moreover,  that  I  woul=
d  cheerfully=20
give  my  own  services  to  help  them  through  with  these  concerts,  t=
hus  giving  them=20
a  good  start  "  on  their  own  hook."=20

My  liberality,  which  he  acknowledged,  emboldened  him  to  make  an  e=
xtraordi-=20
nary proposition:=20

"  Now  suppose,"  he  asked,  "  Miss  Land  should  wish  to  give  some =
 fifty  concerts=20
in  this  country,  what  would  you  charge  as  manager,  per  concert?"=
=20

"A  million  dollars  each,  not  one  cent  less,"  I  replied.  I  was  n=
ow  thoroughly=20
aroused;  the  whole  thing  was  as  clear  as  daylight,  and  I  continu=
ed:=20

"  Now  we  might  as  well  understand  each  other;  I  don't  believe  M=
iss  Lind  has=20
authorized  you  to  propose  to  me  to  cancel  our  contract;  but  if  =
she  has,  just  bring=20

123=20


124  JENNY  LIND.=20

me  a  line  to  that  effect  over  her  signature  and  her  check  for  =
the  amount  due  me=20
by  the  terms  of  that  contract,  some  $77,000,  and  we  will  close  =
our  business=20
connections  at  once."=20

"But  why  not  make  a  new  arrangement,"  persisted  the  secretary,  "f=
or  fifty=20
concerts  more,  by  which  Miss  Land  shall  pay  you  liberally,  say  $=
1,000  per=20
concert? "=20

"  Simply  because  I  hired  Miss  land,  and  not  she  me,"  I  replied,=
  "  and  because  I=20
never  ought  to  take  a  farthing  less  for  my  risk  and  trouble  tha=
n  tho  contract=20
gives  me.  I  have  voluntarily  paid  Miss  Lind  more  than  twice  as  =
much  as  I=20
originally  contracted  to  pay  her,  or  as  she  expected  to  receive  =
when  she  first=20
engaged  with  me.  Now,  if  she  is  not  satisfied,  I  wish  to  settle=
  instantly  and=20
finally.  If  you  do  not  bring  me  her  decision  to-day,  I  shall  go=
  to  her  for  it  to-=20
morrow morning."=20

I  met  the  secretary  soon  after  breakfast  next  morning  and  asked  =
him  if  he  had=20
a  written  communication  for  me  from  Miss  Lind?  He  said  he  had  n=
ot,  and  that=20
the  whole  thing  was  a  "joke."  He  merely  wanted,  he  added,  to  se=
e  what  I  would=20
say  to  the  proposition.  I  asked  him  if  Miss  Lind  was  in  the  "j=
oke,"  as  he  called=20
it?  He  hoped  I  would  not  inquire,  but  would  let  the  matter  drop=
.  I  went  on,  as=20
usual,  and  gave  four  more  concerts  in  St.  Louis,  and  followed  ou=
t  my  programme=20
as  arranged  in  other  cities  for  many  weeks  following;  nor  at  tha=
t  time,  nor  at=20
any  time  afterwards,  did  Miss  Lind  give  me  the  slightest  intimati=
on  that  she  had=20
any  knowledge  of  the  proposition  of  her  secretary  to  cancel  our  =
agreement  or  to=20
employ  me  as  her  manager.=20

During  our  stay  at  St.  Louis,  I  delivered  a  temperance  lecture  i=
n  the  theater,=20
and,  at  the  close,  among  other  signers  of  the  pledge,  was  my  fr=
iend  and  adviser,=20
Sol.  Smith.  "Uncle  SoL"  as  every  one  called  him,  was  a  famous  c=
haracter  in=20
his  time.  He  was  an  excellent  comedian,  an  author,  a  manager  and=
  a  lawyer.=20
In  1854,  he  published  an  autobiographical  work,  preceded  by  a  ded=
ication  which=20
I  venture  to  copy:=20

"TO  PHINEAS  T.  BARNUM,   PROPRIETOR  OF  THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM,  ETC.=20

"  Great  Impressario :  Whilst  you  were  engaged  in  your  grand  Jenny=
  Lind=20
speculation,  the  following  conundrum  went  the  rounds  of  the  Americ=
an  news-=20
papers:=20

"'Why  is  it  that  Jenny  Lind  and  Barnum  will  never  fall  out?'  An=
swer:=20
'  Because  he  is  always  for-getting,  and  she  is  always  for-giving.=
'=20

"I  have  never  asked  you  the  question  directly,  whether  you,  Mr.  =
Barnum,=20
started  that  conundrum,  or  not;  but  I  strongly  suspect  that  you  =
did.  At  all=20
events,  I  noticed  that  your  whole  policy  was  concentrated  into  on=
e  idea =E2=80=94 to  make=20
an  angel  of  Jenny,  and  depreciate  yourself  in  contrast.=20

"You  may  remember  that  in  this  city  (St.  Louis),  I  acted  in  one=
  instance  as=20
your  'legal  adviser,'  and,  as  such,  necessarily  became  acquainted  =
with  all  the=20
particulars  of  your  contract  with  the  so-called  Swedish  Nightingale=
,  as  well  as=20
the  various  modifications  claimed  by  that  charitable  lady,  and  sub=
mitted  to  by=20
you  after  her  arrival  in  this  country;  which  modifications  (I  sup=
pose  it  need  no=20
longer  be  a  secret)  secured  to  her =E2=80=94 besides  the  original  =
stipulation  of  one  thousand=20
dollars  for  every  concert,  attendants,  carriages,  assistant  artists,=
  and  a  pompous=20
and  extravagant  retinue,  fit  (only)  for  a  European  princess=E2=80=
=94 one  half  of  the  profits=20
of  each  performance.  You  may  also  remember  the  legal  advice  I  ga=
ve  you  on=20
the  occasion  referred  to,  and  the  salutary  efTor-f;  of  yoiir  foll=
owing  it.  You  must=20
remember  the  extravagant  joy  you  felt  afterwards,  in  Philadelphia, =
 when  the=20


JENNY  LIND.  125=20

=E2=80=A2  Angel '  made  up  her  mind  to  avail  herself  of  one  of  t=
he  stipulations  in  her  con-=20
tract, to  break  off  at  the  end  of  a  hundred  nights,  and  even  bo=
ught  out  seven=20
of  that  hundred =E2=80=94 supposing  that  she  could  go  on  without  y=
our  aid  as  well  as=20
with  it.  And  you  cannot  but  remember,  how,  like  a  rocket-stick  s=
he  dropped,=20
when  your  business  connection  with  her  ended,  and  how  she  '  fizz=
ed  out '  the=20
remainder  of  her  concert  nights  in  this  part  of  the  world,  and  =
soon  afterwards=20
retired  to  her  domestic  blissitude  in  Sweden.=20

"  You  know,  Mr.  Barnum,  if  you  would  only  tell,  which  of  the  t=
wo  it  was  that=20
was  'for-getting,'  and  which  'for-giving;'  and  you  also  know  who  =
actually  gave=20
the  larger  portion  of  those  sums  which  you  heralded  to  the  world=
  as  the  sole  gifts=20
of  the  '  divine  Jenny.'=20

"  Of  all  your  speculations =E2=80=94 from  the  negro  centenarina,  wh=
o  didn't  nurse  Gen-=20
eral Washington,  down  to  the  Bearded  Woman  of  Genoa =E2=80=94 there =
 was  not  one=20
which  required  the  exercise  of  so  much  humbuggery  as  the  Jenny  L=
ind  concerts;=20
and  I  verily  believe  there  is  no  man  living,  other  than  yourself=
,  who  could,  or=20
would,  have  risked  the  enormous  expenditure  of  money  necessary  to =
 carry  them=20
through  successfully =E2=80=94 traveling,  with  sixty  artists,  four  th=
ousand  miles,  and=20
giving  ninety-three  concerts,  at  an  actual  cost  of  forty-five  hund=
red  dollars  each,=20
is  what  no  other  rna^  would  have  undertaken =E2=80=94 you  accomplis=
hed  this,  and=20
pocketed  by  the  operation  but  Little  less  than  two  hundred  thousa=
nd  dollars!=20
Mr.  Barnum,  you  are  yourself,  alone !=20

"I  honor  you,  ohl  Great  Impressario,  as  the  most  successful  manag=
er  in=20
America  or  any  other  country.  Democrat,  as  you  are,  you  can  give=
  a  practical=20
lesson  to  the  aristocrats  of  Europe  how  to  live.  At  your  beautif=
ul  and  tasteful=20
residence, '  Irauistan '  (I  don't  like  the  name,  though),  you  can =
 and  do  entertain  your=20
Mends  with  a  warmth  of  hospitality,  only  equalled  by  that  of  the=
  great  landed=20
proprietors  of  the  old  country,  or  of  our  own  '  sunny  South.'  W=
hilst  riches  are=20
pouring  into  your  coffers  from  your  various  '  ventures '  in  all  =
parts  of  the  world,=20
you  do  not  hoard  your  immense  means,  but  continually  '  cast  them=
  forth  upon=20
the  waters,'  rewarding  labor,  encouraging  the  arts,  and  lending  a =
 helping  hand  to=20
industry  in  all  its  branches.  Not  content  with  doing  all  this,  y=
ou  deal  telling  blows,=20
whenever  opportunity  offers,  upon  the  monster  Intemperance.  Your  la=
bors  in=20
this  great  cause  alone  should  entitle  you  to  the  thanks  of  all  =
good  men,  women  and=20
children  in  the  land.  Mr.  Barnum,  you  deserve  all  your  good  fort=
une,  and  I=20
hope  you  may  long  live  to  enjoy  your  wealth  and  honor.=20

"As  a  small  installment  towards  the  debt,  I,  as  one  of  the  comm=
unity,  owe=20
you,  and  with  the  hope  of  affording  you  an  hour's  amusement  (if =
 you  can  spare=20
that  amount  of  time  from  your  numerous  avocations  to  read  it),  I=
  present  you=20
with  this  Little  volume,  containing  a  very  brief  account  of  some =
 of  my  '  journey-=20
work'  in  the  south  and  west;  and  remain,  very  respectfully,=20
"  Your  friend,  and  affectionate  uncle,=20

"  SOL.  SMITH.=20

"  CHOUTEAU  AVENUE,  ST.  Louis,=20
"  Nov.  1,  1854."=20

"  Uncle  "  Sol.  Smith  must  be  held  solely  responsible  for  his  ex=
travagant  estimate=20
of  P.  T.  Barnum,  and  for  his  somewhat  deprecatory  view  of  the  a=
ttributes  of=20
the  "divine  Jenny."=20

Whenever  Miss  Lind  sang  for  a  public  or  private  charity,  she  gav=
e  her  voice,=20
which  was  worth  a  thousand  dollars  to  her  every  evening.  At  such=
  times,  I=20
always  insisted  upon  paying  for  the  hall,  orchestra,  printing,  and=
  other  expenses,=20


126  JENXY  LIND.=20


because  I  felt  able  and  willing  to  contribute  my  full  share  towa=
rds  the  worthy=20
objects  which  prompted  these  benefits.=20

We  were  in  Havana  when  I  showed  to  Miss  Lind  a  paper  containing=
  the  co-=20
nundrum on  "  f  or-getting  "  and  "for-giving,"  at  which  she  laughe=
d  heartily,  but=20
immediately  checked  herself  and  said:=20

"  O!  Mr.  Barnuin,  this  is  not  fair;  you  know  that  you  really  g=
ive  more  than  I=20
do  from  the  proceeds  of  every  one  of  these  charity  concerts."=20

And  it  is  but  just  to  her  to  say  that  she  frequently  remonstrat=
ed  with  me,  and=20
declared  that  the  actual  expenses  should  be  deducted,  and  the  thu=
s  lessened  sum=20
devoted  to  the  charity  for  which  the  concert  might  be  given;  but=
  I  always  laugh-=20
ingly told  her  that  I  must  do  my  part,  give  my  share,  and  that =
 if  it  was  purely=20
a  business  operation,  "bread  cast  upon  the  waters,"  it  would  retu=
rn,  perhaps,=20
buttered;  for  the  larger  her  reputation  for  liberality,  the  more  =
liberal  the  public=20
would  surely  be  to  us  and  to  our  enterprise.=20

I  have  no  wish  to  conceal  these  facts,  and  I  certainly  have  no =
 desire  to  receive=20
a  larger  meed  of  praise  than  my  qualified  generosity  merits.  Just=
ice  to  myself=20
and  to  my  management,  as  well  as  to  Miss  Lind,  seems  to  permit,=
  if  not  to  de-=20
mand, this  explanation.=20


CHAPTEK    XXII.=20

=E2=80=A2=20

CLOSE   OF   THE   CAMPAIGN.=20

AFTER  five  concerts  in  St.  Louis,  we  went  to  Nashville,  Tennessee=
,  where  we=20
gave  our  sixty-sixth  and  sixty-seventh  concerts  in  this  country.  W=
hile  there,=20
Jenny  Lind,  accompanied  by  my  daughter,  Mrs.  Lyman,  and  myself,  v=
isited  the=20
"  Hermitage,"  the  late  residence  of  General  Jackson.  On  that  occa=
sion,  for  the=20
first  time  that  season,  we  heard  the  wild  mocking-birds  singing  i=
n  the  trees.  This=20
gave  Jenny  Lind  great  delight,  as  she  had  never  before  heard  the=
m  sing  except=20
in  their  wire-bound  cages.=20

The  first  of  April  occurred  while  we  were  in  Nashville.  I  was  c=
onsiderably=20
annoyed  during  the  forenoon  by  the  calls  of  members  of  the  compa=
ny,  who  came=20
to  me  under  the  belief  that  I  had  sent  for  them.  After  dinner, =
 I  concluded  to=20
give  them  all  a  touch  of  "  April  fool."  The  following  article,  =
which  appeared  the=20
next  morning  in  the  Nashville  Daily  American,  my  amanuensis  having=
  imparted=20
the  secret  to  the  editor,  will  show  how  it  was  done:=20

"  A  series  of  laughable  jokes  came  off  yesterday  at  the  Veranda =
 In  honor  of  All  Fools'=20
Day.  Mr.  Barnum  was  at  the  bottom  of  the  mischief.  He  managed,  =
In  some  mysterious=20
manner,  to  obtain  a  lot  of  blank  telegraphic  despatches  and  envel=
opes  from  one  of  the  offices=20
in  this  city,  and  then  went  to  work  and  manufactured  '  astoundin=
g  intelligence '  for  most  of=20
the  parties  composing  the  Jenny  Lind  suite.  Almost  every  person  i=
n  the  company  received=20
a  telegraphic  despatch,  written  under  the  direction  of  Barnum.  Mr.=
  Barnum's  daughter=20
was  informed  that  her  mother,  her  cousin,  and  several  other  relat=
ives,  were  waiting  for  her=20
in  Louisville,  and  various  other  important  and  extraordinary  items =
 of  domestic  intelligence=20
were  communicated  to  her.  Mr.  Le  Grand  Smith  was  told  by  a  desp=
atch  from  his  father=20
.hat  his  native  village,  in  Connecticut,  was  in  ashes,  including  =
his  own  homestead,  etc.=20
Several  of  Barnum's  employees  had  most  liberal  offers  of  engagemen=
ts  from  banks  and=20
ither  institutions  at  the  North.  Burke,  and  others  of  the  musical=
  professors,  were  offered=20
princely  salaries  by  opera  managers,  and  many  of  them  received  mo=
st  tempting  inducements=20
;o  proceed  immediately  to  the  World's  Fair  in  London.=20

"  One  married  gentleman  in  Mr.  Barnnm's  suit  received  the  gratify=
ing  Intelligence  that=20
he  had  for  two  days  been  the  father  of  a  pair  of  bouncing  boys=
  (mother  and  children  doing=20
well),  an  event  which  he  had  been  anxiously  looking  for  during  t=
he  week,  though  on  a=20
somewhat  more  limited  scale.  In  fact,  nearly  every  person  in  the =
 party  engaged  by  Bar-=20
num received  some  extraordinary  telegraphic  intelligence ;  and,  as  t=
he  great  impressario=20
managed  to  have  the  despatches  delivered  simultaneously,  each  recip=
ient  was  for  some  time=20
busily  occupied  with  his  own  personal  news.=20

"  By  and  by  each  began  to  tell  his  neighbor  his  good  or  bad  t=
idings  ;  and  each  wa=C2=BB,  of=20
course,  rejoiced  or  grieved,  according  to  circumstances.  Several  ga=
ve  Mr.  Barnum  notice=20
of  their  intention  to  leave  him,  in  consequence  of  better  offers =
 ;  and  a  number  of  them  sent=20
off  telegraphic  despatches  and  letters  by  mail,  in  answer  to  thos=
e  received.=20

"  The  man  who  had  so  suddenly  become  the  father  of  twins,  teleg=
raphed  to  his  wife  to=20
*  be  of  good  cheer,'  and  that  he  would  '  start  for  home  to-mor=
row.  At  a  late  hour  last=20
night  the  secret  had  not  got  out,  and  we  presume  that  many  of  =
the  victims  will  first  learn=20
from  our  columns  that  they  have  been  taken  in  by  Barnum  and  All=
  Fools'  Day  1 "=20

From  Nashville,  Jenny  Land  and  a  few  friends  went  by  way  of  the=
  Mammoth=20
Cave  to  Louisville,  while  the  rest  of  the  party  proceeded  by  ste=
amboat.=20

While  in  Havana,  I  engaged  Signor  Salvi  for  a  few  months,  to  be=
gin  about  the=20
tenth  of  April.  He  joined  us  at  Louisville,  and  sang  in  the  thr=
ee  concerts  there=20
with  great  satisfaction  to  the  public.  Mr.  George  D.  Prentice,  of=
  the  Louisville=20
Journal,  and  his  beautiful  and  accomplished  lady,  who  had  contribu=
ted  much  to=20
the  pleasure  of  Miss  Lind  and  our  party,  accompanied  us  to  Cinci=
nnati.=20

As  the  steamer  from  Louisville  to  Cincinnati  would  arrive  at  Madi=
son  about=20
sundown,  and  would  wait  long  enough  for  us  to  give  a  concert,  w=
e  did  so,  and  at=20

127=20


128  CLOSE   OF  THE   CAMPAIGN.=20

ten  o'clock  we  were  again  on  board  the  fine  steamer  "  Ben  Frank=
lin  "  bound  for=20
Cincinnati.=20

The  next  morning  the  crowd  upon  the  wharf  was  immense.  I  was  fe=
arful  that=20
an  attempt  to  repeat  the  New  Orleans  ruse  with  my  daughter  would=
  be  of  no=20
avail,  as  the  joke  had  been  published  in  the  Cincinnati  papers.  =
So  I  gave  my  arm=20
to  Miss  Lind,  and  begged  her  to  have  no  fears  for  I  had  hit  u=
pon  an  expedient=20
which  would  save  her  from  annoyance.  "We  then  descended  the  plank=
  to  the=20
shore,  and  as  soon  as  we  had  touched  it  Le  Grand  Smith  called  =
out  from  the  boat,=20
as  if  he  had  been  one  of  the  passengers,  "That's  no  go,  Mr.  Ba=
rnum;  you  can't=20
pass  your  daughter  off  for  Jenny  Lind  this  time."=20

The  remark  elicited  a  peal  of  merriment  from  the  crowd,  several  =
persons  call-=20
ing out,  "That  wont  do,  Barnum!  You  may  fool  the  New  Orleans  fol=
ks,  but=20
you  can't  come  it  over  the  'Buckeyes.'  We  intend  to  stay  here  u=
ntil  you  bring=20
out  Jenny  Lind  I"  They  readily  allowed  me  to  pass  with  the  lady=
  whom  they=20
supposed  to  be  my  daughter,  and  in  five  minutes  afterwards  the  N=
ightingale  was=20
complimenting  Mr.  Coleman  upon  the  beautiful  and  commodious  apartme=
nts=20
which  were  devoted  to  her  in  the  Burnett  House.=20

In  passing  up  the  river  to  Pittsburg,  the  boat  waited  four  hours=
  to  enable  us  to=20
give  a  concert  at  Wheeling.=20

At  Pittsburg  we  gave  one  concert.=20

We  reached  New  York  early  in  May,  1851,  and  gave  fourteen  concer=
ts  in  Castle=20
Garden  and  Metropolitan  HalL  The  last  of  these  made  the  ninety-se=
cond  regular=20
concert  under  our  engagement.  Jenny  Lind  had  now  again  reached  th=
e  atmos-=20
phere of  her  legal  and  other  "advisers,"  and  I  soon  discovered  th=
e  effects  of  their=20
influence.  I,  however,  cared  little  what  course  they  advised  her  =
to  pursue.  I,  in-=20
deed, wished  they  would  prevail  upon  her  to  close  with  her  hundre=
dth  concert,  for  I=20
had  become  weary  with  constant  excitement  and  unremitting  exertions=
.  I  felt  it=20
would  be  well  for  her  to  try  some  concerts  on  her  own  account, =
 if  she  saw  fit  to=20
credit  her  advisers'  assurance  that  I  had  not  managed  the  enterpr=
ise  as  success-=20
fully as  it  might  have  been  done.=20

At  about  the  eighty-fifth  concert,  therefore,  I  was  most  happy  to=
  learn  from=20
her  lips  that  she  had  concluded  to  pay  the  forfeiture  of  twenty-=
five  thousand  dol-=20
lars, and  terminate  the  concerts  with  the  one  hundredth.=20

We  went  10  Philadelphia,  where  I  had  advertised  the  ninety-third  =
and=20
ninety-fourth  concerts.  Not  caring  enough  for  the  profits  of  the  =
remaining=20
seven  concerts  to  continue  the  engagement  at  the  risk  of  disturbi=
ng  the=20
friendly  feelings  which  had  hitherto  uninterruptedly  existed  between=
  that  lady=20
and  myself,  I  wrote  her  a  letter  offering  to  relinquish  the  enga=
gement,  if  she=20
desired  it,  at  the  termination  of  the  concert  which  was  to  take =
 place  that  evening,=20
upon  her  simply  allowing  me  a  thousand  dollars  per  concert  for  t=
he  seven  which=20
would  yet  remain  to  make  up  the  hundred,  besides  paying  me  the  =
sum  stipulated=20
as  a  forfeiture  for  closing  the  engagement  at  the  one  hundredth  =
concert.  This=20
offer  she  accepted,  and  our  engagement  terminated.=20

Jenny  Lind  gave  several  concerts,  with  varied  success,  and  then  r=
etired  to=20
Niagara  Falls,  and  afterwards  to  Northampton,  Massachusetts.  While  =
sojourn-=20
ing at  the  latter  place,  she  visited  Boston  and  was  married  to  M=
r.  Otto  Gold-=20
Bchmidt,  a  German  composer  and  pianist,  to  whom  she  was  much  att=
ached,  and=20
who  had  studied  music  with  her  in  Germany.  He  played  several  tim=
es  in  our=20
concerts.  He  was  a  very  quiet,  inoffensive  gentleman,  and  an  acco=
mplished=20
musician.=20


CLOSE  OP  THE  CAMPAIGN.=20


1  met  her  several  times  after  our  engagement  terminated.  She  was =
 alwayi=20
affable.  On  one  occasion,  while  passing  through  Bridgeport,  she  to=
ld  me  that  she=20
had  been  sadly  harassed  in  giving  her  concerts.  "  People  cheat  m=
e  and  swindle=20
me  very  much,"  said  she,  "and  I  find  it  very  annoying  to  give  =
concerts  on  my=20
own  account."=20

I  was  always  supplied  with  complimentary  tickets  when  she  gave  co=
ncerts  in=20
New  York,  and  on  the  occasion  of  her  last  appearance  in  America =
 I  visited  her=20
in  her  room  back  of  the  stage,  and  bade  her  and  her  husband  ad=
ieu,  with  my  best=20
wishes.  She  expressed  the  same  feeling  to  me  in  return.  She  told=
  me  she  should=20
never  sing  much,  if  any  more,  in  public;  but  I  reminded  her  tha=
t  a  good  Provi=20
dence  had  endowed  her  with  a  voice  which  enabled  her  to  contribu=
te  in  an  emi=20
nent  degree  to  the  enjoyment  of  her  fellow  beings,  and  if  she  n=
o  longer  needed=20
the  large  sums  of  money  which  they  were  willing  to  pay  for  this=
  elevating  and=20
delightful  entertainment,  she  knew  by  experience  what  a  genuine  pl=
easure  she=20
would  receive  by  devoting  the  money  to  the  alleviation  of  the  wa=
nts  and  sorrows=20
of  those  who  needed  it.=20

"Ah!  Mr.  Barnum,"  she  replied,  "  that  is  very  true;  and  it  woul=
d  be  ungrate-=20
ful in  me  to  not  continue  to  use,  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor  =
and  lowly,  that  gift=20
which  our  kind  Heavenly  Father  has  so  graciously  bestowed  upon  me=
.  Yes,  I=20
will  continue  to  sing  so  long  as  my  voice  lasts,  but  it  will  b=
e  mostly  for  charitable=20
objects,  for  I  am  thankful  to  say  that  I  have  all  the  money  wh=
ich  I  shall  ever=20
need."  Pursuant  to  this  resolution,  the  larger  portion  of  the  con=
certs  which=20
this  noble  lady  has  given  since  her  return  to  Europe  have  been  =
for  objects  of=20
benevolence.=20

If  she  consents  to  sing  for  a  charitable  object  in  London,  for  =
instance,  the  fact=20
is  not  advertised  at  all,  but  the  tickets  are  readily  disposed  o=
f  in  a  private,  quiet=20
way,  at  a  guinea  and  half  a  guinea  each.=20

After  so  many  months  of  anxiety,  labor  and  excitement,  in  the  Je=
nny  Lind=20
enterprise,  it  will  readily  be  believed  that  I  desired  tranquillit=
y.  I  spent  a  week=20
at  Cape  May,  and  then  came  home  to  Iranistan,  where  I  remained  =
during  the=20
entire  summer.=20

JENNY  LIND  CONCERTS.=20

TOTAL  RECEIPTS,   EXCEPTING  OF  CONCERTS  DEVOTED  TO  CHARITY.=20

New  York  -$5,773  40=20

4,993.50=20

6,670.15=20

9,840. as=20

7,097.15=20

8,263.30=20

10,570.25=20

10  g4g  45=20

Philadelphia '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. '.  5,'480>5=20

"                5,728.65=20

3,709.88=20

4,815.48=20

B;ilt  more  7,117.00=20

8,S>7.05=20

8,406.50=20

8,121.33=20

Washington  City 6,878.55=20

"                       8,507.05=20

Richmond 12,385.21=20

Charleston 6,775  00=20

"               3,653.75=20

Havana 4,666.17=20

"       2,837.92=20

Havana 2,931  95=20

New  Orleans 12,59985=20




New  York =20

$17,864.05=20

No.  23.=20



"          =20

14,203.03=20

24.=20

No.  1.=20

=C2=AB=E2=80=A2=20

.  12,519.59=20

26.=20

2.=20

"              ....=20

14,266.09=20

27.=20

3.=20

"=20

12,174.74=20

28.=20

4.=20

"          =20

16,028.39=20

29.=20

5.=20

Boston =20

16,479.50=20

30.=20

6.=20

"=20

11  848.62=20

31.=20

7.=20

"=20

8,639.92=20

32.=20

8.=20

"=20

10,169.25=20

33.=20

9.=20

Providence =20

6.525.54=20

34.=20

10.=20

Boston   =20

10.524.87=20

35.=20

11.=20

"=20

5,240.00=20

36.=20

12.=20

"=20

7,586.00=20

37.=20

13.=20

Philadelphia =20

9,291.25=20

38.=20

14.=20

41                 .  .=20

7,547.00=20

39.=20

15.=20

"=20

8,458.65=20

40.=20

16.=20

New  York =20

6,415.90=20

41.=20

17.=20

"=20

4.009.70=20

42.=20

18.=20

"=20

5,982.00=20

43.=20

19.=20

"=20

8,007.10=20

44.=20

20.=20

=E2=80=A2*           ,=20

6.334.20=20

45.=20

21.=20

=E2=80=A2'=20

9,429.15=20

46.=20

22.=20

9,912.17=20

47.=20

130=20


CLOSE  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN".=20


No.  48.=20

New  Orleans =20

$10,210.42    1=20

*o.  71.=20

Madison   =20

$3,693.25=20

49.=20

8,131.15=20

72.=20

9,339.75=20

50.=20

*=20

6,019.85=20

73.=20

11,001.50=20

51.=20

=E2=80=A2=E2=80=A2=20

6,644.00=20

74=20

"        =20

8,446.30=20

52.=20

=C2=AB=C2=AB=20

9,720.80=20

75.=20

"        =20

8,954.18=20

53.=20

"=20

7,545.50=20

76.=20

"        =20

6,500.40=20

54.=20

=C2=AB*=20

6,053.50=20

77.=20

Wheeling =20

5,000.00=20

65.=20

i=20

4,850.25=20

78.=20

Pittsburg =20

7,210.58=20

56.=20

=C2=AB=20

4,495.85=20

79.=20

New  York =20

6,858.42=20

57.=20

"=20

6.630.35=20

80.=20

"         =20

5,453.00=20

58.=20

"=20

4,745.10=20

81.=20

'         =20

5,403.70=20

59.=20

Natchez =20

5,000.00=20

82.=20

7,378.35=20

60.=20

Memphis =20

4,539.56=20

83.=20

'         =20

7,179.27=20

61.=20

St.  Louis =20

7.811.85=20

84.=20

'         =20

6,641.00=20

62.=20

=C2=AB=20

7,961.92=20

85.=20

'        =20

6.917.13=20

63.=20

*=C2=AB=20

7,708.70=20

86.=20

"         =20

6.642.04=20

64.=20

"=20

4,086.50=20

87.=20

"         =20

3.738.75=20

65.=20

"=20

3,044.70=20

88.=20

"         =20

4,3:55.28=20

66.=20

Nashville =20

7,786.30=20

89.=20

"         =20

5.339.23=20

67.=20

"          =20

4,248.00=20

90.=20

"         =20

4,087.03=20

68.=20

Louisville =20

7,833.90=20

91.=20

"        =20

5.717.00=20

69.=20

*=20

6.595.60=20

92.=20

"           ...=20

9.525.80=20

70.=20

"        =20

5,000.00=20

93.=20

Philadelphia.. =20

3,852.75=20

(=E2=80=A2  SARITT  CONCERTS. =E2=80=94 Of  Miss  Lind's  half  receipts  o=
f  the  first  two  Concerts  she  devoted=20
fll  XX)  to  charity  in  New  York.  She  afterwards  gave  Charity  Conc=
erts  in  Boston,  Balti-=20
more. Charleston,  Havana,  New  Orleans,  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  a=
nd  donated  large=20
suma  for  the  like  purposes  in  Richmond,  Cincinnati  and  elsewhere. =
 There  were  also  several=20
Benefit  Concerts,  for  the  Orchestra,  Le  Grand  Smith,  and  other  pe=
rsons  and  objects.=20


RECAPITULATION.=20


NEW  YORK  35  CONCERTS.=20

PHILADELPHIA 8         "=20

BOSTON 7=20

PROVIDENCE 1=20

BALTIMORE 4=20

WASHINGTON 2=20

RICHMOND 1=20

CHARLESTON 2=20

HAVANA  3=20

NEW  ORLEANS 12=20

NATCHEZ 1=20

MEMPHIS 1=20

ST.  Louis 5=20

NASHVILLE 2=20

LOUISVILLE 3=20

MADISON 1=20

CINCINNATI 5=20

WHEELING 1=20

PITT8BUR8 1=20


RECEIPTS,  $286,216.64=20
48,aS4.41=20
70,388.16=20
6.535.54=20
32U01.88=20
15,385.60=20
12,385.21=20
10,428.75=20
10,436.04=20
87,646.12=20
5.000.00=20
4,539.56=20
30,613.67=20
12,034.30=20
19,429.50=20
3,693.25=20
44,242.13=20
5,000.00=20
7,210.58=20


AVERAGE,  $8.177.50=20

'  6,110.55=20

10.055.45=20

'  6,525.54=20

'  8,000.47=20

7,692.80=20

12,385.21=20

5,214.37=20

"  3,478.68=20

"  7.303.84=20

"  5,000.00=20

4,539.56=20

"  6,122.73=20

"  6,017.15=20

"  6.476.50=20

"  3.693.25=20

"  8,848.43=20

5,000.00=20

7.210.58=20


TOTAL 96  CONGESTS.       RECEIPTS,  $712,161.34       AVERAGE,  $7,496.43=
=20


JENNY  LIXD'S  RECEIPTS.=20

From  the  Total  Receipts  of  Ninety-five  Concerts $712,161.34=20

Deduct  the  receipts  of  the  first  two,  which,  as  between  P.  T.  B=
ar-=20
nnm  and  Jenny  Lind,  were  aside  from  the  contract,  and  are=20
not  numbered  in  the  Table 32,067.08=20

Total  Receipts  of  Concerts  from  No.  1  to  No.  93 $680,094.26=20

Deduct  the  Receipts  of  the  28  Concerts,  each  of=20
which  fell  short  of  $5,500 $123,311.15=20

Also  deduct  $5,500  for  each  of  the  remaining  65  Con-=20
certs   357.500.00  480,811.15=20


Leaving  the  total  excess,  as  above=20

Being  equally  divided,  Miss  Lind's  portion  was =20

I  paid  her  $1,000  for  each  of  the  93  Concerts=20

Also  one-half  the  receipts  of  the  first  two  Concerts=20

Amount  paid  to  Jenny  Lind=20


$199,283.11=20


$99,641.55=20
93,000.00=20
16,033.54=20

$208,675.08=20


CLOSE   OF  THE   CAMPAIGN.  131=20

She  refunded  to  me  as  forfeiture,  per  contract,  in  case  she  with=
-=20
drew after  the  100th  Concert $26,000=20

She  also  paid  me  $1,000  each  for  the  seven  concerts  relinquished,=
  7,000          $32,000.00=20

JENNY  LIND'S  net  avails  of  95  concerts $176,6*5.09=20

P.  T.  BABNUM'S  gross  receipts,  alter  paying  Miss  Lind 535,486 .25=
=20

TOTAI  RECEIPTS  of  95  Concerts $712,161.34=20

PRICE  OF  TICKETS. =E2=80=94 The  highest  prices  paid  for  tickets  wer=
e  at  auction, 'as  follows: =E2=80=94=20
John  N.  Genin,  in  New  York,  $225;  Ossian  E.  Dodge,  in  Boston,  $=
625;  Col.  William  C.  Ross,=20
in  Providence,  #650;  M.  A.  Root,  in  Philadelphia,  $625;  Mr.  D'Arc=
y,  in  New  Orleans,  $240;=20
a  keeper  of  a  refreshment  saloon  in  St.  Louis,  $150;  a  Daguerreo=
typist,  in  Baltimore.  $100.=20
1  ciinnot  now  recall  the  names  of  the  last  two.  After  the  sale =
 of  the  first  ticket  the  pre-=20
=E2=80=A2nium  usually  fell  to  $20,  an:!  =C2=ABo  downward  in  the  s=
cale  of  figures.  The  fixed  price  of  tick-=20
eta  ranged  from  $7  to  $3.  Promenade  tickets  were  from  $2  to  $1 =
 each.=20


CHAPTER    XXIII.=20

OTHER   ENTERPRISES.=20

IN  1849  I  had  projected  a  great  traveling  museum  and  menagerie,  =
and,  as  I=20
had  neither  time  nor  inclination  to  manage  such  a  concern,  I  ind=
uced  Mr.  Seth=20
B.  Howes,  justly  celebrated  as  a  "showman,"  to  join  me,  and  take=
  the  sole=20
charge.  Mr.  Sherwood  E.  Stratton,  father  of  General  Tom  Thumb,  wa=
s  also=20
admitted  to  partnership,  the  interest  being  in  thirds.=20

In  carrying  out  a  portion  of  the  plan,  we  chartered  the  ship  "R=
egatta,"  Cap-=20
tain Pratt,  and  despatched  her,  together  with  our  agents,  Messrs.  =
June  and=20
Nutter,  to  Ceylon.  The  ship  left  New  York  in  May,  1850,  and  was=
  absent  one=20
year.  Their  mission  was  to  procure,  either  by  capture  or  purchase=
,  twelve  or=20
more  living  elephants,  besides  such  other  wild  animals  as  they  co=
uld  secure.  In=20
order  to  provide  sufficient  drink  and  provender  for  a  cargo  of  t=
hese  huge  animals,=20
we  purchased  a  large  quantity  of  hay  in  New  York.  Five  hundred  =
tons  were=20
left  at  the  Island  of  St.  Helena,  to  be  taken  on  the  return  tr=
ip  of  the  ship,  and=20
staves  and  hoops  of  water-casks  were  also  left  at  the  same  place=
.=20

They  arrived  in  New  York  in  1851,  with  ten  elephants,  and  these =
 harnessed  ia=20
pairs  to  a  chariot,  paraded  up  Broadway  past  the  Irving  House,  w=
hile  Jenny=20
Land  was  staying  at  that  hotel,  on  the  occasion  of  her  second  v=
isit  to  New  York.=20
We  added  a  caravan  of  wild  animals  and  many  museum  curiosities,  =
the  entire=20
outfit,  including  horses,  vans,  carriages,  tent,  etc.,  costing  $109=
,000,  and  com-=20
menced operations,  with  the  presence  and  under  the  "patronage"  of  =
General=20
Tom  Thumb,  who  traveled  nearly  four  years  as  one  of  the  attracti=
ons  of  "  Bar-=20
num's  Great  Asiatic  Caravan,  Museum  and  Menagerie,"  returning  us  i=
mmense=20
profits.=20

At  the  end  of  that  time,  after  exhibiting  in  all  sections  of  th=
e  country,  we=20
sold  out  the  entire  establishment =E2=80=94 animals,  cages,  chariots =
 and  paraphernalia,=20
excepting  one  elephant,  which  I  retained  in  my  own  possession  two=
  months  for=20
agricultural  purposes.  It  occurred  to  me  that  if  I  could  put  an =
 elephant  to=20
plowing  for  a  while  on  my  farm  at  Bridgeport,  it  would  be  a  ca=
pital  advertise-=20
ment for  the  American  Museum,  which  was  then,  and  always  during  m=
y=20
proprietorship  of  that  establishment,  foremost  in  my  thoughts.=20

So  I  sent  him  to  Connecticut  in  charge  of  his  keeper,  whom  I  d=
ressed  in  Oriental=20
costume,  and  keeper  and  elephant  were  stationed  on  a  six-acre  lot=
  which  lay  close=20
beside  the  track  of  the  New  York  and  New  Haven  railroad.  The  ke=
eper  was=20
furnished  with  a  time-table  of  the  road,  with  special  instructions=
  to  be  busily=20
engaged  in  his  work  whenever  passenger  trains  from  either  way  wer=
e  passing=20
through.  Of  course,  the  matter  soon  appeared  in  the  papers  and  w=
ent  the  entire=20
rounds  of  the  press  in  this  country  and  even  in  Europe.  Hundreds=
  of  people=20
came  many  miles  to  witness  the  novel  spectacle.*  Letters  poured  i=
n  upon  me=20
from  the  secretaries  of  hundreds  of  State  and  county  agricultural =
 societies=20
throughout  the  Union,  stating  that  the  presidents  and  directors  of=
  such  societies=20
had  requested  them  to  propound  to  me  a  series  of  questions  in  r=
egard  to  the  new=20

*  See  Illustration,  opposite.=20

132=20


OtHEB  EHTERPRISE8-.  133=20

power  I  had  put  in  operation  on  my  farm.    These  questions  were =
 greatly  diver-=20
sified, but  the  "general  run"  of  them  were  something  like  the  fol=
lo~.ving:=20

1.  "Is the  elephant  a  profitable  agricultural  animal? "=20

2.  "  How  much  can  an  elephant  plow  in  a  day? "=20

3.  "  How  much  can  he  draw? "=20

4.  "How  much  does  he  eat?" =E2=80=94 this  question  was  invariably  =
asked,  and  was  si=20
very  important  one.=20

5.  "  Will  elephants  make  themselves  generally  useful  on  a  farm? "=
=20

6.  "  What  is  the  price  of  an  elephant? "=20

7.  "Where  can  elephants  be  purchased?"=20

Then  would  follow  a  score  of  other  inquiries,  such  as,  whether  e=
lephants  were=20
easily  managed;  if  they  would  quarrel  with  cattle;  if  it  was  pos=
sible  to  breed=20
them;  how  old  calf  elephants  must  be  before  they  would  earn  thei=
r  own  living:=20
<nd  so  on  indefinitely.  I  began  to  be  alarmed  lest  some  one  =
should  buy  an=20
elephant,  and  so  share  the  fate  of  the  man  who  drew  one  in  a  =
lottery,  and  did=20
not  know  what  to  do  with  him.  I  accordingly  had  a  general  lette=
r  printed,=20
which  I  mailed  to  all  my  anxious  inquirers.  It  was  headed  "stric=
tly  confiden-=20
tial," and  I  then  stated,  begging  my  correspondents  "not  to  mentio=
n  it,"  that  to=20
me  the  elephant  was  a  valuable  agricultural  animal,  because  he  wa=
s  an  excellent=20
advertisement  to  my  Museum;  but  that  to  other  farmers  he  would  p=
rove  very=20
unprofitable  for  many  reasons.  In  the  first  place,  such  an  animal=
  would  cost  from=20
$3,000  to  $10,000;  in  cold  weather  he  could  not  work  at  all;  in=
  any  weather  he=20
could  not  earn  even  half  his  living ;  he  would  eat  up  the  value=
  of  his  own  head,=20
trunk,  and  body  every  year;  and  I  begged  my  correspondents  not  t=
o  do  so  fool-=20
ish a  thing  as  to  undertake  elephant  farming.=20

Newspaper  reporters  came  from  far  and  near,  and  wrote  glowing  acc=
ounts  of=20
the  elephantine  performances.  Pictures  of  Barnum's  plowing  elephant =
 appeared=20
in  illustrated  papers  at  home  and  abroad.=20

The  six  acres  were  plowed  over  at  least  sixty  times  before  I  th=
ought  the  adver-=20
tisement sufficiently  circulated,  and  I  then  sold  the  elephant  to  =
Van  Amburgh's=20
Menagerie.=20

In  1851  I  became  a  part  owner  of  the  steamship  "North  America." =
 Our=20
intention  in  buying  it  was  to  run  it  to  Ireland  as  a  passenger =
 and  freight  ship.=20
The  project  was,  however,  abandoned,  and  Commodore  Cornelius  Vander=
bilt=20
bought  one-half  of  the  steamer,  while  the  other  half  was  owned  b=
y  three  persons,=20
of  whom  I  was  one.  The  steamer  was  sent  around  Cape  Horn  to  Sa=
n  Francisco,=20
and  was  put  into  the  Vanderbilt  line.=20

After  she  had  made  several  trips  I  called  upon  Mr.  Vanderbilt,  a=
t  his  office,  and=20
introduced  myself,  as  this  was  the  first  time  we  had  met.=20

"Is  it  possible  you  are  Barnurn?"  exclaimed  the  Commodore,  in  sur=
prise,=20
"why,  I  expected  to  see  a  monster,  part  lion,  part  elephant,  and=
  a  mixture  of=20
rhinoceros  and  tiger!  Is  it  possible,"  he  continued,  "that  you  ar=
e  the  showman=20
who  has  made  so  much  noise  in  the  world? "=20

I  laughingly  replied  that  I  was,  and  added  that  if  I  too  had  b=
een  governed  in=20
my  anticipation  of  his  personal  appearance  by  the  fame  he  had  ac=
hieved  in  his=20
line,  I  should  have  expected  to  have  been  saluted  by  a  steam  wh=
istle,  and  to  have=20
seen  him  dressed  in  a  pea  jacket,  blowing  off  steam,  and  crying =
 out  "all  aboard=20
that's  going."=20

"  Instead  of  which,"  replied  Mr.  Vanderbilt,  "  I  suppose  you  hav=
e  come  to  ask=20
me  '  to  walk  up  to  the  Captain's  office  and  settle.' "=20


134  OTHER   ENTERPRISES.=20

After  this  interchange  of  civilities,  we  talked  about  the  success =
 of  tne  "  North=20
America"  in  having  got  safely  around  the  Horn,  and  of  the  accept=
able  manner=20
in  which  she  was  doing  her  duty  on  the  Pacific  side.=20

"  We  have  received  no  statement  of  her  earnings  yet,"  said  the  =
Commodore,=20
"but  if  you  want  money,  give  your  receipt  to  our  treasurer,  and =
 take  some."=20

A  few  months  subsequent  to  this,  I  sold  out  my  share  in  the  st=
eamship  to  Mr.=20
Daniel  Drew.=20

Some  references  to  the  various  enterprises  and  "side  shows"  connec=
ted  with=20
and  disconnected  from  my  Museum,  is  necessary  to  show  how  industr=
iously  I=20
have  catered  for  the  public's  amusement,  not  only  in  America  but =
 abroad.  When=20
I  was  in  Paris  in  1&44,  in  addition  to  the  purchase  of  Robe=
rt  Houdin's  ingenious=20
automaton  writer,  and  many  other  costly  curiosities  for  the  Museum=
,  1  ordered,=20
at  an  expense  of  $3,000,  a  panoramic  diorama  of  the  obsequies  of=
  Napoleon.=20
Every  event  of  that  grand  pageant,  from  the  embarkation  of  the  b=
ody  at  St.=20
Helena,  to  its  entombment  at  the  Hotel  des  Invalides,  amid  the  m=
ost  gorgeous=20
parade  ever  witnessed  in  France,  was  wonderfully  depicted.  This  ex=
hibition,=20
after  having  had  its  day  at  the  American  Museum,  was  sold,  and  =
extensively  aud=20
profitably  exhibited  elsewhere.  While  I  was  in  London,  during  the =
 same  year,  I=20
engaged  a  company  of  "  Campanalogians,  or  Lancashire  Bell  Ringers,=
"  then=20
performing  in  Ireland,  to  make  an  American  tour.  They  were  really=
  admirable=20
performers,  and  by  means  of  their  numerous  bells,  of  various  size=
s,  they  produced=20
the  most  delightful  music.  They  attracted  much  attention  in  variou=
s  parts  of=20
the  United  States,  in  Canada,  and  in  Cuba.=20

As  a  compensation  to  England  for  the  loss  of  the  Bell  Ringers,  =
I  despatched  an=20
agent  to  America  for  a  party  of  Indians,  including  squaws.  He  pr=
oceeded  to=20
Iowa,  and  returned  to  London  with  a  company  of  sixteen.  They  wer=
e  exhibited=20
by  Mr.  Catlin  on  our  joint  account,  and  were  finally  left  in  hi=
s  sole  charge.=20

On  my  first  return  visit  to  America  from  Europe,  I  engaged  Mr.  =
Faber,  an=20
elderly  and  ingenious  German,  who  had  constructed  an  automaton  spe=
aker.  It=20
was  of  life-size,  and  when  worked  with  keys  similar  to  those  of =
 a  piano,  it  really=20
articulated  words  and  sentences  with  surprising  distinctness.  My  ag=
ent  exhibited=20
it  for  several  months  in  Egyptian  Hall,  London,  and  also  in  the =
 provinces.  This=20
was  a  marvelous  piece  of  mechanism,  though  for  some  unaccountable =
 reason=20
it  did  not  prove  a  success.  The  Duke  of  Wellington  visited  it  s=
everal  times,  and=20
at  first  he  thought  that  the  "voice"  proceeded  from  the  exhibitor=
,  whom  he=20
assumed  to  be  a  skillful  ventriloquist.  He  was  asked  to  touch  th=
e  keys  with  his=20
own  fingers,  and,  after  some  instruction  in  the  method  of  operati=
ng,  he  was  able=20
to  make  the  machine  speak,  not  only  in  English  but  also  in  Germ=
an,  with  which=20
language  the  Duke  seemed  familiar.  Thereafter,  he  entered  his  name=
  on  the=20
exhibitor's  autograph  book,  and  certified  that  the  "Automaton  Speak=
er"  was  an=20
extraordinary  production  of  mechanical  genius.=20

The  models  of  machinery  exhibited  in  the  Royal  Polytechnic  Institu=
tion  in=20
London,  pleased  me  so  well  that  I  procured  a  duplicate;  also  dup=
licates  of  the=20
"  Dissolving  Views,"  the  Chromatrope  and  Physioscope,  including  man=
y  Ameri-=20
can scenes  painted  expressly  to  my  order,  at  an  aggregate  cost  of=
  $7,000.  After=20
they  had  been  exhibited  in  my  Museum,  they  were  sold  to  itineran=
t  showmen,=20
and  some  of  them  were  afterwards  on  exhibition  in  various  parts  =
of  the  United=20
States.=20

In  June,  1850,  I  added  the  celebrated  Chinese  Collection  to  the  =
attractions  of=20
the  American  Museum.  I  also  engaged  the  Chinese  Family,  consisting=
  of  two=20
men,  two  "small-footed"  women  and  two  children.=20


OTHER   ENTERPRISES.  135=20

The  giants  whom  I  sent  to  America  were  not  the  greatest  of  my  =
curiosities,=20
though  the  dwarfs  might  have  been  the  least.  The  "  Scotch  Boys" =
 were  inter-=20
esting, not  so  much  on  account  of  their  weight,  as  for  the  myste=
rious  method  by=20
which  one  of  them,  though  blindfolded,  answered  questions  put  by  =
the  other=20
respecting  objects  presented  by  persons  who  attended  the  surprising=
  exhibition.=20
The  mystery,  which  was  merely  the  result  of  patient  practice,  con=
sisted  wholly=20
in  the  manner  in  which  the  question  was  propounded;  in  fact,  the=
  question=20
invariably  carried  its  own  answer;  for  instance:=20

"What  is  this?"  meant  gold;  "Now  what  is  this?"  silver;  "Say  wha=
t  is  this?"=20
copper;  "Tell  me  what  this  is?"  iron;  "What  is  the  shape?"  long;=
  "Now  what=20
shape?"  round;  "Say  what  shape,"  square;  "Please  say  what  this  is=
,"  a  watch;=20
"  Can  you  tell  what  is  in  this  lady's  hand?"  a  purse;  "  Now  p=
lease  say  what  this=20
is?"  a  key;  "Come  now,  what  is  this?"  money;  "How  much?"  a  penn=
y  "Now=20
how  much?"  sixpence;  "  Say  how  much,"  a  quarter  of  a  dollar;  " =
 What  color  is=20
this?  "black;  "Now  what  color  is  this?"  red;  "Say  what  color,"  g=
reen;  and  so=20
on,  ad  infinitum.  To  such  perfection  was  this  brought  that  it  wa=
s  almost  impos-=20
sible to  present  any  object  that  could  not  be  quite  closely  descr=
ibed  by  the  blind-=20
folded boy.  This  is  the  key  to  all  exhibitions  of  what  is  called=
  "second  sight."=20

In  1850,  the  celebrated  Bateman  children  acted  for  several  weeks  =
at  the  Ameri-=20
can Museum,  and  in  June  of  that  year  I  sent  them  to  London  with=
  their  father=20
and  Mr.  Le  Grand  Smith,  where  they  played  in  the  St.  James  Thea=
ter,  and=20
afterwards  in  the  principal  provincial  theaters.  The  elder  of  thes=
e  children,=20
Miss  Kate  Bateman,  subsequently  attained  the  highest  histronic  dist=
inction  in=20
America  and  abroad,  and  reached  the  very  head  of  her  profession.=
=20

In  October,  1852,  having  stipulated  with  Mr.  George  A.  Wells  and =
 Mr.  Bush-=20
nell  that  they  should  share  in  the  enterprise  and  take  the  entir=
e  charge,  I  engaged=20
Miss  Catherine  Hayes  and  Herr  Begnis,  to  give  a  series  of  sixty =
 concerts  in=20
California,  and  the  engagement  was  fulfilled  to  our  entire  satisfa=
ction.  Mr.=20
Bushnell  afterwards  went  to  Australia  with  Miss  Hayes,  and  they  w=
ere  subse-=20
quently married.  Both  of  them  are  dead.=20

Before  setting  out  for  California,  Miss  Catherine  Hayes,  her  mothe=
r  and  sister,=20
spent  several  days  at  Iranistan  and  were  present  at  the  marriage =
 of  my  eldest=20
daughter,  Caroline,  to  Mr.  DaMd  W.  Thompson.  The  wedding  was  to  =
take  place=20
in  the  evening,  and  in  the  afternoon  I  was  getting  shaved  in  a =
 barber-shop  in=20
Bridgeport,  when  Mr.  Thompson  drove  up  to  the  door  in  great  hast=
e  and=20
exclaimed:=20

"Mr.  Barnum,  Iranistan  is  in  flames!"=20

I  ran  out  half -shaved,  with  the  lather  on  my  face,  jumped  into =
 his  wagon  and=20
bade  him  drive  home  with  all  speed.  I  was  greatly  alarmed,  for  =
the  house  was=20
full  of  visitors  who  had  come  from  a  distance  to  attend  the  wed=
ding,  and  all  the=20
costly  presents,  dresses,  refreshments,  and  everything  prepared  for =
 a  marriage=20
celebration  to  which  nearly  a  thousand  guests  had  been  invited,  w=
ere  already  in=20
my  bouse.  Mr.  Thompson  told  me  that  he  had  seen  the  flames  burs=
ting  from  the=20
roof,  and  it  seemed  to  me  that  there  was  little  hope  of  saving =
 the  building.=20

My  mind  was  distressed,  not  so  much  at  the  great  pecuniary  loss =
 which  the  de-=20
struction of  Iranistan  would  involve,  as  at  the  possibility  that  s=
ome  of  my  family=20
or  visitors  would  be  killed  or  seriously  injured  in  attempting  to=
  save  something=20
from  the  fire.  Then  I  thought  of  the  sore  disappointment  this  ca=
lamity  would=20
cause  to  the  young  couple,  as  well  as  to  those  who  were  invited=
  to  the  wedding.=20
I  saw  that  Mr.  Thompson  looked  pale  and  anxious.=20


136  OTHEK  ENTERPSISES.=20

"Never  mind!"  said  I;  "we  can't  help  these  things;  the  house  wil=
l  probably=20
be  burned;  but  if  no  one  is  killed  or  injured,  you  shall  be  ma=
rried  to-night,  if  we=20
are  obliged  to  perform  the  ceremony  in  the  coach-house."=20

On  our  way,  we  overtook  a  fire-company,  and  I  implored  them  to  =
"hurry  up=20
their  machine."  Arriving  in  sight  of  Iranistan,  we  saw  huge  volum=
es  of  smoke=20
rolling  out  from  the  roof  and  many  men  on  the  top  of  the  house=
  were  passing=20
buckets  of  water  to  pour  upon  the  fire.  Fortunately,  several  men =
 had  been=20
engaged  during  the  day  in  repairing  the  roof,  and  their  ladders  =
were  against  the=20
house.  By  these  means  and  with  the  assistance  of  the  men  employe=
d  upon  my=20
grounds,  water  was  passed  very  rapidly,  and  the  flames  were  soon =
 subdued  with-=20
out serious  damage.  The  inmates  of  Iranistan  were  thoroughly  fright=
ened;=20
Catherine  Hayes  and  other  visitors,  packed  their  trunks  and  had  t=
hem  carried=20
out  on  the  lawn;  and  the  house  came  as  near  destruction  as  it  =
well  could,  and=20
escape.=20

While  Miss  Hayes  was  in  Bridgeport,  I  induced  her  to  give  a  con=
cert  for  the=20
benefit  of  the  "Mountain  Grove  Cemetery,"  and  the  large  proceeds  =
were  devoted=20
to  the  erection  of  the  beautiful  stone  tower  and  gateway  at  the =
 entrance  of  that=20
charming  ground.  The  land  for  this  cemetery,  about  eighty  acres,  =
had  been=20
bought  by  me,  years  before,  from  several  farmers.  I  had  often  sh=
ot  over  the=20
ground  while  hunting  a  year  or  two  before,  and  had  then  seen  it=
s  admirable=20
capabilities  for  the  purpose  to  which  it  was  eventually  devoted.  =
After  deeds  for=20
the  property  were  secured,  it  was  offered  for  a  cemetery,  and  at=
  a  meeting  of=20
citizens  several  lots  were  subscribed  for,  enough,  indeed,  to  cove=
r  the  amount=20
of  the  purchase  money.  Thus  was  begun  the  "Mountain  Grove  Cemeter=
y,"=20
which  is  now  beautifully  laid  out  and  adorned  with  many  tasteful =
 and  costly=20
monuments.*  Among  these  are  my  own  substantial  granite  monument,  t=
he=20
family  monuments  of  Harral,  Bishop,  Hubbell,  Lyon,  Wood,  Loomis,  W=
ordin,=20
Hyde,  and  others,  and  General  Torn  Thumb  has  erected  a  tall  marb=
le  shaft  which=20
is  surmounted  by  a  life-size  statue  of  himself.  There  is  no  more=
  Charming  burial-=20
ground  in  the  whole  country;  yet  when  the  project  was  suggested, =
 many  persons=20
preferred  an  intermural  cemetry  to  this  rural  resting-place  for  th=
eir  departed=20
friends;  though  now  all  concur  in  considering  it  fortunate  that  t=
his  adjunct  was=20
secured  to  Bridgeport  before  the  land  could  be  permanently  devoted=
  to  other=20
purposes.=20

Some  time  afterwards,  when  Mr.  Dion  Boucicault  visited  me  at  Brid=
geport,=20
at  my  solicitation,  he  gave  a  lecture  for  the  benefit  of  this  c=
emetery.  I  may  add=20
that  on  several  occasions  I  have  secured  the  services  of  General =
 Tom  Thumb,  and=20
others,  for  this  and  equally  worthy  objects  in  Bridgeport.  When  t=
he  General=20
first  returned  with  me  from  England,  he  gave  exhibitions  for  the =
 benefit  of  the=20
Bridgeport  Charitable  Society.  September  28,  1867,  I  induced  him  a=
nd  his  wife,=20
with  Commodore  Nutt  and  Minnie  Warren,  to  give  their  entertainment=
  for  the=20
benefit  of  the  Bridgeport  Library,  thus  adding  $475  to  the  funds =
 of  that  institu-=20
tion; and  on  one  occasion,  I  lectured  to  a  full  house  in  the  Me=
thodist  Church,  and=20
the  entire  receipts  were  given  to  the  library,  of  which  I  was  a=
lready  a  life=20
member,  on  account  of  previous  subscriptions  and  contributions.=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  144.=20


CHAPTER   XXIV.=20

WORK    A*ND    PLAY.=20

IN  the  summer,  I  think,  of  1853, 1  saw  it  announced  in  the  uews=
papei-s  that  Mr.=20
Alfred  Bunn,  the  great  ex-manager  of  Drury  Lane  Theater,  in  Londo=
n,  had=20
arrived  in  Boston.  I  knew  Mr.  Bunn  by  reputation,  not  only  from =
 his  mana-=20
gerial career,  but  from  the  fact  that  he  made  the  first  engagemen=
t  with  Jenny=20
Lind  bo  appear  in  London.  This  engagement,  however,  Mr.  Lumley,  o=
f  Her=20
Majesty's  Theater,  induced  her  to  break,  he  standing  a  lawsuit  wi=
th  Mr.  Bunn,=20
and  paying  heavy  damages.  I  had  never  met  Mr.  Bunn,  but  he  took=
  it  for=20
granted  that  I  had  seen  him,  for  one  day  after  his  arrival  in  =
this  country,  a  burly=20
Englishman  abruptly  stepped  into  my  private  office  in  the  Museum, =
 and,  assuming=20
a  theatrical  attitude,  addressed  me:=20

"Barnum,  do  you  remember  me?"=20

I  was  confident  I  had  never  seen  the  man  before,  but  it  struck =
 me  at  once  that=20
no  Englishman  1  ever  heard  of  would  be  likely  to  exhibit  more  p=
resumption  or=20
assumption  than  the  ex-manager  of  Drury  Lane,  and  I  jumped  at  th=
e  conclusion :=20

"  Is  not  this  Mr.  Bunn?"=20

"Ah!  Ah!  my  boy!"  he  exclaimed,  slapping  me  familiarly  on  the  ba=
ck,  "I=20
thought  you  would  remember  me.  Well,  Barnum,  how  have  you  been  s=
ince  I=20
last  saw  you!"=20

I  replied  in  a  manner  that  would  humor  his  impression  that  we  w=
ere  old=20
acquaintances,  and  during  his  two  hours'  visit  we  had  much  gossip=
  about  men=20
and  things  in  London.  He  called  upon  me  several  times,  and  it  p=
robably  never=20
entered  into  his  mind  that  I  could  possibly  have  been  in  London =
 two  or  three=20
years  without  having  made  the  personal  acquaintance  of  so  great  a=
  lion  as  Alfred=20
Bunn.=20

I  met  Mr.  Bunn  again  in  1858,  in  London,  at  a  dinner  party  of =
 a  mutual  friend,=20
Mr.  Levy,  proprietor  of  the  London  Daily  Telegraph.  Of  course,  Bu=
nn  and  I=20
were  great  chums  and  very  old  and  intimate  acquaintances.  At  the =
 same  dinner,=20
I  met  several  literary  and  dramatic  gentlemen.=20

In  1851,  1852,  and  1853,  I  spent  much  of  my  time  at  my  beautif=
ul  home  in=20
Bridgeport,  going  very  frequently  to  New  York,  to  attend  to  matte=
rs  in  the=20
Museum,  but  remaining  in  the  city  only  a  day  or  two  at  a  time.=
  I  resigned  the=20
office  of  President  of  the  Fairfield  County  Agricultural  Society  i=
n  1853,  but  the=20
members  accepted  my  resignation,  only  on  condition  that  it  should =
 not  go  into=20
effect  until  after  the  fair  of  1854.  During  my  administration,  th=
e  society  held=20
six  fairs  and  cattle-shows =E2=80=94 four  in  Bridgeport  and  two  in =
 Stamford =E2=80=94 and  the=20
interest  in  these  gatherings  increased  from  year  to  year.=20

Pickpockets  are  always  present  at  these  country  fairs,  and  every  =
year  there=20
were  loud  complaints  of  the  depredations  of  these  operators.  In  1=
853  a  man  was=20
caught  in  the  act  of  taking  a  pocket-book  from  a  country  farmer,=
  nor  was  this=20
farmer  the  only  one  who  had  suffered  in  the  same  way.  The  scamp=
  was  arrested,=20
and  proved  to  be  a  celebrated  English  pickpocket.  As  the  fair  wo=
uld  close  the=20
next  day,  and  as  most  persons  had  already  visited  it,  we  expecte=
d  our  receipts=20
would  be  light.=20

137=20


138  WORK   AND    PLAY.=20

Early  in  the  morning  the  detected  party  was  legally  examined,  ple=
ad  guilty,=20
and  was  bound  over  for  trial  I  obtained  consent  from  the  sheriff=
  that  the  cul-=20
prit should  be  put  in  the  fair  room  for  the  purpose  of  giving  t=
hose  who  had  been=20
robbed  an  opportunity  to  identify  him.  For  this  purpose  he  was  h=
andcuffed,  and=20
placed  in  a  conspicuous  position,  where,  of  course,  he  was  "the  =
observed  of  all=20
observers."  I  then  issued  handbills,  stating  that  as  it  was  the  =
last  day  of  the=20
Fair,  the  managers  were  happy  to  announce  that  they  had  secured  =
extra  attrac-=20
tions for  the  occasion,  and  would  accordingly  exhibit,  safely  handc=
uffed,  and=20
without  extra  charge,  a  live  pickpocket,  who  had  been  caught  in  =
the  act  of=20
robbing  an  honest  farmer  the  day  previous.  Crowds  of  people  rushe=
d  in  "  to  see=20
the  show."  Some  good  mothers  brought  their  children  ten  miles  for=
  that=20
purpose,  and  our  treasury  was  materially  benefited  by  the  operatio=
n.=20

At  the  close  of  my  presidency  in  1854,  I  was  requested  to  deliv=
er  the  opening=20
speech  at  our  county  fair,  which  was  held  at  Stamford.  As  I  was=
  not  able  to=20
give  agricultural  advice,  I  delivered  a  portion  of  my  lecture  on =
 the  "  Philosophy=20
of  Humbug."  The  next  morning,  as  I  was  being  shaved  in  the  vill=
age  barber's=20
shop,  which  was  at  the  time  crowded  with  customers,  the  ticket-se=
ller  to  the=20
fair  came  in.=20

"  What  kind  of  a  house  did  you  have  last  night?"  asked  one  of =
 the  gentlemen=20
in  waiting.=20

"  Oh,  first-rate,  of  course.  Barnum  always  draws  a  crowd,"  was  t=
he  reply  of=20
the  ticket-seller,  to  whom  I  was  not  known.=20

Most  of  the  gentlemen  present,  however,  knew  me,  and  they  found  =
much  diffi-=20
culty in  restraining  their  laughter.=20

"  Did  Barnum  make  a  good  speech?"  I  asked.=20

"  I  did  not  hear  it.  I  was  out  in  the  ticket-office.  I  guess  =
it  was  pretty  good,=20
for  I  never  heard  so  much  laughing  as  there  was  all  through  his=
  speech.  But  it=20
makes  no  difference  whether  it  was  good  or  not,"  continued  the  t=
icket-seller,=20
"  the  people  will  go  to  see  Barnum."=20

"Barnum  must  be  a  curious  chap,"  I  remarked.=20

"  Well,  I  guess  he  is  up  to  all  the  dodges."=20

"  Do  you  know  him?"  I  asked.=20

"Not  personally,"  he  replied;  "  but  I  always  get  into  the  Museum=
  for  nothing.=20
1  know  the  doorkeeper,  and  he  slips  me  in  free."=20

"Barnum  would  not  like  that,  probably,  if  he  knew  it,"  I  remarke=
d=20

"  But  it  happens  he  don't  know  it,"  replied  the  ticket-seller,  i=
n  great  glee.=20

"  Barnum  was  on  the  cars  the  other  day,  on  his  way  to  Bridgepo=
rt,"  said  I,=20
"  and  I  heard  one  of  the  passengers  blowing  him  up  terribly  as =
 a  humbug.  He=20
was  addressing  Barnum  at  the  time,  but  did  not  know  him.  Barnum =
 joined  in=20
lustily,  and  indorsed  everything  the  man  said.  When  the  passenger =
 learned=20
whom  he  had  been  addressing,  I  should  think  he  must  have  felt  r=
ather  flat."=20

"  I  should  think  so,  too,"  said  the  ticket-seller.=20

This  was  too  much,  and  we  all  indulged  in  a  burst  of  laughter; =
 still  the  ticket-=20
seller  suspected  nothing.  After  I  had  left  the  shop,  the  barber  =
told  him  who  I=20
was.  I  called  into  the  ticket-office  on  business  several  tunes  du=
ring  the  day,  but=20
the  poor  ticket-seller  kept  his  face  turned  from  me,  and  appeared=
  so  chap-fallen=20
that  I  did  not  pretend  to  recognize  him  as  the  hero  of  the  jok=
e  in  the  barber's=20
shop.=20

This  incident  reminds  me  of  numerous  similar  ones  which  have  occu=
rred  at=20
various  times.  On  one  occasion =E2=80=94 it  was  in  1847 =E2=80=94 I =
 was  on  board  the  steamboat=20
from  New  York  to  Bridgeport.  As  we  approached  the  harbor  of  the =
 latter  city=20


WORK  AND   PLAY.  139=20

a  stranger  desired  me  to  point  out  "  Baraum's  bouse  "  from  the =
 upper  deck.  1=20
did  so,  whereupon  a  bystander  remarked,  "I  know  all  about  that  h=
ouse,  for  1=20
was  engaged  in  painting  there  for  several  months  while  Barnum  was=
  in  Europe."=20
He  then  proceeded  to  say  that  it  was  the  meanest  and  most  ill-c=
ontrived  house  he=20
ever  saw.  "It  will  cost  old  Barnum  a  mint  of  money  and  not  be =
 worth  two=20
cents  after  it  is  finished,"  he  added.=20

"I  suppose  old  Barnum  don't  pay  very  punctually,"  I  remarked.=20

Oh,  yes,  he  pays  punctually  every  Saturday  night =E2=80=94 thnre's  =
no  trouble  about=20
that;  he  has  made  half  a  million  by  exhibiting  a  little  boy  who=
m  he  took  from=20
Bridgeport,  and  whom  we  never  considered  any  great  shakes  till  Ba=
rnum  took=20
him  and  trained  him."=20

Soon  afterwards  one  of  the  passengers  told  him  who  I  was,  whereu=
pon  he=20
secreted  himself,  and  was  not  seen  again  while  I  remained  on  the=
  boat.=20

On  another  occasion,  I  went  to  Boston  by  the  Fall  River  route.  =
Arriving=20
before  sunrise,  I  found  but  one  carriage  at  the  depot.  I  immedia=
tely  engaged  it,=20
and,  giving  the  driver  the  check  for  my  baggage,  told  him  to  ta=
ke  me  directly  to=20
the  Revere  House,  as  I  was  in  great  haste,  and  enjoined  him  to =
 take  in  no  other=20
passengers,  and  I  would  pay  his  demands.  He  promised  compliance  w=
ith  my=20
wishes,  but  soon  afterwards  appeared  with  a  gentleman,  two  ladies,=
  and  several=20
children,  whom  he  crowded  into  the  carriage  with  me,  and,  placing=
  their  trunks=20
on  the  baggage  rack,  started  off.  I  thought  there  was  no  use  in=
  grumbling,  and=20
consoled  myself  with  the  reflection  that  the  Revere  House  was  not=
  far  away.=20
He  drove  up  one  street  and  down  another,  for  what  seemed  to  me =
 a  very  long=20
time,  but  I  was  wedged  in  so  closely  that  I  could  not  see  what=
  route  he  was=20
taking.=20

After  half  an  hour's  drive  he  halted,  and  I  found  we  were  at  t=
he  Lowell  Rail-=20
way depot.  Here  my  fellow-passengers  alighted,  and,  after  a  long  d=
elay,  the=20
driver  delivered  their  baggage,  received  his  fare,  and  was  about  =
closing  the  car-=20
riage door  preparatory  to  starting  again.  I  was  so  thoroughly  vexe=
d  at  the=20
shameful  manner  in  which  he  had  treated  me,  that  I  remarked:=20

"Perhaps  you  had  better  wait  till  the  Lowell  train  arrives;  you  =
may  possibly=20
get  another  load  of  passengers.  Of  course  my  convenience  is  of  n=
o  consequence.=20
I  suppose  if  you  land  me  at  the  Revere  House  any  time  this  wee=
k,  it  will  be  as=20
much  as  I  have  a  right  to  expect."=20

"I  beg  your  pardon,"  he  replied,  "but  that  was  Barnum  and  his  f=
amily.  He=20
was  very  anxious  to  get  here  in  time  for  the  first  train,  so  I=
  stuck  him  for  $2,  and=20
now  I'll  carry  you  to  the  Revere  House  free."=20

"  What  Barnum  is  it?''  I  asked.=20

"  The  Museum  and  Jenny  Lind  man,"  he  replied.=20

The  compliment  and  the  shave  both  having  been  intended  for  me,  I=
  was  of=20
course  mollified,  and  replied,  "You  are  mistaken,  my  friend,  Jam  =
Barnum."=20

"Coachee"  was  thunderstruck,  and  offered  all  sorts  of  apologies.=20

"A  friend  at  the  other  depot  told  me  that  I  had  Mr.  Barnum  on =
 board,"  said=20
he,  "  and  I  really  supposed  he  meant  the  other  man.  When  I  com=
e  to  notice  you,=20
I  perceive  my  mistake,  but  I  hope  you  will  forgive  me.  I  have  =
carried  you=20
frequently  before,  and  hope  you  will 'give  me  your  custom  while  y=
ou  are  in=20
Boston.  I  never  will  make  such  a  mistake  again."=20

In  the  spring  of  1851,  the  Connecticut  legislature  chartered  the  =
Pequonnock=20
Bank  of  Bridgeport,  with  a  capital  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollar=
s.  I  had  no=20
interest  whatever  in  the  charter,  and  did  not  even  know  that  an =
 application  was=20
to  be  made  for  it.  More  banking  capital  was  needed  in  Bridgeport=
  in  consequence=20


140  WOKK   AND    PLAY.=20

of  the  great  increase  of  trade  and  manufactures  in  that  growing  =
and  prosperous=20
city,  and  this  fact  appearing  in  evidence,  the  charter  was  grante=
d  as  a  public=20
benefit.  The  stock-books  were  opened  under  the  direction  of  State =
 commissioners,=20
according  to  the  laws  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  nearly  double  the =
 amount  of=20
capital  was  subscribed  on  the  first  day.  The  stock  was  distribute=
d  by  the=20
commissioners  among  several  hundred  applicants.  Circumstances  unexpec=
tedly=20
occurred  which  induced  me  to  accept  the  presidency  of  the  bank,  =
in  compliance=20
with  the  unanimous  vote  of  its  directors.  Feeling  that  I  could  n=
ot,  from  my=20
many  avocations,  devote  the  requisite  personal  attention  to  the  du=
ties  of  the=20
office,  C.  B.  HubbeU,  Esq.,  then  mayor  of  Bridgeport,  was  at  my =
 request  appointed=20
vice-president  of  the  institution.=20

In  the  fall  of  1852  a  proposition  was  made  by  certain  parties  t=
o  commence  the=20
publication  of  an  illustrated  weekly  newspaper  in  the  city  of  New=
  York.  The=20
field  seemed  to  be  open  for  such  an  enterprise,  and  I  invested  =
twenty  thousand=20
dollars  in  the  concern,  as  special  partner,  in  connection  with  tw=
o  other  gentlemen=20
who  each  contributed  twenty  thousand  dollars,  as  general  partners. =
 Within  a=20
month  after  the  publication  of  the  first  number  of  the  Illustrate=
d  News,  which=20
was  issued  on  the  first  day  of  January,  1853,  our  weekly  circula=
tion  had  reached=20
seventy  thousand.  Numerous  and  almost  insurmountable  difficulties,  f=
or  novices=20
in  the  business,  continued  however  to  arise,  and  my  partners,  bec=
oming  weary=20
and  disheartened  with  constant  over-exertion,  were  anxious  to  wind =
 up  the=20
enterprise  at  the  end  of  the  first  year.  The  good-will  and  the  =
engravings  were=20
sold  to  Gleascm's  Factorial,  in  Boston,  and  the  concern  was  close=
d  without  loss.=20

In  February,  1854,  numerous  stockholders  applied  to  me  to  accept  =
the  presi-=20
dency of  the  Crystal  Palace,  or,  as  it  was  termed,  "The  Associati=
on  for  the=20
Exhibition  of  the  Industry  of  all  Nations."  I  utterly  declined  li=
stening  to  such=20
a  project,  as  I  felt  confident  that  the  novelty  had  passed  away,=
  and  that  it  would=20
be  difficult  to  revive  public  interest  in  the  affair.=20

Shortly  afterwards,  however,  I  was  waited  upon  by  numerous  influen=
tial  gen-=20
tlemen, and  strongly  urged  to  allow  my  name  to  be  used.  I  repeat=
edly  objected=20
to  this,  and  at  last  consented,  much  against  my  own  judgment  Hav=
ing  been=20
elected  one  of  the  directors,  I  was  by  that  body  chosen  presiden=
t.  I  accepted=20
the  office  conditionally,  reserving  the  right  to  decline  if  I  tho=
ught,  upon  investi-=20
gation, that  there  was  no  vitality  left  in  the  institution.  Upon  =
examining  the=20
accounts  said  to  exist  against  the  association,  many  were  pronounc=
ed  indefensible=20
by  those  who  I  supposed  knew  the  facts  in  the  case,  while  vario=
us  debts  existing=20
against  the  concern  were  not  exhibited  when  called  for,  and  I  kn=
ew  nothing  of=20
their  existence  until  after  I  accepted  the  office  of  president.  I=
  finally  accepted=20
it,  only  because  no  suitable  person  could  be  found  who  was  willi=
ng  to  devote  his=20
entire  time  and  services  to  the  enterprise,  and  because  I  was  fr=
equently  urged  by=20
Erectors  and  stockholders  to  take  hold  of  it  for  the  benefit  of =
 the  city  at  large,=20
inasmuch  as  it  was  well  settled  that  the  Palace  would  be  permane=
ntly  closed  early=20
in  April,  1854,  if  I  did  not  take  the  helm.=20

These  considerations  moved  me,  and  I  entered  upon  my  duties  with =
 all  the=20
vigor  which  I  could  command.  To  save  it  from  bankruptcy,  I  advan=
ced  large=20
sums  of  money  for  the  payment  of  debts,  and  tried  by  every  legi=
timate  means  to=20
create  an  excitement  and  bring  it  into  life.  By  extraneous  effort=
s,  such  as  the=20
Re-inauguration,  the  Monster  Concerts  of  Jullien,  the  Celebration  o=
f  Independ-=20
ence, etc.,  it  was  temporarily  revived,  but  it  was  up-hill  work,  =
and  I  resigned=20
the  presidency.=20


WORK   AND   PLAT.  141=20

The  following  trifling  incident,  which  occurred  at  Iranistan  in  th=
e  winter  of=20
1852,  has  been  called  to  my  mind  by  a  lady  friend  from  Philadel=
phia,  who  was=20
visiting  us  at  the  time.  The  poem  was  sent  to  me  soon  after  th=
e  occurrence,  but=20
was  lost  and  the  subject  forgotten  until  my  Philadelphia  friend  r=
ecently  sent  it=20
to  me  with  the  wish  that  I  should  insert  it  in  the  present  vol=
ume:=20

WINTER   BOUQUETS.=20

AN  INCIDENT  IN  THE  UFE  OJ1  AN  AMERICAN   CITIZEN.=20

THE  poor  man's  garden  lifeless  lay=20

Beneath  a  fall  of  snow ;=20
But  Art  in  costly  greenhouses,=20

Keeps  Summer  in  full  glow.=20
And  Taste  paid  gold  for  bright  bouquets.=20

The  parlor  vase  that  drest,=20
That  scented  Fashion's  gray  boudoir,=20

Or  bloomed  on  Beauty's  breast.=20

A  rich  man  sat  beside  the  flre,=20

Within  his  sculptured  halls  ;=20
Brave  heart,  clear  head,  and  busy  hand=20

Had  reared  those  stately  walls.=20
He  to  his  gardener  spake,  and  said=20

In  tone  of  quiet  glee=E2=80=94=20
"  1  want  a  hundred  fine  bouquets =E2=80=94=20

Canst  make  them,  John,  for  me  ?"=20

John's  eyes  became  exceeding  round,=20

This  question  when  he  heard;=20
He  gazed  upon  his  master,=20

And  he  answered  not  a  word.=20
"  Well,  John,"  the  rich  man  laughing  said,=20

"  If  these  too  many  be,=20
What  sayest  to  half  the  number,  man  ?=20

Canst  fifty  make  for  me  ?  "=20

Now  John  prized  every  flower,  as  'twere=20

A  daughter  or  a  son  ;=20
And  thought,  like  Regan =E2=80=94 "  what  the  need=20

Of  fifty,  or  of  one?v'=20
But,  keeping  back  the  thought,  he  said,=20

"  I  think,  sir,  that  I  might;=20
But  it  would  leave  my  lady's  flowers=20

In  very  ragged  plight."=20

"  Well,  John,  thy  vegetable  pets=20

Must  needs  respected  be  ;=20
We'll  halve  the  number  once  again=E2=80=94=20

Make  twenty-five  for  me.=20
And  hark  ye,  John,  when  they  are  made=20

Come  up  and  let  me  know  ;=20
And  I'll  give  thee  a  list  of  those=20

To  whom  the  flowers  must  go."=20

The  twenty-five  bouquets  were  made,=20

And  round  the  village  sent ;=20
And  to  whom  thinkest  thou,  my  friend,=20

These  floral  jewels  went?=20
Not  to  the  beautiful  and  proud =E2=80=94=20

Not  to  the  rich  and  gay=E2=80=94=20
\\'ho,  Dives-like,  at  Luxury's  feast=20

Are  seated  every  day.=20

An  aged  Pastor,  on  his  desk=20

Saw  those  fair  preachers  stand;=20
A  Widow  wept  upon  the  gift,=20

And  blessed  the  giver's  hand.=20
Where  Poverty  bent  o'er  her  task,=20

They  cheered  the  lonely  room;=20
Anil  round  the  bed  where  sickness  lay,=20

They  breathed  Health's  Iresli  perfume.=20


142  WORK  AND   PLAY.=20

Oh!  kindly  heart  and  open  hand =E2=80=94=20

Those  flowers  in  dust  are  trod,=20
Bat  they  bloom  to  weave  a  wreath  for  thee,=20

In  the  Paradise  of  God.=20
Sweet  is  the  Minstrel's  task,  whose  song=20

Of  deeds  like  these  may  tell ;=20
And  long  may  he  have  power  to  give,=20

Who  wields  that  power  so  well  I=20

MBS.  ANNA  BAC=20

Pim.ATMtI.PP  A,=20


UHAPTEK    XXV.=20

THE   JEROME   CLOCK   COMPANY   ENTANGLEMENT.=20

I  NOW  come  to  a  series  of  events  which,  all  things  considered,  =
constitute  one  of=20
the  most  remarkable  experiences  of  my  life =E2=80=94 an  experience  =
which  brought  me=20
much  pain  and  many  trials;  which  humbled  my  pride  and  threatened =
 me  with=20
hopeless  financial  ruin;  and  yet,  nevertheless,  put  new  blood  in  =
my  veins,  fresh=20
vigor  in  my  action,  warding  off  all  temptation  to  rust  in  the  r=
epose  which  afflu-=20
ence induces,  and  developed,  I  trust,  new  and  better  elements  of  =
manliness  in=20
my  character.=20

When  the  blow  fell  upon  me,  I  thought  I  could  never  recover;  th=
e  event  has=20
shown,  however,  that  I  have  gained  both  in  character  and  fortune,=
  and  what=20
threatened,  for  years,  to  be  my  ruin,  has  proved  one  of  the  mos=
t  fortunate  hap-=20
penings of  my  career.  The  "Bull  Run"  of  my  life's  battle  was  a  =
crushing=20
defeat,  which,  unknown  to  me  at  the  time,  only  presaged  the  vict=
ories  which=20
were  to  follow.=20

It  is  vital  to  the  narrative  that  I  should  give  some  account  of=
  the  new  city,=20
East  Bridgeport,  and  my  interests  therein,  which  led  directly  to  =
my  subsequent=20
complications  with  the  Jerome  Clock  Company.=20

In  1851,  I  purchased  from  Mr.  William  H.  Noble,  of  Bridgeport,  t=
he  undivided=20
half  of  his  late  father's  homestead,  consisting  of  fifty  acres  of=
  land,  lying  on  the=20
eastside  of  the  river,  opposite  the  city  of  Bridgeport.  We  intend=
ed  this  as  the=20
nucleus  of  a  new  city,  which  we  concluded  could  soon  be  built  u=
p,  in  consequence=20
of  many  natural  advantages  that  it  possesses.=20

Before  giving  publicity  to  our  plans,  however,  we  purchased  one  h=
undred  and=20
seventy-four  acres  contiguous  to  that  which  we  already  owned,  and =
 laid  out  the=20
entire  property  in  regular  streets,  and  lined  them  with  trees,  re=
serving  a  beauti-=20
ful grove  of  six  or  eight  acres,  which  we  enclosed,  and  converted=
  into  a  public=20
park.*  We  then  commenced  selling  alternate  lots,  at  about  the  sam=
e  price  which=20
Hie  land  cost  us  by  the  acre,  always  on  condition  that  a  suitab=
le  dwelling-house,=20
.  store,  or  manufactory  should  be  erected  upon  the  land,  within  =
one  year  from  the=20
date  of  purchase:  that  every  building  should  be  placed  at  a  cert=
ain  distance  from=20
the  street,  in  a  style  of  architecture  approved  by  us;  that  the =
 grounds  should  be=20
enclosed  with  acceptable  fences,  and  kept  clean  and  neat,  with  ot=
her  conditions=20
which  would  render  the  locality  a  desirable  one  for  respectable  r=
esidents,  and=20
operate  for  the  mutual  benefit  of  all  persons  who  should  become  =
settlers  in  the=20
new  city.=20

This  entire  property  consists  of  a  beautiful  plateau  of  ground,  l=
ying  within=20
less  than  half  a  mile  of  the  center  of  Bridgeport  city.  Consider=
ing  the  supe-=20
riority of  the  situation,  it  is  a  wonder  that  the  city  of  Bridge=
port  was  not=20
originally  founded  upon  that  side  of  the  river.  The  late  Dr.  Tim=
othy  Dwight,=20
for  a  long  time  President  of  Yale  College,  in  his  "  Travels  in =
 New  England  in=20
1815,"  says  of  the  locality:=20

"There  is  not  in  the  State  a  prettier  village  than  the  borough  =
of  Bridgeport.=20
In  the  year  1783,  there  were  scarcely  half  a  dozen  houses  in  th=
is  place.  It  now=20
contains  probably  more  than  one  hundred,  built  on  both  sides  of  =
Pughqiiomnu-k=20

*  We  iruned  this  "  Washington  Park  "  iiiul  subsequently  presented=
  it  to  the  city.=20

143=20


144          THE  JEROME  CLOCK  COMPANY  ENTANGLEMENT.=20

(Pequonnock)  river,  a  beautiful  mill-stream,  forming  at  its  mouth  =
the  harbor  of=20
Bridgeport.  The  situation  of  this  village  is  very  handsome,  partic=
ularly  on  the=20
eastern  side  of  the  river.  A  more  cheerful  and  elegant  piece  of =
 ground  can=20
scarcely  be  imagined  than  the  point  which  stretches  between  the  P=
ughquonnuck=20
and  the  old  mill-brook;  and  the  prospects  presented  by  the  harbor=
s  at  the  mouths=20
of  these  streams,  the  Sound,  and  the  surrounding  country,  are,  in=
  a  fine  season,=20
gay  and  brilliant,,  perhaps  without  a  parallel."=20

This  "cheerful  and  elegant  piece  of  ground,"  as  Dr.  D wight  so  t=
ruly  describes=20
it,  had  only  been  kept  from  market  by  the  want  of  means  of  acc=
ess.  A  new  foot-=20
bridge was  built,  connecting  this  place  with  the  city  of  Bridgepor=
t,  and  a  public=20
toll-bridge  which  belonged  to  us,  was  thrown  open  to  the  public  =
free.  We  also=20
obtained  from  the  State  Legislature  a  charter  for  erecting  a  toll=
-bridge  between=20
the  two  bridges  already  existing,  and  under  that  charter  we  put  =
up  a  fine  covered=20
draw-bridge  at  a  cost  of  $16,000,  which  also  we  made  free  to  th=
e  public  for=20
several  years.  We  built  and  leased  to  a  union  company  of  young  =
coach-makers=20
a  large  and  elegant  coach  manufactory,  which  was  one  of  the  firs=
t  building^=20
erected  there,  and  which  went  into  operation  on  the  first  of  Jan=
uary,  1852,  and=20
was  the  beginning  of  the  extensive  manufactories  which  were  subseq=
uently  built=20
in  East  Bridgeport.=20

Besides  the  inducement  which  we  held  out  to  purchasers  to  obtain =
 their  lots  at=20
a  merely  nominal  price,  we  advanced  one-half,  two-thirds,  and  freq=
uently  all  the=20
funds  necessary  to  erect  their  buildings,  permitting  them  to  repay=
  us  in  sums  as=20
small  as  five  dollars,  at  their  own  convenience.  This  arrangement =
 enabled  many=20
persons  to  secure  and  ultimately  pay  for  homes  which  they  could  =
not  otherwise=20
have  obtained.  We  looked  for  our  profits  solely  to  the  rise  in  =
the  value  of  the=20
reserved  lots,  which  we  were  confident  must  ensue.  These  extraordi=
nary  inductr=20
ments  led  many  persons  to  build  in  the  new  city,  and  it  began  =
to  develop  and=20
increase  with  a  rapidity  rarely  witnessed  in  this  section  of  the =
 country.=20

It  will  thus  be  seen  that,  in  1851,  my  pet  scheme  was  to  build=
  up  a  city  in  East=20
Bridgeport.=20

I  can  truly  say  that  mere  money-making  was  a  secondary  considerat=
ion  in  my=20
scheme.  I  wanted  to  build  a  city  on  the  beautiful  plateau  across=
  the  river;  in=20
the  expressive  phrase  of  the  day,  I  "had  East  Bridgeport  on  the =
 brain."  Who-=20
ever approached  me  with  a  project  which  looked  to  the  advancement =
 of  my  new=20
city,  touched  my  weak  side  and  found  me  an  eager  listener,  and  =
it  was  in  this=20
way  that  the  coming  city  connected  me  with  that  source  of  so  ma=
ny  annoyances=20
and  woes,  the  Jerome  Clock  Company.=20

There  was  a  small  clock  manufactory  in  the  town  of  Litchfield,  C=
onnecticut,  in=20
which  I  became  a  stockholder  to  the  amount  of  six  or  seven  thou=
sand  dollars,=20
and  my  duties  as  a  director  in  the  company  called  me  occasionall=
y  to  Litchfield=20
and  made  me  somewhat  acquainted  with  the  clock  business.  Thinking =
 of  plans=20
to  forward  my  pet  East  Bridgeport  enterprise,  it  occurred  to  me  =
that  if  the=20
Ljtchfield  clock  concern  could  be  transferred  to  my  prospective  ne=
w  city,  it=20
would  necessarily  bring  many  families,  thus  increasing  the  growth  =
of  the  place=20
and  the  value  of  the  property.  Negotiations  were  at  once  commence=
d  and  the=20
desired  transfer  of  the  business  was  the  result.  A  new  stock  com=
pany  was=20
formed  under  the  name  of  the  "  Terry  &  Barnum  Manufacturing  =
Company=20
and  in  1852  a  factory  was  built  in  East  Bridgeport.=20

In  1855,  I  received  a  suggestion  from  a  citizen  of  New  Haven,  t=
hat  the  Jerome=20
Clock  Company,  then  reputed  to  be  a  wealthy  concern,  should  be  r=
emo\  ed  to=20
East  Bridgeport,  and  shortly  afterwards  I  was  visited  at  Iranistan=
  by  Mr.  Chaiui-=20


MOUNTAIN  GROVE  CEMETERY.=20


THE   JEROME   CLOCK    COMPANY   ENTANGLEMENT.  145=20

cey  Jerome,  the  President  of  that  company.  The  result  of  this  vi=
sit  was  a=20
proposition  from  the  agent  of  the  company,  who  also  held  power  o=
f  attorney  for=20
the  president,  that  I  should  lend  my  name  as  security  for  $110,0=
00  in  aid  of  the=20
Jerome  Clock  Company,  and  the  proffered  compensation  was  the  trans=
fer  of  this=20
great  manufacturing  concern,  with  its  seven  hundred  to  one  thousan=
d  operatives,=20
to  my  beloved  East  Bridgeport.  It  was  just  the  bait  for  the  fis=
h;  I  was  all=20
attention;  yet  I  must  do  my  judgment  the  justice  to  say  that  I =
 called  for  proofs,=20
strong  and  ample,  that  the  great  company  deserved  its  reputation  =
as  a  substantial=20
enterprise  that  might  safely  be  trusted.=20

Accordingly,  I  was  shown  an  official  report  of  the  directors  of  =
the  company :=20
exhibiting  a  capital  of  $400,000,  and  a  surplus  of  $187,000,  in  =
all,  $587,000.  The=20
need  for  $110,000  more,  was  on  account  of  a  dull  season,  and  th=
e  market  glutted=20
with  the  goods,  and  immediate  money  demands  which  must  be  met.  I=
  was  also=20
impressed  with  the  pathetic  tale  that  the  company  was  exceedingly =
 loth  to=20
dismiss  any  of  the  operatives,  who  would  suffer  greatly  if  their =
 only  dependence=20
for  their  daily  food  was  taken  away.=20

The  official  statement  seemed  satisfactory,  and  I  cordially  sympath=
ized  with=20
the  philanthropic  purpose  of  keeping  the  workmen  employed,  even  in=
  the  dull=20
season.  The  company  was  reputed  to  be  rich;  the  President,  Mr.  C=
hauncey=20
Jerome,  had  built  a  church  in  New  Haven,  at  a  cost  of  $40,000, =
 and  proposed  to=20
present  it  to  a  congregation;  he  had  given  a  clock  to  a  church =
 in  Bridgeport,  and=20
these  things  showed  that  he,  at  least,  thought  he  was  wealthy.  T=
he  Jerome=20
clocks  were  for  sale  all  over  the  world,  even  in  China,  where  t=
he  Celestials  were=20
said  to  take  out  the  "movements,"  and  use  the  cases  for  little  =
temples  for  their=20
idols,  thus  proving  that  faith  was  possible  without  "  works."  So =
 wealthy  and  so=20
widely-known  a  company  would  surely  be  a  grand  acquisition  to  my =
 city.=20

Further  testimony  came  in  the  form  of  a  letter  from  the  cashier =
 of  one  of  the=20
New  Haven  banks,  expressing  the  highest  confidence  in  the  financia=
l  strength  of=20
the  concern,  and  much  satisfaction  that  I  contemplated  giving  temp=
orary  aid=20
which  would  keep  so  many  workmen  and  their  families  from  sufferin=
g,  and  per-=20
haps starvation.  I  had  not,  at  the  time,  the  slightest  suspicion  =
that  my  voluntary=20
correspondent  had  any  interest  in  the  transfer  of  the  Jerome  Comp=
any  from  Ne-w=20
Haven  to  East  Bridgeport,  though  I  was  subsequently  informed  that =
 the  bank,  of=20
which  my  correspondent  was  the  cashier,  was  almost  the  largest,  i=
f  not  the=20
largest,  creditor  of  the  clock  company.=20

Under  all  the  circumstances,  and  influenced  by  the  rose-colored  re=
presentations=20
made  to  me,  not  less  than  by  my  mania  to  push  the  growth  of  m=
y  new  city,  I=20
finally  accepted  the  proposition  and  consented  to  an  agreement  tha=
t  I  would  lend=20
the  clock  company  my  notes  for  a  sum  not  to  exceed  $50,000,  and=
  accept  drafts=20
to  an  amount  not  to  exceed  $60,000.  It  was  thoroughly  understood =
 that  I  was  in=20
no  case  to  be  responsible  for  one  cent  in  excess  of  $110,000.  I=
  also  received  the=20
written  guaranty  of  Chauncey  Jerome  that  in  no  event  should  I  lo=
se  by  the  loan,=20
as  he  would  become  personally  responsible  for  the  repayment.  I  wa=
s  willing=20
that  my  notes,  when  taken  up,  should  be  renewed,  I  cared  not  ho=
w  often,  pro-=20
vided the  stipulated  maximum  of  $110,000  should  never  be  exceeded. =
 I  was=20
weak  enough,  however,  un-ler  the  representation  that  it  was  imposs=
ible  to  say=20
exactly  when  it  would  be  necessary  to  use  the  notes,  to  put  my =
 name  to  several=20
notes  for  $3,000,  $5,000,  and  $10,000,  leaving  the  date  of  paymen=
t  blank,  but  it=20
was  agreed  that  the  blanks  should  be  filled  to  make  the  notes  p=
ayable  in  five,=20
ten,  or  even  sixty  days  from  date,  according  to  the  exigencies  o=
f  the  case,  and=20
1  was  careful  to  keep  a  memorandum  of  the  several  amounts  of  th=
e  notes.=20

7=20


146  THE   JEROME   CLOCK   COMPANY    ENTANGLEMENT.=20

On  the  other  side  it  was  agreed  that  the  Jerome  Company  should  =
exchange  its=20
stock  with  the  Terry  &  Barnum  stockholders  and  thus  absorb  th=
at  company  and=20
unite  the  entire  business  in  East  Bridgeport.  It  was  scarcely  a  =
month,  before  the=20
secretary  wrote  me  that  the  company  would  soon  be  in  a  condition=
  to  "snap  its=20
fingers  at  the  banks."=20

Nevertheless,  three  months  after  the  consolidation  of  the  companies=
,  a  refer-=20
ence to  my  memoranda  showed  that  I  had  already  become  responsible =
 for  the=20
stipulated  sum  of  $110, 000.  I  was  then  called  upon  in  New  York =
 by  the  agent,  who=20
wanted  five  notes  of  $5,000  each,  and  I  declined  to  furnish  them=
,  unless  I  should=20
receive  in  return  an  equal  amount  of  my  own  canceled  notes,  sinc=
e  he  assured=20
me  they  were  canceling  these  "every  week."  The  canceled  notes  wer=
e  brought=20
to  me  next  day,  and  I  renewed  them.  This  I  did  frequently,  alwa=
ys  receiving=20
canceled  notes,  till  finally  my  confidence  in  the  company  became  =
so  established,=20
that  I  did  not  ask  to  see  the  notes  that  had  been  taken  up,  b=
ut  furnished  new=20
accommodation  paper  as  it  was  called  for.=20

By  and  by  I  heard  that  the  banks  began  to  hesitate  about  discou=
nting  my=20
paper,  and  knowing  that  I  was  good  for  $110,000  several  times  ov=
er,  I  wondered=20
what  was  the  matter,  till  the  discovery  came  at  last  that  my  no=
tes  had  not  been=20
taken  up  as  was  represented,  and  that  some  of  the  blank  date  no=
tes  had  been=20
made  payable  in  twelve,  eighteen,  and  twenty-four  months.  Further  =
investiga-=20
tion revealed  the  frightful  fact  that  I  had  indorsed  for  the  cloc=
k  company  to  the=20
extent  of  more  than  half  a  million  dollars,  and  most  of  the  not=
es  had  been=20
exchanged  for  old  Jerome  Company  notes  due  to  the  banks  and  othe=
r  creditors.=20
My  agent  who  made  these  startling  discoveries  came  back  to  me  wi=
th  the  refresh-=20
ing intelligence  that  I  was  a  ruined  man!=20

Not  quite;  I  had  the  mountain  of  Jerome  debts  on  my  back,  but  =
I  found  means=20
to  pay  every  claim  against  me  at  my  bank,  all  my  store  and  sho=
p  debts,  notes  to=20
the  amount  of  $40,000,  which  banks  in  my  neighborhood,  relying  up=
on  my  per-=20
sonal integrity,  had  discounted  for  the  clock  company,  and  then  I =
=E2=80=94 failed !=20

What  a  dupe  had  I  been!  Here  was  a  great  company  pretending  to =
 be  worth=20
$587,000,  asking  temporary  assistance  to  the  amount  of  $110,000,  c=
oming  down=20
with  a  crash,  so  soon  as  my  helping  hand  was  removed,  and  sweep=
ing  me  down=20
with  it.  It  failed;  and,  even  after  absorbing  my  fortune,  it  pai=
d  but  from  twelve=20
to  fifteen  per  cent,  of  its  obligations,  while,  to  cap  the  clima=
x,  it  never  removed=20
to  East  Bridgeport  at  all,  notwithstanding  this  was  the  only  cond=
ition  which  ever=20
prompted  me  to  advance  one  dollar  to  the  rotten  concern  I=20

If  at  any  time  my  vanity  had  been  chilled  by  the  fear  that  aft=
er  my  retirement=20
from  the  Jenny  Lind  enterprise  the  world  would  forget  me,  this  a=
ffair  speedily=20
re-assured  me;  I  had  notice  enough  to  satisfy  the  most  inordinate=
  craving  for=20
notoriety.  All  over  the  country,  and  even  across  the  ocean,  "  Ba=
rnum  and  the=20
Jerome  Clock  Bubble,"  was  the  great  newspaper  theme.  I  was  taken =
 to  pieces,=20
analyzed,  put  together  again,  kicked,  "pitched  into,"  tumbled  about=
,  preached=20
to,  preached  about,  and  made  to  serve  every  purpose  to  which  a  =
sensation-loving=20
world  could  put  me.  Well!  I  was  now  in  training,  in  a  new  scho=
ol,  and  was=20
learning  new  and  strange  lessons.=20

Yet  these  new  lessons  conveyed  the  old,  old  story.  There  were  th=
ose  who  had=20
fawned  upon  me  in  my  prosperity,  who  now  jeered  at  my  adversity;=
  people=20
whom  I  had  specially  favored,  made  special  efforts  to  show  their =
 ingratitude;=20
papers,  which,  when  I  had  the  means  to  make  it  an  object  for  t=
hem  to  be  on  good=20
terms  with  me,  overloaded  me  with  adulation,  now  attempted  to  ove=
rwhelm  me=20
with  abuse:  and  then  the  immense  amount  of  moralizing  over  the  "=
  instability  of=20


THE  JEROME  CLOCK   COMPANY   ENTANGLEMENT.  14?=20

human  fortunes,"  and  especially  the  retributive  justice  that  is  su=
re  to  follow  "  ill-=20
gotten  gains,"  which  my  censors  assumed  to  be  the  sum  and  substa=
nce  of  my=20
honorably  acquired  and  industriously  worked  for  property.  I  have  n=
o  doubt=20
that  much  of  this  kind  of  twaddle  was  believed  by  the  twaddlers =
 to  be  sincere;=20
and  thus  my  case  was  actual  capital  to  certain  preachers  and  rel=
igious  editors=20
who  were  in  want  of  fresh  illustrations  wherewith  to  point  their =
 morals.=20

I  was  in  the  depths,  but  did  not  despond.  I  was  confident  that =
 with  energetic=20
purpose  and  divine  assistance,  I  should,  if  my  health  and  life  w=
ere  spared,  get=20
on  my  feet  again;  and  events  have  since  fully  justified  and  veri=
fied  the  expecta-=20
tion and  the  effort.=20


OHAPTEK   XXVI.=20

CLOUDS  AND  SUNSHINE.=20

HAPPILY,  there  is  always  more  wheat  than  there  is  chaff.  While  m=
y  enemies=20
and  a  few  envious  persons  and  misguided  moralists  were  abusing  an=
d  traducing=20
me,  my  very  misfortunes  revealed  to  me  hosts  of  hitherto  unknown =
 friends  who=20
tendered  to  me  something  more  than  mere  sympathy.  Funds  were  offe=
red  to  me=20
in  unbounded  quantity  for  the  support  of  my  family  and  to  re-est=
ablish  me  in=20
business.  I  declined  these  tenders  because,  on  principle,  I  never =
 accepted  a  money=20
favor,  unless  I  except  the  single  receipt  of  a  small  sum  which  =
came  to  me  by  mail=20
at  this  time,  and  anonymously  so  that  I  could  not  return  it.  Ev=
en  this  small  sum=20
I  at  once  devoted  to  charity  towards  one  who  needed  the  money  f=
ar  more  than  I=20
did.=20

The  generosity  of  my  friends  urged  me  to  accept  "benefits"  by  th=
e  score,  the=20
returns  of  which  would  have  made  me  quite  independent.  There  was =
 a  propo-=20
sition among  leading  citizens  in  New  York  to  give  a  series  of  be=
nefits  which  I  felt=20
obliged  to  decline,  though  the  movement  in  my  favor  deeply  touche=
d  me.  To=20
show  the  class  of  men  who  sympathized  with  me  in  my  misfortunes,=
  and  also  the=20
ground  which  I  took  in  the  matter,  I  venture  to  copy  the  follow=
ing  correspondence=20
which  appeared  in  the  New  York  papers  of  the  day:=20

NEW  YORK,  June  2,  1856.=20
MB.  P.  T.  BARNUM  :=20

Dear  Sir  :  The  financial  ruin  of  a  man  of  acknowledged  energy  a=
nd  enterprise  is  a  public=20
calamity.  The  sudden  blow,  therefore,  that  has  swept  away,  from  a=
  man  like  yourself,  the=20
accumulated  wealth  of  years,  justifies,  we  think,  the  public  sympa=
thy.  The  better  to  mani-=20
fest our  sincere  respect  for  your  liberal  example  in  prosperity,  a=
s  well  as  exhibit  our  honest=20
admiration  of  your  fortitude  under  overwhelming  reverses,  we  propos=
e  to  give  that  sym-=20
pathy a  tangible  expression  by  soliciting  your  acceptance  of  a  ser=
ies  of  benefits  for  your=20
family,  the  result  of  which  may  possibly  secure  for  your  wife  an=
d  children  a  future  home,  or=20
at  least  rescue  them  from  the  more  immediate  consequences  of  your=
  misfortune.=20

Freeman  Hunt,  E.  K.  Collins,  Isaac  V.  Fowler,  James  Phalen,  Corne=
lius  Vanderbilt,  F.=20
B.  Cutting,  James  W.  Gerard,  Simeon  Draper,  Thomas  McElrath,  Park =
 Godwin,  R.  F.=20
Carman,  Gen.  C.  W.  Sanford,  Philo  Kurd,  President  H.  R.  R.;  Win.=
  Ellsworth,  President=20
Brooklyn  Ins.  Co.;  George  8.  Doughty,  President  Excelsior  Ins.  Co.=
;  Chas.  T.  Cromwell,=20
Robert  Stnyvesant,  E.  L.  Livingston,  R.  Busteed,  Wm.  P.  Fettridge.=
  E.  N.  Haughwout,=20
Geo.  F.  Nesbitt,  Osborne,  Boardman  &  Townsend,  Charles  H.  Dela=
van,  I.  &  C.  Berrien,=20
Fisher  &  Bird,  Solomon  &  Hart,  B.  Young,  M.  D.,  Treadwell=
,  Acker  &  Co.,  St.  Nicholas=20
Hotel,  John  Wheeler,  Union  Square  Hotel,  S.  Leland  &  Co.,  Met=
ropolitan  Hotel,  Albert=20
Clark,  Brevoort  House,  H.  D.  Clapp,  Everett  House.  John  Taylor,  I=
nternational  Hotel.=20
Sydney  Hopman,  Smithsonian  Hotel,  Messrs.  Delmonico,  Delmonico's,  Ge=
o.  W.  Sherman,=20
Florence's  Hotel,  Kingsley  &  Ainslee,  Howard  Hotel,  Libby  <f=
e  Whitney,  Lovejoy's  Hoti-1,=20
Howard  &  Buown,  Tammany  Hall,  Jonas  Bartlett,  Washington  Hotel,=
  Patten  &  Lynde,=20
Pacific  Hotel,  J.  Johnson,  Johnson's  Hotel,  and  over  1,000  others.=
=20

To  this  gratifying  communication  I  replied  as  follows:=20

LONG  ISLAND,  Tuesday,  June  3, 1856.=20

GENTLEMEN  :  I  can  hardly  find  words  to  express  my  gratitude  for =
 your  very  kind  propo-=20
sition. The  popular  sympathy  is  to  me  far  more  precious  than  gold=
,  and  that  sympathy=20
seems  In  my  case  to  extend  from  my  immediate  neighbors,  in  Bridg=
eport,  to  all  parts  of  our=20
Union.=20

Proffers  of  pecuniary  assistance  have  reached  me  from  every  quarte=
r,  not  only  from=20
friends,  but  from  entire  strangers.  Mr.  Wm.  E.  Burton,  Miss  Laura=
  Keene  and  Mr.  Wm.=20
Niblo  have  in  the  kindest  manner  tendered  me  the  receipts  of  the=
ir  theaters  fur  one  evening.=20

148=20


CLOUDS  AND  SUNSHINE.  149=20

Mr.  Gough  volunteered  the  proceeds  of  one  of  his  attractive  lectu=
res  ;  Mr.  James  Phalon=20
generously  offered  me  the  free  use  of  the  Academy  of  Music;  many=
  professional  ladies  and=20
gentlemen  have  urged  me  to  accept  their  gratuitous  services.  I  ha=
ve,  on  principle,  respect-=20
fully declined  them  all,  as  I  beg,  with  the  most  grateful  acknowl=
edgments  (at  least  for  the=20
present),  to  decline  yours=E2=80=94 not  because  a  benefit,  in  itsel=
f,  is  an  objectionable  thing,  but=20
because  I  have  ever  made  it  a  point  to  ask  nothing  of  the  publ=
ic  on  personal  grounds,  and=20
should  prefer,  while  I  can  possibly  avoid  that  contingency,  to  ac=
cept  nothing  from  it  without=20
the  honest  conviction  that  I  had  individually  given  it  in  return =
 a  full  equivalent.=20

While  favored  with  health,  I  feel  competent  to  earn  an  honest  li=
velihood  for  myself  and=20
family.  More  than  this  I  shall  certainly  never  attempt  with  such =
 a  load  of  debt  suspended=20
in  terrorem  over  me.  While  I  earnestly  thank  you,  therefore,  for =
 your  generous  considera-=20
tion, gentlemen  I  trust  you  will  appreciate  my  desire  to  live  unh=
umilitated  by  a  sense  of=20
dependence,  and  believe  me,  sincerely  yours,=20

P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

To  Messrs.  FKEEMAN  HUNT,  =C2=A3.  K.  COLLINS,  and  others.=20

And  with  other  offers  of  assistance  from  far  and  near,  came  the =
 following  from=20
a  little  gentleman  who  did  not  forget  his  old  friend  and  benefac=
tor  in  the  time  of=20

trial:=20

JONES'  HOTEL,  PHILADELPHIA,  May  12, 1856.=20

MY  DEAR  MB.  BARNUM:  I  understand  your  friends,  and  that  means  "a=
ll  creation,"=20
intend  to  get  up  some  benefits  for  your  family.  Now,  my  dear  si=
r,  just  be  good  enough  to=20
remember  that  I  belong  to  that  mighty  crowd,  and  I  must  have  a =
 finger  (or  at  least  a=20
"thumb")  in  that  pie.  I  am  bound  to  appear  on  all  such  occasion=
s  in  some  shape,  from=20
"Jack  the  Giant  Killer,"  up  stairs,  to  the  door-keeper  down,  whic=
hever  may  serve  you  best;=20
and  there  are  some  feats  that  I  can  perform  as  well  as  any  oth=
er  man  of  my  inches.  I  have=20
just  started  out  on  my  western  tour,  and  have  my  carriage,  ponie=
s  and  assistants  all  here,=20
but  I  am  ready  to  go  on  to  New  York,  bag  and  baggage,  and  rem=
ain  at  Mrs.  Barnum's=20
service  as  long  as  I,  in  my  small  way,  can  be  useful.  Put  me  =
into  any  "  heavy  "  work,  if=20
you  like.  Perhaps  I  cannot  lift  as  much  as  some  other  folks,  bu=
t  just  take  your  pencil  in=20
hand  and  you  will  sue  I  can  draw  a  tremendous  load.  I  drew  two=
  hundred  tons  at  a  single=20
pull  to-day,  embracing  two  thousand  persons,  whom  I  hauled  up  saf=
ely  and  satisfactorily  to=20
all  parties,  at  one  exhibition.  Hoping  that  you  will  be  able  to =
 fix  up  a  lot  of  magnets  that=20
will  attract  all  New  York,  and  volunteering  to  sit  on  any  part  =
of  the  loadstone,  I  am,  as=20
ever,  your  little  but  sympathizing  friend,=20

GEN.  TOM  THUMB=20

Even  this  generous  offer  from  my  little  friend  I  felt  compelled  =
to  refuse.  But=20
kind  words  were  written  and  spoken  which  I  could  not  prevent,  no=
r  did  I  desire=20
to  do  so,  and  which  were  worth  more  to  me  than  money.  I  should=
  fail  to  find=20
space,  if  I  wished  it,  to  copy  one-tenth  part  of  the  cordial  an=
d  kind  articles  and=20
paragraphs  that  appeared  about  me  in  newspapers  throughout  the  cou=
ntry.  The=20
following  sentence  from  an  editorial  article  in  a  prominent  New  Y=
ork  journal=20
was  the  key-note  to  many  similar  kind  notices  in  all  parts  of  t=
he  Union:  "  It  is  a=20
fact  beyond  dispute  that  Mr.  Barnum's  financial  difficulties  have  =
accumulated=20
from  the  goodness  of  his  nature;  kind-hearted  and  generous  to  a  =
fault,  it  has=20
ever  been  his  custom  to  lend  a  helping  hand  to  the  struggling;  =
and  honest  industry=20
and  enterprise  have  found  his  friendship  prompt  and  faithful."  The=
  Boston  Jour-=20
nal dwelt  especially  upon  the  use  I  had  made  of  my  money  in  my =
 days  of  pros=20
perity  in  assisting  deserving  laboring  men  and  in  giving  an  impul=
se  to  business=20
in  the  town  where  I  resided.  It  seems  only  just  that  I  should  =
make  this  very=20
brief  allusion  to  these  things,  if  only  as  an  offset  to  the  unb=
ounded  abuse  of  those=20
who  believed  in  kicking  me  merely  because  I  was  down;  nor  can  I=
  refrain  from=20
copying  the  following  from  the  Boston  Saturday  Evening  Gazette,  of=
  May  3,=20
1856:=20

BARNUM   REDIVIVUS.=20

A  WORD  FOR  BARNUM.=20

BARNUM,  your  hand!  Though  you  are  "  down,"=20

And  see  full  many  a  frigid  shoulder,=20
Be  brave,  my  brick,  and  though  they  frown,=20

Prove  that  misfortune  makes  you  bolder.=20
There's  many  a  man  that  sneers,  my  hero,=20

And  former  praise  converts  to  scorning,=20
Would  worship =E2=80=94 when  he  fears =E2=80=94 a  Nero,=20

And  bend  "where  thrift  may  follow  fawning  "=20


150  CLOUDS    AND   SUNSHINE.=20

You  humbugged  us=E2=80=94 that  we  have  seen,=20

We  got  our  money's  worth,  old  fellow,=20
And  though  you  thought  our  minds  were  yreen,=20

We  never  thought  your  heart  was  yellow.=20
We  knew  you  liberal,  generous,  warm,=20

Quick  to  assist  a  falling  brother,=20
And.  with  such  virtues,  what's  the  harm=20

All  memories  of  your  faults  to  smother?=20

We  had  not  heard  the  peerless  Lind,=20

But  for  your  spirit  enterprising,=20
You  were  the  man  to  raise  the  wind,=20

And  make  a  coup  confessed  sarprising.=20
You're  reckoned  in  your  native  town=20

A  friend  in  need,  a  friend  in  danger,=20
You  ever  keep  the  latchstring  down,=20

And  greet  with  open  hand  the  stranger.=20

Stiffen  your  upper  lip.    You  know=20
Who  are  your  friends  and  who  your  foes  now;=20

We  pay  for  knowledge  as  we  go  ;=20
And  though  you  get  some  sturdy  blows  now,=20

You've  a  fair  field =E2=80=94 no  favors  crave =E2=80=94=20
The  storm  ouce  passed  will  find  you  braver =E2=80=94=20

In  virtue's  cause  long  may  you  wave,=20
And  on  the  right  side,  never  waver.=20

Desirous  of  knowing  who  was  the  author  of  this  kindly  effusion,  =
I  wrote,=20
while  preparing  this  autobiography,  to  Mr.  B.  P.  Shillaber,  one  o=
f  the  editors  of=20
the  journal,  and  well  known  to  the  public  as  "Mrs.  Partington."  =
In  reply,  I=20
received  the  following  letter  in  which  it  will  be  seen  that  he  =
makes  sympathetic=20
allusion  to  the  burning  of  my  last  Museum,  only  a  few  weeks  bef=
ore  the  date  of=20
his  letter:=20

CHETLSBA,  April  25, 1868.=20

MY  DK AR  MB.  BARNTTM  :  The  poem  in  question  was  written  by  A.  =
Wallace  Thaxter,=20
associate  editor  with  Mr.  Clapp  and  myself,  on  the  Gazette =E2=80=
=94 since  deceased,  a  glorious=20
fellow =E2=80=94 who  wrote  the  poem  from  a  sincere  feeling  of  admi=
ration  for  yourself.  Mr.  Clapp,=20
(Hon.  W.  W.  Clapp,)  published  it  with  his  full  approbati<  >=
n.  I  heard  of  your  new  trouble,  iu=20
my  sick  chamber,  where  I  have  been  all  winter,  with  regret,  and =
 wish  you  as  ready  a  release=20
from  attending  difficulty  as  your  genius  has  hitherto  achieved  und=
er  like  circumstances.=20

Yours,  very  truly,=20

B.  P.  SHILI^ABBR.=20

But  the  manifestations  of  sympathy  which  came  to  me  from  Bridgepo=
rt,  where=20
my  home  had  been  for  more  than  ten  years,  were  the  most  gratify=
ing  of  all,=20
because  they  showed  unmistakably  that  my  best  friends,  those  who  =
were  most=20
constant  in  their  friendship  and  most  emphatic  in  their  esteem,  w=
ere  my  neighbors=20
and  associates  who,  of  all  people,  knew  me  best.  With  such  suppo=
rt  I  could=20
easily  endure  the  attacks  of  traducers  elsewhere.  The  New  York  Ti=
mes,  April=20
25,  1856,  under  the  head  of  "Sympathy  for  Barnum,"  published  a  f=
ull  report  of=20
the  meeting  of  my  fellow-citizens  of  Bridgeport,  the  previous  even=
ing,  to  take=20
my  case  into  consideration.=20

In  response  to  a  call  headed  by  the  mayor  of  the  city,  and  sig=
ned  by  several=20
hundred  citizens,  this  meeting  was  held  in  Washington  Hall  "  for =
 the  purpose  of=20
sympathizing  with  P.  T.  Barnum,  Esq.,  in  his  recent  pecuniary  emb=
arrassments,=20
and  of  giving  some  public  expression  to  their  views  in  reference =
 to  his  financial=20
misfortunes."  It  was  the  largest  public  meeting  which,  up  to  that=
  time,  had  ever=20
been  held  in  Bridgeport.  Several  prominent  citizens  made  addresses,=
  and  reso-=20
lutions were  adopted,  declaring  "that  respect  and  sympathy  were  due=
  to  P.  T.=20
Barnum  in  return  for  his  many  acts  of  liberality,  philanthropy  an=
d  public  spirit,"=20
expressing  unshaken  confidence  in  his  integrity,  admiration  for  the=
  "fortitude=20
and  composure  with  which  he  has  met  reverses  into  which  he  has  =
been  dragged=20


CLOUDS   AND   SUNSHINE.  151=20

through  no  fault  of  his  own  except  a  too  generous  confidence  in =
 pretended  friends, "=20
and  hoping  that  he  would  "yet  return  to  that  wealth  which  he  ha=
s  so  nobly=20
employed,  and  to  the  community  he  has  so  signally  benefited. "  Du=
ring  the  evening=20
the  following  letter  was  read:=20

NEW  YORK,  Thursday,  April  24,  1856.=20
WM.  H.  NOBLE,  Esq.,=20

Dear  Sir:  I  have  just  received  a  Blip  containing  a  call  for  a  =
public  meeting  of  the  citizens=20
of  Bridgeport  to  sympathize  with  me  in  my  troubles.  It  is  headed=
  by  His  Honorthe  Mayor=20
and  is  signed  by  most  of  your  prominent  citizens,  as  well  as  by=
  many  men  who  by  hard=20
labor  earn  their  daily  bread,  and  who  appreciate  a  calamity  which=
  at  a  single  blow  strips  a=20
man  of  his  fortune,  his  dear  home,  and  all  the  worldly  comforts =
 which  years  of  diligent=20
labor  had  acquired.  It  is  due  to  truth  to  say  that  I  knew  noth=
ing  of  this  movement  until=20
your  letter  informed  me  of  it.=20

In  misfortune  the  true  sympathy  of  neighbors  is  more  consoling  an=
d  precious  than  any-=20
thing which  money  can  purchase.  This  voluntary  offering  of  my  fell=
ow-citizens,  though  it=20
thrills  me  with  painful  emotions  and  causes  tears  of  gratitude,  y=
et  imparts  to  me  renewed=20
strength,  and  fills  my  heart  with  thankfulness  to  Providence  for  =
raising  up  to  my  sight,=20
above  all  this  wreck,  kind  hearts  which  soar  above  the  sordid  at=
mosphere  of  "  dirty  dollars.''=20
I  can  never  forget  this  unexpected  kindness  from  my  old  friends  =
and  neighbors.=20

I  trust  I  am  not  blind  to  my  many  laults  and  shortcomings.  I,  =
however,  do  feel  great=20
consolation  in  believing  that  I  never  used  money  or  position  to  =
oppress  the  poor  or  wrong=20
my  fellow-men,  and  that  I  never  turned  empty  away  those  whom  I  =
had  the  power  to  assist.=20

My  poor  sick  wife,  who  needs  the  bracing  air  which  our  own  dear=
  home  (made  beauti-=20
ful by  her  willing  hands)  would  now  have  afforded  her,  is  driven =
 by  the  orders  of  her=20
physician  to  a  seclnded  spot  on  Long  Island  where  the  sea-wind  l=
ends  its  healthful  influence,=20
and  where  I  have  also  retired  for  the  double  purpose  of  consolin=
g  her  and  of  recruiting  my=20
own  constitution,  which,  through  the  excitements  of  the  last  few  =
months,  has  most  seriously=20
failed  me.=20

In  our  quiet  and  humble  retreat,  that  which  I  most  sincerely  pra=
y  for  is  tranquillity  and=20
contentment.  I  am  sure  that  the  remembrance  of  the  kindness  of  m=
y  Bridgeport  neighbors=20
will  aid  me  in  securing  these  cherished  blessings.  No  man  who  ha=
s  not  passed  through=20
similar  scenes  can  fully  comprehend  the  misery  which  has  been  cro=
wded  into  the  last  few=20
months  of  my  life ;  but  I  have  endeavored  to  preserve  my  integri=
ty,  and  I  humbly  hope  and=20
believe  that  I  am  being  taught  humility  and  reliance  upon  Provide=
nce,  which  will  yet  afford=20
a  thousand  times  more  peace  and  true  happiness  than  can  be  acqui=
red  in  the  din,  strife  and=20
turmoil,  excitements  and  struggles  of  this  money-worshipping  age.  T=
he  man  who  coins  his=20
brains  and  blood  into  gold,  who  wastes  all  of  his  time  and  thou=
ght  upon  the  almighty=20
dollar,  who  looks  no  higher  than  blocks  of  houses,  and  tracts  of=
  land,  and  whose  iron=20
chest  is  crammed  with  stocks  and  mortgages  tied  up  with  his  own =
 heart-strings,  may  con-=20
sole himself  with  the  idea  of  safe  investments,  but  he  misses  a  =
pleasure  which  I  firmly=20
believe  this  lesson  was  intended  to  secure  to  me,  and  which  it  =
will  secure  if  I  can  fully  brin;=20
my  mind  to  realize  its  wisdom.  I  think  I  hear  you  say =E2=80=94=
=20

"  When  the  devil  was  sick,=20
The  devil  a  sain^  would  be,=20
But  when  the  devil  got  well.=20
The  devil  a  saint  was  he."=20

Granted,  but,  after  all,  the  man  who  looks  npon  the  loss  of  mon=
ey  as  anything  compared=20
to  the  loss  of  honor,  or  health,  or  self-respect,  or  friends =E2=
=80=94 a  man  who  can  find  no  source  of=20
happiness  except  in  riches =E2=80=94 is  to  be  pitied  for  his  blind=
ness.  I  certainly  feel  that  the  loss=20
of  money,  of  home  and  my  home  comforts,  is  dreadful=E2=80=94 that =
 to  be  driven  again  to  find  a=20
resting-place  away  from  those  I  love,  and  from  where  I  had  fondl=
y  supposed  I  was  to  end=20
my  days,  and  where  I  had  lavished  time,  money,  everything,  to  ma=
ke  my  descent  to  the=20
grave  placid  and  pleasant=E2=80=94 is,  indeed,  a  severe  lesson  ;  b=
ut,  after  all,  I  firmly  believe  it  is=20
for  the  best,  and  though  my  heart  may  break,  I  will  not  repine.=
=20

I  regret,  beyond  expression,  that  any  man  should  be  a  loser  for =
 having  trusted  to  my=20
name  ;  it  would  not  have  been  so,  if  I  had  not  myself  been  de=
ceived.  As  it  is,  I  am  grati-=20
fied in  knowing  that  all  my  individual  obligations  will  be  met.  I=
t  would  have  been  much=20
better  if  clock  creditors  had  accepted  the  best  offer  that  it  wa=
s  in  my  power  to  make  them;=20
but  it  was  not  so  to  be.  It  is  now  too  late,  and,  as  I  willi=
ngly  give  up  all  I  possess,  I  can  do=20
no  more.=20

Wherever  my  future  lot  may  be  cast,  I  shall  ever  fondly  cherish =
 the  kindness  which  I  have=20
always  received  from  the  citizens  of  Bridgeport.=20

I  am,  my  dear  sir,  truly  yours,=20

P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

Shortly  after  this  sympathetic  meeting,  a  number  of  gentlemen  in  =
Bridgeport=20
offered  me  a  loan  of  $50,000  if  that  sum  would  be  instrumental  =
in  extricating  me=20
from  my  entanglement.  I  could  not  say  that  this  amount  would  mee=
t  the=20
exigency;  I  could  only  say,  "wait,  wait,  and  hope."=20


152  CLOUDS  AND   SUNSHINE.=20

Meanwhile,  my  eyes  were  fully  open  to  the  entire  magnitude  of  tn=
e  deception=20
that  had  been  practiced  upon  my  too  confiding  nature.  I  not  only=
  discovered=20
that  my  notes  had  been  used  to  five  times  the  amount  I  stipulat=
ed  or  expected,=20
but  that  they  had  been  applied,  not  to  relieving  the  company  fro=
m  temporary=20
embarrassment  after  my  connection  with  it,  but  almost  wholly  to  t=
he  redemption=20
of  old  and  rotten  claims  of  years  and  months  gone  by.  To  show  =
the  extent  to=20
which  the  fresh  victim  was  deliberately  bled,  it  may  be  stated  t=
hat  I  was  induced=20
to  become  surety  to  one  of  the  New  Haven  banks  in  the  sum  of  =
$30,000  to  idem-=20
nify  the  bank  against  future  losses  it  might  incur  from  the  Jero=
me  Company  after=20
my  connection  with  it,  and  by  some  legerdemain  this  bond  was  mad=
e  to  cover=20
past  obligations  which  were  older  even  than  my  knowledge  of  the  =
existence  of=20
the  company.  In  every  way  it  seemed  as  if  I  had  been  cruelly  s=
windled  and=20
deliberately  defrauded.=20

As  the  clock  company  had  gone  to  pieces  and  was  paying  but  from=
  twelve  to=20
fifteen  per  cent,  for  its  paper,  I  sent  two  of  my  friends  to  N=
ew  Haven  to  ask  for=20
a  meeting  of  the  creditors,  and  I  instructed  them  to  say  in  sub=
stance  for  me  as=20
follows:=20

"  Gentlemen:  This  is  a  capital,  practical  joke!  Before  I  negotiat=
ed  with  your=20
clock  company  at  all,  I  was  assured  by  several  of  you,  and  part=
icularly  by  a=20
representative  of  the  bank  which  was  the  largest  creditor  of  the =
 concern,  that=20
the  Jerome  Company  was  eminently  responsible,  and  that  the  head  o=
f  the  same=20
was  uncommonly  pious.  On  the  strength  of  such  representations  sole=
ly,  I  was=20
induced  to  agree  to  indorse  and  accept  paper  for  that  company  to=
  the  extent  of=20
$110,000 =E2=80=94 no  more.  That  sum  I  am  now  willing  to  pay  for =
 my  own  verdancy,=20
with  an  additional  sum  of  $40,000  for  your  'cuteness,  making  a  t=
otal  of  $150,000,=20
which  you  can  have  if  you  cry  'quits'  with  the  fleeced  showman  =
and  let  him=20
off."=20

Many  of  the  old  creditors  favored  this  proposition;  but  it  was  f=
ound  that  the=20
indebtedness  was  so  scattered  it  would  be  impracticable  to  attempt=
  a  settlement=20
by  an  unanimous  compromise  of  the  creditors.  It  was  necessary  to =
 liquidation=20
that  my  property  should  go  into  the  hands  of  assignees;  I  theref=
ore  at  once=20
turned  over  my  Bridgeport  property  to  Connecticut  assignees,  and  I=
  removed=20
my  family  to  New  York,  where  I  also  made  an  assignment  of  all  =
my  real  and=20
personal  estate,  excepting  what  had  already  been  transferred  in  Co=
nnecticut.=20

A-bout  this  time  I  received  a  letter  from  Philadelphia  proffering =
 $500  in  case=20
my  circumstances  were  such  that  I  really  stood  in  need  of  help. =
 The  very=20
wording  of  the  letter  awakened  the  suspicion  in  my  mind,  that  it=
  was  a  trick=20
to  ascertain  whether  I  really  had  any  property,  for  I  knew  that =
 banks  and=20
brokers  in  that  city  held  some  of  my  Jerome  paper  which  they  re=
fused  to  com-=20
pound or  compromise.  So  I  at  once  wrote  that  I  did  need  $500,  a=
nd,  as  I  expected,=20
the  money  did  not  come,  nor  was  my  letter  answered ;  but,  as  a =
 natural  conse-=20
quence, the  Philadelphia  bankers  who  were  holding  the  Jerome  paper =
 for  a  higher=20
percentage,  at  once  acceded  to  the  terms  which  I  had  announced  m=
yself  able  and=20
willing  to  pay.=20

Every  dollar  which  I  honestly  owed  on  my  own  account,  I  had  alr=
eady  paid=20
in  full  or  had  satisfactorily  arranged.  For  the  liabilities  incurr=
ed  by  the  delib-=20
erate deception  which  had  involved  me,  I  offered  such  a  percentage=
  as  I  thought=20
my  estate,  when  sold,  would  eventually  pay;  and  my  wife,  from  he=
r  own=20
property,  advanced  from  time  to  time  money  to  take  up  such  notes=
  as  could  be=20
secured  upon  these  terms.  It  was.  however,  a  slow  process.=20


CLOUDS  AND  SUNSHINE.  153=20

We  were  now  living  in  a  very  frugal  manner  in  a  hired  furnished=
  house  in=20
Eighth  street,  near  Sixth  avenue,  in  New  York,  and  our  landlady  =
and  her  family=20
boarded  with  us.  At  the  age  of  forty-six,  after  the  acquisition  =
and  the  loss  of  a=20
handsome  fortune,  I  was  once  more  nearly  at  the  bottom  of  the  l=
adder,  and  was=20
about  to  begin  the  world  again.  The  situation  was  disheartening,  =
but  I  had=20
energy,  experience,  health  and  liope.=20


CHAPTER   XXVTl.=20

BEST,    BUT  KOT   RUST.=20

IN  the  summer  of  1855,  previous  to  my  financial  troubles,  feeling=
  that  I  was=20
independent  and  could  retire  from  active  business,  I  sold  the  Ame=
rican  Museum=20
collection  and  good-will  to  Messrs.  John  Greenwood,  Junior,  and  He=
nry  D.  But-=20
ler. They  paid  me  double  the  amount  the  collection  had  originally =
 cost,  giving  me=20
notes  for  nearly  the  entire  amount,  secured  by  a  chattel  mortgage=
,  and  hired  the=20
premises  from  my  wife,  who  owned  the  Museum  property  lease,  and  =
on  which,=20
by  the  agreement  of  Messrs.  Greenwood  and  Butler,  she  realized  a =
 profit  of=20
$19,000  a  year.  The  chattel  mortgage  of  Messrs.  Greenwood  and  But=
ler,  was,  of=20
course,  turned  over  to  the  New  York  assignee  with  the  other  prop=
erty.=20

And  now  there  came  to  me  a  new  sensation,  which  was,  at  times, =
 terribly=20
depressing  and  annoying.  My  wide-spread  reputation  for  shrewdness  a=
s  a  show-=20
man, had  induced  the  general  belief  that  my  means  were  still  ampl=
e,  and  certain=20
outside  creditors  who  had  bought  my  clock  notes  at  a  tremendous  =
discount,  and=20
entirely  on  speculation,  made  up  their  minds  that  they  must  be  p=
aid  at  once=20
without  waiting  for  the  slow  process  of  the  sale  of  my  property =
 by  the  assignees.=20

They  therefore  took  what  are  termed  "supplementary  proceedings,"  wh=
ich=20
enabled  them  to  haul  me  any  day  before  a  judge,  for  the  purpose=
,  as  they=20
phrased  it,  of  "  putting  Barnum  through  a  course  of  sprouts,"  an=
d  which  meant=20
an  examination  of  the  debtor  under  oath,  compelling  him  to  disclo=
se  everything=20
with  regard  to  his  property,  his  present  means  of  living,  and  so=
  on.=20

I  repeatedly  answered  all  questions  on  these  points;  and  reports  =
of  the  daily=20
examinations  were  published.  Still  another  and  another,  and  yet  an=
other  cred-=20
itor would  haul  me  up;  and  his  attorney  would  ask  me  the  same  q=
uestions  which=20
had  already  been  answered  and  published  half  a  dozen  times.  This =
 persistent=20
and  unnecessary  annoyance,  created  considerable  sympathy  for  me,  wh=
ich  was=20
not  only  expressed  by  letters  I  received  daily  from  various  parts=
  of  the  country,=20
but  the  public  press,  with  now  and  then  an  exception,  took  my  p=
art,  and  even  the=20
judges,  before  whom  I  appeared,  said  to  me  on  more  than  one  occ=
asion,  that  as=20
men  they  sincerely  pitied  me,  but  as  judges,  of  course  they  must=
  administer  the=20
law.  After  a  while,  however,  the  judges  ruled  that  I  need  not  a=
nswer  any=20
questions  propounded  to  me  by  an  attorney,  if  I  had  already  answ=
ered  the  same=20
question  to  some  other  attorney  in  a  previous  examination  in  beha=
lf  of  other=20
creditors.  In  fact,  one  of  the  judges,  on  one  occasion,  said  pre=
tty  sharply  to  an=20
examining  attorney;=20

"This,  sir,  has  become  simply  a  case  of  persecution.  Mr.  Barnum  =
has  many=20
times  answered  every  question  that  can  properly  be  put  to  him,  t=
o  elicit  the=20
desired  information;  and  I  think  it  is  time  to  stop  these  examin=
ations.  I  advise=20
him  to  not  answer  one  interrogatory  which  he  has  replied  to  unde=
r  any  previous=20
inquiries."=20

These  things  gave  me  some  heart,  so  that  at  last,  I  went  up  to=
  the  "sprouts"=20
with  less  reluctance,  and  began  to  try  to  pay  off  my  persecutors=
  in  their  own=20
coin.=20

154=20


BEST,  BUT  NOT  BUST.  155=20

On  one  occasion,  a  dwarfish  little  lawyer,  who  reminded  me  of  "Q=
uilp,"  com-=20
menced his  examination  in  behalf  of  a  note-shaver,  who  held  a  tho=
usand-dollar=20
note,  which  it  seemed  he  had  bought  for  seven  hundred  dollars.  A=
fter  the  oath=20
had  been  administered,  the  "  limb  of  the  law"  arranged  his  pen, =
 ink  and  paper,=20
and  in  a  loud  voice,  and  with  a  most  peremptory  and  supercilious=
  air,  asked:=20

"  What  is  you  name,  sir? "=20

I  answered  him;  and  his  next  question,  given  in  a  louder  and  mo=
re  peremptory=20
tone,  was:=20

"  What  is  your  business? "=20

"  Attending  bar,"  I  meekly  replied.=20

"Attending  bar  I"  he  echoed,  with  an  appearance  of  much  surprise;=
  "attend-=20
ing bar !  Why,  don't  you  profess  to  be  a  temperance  man=E2=80=94 a=
  teetotaler? "=20

"I  do,"  I  replied.=20

"  And  yet,  sir,  do  you  have  the  audacity  to  assert  that  you  pe=
ddle  rum  all  day,=20
and  drink  none  yourself? "=20

"  I  doubt  whether  that  is  a  relevant  question,"  I  said  in  a  lo=
w  tone  of  voice.=20

"I  will  appeal  to  his  honor,  the  judge,  if  you  don't  answer  it =
 instantly,"  said=20
Quilp  in  great  glee.=20

"I  attend  bar,  and  yet  never  drink  intoxicating  liquors,"  I  repli=
ed.=20

"Where  do  you  attend  bar,  and  for  whom?"  was  the  next  question.=
=20

"I  attend  the  bar  of  this  court,  nearly  every  day,  for  the  bene=
fit  of  two-penny,=20
would-be  lawyers  and  their  greedy  clients,"  I  answered.=20

A  loud  tittering  in  the  vicinity  only  added  to  the  vexation  whic=
h  was  already=20
visible  on  the  countenance  of  my  interrogator,  and  he  soon  brough=
t  his  examina-=20
tion to  a  close.=20

On  another  occasion,  a  young  lawyer  was  pushing  his  inquiries  to =
 a  great  length,=20
when,  in  a  half  laughing,  apologetic  tone,  he  said :=20

"  You  see,  Mr.  Barnum,  I  am  searching  after  the  small  things;  I=
  am  willing  to=20
take  even  the  crumbs  which  fall  from  the  rich  man's  table! "=20

"  Which  are  you,  Lazarus,  or  one  of  his  dogs? "  I  asked.  ^=20

"  I  guess  a  blood-hound  would  not  smell  out  much  on  this  trail,=
"  he  said  good=20
naturedly,  adding  that  he  had  no  more  questions  to  ask.=20

Just  after  my  failure,  and  on  account  of  the  ill-health  of  my  w=
ife,  I  spent  a=20
portion  of  the  summer  with  my  family  in  the  farmhouse  of  Mr.  Ch=
arles  Howell,=20
at  W  esthampton,  on  Long  Island.  The  place  is  a  mile  west  of  Q=
uogue,  and=20
was  then  called  "  Ketchebonneck."  The  thrifty  and  intelligent  farm=
ers  of  the=20
neighborhood  were  in  the  habit  of  taking  summer  boarders,  and  the=
  place=20
had  become  a  favorite  resort.  Mr.  Howell's  farm  lay  close  upon  t=
he  ocean,=20
and  I  found  the  residence  a  cool  and  delightful  one.  Surf  bathin=
g,  fishing,=20
shooting  and  fine  roads  for  driving  made  the  season  pass  pleasant=
ly,  and  the=20
respite  from  active  life  and  immediate  annoyance  from  my  financial=
  troubles=20
was  a  very  great  benefit  to  me.=20

One  morning  we  discovered  that  the  waves  had  thrown  upon  the  bea=
ch  a  young=20
black  whale  some  twelve  feet  long.  It  was  dead,  but  the  fish  wa=
s  hard  and  fresh=20
and  I  bought  it  for  a  few  dollars  from  the  men  who  had  taken  =
possession  of  it.  I=20
sent  it  at  once  to  the  Museum,  where  it  was  exhibited  in  a  hug=
e  refrigerator  for  a=20
few  days,  creating  considerable  excitement,  the  general  public  cons=
idering  it  "a=20
big  thing  on  ice,"  and  the  managers  gave  me  a  share  of  the  pro=
fits,  which=20
amounted  to  a  sufficient  sum  to  pay  the  entire  board  bill  of  my=
  family  for  the=20
Reason.=20


156  REST,   BUT   NOT   RUST.=20

This  incident  both  amused  and  amazed  my  Long  Island  landlord.  "  =
Well,  1=20
declare, "  said  he,  ' '  that  beats  all ;  you  are  the  luckiest  ma=
n  I  ever  heard  of.  Here=20
you  come  and  board  for  four  months,  with  your  family,  and  when  =
your  time  is=20
nearly  up,  and  you  are  getting  ready  to  leave,  out  rolls  a  blac=
k  whale  on  our=20
beach,  a  thing  never  heard  of  before  in  this  vicinity,  and  you  =
take  that  whale=20
and  pay  your  whole  bill  with  it."=20

Soon  after  my  return  to  New  York,  something  occurred  which  I  for=
esaw  at  the=20
time,  was  likely  indirectly  to  lead  me  out  of  the  wilderness  int=
o  a  clear  field  again.=20
Strange  to  say,  my  new  city,  which  had  been  my  ruin  was  to  be =
 my  redemption.=20
The  now  gigantic  Wheeler  &  Wilson  Sewing  Machine  Company  was  =
then  doing=20
a  comparatively  small,  yet  rapidly  growing  business  at  Watertown,  =
Connecticut.=20
The  Terry  &  Barnum  clock  factory  was  standing  idle,  almost  wo=
rthless,  in  East=20
Bridgeport,  and  Wheeler  &  Wilson  saw  in  the  empty  building,  t=
he  situation,  the=20
ease  of  communication  with  New  York,  and  other  advantages,  precise=
ly  what  they=20
wanted,  provided  they  could  procure  the  premises  at  a  rate  which =
 would  compen-=20
sate them  for  the  expense  and  trouble  of  removing  their  establishm=
ent  from=20
Watertown.  The  clock  factory  was  sold  for  a  trifle  and  the  Wheel=
er  &  Wilson=20
Company  moved  into  it  and  speedily  enlarged  it.  It  was  afresh  im=
pulse  towards=20
the  building  up  of  a  new  city  and  the  consequent  increase  of  th=
e  value  of  the=20
land  belonging  to  my  estate.=20

This  important  movement  of  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  Company  gave  =
me  the=20
greatest  hope,  and,  moreover,  Mr.  Wheeler  kindly  offered  me  a  loa=
n  of  $5,000,=20
without  security,  and,  as  I  was  anxious  to  have  it  used  in  purc=
hasing  the  East=20
Bridgeport  property,  when  sold  at  public  auction  by  my  assignees, =
 and  also  in  taking=20
up  such  clock  notes  as  could  be  bought  at  a  reasonable  percentag=
e,  I  accepted  the=20
offer  and  borrowed  the  $5,000.  This  sum,  with  many  thousand  dolla=
rs  more=20
belonging  to  my  wife,  was  devoted  to  these  purposes.=20

Though  the  new  plan  promised  relief,  and  actually  did  succeed,  ev=
en  beyond=20
my  most  sanguine  expectations,  eventually  putting  more  money  into  =
my  pocket=20
than  the  Jerome  complication  had  taken  out =E2=80=94 yet  I  also  fo=
resaw  that  the  process=20
would  necessarily  be  very  slow.  In  fact,  two  years  afterwards  I  =
had  made  very=20
little  progress.  But  I  concluded  to  let  the  new  venture  work  out=
  itself  and  it=20
would  go  on  as  well  without  my  personal  presence  and  attention,  =
perhaps  even=20
better.  Growing  trees,  money  at  interest,  and  rapidly  rising  real =
 estate,  work=20
for  their  owners  all  night  as  well  as  all  day,  Sundays  included,=
  and  when  the  pro-=20
prietors are  asleep  or  away,  and  with  the  design  of  co-operating  =
in  the  new  accu-=20
mulation and  of  saving  something  to  add  to  the  amount,  I  made  up=
  my  mind  to=20
go  to  Europe  again.  I  was  anxious  for  a  change  of  scene  and  fo=
r  active  employ-=20
ment, and  equally  desirous  of  getting  away  from  the  immediate  pres=
sure  of=20
troubles  which  no  effort  on  my  part  could  then  remove.  While  my =
 affaire  were=20
working  out  themselves  in  their  own  way  and  in  the  speediest  man=
ner  possible,  I=20
might  be  doing  something  for  myself  and  for  my  family.=20

Accordingly,  leaving  all  my  business  affairs  at  home  in  the  hands=
  of  my  friends,=20
early  in  1857  I  set  sail  once  more  for  England,  taking  with  me =
 General  Tom=20
Thumb,  and  also  little  Cordelia  Howard  and  her  parents.  This  youn=
g  girl  had=20
attained  an  extended  reputation  for  her  artistic  personation  of  "L=
ittle  Eva,"  in=20
the  play  of  "  Uncle  Tom,"  and  she  displayed  a  precocious  talent =
 in  her  rendering=20
of  other  juvenile  characters.  With  these  attractions,  and  with  wha=
t  else  I  might=20
be  able  to  do  myself,  I  determined  to  make  as  much  money  as  I =
 could,  intending=20
to  remit  the  same  to  my  wife's  friends,  for  the  purpose  of  re-p=
urchasing  a  portion=20
of  my  estate,  when  it  was  offered  at  auction,  and  of  redeeming  =
such  of  the  clock=20
notes  as  could  be  obtained  at  reasonable  rates.=20


CHAPTEK    XXVIII.=20

ABROAD    AGAIN.=20

WHEN  I  reached  London,  I  found  Mr.  Albert  Smith,  who,  when  I  fi=
rst  knew=20
him,  was  a  dentist,  a  literary  hack,  a  contributor  to  Punch,  and=
  a  writer  for  the=20
magazines,  now  transformed  to  a  first-class  showman  in  the  full  t=
ide  of  success,=20
in  my  own  old  exhibition  quarters  in  Egyptian  Hall,  Piccadilly.  H=
e  was  exhib-=20
iting a  panorama  of  bis  ascent  of  Mont  Blanc.  His  lecture  was  fu=
ll  of  amusing=20
and  interesting  incidents,  illustrative  of  his  remarkable  experience=
s  in  accom-=20
plishing the  difficult  feat.=20

Calling  upon  Albert  Smith,  I  found  him  the  same  kind,  cordial  fr=
iend  as  ever,=20
and  .he  at  once  put  me  on  the  free  list  at  his  entertainment,  =
and  insisted  upon  my=20
dining  frequently  with  him  at  his  favorite  club,  the  Garrick.=20

The  first  time  I  witnessed  his  exhibition,  he  gave  me  a  sly  win=
k  from  the  stage=20
at  the  moment  of  his  describing  a  scene  in  the  golden  chamber  o=
f  St.  Ursula's=20
church  in  Cologne,  where  the  old  sexton  was  narrating  the  story  =
of  the  ashes  and=20
bones  of  the  eleven  thousand  innocent  virgins,  who,  according  to  =
tradition,  were=20
sacrificed  on  a  certain  occasion.  One  of  the  characters  whom  he  =
pretended  to=20
have  met  several  times  on  his  trip  to  Mont  Blanc,  was  a  Yankee,=
  whom  he=20
named  "  Phineas  Cutecraft."  The  wink  came  at  the  time  he  introdu=
ced  Phineas=20
in  the  Cologne  Church,  and  made  him  say  at  the  end  of  the  sext=
on's  story  about=20
the  Virgins'  bones :=20

"  Old  fellow,  what  will  you  take  for  that  hull  lot  of  bones?  I=
  want  them  for=20
my  Museum  in  America! "=20

When  the  question  had  been  interpreted  to  the  old  German,  he  exc=
laimed  in=20
horror,  according  to  Albert  Smith:=20

"  Mine  Gott !  it  is  impossible !    We  will  never  sell  the  Virgin=
s'  bones ! "=20

"Never  mind,"  replied  Phineas  Cutecraft,  "I'll  send  another  lot  of=
  bones  to=20
my  Museum,  swear  mine  are  the  real  bones  of  the  Virgins  of  Colo=
gne,  and  burst=20
up  your  showl"=20

This  always  excited  the  heartiest  laughter;  but  Mr.  Smith  knew  ve=
ry  well  that=20
I  would  at  once  recognize  it  as  a  pharaphrase  of  the  scene  wher=
ein  he  had  figured=20
with  me,  in  1844,  at  the  porter's  lodge  of  Warwick  Castle.  In  t=
he  course  of  the=20
entertainment,  I  found  he  had  woven  in  numerous  anecdotes  I  had  =
told  him  at=20
that  tune,  and  many  incidents  of  our  excursion  were  also  travesti=
ed  and  made  to=20
contribute  to  the  interest  of  his  description  of  the  ascent  of  M=
ont  Blanc.=20

When  we  went  to  the  Garrick  club  that  day,  Albert  Smith  introduc=
ed  me  to=20
several  of  his  acquaintances  as  his  "teacher  in  the  show  business=
."  As  we  were=20
quietly  dining  together,  he  remarked  that  I  must  have  recognized  =
several  old=20
acquaintances  hi  the  anecdotes  at  his  entertainment.  Upon  my  answe=
ring  that  I=20
did,  "indeed,"  he  remarked,  "  you  are  too  old  a  showman  not  to =
 know  that  in=20
order  to  be  popular,  we  must  snap  up  and  localize  all  the  good =
 things  which  we=20
come  across."  By  thus  engrafting  his  various  experiences  upon  this=
  Mont  Blanc=20
entertainment,  Albert  Smith  succeeded  in  serving  up  a  salmagundi  f=
east  wlu'ch=20
was  relished  alike  by  royal  and  less  distinguished  palates.=20

157=20


158  ABROAD   AGAIN.=20

When  the  late  William  M.  Thackeray  made  his  first  visit  to  the  =
United  States,=20
I  think  in  1853,  he  called  on  me  at  the  Museum  with  a  letter  =
of  introduction  from=20
our  mutual  friend,  Albert  Smith.  He  spent  an  hour  with  me,  mainl=
y  for  the=20
purpose  of  asking  advice  in  regard  to  the  management  of  the  cour=
se  of  lectures=20
on  "The  English  Humorists  of  the  Eighteenth  Century,"  which  he  pr=
oposed  to=20
deliver,  as  he  did  afterwards,  with  very  great  success,  in  the  p=
rincipal  cities  of  the=20
Union.  I  gave  him  the  best  advice  I  could  as  to  management,  and=
  the  cities  he=20
ought  to  visit,  for  which  he  was  very  grateful  and  he  called  on=
  me  whenever  he=20
was  in  New  York.  I  also  saw  him  repeatedly  when  he  came  to  Ame=
rica  the=20
second  time  with  his  admirable  lectures  on  "  The  Four  Georges,"  =
which,  it  will  be=20
remembered,  he  delivered  in  the  United  States  in  the  season  of  1=
855-56,  before  he=20
read  them  to  audiences  in  Great  Britain.  My  relations  with  this  =
great  novelist,  I=20
am  proud  to  say,  were  cordial  and  intimate  ;  and  now,  when  I  c=
alled  upon  him,=20
in  1857,  at  his  own  house,  he  grasped  me  heartily  by  the  hand  =
and  said:=20

"  Mr.  Barnum,  I  admire  you  more  than  ever.  I  have  read  the  acc=
ounts  in  the=20
papers  of  the  examinations  you  underwent  in  the  New  York  courts; =
 and  the=20
positive  pluck  you  exhibit  under  your  pecuniary  embarrassments  is  =
worthy  of  all=20
praise.  You  would  never  have  received  credit  for  the  philosophy  y=
ou  manifest,  if=20
these  financial  misfortunes  had  not  overtaken  you."=20

1  thanked  him  for  his  compliment,  and  he  continued:=20

"But  tell  me,  Barnum,  are  you  really  in  need  of  present  assistan=
ce?  for  if  you=20
are  you  must  be  helped."=20

"Not  in  the  least,"  I  replied,  laughing;  "I  need  more  money  in  =
order  to  get=20
out  of  bankruptcy,  and  I  intend  to  earn  it;  but  so  far  as  dail=
y  bread  is  concerned,=20
I  am  quite  at  ease,  for  my  wife  is  worth  =C2=A330,000  or  =C2=A3=
40,000."=20

"Is  it  possible?"  he  exclaimed,  with  evident  delight;  "well,  now, =
 you  have=20
lost  all  my  sympathy;  why,  that  is  more  than  I  ever  expect  to  =
be  worth;  I  shall=20
be  sorry  for  you  no  more."=20

During  my  stay  in  London,  I  met  Thackeray  several  times,  and  011=
  one  occasion=20
I  dined  with  him.  He  repeatedly  expressed  his  obligations  to  me  =
for  the  advice=20
and  assistance  I  had  given  him  on  the  occasion  of  his  first  lec=
turing  visit  to  the=20
United  States.=20

Otto  Goldschmidt,  the  husband  of  Jenny  Lind,  also  called  on  me  i=
n  London.=20
He  and  his  wife  were  then  living  in  Dresden,  and  he  said  the  f=
irst  thing  his  wife=20
desired  him  to  ask  me  was,  whether  I  was  in  want.  I  assured  hi=
m  that  I  was  not,=20
although  I  was  managing  to  live  in  an  economical  way,  and  my  fa=
mily  would=20
soon  come  over  to  reside  in  London.  He  then  advised  me  to  take =
 them  to  Dres-=20
den, saying  that  living  was  very  cheap  there;  and,  he  added,  "my =
 wife  will=20
gladly  look  up  a  proper  house  for  you  to  live  in."  I  thankfully=
  declined  his=20
proffered  kindness,  as  Dresden  was  too  far  away  from  my  business.=
=20

My  old  friends,  Julius  Benedict  and  Giovanni  Belletti,  called  on  =
me  and  we  had=20
some  very  pleasant  dinners  together,  when  we  talked  over  incidents=
  of  their=20
travels  in  America.  Among  the  gentlemen  whom  I  met  in  London,  so=
me  of  them=20
quite  frequently  at  dinners,  were  Mr.  George  Augustus  Sala,  Mr.  E=
dmund  Yates,=20
Mr.  Horace  Mayhew,  Mr.  Alfred  Bunn,  Mr.  Lumley,  of  Her  Majesty's =
 Theater,=20
Mr.  Buckstone,  of  the  Haymarket,  Mr.  Charles  Kean,  our  princely  c=
ountrymen=20
Mr.  George  Peabody,  Mr.  J.  M.  Morris,  the  manager,  Mr.  Bates,  of=
  Baring,=20
Brothers  &  Co.,  Mr.  Oxenford,  dramatic  critic  of  the  London  T=
imes,  Dr.  Ballard,=20
the  American  dentist,  and  many  other  eminent  persons.=20

I  had  numerous  offers  from  professional  friends,  on  both  sides  of=
  the  Atlantic,=20
who  supposed  me  to  be  in  need  of  employment.  Mr.  Barney  Williams=
,  who  had=20


ABROAD  AGAIN.  159=20

not  then  acted  in  England,  proposed,  in  the  kindest  manner,  to  m=
ake  me  his  agent=20
for  a  tour  through  Great  Britain,  and  to  give  me  one-third  of  t=
he  profits  which  he=20
and  Mrs.  Williams  might  make  by  their  acting.  Mr.  S.  M.  Pettengi=
ll,  of  New  York^=20
the  newspaper  advertising  agent,  offered  me  the  fine  salary  of  $1=
0,000  a  year  to=20
transact  business  for  hi=E2=84=A2  in  Great  Britain.  He  wrote  to  m=
e :  "  When  you  failed  in=20
consequence  of  the  Jerome  clock  notes,  I  felt  that  your  creditors=
  were  dealing=20
hard  with  you;  that  they  should  have  let  you  up  and  give  you  a=
  chance,  and  they=20
would  have  fared  better,  and  I  wish  I  was  a  creditor  so  as  to =
 show  what  I  would=20
do."  These  offers,  both  from  Mr.  Williams  and  Mr.  Pettengill,  I  =
felt  obliged  to=20
decline.=20

Mr.  Lumley,  manager  of  Her  Majesty's  Theater,  used  to  send  me  an=
  order  for=20
a  private  box  for  every  opera  night,  and  I  frequently  availed  my=
self  of  his=20
courtesy.=20

Meanwhile,  I  was  by  no  means  idle.  Cordelia  Howard  as  "Little  Ev=
a,"  with=20
her  mother  as  the  inimitable  "Topsy,"  were  highly  successful  in  L=
ondon  and=20
other  large  cities,  while  General  Tom  Thumb,  returning  after  so  l=
ong  an  absence,=20
drew  crowded  houses  wherever  he  went.  These  were  strong  spokes  in=
  the  wheel=20
that  was  moving  slowly  but  surely  in  the  effort  to  get  me  out  =
of  debt,  and,  if=20
possible,  to  save  some  portion  of  my  real  estate.  Of  course,  it =
 was  not  generally=20
known  that  I  had  any  interest  whatever  in  either  of  these  exhibi=
tions;  if  it  had=20
been,  possibly  some  of  the  clock  creditors  would  have  annoyed  me;=
  but  I  busied=20
myself  in  these  and  in  other  ways,  working  industriously  and  maki=
ng  much=20
money,  which  I  constantly  remitted  to  my  trusty  agent  at  home.=20


CHAPTER    XXIX.=20

IN   GERMANY.=20

AFTER  a  pleasant  and  successful  season  of  several  weeks  in  London=
  and  in  the=20
provinces,  I  took  the  little  General  into  Germany,  going  from  Lon=
don  to  Paris,=20
and  from  thence  to  Strasbourg  and  Baden-Baden.=20

I  dreaded  to  pass  the  custom-house  at  Kehl,  nearly  opposite  Stras=
bourg,  and=20
the  first  town  on  the  German  border  at  that  point.  I  knew  that =
 I  had  no  bag-=20
gage which  was  rightfully  subject  to  duty,  as  I  had  nothing  but  =
my  necessary=20
clothing,  and  the  package  of  placards  and  lithographs,  illustrating=
  the  General's=20
exhibitions.  As  the  official  was  examining  my  trunks,  I  assured  h=
im  in  French,=20
that  I  had  nothing  subject  to  duty;  but  he  made  no  reply  and  d=
eliberately  hand-=20
led every  article  in  my  luggage.  He  then  cut  the  strings  to  the =
 large  packages  of=20
show-bills.  I  asked  him  in  French,  whether  he  understood  that  lan=
guage.  He=20
gave  a  grunt,  which  was  the  only  audible  sound  I  could  get  out =
 of  him,  and  then=20
laid  my  show-bills  and  lithographs  on  his  scales  as  if  to  weigh =
 them.  I  was  much=20
excited.  An  English  gentleman,  who  spoke  German,  kindly  offered  to=
  act  as  my=20
interpreter.=20

"  Please  to  tell  him,"  said  1,  "that  those  bills  and  lithographs=
  are  not  articles=20
of  commerce;  that  they  are  simply  advertisements."=20

My  English  friend  did  as  I  requested;  but  it  was  of  no  use;  th=
e  custom-house=20
officer  kept  piling  them  upon  his  scales.  I  grew  more  excited.=20

"  Please  tell  him  I  give  them  away,"  I  said.  The  translation  of=
  my  assertion=20
into  German  did  not  help  me;  a  double  grunt  from  the  functionary=
,  was  the  only=20
response.  Tom  Thumb,  meanwhile,  jumped  about  like  a  little  monkey,=
  for  he=20
was  fairly  delighted  at  my  worry  and  perplexity.  Finally,  I  said =
 to  my  new=20
found  English  friend:  "Be  good  enough  to  tell  the  officer  to  kee=
p  the  bills  if  he=20
wants  them,  and  that  I  will  not  pay  duty  on  them,  any  how."  *=
=20

He  was  duly  informed  of  my  determination,  but  he  was  immovable.  =
He=20
lighted  his  huge  Dutch  pipe,  got  the  exact  weight,  and,  marking  =
it  down,  handed=20
it  to  a  clerk,  who  copied  it  on  his  book,  and  solemnly  passed  =
it  over  to  another=20
clerk,  who  copied  it  on  still  another  book;  a  third  clerk  then  =
took  it,  and  copied  it=20
on  to  a  printed  bill,  the  size  of  a  half  letter  sheet,  which  w=
as  duly  stamped  in  red=20
ink  with  several  official  devices.  By  this  time,  I  was  in  a  pro=
fuse  perspiration ;=20
and,  as  the  document  passed  from  clerk  to  clerk,  I  told  them  th=
ey  need  not  trouble=20
themselves  to  make  out  a  bill,  for  I  would  not  pay  it;  they  wo=
uld  get  no  duty  and=20
they  might  keep  the  property.=20

To  be  sure,  I  could  not  spare  the  placards  for  any  length  of  t=
ime,  for  they  were=20
exceedingly  valuable  to  me  as  advertisements,  and  I  could  not  eas=
ily  have  dupli-=20
cated them  in  Germany;  but  I  was  determined  that  I  would  not  pay=
  duties  on=20
articles  which  were  not  merchandise.  Every  transfer,  therefore,  of =
 the  bill  to  a=20
new  clerk,  gave  me  a  fresh  twinge,  for  I  imagined  that  every  cl=
erk  added  more=20
charges,  and  that  every  charge  was  a  tighter  turn  to  the  vise  w=
hich  held  my=20
fingers.  Finally,  the  last  clerk  defiantly  thrust  in  my  face  the =
 terrible  official=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  156.=20

160=20


IN   GERMANY.  161=20

document,  on  which  were  scrawled  certain  cabalistic  characters,  sig=
nifying  the=20
amount  of  money  I  should  be  forced  to  pay  to  the  German  governm=
ent  before  I=20
could  have  my  property.  I  would  not  touch  it;  but  resolved  I  wo=
uld  really  leave=20
my  packages  until  I  could  communicate  with  one  of  our  consuls  in=
  Germany,  and=20
I  said  as  much  to  the  English  gentleman  who  had  kindly  interpret=
ed  for  me.=20

He  took  the  bill,  and,  examining  it,  burst  into  a  loud  laugh.  "=
  Why,  it  is  but=20
fifteen  kreutzers! "  he  said.=20

"How  much  is  that?"  I  asked,  feeling  for  the  golden  sovereigns  i=
n  my  pocket=20

"  Sixpence ! "  was  the  reply.=20

I  was  astonished  and  delighted,  and,  as  I  handed  out  the  money, =
 I  begged  him=20
to  tell  the  officials  that  the  custom-house  charge  would  not  pay =
 the  cost  of  the=20
paper  on  which  it  was  written.  But  this  was  a  very  fair  illustr=
ation  of  sundry=20
red-tape  dealings  in  other  countries  as  well  as  in  Germany.=20

I  found  Baden  a  delightful  little  town,  cleaner  and  neater  than  =
any  city  I  had=20
ever  visited.=20

When  our  preliminary  arrangements  were  completed,  the  General's  att=
endants,=20
carriage,  ponies  and  liveried  coachmen  and  footmen  arrived  at  Bade=
n-Baden,  and=20
were  soon  seen  in  the  streets.  The  excitement  was  intense  and  in=
creased  from=20
day  to  day.  Several  crowned  heads,  princes,  lords  and  ladies,  who=
  were  spend-=20
ing the  season  at  Baden-Baden,  with  a  vast  number  of  wealthy  plea=
sure-seekers=20
and  travelers,  crowded  the  saloon  in  which  the  General  exhibited, =
 during  the=20
entire  time  we  remained  in  the  place.  The  charges  for  admission  =
were  much=20
higher  than  had  been  demanded  in  any  other  city.=20

From  Baden-Baden  we  went  to  other  celebrated  German  Spas,  includin=
g=20
Ems,  Homburg  and  Weisbaden.  These  were  all  fashionable  gambling  as=
  well  as=20
watering  places,  and  during  our  visits  they  were  crowded  with  vis=
itors  from  all=20
parts  of  Europe.  Our  exhibitions  were  attended  by  thousands  who  p=
aid  the=20
same  high  prices  that  were  charged  for  admission  at  Baden-Baden,  =
and  at  Wies-=20
baden, among  many  distinguished  persons,  the  King  of  Holland  came  =
to  see  the=20
little  General.  These  exhibitions  were  among  the  most  profitable  t=
hat  had  ever=20
been  given,  and  I  was  able  to  remit  thousands  of  dollars  to  my =
 agents  in  the=20
United  States,  to  aid  in  re-purchasing  my  real  estate,  and  to  as=
sist  in  taking  up=20
such  clock  notes  as  were  offered  for  sale.  A  short  but  very  rem=
unerative  season=20
at  Prankfort-on-the-Maine,  the  home  and  starting-place  of  the  great=
  house  of  the=20
Rothschilds,  assisted  me  largely  in  carrying  out  these  purposes.=20

We  exhibited  at  Mayence,  and  several  other  places  in  the  vicinity=
,  reaping=20
golden  harvests  everywhere,  and  then  went  down  the  Rhine  to  Colog=
ne.=20

We  remained  at  Cologne  only  long  enough  to  visit  the  famous  cath=
edral  and  to=20
see  other  curiosities  and  works  of  art,  and  then  pushed  on  to  R=
otterdam  and=20
Amsterdam.=20


CHAPTER    XXX.=20

IN"   HOLLAND.=20

HOLLAND  gav=C2=AB  me  more  genuine  satisfaction  than  any  other  fore=
ign  country  1=20
have  ever  visited,  if  I  except  Great  Britain.  Redeemed  as  a  larg=
e  portion  of  the=20
whole  surface  of  the  land  has  been  from  the  bottom  of  the  sea, =
 by  the  wonderful=20
dykes,  which  are  monuments  of  the  industry  of  whole  generations  o=
f  human=20
beavers,  Holland  seems  to  me  the  most  curious,  as  well  as  intere=
sting  country  in=20
the  world.  The  people,  too,  with  their  quaint  costumes,  their  ext=
raordinary=20
cleanliness,  their  thrift,  industry  and  frugality,  pleased  me  very =
 much.  It  is  the=20
universal  testimony  of  all  travelers,  that  the  Hollanders  are  the =
 neatest  and=20
most  economical  people  among  all  nations.  So  far  as  cleanliness  i=
s  concerned,  in=20
Holland  it  is  evidently  not  next  to,  but  far  ahead  of  godliness.=
  It  is  rare,  indeed,=20
to  meet  a  ragged,  dirty,  or  drunken  person.  The  people  are  very =
 temperate  and=20
economical  in  their  habits;  and  even  the  very  rich =E2=80=94 and  t=
here  is  a  vast  amount=20
of  wealth  in  the  country =E2=80=94 live  with  great  frugality,  thoug=
h  all  of  the  people  live=20
welL=20

As  for  the  scenery,  I  cannot  say  much  for  it,  since  it  is  only=
  diversified  by=20
thousands  of  windmills,  which  are  made  to  do  all  kinds  of  work, =
 from  grinding=20
grain  to  pumping  water  from  the  inside  of  the  dykes  back  to  the=
  sea  again.  As=20
I  exhibited  the  General  only  in  Rotterdam  and  Amsterdam,  and  to  =
no  great=20
profit  in  either  city,  we  spent  most  of  our  time  in  rambling;  a=
bout  to  see  what=20
was  to  be  seen.  In  the  country  villages  it  seemed  as  if  every  =
house  was  scrubbed=20
twice  and  whitewashed  once  every  day  in  the  week,  excepting  Sunda=
y.  Some=20
places  were  almost  painfully  pure,  and  I  was  in  one  village  wher=
e  horses  and  cattle=20
were  not  allowed  to  go  through  the  streets,  and  no  one  was  perm=
itted  to  wear=20
their  boots  or  shoes  in  the  houses.  There  is  a  general  and  cons=
tant  exercise  of=20
brooms,  pails,  floor-brushes  and  mops  all  over  Holland,  and  in  so=
me  places,  even,=20
this  kind  of  thing  is  earned  so  far,  I  am  told,  that  the  only =
 trees  set  out  are=20
scrub-oaks.=20

The  reason,  I  think,  why  our  exhibitions  were  not  more  successful=
  in  Rotter-=20
dam and  Amsterdam,  is  that  the  people  are  too  frugal  to  spend  mu=
ch  money  for=20
amusements,  but  they  and  their  habits  and  ways  afforded  us  so  mu=
ch  amusement,=20
that  we  were  quite  willing  they  should  give  our  entertainment  the=
  "go  by,"  as=20
they  generally  did.  We  were  in  Amsterdam  at  the  season  of  "  Kre=
mis,"  or  the=20
annual  fair  which  is  held  in  all  the  principal  towns,  and  where =
 shows  of  all=20
descriptions  are  open,  at  prices  for  admission  ranging  from  one  t=
o  five  pennies,=20
and  are  attended  by  nearly  the  whole  population.  For  the  people  =
generally,  this=20
one  great  holiday  seems  all-sufficient  for  the  whole  year.  I  went=
  through  scores=20
of  booths,  where  curiosities  and  monstrosities  of  all  kinds  were  =
exhibited,  and=20
was  able  to  make  some  purchases  and  engagements  for  the  American =
 Museum.=20
Among  these,  was  the  Albino  family  consisting  of  a  man,  his  wife=
,  and  son,=20
who  were  by  far  the  most  interesting  and  attractive  spf  cimens  o=
f  their  class  I=20
had  ever  seen.=20

We  visited  the  Hague,  the  capital,  and  the  finest  city  in  Hollan=
d.  It  is  hand=20
somely  and  regularly  laid  out,  and  contains  a  beautiful  theater,  =
a  public  picture=20

162=20


IN   HOLLAND.  163=20

gallery,  which  contains  some  of  the  best  works  of  Vandyke,  Paul  =
Potter,  and=20
other  Dutch  masters,  while  the  museum  is  especially  rich  in  rarit=
ies  from  China=20
and  Japan.  When  we  arrived  at  the  Hague,  Mr.  August  Belmont,  who=
  had  been=20
the  United  States  Minister  at  that  court,  had  just  gone  home;  bu=
t  I  heard  many=20
encomiums  passed  upon  him  and  his  family,  and  I  was  told  some  p=
retty  good=20
stories  of  his  familiarity  with  the  king,  and  of  the  "jolly  time=
s"  these  two  per-=20
sonages frequently  enjoyed  together.  I  did  not  miss  visiting  the  g=
reat  govern-=20
ment museum,  as  I  wished  particularly  to  see  the  rich  collection  =
of  Japan  ware=20
and  arms,  made  during  the  many  years  when  the  Dutch  carried  on  =
almost  exclu-=20
sively the  entire  foreign  trade  with  the  Japanese.  I  spent  several=
  days  in=20
minutely  examining  these  curious  manufactures  of  a  people  who  were=
  then=20
almost  as  little  known  to  nations  generally  as  are  the  inhabitant=
s  of  the  planet=20
Jupiter.=20

On  the  first  day  of  my  visit  to  this  museum,  I  stood  for  an  h=
our  before  a  large=20
case  containing  a  most  unique  and  extraordinary  collecion  of  fabul=
ous  animals,=20
made  from  paper  and  other  materials,  and  looking  as  natural  and  =
genuine  as  the=20
staffed  skins  of  any  animals  in  the  American  Museum.  There  were  =
serpents  two=20
yards  long,  with  a  head  and  pair  of  feet  at  each  end;  frogs  as=
  large  as  a  man,=20
with  human  hands  and  feet;  turtles  with  three  heads;  monkeys  with=
  two  heads=20
and  six  legs;  scores  of  equally  curious  monstrosities;  and  at  lea=
st  two  dozen=20
mermaids,  of  all  sorts  and  sizes.  Looking  at  these  ' '  sirens  " =
 I  easily  divined  from=20
whence  the  Feejee  mermaid  originated.=20

After  a  truly  delightful  visit  in  Holland,  we  went  back  to  Engla=
nd;  and,  pro-=20
ceeding to  Manchester,  opened  our  exhibition.  For  several  days  the =
 hall  was=20
crowded  to  overflowing  at  each  of  the  three,  and  sometimes  four, =
 entertainments=20
we  gave  every  day.  By  this  time,  my  wife  and  two  youngest  daugh=
ters  had  come=20
over  to  London,  and  I  hired  furnished  lodgings  in  the  suburbs  wh=
ere  they  could=20
live  within  the  strictest  limits  of  economy.  It  was  necessary  now=
  for  me  to=20
return  for  a  few  weeks  to  America,  to  assist  personally  in  forwa=
rding  a  settle-=20
ment of  the  clock  difficulties.  So  leaving  the  little  General  in  =
the  hands  of  trusty=20
and  competent  agents  to  carry  on  the  exhibitions  in  my  absence,  =
I  set  my  face=20
once  more  towards  home  and  the  west,  and  took  steamer  at  Liverpo=
ol  for  New=20
York.=20

The  trip,  Like  most  of  the  passages  which  I  have  made  across  th=
e  Atlantic,  was=20
an  exceedingly  pleasant  one.  These  frequent  voyages  were  to  me  th=
e  rests,  the=20
reliefs  from  almost  unremitting  industry,  anxiety,  and  care,  and  I=
  always  man-=20
aged to  have  more  or  less  fun  on  board  ship  every  time  I  crosse=
d  the  ocean.=20
During  the  present  trip,  for  amusement  and  to  pass  away  the  time=
,  the  passengers=20
got  up  a  number  of  mock  trials,  which  afforded  a  vast  deal  of  =
fun.  A  judge  was=20
selected,  jurymen  drawn,  prisoners  arraigned,  counsel  employed,  and =
 all  the=20
formalities  of  a  court  established.  I  have  the  vanity  to  think  t=
hat  if  my  good=20
fortune  had  directed  me  to  that  profession,  I  should  have  made  a=
  very  fail-=20
lawyer,  for  I  have  always  had  a  great  fondness  for  debate  and  e=
specially  for  the=20
cross-examination  of  witnesses,  unless  that  witness  was  P.  T.  Barn=
um  in  examin-=20
ation under  supplementary  proceedings  at  the  instance  of  some  note-=
shaver,  who=20
had  bought  a  clock  note  at  a  discount  of  thirty-six  per  cent.  I=
n  this  mock  court,=20
I  was  unanimously  chosen  as  prosecuting  attorney,  and,  as  the  cou=
rt  was  estab-=20
lished expressly  to  convict,  I  had  no  difficulty  in  carrying  the  =
jury  and  securing=20
the  punishment  of  the  prisoner.  A  small  fine  was  generally  impose=
d,  and  the=20
fund  thus  collected  was  given  to  a  poor  sailor  boy  who  had  fall=
en  from  the  mast=20
and  broken  his  leg.=20


164  IN   HOLLAND.=20

After  several  of  these  trials  hod  been  held,  a  dozen  or  more  of=
  the  passengers=20
secretly  put  their  heads  together  and  resolved  to  place  the  "  sh=
owman  "  on  trial=20
for  his  life.  An  indictment,  covering  twenty  pages,  was  drawn  up =
 by  several=20
legal  gentlemen  among  the  passengers,  charging  him  with  being  the =
 Prince  of=20
Humbugs,  and  enumerating  a  dozen  special  counts,  containing  charges=
  of  the  most=20
absurd  and  ridiculous  description.  Witnesses  were  then  brought  toge=
ther,  and=20
privately  instructed  what  to  say  and  do.  Two  or  three  days  were =
 devoted  to=20
arranging  this  mighty  prosecution.  When  everything  was  ready,  I  wa=
s  arrested,=20
and  the  formidable  indictment  read  to  me.  I  saw  at  a  glance  tha=
t  time  and  talent=20
had  been  brought  into  requisition,  and  that  my  trial  was  to  be  =
more  elaborate=20
than  any  that  had  preceded  it.  I  asked  for  half  an  hour  to  pre=
pare  for  my=20
defence,  which  was  granted.  Meanwhile,  seats  were  arranged  to  acco=
mmodate=20
the  court  and  spectators,  and  extra  settees  were  placed  for  the  =
ladies  on  the=20
upper  deck,  where  they  could  look  down,  see  and  hear  all  that  t=
ranspired.=20
Curiosity  was  on  tip-toe,  for  it  was  evident  that  this  was  to  b=
e  a  long,  exciting=20
and  laughable  trial.  At  the  end  of  half  an  hour  the  judge  was  =
on  the  bench,  the=20
jury  had  taken  their  places;  the  witnesses  were  ready;  the  counse=
l  for  the  prose-=20
cution, four  in  number,  with  pens,  ink,  and  paper  in  profusion,  w=
ere  seated,  and=20
everything  seemed  ready.  I  was  brought  in  by  a  special  constable,=
  the  indict-=20
ment read,  and  I  was  asked  to  plead  guilty,  or  not  guilty.  I  ro=
se,  and  in  a  most=20
solemn  manner,  stated  that  I  could  not  conscientiously  plead  guilt=
y  or  not  guilty;=20
that  I  had,  in  fact,  committed  many  of  the  acts  charged  in  the =
 indictment,  but=20
these  acts,  I  was  ready  to  show,  were  not  criminal,  but  on  the =
 contrary,  worthy=20
of  praise.  My  plea  was  received  and  the  first  witness  called.=20

He  testified  to  having  visited  the  prisoner's  Museum,  and  of  bein=
g  humbugged=20
by  the  Feejee  Mermaid;  the  nurse  of  Washington;  and  by  other  cur=
iosities=20
natural  and  unnatural.  The  questions  and  answers  having  been  all  =
arranged  in=20
advance,  everything  worked  smoothly.  Acting  as  jny  own  counsel,  I =
 cross-ex-=20
amined the  witness  by  simply  asking  whether  he  sawanything  else  in=
  the  Museum=20
besides  what  he  had  mentioned.=20

"Oh!  yes,  [  saw  thousands  of  other  things."=20

"  Were  they  curious?"=20

"  Certainly;  many  of  them  very  astonishing."=20

"  Did  you  witness  a  dramatic  representation  in  the  Museum? "=20

"Yes,  sir,  a  very  good  one."=20

"  What  did  you  pay  for  all  this? "=20

"  Twenty-five  cents."=20

"  That  will  do,  sir;  you  can  step  down."=20

A  second,  third  and  fourth  witness  were  called,  and  the  examinati=
on  was=20
similar  to  the  foregoing.  Another  witness  then  appeared  to  testify=
  in  regard  to=20
another  count  in  the  indictment.  He  stated  that  for  several  weeks=
  he  was  the=20
guest  of  the  prisoner,  at  his  country  residence,  Iranistan,  and  ]=
fb  gave  a  most=20
amusing  description  of  the  various  schemes  and  contrivances  which  =
were  there=20
originated,  for  the  purpose  of  being  carried  out  at  some  future  =
day  in  the  Museum.=20

"How  did  you  live  there?"  asked  one  of  the  counsel  for  the  pros=
ecution.=20

"Very  well,  indeed,  in  the  daytime,"  was  the  reply;  "plenty  of  t=
he  best  to  eat=20
and  drink,  except  liquors.  In  bed,  however,  it  was  impossible  to =
 sleep.  I  rose=20
the  first  night,  struck  a  light,  and  on  examination  found  myself =
 covered  with=20
myriads  of  little  bugs,  so  small  as  to  be  almost  imperceptible.  =
By  using  my=20
microscope  I  discovered  them  to  be  infantile  bedbugs.  After  the  f=
irst  night  1  was=20
obliged  to  sleep  in  the  coach-house  in  order  to  escape  this  anno=
yance."=20


IN   HOLLAND.  165=20

Of  ixmrse  this  elicited  much  mirth.  The  first  question  put  on  th=
e  cross-exami-=20
nation was  this:=20

"  Are  you  a  naturalist,  sir? "=20

The  witness  hesitated.  In  all  the  drilling  that  had  taken  place  =
before  the  trial,=20
neither  the  counsel  nor  witnesses  had  thought  of  what  questions  m=
ight  come  up=20
in  the  cross-examination,  and  now,  not  seeing  the  drift  of  the  q=
uestion,  the  wit-=20
ness seemed  a  little  bewildered,  and  the  counsel  for  the  prosecuti=
on  looked=20
puzzled.=20

The  question  was  repeated  with  some  emphasis.=20

"  No,  sir ! "  replied  the  witness,  hesitatingly,  "  I  am  not  a  n=
aturalist."=20

"Then,  sir,  not  being  a  naturalist,  dare  you  affirm  that  those  m=
icroscopic=20
insects  were  not  humbugs  instead  of  bedbugs  " =E2=80=94 (here  the  =
prisoner  was  interrupted=20
by  a  universal  shout  of  laughter,  in  which  the  solemn  judge  hims=
elf  joined) =E2=80=94=20
"  and  if  they  were  humbugs,  I  suppose  that  even  the  learned  cou=
nsel  opposed  to=20
me,  will  not  claim  that  they  were  out  of  place? "=20

"  They  may  have  been  humbugs,"  replied  the  witness.=20

"  That  will  do,  sir;  you  may  go,"  said  I;  and  at  the  same  tim=
e,  turning  to  the=20
array  of  counsel,  I  remarked,  with  a  smile,  "  You  had  better  ha=
ve  a  naturalist=20
for  your  next  witness,  gentlemen."=20

"Don't  be  alarmed,  sir,  we  have  got  one,  and  we  will  now  introd=
uce  him,"=20
replied  the  counsel.=20

The  next  witness  testified  that  he  was  a  planter  from  Georgia,  t=
hat  some  years=20
since  the  prisoner  visited  his  plantation  with  a  show,  and  that  =
while  there  he  dis=20
covered  an  old  worthless  donkey  belonging  to  the  planter,  and  bou=
ght  him  for  five=20
dollars.  The  next  year  the  witness  visited  Iranistan,  the  country =
 seat  of  the  pris-=20
oner, and,  while  walking  about  the  grounds,  his  old  donkey,  recogn=
izing  his  former=20
master,  brayed;  "  whereupon,"  continued  the  witness,  "  I  walked  u=
p  to  the  animal=20
and  found  that  two  men  were  engaged  in  sticking  wool  upon  him,  =
and  this  animal=20
was  afterwards  exhibited  by  the  prisoner  as  the  woolly  horse."=20

The  whole  court =E2=80=94 spectators,  and  even  the  "prisoner"  himsel=
f,  were  convulsed=20
with  laughter  at  the  gravity  with  which  the  planter  gave  his  ver=
y  ludicrous=20
testimony.=20

"  What  evidence  have  you,"  I  inquired,  "that  this  was  the  same  =
donkey  which=20
you  sold  to  me?"=20

"The  fact  that  the  animal  recognized  me,  as  was  evident  from  his=
  braying  as=20
eoon  as  he  saw  me."=20

"  Are  you  a  naturalist,  sir? "=20

"Yes,  I  anV  replied  the  planter,  with  firm  emphasis,  as  much  as =
 to  say,  you=20
can't  catch  me  as  you  did  the  other  witness.=20

"Oh!  you  are  a  naturalist,  are  you?  Then,  sir,  I  ask  you,  as  a=
  naturalist,  do=20
you  not  know  it  to  be  a  fact  in  natural  history,  that  one  jack=
ass  always  brays  as=20
soon  as  he  sees  another?=20

This  question  was  received  with  shouts  of  laughter,  in  the  midst =
 of  which  the,=20
nonplussed  witness  backed  out  of  court,  and  all  the  efforts  of  s=
pecial  constables,=20
and  even  the  high  sheriff  himself,  were  unavailing  in  getting  him=
  again  on  the=20
witness  stand.=20

This  trial  lasted  two  days,  to  the  great  delight  of  all  on  boar=
d.  After  my  suc-=20
cess with  the  "naturalist,"  not  one  half  of  the  witnesses  would  a=
ppear  against  me.=20
In  my  final  argument  I  sifted  the  testimony,  analyzed  its  bearing=
s,  ruffled  tho=20
learned  counsel,  disconcerted  the  witnesses,  flattered  the  judge  an=
d  jury,  and  when=20
the  judge  had  delivered  his  charge,  the  jury  acquitted  me  without=
  leaving  their=20


166  IN   HOLLAND.=20

seats.  The  judge  received  the  verdict,  and  then  announced  that  he=
  should  fine=20
the  naturalist  for  the  mistake  he  made,  as  to  the  cause  of  the =
 donkey's  braying,=20
and  he  should  also  fine  the  several  witnesses,  who,  through  fear =
 of  the  cross-fire,=20
had  refused  to  testify.=20

The  trial  afforded  a  pleasant  topic  of  conversation  for  the  rest =
 of  the  voyage;=20
and  the  morning  before  arriving  in  port,  a  vote  of  thanks  was  p=
assed  to  me,  in=20
consideration  of  the  amusement  I  had  intentionally  and  unintentiona=
lly  furnished=20
to  the  passengers  during  the  voyage.=20

After  my  arrival  in  New  York,  oftentimes,  in  passing  up  and  down=
  Broadway,=20
I  saw  old  and  prosperous  friends  coming,  but  before  I  came  anywh=
ere  near  them,=20
if  they  espied  me,  they  would  dodge  into  a  store,  or  across  the=
  street,  or  oppor-=20
tunely meet  some  one  with  whom  they  had  pressing  business,  or  the=
y  would  be=20
very  much  interested  in  something  that  was  going  on  over  the  way=
,  or  on  top  of=20
the  City  Hall.  I  was  delighted  at  this,  for  it  gave  me  at  once=
  a  new  sensation=20
and  anew  experience.  "Ah,  ha!"  I  said  to  myself;  "my  butterfly  f=
riends,  I=20
know  you  now;  and,  what  is  more  to  the  point,  if  ever  I  get  o=
ut  of  this  bewilder-=20
ment of  broken  clock-wheels,  I  shall  not  forget  you; "  and  I  hear=
tily  thanked  the=20
old  clock  concern  for  giving  me  the  opportunity  to  learn  this  sa=
d  but  most  needful=20
lesson.  I  had  a  very  few  of  the  same  sort  of  experiences  in  Br=
idgeport,  and  they=20
proved  valuable  to  me.=20

Mr,  James  D.  Johnson,  of  Bridgeport,  one  of  my  assignees,  who  ha=
d  written  to=20
me  that  my  personal  presence  might  facilitate  a  settlement  of  my =
 affairs,  told  me,=20
soon  after  my  arrival,  that  there  was  no  probability  of  disposing=
  of  Iranistan  at=20
present,  and  that  I  might  as  well  move  my  family  into  the  house=
.  I  had  arrived=20
in  August,  and  my  family  followed  me  from  London  in  September,  a=
nd  October=20
20,  1857,  my  second  daughter,  Helen,  was  married  in  the  house  of=
  her  elder  sister,=20
Mrs.  D.  W.  Thompson,  in  Bridgeport,  to  Mr.  Samuel  H.  Hurd.=20

Meanwile,  Iranistan,  which  had  been  closed  and  unoccupied  for  more=
  than  two=20
years,  was  once  more  opened  to  the  carpenters  and  painters  whom  =
Mr.  Johnson=20
sent  there  to  put  the  house  in  order.  He  agreed  with  me  that  i=
t  was  best  to  keep=20
the  property  as  long  as  possible,  and  in  the  interval,  till  a  p=
urchaser  for  the  estate=20
appeared,  or  till  it  was  forced  to  auction,  to  take  up  the  cloc=
k  notes  whenever  they=20
were  offered.  The  workmen  who  were  employed  in  the  house  were  sp=
ecially  in-=20
structed not  to  smoke  there,  but,  nevertheless,  it  was  subsequently=
  discovered=20
that  some  of  the  men  were  in  the  habit  occasionally  of  going  in=
to  the  main  dome  to=20
eat  their  dinners  which  they  brought  with  them,  and  that  they  st=
ayed  there=20
awhile  after  dinner  to  smoke  their  pipes.  In  all  probability,  one=
  of  these  lighted=20
pipes  was  left  on  the  cushion  which  covered  the  circular  seat  in=
  the  dome  and=20
ignited  the  tow  with  which  the  cushion  was  stuffed.  It  may  have =
 been  days  and=20
even  weeks  before  this  smouldering  tow  fire  burst  into  flame.=20

I  was  staying  at  the  Astor  House,  in  New  York,  when,  on  the  mo=
rning  of=20
December  18, 1857, 1  received  a  telegram  from  my  brother  Philo  F. =
 Barnum,  dated=20
at  Bridgeport,  and  informing  me  that  Iranistan  was  burned  to  the =
 ground  that=20
morning.  The  alarm  was  given  at  eleven  o'clock  on  the  night  of  =
the  17th,  and=20
the  fire  burned  till  one  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  18th.  My=
  beautiful  Iranis-=20
tan was  gone!  This  was  not  only  a  serious  loss  to  my  estate,  fo=
r  it  had  probably=20
cost  at  least  $150,000,  but  it  was  generally  regarded  as  a  publi=
c  calamity.  It  was=20
the  only  building  in  its  peculiar  style  of  architecture  of  any  p=
retension  in  America,=20
and  many  persons  visited  Bridgeport  every  year  expressly  to  see  I=
ranistan.  The=20
insurance  on  the  mansion,  had  usually  been  about  $62,000,  but  I  =
had  let  some  of  the=20
policies  expire  without  renewing  them,  so  that  at  the  time  of  th=
e  fire  there  was  only=20


IN    HOLLAND.  167=20

$38,000  insurance  on  the  property.     Most  of  the  furniture  and  p=
ictures  were  saved,=20
generally  hi  a  damaged  state.=20

Subsequently,  my  asignees  sold  the  grounds  and  outhouses  of  Irauis=
taii  to  the=20
late  Elias  Howe,  Jr.,  the  celebrated  inventor  of  the  needle  for  =
sewing-machines.=20
The  property  brought  $50,000,  which,  with  the  $28,000  insurance,  w=
ent  into  my=20
assets  to  satisfy  clock  creditors.  It  was  Mr.  Howe's  intention  to=
  erect  a  splendid=20
mansion  on  the  estate,  but  his  untimely  and  lamented  death  preven=
ted  the  fulfill-=20
ment <>f  the  plan.=20


CHAPTER    XXXI.=20

THE   ART   OF   MO^EY-GETTING.=20

SEEING  the  necessity  of  making  more  money  to  assist  in  extricatin=
g  me  froz^=20
my  financial  difficulties,  and  leaving  my  affairs  in  the  hands  of=
  Mr.  James  D.=20
Johnson =E2=80=94 my  wife  and  youngest  daughter,  Pauline,  boarding  w=
ith  my  eldest=20
daughter,  Mrs.  Thompson,  in  Bridgeport =E2=80=94 early  in  1858,  I  w=
ent  back  to  England,=20
and  took  Tom  Thumb  to  all  the  principal  places  in  Scotland  and  =
Wales,  giving=20
many  exhibitions  and  making  much  money  which  was  remitted,  as  her=
etofore,  to=20
my  agents  and  assignees  in  America.=20

Finding,  after  a  while,  that  my  personal  attention  was  not  needed=
  in  the  Tom=20
Thumb  exhibitions  and  confiding  him  almost  wholly  to  agents  who  c=
ontinued  the=20
tour  through  Great  Britain,  under  my  general  advice  and  instructio=
n,  I  turned=20
my  individual  attention  to  a  new  field.  At  the  suggestion  of  sev=
eral  American=20
gentlemen,  resident  in  London,  I  prepared  a  lecture  on  "The  Art  =
of  Money-=20
Getting."  I  told  my  friends  that,  considering  my  clock  complicatio=
ns,  I  thought=20
I  was  more  competent  to  speak  on  "The  Art  of  Money  Losing; "  bu=
t  they  encour-=20
aged me  by  reminding  me  that  I  could  not  have  lost  money,  if  I =
 had  not  previ-=20
ously possessed  the  faculty  of  making  it.  They  further  assured  me =
 that  my=20
name  having  been  intimately  associated  with  the  Jenny  Land  concert=
s  and  other=20
great  money-making  enterprises,  the  lecture  would  be  sure  to  prove=
  attractive=20
and  profitable.=20

The  old  clocks  ticked  in  my  ear  the  reminder  that  I  should  impr=
ove  every=20
opportunity  to  "  turn  an  honest  penny,"  and  my  lecture  was  duly =
 announced  for=20
delivery  in  the  great  St.  James'  Hall,  Regent  street,  Piccadilly. =
 It  was  thoroughly=20
advertised =E2=80=94 a  feature  I  never  neglected =E2=80=94 and,  at  th=
e  appointed  time,  the  hall,=20
which  would  hold  three  thousand  people,  was  completely  filled,  at =
 prices  of  three=20
and  two  shillings  (seventy-five  and  fifty  cents),  per  seat,  accord=
ing  to  location.  It=20
was  the  evening  of  December  29, 1858.  I  could  see  in  my  audience=
  all  my  Ameri-=20
can friends  who  had  suggested  this  effort;  all  my  theatrical  and  =
literary  friends;=20
and  as  I  saw  several  gentlemen  whom  I  knew  to  be  connected  with=
  the  leading=20
London  papers,  I  felt  sure  that  my  success  or  failure  would  be  =
duly  chronicled=20
next  morning.  There  was,  moreover,  a  general  audience  that  seemed =
 eager  to=20
see  the  "showman"  of  whom  they  had  heard  so  much,  and  to  catch =
 from  his=20
lips  the  "art"  which,  in  times  past,  had  contributed  so  largely  =
to  his  success  in=20
life.  Stimulated  by  these  things,  I  tried  to  do  my  best,  and  I =
 think  I  did  it.  The=20
following  is  the  lecture  substantially  as  it  was  delivered,  though=
  it  was  inter-=20
spersed with  many  anecdotes  and  illustrations  which  are  necessarily =
 omitted ;  and  1=20
should  add,  that  the  subjoined  copy  being  adapted  to  the  meridian=
  in  which  ii=20
has  been  repeatedly  delivered,  contains  numerous  local  allusions  to=
  men  ana=20
matters  in  the  United  States,  which,  of  course,  did  not  appear  i=
n  the  original=20
draft  prepared  for  my  English  audiences:=20

THE  ART  OF  MONEY-GETTING.=20

[n  the  United  States,  where  we  have  more  land  than  people,  it  i=
s  not  at  all  diffi-=20
cult for  persons  in  good  health  to  make  money.  In  this  comparativ=
ely  new  field=20

168=20


THE   ART  OF  MONEY-GETTIKG.  169=20

there  are  so  many  avenues  of  success  open,  so  many  vocations  whi=
ch  are  not=20
crowded,  that  any  person  of  either  sex  who  is  willing,  at  least =
 for  the  time=20
being,  to  engage  in  any  respectable  occupation  that  offers,  may  f=
ind  lucrative=20
employment.=20

Those  who  really  desire  to  attain  an  independence,  have  only  to  =
set  their  minds=20
upon  it,  and  adopt  the  proper  means,  as  they  do  in  regard  to  a=
ny  other  object=20
which  they  wish  to  accomplish,  and  the  tiling  is  easily  done.  Bu=
t  however  easy=20
it  may  be  found  to  make  money,  I  have  no  doubt  many  of  my  hea=
rers  will  agree=20
it  is  the  most  difficult  thing  in  the  world  to  keep  it.  The  ro=
ad  to  wealth  is,  as=20
Dr.  Franklin  truly  says,  "as  plain  as  the  road  to  mill,"  It  con=
sists  simply  in=20
expending  less  than  we  earn;  that  seems  to  be  a  very  simple  pro=
blem.  Mr.=20
Micawber,  one  of  those  happy  creations  of  the  genial  Dickens,  put=
s  the  case  in  a=20
strong  light  when  he  says  that  to  have  an  income  of  twenty  poun=
ds,  per  annum,=20
and  spend  twenty  pounds  and  sixpence,  is  to  be  the  most  miserabl=
e  of  men;=20
whereas,  to  have  an  income  of  only  twenty  pounds,  and  spend  but =
 nineteen=20
pounds  and  sixpence,  is  to  be  the  happiest  of  mortals.  Many  of  =
my  hearers  may=20
say,  "we  understand  this;  this  is  economy,  and  we  know  economy  i=
s  wealth;  we=20
know  we  can't  eat  our  cake  and  keep  it  also."  Yet  I  beg  to  sa=
y  that  perhaps=20
more  cases  of  failure  arise  from  mistakes  on  this  point  than  alm=
ost  any  other.=20
The  fact  is,  many  people  think  they  understand  economy  when  they =
 really  do=20
not.=20

True  economy  is  misapprehended,  and  people  go  through  life  without=
  properly=20
comprehending  what  that  principle  is.  One  says,  "I  have  an  income=
  of  so=20
much,  and  here  is  my  neighbor  who  has  the  same;  yet  every  year =
 he  gets. some-=20
thing ahead  and  I  fall  short;  why  is  it?  I  know  all  about  econo=
my."  He  thinks=20
he  does,  but  he  does  not.  There  are  many  who  think  that  economy=
  consists  in=20
saving  cheese-parings  and  candle-ends,  in  cutting  off  two  pence  fr=
om  the=20
laundress'  bill  and  doing  all  sorts  of  little,  mean,  dirty  things=
.  Economy  is  not=20
meanness.  The  misfortune  is,  also,  that  this  class  of  persons  let=
  their  economy=20
apply  in  only  one  direction.  They  fancy  they  are  so  wonderfully  =
economical  in=20
saving  a  half-penny  where  they  ought  to  spend  two  pence,  that  th=
ey  think  they=20
can  afford  to  squander  in  other  directions.  A  few  years  ago,  bef=
ore  kerosene  oil=20
was  discovered  or  thought  of,  one  might  stop  over  night  at  almos=
t  any  farmer's=20
house  in  the  agricultural  districts  and  get  a  very  good  supper,  =
but  after  supper  he=20
might  attempt  to  read  in  the  sitting-room,  and  would  find  it  imp=
ossible  with  the=20
inefficient  light  of  one  candle.  The  hostess,  seeing  his  dilemma, =
 would  say:=20
"  It  is  rather  difficult  to  read  here  evenings;  the  proverb  says=
  '  you  must  have  a=20
ship  at  sea  in  order  to  be  able  to  burn  two  candles  at  once;' =
 we  never  have  an=20
extra  candle  except  on  extra  occasions."  These  extra  occasions  occ=
ur,  perhaps,=20
twice  a  year.  In  this  way  the  good  woman  saves  five,  six,  or  t=
en  dollars  in  that=20
time;  but  the  information  which  might  be  derived  from  having  the =
 extra  light=20
would,  of  course,  far  outweigh  a  ton  of  candles.=20

But  the  trouble  does  not  end  here.  Feeling  that  she  is  so  econo=
mical  in  tallow=20
candles,  she  thinks  she  can  afford  to  go  frequently  to  the  villa=
ge  and  spend  twenty=20
or  thirty  dollars  for  ribbons  and  furbelows,  many  of  which  are  n=
ot  necessary.=20
This  false  economy  may  frequently  be  seen  in  men  of  business,  an=
d  in  those=20
instances  it  often  runs  to  writing-paper.  You  find  good  business  =
men  who  save=20
all  the  old  envelopes,  and  scraps,  and  would  not  tear  a  new  she=
et  of  paper,  if  they=20
could  avoid  it,  for  the  world.  This  is  all  very  well;  they  may =
 in  this  way  save=20
five  or  ten  dollars  a  year,  but  being  so  economical  (only  in  no=
te  paper),  they  think=20
they  can  afford  to  waste  tii  'e :  to  have  expensive  parties,  and=
  to  drive  their  car-=20


170  THE   AET   OF   MONEY-GETTING.=20

riages.  This  is  an  illustration  of  Dr.  Franklin's  "  saving  at  th=
e  spigot  and  wasting=20
at  the  bung-hole;"  "  penny  wise  and  pound  foolish."  Punch  in  spe=
aking  of  this=20
"one  idea"  class  of  people  says  "they  are  like  the  man  who  boug=
ht  a  penny=20
herring  for  his  family's  dinner  and  then  hired  a  coach  and  four =
 to  take  it  home.''=20
I  never  knew  a  man  to  succeed  by  practising  this  kind  of  econom=
y.=20

True  economy  consists  in  always  making  the  income  exceed  the  out-=
go.  Wear=20
the  old  clothes  a  little  longer  if  necessary;  dispense  with  the  =
new  pair  of  gloves;=20
mend  the  old  dress;  live  on  plainer  food  if  need  be;  so  that,  =
under  all  circum-=20
stances, unless  some  unforeseen  accident  occurs,  there  will  be  a  m=
argin  in  favor  of=20
the  income.  A  penny  here,  and  a  dollar  there,  placed  at  interest=
,  goes  on  accu-=20
mulating, and  in  this  way  the  desired  result  is  attained.  It  requ=
ires  some  training,=20
perhaps,  to  accomplish  this  economy,  but  when  once  used  to  it,  y=
ou  will  find  there=20
is  more  satisfaction  in  rational  saving,  than  in  irrational  spendi=
ng.  Here  is  a=20
recipe  which  I  recommend;  I  have  found  it  to  work  an  excellent  =
cure  for  extrava-=20
gance, and  especially  for  mistaken  economy:  When  you  find  that  you=
  have  no=20
surplus  at  the  end  of  the  year,  and  yet  have  a  good  income,  I =
 advise  you  to  take=20
a  few  sheets  of  paper  and  form  them  into  a  book  and  mark  down =
 every  item  of=20
expenditure.  Post  it  every  day  or  week  in  two  columns,  one  heade=
d  ' '  necessaries  "=20
or  even  "comforts,"  and  the  other  headed  "luxuries,"  and  you  will=
  find  that  the=20
latter  column  will  be  double,  treble,  and  frequently  ten  times  gr=
eater  than  the=20
former.  The  real  comforts  of  life  cost  but  a  small  portion  of  w=
hat  most  of  us=20
can  earn.  Dr.  Franklin  says  "  it  is  the  eyes  of  others  and  not=
  our  own  eyes  which=20
ruin  us.  If  all  the  world  were  blind  except  myself  I  should  not=
  care  for  fine=20
clothes  or  furniture."  It  is  the  fear  of  what  Mrs.  Grundy  may  s=
ay  that  keeps  the=20
noses  of  many  worthy  families  to  the  grindstone.  In  America  many =
 persons=20
like  to  repeat  "we  are  all  free  and  equal,"  but  it  is  a  great =
 mistake  in  more=20
senses  than  one.=20

That  we  are  born  "  free  and  equal"  is  a  glorious  truth  in  one =
 sense,  yet  we  are=20
not  all  born  equally  rich,  and  we  never  shall  be.  One  may  say, =
 "  there  is  a  man=20
who  has  an  income  of  fifty  thousand  dollars  per  annum,  while  I  =
have  but  one=20
thousand  dollars;  I  knew  that  fellow  when  he  was  poor  like  mysel=
f,  now  he  is=20
rich  and  thinks  he  is  better  than  I  am;  I  will  show  him  that  =
I  am  as  good  as  he  is;=20
I  will  go  and  buy  a  horse  and  buggy;  no,  I  cannot  do  that,  bu=
t  I  will  go  and  hire=20
one  and  ride  this  afternoon  on  the  same  road  that  he  does,  and =
 thus  prove  to  him=20
that  I  am  as  good  as  he  is."=20

My  friend,  you  need  not  take  that  trouble;  you  can  easily  prove =
 that  you  are=20
"  as  good  as  he  is; "  you  have  only  to  behave  as  well  as  he  =
does;  but  you  cannot=20
make  anybody  believe  that  you  are  rich  as  he  is.  Besides,  if  yo=
u  put  on  these=20
"airs,"  and  waste  your  time  and  spend  your  money,  your  poor  wife=
  will  be=20
obliged  to  scrub  her  fingers  off  at  home,  and  buy  her  tea  two  =
ounces  at  a  time,=20
and  everything  else  in  proportion,  in  order  that  you  may  keep  up=
  "  appearances,"=20
and,  after  all,  deceive  nobody.  On  the  other  hand,  Mrs.  Smith  ma=
y  say  that  her=20
next-door  neighbor  married  Johnson  for  his  money,  and  "everybody  s=
ays  so."=20
She  has  a  nice  one-thousand  dollar  camel's  hair  shawl,  and  she  w=
ill  make  Smith=20
get  her  an  imitation  one,  and  she  will  sit  in  a  pew  right  next=
  to  her  neighbor  in=20
church,  in  order  to  prove  that  she  is  her  equal=20

My  good  woman,  you  will  not  get  ahead  in  the  world,  if  your  va=
nity  and  envy=20
thus  take  the  lead.  In  this  country,  where  we  believe  the  majori=
ty  ought  to=20
rule,  we  ignore  that  principle  in  regard  to  fashion,  and  let  a  =
handful  of  people,=20
calling  themselves  the  aristocracy,  run  up  a  false  standard  of  pe=
rfection,  and  in=20
wudeavoring  to  rise  to  that  standard,  we  constantly  keep  ourselves=
  poor;  all  the=20


THE  ART  OF   MONEY-GETTING.  171=20

time  digging  away  for  the  sake  of  outside  appearances.  How  much  =
wiser  to  be=20
a  "  law  unto  ourselves  "  and  say,  "  we  will  regulate  our  out-g=
o  by  our  income,=20
and  lay  up  something  for  a  rainy  day."  People  ought  to  be  as  s=
ensible  on  the=20
subject  of  money-getting  as  on  any  other  subject.  Like  causes  pro=
duces  like=20
effects.  You  cannot  accumulate  a  fortune  by  taking  the  road  that =
 leads  to=20
poverty.  It  needs  no  prophet  to  tell  us  that  those  who  live  ful=
ly  up  to  their=20
means,  without  any  thought  of  a  reverse  in  this  life,  can  never =
 attain  a  pecuniary=20
independence.=20

Men  and  women  accustomed  to  gratify  every  whim  and  caprice,  will =
 find  it=20
hard,  at  first,  to  cut  down  their  various  unnecessary  expenses,  a=
nd  will  feel  it  a=20
great  self-denial  to  live  in  a  smaller  house  than  they  have  been=
  accustomed  to,=20
with  less  expensive  furniture,  less  company,  less  costly  clothing, =
 fewer  servants,=20
a  less  number  of  balls,  parties,  theater-goings,  carriage-ridings,  =
pleasure  excur-=20
sions, cigar-smokings,  liquor-drinMngs,  and  other  extravagances;  but, =
 after  all,=20
if  they  will  try  the  plan  of  laying  by  a  "nest-egg,"  or,  in  ot=
her  words,  a  small=20
sum  of  money,  at  interest  or  judiciously  invested  in  land,  they  =
will  be  surprised=20
at  the  pleasure  to  be  derived  from  constantly  adding  to  their  li=
ttle  "  pile,"  as  well=20
as  from  all  the  economical  habits  which  are  engendered  by  this  c=
ourse.=20

The  old  suit  of  clothes,  and  the  old  bonnet  and  dress,  will  ans=
wer  for  another=20
season;  the  Croton  or  spring  water  will  taste  better  than  champag=
ne;  a  cold  bath=20
and  a  brisk  walk  will  prove  more  exhilarating  than  a  ride  in  th=
e  finest  coach;  a=20
social  chat,  an  evening's  reading  in  the  family  circle,  or  an  ho=
ur's  play  of  "hunt=20
the  slipper"  and  "blind  man's  buff, "will  be  far  more  pleasant  th=
an  a  fifty  or  five=20
hundred  dollar  party,  when  the  reflection  on  the  difference  in  co=
st  is  indulged  in=20
by  those  who  begin  to  know  the  pleasures  of  saving.  Thousands  of=
  men  are  kept=20
poor,  and  tens  of  thousands  are  made  so  after  they  have  acquired=
  quite  sufficient=20
to  support  them  well  through  life,  in  consequence  of  laying  their=
  plans  of  living=20
on  too  broad  a  platform.  Some  families  expend  twenty  thousand  dol=
lars  per=20
annum,  and  some  much  more,  and  would  scarcely  know  how  to  li ve =
 on  less,  while=20
others  secure  more  solid  enjoyment  frequently  on  a  twentieth  part =
 of  that  amount.=20
Prosperity  is  a  more  severe  ordeal  than  adversity,  especially  sudd=
en  prosperity.=20
"  Easy  come,  easy  go,"  is  an  old  and  true  proverb.  A  spirit  of=
  pride  and  vanity,=20
when  permitted  to  have  full  sway,  is  the  undying  canker-worm  whic=
h  gnaws  the=20
very  vitals  of  a  man's  worldy  possessions,  let  them  be  small  or =
 great,  hundreds=20
or  millions.  Many  persons,  as  they  begin  to  prosper,  immediately  =
expand  their=20
ideas  and  commence  expending  for  luxuries,  until  in  a  short  time =
 then-  expenses=20
swallow  up  then-  income,  and  they  become  ruined  in  their  ridiculo=
us  attempts  to=20
keep  up  appearances,  and  make  a  "  sensation."=20

I  know  a  gentleman  of  fortune  who  says,  that  when  he  first  bega=
n  to  prosper,=20
his  wife  would  have  a  new  and  elegant  sofa.  "That  sofa,"  he  say=
s,  "cost  me=20
thirty  thousand  dollars! "  When  the  sofa  reached  the  house,  it  wa=
s  found  neces-=20
sary to  get  chairs  to  match;  then  side-boards,  carpets  and  tables =
 "to  correspond "=20
with  them,  and  so  on  through  the  entire  stock  of  furniture ;  whe=
n  at  last  it  was  found=20
that  the  house  itself  was  quite  too  small  and  old-fashioned  for  =
the  furniture,  and=20
a  new  one  was  built  to  correspond  with  the  new  purchases;  "  thu=
s,"  added  my=20
friend,  "  summing  up  an  outlay  of  thirty  thousand  dollars,  caused=
  by  that  single=20
sofa,  and  saddling  on  me,  in  the  shape  of  servants,  equipage,  an=
d  the  necessary=20
expenses  attendant  upon  keeping  up  a  fine  'establishment,'  a  yearl=
y  outlay  of=20
eleven  thousand  dollars,  and  a  tight  pinch  at  that;  whereas,  ten =
 years  ago,  we=20
lived  with  much  more  real  comfort,  because  with  much  less  care,  =
on  as  many=20
hundreds.  The  truth  is,"  he  continued,  "that  sofa  would  have  brou=
ght  me  to=20


172  THE   ART  OF=20

inevitable  bankruptcy,  had  not  a  most  unexampled  tide  of  prosperit=
y  kept  me=20
above  it,  and  had  I  not  checked  the  natural  desire  to  '  cut  a =
 dash.' "=20

The  foundation  of  success  in  life  is  good  health;  that  is  the  s=
ubstratum  of  for-=20
tune; it  is  also  the  basis  of  happiness.  A  person  cannot  accumula=
te  a  fortune=20
very  well  when  he  is  sick.  He  has  no  ambition;  no  incentive;  no=
  force.  Of=20
course,  there  are  those  who  have  bad  health  and  cannot  help  it; =
 you  cannot=20
expect  that  such  persons  can  accumulate  wealth;  but  there  are  a  =
great  many  in=20
poor  health  who  need  not  be  so.=20

If,  then,  sound  health  is  the  foundation  of  success  and  happiness=
  in  life,  how=20
important  it  is  that  we  should  study  the  laws  of  health,  which  =
is  but  another=20
expression  for  the  laws  of  nature  1  The  closer  we  keep  to  the  =
laws  of  nature,  the=20
nearer  we  are  to  good  health,  and  yet  how  many  persons  there  ar=
e  who  pay  no=20
attention  to  natural  laws,  but  absolutely  transgress  them,  even  ag=
ainst  their  own=20
natural  inclination.  We  ought  to  know  that  the  "sin  of  ignorance =
 "is  never=20
winked  at  in  regard  to  the  violation  of  nature's  laws;  their  inf=
raction  always=20
brings  the  penalty.  A  child  may  thrust  its  finger  into  the  flame=
s  without  know-=20
ing it  will  burn,  and  so  suffers,  repentance,  even,  will  not  stop=
  the  smart.  Many=20
of  our  ancestors  knew  very  little  about  the  principle  of  ventilat=
ion.  They  did=20
not  know  much  about  oxygen,  whatever  other  "gin"  they  might  have =
 been=20
acquainted  with;  and  consequently,  they  built  their  houses  with  li=
ttle  seven-by-=20
nine  feet  bedrooms,  and  these  good  old  pious  Puritans  would  lock =
 themselves  up=20
in  one  of  these  cells,  say  their  prayers  and  go  to  bed.  In  the=
  morning  they=20
would  devoutly  return  thanks  for  the  "preservation  of  their  lives,=
"  during  the=20
night,  and  nobody  had  better  reason  to  be  thankfuL  Probably  some =
 big  crack  in=20
the  window,  or  in  the  door,  let  in  a  little  fresh  air,  and  thu=
s  saved  them.=20

Many  persons  knowingly  violate  the  laws  of  nature  against  their  b=
etter  im-=20
pulses, for  the  sake  of  fashion.  For  instance,  there  is  one  thing=
  that  nothing=20
living  except  a  vile  worm  ever  naturally  loved,  and  that  is  toba=
cco;  yet  how=20
many  persons  there  are  who  deliberately  train  an  unnatural  appetit=
e,  and  over-=20
come this  implanted  aversion  for  tobacco,  to  such  a  degree  that  t=
hey  get  to  love=20
it.  They  have  got  hold  of  a  poisonous,  filthy  weed,  or  rather  t=
hat  takes  a  firm=20
hold  of  them.  Here  are  married  men  who  run  about  spitting  tobacc=
o  juice  on=20
the  carpet  and  floors,  and  sometimes  even  upon  their  wives  beside=
s.  They  do=20
Dot  kick  their  wives  out  of  doors  like  drunken  men,  but  their  w=
ives,  I  have  no=20
doubt,  often  wish  they  were  outside  of  the  house.  Another  perilou=
s  feature  is=20
that  this  artificial  appetite,  like  jealousy,  "  grows  by  what  it =
 feeds  on; "  when  you=20
love  that  which  is  unnatural,  a  stronger  appetite  is  created  for =
 the  hurtful  thing=20
than  the  natural  desire  for  what  is  harmless.  There  is  an  old  p=
roverb  which=20
says  that  "  habit  is  second  nature,"  but  an  artificial  habit  is =
 stronger  than  nature.=20
Take  for  instance,  an  old  tobacco-chewer;  his  love  for  the  "quid'=
  is  stronger=20
than  his  love  for  any  particular  kind  of  food.  He  can  give  up  =
roast  beef  easier=20
than  give  up  the  weed.=20

Young  lads  regret  that  they  are  not  men;  they  would  like  to  go =
 to  bed  boys=20
and  wake  up  men;  and  to  accomplish  this  they  copy  the  bad  habit=
s  of  their  sen-=20
iors. Little  Tommy  and  Johnny  see  their  fathers  or  uncles  smoke  a=
  pipe,  and=20
they  say,  "  If  I  could  only  do  that,  I  would  be  a  man  too;  u=
ncle  John  has  gone=20
out  and  left  his  pipe  of  tobacco,  let  us  try  it."  They  take  a =
 match  and  light  it,=20
and  then  puff  away.  "We  will  learn  to  smoke;  do  you  like  it  Jo=
hnny?"  That=20
lad  dolefully  replies:  "Not  very  much;  it  tastes  bitter;'1  by  and=
  by  he  grows=20
pale,  but  he  persists  and  he  soon  offers  up  a  sacrifice  on  the =
 altar  of  fashion;  but=20


THE   ART   OF   MONEY-GETTING.  173=20

the  boys  stick  to  it  and  persevere  until  at  last  they  conquer  t=
heir  natural  appetites=20
and  become  the  victims  of  acquired  tastes.=20

I  speak  "  by  the  book,"  for  I  have  noticed  its  effects  on  myse=
lf,  having  gone  so=20
far  as  to  smoke  ten  or  fifteen  cigars  a  day,  although  I  have  n=
ot  used  the  weed=20
during  the  last  fourteen  years,  and  never  shall  again.  The  more  =
a  man  smokes,=20
the  more  he  craves  smoking;  the  last  cigar  smoked  simply  excites =
 the  desire  for=20
another,  and  so  on  incessantly.=20

Take  the  tobacco-chewer.  In  the  morning,  when  he  gets  up,  he  put=
s  a  quid  in=20
his  mouth  and  keeps  it  there  all  day,  never  taking  it  out  excep=
t  to  exchange  it=20
for  a  fresh  one,  or  when  he  is  going  to  eat;  oh!  yes,  at  inte=
rvals  during  the  day=20
and  evening,  many  a  chewer  takes  out  the  quid  and  holds  it  in  =
his  hand  long=20
enough  to  take  a  drink,  and  then  pop  it  goes  back  again.  This  =
simply  proves  that=20
the  appetite  for  rum  is  even  stronger  than  that  for  tobacco.  Whe=
n  the  tobacco-=20
chewer  goes  to  your  country  seat  and  you  show  him  your  grapery  =
and  fruit=20
house,  and  the  beauties  of  your  garden,  when  you  offer  him  some =
 fresh,  ripe=20
fruit,  and  say,  "  My  friend,  I  have  got  here  the  most  delicious=
  apples,  and  pears,=20
and  peaches,  and  apricots;  I  havo  imported  them  from  Spain,  Franc=
e  and  Italy=20
=E2=80=94 just  see  those  luscious  grapes;  there  is  nothing  more  de=
licious  nor  more  healthy=20
than  ripe  fruit,  so  help  yourself;  I  want  to  see  you  delight  yo=
urself  with  these=20
things;"  he  will  roll  the  dear  quid  under  his  tongue  and  answer,=
  "No,  I  thank=20
you,  I  have  got  tobacco  in  my  mouth."  His  palate  hasjaecome  narc=
otized  hy  the=20
noxious  weed,  and  he  has  lost,  in  a  great  measure,  the  delicate =
 and  enviable=20
taste  for  fruits.  This  shows  what  expensive,  useless  and  injurious=
  habits  men  will=20
get  into.  I  speak  from  experience.  I  have  smoked  until  I  tremble=
d  like  an  aspen=20
leaf,  the  blood  rushed  to  my  head,  and  I  had  a  palpitation  of  =
the  heart  which  I=20
thought  was  heart  disease,  till  I  was  almost  killed  with  fright. =
 When  I  consulted=20
my  physician,  he  said  "break  off  tobacco  using."  I  was  not  only =
 injuring  my=20
health  and  spending  a  great  deal  of  money,  but  I  was  setting  a =
 bad  example.  I=20
obeyed  his  counsel.  No  young  man  in  the  world  ever  looked  so  be=
autiful,  as  he=20
thought  he  did,  behind  a  fifteen  cent  cigar  or  a  meerschaum!=20

These  remarks  apply  with  tenfold  force  to  the  use  of  intoxicating=
  drinks.  To=20
make  money,  requires  a  clear  brain.  A  man  has  got  to  see  that  =
two  and  two=20
make  four;  he  must  lay  all  his  plans  with  reflection  and  foretho=
ught,  and  closely=20
examine  all  the  details  and  the  ins  and  outs  of  business.  As  no=
  man  can  succeed=20
in  business  unless  he  has  a  brain  to  enable  him  to  lay  his  pla=
ns,  and  reason  to=20
guide  him  in  their  execution,  so,  no  matter  how  bountifully  a  ma=
n  maybe  blessed=20
with  intelligence,  if  the  brain  is  muddled,  and  his  judgment  warp=
ed  by  intoxi-=20
cating drinks,  it  is  impossible  for  him  to  carry  on  business  succ=
essfully.  How=20
many  good  opportunities  have  passed,  never  to  return,  while  a  man=
  was  sipping=20
a  "social  glass,"  with  his  friend!  How  many  foolish  bargains  have=
  been  made=20
under  the  influence  of  the  "nervine,"  which  temporarily  makes  its =
 victim  think=20
he  is  rich.  How  many  important  chances  have  been  put  off  until  =
to-morrow,=20
and  then  forever,  because  the  wine  cup  has  thrown  the  system  int=
o  a  state  of=20
lassitude,  neutralizing  the  energies  so  essential  to  success  in  bu=
siness.  Verily,=20
"wine  is  a  mocker."  The  use  of  intoxicating  drinks  as  a  beverage=
,  is  as  much=20
an  infatuation,  as  is  the  smoking  of  opium  by  the  Chinese,  and  =
the  former  is=20
quite  as  destructive  to  the  success  of  the  business  man  as  the  =
latter.  It  is  an=20
unmitigated  evil,  utterly  indefensible  in  the  light  of  philosophy, =
 religion  or  good=20
sense.  It  is  the  parent  of  nearly  every  other  evil  in  our  count=
ry.=20

DON'T  MISTAKE  YOUK  VOCATION. =E2=80=94 The  safest  plan,  and  the  one=
  most  sure  of=20
success  for  the  young  man  starting  in  life,  is  to  select  the  vo=
cation  which  is  most=20


174  THE   ART  OF   ilOXEY-GETTIKO.=20

congenial  to  his  tastes.  Parents  and  guardians  are  often  quite  to=
o  npgligent  in=20
regard  to  this.  It  is  very  common  for  a  father  to  say,  for  exa=
mple:  "1  have=20
five  boys.  I  will  make  Billy  a  clergyman;  John  a  lawyer;  Tom  a =
 doctor,  aiid=20
Dick  a  farmer."  He  then  goes  into  town  and  looks  about  to  see  =
what  he  will  do=20
with  Sammy.  He  returns  home  and  says  "  Sammy,  I  see  watch-making=
  is  a=20
nice,  genteel  business;  I  think  I  will  make  you  a  goldsmith."  He=
  does  this,=20
regardless  of  Sam's  natural  inclinations,  or  genius.=20

We  are  all,  no  doubt,  born  for  a  wise  purpose.  There  is  as  muc=
h  diversity  in=20
our  brains  as  in  our  countenances.  Some  are  born  natural  mechanic=
s,  while  some=20
have  great  aversion  to  machinery.  Let  a  dozen  boys  of  ten  years =
 get  together,=20
and  you  will  soon  observe  two  or  three  are  "  whittling "  out  so=
me  ingenious=20
device;  working  with  locks  or  complicated  machinery.  When  they  wer=
e  but  five=20
years  old,  their  father  could  find  no  toy  to  please  them  like  a=
  puzzle.  They  are=20
natural  mechanics;  but  the  other  eight  or  nine  boys  have  differen=
t  aptitudes.  I=20
belong  to  the  latter  class;  I  never  had  the  slightest  love  for  =
mechanism;  on  the=20
contrary,  I  have  a  sort  of  abhorrence  for  complicated  machinery.  =
I  never  had=20
ingenuity  enough  to  whittle  a  cider  tap  so  it  would  not  leak.  I=
  never  could  make=20
a  pen  that  I  could  write  with,  or  understand  the  principle  of  a=
  steam  engine.  If=20
a  man  was  to  take  such  a  boy  as  I  was,  and  attempt  to  make  a=
  watchmaker  of=20
him,  the  boy  might,  after  an  apprenticeship  of  five  or  seven  yea=
rs,  be  able  to  take=20
apart  and  put  together  a*watch;  but  all  through  life  he  would  be=
  working  up  hill=20
and  seizing  every  excuse  for  leaving  his  work  and  idling  away  hi=
s  time.  Watch-=20
making is  repulsive  to  him,=20

Unless  a  man  enters  upon  the  vocation  intended  for  him  by  nature=
,  and  best=20
suited  to  his  peculiar  genius,  he  cannot  succeed.  I  am  glad  to  =
believe  that  the=20
majority  of  persons  do  find  their  right  vocation.  Yet  we  see  man=
y  who  have=20
mistaken  their  calling,  from  the  blacksmith  up  (or  down)  to  the  =
clergyman.=20
You  will  see,  for  instance,  that  extraordinary  linguist  the  "learn=
ed  blacksmith,"=20
who  ought  to  have  been  a  teacher  of  languages;  and  you  may  have=
  seen  lawyers,=20
doctors  and  clergymen  who  were  better  fitted  by  nature  for  the  a=
nvil  or  the=20
lapstone.=20

SELECT  THE  RIGHT  LOCATION. =E2=80=94 After  securing  the  right  vocati=
on,  you  must=20
be  careful  to  select  the  proper  location.  You  may  have  been  cut =
 out  for  a  hotel=20
keeper,  and  they  say  it  requires  a  genius  to  "know  how  to  keep =
 a  hotel."  You=20
might  conduct  a  hotel  like  clock-work,  and  provide  satisfactorily  =
for  five  hundred=20
guests  every  day;  yet,  if  you  should  locate  your  house  in  a  sma=
ll  village  where=20
there  is  no  railroad  communication  or  public  travel,  the  location =
 would  be  your=20
ruin.  It  is  equally  important  that  you  do  not  commence  business  =
where  there  are=20
already  enough  to  meet  all  demands  hi  the  same  occupation.  I  rem=
ember  a  case=20
which  illustrates  this  subject.  When  I  was  in  London  in  1858,  I =
 was  passing=20
down  Holborn  with  an  English  friend  and  came  to  the  "penny  shows=
."  They=20
had  immense  cartoons  outside,  portraying  the  wonderful  curiosities  =
to  be  seen  "  all=20
for  a  penny. "  Being  a  little  in  the  ' '  show  line  "  myself,  I=
  said  "  let  us  go  in  here. ' '=20
We  soon  found  ourselves  in  the  presence  of  the  illustrious  showma=
n,  and  he  proved=20
to  be  the  sharpest  man  hi  that  line  I  had  ever  met.  He  told  u=
s  some  extraordinary=20
stories  in  reference  to  his  bearded  ladies,  his  Albinos,  and  his =
 Armadillos,  which=20
we  could  hardly  believe,  but  thought  it  "  better  to  believe  it  =
than  look  after  the=20
proof."  He  finally  begged  to  call  our  attention  to  some  wax  stat=
uary,  and  showed=20
Us  a  lot  of  the  dirtiest  and  filthiest  wax  figures  imaginable.  T=
hey  looked  as  if=20
they  had  not  seen  water  since  the  Deluge.=20


THE   ART   OF   MONEY-GETTING.  175=20

"What  is  there  so  wonderful  about  your  statuary?"  I  asked.=20

"I  beg  you  not  to  speak  so  satirically,"  he  replied,  "Sir,  these=
  are  not  Madam=20
Tussaud's  wax  figures,  all  covered  with  gilt  and  tinsel  and  imita=
tion  diamonds,=20
And  copied  from  engravings  and  photographs.  Mine,  sir,  wore  taken =
 from  life.=20
Whenever  you  look  updn  one  of  those  figures,  you  may  consider  th=
at  you  are=20
looking  upon  the  living  individual."=20

Glancing  casually  at  them,  I  saw  one  labelled  "  Henry  VIII.,"  an=
d  feeling  a  little=20
curious  upon  seeing  that  it  looked  like  Calvin  Edson,  the  living =
 skeleton,  I  said:=20

"  Do  you  call  that  '  Henry  the  Eighth? ' "=20

He  replied,  ' '  Certainly,  sir ;  it  was  taken  from  lif e  at  Hamp=
ton  Court,  by  special=20
order  of  his  majesty,  on  such  a  day."=20

He  would  have  given  the  hour  of  the  day  if  I  had  insisted;  I  =
said,  "  Everybody=20
knows  that '  Henry  VIII.'  was  a  great  stout  old  king,  and  that  =
figure  is  lean  and=20
lank;  what  do  you  say  to  that?"=20

"  Why,"  he  replied,  "  you  would  be  lean  and  lank  yourself,  if  =
you  sat  there  as=20
long  as  he  has."=20

There  was  no  resisting  sucn  arguments.  I  said  to  my  English  frie=
nd,  "Let  us=20
go  out;  do  not  tell  him  who  I  am;  I  show  the  white  feather;  h=
e  beats  me."=20

He  followed  us  to  the  door,  and  seeing  the  rabble  in  the  street=
,  he  called  out,=20
"ladies  and  gentlemen,  I  beg  to  draw  your  attention  to  the  respe=
ctable  character=20
of  my  visitors,"  pointing  to  us  as  we  walked  away.  I  called  upo=
n  him  a  couple=20
of  days  afterwards;  told  him  who  I  was,  and  said:=20

"My  friend,  you  are  an  excellent  showman,  but  you  have  selected  =
a  bad=20
location."=20

He  replied,  "  This  is  true,  sir;  I  feel  that  all  my  talents  ar=
e  thrown  away;  but=20
what  can  I  do? "=20

"  You  can  go  to  America,"  I  replied.  "  You  can  give  full  play =
 to  your  faculties=20
over  there;  you  will  find  plenty  of  elbow-room  in  America;  I  wil=
l  engage  you=20
for  two  years;  after  that  you  will  be  able  to  go  on  your  own  =
account."=20

He  accepted  my  offer  and  remained  two  years  hi  my  New  York  Muse=
um.  He=20
then  went  to  New  Orleans  and  carried  on  a  traveling  show  busines=
s  during  the=20
summer.  To-day  he  is  worth  sixty  thousand  dollars,  simply  because =
 he  selected=20
the  right  vocation  and  also  secured  the  proper  location.  The  old =
 proverb  says,=20
"  Three  removes  are  as  bad  as  a  fire,"  but  when  a  man  is  in  =
the  fire,  it  matters  but=20
little  how  soon  or  how  often  he  removes.=20

AVOID  DEBT. =E2=80=94 Young  men  starting  in  life  should  avoid  runni=
ng  into  debt.=20
There  is  scarcely  anything  that  drags  a  person  down  like  debt.  I=
t  is  a  slavish=20
position  to  get  in,  yet  we  find  many  a  young  man,  hardly  out  o=
f  his  "  teens,"  run-=20
ning in  debt.  He  meets  a  chum  and  says,  " Look  at  this:  I  have =
 got  trusted  fora=20
new  suit  of  clothes."  He  seems  to  look  upon  the  clothes  as  so  =
much  given  to  him;=20
well,  it  frequently  is  so,  but,  if  he  succeeds  in  paying  and  th=
en  gets  trusted  again,=20
he  is  adopting  a  habit  which  will  keep  him  in  poverty  through  l=
ife.  Debt  robs  a=20
man  of  his  self-respect,  and  makes  him  almost  despise  himself.  Gr=
unting  and=20
groaning  and  working  for  what  he  has  eaten  up  or  worn  out,  and =
 now  when  he  is=20
called  upon  to  pay  up,  he  has  nothing  to  show  for  his  money;  t=
his  is  properly=20
termed  "working  for  a  dead  horse."  I  do  not  speak  of  merchants  =
buying  and=20
selling  on  credit,  or  of  those  who  buy  on  credit  in  order  to  t=
urn  the  purchase  to  a=20
profit.  The  old  Quaker  said  to  his  farmer  son,  "  John,  never  ge=
t  trusted;  but  if=20
thee  gets  trusted  for  anything,  let  it  be  for  'manure,'  because  =
that  will  help  thee=20
pay  it  back  again."=20


176  THE   ART   OF   MONEY-GETTING.=20

Mr.  Beecher  advised  young  men  to  get  in  debt  if  they  could  to  =
a  small  amount=20
in  the  purchase  of  land,  in  the  country  districts.  "If  a  young  =
man,"  he  says,=20
"  will  only  get  in  debt  for  some  land  and  then  get  married,  th=
ese  two  things  will=20
keep  him  straight,  or  nothing  will"  This  may  be  safe  to  a  limit=
ed  extent,  but=20
getting  in  debt  for  what  you  eat  and  drink  and  wear  is  to  be  =
avoided.  Some=20
families  have  a  foolish  habit  of  getting  credit  at  "  the  stores,=
"  and  thus  frequently=20
purchase  many  things  which  might  have  been  dispensed  with.=20

It  is  all  very  well  to  say,  "  I  have  got  trusted  for  sixty  da=
ys,  and  if  I  don't  have=20
the  money  the  creditor  will  think  nothing  about  it."  There  is  no=
  class  of  people=20
in  the  world,  who  have  such  good  memories  as  creditors.  When  the=
  sixty  days=20
run  out,  you  will  have  to  pay.  If  you  do  not  pay,  you  will  br=
eak  your  promise,=20
and  probably  resort  to  a  falsehood.  You  may  make  some  excuse  or =
 get  in  debt=20
elsewhere  to  pay  it,  but  that  only  involves  you  the  deeper.=20

A  good-looking,  lazy  young  fellow,  was  the  apprentice  boy,  Horatio=
.  His=20
employer  said,  "Horatio,  did  you  ever  see  a  snail?"  "I =E2=80=94 t=
hink =E2=80=94 I =E2=80=94 have,"  he=20
drawled  out.  "  You  must  have  met  him  then,  for  I  am  sure  you  =
never  overtook=20
one,"  said  the  "boss."  Your  creditor  will  meet  you  or  overtake  y=
ou  and  say,=20
"  Now,  my  young  friend,  you  agreed  to  pay  me;  you  have  not  don=
e  it,  you  must=20
give  me  your  note."  You  give  the  note  on  interest  and  it  commen=
ces  working=20
against  you;  "it  is  a  dead  horse."  The  creditor  goes  to  bed  at =
 night  and  wakes=20
up  in  the  morning  better  off  than  when  he  retired  to  bed,  becau=
se  his  interest  has=20
increased  during  the  night,  but  you  grow  poorer  while  you  are  sl=
eeping,  for  the=20
interest  is  accumulating  against  you.=20

Money  is  in  some  respects  like  fire;  it  is  a  very  excellent  ser=
vant  but  a  terrible=20
master.  When  you  have  it  mastering  you;  when  interest  is  constant=
ly  piling  up=20
against  you,  it  will  keep  you  down  in  the  worst  kind  of  slavery=
.  But  let  money=20
work  for  you,  and  you  have  the  most  devoted  servant  in  the  worl=
d.  It  is  no  "  eye-=20
servant."  There  is  nothing  animate  or  inanimate  that  will  work  so=
  faithfully  as=20
money  when  placed  at  interest,  well  secured.  It  works  night  and  =
day,  and  in  wet=20
or  dry  weather.=20

I  was  born  in  the  blue-law  State  of  Connecticut,  where  the  old  =
Puritans  had=20
laws  so  rigid  that  it  was  said,  "they  fined  a  man  for  kissing  =
his  wife  on  Sunday."=20
Yet  these  rich  old  Puritans  would  have  thousands  of  dollars  at  i=
nterest,  and  on=20
Saturday  night  would  be  worth  a  certain  amount;  on  Sunday  they  w=
ould  go  to=20
church  and  perform  all  the  duties  of  a  Christian.  On  waking  up  =
on  Monday=20
morning,  they  would  find  themselves  considerably  richer  than  the  S=
aturday  night=20
previous,  simply  because  their  money  placed  at  interest  had  worked=
  faithfully  for=20
them  all  day  Sunday,  according  to  law !=20

Do  not  let  it  work  against  you;  if  you  do  there  is  no  chance  =
for  success  in  life=20
so  far  as  money  is  concerned.  John  Randolph,  the  eccentric  Virgin=
ian,  once=20
exclaimed  in  Congress,  "Mr.  Speaker,  I  have  discovered  the  philoso=
pher's  stone:=20
pay  as  you  go."  Thi3  is,  indeed,  nearer  to  the  philosopher's  sto=
ne  than  any=20
alchemist  has  ever  yet  arrived.=20

PERSEVERE. =E2=80=94 When  a  man  is  in  the  right  path,  he  must  per=
severe.  I  speak  of=20
this  because  there  are  some  persons  who  are  "born  tired; "  natura=
lly  lazy  and=20
possessing  no  self-reliance  and  no  perseverance.  But  they  can  cult=
ivate  these=20
qualities,  as  Davy  Crockett  said:=20

"  This  thing  remember,  when  I  am  dead ,=20
Be  sure  you  are  right,  then  go  ahead.'1=20


THE  AET  OP  MONEY-GETTING.  177=20

It  is  this  go-aheaditiveness,  this  determination  not  to  let  the  "=
horrors"  or  the=20
"blues"  take  possession  of  you,  so  as  to  make  you  relax  your  en=
ergies  in  the=20
struggle  for  independence,  which  you  must  cultivate.=20

How  many  have  almost  reached  the  goal  of  their  ambition,  but,  lo=
sing  faith  in=20
themselves,  have  relaxed  their  energies,  and  the  golden  prize  has =
 been  lost  forever.=20

It  is,  no  doubt,  often  true,  as  Shakespeare  says:=20

"There  Is  a  tide  In  the  affairs  of  men,=20
Which,  taken  at  the  flood,  leads  on  to  fortune."=20

If  you  hesitate,  some  bolder  hand  will  stretch  out  before  you  an=
d  get  the  prize.=20
Remember  the  proverb  of  Solomon:  "He  becometh  poor  that  dealeth  w=
ith  a=20
slack  hand;  but  the  hand  of  the  diligent  maketh  rich."=20

Perseverance  is  sometimes  but  another  word  for  self-reliance.  Many =
 persons=20
-  naturally  look  on  the  dark  side  of  life,  and  borrow  trouble.  =
They  are  born  so.=20
Then  they  ask  for  advice,  and  they  will  be  governed  by  one  wind=
  and  blown  by=20
another,  and  cannot  rely  upon  themselves.  Until  you  can  get  so  t=
hat  you  can  rely=20
upon  yourself,  you  need  not  expect  to  succeed.  I  have  known  men,=
  personally,=20
who  have  met  with  pecuniary  reverses,  and  absolutely  committed  sui=
cide,  because=20
they  thought  they  could  never  overcome  their  misfortune.  But  I  ha=
ve  known=20
others  who  have  met  more  serious  financial  difficulties,  and  have =
 bridged  them=20
over  by  simple  perseverance,  aided  by  a  firm  belief  that  they  we=
re  doing  justly,=20
and  that  Providence  would  "overcome  evil  with  good."  Yon  will  see=
  this=20
illustrated  in  any  sphere  of  life.=20

Take  two  generals;  both  understand  military  tactics,  both  educated =
 at  West=20
Point,  if  you  please,  both  equally  gifted;  yet  one,  having  this  =
principle  of  perse-=20
verance, and  the  other  lacking  it,  the  former  will  succeed  in  his=
  profession,  while=20
the  latter  will  fail  One  may  hear  the  cry,  "the  enemy  are  comin=
g,  and  they=20
have  got  cannon."=20

"  Got  cannon? "  says  the  hesitating  general=20

"Yes."=20

"  Then  halt  every  man."=20

He  wants  time  to  reflect ;  his  hesitation  is  his  ruin ;  the  enem=
y  passes  unmolested,=20
or  overwhelms  him;  while  on  the  other  hand,  the  general  of  pluck=
,  perseverance=20
and  self-reliance,  goes  into  battle  with  a  will,  and,  amid  the  c=
lash  of  arms,  the=20
booming  of  cannon,  the  shrieks  of  the  wounded,  and  the  moans  of =
 the  dying,  you=20
will  see  this  man  persevering,  going  on,  cutting  and  slashing  his=
  way  through=20
with  unwavering  determination,  inspiring  his  soldiers  to  deeds  of  =
fortitude,  valor=20
and  triumph.=20

WHATEVER  YOU  DO,  DO  IT  WITH  ALL  YOUR  MIGHT.=E2=80=94 Work  at  it, =
 if  necessary,=20
early  and  late,  in  season  and  out  of  season,  not  leaving  a  ston=
e  unturned,  and  never=20
deferring  for  a  single  hour  that  which  can  be  done  just  as  well=
  now.  The  old=20
proverb  is  full  of  truth  and  meaning,  "Whatever  is  worth  doing  a=
t  all,  is  worth=20
doing  well"  Many  a  man  acquires  a  fortune  by  doing  his  business =
 thoroughly,=20
while  his  neighbor  remains  poor  for  lif e,  because  he  only  half  =
does  it.  Ambition,=20
energy,  industry,  perseverance,  are  indispensable  requisites  for  suc=
cess  in  business.=20

Fortune  always  favors  the  brave,  and  never  helps  a  man  who  does =
 not  help=20
himself.  It  won't  do  to  spend  your  time  like  Mr.  Micawber,  in  w=
aiting  for  some-=20
thing to  "turn  up."  To  such  men  one  of  two  things  usually  "turns=
  up:"  the=20
poor-house  or  the  jail;  for  idleness  breeds  bad  habits,  and  cloth=
es  a  man  in  rags.=20
The  poor  spendthrift  vagabond  said  to  a  rich  man:=20

"  I  have  discovered  there  is  money  enough  in  the  world  for  all =
 of  us,  if  it  was=20
equally  divided;  this  must  be  done,  and  we  shall  all  be  happy  t=
ogether."=20


178  THE  ART  OF  MONEY-GETTING.=20

"  But."  was  the  response,  "  if  everybody  was  like  you,  it  would=
  be  spent  in  two=20
months,  and  what  would  you  do  then? "=20

"  Ohl  divide  again;  keep  dividing,  of  course! "=20

I  was  recently  reading  in  a  London  paper  an  account  of  a  like  =
philosophic=20
pauper  who  was  kicked  out  of  a  cheap  boarding-house  because  he  c=
ould  not  pay=20
his  bill,  but  he  had  a  roll  of  papers  sticking  out  of  his  coat=
  pocket,  which,  upon=20
examination,  proved  to  be  his  plan  for  paying  off  the  national  d=
ebt  of  England=20
without  the  aid  of  a  penny.  People  have  got  to  do  as  Cromwell  =
said:  "  not  only=20
trust  in  Providence,  but  keep  the  powder  dry."  Do  your  part  of  =
the  work,  or=20
you  cannot  succeed.  Mahomet,  one  night,  while  encamping  in  the  de=
sert,  over-=20
heard one  of  his  fatigued  followers  remark:  "  I  will  loose  my  ca=
mel,  and  trust  it=20
to  God."  "No,  no,  not  so,"  said  the  prophet,  "tie  thy  camel,  an=
d  trust  it  to=20
God!"  Do  all  you  can  for  yourselves,  and  then  trust  to  Providenc=
e,  or  luck,  or=20
whatever  you  please  to  call  it,  for  the  rest.=20

DEPEND  UPON  YOUR  OWN  PERSONAL  EXERTIONS. =E2=80=94 The  eye  of  the  =
employer=20
is  often  worth  more  than  the  hands  of  a  dozen  employees.  In  the=
  nature  of  things,=20
an  agent  cannot  be  so  faithful  to  his  employer  as  to  himself.  M=
any  who  are  em-=20
ployers will  call  to  mind  instances  where  the  best  employees  have =
 overlooked=20
important  points  which  could  not  have  escaped  their  own  observatio=
n  as  a  pro-=20
prietor. No  man  has  a  right  to  expect  to  succeed  in  life  unless =
 he  understands=20
his  business,  and  nobody  can  understand  his  business  thoroughly  un=
less  he  learns=20
it  by  personal  application  and  experience.  A  man  may  be  a  manufa=
cturer ;  he=20
has  got  to  learn  the  many  details  of  his  business  personally;  he=
  will  learn  some-=20
thing every  day,  and  he  will  find  he  will  make  mistakes  nearly  e=
very  day.  And=20
these  very  mistakes  are  helps  to  him  in  the  way  of  experiences  =
if  he  but  heeds=20
them.  He  will  be  like  the  Yankee  tin-peddler,  who,  having  been  c=
heated  as  to=20
quality  in  the  purchase  of  his  merchandise,  said:  "All  right,  the=
re's  a  little  infor-=20
mation to  be  gained  every  day;  I  will  never  be  cheated  in  that  =
way  again."  Thus=20
a  man  buys  his  experience,  and  it  is  the  best  kind  if  not  purc=
hased  at  too  dear  a=20
rate.=20

I  hold  that  every  man  should,  like  Cuvier,  the  French  naturalist,=
  thoroughly=20
know  his  business.  So  proficient  was  he  in  the  study  of  natural =
 history,  that=20
you  might  bring  to  him  the  bone,  or  even  a  section  of  a  bone  =
of  an  animal  which=20
he  had  never  seen  described,  and,  reasoning  from  analogy,  he  woul=
d  be  able  to=20
draw  a  picture  of  the  object  from  which  the  bone  had  been  taken=
.  On  one=20
occasion  his  students  attempted  to  deceive  him.  They  rolled  one  o=
f  their  number=20
in  a  cow  skin  and  put  him  under  the  professor's  table  as  a  new=
  specimen.  When=20
the  philosopher  came  into  the  room,  some  of  the  students  asked  h=
im  what  aitimal=20
it  was.  Suddenly  the  animal  said  "I  am  the  devil  and  I  am  goin=
g  to  eat  you.''=20
It  was'  but  natural  that  Cuvier  should  desire  to  classify  this  c=
reature,  and,  exam=20
ining  it  intently,  he  said:=20

"Divided  hoof ;  graminivorous!  it  cannot  be  done."=20

He  knew  that  an  a.nima.1  -with  a  split  hoof  must  live  upon  gras=
s  and  grain,  or=20
other  kind  of  vegetation,  and  would  not  be  inclined  to  eat  flesh=
,  dead  or  alive,  so=20
he  considered  himself  perfectly  safe.  The  possession  6f  a  perfect =
 knowledge  of=20
your  business  is  an  absolute  necessity  in  order  to  insure  success=
.=20

Among  the  maxims  of  the  elder  Rothschild  was  one,  an  apparent  pa=
radox:  "  Be=20
cautious  and  bold."  This  seems  to  be  a  contradiction  in  terms,  b=
ut  it  is  not,  and=20
there  is  great  wisdom  in  the  maxim.  It  is,  in  fact,  a  condensed=
  statement  of=20
what  I  have  already  said.  It  is  to  say,  "you  must  exercise  your=
  caution  in  laying=20
vour  plans,  but  be  bold  in  carrying  them  out."  A  man  who  is  al=
l  caution,  will=20


THE  ART  OF  MONEY-GETTING.  1?J)=20

never  dare  to  take  hold  and  be  successful,  and  a  man  who  is  al=
l  boldness,  is=20
merely  reckless,  and  must  eventually  fail.  A  man  may  go  on  '"cha=
nge"  and=20
make  fifty  or  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  speculating  in  stoc=
ks,  at  a  single=20
operation.  But  if  he  has  simple  boldness  without  caution,  it  is  =
mere  chance,  and=20
what  he  gains  to-day  he  will  lose  to-morrow.  You  must  have  both =
 the  caution=20
and  the  boldness,  to  insure  success.=20

The  Rothschilds  have  another  maxim ;  "Never  have  anything  to  do  w=
ith  an=20
unlucky  man  or  place."  That  is  to  say,  never  have  Anything  to  d=
o  with  a  man=20
or  place  which  never  succeeds,  because,  although  a  man  may  appear=
  to  be  honest=20
and  intelligent,  yet  if  he  tries  this  or  that  thing  and  always  =
fails,  it  is  on  account=20
of  some  fault  or  infirmity  that  you  may  not  be  able  to  discover=
,  but  nevertheless=20
which  must  exist.=20

There  is  no  such  thing  in  the  world  as  luck.  There  never  was  a=
  man  who  could=20
go  out  in  the  morning  and  find  a  purse  full  of  gold  in  the  st=
reet  to-day,  and=20
another  to-morrow,  and  so  on,  day  after  day.  He  may  do  so  once =
 in  his  life;=20
but  so  far  as  mere  luck  is  concerned,  he  is  as  liable  to  lose =
 it  as  to  find  it.  "  Like=20
causes  produce  like  effects."  If  a  man  adopts  the  proper  methods =
 to  be  successful,=20
"luck"  will  not  prevent  him.  If  he  does  not  succeed,  there  are  =
reasons  for  it,=20
although,  perhaps,  he  may  not  be  able  to  see  them.=20

USE  THE  BEST  TOOLS. =E2=80=94 Men  in  engaging  employees  should  be  =
careful  to  get=20
the  best.  Understand,  you  cannot  have  too  good  tools  to  work  wit=
h,  and  there=20
is  no  tool  you  should  be  so  particular  about  as  living  tools.  I=
f  you  get  a  good=20
one,  it  is  better  to  keep  him,  than  keep  changing.  He  learns  so=
mething  every=20
day,  and  you  are  benefited  by  the  experience  he  acquires.  He  is =
 worth  more  to=20
you  this  year  than  last,  and  he  is  the  last  man  to  part  with, =
 provided  his  habits=20
are  good,  and  he  continues  faithful.  If,  as  he  gets  more  valuabl=
e,  he  demands=20
an  exorbitant  increase  of  salary,  on  the  supposition  that  you  can=
't  do  without  him,=20
let  him  go.  Whenever  I  have  such  an  employee,  I  always  discharge=
  him;  first,  to=20
convince  him  that  his  place  may  be  supplied,  and  second,  because =
 he  is  good  for=20
nothing  if  he  thinks  he  is  invaluable  and  cannot  be  spared.=20

But  I  would  keep  him,  if  possible,  in  order  to  profit  from  the =
 result  of  his=20
experience.  An  important  element  in  an  employee  is  the  brain.  You=
  can  see=20
Dills  up,  "  Hands  Wanted,"  but  "hands"  are  not  worth  a  great  de=
al  without=20
" heads."  Mr.  Beecher  illustrates  this,  in  this  wise:=20

An  employee  offers  his  services  by  saying,  "I  have  a  pair  of  ha=
nds  and  one=20
of  my  fingers  thinks."  "  That  is  very  good,"  says  the  employer. =
 Another  man=20
comes  along,  and  says  "he  has  two  fingers  that  think."  "Ah!  that=
  is  better."=20
But  a  third  calls  in  and  says  that  "all  his  fingers  and  thumbs =
 think,"  That  is=20
better  still.  Finally  another  steps  in,  and  says,  "I  have  a  brai=
n  that  thinks;  1=20
think  all  over;  I  am  a  thinking  as  well  as  a  working  man!"  "  =
You  are  the  man=20
I  want,"  says  the  delighted  employer.=20

Those  men  who  have  brains  and  experience  are  therefore  the  most  =
valuable=20
and  not  to  be  readily  parted  with;  it  is  better  for  them,  as  w=
ell  as  yourself,  to=20
keep  them,  at  reasonable  advances  in  their  salaries  from  time  to =
 time.=20

DON'T  GET  ABOVE  YOUR  BUSINESS.=E2=80=94 Young  men  after  they  get  t=
hrough  their=20
business  training,  or  apprenticeship,  instead  of  pursuing  their  avo=
cation  and=20
rising  in  their  business,  will  often  lie  about  doing  nothing.  The=
y  say,  "  I  have=20
learned  my  business,  but  I  am  not  going  to  be  a  hireling;  whab =
 is  the  object  of=20
learning  my  trade  or  profession,  unless  I  establish  myself  ?"=20

"  Have  you  capital  to  start  with?"=20

"  No,  but  I  am  going  to  have  it."=20


180  THE  ART  OF  MONET-GETTING.=20

"  How  are  you  going  to  get  it?"=20

"I  will  tell  you  confidentially;  I  have  a  wealthy  old  aunt,  and =
 she  will  die=20
pretty  soon;  but  if  she  does  not,  I  expect  to  find  some  rich  o=
ld  man  who  will  lend=20
me  a  few  thousands  to  give  me  a  start.  If  I  only  get  the  mone=
y  to  start  with  I=20
will  do  well"=20

There  is  no  greater  mistake  than  when  a  young  man  believes  he  w=
ill  succeed=20
with  borrowed  money.  Why?  Because  every  man's  experience  coincides =
 with=20
that  of  Mr.  Astor,  who  said,  "it  was  more  difficult  for  him  to =
 accumulate  Ms  first=20
thousand  dollars,  than  all  the  succeeding  millions  that  made  up  h=
is  colossal  for-=20
tune." Money  is  good  for  nothing  unless  you  know  the  value  of  it=
  by  experience.=20
Give  a  boy  twenty  thousand  dollars  and  put  him  in  business,  and =
 the  chances  are=20
that  he  will  lose  every  dollar  of  it  before  he  is  a  year  older=
.  Like  buying  a  ticket=20
in  the  lottery,  and  drawing  a  prize,  it  is  "easy  come,  easy  go.=
"  He  does  not=20
know  the  value  of  it;  nothing  is  worth  anything,  unless  it  costs=
  effort.  Without=20
self-denial  and  economy,  patience  and  perseverance,  and  commencing  =
with  capital=20
which  you  have  not  earned,  you  are  not  sure  to  succeed  in  accum=
ulating.  Young=20
men,  instead  of  "  waiting  for  dead  men's  shoes,"  should  be  up  a=
nd  doing,  for  there=20
is  no  class  of  persons  who  are  so  unaccommodating  in  regard  to  =
dying  as  these=20
rich  old  people,  and  it  is  fortunate  for  the  expectant  heirs  tha=
t  it  is  so.  Nine  out=20
of  ten  of  the  rich  men  of  our  country  to-day,  started  out  in  l=
ife  as  poor  boys,=20
with  determined  wills,  industry,  perseverance,  economy  and  good  hab=
its.  They=20
went  on  gradually,  made  their  own  money  and  saved  it;  and  this  =
is  the  best  way=20
to  acquire  a  fortune.  Stephen  Girard  started  life  as  a  poor  cabi=
n  boy,  and  died=20
worth  nine  million  dollars.  A.  T.  Stewart  was  a  poor  Irish  boy; =
 now  he  pays=20
taxes  on  a  million  and  a  half  dollars  of  income,  per  year.  John=
  Jacob  Astor  was=20
a  poor  farmer  boy,  and  died  worth  twenty  millions.  Cornelius  Vand=
erbilt  began=20
life  rowing  a  boat  from  Staten  Island  to  New  York;  now  he  prese=
nts  our  govern-=20
ment with  a  steamship  worth  a  million  of  dollars,  and  he  is  wort=
h  fifty  millions.=20
"There  is  no  royal  road  to  learning,"  says  the  proverb,  and  I  m=
ay  say  it  is=20
equally  true,  "there  is  no  royal  road  to  wealth."  But  I  think  t=
here  is  a  royal=20
road  to  both.  The  road  to  learning  is  a  royal  one ;  the  road  t=
hat  enables  the=20
student  to  expand  his  intellect  and  add  every  day  to  his  stock  =
of  knowledge,=20
until,  in  the  pleasant  process  of  intellectual  growth,  he  is  able=
  to  solve  the  most=20
profound  problems,  to  count  the  stars,  to  analyze  every  atom  of  =
the  globe,  and  to=20
measure  the  firmament =E2=80=94 this  is  a  regal  highway,  and  it  is=
  the  only  road  worth=20
traveling.=20

So  in  regard  to  wealth.  Go  on  in  confidence,  study  the  rules,  a=
nd  above  all=20
things,  study  human  nature;  for  "the  proper  study  of  mankind  is  =
man,"  and=20
you  will  find  that  while  expanding  the  intellect  and  the  muscles,=
  your  enlarged=20
experience  will  enable  you  every  day  to  accumulate  more  and  more =
 principal,=20
=E2=80=A2vhich  will  increase  itself  by  interest  and  otherwise,*until=
  you  arrive  at  a  state  of=20
independence.  You  will  find,  as  a  general  thing,  that  the  poor  b=
oys  get  rich  and=20
the  rich  boys  get  poor.  For  instance,  a  rich  man  at  his  decease=
,  leaves  a  large=20
estate  to  his  family.  His  eldest  sons,  who  have  helped  him  earn =
 his  fortune,  know=20
by  experience  the  value  of  money,  and  they  take  their  inheritance=
  and  add  to  it.=20
The  separate  portions  of  the  young  children  are  placed  at  interes=
t,  and  the  little=20
fellows  are  patted  on  the  head,  and  told  a  dozen  times  a  day,  =
"  you  are  rich;  you=20
will  never  have  to  work,  you  can  always  have  whatever  you  wish, =
 for  you  were=20
born  with  a  golden  spoon  in  your  mouth."  The  young  heir  soon  fi=
nds  out  what=20
that  means;  he  has  the  finest  dresses  and  playthings;  he  is  cram=
med  with  sugar=20
candies  and  almost  "  killed  with  kindness,"  and  he  passes  from  s=
chool  to  school,=20


THE  ART  OF  MONEY-GETTING.  181=20

petted  and  flattered.  He  becomes  arrogant  and  self-conceited,  abuse=
s  his  teachers,=20
and  carries  everything  with  a  high  hand.  He  knows  nothing  of  the=
  real  value  of=20
money,  having  never  earned  any;  but  he  knows  all  about  the  "  go=
lden  spoon  "=20
business.  At  college,  he  invites  his  poor  fellow-students  to  his  =
room,  where  he=20
"  wines  and  dines  "  them.  He  is  cajoled  and  caressed,  and  calle=
d  a  glorious  good=20
fellow,  because  he  is  so  lavish  of  his  money.  He  gives  his  game=
  suppers,  drives  his=20
fast  horses,  invites  his  chums  to  fetes  and  parties,  determined  t=
o  have  lots  of=20
"good  times."  He  spends  the  night  in  frolics  and  debauchery,  and =
 leads  off  his=20
companions  with  the  familiar  song,  "  we  won't  go  home  till  morni=
ng."  He  gets=20
them  to  join  him  in  pulling  down  signs,  taking  gates  from  their =
 hinges  and  throw-=20
ing them  into  back  yards  and  horse-ponds.  If  the  police  arrest  th=
em,  he  knocks=20
them  down,  is  taken  to  the  lock-up,  and  joyfully  foots  the  bills=
.=20

"Ah!  my  boys,"  he  cries,  "what  is  the  use  of  being  rich,  if  yo=
u  can't  enjoy=20
yourself?"  t  =C2=AB=20

He  might  more  truly  say,  "if  you  cant  make  a  fool  of  yourself;"=
  but  he  is=20
"fast,"  hates  slow  things,  and  don't  "see  it."  Young  men  loaded  =
down  with=20
other  people's  money  are  almost  sure  to  lose  all  they  inherit,  a=
nd  they  acquire  all=20
sorts  of  bad  habits  which,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  ruin  them  =
in  health,  purse=20
and  character.  In  this  country,  one  generation  follows  another,  an=
d  the  poor  of=20
to-day  are  rich  in  the  next  generation,  or  the  third.  Their  expe=
rience  leads  them=20
on,  and  they  become  rich,  and  they  leave  vast  riches  to  their  y=
oung  children.=20
These  children,  having  been  reared  in  luxury,  are  inexperienced  an=
d  get  poor;=20
and  after  long  experience  another  generation  comes  on  and  gathers =
 up  riches=20
again  in  turn.  And  thus  "  history  repeats  itself,"  and  happy  is =
 he  who  by  listen-=20
ing to  the  experience  of  others  avoids  the  rocks  and  shoals  on  w=
hich  so  many=20
have  been  wrecked.=20

"In  England,  the  business  makes  the  man."  If  a  man  in  that  coun=
try  is  a=20
mechanic  or  working-man,  he  is  not  recognized  as  a  gentleman.  On =
 the  occasion=20
of  my  first  appearance  before  Queen  Victoria,  the  Duke  of  Welling=
ton  asked  me=20
what  sphere  in  life  General  Tom  Thumb's  parents  were  in.=20

"  His  father  is  a  carpenter,"  I  replied.=20

"  Oh!  I  had  heard  he  was  a  gentleman,"  was  the  response  of  His=
  Grace.=20

In  this  Republican  country,  the  man  makes  the  business.  No  matter=
  whether=20
he  is  a  blacksmith,  a  shoemaker,  a  farmer,  banker  or  lawyer,  so =
 long  as  his  busi-=20
ness is  legitimate,  he  may  be  a  gentleman.  So  any  "  legitimate  "=
  business  is  a=20
double  blessing =E2=80=94 it  helps  the  man  engaged  in  it,  and  also=
  helps  others.  The=20
farmer  supports  his  own  family,  but  he  also  benefits  the  merchant=
  or  mechanic=20
who  needs  the  products  of  his  farm.  The  tailor  not  only  makes  a=
  living  by  his=20
trade,  but  he  also  benefits  the  farmer,  the  clergyman  and  others =
 who  cannot=20
make  their  own  clothing.  But  all  these  classes  of  men  may  be  ge=
ntlemen.=20

The  great  ambition  should  be  to  excel  all  others  engaged  in  the =
 same  occupation.=20

The  college-student  who  was  about  graduating,  said  to  an  old  lawy=
er:=20

"I  have  not  yet  decided  which  prof ession  I  will  follow.  Is  your=
  profession=20
full?"=20

"  The  basement  is  much  crowded,  but  there  is  plenty  of  room  up-=
stairs,"  was=20
the  witty  and  truthful  reply.=20

No  profession,  trade,  or  calling,  is  overcrowded  in  the  upper  sto=
ry.  Wherever=20
you  find  the  most  honest  and  intelligent  merchant  or  banker,  or  =
the  best  lawyer,=20
the  best  doctor,  the  best  clergyman,  the  best  shoemaker,  carpenter=
,  or  anything=20
else,  that  man  is  most  sought  for,  and  has  always  enough  to  do.=
  As  a  nation,=20
Americans  are  too  superficial =E2=80=94 they  are  striving  to  get  ri=
ch  quickly,  and  do  not=20


182  THE  ART  OF  MONEY-GETTING.=20

generally  do  their  business  as  substantially  and  thoroughly  as  the=
y  should,  but=20
whoever  excels  all  others  in  bis  own  line,  if  his  habits  are  go=
od  and  his  integrity=20
undoubted,  cannot  fail  to  secure  abundant  patronage,  and  the  wealt=
h  that  natu-=20
rally follows.  Let  your  motto  then  always  be  "  Excelsior,"  for  by=
  living  up  to  it=20
there  is  no  such  word  as  fail=20

LEARN  SOMETHING  USEFUL. =E2=80=94 Every  man  should  make  his  son  or =
 daughter=20
learn  some  trade  or  profession,  so  that  in  these  days  of  changin=
g  fortunes =E2=80=94 of=20
being  rich  to-day  and  poor  to-morrow =E2=80=94 they  may  have  someth=
ing  tangible  to  fall=20
back  upon.  This  provision  might  save  many  persons  from  misery,  wh=
o  by  some=20
unexpected  turn  of  fortune  have  lost  all  their  means.=20

LET  HOPE  PREDOMINATE,  BUT  BE  NOT  TOO  VISIONARY. =E2=80=94 Many  pers=
ons  are=20
always  kept  poor,  because  they  are  too  visionary.  Every  project  l=
ooks  to  them=20
like  certain  success,  and  therefore  they  keep  changing  from  one  b=
usiness  to=20
anotfier,  always  in  hot  water,  always  "under  the  harrow."  The  pla=
n  of  "counfr-=20
ing  the  chickens  before  they  are  hatched  "  is  an  error  of  ancie=
nt  date,  but  it  does=20
not  seem  to  improve  by  age.=20

Do  NOT  SCATTER  YOUR  POWERS. =E2=80=94 Engage  in  one  kind  of  busine=
ss  only,  and=20
stick  to  it  faithfully  until  you  succeed,  or  until  your  experienc=
e  shows  that  you=20
should  abandon  it.  A  constant  hammering  on  one  nail  will  generall=
y  drive  it=20
home  at  last,  so  that  it  can  be  clinched.  When  a  man's  undivide=
d  attention  is=20
centered  on  one  object,  his  mind  will  constantly  be  suggesting  im=
provements  of=20
value,  which  would  escape  him  if  his  brain  was  occupied  by  a  do=
zen  different=20
subjects  at  once.  Many  a  fortune  has  slipped  through  a  man's  fin=
gers  because  he=20
was  engaged  in  too  many  occupations  at  a  time.  There  is  good  se=
nse  in  the  old=20
caution  against  having  too  many  irons  in  the  fire  at  once.=20

BE  SYSTEMATIC. =E2=80=94 Men  should  be  systematic  in  their  business.=
  A  person  who=20
does  business  by  rule,  having  a  time  and  place  for  everything,  d=
oing  his  work=20
promptly,  will  accomplish  twice  as  much  and  with  half  the  trouble=
  of  him  who=20
does  it  carelessly  and  slipshod.  By  introducing  system  into  all  y=
our  transac-=20
tions, doing  one  thing  at  a  time,  always  meeting  appointments  with=
  punctuality,=20
you  find  leisure  for  pastime  and  recreation;  whereas  the  man  who =
 only  half  does=20
one  thing,  and  then  turns  to  something  else,  and  half  does  that,=
  will  have  his=20
business  at  loose  ends,  and  will  never  know  when  his  day's  work =
 is  done,  for  it=20
never  will  be  done.  Of  course,  there  is  a  limit  to  all  these  r=
ules.  "We  must  try=20
to  preserve  the  happy  medium,  for  there  is  such  a  thing  as  bein=
g  too  systematic.=20
There  are  men  and  women,  for  instance,  who  put  away  things  so  c=
arefully  that=20
they  can  never  find  them  again.  It  is  too  much  like  the  "  red =
 tape"  formality=20
at  Washington,  and  Mr.  Dickens'  "Circumlocution  Office," =E2=80=94 al=
l  theory  and  no=20
result.=20

When  the  "  Astor  House  "  was  first  started  in  New  York  city,  i=
t  was  undoubt-=20
edly the  best  hotel  in  the  country.  The  proprietors  had  learned  a=
  good  deal  in=20
Europe  regarding  hotels,  and  the  landlords  were  proud  of  the  rigi=
d  system  which=20
pervaded  every  department  of  their  great  establishment.  When  twelve=
  o'clock=20
at  night  had  arrived,  and  there  were  a  number  of  guests  around, =
 one  of  the=20
proprietors  would  say,  "Touch  that  bell,  John;"  and  in  two  minute=
s  sixty  ser-=20
vants, with  a  water-bucket  in  each  hand,  would  present  themselves  =
in  the  hall.=20
"This,"  said  the  landlord,  addressing  his  guests,  "is  our  fire-bel=
l;  it  will  show=20
you  we,  are  quite  safe  here;  we  do  everything  systematically."  Th=
is  was  before=20
the  Croton  water  was  introduced  into  the  city.  But  they  sometimes=
  carried  their=20
system  too  far.  On  one  occasion,  when  the  hotel  was  thronged  wit=
h  guests,  one=20
of  the  waiters  was  suddenly  indisposed,  and  although  there  were  f=
ifty  waiters  in=20


THE  ART  OF    MONEY-GETTING.  183=20

the  hotel,  the  landlord  thought  he  must  have  his  full  complement,=
  or  bis  "sys-=20
tem "  would  be  interfered  with.  Just  before  dinner-time,  he  rushed=
  down  stairs=20
and  said.  "There  must  be  another  waiter,  I  am  one  waiter  short, =
 what  can  I  do?"=20
He  happened  to  see  " Boots,"  the  Irishman.  "Pat,"  said  he,  "  was=
h  your  hands=20
and  face:  take  that  white  apron  and  come  into  the  dining-room  in=
  five  minutes."=20
Presently  Pat  appeared  as  required,  and  the  proprietor  said:  "Now =
 Pat,  you=20
must  stand  behind  these  two  chairs,  and  wait  on  the  gentlemen  wh=
o  will  occupy=20
them;  did  you  ever  act  as  a  waiter? "=20
"  I  know  all  about  it,  sure,  but  I  never  did  it."=20

Lake  the  Irish  pilot,  on  one  occasion  when  the  captain,  thinking =
 he  was  consid-=20
erably out  of  his  course,  asked,  "Are  you  certain  you  understand  =
what  you  are=20
doing? "=20

Pat  replied,  "  Sure  and  I  knows  every  rock  in  the  channel."=20
That  moment,  "  bang  "  thumped  the  vessel  against  a  rock.=20
"  Ahl  be  jabers,  and  that  is  one  of  'em,"  continued  the  pilot. =
   But  to  return=20
to  the  dining-room.     "Pat,"  said  the  landlord,  "here  we  do  ever=
ything  syste-=20
matically.    You  must  first  give  the  gentlemen  each  a  plate  of  s=
oup,  and  when=20
they  finish  that,  ask  them  what  they  will  have  next."=20
Pat  replied,  "  Ahl  an'  I  understand  parfectiy  the  vartues  of  shy=
stem."=20
Very  soon  in  came  the  guests.     The  plates  of  soup  were  placed =
 before  them.=20
One  of  Pat's  two  gentlemen  ate  his  soup;  the  other  did  not  care=
  for  it.    He  said:=20
"Waiter,  take  this  plate  away  and  bring  me  some  fish."    Pat  loo=
ked  at  the1=20
untasted  plate  of  soup,  and  remembering  the  injunctions  of  the  la=
ndlord  in=20
regard  to  "system,"  replied:=20
"Not  till  ye  have  ate  yer  supe ! "=20

Of  course  that  was  carrying  "  system  "  entirely  too  far.=20

READ  THE  NEWSPAPERS. =E2=80=94 Always  take  a  trustworthy  newspaper,  =
and  thus=20
keep  thoroughly  posted  in  regard  to  the  transactions  of  the  world=
.  He  who  is=20
without  a  newspaper  is  cut  off  from  his  species.  In  these  days  =
of  telegraphs  and=20
steam,  many  important  inventions  and  improvements  in  every  branch  =
of  trade,=20
are  being  made,  and  he  who  don't  consult  the  newspapers  will  soo=
n  find  himself=20
and  his  business  left  out  hi  the  cold.=20

BEWARE  OF  "OUTSIDE  OPERATIONS." =E2=80=94 We  sometimes  see  men  who  =
have=20
obtained  f ortunes,  suddenly  become  poor.  In  many  cases,  this  aris=
es  from  intem-=20
perance, and  often  from  gaming,  and  other  bad  habits.  Frequently  i=
t  occurs=20
because  a  man  has  been  engaged  in  "outside  operations,"  of  some  =
sort.  When=20
he  gets  rich  in  his  legitimate  business,  he  is  told  of  a  grand =
 speculation  where  he=20
can  make  a  score  of  thousands.  He  is  constantly  flattered  by  his=
  friends,  who=20
tell  him  that  he  is  born  lucky,  that  everything  he  touches  turns=
  into  gold.  Now=20
if  he  forgets  that  his  economical  habits,  his  rectitude  of  conduc=
t  and  a  personal=20
attention  to  a  business  which  he  understood,  caused  his  success  h=
i  life,  he  will=20
listen  to  the  siren  voices.  He  says:=20

"  I  will  put  in  twenty  thousand  dollars.  I  have  been  lucky,  and=
  my  good  luck=20
will  soon  bring  me  back  sixty  thousand  dollars."=20

A  few  days  elapse  and  it  is  discovered  he  must  put  in  ten  thou=
sand  dollars=20
more;  soon  after  he  is  told  "it  is  all  right,"  but  certain  matt=
ers  not  foreseen,=20
require  an  advance  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  more,  which  will  br=
ing  him  a=20
rich  harvest;  but  before  the  time  comes  around  to  realize,  the  b=
ubble  bursts,  he=20
loses  all  he  is  possessed  of,  and  then  he  learns  what  he  ought =
 to  have  known  at=20
the  first,  that  however  successful  a  man  may  be  in  his  own  busi=
ness,  if  he  turns=20
from  that  and  engages  in  a  business  which  he  don't  understand,  h=
e  is  liko  Sam-=20


184  THE  ART  OF  MONEY-GETTING.=20

son  when  shorn  of  his  locks=E2=80=94 his  strength  has  departed,  an=
d  he  becomes  like=20
other  men.=20

If  a  man  has  plenty  of  money,  he  ought  to  invest  something  in  =
everything  that=20
appears  to  promise  success,  and  that  will  probably  benefit  mankind=
;  but  let  the=20
sums  thus  invested  be  moderate  in  amount,  and  never  let  a  man  f=
  oolishly  jeop-=20
ardize a  fortune  that  he  has  earned  in  a  legitimate  way,  by  inve=
sting  it  in  things=20
in  which  he  has  had  no  experience.=20

DON'T  INDORSE  WITHOUT  SECURITY. =E2=80=94 I  hold  that  no  man  ought =
 ever  to  indorse=20
a  note  or  become  security  for  any  man,  be  it  his  father  or  bro=
ther,  to  a  greater=20
extent  than  he  can  afford  to  lose  and  care  nothing  about,  withou=
t  taking  good=20
security.  Here  is  a  man  that  is  worth  twenty  thousand  dollars;  h=
e  is  doing=20
a  thriving  manufacturing  or  mercantile  trade;  you  are  retired  and =
 living  on=20
your  money;  he  comes  to  you  and  says:=20

"  You  are  aware  that  I  am  worth  twenty  thousand  dollars,  and  do=
n't  owe  a=20
dollar;  if  I  had  five  thousand  dollars  in  cash,  I  could  purchase=
  a  particular  lot  of=20
goods  and  double  my  money  in  a  couple  of  months;  will  you  indor=
se  my  note  for=20
that  amount? "=20

You  reflect  that  he  is  worth  twenty  thousand  dollars,  and  you  in=
cur  no  risk  by=20
indorsing  his  note;  you  like  to  accommodate  him,  and  you  lend  yo=
ur  name  with-=20
out taking  the  precaution  of  getting  security.  Shortly  after,  he  s=
hows  you  the=20
note  with  your  indorsement  canceled,  and  tells  you,  probably  truly=
,  "that  he=20
made  the  profit  that  he  expected  by  the  operation,"  you  reflect  =
that  you  have=20
done  a  good  action,  and  the  thought  makes  you  feel  happy.  By  an=
d  by,  the  same=20
thing  occurs  again  and  you  do  it  again;  you  have  already  fixed  =
the  impression=20
in  your  mind  that  it  is  perfectly  safe  to  indorse  his  notes  wit=
hout  security.=20

But  the  trouble  is,  this  man  is  getting  money  too  easily.  He  ha=
s  only  to  take=20
your  note  to  the  bank,  get  it  discounted  and  take  the  cash.  He =
 gets  money  for=20
the  time  being  without  effort;  without  inconvenience  to  himself.  N=
ow  mark  the=20
result.  He  sees  a  chance  for  speculation  outside  of  his  business.=
  A  temporary=20
investment  of  only  $10,000  is  required.  It  is  sure  to  come  back =
 before  a  note  at=20
the  bank  would  be  due.  He  places  a  note  for  that-amount  before  =
you.  You  sign=20
it  almost  mechanically.  Being  firmly  convinced  that  your  friend  is=
  responsible=20
and  trustworthy,  you  indorse  his  notes  as  a  "matter  of  course."=
=20

Unfortunately  the  speculation  does  not  come  to  a  head  quite  so  s=
oon  as  was=20
expected,  and  another  $10,000  note  must  be  discounted  to  take  up =
 the  last  one=20
when  due.  Before  this  note  matures  the  speculation  has  proved  an =
 utter  failure=20
and  all  the  money  is  lost.  Does  the  loser  tell  his  friend,  the =
 indorser,  that  he  has=20
lost  half  of  his  fortune?  Not  at  alL  He  don't  even  mention  that=
  he  has  specu-=20
lated at  all  But  he  has  got  excited;  the  spirit  of  speculation  h=
as  seized  him;  he=20
sees  others  making  large  sums  in  this  way  (we  seldom  hear  of  th=
e  losers),  and,  like=20
other  speculators,  he  "looks  for  his  money  where  he  loses  it."  H=
e  tries  again.=20
Indorsing  notes  has  become  chronic  with  you,  and  at  every  loss  h=
e  gets  your=20
signature  for  whatever  amount  he  wants.  Finally  you  discover  your =
 friend  has=20
lost  all  of  his  property  and  all  of  yours.  You  are  overwhelmed  =
with  astonish-=20
ment and  grief,  and  you  say  "  it  is  a  hard  thing;  my  friend  he=
re  has  ruined  me,"=20
but,  you  should  add,  "  I  have  also  ruined  him."  If  you  had  sai=
d  in  the  first  place,=20
"  I  will  accommodate  you,  but  I  never  indorse  without  taking  amp=
le  security,"=20
he  could  not  have  gone  beyond  the  length  of  his  tether,  and  he =
 would  never  have=20
been  tempted  away  from  his  legitimate  business.  It  is  a  very  dan=
gerous  thing,=20
therefore,  at  any  time,  to  let  people  get  possession  of  money  to=
o  easily;  it  tempts=20
them  to  hazardous  speculations,  if  nothing  more.  Solomon  truly  sai=
d  "he  that=20
hateth  suretiship  is  sure."=20


THE  ART  OF  MONEY-GETTING.  185=20

So  with  the  young  man  starting  in  business ;  let  him  understand  =
the  value  of=20
money  by  earning  it.  When  he  does  understand  its  value,  then  gre=
ase  the  wheels=20
a  little  in  helping  him  to  start  business,  but  remember,  men  who=
  get  money  with=20
too  great  facility,  cannot  usually  succeed.  You  must  get  the  firs=
t  dollars  by  hard=20
knocks,  and  at  some  sacrifice,  in  order  to  appreciate  the  value  =
of  those  dollars.=20

ADVERTISE  YOUR  BUSINESS. =E2=80=94 We  all  depend,  more  or  less,  upo=
n  the  public  for=20
our  support.  We  all  trade  with  the  public =E2=80=94 lawyers,  doctor=
s,  shoemakers,  artists,=20
blacksmiths,  showmen,  opera  singers,  railroad  presidents,  and  colleg=
e  professors.=20
Those  who  deal  with  the  public  must  be  careful  that  their  goods =
 are  valuable;=20
that  they  are  genuine,  and  will  give  satisfaction.  When  you  get  =
an  article  which=20
you  know  is  going  to  please  your  customers,  and  that  when  they  =
nave  tried  it,=20
they  will  feel  they  have  got  their  money's  worth,  then  let  the  =
fact  be  known  that=20
you  have  got  it.  Be  careful  to  advertise  it  in  some  shape  or  o=
ther,  because  it  is=20
evident  that  if  a  man  has  ever  so  good  an  article  for  sale,  an=
d  nobody  knows  it,=20
it  will  bring  him  no  return.  In  a  country  like  this,  where  near=
ly  everybody=20
reads,  and  where  newspapers  are  issued  and  circulated  in  editions =
 of  five  thousand=20
to  two  hundred  thousand,  it  would  be  very  unwise  if  this  channel=
  was  not  taken=20
advantage  of  to  reach  the  public  in  advertising.  A  newspaper  goes=
  into  the=20
family,  and  is  read  by  wife  and  children,  as  well  as  the  head  =
of  the  house;  hence=20
hundreds  and  thousands  of  people  may  read  your  advertisement,  whil=
e  you  are=20
attending  to  your  routine  business.  Many,  perhaps,  read  it  while  =
you  are  asleep.=20
The  whole  philosophy  of  life  is,  first  "sow,"  then  "  reap."  That=
  is  the  way  the=20
farmer  does;  he  plants  his  potatoes  and  corn,  and  sows  his* grain=
,  and  then  goes=20
about  something  else,  and  the  time  comes  when  he  reaps.  But  he  =
never  reaps=20
first  and  sows  af  terwards.  This  principle  applies  to  all  kinds  =
of  business,  and  to=20
nothing  more  eminently  than  to  advertising.  If  a  man  has  a  genui=
ne  article,=20
there  is  no  way  in  which  he  can  reap  more  advantageously  than  b=
y  "sowing"  to=20
the  public  in  this  way.  He  must,  of  course,  have  a  really  good =
 article,  and  one=20
which  will  please  his  customers;  anything  spurious  will  not  succee=
d  permanently,=20
because  the  public  is  wiser  than  many  imagine.  Men  and  women  are=
  selfish,  and=20
we  all  prefer  purchasing  where  we  can  get  the  most  for  our  mone=
y;  and  we  try=20
to  find  out  where  we  can  most  surely  do  so.=20

You  may  advertise  a  spurious  article,  and  induce  many  people  to  =
call  and  buy=20
it  once,  but  they  will  denounce  you  as  an  impostor  and  swindler,=
  and  your=20
business  will  gradually  die  out  and  leave  you  poor.  This  is  righ=
t.  Pew  people=20
can  safely  depend  upon  chance  custom.  You  all  need  to  have  your =
 customers=20
return  and  purchase  again.  A  man  said  to  me,  "  I  have  tried  ad=
vertising  and=20
did  not  succeed;  yet  I  have  a  good  article."=20

I  replied,  "  My  friend,  there  may  be  exceptions  to  a  general  ru=
le.  But  how  do=20
you  advertise?"=20

"  I  put  it  in  a  weekly  newspaper  tnree  times,  and  paid  a  dolla=
r  and  a  half  for  it."=20

I  replied:  "  Sir,  advertising  is  like  learning =E2=80=94 '  a  littl=
e  is  a  dangerous  thing  I' "=20

A  French  writer  says  that  "  The  reader  of  a  newspaper  does  not =
 see  the  first=20
insertion  of  an  ordinary  advertisement;  the  second  insertion  he  se=
es,  but  does  not=20
read;  the  third  insertion  he  reads;  the  fourth  insertion,  he  look=
s  at  the  price;  the=20
fifth  insertion,  he  speaks  of  it  to  his  wife;  the  sixth  insertio=
n,  he  is  ready  to  pur-=20
chase, and  the  seventh  insertion,  he  purchases."  Your  object  in  ad=
vertising  is  to=20
make  the  public  understand  what  you  have  got  to  sell,  and  if  yo=
u  have  not  the=20
pluck  to  keep  advertising,  until  you  have  imparted  that  informatio=
n,  all  the=20
money  you  have  spent  is  lost.  You  are  like  the  fellow  who  told =
 the  gentleman  if=20
he  would  give  him  ten  cents  it  would  save  him  a  dollar.  "  How =
 can  I  help  you=20


186  THE  ART  OF  MCXNEY-GETTINQ.=20

so  much  with  so  small  a  sum? "  asked  the  gentleman  in  surprise. =
 "  1  started  out=20
this  morning  (hiccupped  the  fellow)  with  the  full  determination  to=
  get  drunk,  and=20
I  have  spent  my  only  dollar  to  accomplish  the  object,  and  it  ha=
s  not  quite  done=20
it.  Ten  cents  worth  more  of  whisky  would  just  do  it,  and  in  th=
is  manner  I  should=20
save  the  dollar  already  expended."=20

So  a  man  who  advertises  at  all  must  keep  it  up  until  the  publi=
c  know  who  and=20
what  he  is,  and  what  his  business  is,  or  else  the  money  investe=
d  in  advertising  is=20
lost.=20

Some  men  have  a  peculiar  genius  for  writing  a  striking  advertisem=
ent,  one  that=20
will  arrest  the  attention  of  the  reader  at  first  sight.  This  tac=
t,  of  course,  gives=20
the  advertiser  a  great  advantage.  Sometimes  a  man  makes  himself  p=
opular  by=20
an  unique  sign  or  a  curious  display  in  his  window.  Recently  I  o=
bserved  a  swing=20
sign  extending  over  the  sidewalk  in  front  of  a  store,  on  which  =
was  the  inscription=20
in  plain  letters,=20

"DON'T  READ  THE  OTHER  SIDE."=20

Of  course  I  did,  and  so  did  everybody  else,  and  I  learned  that =
 the  man  had=20
made  an  independence  by  first  attracting  the  public  to  his  busine=
ss  in  that  way=20
and  then  using  his  customers  well  afterwards.=20

Genin,  the  hatter,  bought  the  first  Jenny  Land  ticket  at  auction =
 for  two  hundred=20
and  twenty-five  dollars,  because  he  knew  it  would  be  a  good  adve=
rtisement  for=20
him,  "Who  is  the  bidder?"  said  the  auctioneer,  as  he  knocked  dow=
n  that  ticket=20
at  Castle  Garden.  "43=C2=ABnin,  the  hatter,"  was  the  response.  Her=
e  were  thousands=20
of  people  from  the  Fifth  avenue,  and  from  distant  cities  in  the =
 highest  stations=20
in  life.  "Who  is  'Genin,'  the  hatter?"  they  exclaimed.  They  had  =
never  heard=20
of  him  before.  The  next  morning  the  newspapers  and  telegraph  had =
 circulated=20
the  facts  from  Maine  to  Texas,  and  from  five  to  ten  millions  of=
  people  had  read  that=20
the  tickets  sold  at  auction  for  Jenny  Lind's  first  concert  amount=
ed  to  about  twenty=20
thousand  dollars,  and  that  a  single  ticket  was  sold  at  two  hundr=
ed  and  twenty-five=20
dollars,  to  "Genin,  the  hatter."  Men  throughout  the  country  involu=
ntarily  took=20
off  their  hats  to  see  if  they  had  a  "Genin"  hat  on  their  heads=
.  At  a  town  in=20
Iowa  it  was  found  that  in  the  crowd  around  the  post-office,  ther=
e  was  one  man=20
who  had  a  "  Genin  "  hat,  and  he  showed  it  in  triumph,  although=
  it  was  worn  out=20
and  not  worth  two  cents.  "Why,"  one  man  exclaimed,  "you  have  a  =
real=20
'Genin'  hat;  what  a  lucky  fellow  you  are."  Another  man  said,  "Ha=
ng  on  to=20
that  hat,  it  will  be  a  valuable  heir-loom  in  your  family."  Still=
  another  man  in=20
the  crowd,  who  seemed  to  envy  the  possessor  of  this  good  fortune=
,  said,  "  Come,=20
give  us  all  a  chance ;  put  it  up  at  auction ! "  He  did  so,  and=
  it  was  sold  as  a  keep-=20
sake for  nine  dollars  and  fifty  cents?  What  was  the  consequence  t=
o  Mr.  Genin'=20
He  sold  ten  thousand  extra  hats  per  annum,  the  first  six  years. =
 Nine-tenths  of=20
the  purchasers  bought  of  him,  probably,  out  of  curiosity,  and  man=
y  of  them,=20
finding  that  he  gave  them  an  equivalent  for  their  money,  became  =
his  regular=20
customers.  This  novel  advertisement  first  struck  their  attention,  a=
nd  then,  as  he=20
made  a  good  article,  they  came  again.=20

Now,  I  don't  say  that  everbody  should  advertise  as  Mr.  Genin  did=
.  But  I  say=20
if  a  man  has  got  goods  for  sale,  and  he  don't  advertise  them  i=
n  some  way,  the=20
chances  are  that  some  day  the  sheriff  will  do  it  for  him.  Nor  =
do  I  say  that=20
everybody  must  advertise  in  a  newspaper,  or  indeed  use  "printers' =
 ink"  at  alL=20
On  the  contrary,  although  that  article  is  indispensable  in  the  ma=
jority  of  cases,=20
yet  doctors  and  clergymen,  and  sometimes  lawyers  and  some  others, =
 can  more=20
effectually  reach  the  public  in  some  other  manner.  But  it  is  obv=
ious,  they  must=20
be  known  in  some  way,  else  how  could  they  be  supported?=20


THE  ART  OP  MONEY-GETTING.  187=20

BE  POLITE  AND  KIND  To  YOUR  CUSTOMERS. =E2=80=94 Politeness  and  civi=
lity  are  the=20
best  capital  ever  invested  in  business.  Large  stores,  gilt  signs, =
 flaming  adver-=20
tisements, will  all  prove  unavailing  if  you  or  your  employees  trea=
t  your  patrons=20
abruptly.  The  truth  is,  the  more  kind  and  liberal  a  man  is,  the=
  more  generous=20
will  be  the  patronage  bestowed  upon  him.  "  Lake  begets  like."  Th=
e  man  who=20
gives  the  greatest  amount  of  goods  of  a  corresponding  quality  for=
  the  least  sum=20
(still  reserving  to  himself  a  profit)  will  generally  succeed  best =
 in  the  long  run.=20
This  brings  us  to  the  golden  rule,  "  As  ye  would  that  men  shou=
ld  do  to  you,  do=20
ye  also  to  them,"  and  they  will  do  better  by  you  than  if  you  =
always  treated  them=20
as  if  you  wanted  to  get  the  most  you  could  out  of  them  for  th=
e  least  return.=20
Men  who  drive  sharp  bargains  with  their  customers,  acting  as  if  =
they  never=20
expected  to  see  them  again,  will  not  be  mistaken.  They  never  wil=
l  see  them  again=20
as  customers.  People  don't  like  to  pay  and  get  kicked  also.=20

One  of  the  ushers  in  my  Museum  once  told  me  he  intended  to  whi=
p  a  man  who=20
was  in  the  lecture-room  as  soon  as  he  came  out.=20
"What  for?"  I  inquired.=20

"  Because  he  said  I  was  no  gentleman,"  replied  the  usher.=20
"  Never  mind,"  I  replied,  "  he  pays  for  that,  and  you  will  not=
  convince  him  you=20
are  a  gentleman  by  whipping  him.  I  cannot  afford  to  lose  a  cust=
omer.  If  you=20
whip  him,  he  will  never  visit  the  Museum  again,  and  he  will  ind=
uce  friends  to  go=20
with  him  to  other  places  of  amusement  instead  of  this,  and  thus,=
  you  see,  I  should=20
be  a  serious  loser."=20

"  But  he  insulted  me,"  muttered  the  usher.=20

"Exactly,"  I  replied,  "and  if  he  owned  the  Museum,  and  you  had  =
paid  him=20
for  the  privilege  of  visiting  it,  and  he  had  then  insulted  you, =
 there  might  be  some=20
reason  in  your  resenting  it,  but  in  this  instance  he  is  the  man=
  who  pays,  while  we=20
receive,  and  you  must,  therefore,  put  up  with  his  bad  manners."=
=20

My  usher  laughingly  remarked,  that  this  was  undoubtedly  the  true  =
policy,  but=20
he  added  that  he  should  not  object  to  an  increase  of  salary  if =
 he  was  expected  to=20
be  abused  hi  order  to  promote  my  interests.=20

BE  CHARITABLE. =E2=80=94 Of  course  men  should  be  charitable,  because=
  it  is  a  duty  and=20
a  pleasure.  But  even  as  a  matter  of  policy,  if  you  possess  no  =
higher  incentive,=20
you  will  find  that  the  liberal  man  will  command  patronage,  while =
 the  sordid,=20
uncharitable  miser  will  be  avoided.=20

Solomon  says:  "  There  is  that  scattereth  and  yet  increaseth;  and =
 there  is  that=20
withholdeth  more  than  meet,  but  it  tendeth  to  poverty."  Of  course=
  the  only=20
true  charity  is  that  which  is  from  the  heart.=20

The  best  kind  of  charity  is  to  help  those  who  are  willing  to  h=
elp  themselves.=20
Promiscuous  almsgiving,  without  inquiring  into  the  worthiness  of  th=
e  applicant,=20
is  bad  in  every  sense.  But  to  search  out  and  quietly  assist  tho=
se  who  are  strug-=20
gling for  themselves,  is  the  kind  that  "  scattereth  and  yet  incre=
aseth."  But  don't=20
fall  into  the  idea  that  some  persons  practice,  of  giving  a  praye=
r  instead  of  a=20
potato,  and  a  benediction  instead  of  bread,  to  the  hungry.  It  is=
  easier  to  make=20
Christians  with  full  stomachs  than  empty.=20

DON'T  BLAB. =E2=80=94 Some  men  have  a  foolish  habit  of  telling  the=
n*  business  secrets.=20
If  they  make  money  they  like  to  tell  their  neighbors  how  it  was=
  done.  Nothing=20
is  gained  by  this,  and  ofttimes  much  is  lost.  Say  nothing  about =
 your  profits,=20
your  hopes,  your  expectations,  your  intentions.  And  this  should  ap=
ply  to  letters  as=20
well  as  to  conversation.  Goethe  makes  Mephistophiles  say:  "  never =
 write  a  letter=20
uor  destroy  one."  Business  men  must  write  letters,  but  they  shoul=
d  be  careful=20


188  THE   ART  OF   MONEY-GETTING.=20

what  they  put  in  them.    If  you  are  losing  money,  be  specially  =
cautious  and  not=20
tell  of  it,  or  you  will  lose  your  reputation.=20

PRESERVE  TOUR  INTEGRITY. =E2=80=94 It  is  more  precious  than  diamonds=
  or  rubies.=20
The  old  miser  said  to  his  sons:  "  (Jet  money;  get  it  honestly, =
 if  you  can,  but  get=20
money."  This  advice  was  not  only  atrociously  wicked,  but  it  was  =
the  very=20
essence  of  stupidity.  It  was  as  much  as  to  say,  "  if  you  find =
 it  difficult  to  obtain=20
money  honestly,  you  can  easily  get  it  dishonestly.  Get  it  in  tha=
t  way. "  Poor  fool  I=20
Not  to  know  that  the  most  difficult  thing  in  life  is  to  make  m=
oney  dishonestly!=20
not  to  know  that  our  prisons  are  full  of  men  who  attempted  to  =
follow  this  advice;=20
not  to  understand  that  no  man  can  be  dishonest,  without  soon  bei=
ng  found  out,=20
and  that  when  his  lack  of  principle  is  discovered,  nearly  every  =
avenue  to  success=20
is  closed  against  him  forever.  The  public  very  properly  shun  all =
 whose  integrity=20
is  doubted.  No  matter  how  polite  and  pleasant  and  accommodating  a=
  man  may=20
be,  none  of  us  dare  to  deal  with  him  if  we  suspect  "false  weig=
hts  and  measures."=20
Strict  honesty,  not  only  lies  at  the  foundation  of  all  success  i=
n  life  (financially),=20
but  in  every  other  respect.  Uncompromising  integrity  of  character  =
in  invalua-=20
ble. It  secures  to  its  possessor  a  peace  and  joy  which  cannot  be=
  attained  without=20
it =E2=80=94 which  no  amount  of  money,  or  houses  and  lands  can  pu=
rchase.  A  man  who  is=20
known  to  be  strictly  honest,  may  be  ever  so  poor,  but  he  has  t=
he  purses  of  all  the=20
community  at  his  disposal =E2=80=94 for  all  know  that  if  he  promis=
es  to  return  what  he=20
borrows,  he  will  never  disappoint  them.  As  a  mere  matter  of  self=
ishness,  there-=20
fore, if  a  man  had  no  higher  motive  for  being  honest,  all  will  =
find  that  the=20
maxim  of  Dr.  Franklin  can  never  fail  to  be  true,  that  "  honesty=
  is  the  best=20
policy."=20

To  get  rich,  is  not  always  equivalent  to  being  successful.  "There=
  are  many=20
rich  poor  men,"  while  there  are  many  others,  honest  and  devout  m=
en  and  women,=20
who  have  never  possessed  so  much  money  as  some  rich  persons  squa=
nder  in  a=20
week,  but  who  are  nevertheless  really  richer  and  happier  than  any=
  man  can  ever=20
be  while  he  is  a  transgressor  of  the  higher  laws  of  his  being.=
=20

The  inordinate  love  of  money,  no  doubt,  may  be  and  is  "the  root=
  of  all  evil,"=20
but  money  itself,  when  properly  used,  is  not  only  a  "  handy  thi=
ng  to  have  in  the=20
house,"  but  affords  the  gratification  of  blessing  our  race  by  ena=
bling  its  possessor=20
to  enlarge  the  scope  of  human  happiness  and  human  influence.  The =
 desire  for=20
wealth  is  nearly  universal,  and  none  can  say  it  is  not  laudable,=
  provided  the  pos-=20
sessor of  it  accepts  its  responsibilities,  and  uses  it  as  a  frien=
d  to  humanity.=20

The  history  of  money-getting,  which  is  commerce,  is  a  history  of =
 civilization,=20
and  wherever  trade  has  flourished  most,  there,  too,  have  art  and =
 science  produced=20
the  noblest  fruits.  In  fact,  as  a  general  thing,  money-getters  ar=
e  the  benefactors=20
of  our  race.  To  them,  in  a  great  measure,  are  we  indebted  for  =
our  institutions  of=20
learning  and  of  art,  our  academies,  colleges  and  churches.  It  is =
 no  argument=20
against  the  desire  for,  or  the  possession  of,  wealth,  to  say  tha=
t  there  are  some-=20
times misers  who  hoard  money  only  for  the  sake  of  hoarding,  and  =
who  have  no=20
higher  aspiration  than  to  grasp  everything  which  comes  within  thei=
r  reach.  As=20
we  have  sometimes  hypocrites  in  religion,  and  demagogues  in  politi=
cs,  so  there=20
are  occasionally  misers  among  money-getters.  These,  however,  are  on=
ly  excep-=20
tions to  the  general  rule.  But  when,  in  this  country,  we  find  su=
ch  a  nuisance=20
and  stumbling  block  as  a  miser,  we  remember  with  gratitude  that  =
in  America=20
we  have  no  laws  of  primogeniture,  and  that  in  the  due  course  of=
  nature  the  time=20
will  come  when  the  hoarded  dust  will  be  scattered  for  the  benefi=
t  of  mankind.=20
To  all  men  and  women,  therefore,  do  I  conscientiously  say,  make  =
money  honestly,=20
and  not  otherwise,  for  Shakespeare  has  truly  said,  "  He  that  wan=
ts  money,  means=20
and  content,  is  without  three  good  friends."=20


THE  ART  OF  MONEY-GETTING.  189=20

Nearly  every  paper  In  London  had  something  to  say  about  my  lectu=
re,  and  in=20
almost  every  instance  the  matter  and  manner  of  the  lecturer  were =
 unqualifiedly=20
approved.  Indeed,  the  profusion  of  praise  quite  overwhelmed  me.  Th=
e  London=20
Times,  December  30,  1858,  concluded  a  half -column  criticism  with  =
the  following=20
paragraph:=20

"  We  are  bound  to  admit  that  Mr.  Burnum  is  one  of  the  most  en=
tertaining  lecturers=20
tuat  ever  addressed  an  audience  on  a  theme  universally  intelligibl=
e.  The  appearance  of=20
Mr.  Barnnm,  it  should  be  added,  has  nothing  of  the  '  charlatan  =
'  about  it,  but  is  that  of  the=20
thoroughly  respectable  man  of  business;  and  he  has  at  command  a  =
fund  of  dry  humor  that=20
convulses  everybody  with  lauehter,  while  he  himself  remains  perfect=
ly  serious.  A  sonor-=20
ous voice  and  an  admirably  clear  delivery  complete  his  qualificatio=
ns  as  a  lecturer,  in  which=20
capacity  he  is  no  'humbug,'  either  in  a  higher  or  lower  sense  o=
f  the  word."=20

The  London  Morning  Post,  the  Advertiser,  the  Chronicle,  the  Telegr=
aph,  the=20
Herald,  the  Neivs,  the  Globe,  the  Sun,  and  other  lesser  journals =
 of  the  same  date,=20
all  contained  lengthy  and  favorable  notices  and  criticisms  of  my  =
lecture.  My=20
own  lavish  advertisements  were  as  nothing  to  the  notoriety  which  =
the  London=20
newspapers  voluntarily  and  editorially  gave  to  my  new  enterprise.  =
The  weekly=20
and  literary  papers  followed  in  the  train;  and  even  Punch,  which =
 had  already=20
done  so  much  to  keep  Tom  Thumb  before  the  public,  gave  me  a  ha=
lf -page  notice,=20
with  an  illustration,  and  thereafter  favored  me  with  frequent  para=
graphs.  The=20
city  thus  prepared  the  provinces  to  give  me  a  cordial  reception.=
=20

During  the  year  1859,  I  delivered  this  lecture  nearly  one  hundred=
  times  in  dif-=20
ferent parts  of  England,  returning  occasionally  to  London  to  repeat=
  it  to  fresh=20
audiences,  and  always  with  pecuniary  success.  Every  provincial  pape=
r  had=20
something  to  say  about  Barnum  and  "  The  Art  of  Money-Getting,"  a=
nd  I  was=20
never  more  pleasantly  or  profusely  advertised.  The  tour,  too,  made=
  me=20
acquainted  with  many  new  people  and  added  fresh  and  fast  friends =
 to  my=20
continually  increasing  list.  My  lecturing  season  is  among  my  most =
 grateful=20
memories  of  England.=20

Remembering  my  experiences,  some  years  before,  with  General  Tom  Th=
umb  at=20
Oxford  and  Cambridge,  and  the  fondness  of  the  under-graduates  for =
 practical=20
joking,  I  was  quite  prepared  when  I  made  up  my  mind  to  visit  t=
hose  two  cities,=20
to  take  any  quantity  of  "chaff"  and  lampooning  which  the  Universi=
ty  boys=20
might  choose  to  bring.  I  was  sure  of  a  full  house  in  each  city=
,  and  as  I  was=20
anxious  to  earn  all  the  money  I  could,  so  as  to  hasten  my  deli=
verance  from  finan-=20
cial difficulties,  I  fully  resolved  to  put  up  with  whatever  offere=
d =E2=80=94 indeed  I  rather=20
liked  the  idea  of  an  episode  in  the  steady  run  of  praise  which =
 had  followed  my=20
lecture  everywhere,  and  I  felt  too,  in  the  coming  encounter,  that=
  I  might  give=20
quite  as  much  as  I  was  compelled  to  take.=20

I  commenced  at  Cambridge,  and,  as  I  expected,  to  an  overflowing  =
house,=20
largely  composed  of  under-graduates.  Soon  after  I  began  to  speak, =
 one  of  the=20
young  men  called  out:  "  Where  is  Joice  Heth? "  to  which  I  very =
 coolly  replied:=20

"Young  gentleman,  please  to  restrain  yourself  till  the  conclusion  =
of  the=20
lecture,  when  I  shall  take  great  delight  in  affording  you,  or  an=
y  others  of  her=20
posterity,  all  the  information  I  possess  concerning  your  deceased  =
relative."=20

This  reply  turned  the  laugh  against  the  youthful  and  anxious  inqu=
irer  and  had=20
the  effect  of  keeping  other  students  quiet  for  a  half  hour.  Ther=
eafter,  questions=20
of  a  similar  character  were  occasionally  propounded,  but  as  each  =
inquirer  gen-=20
erally received  a  prompt  Roland  for  his  Oliver,  there  was  far  les=
s  interruption=20
than  I  had  anticipated.  The  proceeds  of  the  evening  were  more  th=
an  one  hun-=20
dred pounds  sterling,  an  important  addition  to  my  treasury  at  that=
  time.  At  the=20


190  THE   ART   OF   MONEY-GETTING.=20

dose  of  the  lecture,  several  students  invited  me  to  a  sumptuous  =
supper  where  I=20
met,  among  other  under-graduates,  a  nephew  of  Lord  Macaulay,  the  =
historian.=20
This  young  gentleman  insisted  upon  my  breakfasting  with  him  at  hi=
s  rooms  next=20
morning,  but  as  I  was  anxious  to  take  an  early  train  for  London=
,  I  only  called  to=20
leave  my  card,  and  after  his  "  gyp "  had  given  me  a  strong  cup=
  of  coffee,  I  has-=20
tened away,  leaving  the  young  Macaulay,  whom  I  did  not  wish  to  d=
isturb,  fast=20
asleep  in  bed.=20

At  Oxford  the  large  hall  was  filled  half  an  hour  before  the  tim=
e  announced  for=20
the  lecture  to  begin,  and  the  sale  of  tickets  was  stopped.  I  th=
en  stepped  upon=20
the  platform,  and  said:  "  Ladies  and  gentlemen:  As  every  seat  is=
  occupied  and=20
the  ticket-office  is  closed,  I  propose  to  proceed  with  my  lecture=
  now,  and  not  keep=20
you  waiting  till  the  advertised  hour."=20

"Good  for  you,  old  Barnum,"  said  one;  "Time  is  money,"  said  anot=
her;=20
"  Nothing  like  economy,"  came  from  a  third,  and  other  remarks  an=
d  exclama-=20
tions followed,  which  excited  much  laughter  in  the  audience.  Holdin=
g  up  my=20
hand  as  a  signal  that  I  was  anxious  to  say  something  so  soon  a=
s  silence  should  be=20
restored,  I  thus  addressed  my  audience:=20

"  Young  gentlemen,  I  have  a  word  or  two  to  say,  in  order  that =
 we  may  have  a=20
thorough  understanding  between  ourselves  at  the  outset.  I  see  symp=
toms  of  a=20
pretty  jolly  time  here  this  evening,  and  you  have  paid  me  libera=
lly  for  the  single=20
hour  of  my  time  which  is  at  your  service.  I  am  an  old  traveler=
  and  an  old  show-=20
man, and  I  like  to  please  my  patrons.  Now,  it  is  quite  immateria=
l  to  me ;  you  may=20
furnish  the  entertainment  for  the  hour,  or  I  will  endeavor  to  do=
  so,  or  we  will=20
take  portions  of  the  time  by  turns =E2=80=94 you  supplying  a  part =
 of  the  amusement,  and=20
I  a  part =E2=80=94 as  we  say  sometimes  in  America,  '  you  pays  yo=
ur  money,  and  you  takes=20
your  choice.' "=20

My  auditors  were  in  the  best  of  humor  from  the  beginning,  and  m=
y  frankness=20
pleased  them.  "  Good  for  you,  old  Barnum,"  cried  their  leader;  a=
nd  I  went  on=20
with  my  lecture  for  some  fifteen  minutes,  when  a  voice  called  ou=
t:=20

"Come,  old  chap!  you  must  be  tired  by  this  time;  hold  up  now  t=
ill  we  sing=20
'  Yankee  Doodle, ' "  whereupon  they  all  joined  in  that  pleasing  a=
ir  with  a  vigor=20
which  showed  that  they  had  thoroughly  prepared  themselves  for  the =
 occasion,=20
and  meanwhile  I  took  a  chair  and  sat  down  to  show  them  that  I =
 was  quite  satis-=20
fied with  their  manner  of  passing  the  time.  When  the  song  was  co=
ncluded,  the=20
leader  of  the  party  said:  "  Now,  Mr.  Barnum,  you  may  go  ahead  =
again."=20

I  looked  at  my  watch  and  quietly  remarked,  "Oh!  there  is  time  f=
or  lots  of  fun=20
yet;  we  have  nearly  forty  minutes  of  the  hour  remaining,"  and  I =
 proceeded  with=20
my  lecture,  or  rather  a  lecture,  for  I  began  to  adapt  my  remark=
s  to  the  audience=20
and  the  occasion.  At  intervals  of  ten  minutes,  or  so,  came  inter=
ruptions  which=20
I,  as  my  audience  saw,  fully  enjoyed  as  much  as  the  house  did. =
 When  this=20
miscellaneous  entertainment  was  concluded,  and  I  stopped  short  at  =
the  end  of  the=20
hour,  crowds  of  the  young  men  pressed  forward  to  shake  hands  wit=
h  me,  declar-=20
ing that  they  had  had  a  "  jolly  good  time,"  while  the  leader  sa=
id:  "  Stay  with  us=20
a  week,  Barnum,  and  we  will  dine  you,  wine  you,  and  give  you  f=
ull  houses  every=20
night."  But  I  was  announced  to  lecture  in  London  the  next  evenin=
g,  and  I  could=20
not  accept  the  pressing  invitation,  though  I  would  gladly  have  st=
ayed  through  the=20
week.  They  asked  me  all  sorts  of  questions  about  America,  the  Mu=
seum,  my=20
various  shows  and  successes,  and  expressed  the  hope  that  I  would =
 come  out  of=20
my  clock  troubles  all  right.=20

At  least  a  score  of  them  pressed  me  to  breakfast  with  them  next=
  morning,=20
but  I  declined,  till  one  young  gentleman  put  it  on  this  purely  =
personal  ground:=20


THE   ART   OF   MONEY-GETTING.  191=20

"My  dear  sir,  you  must  breakfast  with  me;  I  have  almost  split  m=
y  throat  in=20
screaming  here  to-night,  and  it  is  only  fair  that  you  should  rep=
ay  me  by  coming=20
to  see  me  in  the  morning."  This  appeal  was  irresistible,  and  at =
 the  appointed=20
time  I  met  him  and  half  a  dozen  of  his  friends  at  his  table,  =
and  we  spent  a  very=20
pleasant  hour  together.  They  complimented  me  on  the  tact  and  equa=
nimity  I=20
had  exhibited  the  previous  evening,  but  I  replied:  "Oh!  I  was  qu=
ite  inclined  to=20
have  you  enjoy  your  fun  and  came  fully  prepared  for  it."=20

But  they  liked  better,  they  said,  to  get  the  party  angry.  A  for=
tnight  before,=20
they  told  me,  my  friend  Howard  Paul  had  left  them  in  disgust,  b=
ecause  they=20
insisted  upon  smoking  while  his  wife  was  on  the  stage,  adding  th=
at  the  entertain-=20
ment was  excellent,  and  that  Howard  Paul  could  have  made  a  thousa=
nd  pounds  if=20
he  had  not  let  his  anger  drive  Him  away.  My  new-found  friends  p=
arted  with  me=20
at  the  railway  station,  heartily  urging  me  to  come  again,  and  my=
  ticket-seller=20
returned  =C2=A3169  as  the  immediate  result  of  an  evening's  good-na=
tured  fun  with  the=20
Oxford  boys.=20

After  delivering  my  lecture  many  times  in  different  places,  a  pro=
minent  pub-=20
lishing house  in  London,  offered  me  =C2=A31,200  ($6,000),  for  the  =
copyright.  This  offer=20
I  declined,  not  that  I  thought  the  lecture  worth  more  money,  but=
  because  I  had=20
engaged  to  deliver  it  in  several  towns  and  cities,  and  I  thought=
  the  publication=20
would  be  detrimental  to  the  public  delivery  of  my  lecture.  It  wa=
s  a  source  cf=20
very  considerable  emolument  to  me,  bringing  in  much  money,  which  =
went=20
towards  the  redemption  of  my  pecuniary  obligations,  so  that  the  l=
ecture  itself=20
was  an  admirable  illustration  of  "  The  Art  of  Money-Getting."=20


CHAPTER  XXXll.=20

AN  ENTERPRISING  ENGLISHMAN.=20

WHIU:  visiting  Manchester,  in  1858,  I  was  invited  by  Mr.  Peacock,=
  the  lessee,=20
to  deliver  a  lecture  in  "  Free  Trade  HalL"  I  gave  a  lecture,  t=
he  title  of  which  I=20
uow  forget;  but  I  well  remember  it  contained  numerous  personal  re=
miniscences.=20
The  next  day  a  gentleman  named  John  Fish  sent  his  card  to  my  r=
oom  at  the=20
hotel  where  I  was  stopping.  I  requested  the  servant  to  show  him =
 up  at  once,  and=20
he  SOOH  appeared  and  introduced  himself.  At  first  he  seemed  somew=
hat  embar-=20
rassed, but  gradually  broke  the  ice  by  saying  he  had  been  pleased=
  in  listening  to=20
my  lecture  the  previous  evening,  and  added  that  he  knew  my  histo=
ry  pretty  well,=20
as  he  had  read  my  autobiography.  As  his  embarrassment  at  first  m=
eeting  with=20
a  stranger  wore  away,  he  inf  ormed  me  that  he  was  joint  proprie=
tor  with  another=20
gentleman  in  a  "  cotton-mill "  in  Bury,  near  Manchester,  "  althou=
gh,"  he  modestly=20
added,  "only  a  few  years  ago  I  was  working  as  a  journeyman,  and=
  probably=20
should  have  been  at  this  time,  had  it  not  been  for  your  book." =
 Observing  my=20
surprise  at  this  announcement,  he  continued:=20

"The  fact  is,  Mr.  Barnum,  upon  reading  your  autobiography,  I  thou=
ght  I=20
perceived  you  tried  to  make  yourself  out  something  worse  than  you=
  really  were ;=20
for  I  discovered  a  pleasant  spirit  and  a  good  heart  under  the  r=
ougher  exterior  in=20
which  you  chose  to  present  yourself  to  the  public;  but,"  he  adde=
d,  "after  reading=20
your  life  I  found  myself  in  possession  of  renewed  strength,  and  =
awakened  ener-=20
gies and  aspirations,  and  I  said  to  myself,  '  Why  can't  I  go  ah=
ead  and  make  money=20
as  Barnum  did?  He  commenced  without  money  and  succeeded;  why  may =
 not=20
I  ?'  In  this  train  of  thought,"  he  continued,  "  I  went  to  a  n=
ewspaper  office  and=20
advertised  for  a  partner  with  money  to  join  me  in  establishing  a=
  cotton-mill.  I=20
had  no  applications,  and,  remembering  your  experiences  when  you  ha=
d  money=20
and  wanted  a  partner,  I  spent  half  a  crown  in  a  similar  experim=
ent.  I  advertised=20
for  a  partner  to  join  a  man  who  had  plenty  of  capital  Then  I  =
had  lots  of  appli-=20
cants ready  to  introduce  me  into  all  sorts  of  occupations,  from  t=
hat  of  a  banker=20
to  that  of  a  horse-jockey  or  gambler,  if  I  would  only  furnish  t=
he  money  to  start=20
with.  After  a  while,  I  advertised  again  for  a  partner,  and  obtai=
ned  one  with=20
money.  We  have  a  good  mill,  I  devote  myself  closely  to  business,=
  and  have=20
been  very  successful.  I  know  every  line  in  your  book;  so,  indeed=
,  do  several=20
members  of  my  family;  and  I  have  conducted  my  business  on  the  p=
rinciples  laid=20
down  in  your  published  'Rules  for  Money-making.'  I  find  them  corr=
ect  princi-=20
ples; and,  sir,  I  have  sought  this  interview  in  order  to  thank  y=
ou  for  publishing=20
your  autobiography,  and  to  tell  you  that  to  that  act  of  yours  I=
  attribute  my=20
present  position  in  life."=20

Of  course,  I  was  pleased  and  surprised  at  this  revelation,  and,  =
feeling  that  my=20
new  friend  had  somewhat  exaggerated  the  results  of  my  labors  as  =
influencing  his=20
own,  I  said:=20

"Your  statement  is  certainly  very  nattering,  and  I  am  glad  if  I =
 have  been  able=20
in  any  manner,  through  my  experiences,  to  aid  you  in  starting  in=
  life;  but  I  pre-=20
sume your  genius  would  have  found  vent  in  good  time  if  I  had  ne=
ver  written  =C2=AB=20
book."=20

192=20


AX   ENTEllPRISINQ   ENGLISHMAN.  193=20

"  No,  indeed  it  would  not,"  he  replied,  in  an  earnest  tone;  "  =
I  am  sure  I  should=20
Lave  worked  as  a  mill-hand  all  my  life  if  it  had  not  been  for =
 you.  Oh,  I  have=20
made  no  secret  of  it,"  he  continued;  "the  commercial  men  with  wh=
om  I  deal=20
know  all  about  it;  indeed,  they  call  me  '  Barnum '  on  'change  h=
ere  in  Manchester."=20

On  one  occasion,  when  General  Tom  Thumb  exhibited  in  Bury,  Mr.  F=
ish  closed=20
his  mill,  and  gave  each  of  his  employees  a  ticket  to  the  exhibi=
tion;  out  of  respect,=20
as  he  said,  to  Barnum.  On  a  subsequent  occasion,  when  the  little=
  General  visited=20
England  the  last  time,  Mr,  Fish  invited  him,  his  wife,  Commodore =
 Nutt,  Minnie=20
Warren,  and  the  managers  of  "  the  show,"  to  a  splendid  and  sump=
tuous  dinner=20
at  his  house,  which  the  distinguished  little  party  enjoyed  exceedi=
ngly.=20

My  friend  Fish  expressed  himself  extremely  anxious  to  do  any  serv=
ice  for  me=20
which  might  at  any  time  be  in  his  power.  Soon  after  I  arrived  =
in  America,  I=20
read  an  account  of  a  French  giant,  then  exhibiting  in  Paris,  and=
  said  to  be  over=20
eight  feet  in  height.  As  this  was  a  considerably  greater  altitude=
  than  any  speci-=20
men of  the  genus  homo  within  my  knowledge  had  attained,  I  wrote  =
to  my  friend=20
Fish  to  take  a  trip  to  Paris  for  me,  secure  an  interview  with  =
this  modern  Anak,=20
and  by  actual  measurement  obtain  for  me  his  exact  height.  I  encl=
osed  an  offer=20
for  this  giant's  services,  arranging  the  price  on  a  sliding  scale=
,  according  to  what=20
his  height  should  actually  prove  to  be =E2=80=94 commencing  at  eigh=
t  feet,  and  descending=20
to  seven  feet  two  inches:  and,  if  he  was  not  taller  than  the  l=
atter  figure,  I  did  not=20
want  him  at  all=20

Mr.  Fish,  placing  an  English  two-foot  rule  in  his  pocket,  started=
  for  Paris;  and,=20
after  much  difficulty  and  several  days'  delay  in  trying  to  speak =
 with  the  giant,=20
who  was  closely  watched  by  his  exhibitor,  succeeded  in  appointing =
 an  interview=20
at  the  giant's  lodgings.  And  now  came  a  trouble  which  required  a=
ll  the  patience=20
and  diplomacy  which  my  agent  could  command.  Mr.  Fish,  arriving  at=
  the  place=20
of  rendezvous,  told  the  giant  who  he  was,  and  the  object  of  his=
  visit.  In  fact,  he=20
showed  him  my  letter,  and  read  the  tempting  offers  which  I  made =
 for  his  services,=20
provided  he  measured  eight  feet,  or  even  came  within  six  inches  =
of  that  height.*=20

"  Oh,  I  measure  over  eight  feet  in  height,"  said  the  giant.  "  =
Very  likely,"=20
replied  my  faithful  agent,  "but  you  see  my  orders  are  to  measure=
  you."  "  There's=20
no  need  of  that,  you  can  see  for  yourself,"  stretching  himself  u=
p  a  few  inches,  by=20
aid  of  that  peculiar  muscular  knack  which  giants  and  dwarfs  exerc=
ise  when  they=20
desire  to  extend  or  diminish  their  apparent  stature.=20

"No  doubt  you  are  right,"  persisted  the  agent;  "  but  you  see  th=
at  is  not  accord-=20
ing to  orders."  "Well,  stand  alongside  of  me;  see,  the  top  of  yo=
ur  hat  don't=20
come  to  my  shoulder,"  said  the  giant,  as  he  swung  his  arm  compl=
etely  over  Mr.=20
Fish's  head,  hat  and  all.=20

But  my  wary  agent  happened  just  then  to  be  watching  the  giant's =
 feet  and=20
knees,  and  he  thought  he  saw  a  movement  around  the  "  understandi=
ngs  "  that=20
materially  helped  the  elevation  of  the  "upperworks,"  "  It  is  all =
 very  well,"  said=20
Mr.  Fish;  "  but  I  tell  you,  if  I  am  not  permitted  to  measure  =
your  height,  I  shall=20
not  engage  you."  My  offer  had  been  very  liberal;  in  fact,  provid=
ed  he  was  eight=20
feet  high,  it  was  more  than  four  times  the  amount  the  giant  was=
  then  receiving;=20
it  was  evidently  a  great  temptation  to  his  "highness,"  and  quite =
 as  evidently  he=20
did  not  want  to  be  fairly  measured.  "  Well,"  said  the  giant,  " =
 if  you  can't  take=20
my  word  for  it,  look  at  that  door ;  you  see  my  head  is  more  t=
han  two  feet  above=20
the  top"  (giving  his  neck  and  every  muscle  in  his  body  a  severe=
  stretch) ;  "just=20
measure  the  height  of  that  door."  My  English  friend  plainly  saw  =
that  the  giant=20


*  See  Illustration,  opposite.=20


194  AN    ENTERPRISING   ENGLISHMAN.=20

felt  that  he  could  not  come  up  to  the  mark,  and  he  laughed  at =
 this  last  ruse.=20
'=E2=80=A2'  Oh,  I  don't  want  to  measure  the  door;  I  prefer  to  m=
easure  you,"  said  Mr.  Fish,=20
coolly.  The  giant  was  now  desperate,  and,  stretching  himself  up  t=
o  the  highest=20
point,  he  exclaimed:  "Well,  be  quick!  put  your  rule  down  to  my  =
feet  and  meas-=20
ure me;  no  delay,  if  you  please."=20

The  giant  knew  he  could  not  hold  himself  up  many  seconds  to  the=
  few  extra=20
inches  he  had  imparted  to  his  extended  muscles;  but  his  remark  h=
ad  drawn  Mr.=20
Fish's  attention  to  his  feet,  and  from  the  feet  to  the  boots,  a=
nd  he  began  to=20
open  his  eyes.  "  Look  here,  Monsieur,  "  he  exclaimed  with  much  =
earnestness,=20
"this  sort  of  thing  won't  do,  you  know.  I  don't  understand  this =
 contrivance=20
around  the  soles  of  your  boots,  but  it  seems  to  me  you  have  go=
t  a  set  of  springs=20
in  there  which  materially  aids  your  altitude  a  few  inches  when  y=
ou  desire  it.=20
Now,  I  shall  stand  no  more  nonsense.  If  I  engage  you  at  all,  y=
ou  must  tirst  take  off=20
your  boots,  and  lie  flat  upon  your  back  in  the  middle  of  the  f=
loor.  The  giant=20
grumbled  and  talked  about  his  word  being  doubted  and  his  honor  a=
ssailed,  but=20
Mr.  Fish  calmly  persisted,  until  at  length  he  slowly  took  off  Ms=
  coat  and  gradu-=20
ally got  down  on  the  floor.  Stretched  upon  his  back,  he  made  sev=
eral  vain  efforts=20
to  extend  his  natural  height.  Mr.  Fish  carefully  applied  his  Engl=
ish  two-foot=20
rule,  the  result  of  the  measurement  causing  him  much  astonishment,=
  and  the  giant=20
more  indignation,  the  giant  measuring  exactly  seven  feet  one  and  =
one-half  inches.=20
So  he  was  not  engaged,  and  my  agent  returned  to  England  and  wro=
te  me  a  most=20
amusing  letter,  giving  the  particulars  of  the  gigantic  interview.=
=20

On  the  occasion  of  the  erection  of  a  new  engine  in  his  mill,  M=
r.  Fish  proposed=20
naming  it  after  his  daughter,  but  she  insisted  it  should  be  chri=
stened  "  Barnum,"=20
and  it  was  so  done,  with  considerable  ceremony.  Subsequently  he  i=
ntroduced  a=20
second  engine  into  his  enlarged  mill,  and  named  this,  after  my  w=
ife,  "  Charity."=20

A  short  time  since,  I  wrote  informing  him  that  I  desired  to  giv=
e  some  of  the=20
foregoing  facts  in  my  book,  and  asked  him  to  give  me  his  consen=
t,  and  also  to=20
furnish  me  some  particulars  in  regard  to  the  engines,  and  the  ca=
pacity  of  his=20
milL  He  wrote  in  return  a  modest  letter,  which  is  so  characteris=
tic  of  my  whole-=20
souled  friend  that  I  cannot  forbear  making  the  following  extracts =
 from  it:=20

Had  I  made  a  fortune  of  =C2=A3100,000  I  should  have  been  proud  =
o.  a  place  in  your  Autobiog-=20
raphy ;  but  as  I  have  only  been  able  to  make  (here  he  named  a =
 sum  which  in  this  country=20
would  be  considered  almost  a  fortune),  I  feel  I  should  be  out  o=
f  place  in  your  pages;  at  all=20
events,  if  you  mention  me  at  all,  draw  it  mildly,  if  you  please=
.=20

The  American  war  has  made  sad  havoc  in  our  trade,  and  it  is  on=
ly  by  close  attention  to=20
business  that  I  have  lately  been  at  all  successful.  I  have  built=
  a  place  for  one  thousand=20
looms,  and  have,  as  you  know,  put  in  a  pair  of  engines,  which  =
I  have  named  "Barnum  "=20
and  "Charity."  Each  engine  has  its  name  engraved  on  two  large  br=
ass  plates  at  either  end=20
of  the  cylinder,  which  has  often  caused  much  mirth  when  I  have  =
explained  the  circum-=20
stances to  visitors.  I  started  and  christened  "  Charity"  on  the  f=
ourteenth  of  January  last,=20
and  she  has  saved  me  =C2=A312  per  month  in  coals  ever  since.  Th=
e  steam  from  the  boiler  goes=20
first  to  "  Charity  "  (she  is  high  pressure;,  and  "  Barnum  "  on=
ly  gets  the  steam  after  she  has=20
done  with  it.  He  has  to  work  at  low  pressure  (a  condensing  engi=
ne),  and  the  result  is  o=20
saving.  Barnum  was  extravagant  when  he  took  steam  direct,  but  sin=
ce  I  fixed  Charity=20
betwixt  him  and  the  boiler,  he  can  only  get  what  she  gives  him.=
  This  reminds  me  that  you=20
state  in  your  "  Life  "  you  could  always  make  money,  but  formerl=
y  did  not  save  it.  Perhaps=20
you  never  took  care  of  it  till  Charity  became  Chancellor  of  Exch=
equer.  When  I  visited  you=20
at  the  Bull  Hotel,  in  Blackburn,  you  pointed  to  General  Tom  Thum=
b,  and  said:  "  That  is=20
my  piece  of  goods;  I  have  sold  it  hundreds  of  thousands  of  time=
s,  and  have  never  yet=20
delivered  it!"  That  was  tnn  years  ago.  in  185S.  If  1  had  been  =
doins;  the  same  with  my=20
pieces  of  calico,  I  must  have  been  wealthy  by  this  time;  but  1 =
 have  been  hammering  at  one=20
(cotton)  nail  several  months,  ami.  as  it  did  not  oiler  to  clinch=
,  I  was  almost  tempted  to=20
doubt  one  of  your  "  rules,"  and  thought  I  would  drive  at  some  =
other  nail;  but,  on  reflec-=20
tion. I  knew  1  understood  cotton  better  than  anything  else,  and  s=
o  1  back  up  your  rule  and=20
stick  to  cotton,  not  doubting  it  will  be  all  right  and  successfu=
l.=20

Mr.  Fish  was  one  of  the  large  class  of  English  manufacturers  who=
  suffered  seri-=20
ously from  the  effects  of  the  rebellion  in  the  United  States.  As =
 an  Englishman=20


AN   ENTERPRISING   ENGLISHMAN.  195=20

he  could  not  have  a  patriot's  interest  in  the  progress  of  that  =
terrible  struggle;=20
but  he  made  a  practical  exhibition  of  sympathy  for  the  suffering =
 soldiers,  in  a=20
pleasant  and  characteristic  manner.=20

The  great  fair  of  the  Sanitary  Commission,  held  in  New  York  duri=
ng  the  war,=20
affords  one  of  the  most  interesting  chapters  in  American  history. =
 None  of  those=20
who  visited  the  fair  will  forget,  in  the  multiplicity  of  offering=
s  to  put  money=20
into  the  treasury  of  the  commission,  two  monster  cakes,  which  wer=
e  as  strange=20
in  shape  and  ornament  as  they  were  mammoth  in  their  proportions. =
 One  of=20
these  great  cakes  was  covered  with  miniature  forts,  ships  of  war,=
  cannon,  armies,=20
arms  of  the  whole  "panoply  of  war,"  and  it  excited  the  attention=
  of  all  visitors.=20
This  strange  cake  is  what  is  called  in  Bury,  England,  where  name=
,  cake  anc=20
custom  originated,  a  "Simnel  cake."  It  was  sent  to  me  expressly  =
for  this  fair,=20
by  my  friend  Fish,  and,  while  it  was  in  itself  a  generous  gift,=
  it  was  doubly  so  as=20
coming  from  an  English  manufacturer  who  had  suffered  by  the  war. =
 The  second=20
great  Simnel  cake  which  stood  beside  it  in  the  fair,  was  sent  t=
o  me  personally  by=20
Mr.  Fish;  but,  with  his  permission,  I  took  much  pleasure  in  cont=
ributing  it,  witb=20
his  own  offering,  for  the  benefit  of  our  suffering  soldiers.=20


CHAPTER    XXXIII.=20
RICHARD'S    HIMSELF    AGAIN.=20

Is  1859  I  returned  to  the  United  States.  During  my  last  visit  a=
broad  I  had=20
secured  many  novelties  for  the  Museum,  including  the  Albino  Family=
,  which  1=20
engaged  at  Amsterdam,  and  Thiodon's  mechanical  theater,  which  I  fo=
und  at=20
Southampton,  besides  purchasing  many  curiosities.  These  things  all  =
afforded  me=20
a  liberal  commission,  and  thus,  by  constant  and  earnest  effort,  I=
  made  much=20
money,  besides  what  I  derived  from  the  Tom  Thumb  exhibitions,  my =
 lectures,=20
and  other  enterprises.  All  of  this  money,  as  well  as  my  wife's  =
income,  and  a=20
considerable  sum  raised  by  selling  a  portion  of  her  property,  was=
  faithfully=20
devoted  to  the  one  great  object  of  my  life  at  that  period =E2=80=
=94 my  extrication  from=20
those  crushing  clock  debts.  I  worked  and  I  saved.  When  my  wife  =
and  youngest=20
daughter  were  not  boarding  in  Bridgeport,  they  Irwed  frugally  in  =
the  suburbs,=20
in  a  small  one-story  house  which  was  hired  at  the  rate  of  $150 =
 a  year.  I  had=20
now  been  struggling  about  four  years,  with  the  difficulties  of  my=
  one  great  finan-=20
cial mistake,  and  the  end  still  seemed  to  be  far  off.  I  felt  th=
at  the  land,  pur-=20
chased by  my  wife  in  East  Bridgeport  at  the  assignees'  sale,  woul=
d,  after  a  while,=20
increase  rapidly  in  value;  and  on  the  strength  of  this  expectatio=
n  more  money=20
was  borrowed  for  the  sake  of  taking  up  the  clock  notes,  and  som=
e  of  the  East=20
Bridgeport  property  was  sold  in  single  lots,  the  proceeds  going  t=
o  the  same=20
object.=20

At  last,  in  March,  1860,  all  the  clock  indebtedness  was  satisfact=
orily  extin-=20
guished, excepting  some  $20,000,  which  I  had  bound  myself  to  take =
 up  within  a=20
certain  number  of  months,  my  friend,  James  D.  Johnson,  guaranteein=
g  my  bond=20
to  that  effect.  Mr.  Johnson  was  by  far  my  most  effective  agent  =
in  working=20
me  through  these  clock  troubles,  and  in  aiding  to  bring  them  to =
 a  successful=20
conclusion.=20

On  the  seventeenth  day  of  March,  1860,  Messrs.  Butler  &  Green=
wood  signed  an=20
agreement  to  sell  and  deliver  to  me  on  the  following  Saturday,  M=
arch  34th,  their=20
good  will  and  entire  interest  in  the  Museum  collection.  This  fact=
  was  thoroughly=20
circulated,  and  it  was  everywhere  announced  in  blazing  posters,  pl=
acards  and=20
advertisements,  which  were  headed,  "Barnum  on  his  feet  again."  It =
 was  fur-=20
thermore stated  that  the  Museum  would  be  closed,  March  24th,  for  =
one  week  for=20
repairs  and  general  renovation,  to  be  re-opened,  March  31st,  under=
  the  manage-=20
ment and  proprietorship  of  its  original  owner.  It  was  also  announc=
ed  that  on=20
the  night  of  closing,  I  would  address  the  audience  from  the  stag=
e.=20

The  American  Museum,  decorated  on  that  occasion  as  on  holidays,  w=
ith  a=20
brilliant  display  of  flags  and  banners,  was  filled  to  its  utmost =
 capacity,  and  I=20
experienced  profound  delight  at  seeing  hundreds  of  old  friends  of =
 both  sexes  in=20
the  audience.*  I  lacked  but  four  months  of  being  fifty  years  of =
 age ;  but  I  felt  all=20
the  vigor  and  ambition  that  fired  me  when  I  first  took  possessio=
n  of  the  premises=20
twenty  years  before;  and  I  was  confident  that  the  various  experie=
nces  of  that=20
score  r<{  years  would  be  valuable  to  me  in  my  second  effort  =
to  secure  an=20
independence.=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  180.=20

196=20


EIOHAED'S  HIMSELF  AGAIN.  19?=20

At  the  rising  of  the  curtain,  and  before  the  play  commenced,  I  =
stepped  on  the=20
stage  and  was  received  by  the  large  and  brilliant  audience  with  =
an  enthusiasm=20
far  surpassing  anything  of  the  kind  I  had  ever  experienced  or  wi=
tnessed  in  a=20
public  career  of  a  quarter  of  a  century.  Indeed,  this  tremendous =
 demonstration=20
nearly  broke  me  down,  and  my  voice  faltered  and  tears  came  to  m=
y  eyes  as  I=20
thought  of  this  magnificent  conclusion  to  the  trials  and  struggles=
  of  the  past  four=20
years.  Recovering  myself,  however,  I  bowed  my  grateful  acknowledgme=
nts  for=20
the  reception,  and  addressed  the  audience  as  follows:=20

"  LADIES  AND  GENTLEMEN:  I  should  be  more  or  less  than  human,  if=
  I  could  meet=20
this  unexpected  and  overwhelming  testimonial  at  your  hands,  without=
  the  deepest=20
emotion.  My  own  personal  connection  with  the  Museum  is  now  resume=
d,  and  I=20
avail  myself  of  the  circumstance  to  say  why  it  is  so.  Never  did=
  I  feel  stronger=20
in  my  worldly  prosperity  than  in  September,  1855.  Three  months  la=
ter  I  was  so=20
deeply  embarrassed  that  I  felt  certain  of  nothing,  except  the  unc=
ertainty  of=20
everything.  A  combination  of  singular  efforts  and  circumstanoes  tem=
pted  me  to=20
put  faith  in  a  certain  clock  manufacturing  company,  and  I  placed =
 my  signature=20
to  papers  which  ultimately  broke  me  down.  After  nearly  five  years=
  of  hard=20
struggle  to  keep  my  head  above  water,  I  have  touched  bottom  at  =
last,  and  here=20
to-night,  I  am  happy  to  announce  that  I  have  waded  ashore.  Every=
  clock  debt=20
of  which  I  have  any  knowledge  has  been  provided  for.  Perhaps,  af=
ter  the=20
troubles  and  turmoils  I  have  experienced,  I  should  feel  no  desire=
  to  re-engage  in=20
the  excitements  of  business,  but  a  man  like  myself,  less  than  fi=
fty  years  of  age,=20
and  enjoying  robust  health,  is  scarcely  old  enough  to  be  embalmed=
  and  put  in  a=20
glass  case  in  the  Museum  as  one  of  its  million  of  curiosities.  =
'  It  is  better  to=20
wear  out  than  rust  out.'  Besides,  if  a  man  of  active  temperament=
  is  not  busy,=20
he  is  apt  to  get  into  mischief.  To  avoid  evil,  therefore,  and  s=
ince  business  activity=20
is  a  necessity  of  my  nature,  here  I  am,  once  more,  in  the  Muse=
um,  and  among=20
those  with  whom  I  have  been  so  long  and  so  pleasantly  identified=
.  I  am  confi-=20
dent of  a  cordial  welcome,  and  hence  feel  some  claim  to  your  ind=
ulgence  while  I=20
briefly  allude  to  the  means  of  my  present  deliverance  from  utter =
 financial  ruin.=20
Need  I  say,  in  the  first  place,  that  I  am  somewhat  indebted  to =
 the  forbearance  of=20
generous  creditors.  In  the  next  place,  permit  me  to  speak  of  sym=
pathizhig=20
friends,  whose  volunteered  loans  and  exertions  vastly  aided  my  res=
cue.  When=20
my  day  of  sorrow  came,  I  first  paid  or  secured  every  debt  I  ow=
ed  of  a  personal=20
nature.  This  done,  I  felt  bound  in  honor  to  give  up  all  of  my =
 property  that=20
remained  towards  liquidating  my  "clock  debts."  I  placed  it  in  the=
  hands  of=20
trustees  and  receivers  for  the  benefit  of  all  the  "clock"  credito=
rs.  But  at  the=20
forced  sale  of  my  Connecticut  real  estate,  there  was  a  purchaser =
 behind  the  screen,=20
of  whom  the  world  had  little  knowledge.  In  the  day  of  my  prospe=
rity*  I  made=20
over  to  my  wife  much  valuable  property,  including  the  lease  of  t=
his  Museum  build-=20
ing=E2=80=94 a  lease  then  having  about  twenty-two  years  to  run,  an=
d  enhanced  in  value=20
to  more  than  double  its  original  worth.  I  sold  the  Museum  collec=
tion  to  Messrs.=20
Greenwood  and  Butler,  subject  to  my  wife's  separate  interest  in  t=
he  lease,  and  she=20
has  received  more  than  eighty  thousand  dollars  over  and  above  the=
  sums  paid  to=20
the  owners  of  the  building.  Instead  of  selfishly  applying  this  am=
ount  to  private=20
purposes,  my  family  lived  with  a  due  regard  to  economy,  and  the =
 savings  (strictly=20
belonging  to  my  wife),  were  devoted  to  buying  in  portions  of  my =
 estate  at  the=20
assignees'  sales,  and  to  purchasing  '  clock  notes '  bearing  my  in=
dorsements.  The=20

*  I  was  worth  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  when  a=C2=AB  a  m=
atter  of  love  I  transferred=20
a  portion  to  my  wife,  little  dreaming  that  it  would  be  needed  d=
uring  my  lifetime.=20


198  RICHARD'S  HIMSELF  AGAIN.=20

Christian  name  of  my  wife  is  Charity.  I  may  well  acknowledge,  th=
erefore,  that=20
I  am  not  only  a  proper  'subject  of  charity,'  but  that  'without  =
Charity,  I  am=20
nothing.'=20

"  But,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  while  Charity  thus  labored  in  my  be=
half,  Faith=20
and  Hope  were  not  idle.  I  have  been  anything  but  indolent  during=
  the  last  four=20
years.  Driven  from  pillar  to  post,  and  annoyed  beyond  description =
 by  all  sorts=20
of  legal  claims  and  writs,  I  was  perusing  protests  and  summonses =
 by  day,  and=20
dreaming  of  clocks  run  down  by  night.  My  head  was  ever  whizzing =
 with  dislo-=20
cated cog-wheels  and  broken  main-springs;  my  whole  mind  (and  my  cr=
edit)  was=20
running  upon  tick,  and  everything  pressing  on  me  like  a  dead  wei=
ght.=20

"  In  this  state  of  affairs  I  felt  that  I  was  of  no  use  on  th=
is  side  of  the  Atlantic,=20
BO,  giving  the  pendulum  a  swing,  and  seizing  time  by  the  foreloc=
k,  I  went  to=20
Europe.  There  I  furtively  pulled  the  wires  of  several  exhibitions,=
  among  which=20
that  of  Tom  Thumb  may  be  mentioned  for  example.  I  managed  a  var=
iety  of=20
musical  and  commercial  speculations  in  Great  Britain,  Germany,  and =
 Holland.=20
These  enterprises,  together  whith  the  net  profits  of  my  public  le=
ctures,  enabled=20
me  to  remit  large  sums  to  confidential  agents  for  the  purchase  o=
f  my  obligations.=20
In  this  manner,  I  quietly  extinguished,  little  by  little,  every  d=
ollar  of  my  clock=20
liabilities.  I  could  not  have  achieved  this  difficult  feat,  howeve=
r,  without  the=20
able  assistance  of  enthusiastic  friends =E2=80=94 and  among  the  chie=
f  of  them  let  me  grate-=20
fully acknowledge  the  invaluable  services  of  Mr.  James  D.  Johnson, =
 a  gentleman=20
of  wealth,  in  Bridgeport,  Connecticut.  Other  gentlemen  have  been  g=
enerous=20
with  me.  Some  have  loaned  me  large  sums  without  security,  and  ha=
ve  placed=20
me  under  obligations  which  must  ever  command  my  honest  gratitude; =
 but  Mr.=20
Johnson  has  been  a  ' friend  indeed,'  for  he  has  been  truly  a  ' =
 friend  in  need.'=20

"  You  must  not  infer,  from  what  I  have  said,  that  I  have  compl=
etely  recovered=20
from  the  stunning  blow  to  which  I  was  subjected  four  years  ago. =
 I  have  lost=20
more  in  the  way  of  tens  of  thousands,  yes,  hundreds  of  thousands=
,  than  I  care  to=20
remember.  A  valuable  portion  of  my  real  estate  in  Connecticut,  ho=
wever,  has=20
been  preserved,  and  as  I  feel  all  the  ardor  of  twenty  years  ago=
,  and  the  prospect=20
here  is  so  nattering,  my  heart  is  animated  with  the  hope  of  ult=
imately,  by  enter-=20
prise and  activity,  obliterating  unpleasant  reminiscences,  and  retrie=
ving  the  losses=20
of  the  past.  Experience,  too,  has  taught  me  not  only  that,  even =
 in  the  matter  of=20
money,  'enough  is  as  good  as  a  feast,'  but  that  there  are,  in  =
this  world,  some=20
things  vastly  better  than  the  Almighty  Dollar!  Possibly  I  may  con=
template,  at=20
times,  the  painful  day  when  I  said  'Othello's  occupation's  gone;' =
 but  I  shall=20
more  frequently  cherish  the  memory  of  this  moment,  when  I  am  per=
mitted  to=20
announce  that  '  Richard's  himself  again.'=20

"  Many  people  have  wondered  that  a  man  considered  so  acute  as  m=
yself  should=20
have  been  deluded  into  embarrassments  like  mine,  and  not  a  few  h=
ave  declared,=20
in  short  meter,  that '  Barnum  was  a  fooL'  I  can  only  reply  that=
  I  never  made=20
pretensions  to  the  sharpness  of  a  pawnbroker,  and  I  hope  I  shall=
  never  so  entirely=20
lose  confidence  in  human  nature  as  to  consider  every  man  a  scamp=
  by  instinct,  or=20
a  rogue  by  necessity.  '  It  is  better  to  be  deceived  sometimes,  =
than  to  distrust=20
always,'  says  Lord  Bacon,  and  I  agree  with  him.=20

"Experience  is  said  to  be  a  hard  schoolmaster,  but  I  should  be  =
sorry  to  feel=20
that  this  great  lesson  in  adversity  has  not  brought  forth  fruits =
 of  some  value.  I=20
needed  the  discipline  this  tribulation  has  given  me,  and  I  really=
  feel,  after  all,  that=20
this,  like  many  other  apparent  evils,  was  only  a  blessing  in  dis=
guise.  Indeed,  I=20
may  mention  that  the  very  clock  factory  which  I  built  in  Bridgep=
ort,  for  the=20
purpose  of  bringing  hundreds  of  workmen  to  that  city,  has  been  p=
urchased  and=20


RICHARD'S  HIMSELF  AGAIN.  19(J=20

quadrupled  in  size  by  the  Wheeler  and  Wilson  Sewing  Machine  Compa=
ny,  and  is=20
now  filled  with  intelligent  New  England  mechanics,  whose  families  =
add  two  thou-=20
sand to  the  population,  and  who  are  doing  a  great  work  in  buildi=
ng  up  and=20
beautifying  that  flourishing  city.  So  that  the  same  concern  which =
 prostrated  me=20
seems  destined  as  a  most  important  agent  towards  my  recuperation. =
 I  am  certain=20
that  the  popular  sympathy  has  been  with  me  from  the  beginning;  a=
nd  this,=20
together  with  a  consciousness  of  rectitude,  is  more  than  an  offse=
t  to  all  the  vicissi-=20
tudes to  which  I  have  been  subjected.=20

' '  In  conclusion,  I  beg  to  assure  you  and  the  public  that  my  =
chief  pleasure,=20
while  health  and  strength  are  spared  me,  will  be  to  cater  for  y=
our  and  their=20
healthy  amusement  and  instruction.  In  future,  such  capabilities  as =
 I  possess  will=20
be  devoted  to  the  maintenance  of  this  Museum  as  a  popular  place =
 of  family  resort,=20
in  which  all  that  is  novel  and  interesting  shall  be  gathered  fro=
m  the  four  quarters=20
of  the  globe,  and  which  ladies  and  children  may  visit  at  all  ti=
mes  unattended,=20
without  danger  of  encountering  anything  of  an  objectionable  nature.=
  The=20
dramas  introduced  in  the  Lecture  Room  will  never  contain  a  profan=
e  expression=20
or  a  vulgar  allusion;  on  the  contrary,  their  tendency  will  always=
  be  to  encourage=20
virtue,  and  frown  upon  vice.=20

"I  have  established  connections  in  Europe,  which  will  enable  me  t=
o  produce=20
here  a  succession  of  interesting  novelties  otherwise  inaccessible.  =
Although  I  shall=20
be  personally  present  much  of  the  time,  and  hope  to  meet  many  o=
f  my  old=20
acquaintances,  as  well  as  to  form  many  new  ones,  I  am  sure  you =
 will  be  glad  to=20
learn  that  I  have  re-secured  the  services  of  one  of  the  late  pr=
oprietors,  and  the=20
active  manager  of  this  Museum,  Mr.  John  Greenwood,  Jr.  As  he  is =
 a  modest=20
gentleman,  who  would  be  the  last  to  praise  himself,  allow  me  to =
 add  that  he  is=20
one  to  whose  successful  qualities  as  a  caterer  for  the  popular  e=
ntertainments,  the=20
crowds  that  have  often  filled  this  building  may  well  bear  testimo=
ny.  But,  more=20
than  this,  he  is  the  unobtrusive  one  to  whose  integrity,  diligenc=
e  and  devotion,  I=20
owe  much  of  my  present  position  of  self-congratulation.  Mr.  Greenw=
ood  will=20
hereafter  act  as  assistant  manager,  while  his  late  co-partner,  Mr.=
  Butler,  has=20
engaged  in  another  branch  of  business.  Once  more,  thanking  you  al=
l  for  your=20
kind  welcome,  I  bid  you,  till  the  re-opening,  'an  affectionate  ad=
ieu.' "=20

This  off-hand  speech  was  received  with  almost  tumultuous  applause. =
 At  nearly=20
fifty  years  of  age,  I  was  now  once  more  before  the  public  with =
 the  promise  to=20
put  on  a  full  head  of  steam,  to  "  rush  things,"  to  give  double=
  or  treble  the  amount=20
of  attractions  ever  before  offered  at  the  Museum,  and  to  devote  =
all  my  own  time=20
and  services  to  the  enterprise.  In  return,  I  asked  that  the  publ=
ic  should  give  my=20
efforts  the  patronage  they  merited,  and  the  public  took  me  at  my=
  word.  The=20
daily  number  of  visitors  at  once  more  than  doubled,  and  my  exert=
ions  to  gratify=20
them  with  rapid  changes  and  novelties  never  tired.=20

The  announcement  that  I  was  at  last  out  of  the  financial  entangl=
ement  was=20
variously  received.  That  portion  of  the  press  which  had  followed  =
me  with  abuse=20
when  I  was  down,  under  the  belief  that  my  case  was  past  recover=
y,  were  chary=20
in  allusions  to  the  new  state  of  things,  or  passed  them  over  wi=
thout  comment.=20
The  sycophants  always  knew  I  would  get  up  again,  "and  said  so  a=
t  the  time;"=20
the  many  and  noble  journals  which  had  stood  by  me  and  upheld  me=
  in  my  mis-=20
fortunes, were  of  course  rejoiced,  and  their  words  of  sincere  cong=
ratulation  gave=20
me  a  higher  satisfaction  than  I  have  power  of  language  to  acknow=
ledge.  Letters=20
of  congratulation  came  in  upon  me  from  every  quarter.  Friendly  ha=
nds  that=20
had  never  been  withheld  during  the  long  period  of  my  misfortune, =
 were  now=20


200  RICHARD'S  HIMSELF  AGAIN.=20

extended  with  a  still  heartier  grip.  I  never  knew  till  now  the  =
warmth  and=20
number  of  my  friends.=20

Nor  must  I  neglect  to  state  that  a  large  number  of  my  creditors=
  who  held  the=20
clock  notes,  proved  very  magnanimous  in  taking  into  consideration  =
the  gross=20
deception  which  had  put  me  in  their  power.  Not  a  few  of  them  s=
aid  to  me  in=20
substance:  "  You  never  supposed  you  had  made  yourself  liable  for =
 this  debt;  you=20
were  deluded  into  it;  it  is  not  right  that  it  should  be  held  o=
ver  you  to  keep  you=20
hopelessly  down ;  take  it,  and  pay  me'such  percentage  as,  under  t=
he  circumstances,=20
it  is  possible  for  you  to  pay."  But  for  such  men  and  such  cons=
ideration  I  fear  I=20
should  never  have  got  on  my  feet  again;  and  of  the  many  who  re=
joiced  in  my=20
bettered  fortune,  not  a  few  were  of  this  class  of  my  creditors.=
=20

My  old  friend,  the  Boston  Saturday  Evening  Gazette,  which  printed =
 a  few=20
cheering  poetical  lines  of  consolation  and  hope  when  I  was  down,*=
  now  gave  me=20
the  following  from  the  same  graceful  pen,  conveying  glowing  words =
 of  congratu-=20
lation at  my  rise  again:=20

ANOTHER  WORD  FOR  BARNTJM.=20

BARNCM,  your  hand!    The  struggle  o'er,=20

Ton  face  the  world  and  ask  no  favor ;=20
fou  stand  where  you  have  stood  before,=20

The  old  salt  hasn't  lost  its  savor.=20
You  now  can  laugh  with  friends,  at  foes,=20

Ne'er  heeding  Mrs.  Grnndy's  tattle ;=20
You've  dealt  and  taken  sturdy  blows,=20

Regardless  of  the  rabble's  prattle.=20

Not  yours  the  heart  to  harbor  ill=20

'Gainst  those  who've  dealt  in  trivial  jesting;=20
You  pass  them  with  the  same  good  will=20

Erst  shown  when  they  their  Vit  were  testing.=20
You're  the  same  Barnnm  that  we  knew.=20

You're  good  for  years,  still  fit  for  labor,=20
Be  as  of  old,  be  bold  and  true,=20

Honest  as  man,  aa  friend,  as  neighbor.=20

At  about  this  period,  the  following  poem  was  published  in  a  Pott=
sville,  Pa.,=20
paper,  and  copied  by  many  journals  of  the  day:=20

A  HEALTH  TO  BARNUM.=20

COMPANIONS!  fill  your  glasses  round,=20

And  drink  a  health  to  one=20
Who  has  few  coming  after  him,=20

To  do  as  he  has  done ;=20
Who  made  a  fortune  for  himself,=20

Made  fortunes,  too,  for  many,=20
Yet  wronged  no  bosom  of  a  sigh,=20

No  pocket  of  a  penny.=20
Come!  shout  a  gallant  chorus,=20

And  make  the  glasses  ring,=20
Here's  health  and  luck  to  Barnuml=20

The  Exhibition  King.=20

Who  lured  the  Swedish  Nightingale=20

To  Western  woods  to  come?=20
Who  prosperous  and  happy  made=20

The  life  of  little  Thumb?=20
Who  oped  Amusement's  golden  door=20

So  cheaply  to  the  crowd,=20
And  taught  Morality  to  smile=20

On  all  his  stage  allowed?=20
Come!  shout  a  gallant  chorus,=20

Until  the  glasses  ring =E2=80=94=20
Here's  health  and  luck  to  Barnuml=20

The  Exhibition  King.=20

=E2=80=A2  See  page  149.=20


RICHARD'S  HIMSELF  AGAIN.  201=20

And  when  the  sad  reverses  came,=20

As  come  they  may  to  all,=20
Who  stood  a  Hero,  bold  and  true.=20

Amid  his  fortune's  fall?=20
Who  to  the  utmost  yielded  up=20

What  Honor  could  not  keep,=20
Then  took  the  field  of  life  again=20

With  courage  calm  and  deep?=20
Cornel  shout  a  gallant  chorus,=20

Until  the  glasses  dance-=20
Here's  health  and  luck  to  Itanium,=20

The  Napoleon  of  Finance.=20

Yet,  no =E2=80=94 our  hero  would  not  look=20

With  smiles  on  such  a  cup ;=20
Throw  out  the  wine =E2=80=94 with  water  clear,=20

Fill  the  pure  crystal  up.=20
Then  rise,  and  greet  with  deep  respect,=20

The  courage  he  has  shown.=20
And  drink  to  him  who  well  deserves=20

A  seat  on  Fortune's  throne.=20
Here's  health  and  luck  to  Itanium!=20

An  Elba  he  has  seen,=20
And  never  may  his  map  of  life=20

Display  a  St.  Hdewt=20

MRS.  ANNA  BACHX,=20


CHAPTER    XXXIV.=20

MENAGERIE  AND   MUSEUM   MEMORANDA.=20

1  WAS  now  fairly  embarked  on  board  the  good  old  ship  American  M=
useum,  to=20
try  onoe  more  my  skill  as  captain,  and  to  see  what  fortune  the =
 voyage  would=20
bring  me.  Curiosities  began  to  pour  into  the  Museum  Halls,  and  I=
  was  eager  for=20
enterprises  in  the  show  line,  whether  as  part  of  the  Museum  itse=
lf,  or  as  outside=20
.  accessories  or  accompaniments.  Among  the  first  to  give  me  a  ca=
ll,  with  attrac-=20
tions sure  to  prove  a  success,  was  James  C.  Adams,  of  hard-earned=
,  grizzly-bear=20
fame.  This  extraordinary  man  was  eminently  what  is  called  "a  char=
acter."=20
He  was  universally  known  as  "  Grizzly  Adams,"  from  the  fact  that=
  he  had  cap-=20
tured a  great  many  grizzly  bears,  at  the  risk  and  cost  of  fearfu=
l  encounters  and=20
perils.  He  was  brave,  and  with  his  bravery  there  was  enough  of  =
the  romantic  in=20
his  nature  to  make  him  a  real  hero.  For  many  years  a  hunter  an=
d  trapper  in  the=20
Rocky  and  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains,  he  acquired  a  recklessness,  whi=
ch,  added  to=20
his  natural  invincible  courage,  rendered  him  one  of  the  most  stri=
king  men  of  the=20
age,  and  he  was  emphatically  a  man  of  pluck.  A  month  after  I  h=
ad  re-purchased=20
the  Museum,  he  arrrived  in  New  York  with  his  famous  collection  o=
f  California=20
aninmla,  captured  by  himself,  consisting  of  twenty  or  thirty  immen=
se  grizzly=20
bears,  at  the  head  of  which  stood  "Old  Samson,"  together  with  se=
veral  wolves,=20
half  a  dozen  different  species  of  California  bears,  Calif ornia  li=
ons,  tigers,  buffalo,=20
elk,  and  "  Old  Neptune,"  the  great  sea-lion  from  the  Pacific.=20

Old  Adams  had  trained  all  these  monsters  so  that  with  him  they  =
were  as  docile=20
as  kittens,  though  many  of  the  most  ferocious  among  them  would  a=
ttack  a=20
stranger  without  hesitation,  if  he  came  within  their  grasp.  In  fa=
ct  the  training=20
of  these  animals  was  no  fool's  play,  as  Old  Adams  learned  to  hi=
s  cost,  for  the=20
terrific  blows  which  he  received  from  time  to  time,  while  teachin=
g  them=20
"docility,"  finally  cost  him  his  life.*=20

Adams  called  on  me  immediately  on  his  arrival  in  New  York.  He  w=
as  dressed=20
in  his  hunter's  suit  of  buckskin,  trimmed  with  the  skins  and  bor=
dered  with  the=20
hanging  tails  of  small  Rocky  Mountain  animals;  his  cap  consisting =
 of  the  skin  of=20
a  wolfs  head  and  shoulders,  from  which  depended  several  tails,  an=
d  under  which=20
appeared  his  stiff,  bushy,  gray  hair  and  his  long,  white,  grizzly=
  beard;  in  fact=20
Old  Adams  was  quite  as  much  of  a  show  as  his  beasts.  They  had =
 come  around=20
Cape  Horn  on  the  clipper  ship  "  Golden  Fleece,"  and  a  sea  voyag=
e  of  three  and  a=20
half  months  had  probably  not  added  much  to  the  beauty  or  neat  a=
ppearance  of=20
the  old  bear-hunter.  During  our  conversation,  Grizzly  Adams  took  o=
ff  his  cap,=20
and  showed  me  the  top  of  his  head.  His  skull  was  literally  brok=
en  in.  It  had,=20
on  various  occasions,  been  struck  by  the  fearful  paws  of  his  gri=
zzly  students;=20
and  the  last  blow,  from  the  bear  called  "General  Fremont,"  had  l=
aid  open  his=20
brain  so  that  its  workings  were  plainly  visible.  I  remarked  that =
 I  thought  it  was=20
a  dangerous  wound  and  might  possibly  prove  fatal.=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  200.=20


MENAGERIE   AND   MUSEUM    MEMORANDA.  203=20

"Yes,"  replied  Adams,  "that  will  fix  me  out.  It  had  nearly  heale=
d;  but=20
old  Fremont  opened  it  for  me,  for  the  third  or  fourth  time,  bef=
ore  I  left  Cal-=20
ifornia, and  he  did  his  business  so  thoroughly,  I'm  a  used-up  man=
.  However,  I=20
reckon  I  may  live  six  months  or  a  year  yet."  This  was  spoken  a=
s  coolly  as  if  he=20
had  been  talking  about  the  life  of  a  dog.  The  immediate  object  =
of  "  old  Adams  "=20
in  calling  upon  me  was  this;  I  had  purchased,  a  week  previously,=
  one-half  inter-=20
est in  his  California  menagerie,  from  a  man  who  had  come  by  way =
 of  the  Isthmus=20
from  California,  and  who  claimed  to  own  an  equal  interest  with  A=
dams  in  the=20
show.  Adams  declared  that  the  man  had  only  advanced  him  some  mon=
ey,  and=20
did  not  possess  the  right  to  sell  half  of  the  concern.  However, =
 the  man  held  a  bill=20
of  sale  for  half  of  the  "California  Menagerie,"  and  old  Adams  fi=
nally  consented=20
to  accept  me  as  an  equal  partner  in  the  speculation,  saying  that=
  he  guessed  I  could=20
do  the  managing  part,  and  he  would  show  up  the  animals.  I  obtai=
ned  a  canvas=20
tent,  and,  erecting  it  on  the  present  site  of  Wallack's  theater. =
 Adams  there  opened=20
his  novel  California  Menagerie.  On  the  morning  of  opening,  a  band=
  of  music=20
preceded  a  procession  of  animal  cages  down  Broadway  and  up  the  B=
owery,  old=20
Adams,  dressed  in  his  hunting  costume,  heading  the  line,  with  a  =
platform  wagon=20
on  which  were  placed  three  immense  grizzly  bears,  two  of  which  h=
e  held  by=20
chains,  while  he  was  mounted  on  the  back  of  the  largest  grizzly,=
  which  stood  in=20
the  center  and  was  not  secured  in  any  manner  whatever.  This  was =
 the  bear=20
known  as  "General  Fremont,"  and  so  docile  had  he  become,  that  Ad=
ams  said  he=20
had  used  him  as  a  pack-bear,  to  carry  his  cooking  and  hunting  a=
pparatus  through=20
the  mountains  for  six  months,  and  had  ridden  him  hundreds  of  mil=
es.  But=20
apparently  docile  as  were  many  of  these  animals,  there  was  not  o=
ne  among  them=20
that  would  not  occasionally  give  Adams  a  sly  blow  or  a  sly  bite=
  when  a  good=20
chance  offered;  hence  old  Adams  was  but  a  wreck  of  his  former  s=
elf,  and=20
expressed  pretty  nearly  the  truth  when  he  said:=20

"Mr.  Barnum,  I  am  not  the  man  I  was  five  years  ago.  Then  I  fe=
lt  able  to=20
stand  the  hug  of  any  grizzly  living,  and  was  always  glad  to  enc=
ounter,  single=20
handed,  any  sort  of  an  animal  that  dared  present  himself.  But  I =
 have  been=20
beaten  to  a  jelly,  torn  almost  limb  from  limb,  and  nearly  chawed=
  up  and  spit=20
out  by  these  treacherous  grizzly  bears.  However,  I  am  good  for  a=
  few  months=20
yet,  and  by  that  tune  I  hope  we  shall  gain  enough  to  make  my  =
old  woman=20
comfortable,  for  I  have  been  absent  from  her  some  years."=20

His  wife  came  from  Massachusetts  to  New  York  and  nursed  him.  Dr.=
  Johns=20
dressed  his  wounds  every  day,  and  not  only  told  Adams  he  could  =
never  recover,=20
but  assured  his  friends,  that  probably  a  very  few  weeks  would  la=
y  him  in  his=20
grave.  But  Adams  was  as  firm  as  adamant  and  as  resolute  as  a  l=
ion.  Among=20
the  thousands  who  saw  him  dressed  in  his  grotesque  hunter's  suit,=
  and  witnessed=20
the  seeming  vigor  with  which  he  "performed"  the  savage  monsters,  =
beating=20
and  whipping  them  into  apparently  the  most  perfect  docility,  proba=
bly  not  one=20
suspected  that  this  rough,  fierce-looking,  powerful  demi-savage,  as =
 he  appeared=20
to  be,  was  suffering  intense  pain  from  his  broken  skull  and  feve=
red  system,  and=20
that  nothing  kept  him  from  stretching  himself  on  his  death-bed  bu=
t  his  most=20
indomitable  and  extraordinary  will.=20

Old  Adams  liked  to  astonish  others,  as  he  often  did,  with  his  a=
stounding  stories,=20
but  no  one  could  astonish  him ;  he  had  seen  everything  and  knew =
 everything,  and=20
I  was  anxious  to  get  a  chance  of  exposing  this  weak  point  to  h=
im.  A  fit  occasion=20
soon  presented  itself.  One  day,  while  engaged  in  my  office  at  th=
e  Museum,  a=20
man  with  marked  Teutonic  features  and  accent  approached  the  door  =
and  asked=20
if  I  would  like  to  buy  a  pair  of  living  golden  pigeons.=20


204  MENAGERIE   AND  MUSEUM   MEMORANDA.=20

"  Yes,"  I  replied,  "I  would  like  a  flock  of  golden  pigeons,  if =
 I  could  buy  them=20
for  their  weight  in  silver;  for  there  are  no  'golden'  pigeons  in=
  existence,  unless=20
they  are  made  from  the  pure  metaL"=20

"  You  shall  see  some  golden  pigeons  alive,"  he  replied,  at  the  =
same  time  enter-=20
ing my  office,  and  closing  the  door  after  him,  He  then  removed  t=
he  lid  from  a=20
small  basket  which  he  carried  in  his  hand,  and  sure  enough,  ther=
e  were  snugly=20
ensconced  a  pair  of  beautiful,  living  ruff-necked  pigeons,  as  yell=
ow  as  saffron,  and=20
as  bright  as  a  double-eagle  fresh  from  the  mint.=20

I  confess  I  was  somewhat  staggered  at  this  sight,  and  quickly  as=
ked  the  man=20
where  those  birds  came  from.  A  dull,  lazy  smile  crawled  over  the=
  sober  face  of=20
iny  German  visitor,  as  he  replied  in  a  slow,  guttural  tone  of  v=
oice :=20

"  What  you  think  yourself?"=20

Catching  his  meaning,  I  quickly  replied:=20

"  I  think  it  is  a  humbug."=20

"Of  course,  I  know  you  will  say  so;  because  you  'forstha'  such  =
things;  so  I=20
shall  not  try  to  humbug  you;  I  have  colored  them  myself."=20

On  furthei  inquiry,  I  learned  that  this  German  was  a  chemist,  an=
d  that  he  pos-=20
sessed the  art  of  coloring  birds  any  hue  desired,  and  yet  retain =
 a  natural  gloss=20
on  the  feathers,  which  gave  every  shade  the  appearance  of  reality=
.=20

Thinking  here  was  a  good  chance  to  catch  "Grizzly  Adams,"  I  boug=
ht  the  pair=20
of  golden  pigeons  for  ten  dollars,  and  sent  them  up  to  the  "  H=
appy  Family "=20
(where  I  knew  Adams  would  soon  see  them),  marked,  "  Golden  Pigeo=
ns,  from=20
California.  "=20

The  next  morning  " Old  Grizzly  Adams, "passed  through  the  Museum  w=
hen  his=20
eyes  fell  on  the  "  Golden  California  Pigeons."  He  looked  a  momen=
t  and  doubt-=20
less admired.  He  soon  after  came  to  my  office.=20

"  Mr.  Barnum,"  said  he,  "  you  must  let  me  have  those  California=
  pigeons."=20

"I  can't  spare  them,"  I  replied.=20

"But  you  must  spare  them.  All  the  birds  and  animals  from  Calif o=
rnia ought=20
to  be  together.  You  own  half  of  my  Calif  ornia  menagerie,  and  y=
ou  must  lend=20
me  those  pigeons."=20

"  Mr.  Adams,  they  are  too  rare  and  valuable  a  bird  to  be  hawke=
d  about  in  that=20

manner,"=20

"Oh,  don't  be  a  fool,"  replied  Adams.  "Rare  bird,  indeed!  Why,  t=
hey  are=20
just  as  common  in  California  as  any  other  pigeon!  I  could  have  =
brought  a  hun-=20
dred of  them  from  San  Francisco,  if  I  had  thought  of  it."=20

" But  why  did  you  not  think  of  it?"  I  asked,  with  a  suppressed =
 smile.=20

"Because  they  are  so  common  there,"  said  Adams,  "I  did  not  think=
  they=20
would  be  any  curiosity  here."=20

I  was  ready  to  burst  with  laughter  to  see  how  readily  Adams  swa=
llowed  the=20
bait,  but,  maintaining  the  most  rigid  gravity,  I  replied:=20

"  Oh  well,  Mr.  Adams,  if  they  are  really  so  common  in  Californi=
a,  you  had=20
probably  better  take  them,  and  you  may  write  over  and  have  half =
 a  dozen  pairs=20
sent  to  me  for  the  Museum. "=20

Six  or  eight  weeks  after  this  incident,  I  was  in  the  California =
 Menagerie,  and=20
noticed  that  the  "Golden  Pigeons"  had  assumed  a  frightfully  mottle=
d  appear-=20
ance. Their  feathers  had  grown  out  and  they  were  half  white.  Adam=
s  had=20
been  so  busy  with  his  bears  that  he  had  not  noticed  the  change.=
  I  called  him  up=20
to  the  pigeon  cage,  and  remarked-=20

"Mr.  Adams,  I  fear  you  will  lose  your  Golden  Pigeons;  they  must =
 be  very=20
sick;  I  observe  they  are  turning  quite  pale."=20


MENAGERIE   AND   MUSEUM   MEMORANDA.  205=20

Adams  looked  at  them  a  moment  with  astonishment,  then  turning  to =
 me,  and=20
seeing  that  I  could  not  suppress  a  smile,  he  indignantly  exclaime=
d:=20

"Blast  the  Golden  Pigeons  I  You  had  better  take  them  back  to  th=
e  Museum.=20
You  can't  humbug  me  with  your  painted  pigeons! "=20

This  was  too  much,  and  "I  laughed  till  I  cried,"  to  witness  the=
  mixed  look  of=20
astonishment  and  vexation  which  marked  the  grizzly  features  of  old=
  Adams.=20

After  the  exhibition  on  Thirteenth  street  and  Broadway  had  been  o=
pen  six=20
weeks,  the  doctor  insisted  that  Adams  should  sell  out  his  share  =
in  the  animals  and=20
settle  up  his  worldly  affairs,  for  he  assured  him  that  he  was  g=
rowing  weaker=20
every  day,  and  his  earthly  existence  must  soon  terminate.  "  I  sh=
all  live  a  good=20
deal  longer  than  you  doctors  think  for,"  replied  Adams,  doggedly; =
 and  then,=20
seeming  after  all  to  realize  the  truth  of  the  doctor's  assertion,=
  he  turned  to  me=20
and  said:  "Well,  Mr.  Barnum,  you  must  buy  me  out."  He  named  his=
  price  for=20
his  half  of  the  "show,"  and  I  accepted  his  offer.  We  had  arrang=
ed  to  exhibit=20
the  bears  in  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts  during  the  summer,  in  =
connection=20
with  a  circus,  and  Adams  insisted  that  I  should  hire  him  to  tra=
vel  for  the  season=20
and  exhibit  the  bears  in  their  curious  performances.  He  offered  t=
o  go  for  $60  per=20
week  and  traveling  expenses  of  himself  and  wife.  I  replied  that  =
I  would  gladly=20
engage  him  as  long  as  he  could  stand  it,  but  I  advised  him  to =
 give  up  business  and=20
go  to  his  home  in  Massachusetts;  "  for,"  I  remarked,  "  you  are =
 growing  weaker=20
every  day,  and  at  best  cannot  stand  it  more  than  a  fortnight."=
=20

"  What  will  you  give  me  extra  if  1  will  travel  and  exhibit  the=
  bears  every  day=20
for  ten  weeks  ? "  added  old  Adams,  eagerly.=20

"  Five  hundred  dollars,"  ^replied  with  a  laugh.=20

"Donel"  exclaimed  Adams,  "I  will  do  it,  so  draw  up  an  agreement =
 to  that=20
effect  at  once.  But,  mind  you,  draw  it  payable  to  ray  wife,  for=
  I  may  =C2=BBe  too=20
weak  to  attend  to  business  after  the  ten  weeks  are  up,  and  if  =
I  perform  my  part=20
of  the  contract,  I  want  her  to  get  the  $500  without  any  trouble=
."=20

I  drew  up  a  contract  to  pay  him  $60  per  week  for  his  services,=
  and  if  he  con-=20
tinued to  exhibit  the  bears  for  ten  consecutive  weeks  I  was  then =
 to  hand  him,  or=20
his  wife,  $500  extra.=20

"  You  have  lost  your  $500! "  exclaimed  Adams  on  taking  the  contr=
act;  "  for  1=20
am  bound  to  live  and  earn  it."=20

"  I  hope  you  may,  with  all  my  heart,  and  a  hundred  years  more =
 if  you  desire=20
it,"  I  replied.=20

"  Call  me  a  fool  if  I  don't  earn  the  $5001 "  exclaimed  Adams,  =
with  a  triumph-=20
ant laugh.=20

The  "  show  "  started  off  in  a  few  days,  and  at  the  end  of  a =
 fortnight  I  met  it  at=20
Hartford,  Connecticut.=20

"Well,"  said  J,  "Adams,  you  seem  to  stand  it  pretty  well.  I  hop=
e  you  and=20
your  wife  are  comfortable  ? "=20

"  Yes,"  he  replied  with  a  laugh;  "  and  you  may  as  well  try  to=
  be  comfortable,=20
too,  for  your  $500  is  a  goner."=20

"  All  right,"  I  replied,  "  I  hope  you  will  grow  better  every  d=
ay."=20

But  I  saw  by  his  pale  face  and  other  indications  that  he  was  r=
apidly  failing.=20
In  three  weeks  more,  I  met  him  again  at  New  Bedford,  Massachuset=
ts.  It  seemed=20
to  me,  then,  that  he  could  not  live  a  week,  for  his  eyes  were =
 glassy  and  his  hands=20
trembled,  but  his  pluck  was  as  great  as  ever.=20

"  This  hot  weather  is  pretty  bad  for  me,"  he  said,  "  but  my  t=
en  weeks  are  half=20
expired,  and  I  am  good  for  your  $500,  and,  probably,  a  month  or=
  two  longer."=20


206  MENAGERIE   AND   MUSEUM   MEMOBANDA.=20

This  was  said  with  as  much  bravado  as  if  he  was  offering  to  be=
t  upon  a  horse-=20
race. I  offered  to  pay  him  half  of  the  $500,  if  he  would  give  =
up  and  go  home;=20
but  he  peremptorily  declined  making  any  compromise  whatever.  I  met=
  him  the=20
ninth  week  in  Boston.  He  had  failed  considerably  since  I  last  sa=
w  him,  but  he=20
still  continued  to  exhibit  the  bears,  although  he  was  too  weak  t=
o  lead  them  in,=20
and  he  chuckled  over  his  almost  certain  triumph.  I  laughed  in  re=
turn,  and  sin-=20
cerely congratulated  him  on  his  nerve  and  probable  success.  I  rema=
ined  with=20
him  until  the  tenth  week  was  finished,  and  handed  him  his  $500. =
 He  took  it  with=20
a  leer  of  satisfaction,  and  remarked,  that  he  was  sorry  I  was  a=
  teetotaler,  for  he=20
would  like  to  stand  treat  I=20

Just  before  the  menagerie  left  New  York,  I  had  paid  $150  for  a =
 new  hunting-=20
suit,  made  of  beaver  skins,  similar  to  the  one  which  Adams  had  =
worn.  This  I=20
intended  for  Heir  Driesbach,  the  animal-tamer,  who  was  engaged  by =
 me  to  take=20
the  place  of  Adams,  whenever  he  should  be  compelled  to  give  up. =
 Adams,  on  start-=20
ing from  New  York,  asked  me  to  loan  this  new  dress  to  him  to  p=
erform  in  once=20
in  a  while  in  a  fair  day,  where  he  had  a  large  audience,  for  =
his  own  costume  was=20
considerably  soiled.  I  did  so,  and  now  when  I  handed  him  his  $5=
00,  he  remarked:=20

"  Mr.  Barnum,  I  suppose  you  are  going  to  give  me  this  new  hunt=
ing-dress  ? "=20

"Oh,  no,"  I  replied,  "I  got  that  for  your  successor,  who  will  e=
xhibit  the=20
bears  to-morrow;  besides,  you  have  no  possible  use  for  it."=20

"Now,  don't  be  mean,  but  lend  me  the  dress,  if  you  won't  give  =
it  to  me,  for  I=20
want  to  wear  it  home  to  my  native  village."=20

I  could  not  refuse  the  poor  old  man  anything,  and  I  therefore  r=
eplied:=20

"  Well,  Adams,  I  will  lend  you  the  dress;  but  you  will  send  it=
  back  to  me  ? "=20

"Yes,  when  I  have  done  with  it,"  he  replied,  with  an  evident  ch=
uckle  of=20
triumph.=20

I  thought  to  myself,  he  will  soon  be  done  with  it,  and  replied:=
  "That's  all=20
right."=20

A  new  idea  evidently  struck  him,  for,  with  a  brightening  look  of=
  satisfaction,=20
he  said:=20

"  Now,  Barnum,  you  have  made  a  good  thing  out  of  the  California=
  menagerie,=20
and  so  have  I;  but  you  will  make  a  heap  more.  So  if  you  won't=
  give  me  this=20
new  hunter's  dress,  just  draw  a  little  writing,  and  sign  it,  say=
ing  that  I  may=20
wear  it  until  I  have  done  with  it."=20

I  knew  that  in  a  few  days,  at  longest,  he  would  be  "done"  with=
  this  world=20
altogether,  and,  to  gratify  him,  I  cheerfully  drew  and  signed  the=
  paper.=20

"  Come,  old  Yankee,  I've  got  you  this  time =E2=80=94 see  if  I  ha=
in't ! "  exclaimed  Adams,=20
with  a  broad  grin,  as  he  took  the  paper.=20

I  smiled,  and  said:=20

"  All  right,  my  dear  fellow;  the  longer  you  live  the  better  I  =
shall  like  it."=20

We  parted,  and  he  went  to  Charlton,  Worcester  County,  Mass.,  \vh=
=C2=ABre  his=20
wife  and  daughter  lived.  He  took  at  once  to  his  bed,  and  never =
 rose  from  it=20
again.  The  excitement  had  passed  away,  and  his  vital  energies  cou=
ld  accomplish=20
no  more.  The  fifth  day  after  arriving  home,  the  physician  told  h=
im  he  could  not=20
live  until  the  next  morning.  He  received  the  announcement  m  perfe=
ct  calmness,=20
and  with  the  most  apparent  indifference ;  then,  turning  to  his  wi=
fe,  with  a  smile=20
he  requested  her  to  have  him  buried  in  the  new  hunting-suit.  "Fo=
r,"  said  he,=20
"  Barnum  agreed  to  let  me  have  it  until  I  have  done  with  it,  =
and  I  was  deter-=20
mined to  fix  his  flint  this  time.  He  shall  never  see  that  dress =
 again."  That  dress=20
was  indeed  the  shroud  in  which  he  was  entombed.=20


MENAGERIE  AND  MUSEUM   MEMORANDA.  207=20

After  the  death  of  Adams,  the  grizzly  bears  and  other  animals,  w=
ere  added  to=20
the  collection  in  my  Museum,  and  I  employed  Herr  Driesbach,  the  =
celebrated=20
lion-tamer,  as  an  exhibitor.  Some  time  afterwards  the  bears  were  =
sold  to  a  men-=20
agerie company,  but  I  kept  "  Old  Neptune,"  the  sea-lion,  for  seve=
ral  years,  send-=20
ing him  occasionally  for  exhibitions  in  other  cities,  as  far  west =
 as  Chicago.=20

On  the  thirteenth  of  October,  1860,  the  Prince  of  Wales,  then  ma=
king  a  tour  it=20
the  United  States,  in  company  with  his  suite,  visited  the  America=
n  Museum.*=20
This  was  a  very  great  compliment,  since  it  was  the  only  place  o=
f  amusement  the=20
Prince  attended  in  this  country.  Unfortunately,  I  was  in  Bridgepor=
t  at  the  time,=20
and  the  Museum  was  in  charge  of  my  manager,  Mr.  Greenwood.=20

On  leaving  the  Museum,  the  Prince  asked  to  see  Mr.  Barnum,  and  =
when  he=20
was  told  that  I  was  out  of  town,  he  remarked:  "  We  have  missed=
  the  most  inter-=20
esting feature  of  the  establishment."  A  few  days  afterwards,  when  =
the  Prince=20
was  in  Boston,  happening  to  be  in  that  city,  I  sent  my  card  to=
  him  at  the  Revere=20
House,  and  was  cordially  received.  He  smiled  when  I  reminded  him =
 that  I  had=20
seen  him  when  he  was  a  little  boy,  on  the  occasion  of  one  of  =
my  visits  to  Buck-=20
ingham Palace  with  General  Tom  Thumb.  The  Prince  told  me  that  he =
 was  much=20
pleased  with  his  recent  inspection  of  my  Museum,  and  that  he  and=
  his  suite  had=20
left  their  autographs  in  the  establishment,  as  mementoes  of  their =
 visit.=20

Meanwhile  the  Museum  flourished  better  than  ever;  and  I  began  to =
 make  large=20
holes  in  the  mortgages  which  covered  the  property  of  my  wife  in =
 New  York  and=20
in  Connecticut.  Still,  there  was  an  immense  amount  of  debts  resti=
ng  upon  all=20
her  real  estate,  and  nothing  but  time,  economy,  industry  and  dili=
gence  would=20
remove  the  burdens.=20

*  He=C2=AB  Illustration,  page  112.=20


CHAPTER    XXXV.=20

EAST   BRIDGEPORT.*=20

FOB  nearly  five  years  my  family  had  been  knocked  about,  the  spor=
t  of  adverse=20
fortune,  without  a  settled  home.  Sometimes  we  boarded,  and  at  oth=
er  times  we=20
lived  in  a  small  hired  house.  Two  of  my  daughters  were  married, =
 and  my  youngest=20
daughter,  Pauline,  was  away  at  boarding-school.  The  health  of  my  =
wife  waa=20
much  impaired,  and  she  especially  needed  a  fixed  residence  which  =
she  could  call=20
"home."  Accordingly,  in  1860,  I  built  a  pleasant  house  adjoining  =
that  of=20
my  daughter  Caroline,  in  Bridgeport,  one  hundred  rods  west  of  the=
  grounds  of=20
Iranistan.=20

Meanwhile,  my  pet  city,  East  Bridgeport,  was  progressing  with  gian=
t  strides.=20
The  Wheeler  and  Wilson  Sewing  Machine  manufactory  had  been  quadrup=
led  in=20
size,  and  employed  about  a  thousand  workmen.  Numerous  other  large =
 factories=20
had  been  built,  and  scores  of  first-class  houses  were  erected,  be=
sides  many  neat=20
but  smaller  and  cheaper  houses  for  laborers  and  mechanics.  That  p=
iece  of=20
property,  which,  but  eight  years  before,  had  been  farm  land,  with=
  scarcely  six=20
houses  upon  the  whole  tract,  was  now  a  beautiful  new  city,  teemi=
ng  with  busy=20
life,  and  looking  as  neat  as  a  new  pin.=20

I  copy  from  the  files  of  the  Bridgeport  Standard,  an  offer  which=
  I  made,  and=20
the  editorial  comment  thereon.  This  offer  was  for  the  sake  of  he=
lping  those  who=20
were  willing  to  help  themselves,  and,  at  the  same  time,  contribut=
e  to  my  happi-=20
ness, as  well  as  their  own,  by  forwarding  the  growth  of  the  new =
 city.=20

"  NEW  HOUSES  IN  EAST  BRIDGEPORT.=20
"EVERY  MAN  TO  OWN  THB  HOUSE  HB  LIVES  IN.=20

"  There  is  a  demand  at  the  present  moment  for  two  hundred  more =
 dwelling-houses  In=20
East  Bridgeport.  It  is  evident  that  if  the  money  expended  in  ren=
t  can  be  paid  towards  the=20
purchase  of  a  house  and  lot.  the  person  so  paying  will  in  a  fe=
w  years  own  the  house  he  lives=20
in,  instead  of  always  remaining  a  tenant.  In  view  of  this  fact, =
 I  propose  to  loan  money  at=20
six  per  cent,  to  any  number,  not  exceeding  fifty,  industrious,  te=
mperate  and  respectable=20
individuals,  who  desire  to  build  their  own  houses.=20

"  They  may  engage  their  own  builders,  and  build  according  to  any=
  reasonable  plan  (which=20
I  may  approve),  or  I  will  have  it  done  for  them  at  the  lowest =
 possible  rate,  without  a  far-=20
thing profit  to  myself  or  agent,  I  putting  the  lot  at  a  fair  pr=
ice  and  advancing  eighty  per  cent,=20
of  the  entire  cost;  the  other  party  to  furnish  twenty  per  cent, =
 in  labor,  material  or  money,=20
and  they  may  pay  me  in  small  sums  weekly,  monthly  or  quarterly, =
 any  amount  not  less  than=20
three  per  cent,  per  quarter,  all  ol  which  is  to  apply  on  the  m=
oney  advanced  until  it  is  paid.=20

"  It  has  been  ascertained  that  by  purchasing  building  materials  f=
or  cash,  and  in  large=20
quantities,  nice  dwellings,  painted  and  furnished  with  green  blinds=
,  can  be  erected  at  a  cost=20
of  $1,500  or  $1,800,  for  house,  lot,  fences,  etc.,  all  complete, =
 and  if  six  or  eight  friends  prefer=20
to  join  in  erecting  a  neat  block  of  houses  with  verandas  in  fro=
nt,  the  average  cost  need  not=20
exceed  about  $1,300  per  house  and  lot.  If,  however,  some  parties =
 would  prefer  a  single  or=20
double  house  that  would  cost  $^,500  to  $3,000,  I  shall  be  glad  =
to  meet  their  views.=20

"  P.  T.  BABNUM.=20

"February  16,  1861"=20

The  editor  of  the  Standard  printed  the  following  upon  my  announce=
ment:=20

"  AN  ADVANTAGEOUS  OFFER.=E2=80=94 We  have  read  with  great  pleasure =
 Mr.  Barnnm's  adver-=20
tisement, offering  assistance  to  any  number  of  persons,  not  exceedi=
ng  fifty,  in  the  erectioo=20

*  See  Illustration,  opposite.=20

208=20


EAST   BRIDGEPORT  209=20

of  dwelling-houses.  This  plan  combines  all  the  advantages  and  none=
  of  the  objections  of=20
Building  Associations.  Any  individual  who  can  furnish  in  cash,  lab=
or,  or  material,  oue-=20
flflh  only  of  the  amount  requisite  for  the  erection  of  a  dwellin=
g-house,  can  receive  the  other=20
four-fifths  from  Mr.  Barnum,  rent  his  house  and  by  merely  paying =
 what  may  be  considered  as=20
only  a  fair  rent  for  a  few  years,  find  himself  at  last  the  own=
er,  and  all  further  payments=20
cease.  In  the  mean  time,  he  can  be  making  such  inexpensive  impro=
vements  in  his  property=20
as  would  greatly  Increase  its  market  value,  and  besides  have  the =
 advantage  of  any  rise  in=20
the  value  of  real  estate.  It  is  not  often  that  such  a  generous =
 offer  is  made  to  working  men.=20
It  is  a  loan  on  what  would  be  generally  considered  inadequate  se=
curity,  at  six  per  cent.,  at  a=20
time  when  a  much  better  use  of  money  can  be  made  by  any  capita=
list.  It  is  therefore  gen-=20
erous. Mr.  Barnum  may  make  money  by  the  operation.  Very  well,  per=
haps  he  will,  but  if=20
he  does,  it  will  be  by  making  others  richer,  not  poorer;  by  hel=
ping  those  who  need  assist-=20
ance, not  by  hindering  them,  and  we  can  only  wish  that  every  ric=
h  man  would  follow  such=20
a  noble  example,  and  thus,  without  injury  to  themselves,  give  a  =
helping  hand  to  those  who=20
need  it.  Success  to  the  enterprise.  We  hope  that  fifty  men  will =
 be  found  before  the  week=20
ends,  each  of  whom  desires  in  such  a  manner  to  obtain  a  roof  w=
hich  he  can  call  his  own.'=20

Quite  a  number  of  men  at  once  availed  themselves  of  my  offer,  a=
nd  eventually=20
succeeded  in  paying  for  their  homes  without  much  effort.  I  am  so=
rry  to  add,=20
that  rent  is  still  paid,  month  after  month,  by  many  men  who  wou=
ld  long  ago=20
have  owned  neat  homesteads,  free  from  all  incumbrances,  if  they  h=
ad  accepted=20
my  proposals,  and  had  signed  and  kept  the  temperance  pledge,  and =
 given  up  the=20
use  of  tobacco.  The  money  they  have  since  expended  for  whisky  an=
d  tobacco,=20
would  have  given  them  a  house  of  their  own,  if  the  money  had  b=
een  devoted  to=20
that  object,  and  their  positions,  socially  and  morally,  would  have=
  been  far  better=20
than  they  are  to-day.  How  many  infatuated  men  there  are  in  all  =
parts  of  the=20
country,  who  could  now  be  independent,  and  even  owners  of  their  =
own  carriages,=20
but  for  their  slavery  to  these  miserable  habits  !=20

The  land  in  East  Bridgeport  was  originally  purchased  by  me  at  fr=
om  $50  to  $75,=20
and  from  those  sums  to  $300  per  acre;  and  the  average  cost  of  =
all  I  bought  on=20
that  side  of  the  river  was  $200  per  acre.  Some  portions  of  this=
  land  are  now=20
assessed  in  the  Bridgeport  tax-list  at  from  $3.000  to  $4,000  per =
 acre.  At  the  time=20
I  joined  Mi-.  Noble  in  this  enterprise,  the  site  we  purchased  wa=
s  not  a  part  of  the=20
city  of  Bridgeport.  It  is  now,  however,  a  most  important  section =
 of  the  city,=20
and  the  three  bridges  connecting  the  two  banks  of  the  river,  and=
  originally  char-=20
tered as  toll-bridges,  have  been  bought  by  the  city  and  thrown  op=
en  as  free=20
highways  to  the  public.  A  horse  railroad,  in  which  I  took  one-te=
nth  part  of  the=20
stock,  connects  the  two  portions  of  the  city,  extending  westerly  =
beyond  Iranistan=20
and  Lindencroft,  while  a  branch  road  runs  to  the  beautiful  "  Sea=
-side  Park"  on=20
the  Sound  shore.=20

General  Noble,  in  laying  out  the  first  portion  of  our  new  city, =
 named  several=20
streets  after  members  of  his  own  family,  and  also  of  mine.  Hence=
,  we  have  a=20
"  Noble  "  street =E2=80=94 and  a  noble  street  it  is;  a  "Barnum"  =
street;  while  other  streets=20
are  named  "  William,"  from  Mr  Noble;  "Harriet,"  the  Christian  nam=
e  of  Mrs.=20
Noble;  "Hallett,"  the  maiden  name  of  my  wife;  and  "Caroline,"  "He=
len,"  and=20
"  Pauline,"  the  names  of  my  three  daughters.  There  is  also  the  =
"  Barnum  School=20
District "  and  school-house ;  so  that  it  seems  as  if,  for  a  few =
 scores  of  years  at=20
least,  posterity  would  know  who  were  the  founders  of  the  new,  fl=
ourishing  and=20
beautiful  city.  We  have  yet  another  enduring  and  ever-growing  monu=
ment  in=20
the  many  thousands  of  trees  which  we  set  out,  and  which  now  lin=
e  and  gratefully=20
shade  the  streets  of  East  Bridgeport.=20

Three  handsome  churches,  Methodist,  Episcopal  and  Congregational,  fr=
ont  on=20
the  beautiful  Washington  Park  of  seven  acres,  which  Mr.  Noble  and=
  myself  pre-=20
sented to  the  city.  Som.e  of  the  largest  and  most  prosperous  manu=
factories  in=20
the  United  States  are  located  in  the  new  city.=20


210  EAST=20

The  entire  city  of  Bridgeport  is  advancing  in  population  and  pros=
perity  with  a=20
rapidity  far  beyond  that  of  any  other  city  in  Connecticut,  and  e=
verything  indi-=20
cates that  it  will  soon  take  its  proper  position  as  the  second,  =
if  not  the  first,  city  in=20
the  State.  Its  situation  as  the  terminus  of  the  Naugatuck  and  th=
e  Housatonic  rail-=20
ways, its  accessibility  to  New  York,  with  its  two  daily  steamboats=
  to  and  from=20
the  metropolis,  and  its  dozen  daily  trains  of  the  New  York  and  =
Boston  and  Shore=20
Line  railways,  are  all  elements  of  prosperity  which  are  rapidly  t=
elling  in  favor  of=20
this  busy,  beautiful  and  charming  city.=20


CHAPTER    XXXVI.=20

MORE  ABOUT  THE  MUSEUM.=20

lie  1861,  I  lean  led  that  some  fishermen  at  the  mouth  of  the  S=
t.  Lawrence  had=20
succeeded  in  capturing  a  living  white  whale,  and  I  was  also  inf =
 ormed  that  a  whale=20
of  this  kind,  if  placed  in  a  box  lined  with  sea-weed  and  partia=
lly  filled  with  salt=20
water,  could  be  transported  by  land  to  a  considerable  distance,  a=
nd  be  kept  alive.=20
It  was  simply  necessary  that  an  attendant,  supplied  with  a  barrel=
  of  salt  water=20
and  a  sponge,  should  keep  the  mouth  and  blow-hole  of  the  whale  =
constantly=20
moist.=20

Having  made  up  my  mind  to  capture  and  transport  to  my  Museum  at=
  least  two=20
living  whales,  I  prepared  in  the  basement  of  the  building  a  bric=
k  and  cement=20
tank,  forty  feet  long,  and  eighteen  feet  wide,  for  their  receptio=
n.  This  done,  I=20
started  upon  my  whaling  expedition.  Going  by  rail  to  Quebec,  and =
 thence  by=20
the  Grand  Trunk  Railroad,  ninety  miles,  to  Wells  river,  I  charter=
ed  a  sloop  to=20
Elbow  island  (Isle  au  Coudres),  in  the  St.  Lawrence  river,  popula=
ted  by  Canadian=20
French  people.  I  contracted  with  a  party  of  twenty-four  fishermen,=
  to  capture=20
for  me,  alive  and  unharmed,  a  couple  of  white  whales,  scores  of =
 which  could  at=20
all  times  be  discovered  by  their  "  spouting  "  within  sight  of  t=
he  island.*=20

The  plan  decided  upon  was  to  plant  in  the  river  a  "kraal,"  comp=
osed  of  stakes=20
driven  down  in  the  form  of  a  V,  leaving  the  broad  end  open  for=
  the  whales  to=20
enter.  This  was  done  in  a  shallow  place,  with  the  point  of  the =
 kraal  towards=20
shore;  and  if  by  chance  one  or  more  whales  should  enter  the  tra=
p  at  high  water,=20
my  fishermen  were  to  occupy  the  entrance  with  their  boats,  and  k=
eep  up  a  tre-=20
mendous splashing  and  noise  till  the  tide  receded,  when  the  fright=
ened  whales=20
wo\ild  find  themselves  nearly  "  high  and  dry,"  or  with  too  littl=
e  water  to  enable=20
them  to  swim,  and  their  capture  would  be  next  thing  in  order.  T=
his  was  to  be=20
effected  by  securing  a  slip-noose  of  stout  rope  over  their  tails,=
  and  towing  them=20
to  the  sea-weed  lined  boxes  in  which  they  were  to  be  transported=
  to  New  York.=20

It  was  aggravating  to  see  the  whales  glide  so  near  the  trap  wit=
hout  going  into=20
it,  and  our  patience  was  sorely  tried.  One  day  a  whale  actually =
 went  into  the=20
kraal,  and  the  fishermen  proposed  to  capture  it ;  but  I  wanted  a=
nother,  and  while=20
we  waited  for  number  two  to  go  in  number  one  went  out.  After  s=
everal  days  I=20
was  awakened  at  daylight  by  a  great  noise,  and  amid  the  clamor  =
of  many  voices,=20
I  caught  the  cheering  news  that  two  whales  were  even  then  within=
  the  kraal.=20
Leaving  the  details  of  capture  and  transportation  to  my  trusty  as=
sistants,  I=20
started  at  once  for  New  York,  leaving  at  every  station  on  the  l=
ine  instructions  to=20
telegraph  operators  to  "take  off"  all  whaling  messages  that  passed=
  over  the  wires=20
to  New  York,  and  to  inform  their  fellow-townsmen  at  what  hour  th=
e  whales=20
would  pass  through  each  place.=20

The  result  of  these  arrangements  may  be  imagined;  at  every  statio=
n  crowds  of=20
people  came  to  the  cars  to  see  the  whales  which  were  traveling  =
by  land  to  Bar-=20
num's  Museum,  and  those  who  did  not  see  the  monsters  with  their =
 own  eyes,  at=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  216.=20

211=20


212  MORE  ABOUT  THE  MUSEUM.=20

least  saw  some  one  who  had  seen  them,  and  I  thus  secured  a  tre=
mendous  adver-=20
tisement, seven  hundred  miles  long,  for  the  American  Museum.=20

Arrived  in  New  York,  despatches  continued  to  come  from  the  whalin=
g  expe-=20
dition every  few  hours.  These  I  bulletined  in  front  of  the  Museum=
  and  sent=20
copies  to  the  papers.  The  excitement  was  intense,  and,  when  at  l=
ast,  these  marine=20
monsters  arrived  and  were  swimming  in  the  tank  that  had  been  pre=
pared  for=20
them,  anxious  thousands  literally  rushed  to  see  the  strangest  curi=
osities  ever=20
exhibited  in  New  York=20

Thus  was  my  first  whaling  expedition  a  great  success;  but  I  did =
 not  know  how=20
to  feed  or  to  take  care  of  the  monsters,  and,  moreover,  they  we=
re  in  fresh  water,=20
and  this,  with  the  bad  air  in  the  basement,  may  have  hastened  t=
heir  death,  which=20
occurred  a  few  days  after  their  arrival,  but  not  before  thousands=
  of  people  had=20
seen  them.  Not  at  all  discouraged,  I  resolved  to  try  again.  My  =
plan  now  was=20
to  connect  the  water  of  New  York  bay  with  the  basement  of  the  =
Museum  by=20
means  of  iron  pipes  under  the  street,  and  a  steam  engine  on  the=
  dock  to  pump=20
the  water.  This  I  actually  did  at  a  cost  of  several  thousand  do=
llars,  with  an=20
extra  thousand  to  the  aldermanic  "ring"  for  the  privilege,  and  I =
 constructed=20
another  tank  in  the  second  floor  of  the  building.  This  tank  was =
 built  of  slate  and=20
French  glass  plates  six  feet  long,  five  feet  broad,  and  one  inch=
  thick,  imported=20
expressly  for  the  purpose,  and  the  tank,  when  completed,  was  twen=
ty-four  feet=20
square,  and  cost  $4,000.  It  was  kept  constantly  supplied  with  wha=
t  would  be=20
called ,  Hibernically,  "  fresh"  salt  water,  and  inside  of  it  I  s=
oon  had  two  white=20
whales,  caught,  as  the  first  had  been,  hundreds  of  miles  below  Q=
uebec,  to  which=20
city  they  were  carried  by  a  sailing  vessel,  and  from  thence  were=
  brought  by=20
railway  to  New  York.=20

Of  this  whole  enterprise,  I  confess  I  was  very  proud  that  I  "ha=
d  originated  it=20
and  brought  it  to  such  successful  conclusion.  It  was  a  very  grea=
t  sensation,  and=20
it  added  thousands  of  dollars  to  my  treasury.  The  whales,  however=
,  soon  died  =E2=80=94=20
their  sudden  and  immense  popularity  was  too  much  for  them =E2=80=
=94 and  I  then=20
despatched  agents  to  the  coast  of  Labrador,  and  not  many  weeks  t=
hereafter  I  had=20
two  more  live  whales  disporting  themselves  in  my  monster  aquarium.=
  Certain=20
envious  people  started  the  report  that  my  whales  were  only  porpoi=
ses,  but  this=20
petty  malice  was  turned  to  good  account,  for  Professor  Agassiz,  o=
f  Harvard  Uni-=20
versity, came  to  see  them,  and  gave  me  a  certificate  that  they  w=
ere  genuine  white=20
whales,  and  this  endorsement  I  published  far  and  wide.=20

The  tank  which  I  had  built  in  the  basement  served  for  a  yet  mo=
re  interesting=20
exhibition.  On  the  twelfth  of  August,  1861,  I  began  to  exhibit  t=
he  first  and  only=20
geruine  hippopotamus  that  had  ever  been  seen  in  America,  and  for =
 several  weeks=20
the  Museum  was  thronged  by  the  curious  who  came  to  see  the  mons=
ter.  I  adver-=20
tised him  extensively  and  ingeniously,  as  "  the  great  behemoth  of =
 the  Scriptures,"=20
giving  a  full  description  of  the  animal  and  his  habits,  and  thou=
sands  of  cultivated=20
people,  biblical  students,  and  others,  were  attracted  to  this  nove=
l  exhibition.=20
There  was  quite  as  much  excitement  in  the  city  over  this  wonder =
 in  the  animal=20
creation  as  there  was  in  London  when  the  first  hippopotamus  was  =
placed  in  the=20
zoological  collection  in  Regent's  Park.=20

Having  a  stream  of  salt  water  at  my  command  at  every  high  tide,=
  I  was=20
enabled  to  make  splendid  additions  to  the  beautiful  aquarium,  whic=
h  I  was  the=20
first  to  introduce  into  this  country.  I  not  only  procured  living =
 sharks,  porpoises,=20
sea  horses,  and  many  rare  fish  from  the  sea  hi  the  vicinity  of =
 New  York,  but  in=20
the  summer  of  1861,  and  for  several  summers  in  succession,  I  des=
patched  a  fishing=20
smack  and  crew  to  the  Islands  of  Bermuda  and  its  neighborhood,  w=
hence  they=20


MORE   ABOUT  THE  MUSEUM.  213=20

brought  scores  of  specimens  of  the  beautiful  "angel  fish,"  and  nu=
merous  other=20
tropical  fish  of  brilliant  colors  and  unique  forms.  In  the  same  =
year,  I  bought=20
out  the  Aquaria!  Gardens  in  Boston,  and  soon  after  removed  the  c=
ollection  to  the=20
Museum.=20

In  December,  1861,  I  made  one  of  my  most  "palpable  hits."  I  was=
  visited  at=20
the  Museum  by  a  most  remarkable  dwarf,  who  was  a  sharp,  intellig=
ent  little=20
fellow,  with  a  deal  of  drollery  and  wit.  He  had  a  splendid  head=
,  was  perfectly=20
formed,  and  was  very  attractive,  and,  in  short,  for  a  "showman," =
 he  was  a  per-=20
fect treasure.  His  name,  he  told  me,  was  George  Washington  Morriso=
n  Nutt,=20
and  his  father  was  Major  Rodnia  Nutt,  a  substantial  farmer,  of  M=
anchester,  New=20
Hampshire.  I  was  not  long  in  despatching  an  efficient  agent  to  M=
anchester,  and=20
in  overcoming  the  competition  with  other  showmen  who  were  equally =
 eager  to=20
secure  this  extraordinary  pigmy.  The  terms  upon  which  I  engaged  h=
im  for  three=20
years  were  so  large  that  he  was  christened  the  $30,000  Nutt;  I, =
 in  the  meantime,=20
conferring  upon  him  the  title  of  Commodore.  As  soon  as  I  engaged=
  him,  placards,=20
posters  and  the  columns  of  the  newspapers  proclaimed  the  presence =
 of  "  Commo-=20
dore Nutt,"  at  the  Museum.  I  also  procured  for  the  Commodore  a  p=
air  of  Shet-=20
land ponies,  miniature  coachman  and  footman,  in  livery,  gold-mounted=
  harness,=20
and  an  elegant  little  carriage,  which,  when  closed,  represented  a =
 gigantic  English=20
walnut.  The  little  Commodore  attracted  great  attention,  and  grew  r=
apidly  in=20
public  favor.  General  Tom  Thumb  was  then  traveling  in  the  South  =
and  West.=20
For  some  years  he  had  not  been  exhibited  in  New  York,  and  durin=
g  these  years=20
he  had  increased  considerably  in  rotundity  and  had  changed  much  i=
n  his  general=20
appearance.  It  was  a  singular  fact,  however,  that  Commodore  Nutt  =
was  almost=20
a  fao-simile  of  General  Tom  Thumb,  as  he  looked  half-a-dozen  year=
s  before.=20
Consequently,  very  many  of  my  patrons,  not  making  allowance  for  t=
he  time=20
which  had  elapsed  since  they  had  last  seen  the  General,  declared =
 that  there  was=20
no  such  person  as  "  Commodore  Nutt; "  but  that  I  was  exhibiting =
 my  old  friend=20
Tom  Thumb  under  a  new  name.=20

Commodore  Nutt  enjoyed  the  joke  very  much.  He  would  sometimes  hal=
f=20
admit  the  deception,  simply  to  add  to  the  bewilderment  of  the  do=
ubting  portion=20
of  my  visitors.=20

It  was  evident  that  here  was  an  opportunity  to  turn  all  doubts  =
into  hard  cash,=20
by  simply  bringing  the  two  dwarf  Dromios  together,  and  showing  th=
em  on  the=20
same  platform.  I  therefore  induced  Tom  Thumb  to  bring  his  western=
  engage-=20
ments to  a  close,  and  to  appear  for  four  weeks,  beginning  with  A=
ugust  11,  1862,=20
in  my  Museum.  Announcements  headed  "The  Two  Dromios,"  and  "Two=20
Smallest  Men,  and  Greatest  Curiosities  Living,"  as  I  expected,  dre=
w  large  crowds=20
to  see  them,  and  many  came  especially  to  solve  their  doubts  with=
  regard  to  the=20
genuineness  of  the  "  Nutt."  But  here  I  was  considerably  nonplusse=
d,  for  aston-=20
ishing as  it  may  seem,  the  doubts  of  many  of  the  visitors  were  =
confirmed !  The=20
sharp  people  who  were  determined  "not  to  be  humbugged,  anyhow,"  s=
till=20
declared  that  Commodore  Nutt  was  General  Tom  Thumb,  and  that  the =
 little=20
fellow  whom  I  was  trying  to  pass  off  as  Tom  Thumb,  was  no  more=
  like  the  Gen-=20
eral than  he  was  like  the  man  in  the  moon.  It  is  very  amusing  =
to  see  how  people=20
will  sometimes  deceive  themselves  by  being  too  incredulous.=20

In  1862,  I  sent  the  Commodore  to  Washington,  and,  joining  him  th=
ere,  I=20
received  an  invitation  from  President  Lincoln  to  call  at  the  Whit=
e  House  with=20
my  little  friend.  Arriving  at  the  appointed  hour,  I  was  informed =
 that  the  Presi-=20
dent was  in  a  special  cabinet  meeting,  but  that  he  had  left  word=
  if  I  called  to  l>e=20
shown  in  to  him  with  the  Commodore.  These  were  dark  days  in  the=
  rebellion=20


214  MORE   ABOUT  THE   MUSEUM.=20

and  1  felt  that  my  visit,  if  not  ill-timed,  must  at  all  events =
 be  brief.  When  we=20
were  admitted,  Mr.  Lincoln  received  us  cordially,  and  introduced  u=
s  to  the  mem-=20
bers of  the  Cabinet.  When  Mr.  Chase  was  introduced  as  the  Secreta=
ry  of  the=20
Treasury,  the  little  Commodore  remarked:=20

"  I  suppose  you  are  the  gentleman  who  is  spending  so  much  of  U=
ncle  Sam's=20
money?"=20

"  No,  indeed,"  said  Secretary  of  War  Stanton,  very  promptly:  "  I=
  am  spending=20
the  money."=20

"Well,"  said  Commodore  Nutt,  "it  is  in  a  good  cause,  anyhow,  and=
  I  guess  it=20
will  come  out  all  right."=20

His  apt  remark  created  much  amusement.  Mr.  Lincoln  then  bent  down=
  his=20
long,  lank  body,  and  taking  Nutt  by  the  hand,  he  said:=20

"  Commodore,  permit  me  to  give  you  a  parting  word  of  advice.  Wh=
en  you=20
are  in  command  of  your  fleet,  if  you  find  yourself  in  danger  of=
  being  taken=20
prisoner,  I  advise  you  to  wade  ashore."=20

The  Commodore  found  the  laugh  was  against  him,  but  placing  himsel=
f  at  the=20
side  of  the  President,  and  gradually  raising  his  eyes  up  the  who=
le  length  of  Mr.=20
Lincoln's  very  long  legs,  he  replied:=20

"I  guess,  Mr.  President,  you  could  do  that  better  than  I  could."=
=20

Commodore  Nutt  and  the  Nova  Scotia  giantess,  Anna  Swan,  illustrate=
  the=20
old  proverb  sufficiently  to  show  how  extremes  occasionally  met  in =
 my  Museum.=20
He  was  the  shortest  of  men  and  she  was  the  tallest  of  women.  I=
  first  heard  of=20
her  through  a  Quaker  who  came  into  my  office  one  day  and  told  =
me  of  a  wonder-=20
ful girl,  seventeen  years  of  age,  who  resided  near  him  at  Pictou,=
  Nova  Scotia,=20
and  who  was  probably  the  tallest  girl  in  the  world.  I  asked  him=
  to  obtain  her=20
exact  height,  on  his  return  home,  which  he  did,  and  sent  it  to =
 me,  and  I  at  once=20
sent  an  agent  who  in  due  time  came  back  with  Anna  Swan.  She  wa=
s  an  intelli-=20
gent and  by  no  means  ill-looking  girl,  and  during  the  long  period=
  while  she  was=20
in  my  employ,  she  was  visited  by  thousands  of  persons.  After  the=
  burning  of=20
my  second  Museum,  she  went  to  England  where  she  attracted  great  =
attention.=20

For  many  years  I  had  been  in  the  habit  of  engaging  parties  of  =
American=20
Indians  from  the  far  west,  to  exhibit  at  the  Museum,  and  had  se=
nt  two  or  more=20
Indian  companies  to  Europe,  where  they  were  regarded  as  very  grea=
t  "  curiosi-=20
ties." In  1864,  ten  or  twelve  chiefs  of  as  many  different  tribes,=
  visited  the=20
President  of  the  United  States,  at  Washington.  By  a  pretty  libera=
l  outlay  of=20
money,  I  succeeded  in  inducing  the  interpreter  to  bring  them  to  =
New  York,  and=20
to  pass  some  days  at  my  Museum.  Of  course,  getting  these  Indians=
  to  dance,  or=20
to  give  any  illustration  of  their  games  or  pastimes,  was  out  of =
 the  question.=20
They  were  real  chiefs  of  powerful  tribes,  and  would  no  more  have=
  consented  to=20
give  an  exhibition  of  themselves  than  the  chief  magistrate  of  our=
  own  nation=20
would  have  done.  Their  interpreter  could  not  therefore  promise  tha=
t  they  would=20
remain  at  the  Museum  for  any  definite  time;  "for,"  said  he,  "you=
  can  only  keep=20
them  just  so  long  as  they  suppose  all  your  patrons  come  to  pay =
 them  visits=20
of  honor.  If  they  suspected  that  your  Museum  was  a  place  where  =
people  paid=20
for  entering,"  he  continued,  "you  could  not  keep  them  a  moment  a=
fter  the=20
discovery."=20

On  their  arrival  at  the  Museum,  therefore,  I  took  them  upon  the =
 stage  and  per-=20
sonally introduced  them  to  the  public.  The  Tnrh>ns  liked  this  a=
ttention  from  me,=20
as  they  had  been  informed  that  I  was  the  proprietor  of  the  grea=
t  establishment=20
in  which  they  were  invited  and  honored  guests.  My  patrons  were  o=
f  course=20
pleased  to  see  these  old  chiefs,  as  they  knew  they  were  the  "re=
al  thing,"  and=20


MORE   ABOUT  THE   MUSEUM.  215=20

several  of  them  were  known  to  the  public,  either  as  being  friend=
ly  or  cruel  to=20
the  whites.  After  one  or  two  appearances  on  the  stage,  I  took  t=
hem  in  carriages=20
and  visited  the  Mayor  of  New  York  in  the  Governor's  room  at  the=
  City  HalL=20
Here  the  Mayor  made  them  a  speech  of  welcome,  which  being  interp=
reted  to  the=20
savages  was  responded  to  by  a  speech  from  one  of  the  chiefs,  in=
  which  he  thanked=20
the  great  "Father"  of  the  city  for  his  pleasant  words,  and  for  =
his  kindness=20
in  pointing  out  the  portraits  of  his  predecessors  hanging  on  the =
 walls  of  the=20
Governor's  room.=20

On  another  occasion,  I  took  them  by  special  invitation  to  visit  =
one  of  the  large=20
public  schools  up  town.  The  teachers  were  pleased  to  see  them,  a=
nd  arranged  an=20
exhibition  of  special  exercises  by  the  scholars,  which  they  though=
t  would  be  most=20
likely  to  gratify  their  barbaric  visitors.  At  the  close  of  these =
 exercises,  one  old=20
chief  arose,  and  simply  said,  "  This  is  all  new  to  us.  We  are =
 mere  unlearned  sons=20
of  the  forest,  and  cannot  understand  what  we  have  seen  and  heard=
."=20

On  other  occasions,  I  took  them  to  ride  in  Central  Park,  and  th=
rough  different=20
portions  of  the  city.  At  every  street  corner  which  we  passed,  th=
ey  would=20
express  their  astonishment  to  each  other,  at  seeing  the  long  rows=
  of  houses  which=20
extended  both  ways  on  either  side  of  each  cross-street.  Of  course=
,  between  each=20
of  these  outside  visits  I  would  return  with  them  to  the  Museum, =
 and  secure  two=20
or  three  appearances  upon  the  stage  to  receive  the  people  who  ha=
d  there  congre-=20
gated "to  do  them  honor."=20

As  they  regarded  me  as  their  host,  they  did  not  hesitate  to  tre=
spass  upon  my=20
hospitality.  Whenever  their  eyes  rested  upon  a  glittering  shell  am=
ong  my  speci-=20
mens of  conchology,  especially  if  it  had  several  brilliant  colors, =
 one  would  take=20
off  his  coat,  another  his  shirt,  and  insist  that  I  should  exchan=
ge  my  shell  for  their=20
garment.  When  I  declined  the  exchange,  but  on  the  contrary  presen=
ted  them=20
with  the  coveted  article,  I  -soon  found  I  had  established  a  dang=
erous  precedent.=20
Immediately,  they  all  commenced  to  beg  for  everything  in  my  vast =
 collection,=20
which  they  happened  to  take  a  liking  to.  This  cost  me  many  valu=
able  specimens,=20
and  often  ' '  put  me  to  my  trumps  "  for  an  excuse  to  avoid  gi=
ving  them  things  which=20
I  could  not  part  with.=20

The  chief  of  one  of  the  tribes  one  day  discovered  an  ancient  sh=
irt  of  chain-=20
mail  which  hung  in  one  of  my  cases  of  antique  armor.  He  was  de=
lighted  with  it,=20
and  declared  he  must  have  it.  I  tried  all  sorts  of  excuses  to  =
prevent  his  getting=20
it,  for  it  had  cost  me  a  hundred  dollars,  and  was  a  great  curi=
osity.  But  the  old=20
man's  eyes  glistened,  and  he  would  not  take  "no"  for  an  answer. =
 "The  Utes=20
have  killed  my  little  child,"  he  told  me  through  the  interpreter;=
  and  now  he  must=20
have  this  steel  shirt  to  protect  himself;  and  when  he  returned  t=
o  the  Rocky  Moun-=20
tains he  would  have  his  revenge.  I  remained  inexorable  until  he  f=
tnalJy  brought=20
me  a  new  buckskin  Indian  suit,  which  he  insisted  upon  exchanging.=
  I  felt  com-=20
pelled to  accept  his  proposal ;  and  never  did  I  see  a  man  more  =
delighted  than  he=20
seemed  to  be  when  he  took  the  mailed  shirt  into  his  hands.  He  =
fairly  jumped  up=20
and  down  with  joy.  He  ran  to  his  lodging-room,  and  soon  appeared=
  again  with=20
the  coveted  armor  upon  his  body,  and  marched  down  one  of  the  ma=
in  halls  of  the=20
Museum,  with  folded  arms,  and  head  erect,  occasionally  patting  his=
  breast  with=20
hip  right  hand,  as  much  as  to  say,  "now,  Mr.  Ute,  look  sharp,  =
for  I  will  soon  be=20
on  the  war  path  ! "=20

Among  these  Indians  were  War  Bonnet,  Lean  Bear,  and  Hand-in-the-wa=
ter,=20
chiefs  of  the  Cheyennes;  Yellow  Buffalo,  of  the  Kiowas;  Yellow  Be=
ar,  of  the=20
same  tribe;  Jacob,  of  the  Caddos;  and  White  Bull,  of  the  Apaches=
.  The  h'ttle=20
wiry  chief  known  as  Yellow  Bear  had  killed  many  whites  as  they  =
had  traveled=20


216  MORE   ABOUT   THE   MUSEUM=20

through  the  "far  west"  He  was  a  sly,  treacherous,  blood-thirsty  s=
avage,  who=20
would  think  no  more  of  scalping  a  family  of  women  and  children, =
 than  a  butchei=20
would  of  wringing  the  neck  of  a  chicken.  But  now  he  was  on  a  =
mission  to  the=20
"  Great  Father  "  at  Washington,  seeking  for  presents  and  favors  =
for  his  tribe,  and=20
he  pretended  to  be  exceedingly  meek  and  humble,  and  continually  u=
rged  the=20
interpreter  to  announce  him  as  a  "  great  friend  to  the  white  ma=
n."  He  would=20
fawn  about  me,  and  although  not  speaking  or  understanding  a  word =
 of  our  lan-=20
guage, would  try  to  convince  me  that  he  loved  me  dearly.=20

In  exhibiting  these  Indian  warriors  on  the  stage,  I  explained  to =
 the  large  audi-=20
ences the  names  and  characteristics  of  each.  When  I  came  to  Yello=
w  Bear  I=20
would  pat  him  familiarly  upon  the  shoulder,  which  always  caused  h=
im  to  look  up=20
to  me  with  a  pleasant  smile,  while  he  softly  stroked  down  my  ar=
m  with  his  right=20
hand  in  the  most  loving  manner.  Knowing  that  he  could  not  unders=
tand  a  word=20
I  said,  I  pretended  to  be  complimenting  him  to  the  audience,  whi=
le  I  was  really=20
saying  something  Hke  the  following:=20

"  This  little  Indian,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  is  Yellow  Bear,  chief=
  of  the  Kiowas.=20
He  has  killed,  no  doubt,  scores  of  white  persons,  and  he  is  pro=
bably  the  meanest,=20
black-hearted  rascal  that  lives  in  the  far  west."  Here  I  patted  =
him  on  the  head,=20
and  he,  supposing  I  was  sounding  his  praises,  would  smile,  fawn  =
upon  me,  and=20
stroke  my  arm,  while  I  continued:  "  If  the  blood-thirsty  little  =
villain  understood=20
what  I  was  saying,  he  would  kill  me  in  a  moment;  but  as  he  th=
inks  I  am  compli=20
menting  him,  I  can  safely  state  the  truth  to  you,  that  he  is  a=
  lying,  thieving,=20
treacherous,  murderous  monster.  He  has  tortured  to  death  poor,  unp=
rotected=20
women,  murdered  their  husbands,  brained  their  helpless  little  ones =
;  and  he  would=20
gladly  do  the  same  to  you  or  to  me,  if  he  thought  he  could  es=
cape  punishment.=20
This  is  but  a  faint  description  of  the  character  of  Yellow  Bear.=
"  Here  I  gave=20
him  another  patronizing  pat  on  the  head,  and  he,  with  a  pleasant=
  smile,  bowed  to=20
the  audience,  as  much  as  to  say  that  my  words  were  quite  true, =
 and  that  he=20
thanked  me  very  much  for  the  high  encomiums  I  had  so  generously =
 heaped  upou=20
him.=20

After  they  had  been  about  a  week  at  the  Museum,  one  of  the  chi=
efs  discovered=20
that  visitors  paid  money  for  entering.  This  information  he  soon  c=
ommunicated=20
to  the  other  chiefs,  and  I  heard  an  immediate  murmur  of  disconte=
nt.  Their  eyes=20
were  opened,  and  no  power  could  induce  them  to  appear  again  upon=
  the  stage.=20
Their  dignity  had  been  offended,  and  then-  wild,  flashing  eyes  we=
re  anything  but=20
agreeable.  Indeed,  I  hardly  felt  safe  in  their  presence,  and  it  =
was  with  a  feeling=20
of  relief  that  I  witnessed  their  departure  for  Washington  the  nex=
t  morning.=20


CHAPTER    XXXVII.=20

MB.   AND   MRS.   GENERAL  TOM  THUMB.=20

IN  1863  1  heard  of  an  extraordinary  dwarf  girl,  named  Lavinia  Wa=
rren,  who=20
was  residing  with  her  parents  at  Middleboro',  Massachusetts,  and  I=
  sent  an  invi-=20
tation to  her  and  her  parents  to  conie  and  visit  me  at  Bridgepor=
t.  They  came,=20
and  I  found  her  to  be  a  most  intelligent  and  refined  young  lady=
,  well  educated,=20
and  an  accomplished,  beautiful  and  perfectly  developed  woman  in  mi=
niature.  I=20
succeeded  in  making  an  engagement  with  her  for  several  years,  dur=
ing  which  she=20
contracted =E2=80=94 as  dwarfs  are  said  to  have  the  power  to  do =
=E2=80=94 to  visit  Great  Britain,=20
France,  and  other  foreign  lands.=20

Having  arranged  the  terms  of  her  engagement,  I  took  her  to  the  =
house  of  one=20
of  my  daughters  in  New  York,  where  she  remained  quietly,  while  I=
  was  proem-=20
ing  her  wardrobe  and  jewelry,  and  making  arrangements  for  her  deb=
ut.=20

I  purchased  a  very  splendid  wardrobe  for  Mies  Warren,  including  s=
cores  of  the=20
richest  dresses  that  could  be  procured,  costly  jewels,  and  in  fac=
t  everything  that=20
could  add  to  the  charms  of  her  naturally  charming  little  person. =
 She  was  then=20
placed  on  exhibition  at  the  Museum,  and  from  the  day  of  her  deb=
ut  she  was=20
an  extraordinary  success.  Commodore  Nutt  was  on  exhibition  with  he=
r,  and=20
although  he  was  several  years  her  junior,  he  evidently  took  a  gr=
eat  fancy  to  her.=20
One  day  I  presented  to  Lavinia  a  diamond  and  emerald  ring,  and  =
as  it  did  not=20
exactly  fit  her  finger,  I  told  her  I  would  give  her  another  one=
  and  that  she  might=20
present  this  one  to  the  Commodore  in  her  own  name.  She  did  so, =
 and  an  unlooked-=20
for  effect  was  speedily  apparent;  the  little  Commodore  felt  sure  =
that  this  was  a=20
love-token,  and  poor  Lavinia  was  in  the  greatest  trouble,  for  she=
  considered  herself=20
quite  a  woman,  and  regarded  the  Commodore  only  as  a  nice  little =
 boy.  But  she=20
did  not  like  to  offend  him,  and  while  she  did  not  encourage,  sh=
e  did  not  openly=20
repel  his  attentions.  Miss  Lavinia  Warren,  however,  was  never  dest=
ined  to  be=20
Mrs.  Commodore  Nutt.=20

It  was  by  no  means  an  unnatural  circumstance  that  I  should  be  s=
uspected  of=20
having  instigated  and  brought  about  the  marriage  of  Tom  Thumb  wit=
h  Lavinia=20
Warren.  Had  I  done  this,  I  should  at  this  day  have  felt  no  reg=
rets,  for  it  has=20
proved,  in  an  eminent  degree,  one  of  the  "happy  marriages."  I  on=
ly  say,  what=20
is  known  to  all  of  their  immediate  friends,  that  from  first  to  =
last  their  engage-=20
ment was  an  affair  of  the  heart =E2=80=94 a  case  of  "love  at  firs=
t  sight" =E2=80=94 that  the  attach-=20
ment was  mutual,  and  that  it  only  grows  with  the  lapse  of  time. =
 But  I  had=20
neither  part  nor  lot  in  instigating  or  in  occasioning  the  marriag=
e.  And  as  I  am=20
anxious  to  be  put  right  before  the  public,  I  have  procured  the  =
consent  of  all  the=20
parties  to  a  sketch  of  the  wooing,  winning  and  nuptials.  Of  cour=
se  I  should  not=20
lay  these  details  before  the  public,  except  with  the  sanction  of =
 those  most  inter-=20
ested. In  this  they  consent  to  pay  the  penalty  of  distinction.  An=
d  if  the  wooings=20
of  kings  and  queens  must  be  told,  why  not  the  courtship  and  mar=
riage  of  General=20
and  Mrs.  Tom  Thumb  ?  The  story  is  an  interesting  one,  and  shall=
  be  told  alike  to=20
^exonerate  me  from  the  suspicion  named,  and  to  amuse  those =E2=80=
=94 and  they  count  by=20
scores  of  thousands  =E2=80=94  who  are  interested  in  the  welfare  o=
f  the  distinguished=20
couple.=20

10  217=20


218         MR.  AND  MKS.  GENERAL  TOM  THUMB.=20

In  the  autumn  of  1802,  when  Lavinia  Warren  was  on  exhibition  at =
 the  Museum,=20
Tom  Thumb  had  no  business  engagement  with  me;  in  fact,  he  was  n=
ot  on  exhibi-=20
tion at  the  time  at  all;  he  was  taking  a  "vacation"  at  his  hous=
e  in  Bridgeport.=20
Whenever  he  came  to  New  York  he  naturally  called  upon  me,  his  o=
ld  friend,  at=20
the  Museum.  He  happened  to  be,  in  the  city  at  the  time  referred=
  to,  and  one  day=20
he  called,  quite  unexpectedly  to  me,  while  Lavinia  was  holding  on=
e  of  her  levees.=20
Here  he  now  saw  her  for  the  first  time,  and  very  naturally  made=
  her  acquaintance=20
He  had  a  short  interview  with  her,  after  which  he  came  directly =
 to  my  private=20
office  and  desired  to  see  me  alone.  Of  course  I  complied  with  h=
is  request,  but=20
without  the  remotest  suspicion  as  to  his  object  I  closed  the  doo=
r,  and  the  Gen-=20
eral took  a  seat.  His  first  question  let  in  the  light.  He  inquir=
ed  about  the  family=20
of  Lavinia  Warren.  I  gave  him  the  facts,  which  I  clearly  perceiv=
ed  gave  him=20
satisfaction  of  a  peculiar  sort.  He  then  said,  with  great  frankne=
ss,  and  with  no=20
less  earnestness:=20

"  Mr.  Barnum,  that  is  the  most  Charming  little  lady  I  ever  saw,=
  and  I  believe=20
she  was  created  on  purpose  to  be  my  wife !  Now,"  he  continued,  =
"you  have=20
always  been  a  friend  of  mine,  and  I  want  you  to  say  a  good  wo=
rd  for  me  to  her.=20
I  have  got  plenty  of  money,  and  I  want  to  marry  and  settle  dow=
n  in  life,  and=20
I  really  feel  as  if  I  must  marry  that  young  lady."=20

The  little  General  was  highly  excited,  and  his  general  manner  bet=
rayed  the=20
usual  anxiety,  which,  I  doubt  not,  most  of  my  readers  will  under=
stand  without  a=20
description.  I  could  not  repress  a  smile,  nor  forget  my  joke,  an=
d  I  said:=20

"Lavinia  is  engaged  already."=20

"To  whom =E2=80=94 Commodore  Nutt?"  asked  Tom  Thumb,  with  much  earn=
estness,=20
and  some  exhibition  of  the  "green-eyed  monster."=20

"  No,  General,  to  me,"  I  replied.=20

"Never  mind,"  said  the  General,  laughing,  "you  can  exhibit  her  fo=
r  a  while,=20
and  then  give  up  the  engagement;  but  I  do  hope  you  will  favor  =
my  suit  with  her."=20

"  Well,  General,"  I  replied,  "  I  will  not  oppose  you  in  your  s=
uit,  but  you  must=20
do  your  own  courting.  I  tell  you,  however,  the  Commodore  will  be=
  jealous  of=20
you,  and  more  than  that,  Miss  Warren  is  nobody's  fool,  and  you  =
will  have  to=20
proceed  very  cautiously  if  you  can  succeed  in  winning  her  affecti=
ons."=20

The  General  thanked  me,  and  promised  to  be  very  discreet.  A  chan=
ge  now=20
came  suddenly  over  him  in  several  particulars.  He  had  been  (much =
 to  his  credit)=20
very  fond  of  his  country  home  in  Bridgeport,  where  he  spent  his =
 intervals  of  rest=20
with  his  horses,  and  especially  with  his  yacht,  for  his  fondness =
 for  the  water  was=20
his  great  passion.  But  now  he  was  constantly  having  occasion  to  =
visit  the  city,=20
and  horses  and  yachts  were  strangely  neglected.  He  had  a  married =
 sister  in  New=20
York,  and  his  visits  to  her  multiplied,  for,  of  course,  he  came =
 to  New  York  "to=20
fc.ee  his  sister  ! "  His  mother,  who  resided  in  Bridgeport,  remar=
ked  that  Charles=20
had  never  before  shown  so  much  brotherly  affection,  nor  so  much  =
fondness  for=20
city  life.=20

His  visits  to  the  Museum  were  very  frequent,  and  it  was  noticeab=
le  that  new=20
relations  were  being  established  between  him  and  Commodore  Nutt.  T=
he  Com-=20
modore was  not  exactly  jealous,  yet  he  strutted  around  like  a  ban=
tam  rooster=20
whenever  the  General  approached  Lavinia,  One  day  he  and  the  Gener=
al  got  into=20
a  friendly  scuffle  in  the  dressing-room,  and  the  Commodore  threw  =
the  General=20
upon  his  back  in  "  double  quick  "  time.  The  Commodore  is  lithe,=
  wiry,  and  quick=20
in  his  movements,  but  the  General  is  naturally  slow,  and  although=
  he  was  con-=20
siderably heavier  than  the  Commodore,  he  soon  found  that  he  could =
 not  stand=20
before  him  in  a  personal  encounter  Moreover,  the  Commodore  is  nat=
urally=20


MR.   AND    MRS.    GENERAL  TOM   THUMB.  219=20

quick -tempered,  and,  when  excited,  he  brags  about  his  knowledge  o=
f  "the  inanly=20
art  of  self-defence,"  and  sometimes  talks  about  pistols  and  bowie =
 knives,  etc.=20
Tom  Thumb,  on  the  contrary,  is  by  natural  disposition  decidedly  a=
  man  of  peace;=20
hence,  in  this,  agreeing  with  Falstaff  as  to  what  constituted  the=
  "better  part  of=20
valor,"  he  was  strongly  inclined  to  keep  his  distance,  if  the  li=
ttle  Commodore=20
showed  any  belligerent  symptoms.=20

In  the  course  of  several  weeks  the  General  found  numerous  opportu=
nities  to=20
talk  with  Lavinia,  while  the  Commodore  was  performing  on  the  stag=
e,  or  was=20
otherwise  engaged;  and,  to  a  watchful  discerner,  it  was  evident  h=
e  was  making=20
encouraging  progress  in  the  affair  of  the  heart.  He  also  managed =
 to  meet  Lavinia=20
ou  Sunday  afternoons  and  evenings,  without  the  knowledge  of  the  C=
ommodore;=20
but  he  assured  me  he  had  not  yet  dared  to  suggest  matrimony.=20

He  finally  returned  to  Bridgeport,  and  privately  begged  that  on  t=
he  following=20
Saturday  I  would  take  Lavinia  up  to  my  house,  and  also  invite  h=
im.=20

His  immediate  object  in  this  was,  that  his  mother  might  get  acqu=
ainted  with=20
Lavinia,  for  he  feared  opposition  from  that  source  whenever  the  i=
dea  of  his  mar-=20
riage should  be  suggested.  I  could  do  no  less  than  accede  to  his=
  proposal,  and  on=20
the  following  Friday,  while  Lavinia  and  the  Commodore  were  sitting=
  in  the=20
green-room,  I  said:=20

"Lavinia,  you  may  go  up  to  Bridgeport  with  me  to-morrow  morning, =
 and=20
remain  until  Monday."=20

"  Thank  you,"  she  replied;  "  it  will  be  quite  a  relief  to  get =
 into  the  country  for=20
a  couple  of  days."=20

The  Commodore  immediately  pricked  up  his  ears,  and  said:=20

"  Mr.  Barnum,  /should  like  to  go  to  Bridgeport  to-morrow."=20

"What for?"  I  asked.=20

"  I  want  to  see  my  little  ponies;  I  have  not^een  them  tor  seve=
ral  months,"  he=20
replied.=20

I  whispered  in  his  ear,  "  you  little  rogue,  that  is  the  pony  y=
ou  want  to  see,"=20
pointing  to  Lavinia.=20

He  insisted  I  was  mistaken.  When  I  remarked  that  he  could  not  w=
ell  be  spared=20
from  the  Museum,  he  said :=20

"  Oh  !  I  can  perform  at  half -past  seven  o'clock,  and  then  jump=
  on  to  the  eight=20
o'clock  evening  train,  and  go  up  by  myself,  reaching  Bridgeport  b=
efore  eleven,=20
and  return  early  Monday  morning."=20

I  feared  there  would  be  a  clashing  of  interests  between  the  riva=
l  pigmies;  but=20
wishing  to  please  him,  I  consented  to  his  request,  especially  as =
 Lavinia  also=20
favored  it.  I  wished  I  could  then  fathom  that  little  woman's  hea=
rt,  and  see=20
whether  she  (who  must  have  discovered  the  secret  of  the  General's=
  frequent  visits=20
to  the  Museum)  desired  the  Commodore's  visit  in  order  to  stir  up=
  the  General's=20
ardor,  or  whether,  as  seemed  to  me  the  more  likely,  she  was  see=
king  in  this  way=20
to  prevent  a  denouement  which  she  was  not  inclined  to  favor.  Cer=
tain  it  is,  that=20
though  I  was  the  General's  confidant,  and  knew  all  his  desires  u=
pon  the  subject,=20
no  person  had  discovered  the  slightest  evidence  that  Lavinia  Warre=
n  had  ever=20
entertained  the  remotest  suspicion  of  his  thoughts  regarding  marria=
ge.  If  =C2=BBhe=20
had  made  the  discovery,  as  I  assume,  she  kept  the  secret  well.  =
In  fact,  I  assured=20
Tom  Thumb  that  every  indication,  so  far  as  any  of  us  could  obse=
rve,  was  to  the=20
effect  that  his  suit  would  be  rejected.  The  little  General  was  f=
idgety,  but  deter-=20
mined; hence  he  was  anxious  to  have  Lavinia  meet  his  mother,  and =
 also  see  his=20
possessions  in  Bridgeport,  for  he  owned  considerable  land  and  nume=
rous  houses=20
there.=20


220  MR.    AND   MES.   GENERAL   TOM   THUMB.=20

The  General  met  us  at  the  depot  in  Bridgeport,  on  Saturday  morni=
ng,  and=20
drove  us  to  my  house  in  his  own  carriage =E2=80=94 his  coachman  b=
eing  tidily  dressed,=20
with  a  broad  velvet  ribbon  and  silver  buckle  placed  upon  his  hat=
  expressly  for=20
the  occasion.  Lavinia  was  duly  informed  that  this  was  the  General=
's  ' '  turn  out ; "=20
and  after  resting  half  an  hour  at  Lindencrof t,  he  took  her  out =
 to  ride.  He  stopped=20
a  few  moments  at  his  mother's  house,  where  she  saw  the  apartment=
s  which  his=20
father  had  built  expressly  for  him,  and  filled  with  the  most  gor=
geous  furniture =E2=80=94=20
all  corresponding  to  his  own  diminutive  size.  Then  he  took  her  t=
o  East  Bridge-=20
port, and  undoubtedly  took  occasion  to  point  out  in  great  detail  =
all  of  the  houses=20
which  he  owned,  for  he  depended  much  upon  having  his  wealth  make=
  some=20
impression  upon  her.  They  returned,  and  the  General  stayed  to  lun=
ch.  I  asked=20
Lavinia  how  she  liked  her  ride;  she  replied:=20

"  It  was  very  pleasant,  but,"  she  added,  "it  seems  as  if  you  a=
nd  Tom  Thumb=20
owned  about  all  of  Bridgeport! "=20

The  General  took  his  leave  and  returned  at  five  o'clock  to  dinne=
r  with  his=20
mother.  Mrs.  Stratton  remained  until  seven  o'clock.  She  expressed  =
herself=20
charmed  with  Lavinia  Warren;  but  not  a  suspicion  passed  her  mind =
 that  little=20
Charlie  was  endeavoring  to  give  her  this  accomplished  young  lady  =
as  a  daughter-=20
in-law.  The  General  had  privately  asked  me  to  invite  him  to  stay=
  over  night,=20
"  For,"  said  he,  "  if  I  get  a  chance,  I  intend  to  '  pop  the =
 question '  before  the  Com-=20
modore arrives."  So  I  told  his  mother  I  thought  the  General  had  =
better  stop=20
with  us  over  night,  as  the  Commodore  would  be  up  in  the  late  t=
rain,  adding  that=20
it  would  be  more  pleasant  for  the  little  folks  to  be  together.  =
She  assented,  and=20
the  General  was  happy.=20

After  tea  Lavinia  and  the  General  sat  down  to  play  backgammon.  A=
s  nine=20
o'clock  approached,  I  remarked  that  it  was  about  time  to  retire, =
 but  somebody=20
would  have  to  sit  up  until  nearly  eleven  o'clock,  in  order  to  l=
et  in  the  Commo-=20
dore. The  General  replied:=20

"  I  will  sit  up  with  pleasure,  if  Miss  Warren  will  remain  also.=
"=20

Lavinia  carelessly  replied,  that  she  was  accustomed  to  late  hours,=
  and  she=20
would  wait  and  see  the  Commodore.  A  little  supper  was  placed  upo=
n  the  table=20
for  the  Commodore,  and  the  family  retired.=20

Now  it  happened  that  a  couple  of  mischievous  young  ladies  were  v=
isiting  at  my=20
house,  one  of  whom  was  to  sleep  with  Lavinia.  They  were  suspicio=
us  that  the=20
General  was  going  to  propose  to  Lavinia  that  evening,  and,  in  a =
 spirit  of  ungov=20
ernable  curiosity,  they  determined,  notwithstanding  its  manifest  imp=
ropriety,  to=20
witness  the  operation,  if  they  could  possibly  manage  to  do  so  on=
  the  sly.  Of=20
course  this  was  inexcusable,  the  more  so  as  so  few  of  my  reader=
s,  had  they  been=20
placed  under  the  same  temptation,  would  have  been  guilty  of  such =
 an  impro-=20
priety 1  Perhaps  I  should  hesitate  to  use  the  testimony  of  such  =
witnesses,  or  even=20
to  trust  it.  But  a  few  weeks  after,  they  told  the  little  couple=
  the  whole  story,=20
were  forgiven,  and  all  had  a  hearty  laugh  over  it.=20

It  so  happened  that  the  door  of  the  sitting-room,  in  which  the  =
General  and=20
Lavinia  were  left  at  the  backgammon  board,  opened  into  the  hall  =
just  at  the  side=20
of  the  stairs,  and  these  young  misses,  turning  out  the  lights  in=
  the  hall,  seated=20
themselves  upon  the  stairs  in  the  dark,  where  they  had  a  full  v=
iew  of  the  cosy=20
little  couple,  and  were  within  easy  ear-shot  of  all  that  was  sai=
d.=20

The  house  was  still.  The  General  soon  acknowledged  himself  vanquis=
hed  at=20
backgammon,  and  gave  it  up.  After  sitting  a  few  moments,  he  evid=
ently=20
thought  it  was  best  to  put  a  clincher  on  the  financial  part  of =
 his  abilities;  so  he=20
drew  from  his  pocket  a  policy  of  insurance,  and  handing  it  to  L=
avinia,  he  asked=20
her  if  she  knew  what  it  was.=20


MR.   AND  MRS.   GENERAL  TOM  THUMB.  221=20

Examining  it,  she  replied,  "It  is  an  insurance  policy,  i  see  you=
  keep  youi=20
property  insured."=20

"  But  the  beauty  of  it  is,  it  is  not  my  property,"  replied  the=
  General,  "  and  yet=20
I  get  the  benefit  of  the  insurance  in  case  of  fire.  You  will  s=
ee,"  he  continued,=20
unfolding  the  policy,  "this  is  the  property  of  Mr.  Williams,  but =
 here,  you  will=20
observe,  it  reads  '  loss,  if  any,  payable  to  Charles  S.  Stratton=
,  as  his  interest  may=20
appear.'  The  fact  is,  I  loaned  Mr.  Williams  three  thousand  dollar=
s,  took  a  mort-=20
gage on  his  house,  and  made  him  insure  it  for  my  benefit.  In  th=
is  way,  you=20
perceive,  I  get  my  interest,  and  he  has  to  pay  the  taxes."=20

"  That  is  a  very  wise  way,  I  should  think,"  remarked  Lavinia.=20

"  That  is  the  way  I  do  all  my  business,"  replied  the  General,  =
complacently,  as=20
he  returned  the  huge  insurance  policy  to  his  pocket.  "You  see,"  =
he  continued,=20
'  I  never  lend  any  of  my  money  without  taking  bond  and  mortgage=
  security,=20
then  I  have  no  trouble  with  taxes;  my  principal  is  secure,  and  =
I  receive  my=20
interest  regularly."=20

The  explanation  seemed  satisfactory  to  Lavinia,  and  the  General's  =
courage=20
began  to  rise.  Drawing  his  chair  a  little  nearer  to  hers,  he  sa=
id:=20

"  So  you  are  going  to  Europe,  soon  ?"=20

"Yes,"  replied  Lavinia,  "Mr.  Barnum  intends  to  take  me  over  in  a=
  couple  of=20
months."=20

"You  will  find  it  very  pleasant,"  remarked  the  General;  "I  have  =
been  there=20
twice,  in  fact  I  have  spent  six  years  abroad,  and  I  like  the  o=
ld  countries  very=20
much."=20

"I  hope  I  shall  like  the  trip,  ana  i  expect  I  shall,"  responded=
  Lavinia;  "for=20
Mr.  Barnum  says  I  shall  visit  all  the  principal  cities,  and  he  =
has  no  doubt  I  will=20
be  invited  to  appear  before  the  Queen  of  England,  the  Emperor  an=
d  Empress  of=20
France,  the  King  of  Prussia,  the  Emperor  of  Austria,  and  at  the =
 courts  of  any=20
other  countries  which  we  may  visit.  Oh  I  I  shall  like  that,  it =
 will  be  so  new  to=20
me."=20

"Yes,  it  will  be  very  interesting  indeed.  I  have  visited  most  of=
  the  crowned=20
heads,"  remarked  the  General,  with  an  evident  feeling  of  self-cong=
ratulation.=20
"  But  are  you  not  afraid  you  will  be  lonesome  in  a  strange  cou=
ntry  ?"  asked  the=20
General.=20

"No,  I  think  there  is  no  danger  of  that,  for  friends  will  accom=
pany  me,"  was=20
the  reply.=20

"  I  wish  I  was  going  over,  for  I  know  all  about  the  different =
 countries,  and=20
could  explain  them  all  to  you,"  remarked  Tom  Thumb.=20

"  That  would  be  very  nice,"  said  Lavinia.=20

"  Do  you  think  so  ?"  said  the  General,  moving  his  chair  still  =
closer  to  Lavinia's.=20

"  Of  course,"  replied  Lavinia,  coolly,  "  for  I,  being  a  stranger=
  to  all  the  habits=20
and  customs  of  the  people,  as  well  as  to  the  country,  it  would =
 be  pleasant  to  have=20
some  person  along  who  could  answer  all  my  foolish  questions."=20

"  I  should  like  it  first  rate,  if  Mr.  Barnum  would  engage  me," =
 said  the  General.=20

"I  thought  you  remarked  the  other  day  that  you  had  money  enough,=
  and  was=20
tired  of  traveling,"  said  Lavinia,  with  a  slightly  mischievous  loo=
k  from  one=20
corner  of  her  eye.=20

"That  depends  upon  my  company  while  traveling,"  replied  the  Genera=
l=20

"  You  might  not  find  my  company  very  agreeable."=20

"I  would  be  glad  to  risk  it."=20

"Well,  perhaps  Mr.  Barnum  would  engage  you,  if  you  asked  him,"  s=
aid=20
Lavinia.=20


222  MR.   AND   MRS.    GEXERAL  TOM   THUMB.=20

"Would  you  really  like  to  have  me  go  ?"  asked  the  General,  quie=
tly  insinuat-=20
ing his  arm  around  her  waist,  but  hardly  dose  enough  to  touch  he=
r.=20

"Of  course  I  would,"  was  the  reply.=20

The  little  General's  arm  clasped  the  waist  closer  as  he  turned  h=
is  face  nearer  to=20
hers,  and  said:=20

"Don't  you  think  it  would  be  pleasanter  if  we  went  as  man  and  =
wife  ?"=20

The  little  fairy  quickly  disengaged  his  arm,  and  remarked  that  th=
e  General  was=20
a  funny  fellow  to  joke  in  that  way.=20

"  I  am  not  joking  at  all,"  said  the  General,  earnestly,  "  it  i=
s  quite  too  serious  a=20
matter  for  that."=20

"  I  wonder  why  the  Commodore  dont  come  ?"  said  Lavinia.=20

"  I  hope  you  are  not  anxious  for  his  arrival,  for  I  am  sure  /=
  am  not,"  responded=20
the  General,  "  and  what  is  more,  I  do  hope  you  will  say  '  yes=
,'  before  he  comes  at=20
all!"=20

"Really,  Mr.  Stratton,"  said  Lavinia,  with  dignity,  "if  you  are  i=
n  earnest  in=20
your  strange  proposal,  I  must  say  I  am  surprised."=20

"Well,  I  hope  you  are  not  offended,"  replied  the  General,  "for  I=
  was  never=20
more  in  earnest  in  my  life,  and  I  hope  you  will  consent.  The  f=
irst  moment  I  saw=20
you  1  felt  that  you  were  created  to  be  my  wife."=20

"  But  this  is  so  sudden."=20

"  Not  so  very  sudden;  it  is  several  months  since  we  first  met, =
 and  you  know  all=20
about  me  and  my  family,  and  I  hope  you  find  nothing  to  object  =
to  in  me."=20

"  Not  at  all;  on  the  contrary,  I  have  found  you  very  agreeable,=
  in  fact  I  like=20
you  very  much  as  a  friend,  but  I  have  not  thought  of  marrying, =
 and  =E2=80=94 "=20

' '  And  what,  my  dear  ?"  said  the  General,  giving  her  a  kiss.  =
"  No w,  I  beg  of  you,=20
don't  have  any  '  buts '  or  '  ands '  about  it.  You  say  you  like=
  me  as  a  friend,  why=20
will  you  not  like  me  as  a  husband  ?  You  ought  to  get  married :=
  I  love  you  dearly,=20
and  I  want  you  for  a  wife.  Now,  deary,  the  Commodore  will  be  h=
ere  in  a  few=20
minutes,  I  may  not  have  a  chance  to  see  you  again  alone;  do  sa=
y  that  we  will  be=20
married,  and  I  will  get  Mr.  Barmim  to  give  up  your  engagement."=
=20

Lavinia  hesitated,  and  finally  said:=20

"I  thinl?  I  love  you  well  enough  to  consent,  but  I  have  always =
 said  I  would=20
never  marry  without  my  mother's  consent."=20

"  Oh  1  I'll  ask  your  mother.  May  I  ask  your  mother  ?  Come,  sa=
y  yes  to  that,=20
and  I  will  go  and  see  her  next  week.  May  I  do  that,  pet  ? "=
=20

Then  there  was  a  sound  of  something  very  much  like  the  popping  =
of  several=20
corks  from  as  many  beer-bottles.  The  young  eavesdroppers  had  no  d=
oubt  as  to=20
the  character  of  these  reports,  nor  did  they  doubt  that  they  sea=
led  the  betrothal,=20
for  immediately  after  they  heard  Lavinia  say:=20

"  Yes,  Charles,  you  may  ask  my  mother."  Another  volley  of  report=
s  followed,=20
and  then  Lavinia  said,  "Now,  Charles,  don't  whisper  this  to  a  li=
ving  soul;  let  us=20
keep  our  own  secrets  for  the  present."=20

"  All  right,"  said  the  General,  "  I  will  say  nothing;  but  next =
 Tuesday  I  shall=20
start  to  see  your  mother."=20

"  Perhaps  you  may  find  it  difficult  to  obtain  her  consent,"  said=
  Lavinia.=20

At  that  moment  a  carriage  drove  up  to  the  door,  and  immediately =
 the  bell  was=20
rung,  and  the  little  Commodore  entered.=20

"  You  here,  General  ?"  said  the  Commodore,  as  he  espied  his  riv=
aL=20

"  Yes,"  said  Lavinia,  "  Mr.  Barnum  asked  him  to  stay,  and  we  w=
ere  waiting=20
for  you:  come,  warm  yourself."=20

"I  am  not  cold."  said  the  Commodore;  "  where  is  Mr.  Barnum  ?"=
=20


MR.   AND   MRS.    GENERAL  TOM   THUMB.  223=20

"  He  has  gone  to  bed,"  remarked  the  General,  "  but  a  nice  supp=
er  has  been=20
prepared  for  you."=20

"  I  am  not  hungry,  I  thank  you;  I  am  going  to  bed.  Which  room=
  does  Mr.=20
Barnum  sleep  in  ?"  said  the  little  bantam,  in  a  petulant  tone  o=
f  voice.=20

His  question  was  answered;  the  young  eavesdroppers  scampered  to  th=
eir=20
sleeping  apartments,  and  the  Commodore  soon  came  to  my  room,  wher=
e  he  found=20
me  indulging  in  the  foolish  habit  of  reading  in  bed.=20

"Mr.  Barnum,  does  Tom  Thumb  board  here?"  asked  the  Commodore,=20
sarcastically.=20

"No,"  said  I,  "Tom  Thumb  does  not  board  here.  1  invited  him  to =
 stop  over=20
night,  so  don't  be  foolish,  but  go  to  bed."=20

"  Oh,  it's  no  affair  of  mine.  I  don't  care  anything  about  it;  =
but  I  thought  he=20
had  taken  up  his  board  here,"  replied  the  Commodore,  and  off  he =
 went  to  bed,=20
evidently  in  a  bad  humor.=20

Ten  minutes  afterwards  Tom  Thumb  came  rushing  into  my  room,  and, =
 closing=20
the  door,  he  caught  hold  of  my  hand  in  high  state  of  excitement=
  and  whispered:=20

"We  are  engaged,  Mr.  Barnum  !  we  are  engaged  I  we  are  engaged  =
I"  and  he=20
jumped  up  and  down  in  the  greatest  glee.=20

"  Is  that  possible  3 "  I  asked.=20

"Yes,  sir,  indeed  it  is;  but  you  must  not  mention  it,"  he  respo=
nded:  "we  agreed=20
to  tell  nobody,  so  please  don't  say  a  word.  I  must  tell  you,  o=
f  course,  but '  mum=20
is  the  word.'  I  am  going,  Tuesday,  to  get  her  mother's  consent."=
=20

I  promised  secrecy,  and  the  General  retired  in  as  happy  a  mood  =
as  I  ever  saw=20
him.  Lavinia  also  retired,  but  not  a  liint  did  she  give  to  the =
 young  lady  with=20
whom  she  slept  regarding  the  engagement.  Indeed,  our  family  plied =
 her  upon=20
the  subject  the  next  day,  but  not  a  breath  passed  her  lips  that=
  would  give  the=20
slightest  indication  of  what  had  transpired.  She  was  quite  sociabl=
e  with  the=20
Commodore,  and  as  tho  General  concluded  to  go  home  the  next  morn=
ing,  the=20
Commodore's  equanimity  and  good  feelings  were  fully  restored.  The  =
General=20
made  a  call  of  half  an  hour  Sunday  evening,  and  managed  to  have=
  an  interview=20
with  Lavinia.  The  next  morning  she  and  the  Commodore  returned  to =
 New  York=20
in  good  spirits,  I  remaining  in  Bridgeport.=20

The  General  called  on  me  Monday,  however,  bringing  a  very  nice  l=
etter  which=20
he  had  written  to  Lavinia's  mother. '  He  had  concluded  to  send  t=
his  letter  by  his=20
trusty  friend,  Mr.  George  A.  Wells,  instead  of  going  himself,  and=
  he  had  just=20
seen  Mr.  Wells,  who  had  consented  to  go  to  Middleborough  with  th=
e  letter  the=20
following  day,  and  to  urge  the  General's  suit,  if  it  should  be  =
necessary.=20

The  General  went  to  New  York  on  Wednesday,  and  was  there  to  awa=
it  Mr.=20
Wells'  arrival.  On  Wednesday  morning  the  General  and  Lavinia  walke=
d  into=20
my  office,  and  after  closing  the  door,  the  little  General  said:=
=20

"Mr.  Barnum,  I  want  somebody  to  tell  the  Commodore  that  Lavinia  =
and  I  are=20
engaged,  for  I  am  afraid  there  will  be  a  '  row '  when  he  hears=
  of  it."=20

"Do  it  yourself,  General,"  I  replied.=20

"Oh,"  said  the  General,  almost  shuddering,  "I  would  not  dare  to  =
do  it,  he=20
might  knock  me  down."=20

"  I  will  do  it,"  said  Lavinia;  and  it  was  at  once  arranged  tha=
t  I  should  call  the=20
Commodore  and  Lavinia  into  my  office,  and  either  she  or  myself  w=
ould  tell  him.=20
The  General,  of  course,  "vamosed."=20

When  the  Commodore  joined  us,  and  the  door  was  closed,  I  said  :=
=20

"  Commodore,  do  you  know  what  this  little  witch  has  been  doing  =
?"=20

"No,  I  don't,"  he  answered.=20


224  MB.    AND    MRS.   GENERAL  TOM  THUMB.=20

"  Well,  she  has  been  cutting  up  one  of  the  greatest  pranks  you =
 ever  heard  of,"=20
I  replied.  "  She  almost  deserves  to  be  shut  up,  for  daring  to  =
do  it.  Can't  you=20
guess  what  she  has  done? "=20

He  mused  a  moment,  and  then  looking  at  me,  said  in  a  low  voice=
,  and  with  a=20
serious-looking  face,  "Engaged?"=20

"Yes,"  said  I,  "  absolutely  engaged  to  be  married  to  General  Tom=
  Thumb.=20
Did  you  ever  hear  of  such  a  thing? "=20

"  Is  that  so,  Lavinia? "  asked  the  Commodore,  looking  her  earnest=
ly  in  the  face.=20

"That  is  so,"  said  Lavinia;  "and  Mr.  Wells  has  gone  to  obtain  m=
y  mother's=20
consent."=20

The  Commodore  turned  pale,  and  choked  a  little,  as  if  he  was  tr=
ying  to  swallow=20
something.  Then,  turning  on  his  heel,  he  said,  in  a  broken  voice=
:=20

"I  hope  you  may  be  happy."=20

As  he  passed  out  the  door,  a  tear  rolled  down  his  cheek.=20

"  That  is  pretty  hard,"  I  said  to  Lavinia.=20

"I  am  very  sorry,"  she  replied,  "but  I  could  not  help  it.  That =
 diamond  and=20
emerald  ring  which  you  bade  me  present  in  my  name,  has  caused  a=
ll  this  trouble. "=20

Half  an  hour  after  this  incident,  the  Commodore  came  to  my  offic=
e,  and  said:=20

"Mr.  Barnum,  do  you  think  it  would  be  right  for  Miss  Warren  to =
 marry=20
Charley  Stratton  if  her  mother  should  object?"=20

I  saw  that  the  little  fellow  had  still  a  slight  hope  to  hang  o=
n,  and  I  said:=20

"  No,  indeed,  it  would  not  be  right."=20

"Well,  she  says  she  shall  marry  him  any  way;  that  she  gives  her=
  mother  the=20
chance  to  consent,  but  if  she  objects,  she  will  have  her  own  wa=
y  and  marry  him,"=20
said  the  Commodore.=20

"  On  the  contrary,"  I  replied,  "  I  will  not  permit  it.  She  is =
 engaged  to  go  to=20
Europe  for  me,  and  I  will  not  release  her,  if  her  mother  does  =
not  fully  consent  to=20
her  marrying  Tom  Thumb."=20

The  Commodore's  eyes  glistened  with  pleasure,  as  he  replied:=20

"Between  you  and  me,  Mr.  Barnum,  I  don't  believe  she  will  give  =
her  consent."=20

But  the  next  day  dissipated  his  hopes.  Mr.  Wells  returned,  saying=
  that  Lavi-=20
nia's  mother  at  first  objected,  for  she  feared  it  was  a  contriva=
nce  to  get  them=20
married  for  the  promotion  of  some  pecuniary  advantage;  but,  upon  =
reading  the=20
letter  from  the  General,  and  one  still  more  urgent  from  Lavinia, =
 and  also  upon=20
hearing  from  Mr.  Wells  that,  in  case  of  their  marriage,  1  should=
  cancel  all=20
claims  I  had  upon  Lavinia's  services,  she  consented.=20

After  the  Commodore  had  heard  the  news,  I  said  to  him:=20

"  Never  mind,  Commodore,  Minnie  Warren  is  a  better  match  for  you=
;  she  is  a=20
charming  little  creature,  and  two  years  younger  than  you,  while  L=
avinia  is=20
several  years  your  senior."=20

"I  thank  you,  sir,"  replied  the  Commodore,  pompously,  "I  would  no=
t  marry=20
the  best  woman  living;  I  don't  believe  in  women,  any  way."=20

I  then  suggested  that  he  should  stand  with  little  Minnie,  as  gro=
om  and  brides-=20
maid, at  the  approaching  wedding.=20

"No,  sir!"  replied  the  Commodore,  emphatically;  "I  won't  do  it! "=
=20

That  idea  was  therefore  abandoned.  A  few  weeks  subsequently,  when =
 time=20
had  reconciled  the  Commodore,  he  told  me  that  Tom  Thumb  had  aske=
d  him  to=20
stand  as  groom  with  Minnie,  at  the  wedding,  and  he  was  going  to=
  do  so.=20

"When  I  asked  you  a  few  weeks  ago,  you  refused,"  I  said.=20

"  It  was  not  your  business  to  ask  me,"  replied  the  Commodore,  p=
ompously.=20
"When  the  proper  person  invited  me  I  accepted."=20


MB.   AND   MRS.   QEKERAL  TOM  THUMB.  225=20

The  approaching  wedding  was  announced.  It  created  an  immense  excit=
ement.=20
Lavinia's  levees  at  the  Museum  were  crowded  to  suffocation,  and  h=
er  photographic=20
pictures  were  in  great  demand.  For  several  weeks  she  sold  more  t=
han  three=20
hundred  dollars'  worth  of  her  cartes  de  visile  each  day.  And  the=
  daily  receipts=20
at  the  Museum  were  frequently  over  three  thousand  dollars.  I  enga=
ged  the=20
General^to  exhibit,  and  to  assist  her  in  the  sale  of  pictures,  t=
o  which  his  own=20
photograph,  of  course,  was  added.  I  could  afford  to  give  them  a =
 fine  wedding,=20
and  I  did  so.=20

I  did  not  hesitate  to  seek  continued  advantage  from  the  notoriety=
  of  the  pros-=20
pective marriage.  Accordingly,  I  offered  the  General  and  Lavinia  fi=
fteen=20
thousand  dollars  if  they  would  postpone  the  wedding  for  a  month, =
 and  continue=20
their  exhibitions  at  the  Museum.=20

"  Not  for  fifty  thousand  dollars,"  said  the  General,  excitedly.=20

"  Good  for  you,  Charley,"  said  Lavinia,  "  only  you  ought  to  hav=
e  said  not  for=20
a  hundred  thousand,  for  I  would  not ! "=20

They  both  laughed  heartily  at  what  they  considered  my  discomfiture=
,  and=20
such,  looked  at  from  a  business  point  of  view,  it  certainly  was.=
  The  wedding  day=20
approached  and  the  public  excitement  grew.  For  several  days,  I  mi=
ght  say=20
weeks,  the  approaching  marriage  of  Tom  Thumb  was  the  New  York  "s=
ensation."=20
For  proof  of  this  I  did  not  need  what,  however,  was  ample,  the =
 newspaper=20
paragraphs.  A  surer  index  was  in  the  crowds  that  passed  into  the=
  Museum,  and=20
the  dollars  that  found  their  way  into  the  ticket-office.=20

It  was  suggested  to  me  that  a  small  fortune  in  itself  could  be =
 easily  made  out=20
of  the  excitement.  "Let  the  ceremony  take  place  in  the  Academy  o=
f  Music,=20
charge  a  big  price  for  admission,  and  the  citizens  will  come  in =
 crowds."  I  have=20
no  manner  of  doubt  that  in  this  way  twenty-five  thousand  dollars =
 could  easily=20
have  been  obtained.  But  I  had  no  such  thought.  I  had  promised  t=
o  give  the=20
couple  a  genteel  and  graceful  wedding,  and  I  kept  my  word.=20

The  day  arrived,  Tuesday,  February  10, 1863.  The  ceremony  was  to  =
take  place=20
in  Grace  Church,  New  York.  The  Rev.  Junius  Willey,  Rector  of  St.=
  John's=20
Church  in  Bridgeport,  assisted  by  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Taylor,  of  G=
race  Church,  was=20
to  officiate.  The  organ  was  played  by  Morgan.  I  know  not  what  b=
etter  I  could=20
have  done,  had  the  wedding  of  a  prince  been  in  contemplation.  Th=
e  church=20
was  comfortably  filled  by  a  highly  select  audience  of  ladies  and =
 gentlemen,  none=20
being  admitted  except  those  having  cards  of  invitation.  Among  them=
  were=20
governors  of  several  of  the  States,  to  whom  I  had  sent  cards,  a=
nd  such  of  those=20
as  could  not  be  present  in  person  were  represented  by  friends,  t=
o  whom  they  had=20
given  their  cards.  Members  of  Congress  were  present,  also  generals=
  of  the  army,=20
and  many  other  prominent  public  men.  Numerous  applications  were  ma=
de  from=20
wealthy  and  distinguished  persons,  for  tickets  to  witness  the  cere=
mony,  and  as=20
high  as  sixty  dollars  was  offered  for  a  single  admission.  But  no=
t  a  ticket  was=20
sold;  and  Tom  Thumb  and  Lavinia  Warren  were  pronounced  "man  and  =
wife"=20
before  witnesses.*=20

The  following  entirely  authentic  correspondence,  the  only  suppressio=
n  being  the=20
name  of  the  person  who  wrote  to  Dr.  Taylor,  and  to  whom  Dr.  Ta=
ylor's  reply  is=20
addressed,  shows  how  a  certain  would-be  "witness"  was  not  a  witne=
ss  of  the=20
famous  wedding.  In  other  particulars  the  correspondence  speaks  for =
 itself.=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  228.=20


226  ME.   AND   MRS.  GEHERAL  TOM  THUMB.=20

To  THE  REV.  DR.  TAYLOR,  =C2=AB=20

Sir:  The  object  of  my  unwillingly  addressing  you  this  note  is  to=
  enquire  what  right  yon=20
had  to  exclude  myself  and  other  owners  of  pews  in  Grace  Church  =
from  entering  it  yesterday,=20
enforced,  too,  by  a  cordon  of  police  for  that  purpofee.  If  my  p=
ew  is  not  my  property,  I  wish=20
to  know  it;  and  if  it  is,  I  deny  your  right  to  prevent  me  fro=
m  occupying  it  whenever  the=20
church  is  open,  even  at  a  marriage  of  mountebanks,  which  I  would=
  not  take  the  trouble  to=20
cross  the  street  to  witness.=20

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,=20

W**%S***=20


804  BROADWAY,  NEW  YORK,  Feb.  16,  1863.=20
MR.  W***  S**=C2=BB,=20

Dear  Sir  :  I  am  sorry,  my  valued  friend,  that  yon  should  have  =
written  me  the  peppery=20
letter  that  is  now  before  me.  If  the  matter  of  which  you  compla=
in  be  so  utterly  insignificant=20
and  contemptible  as  "  a  marriage  of  mountebanks,  which  you  would =
 not  take  the  trouble  to=20
cross  the  street  to  witness,"  it  surprises  me  that  you  should  ha=
ve  made  such  strenuous,  but=20
ill-directed'efl'orts  to  secure  a  ticket  of  admission.  And  why,  pe=
rmit  me  to  ask,  in  the  name=20
of  reason  and  philosophy,  do  you  still  suffer  it  to  disturb  you =
 so  sadly?  It  would,  perhaps,=20
be  a  sufficient  answer  to  your  letter,  to  say  that  your  cause  o=
f  complaint  exists  only  in  your=20
imagination.  You  have  never  been  excluded  from  your  pew.  As  recto=
r,  I  am  the  only=20
custodian  of  the  church,  and  you  will  hardly  venture  to  say  that=
  you  have  ever  applied  to=20
me  for  permission  to  enter,  and  been  refused.=20

Here  I  might  safely  rest,  and  leave  you  to  the  comfort  of  your =
 own  reflections  in  the  case.=20
But  as  yon,  in  common  with  many  other  worthy  persons,  would  seem=
  to  have  very  crude=20
notions  as  to  your  rights  of  "  property  "  in  pews,  yon  will  pa=
rdon  me  for  saying  that  a  pew=20
in  a  church  is  property  only  in  a  pecnliar  and  restricted  sense.=
  It  is  not  property,  as  youi=20
house  or  your  horse  is  property.  It  vests  you  with  no  fee  in  t=
he  soil ;  you  cannot  use  it,  in=20
any  way,  and  in  every  way,  and  at  all  times,  as  your  pleasure  =
or  caprice  may  dictate ;  you=20
cannot  put  it  to  any  common  or  unhallowed  uses ;  you  cannot  remo=
ve  it,  nor  injure  it,  nor=20
destroy  it.  In  short,  you  hold  by  purchase,  and  may  sell  the  ri=
ght  to  the  undisturbed  posses-=20
sion of  that  little  space  within  the  church  edifice  which  yon  cal=
l  your  pew  during  the  hours=20
of  divine  service.  But  even  that  right  must  be  exercised  decorous=
ly,  and  with  a  decent=20
regard  for  time  and  place,  or  else  you  may  at  any  moment  be  ig=
nominiously  ejected  from  it.=20

I  regret  to  be  obliged  to  add  that,  by  the  law  of  custom,  you =
 may,  during  those  said  hours=20
of  divine  service  (but  at  no  other  time)  sleep  in  your  pew  ;  y=
on  must,  however,  do  so  noise-=20
lessly and  never  to  the  disturbance  of  your  sleeping  neighbors  ;  =
your  property  in  your  pew=20
has  this  extent  and  nothing  more.  Now,  if  Mr.  W  *  *  *  S  *  * =
 *  were  at  any  time  to  come=20
to  me  and  say,  "  Sir,  I  would  that  you  should  grant  me  the  us=
e  of  Grace  Church  for  a  solemn=20
service  (a  marriage,  a  baptism,  or  a  funeral,  as  the  case  may  b=
e),  and  as  it  is  desirable  that=20
the  feelings  oi  the  parties  should  be  protected  as  far  as  possib=
le  from  the  impertinent=20
intrusion  and  disturbance  of  a  crowd  from  the  streets  and  lanes  =
of  the  city,  I  beg  that  no=20
one  may  be  admitted  within  the  doors  of  the  church  during  the  v=
ery  few  moments  that  we=20
expect  to  be  there,  but  our  invited  friends  only," =E2=80=94 it  wo=
uld  certainly,  in  such  a  case,  be  my=20
pleasure  to  comply  with  your  request,  and  to  meet  your  wishes  in=
  every  particular  ;  and  I=20
think  that  even  Mr.  W  *  *  *  8  *  *  *  will  agree  that  all  thi=
=C2=BB  would  be  entirely  reasonable  and=20
proper.  Then,  tell  me,  how  would  such  a  case  differ  from  the  in=
stance  of  which  you=20
complain?  Two  young  persons,  whose  only  crimes  would  seem  to  be  =
that  they  are  neither=20
so  big,  nor  so  stupid,  nor  so  ill-mannered,  nor  so  inordinately  =
selfish  as  some  other  people,=20
come  to  me  and  say,  sir.  we  are  about  to  be  married,  and  we  w=
ish  to  throw  around  our=20
marriage  all  the  solemnities  of  religion.  We  are  strangers  in  you=
r  city,  and  as  there  is  no=20
clergymen  here  standing  in  a  pastoral  relation  to  us,  we  have  ve=
ntured  to  ask  the  favor  of=20
the  bishop  of  New  York  to  marry  us,  and  he  has  kindly  consented=
  to  do  so;  may  we  then=20
venture  a  little  further  and  request  the  use  of  your  church  in  =
which  the  bishop  may  perform=20
the  marriage  service  ?  We  assure  you,  sir,  that  we  are  no  shams=
,  no  cheats,  no  mountebanks;=20
we  are  neither  monsters  nor  abortions;  it  is  true  we  are  little,=
  but  we  are  as  God  made  us,=20
perfect  in  onr  littleness.  Sir,  we  are  simply  man  and  woman  of  =
like  passions  and  infirmities=20
with  yon  and  other  mortals.  The  arrangements  for  our  marriage  are=
  controlled  by  no=20
'showman,"  and  we  are  sincerely  desirous  that  everything  should  be=
  ordered  with  a  most=20
scrupulous  regard  to  decorum.  We  hope  to  invite  our  relations  and=
  intimate  friends,  together=20
with  such  persons  as  may  in  other  years  have  extended  civilities =
 to  either  of  us  ;  but  we=20
pledge  ourselves  to  you  most  sacredly  that  no  invitation  can  be  =
bought  with  money.  Permit=20
us  to  say  further,  that  as  we  would  most  gladly  escape  from  the=
  insulting  jeers,  and  ribald=20
sneers  and  coarse  ridicule  of  the  unthinking  multitude  without,  we=
  pray  you  to  allow  us,  at=20
our  own  proper  charges,  so  to  guard  the  avenues  of  access  from  =
the  street,  as  to  prevent  all=20
unseemly  tumult  and  disorder.=20

I  tell  you,  sir.  that  whenever,  and  from  whomsoever,  such  an  app=
eal  is  made  to  my  Christian=20
courtesy,  although  it  should  come  from  the  very  humblest  of  the  =
earth,  I  would  go  calmly=20
and  cheerfully  forward  to  meet  their  wishes,  although  as  many  W**=
*  8  *  *  *  's  as  would=20
reach  from  here  to  Kamtschatka,  clothed  in  furs  and  frowns,  shoul=
d  rise  np  to  oppose  me.=20

In  conclusion,  I  will  say,  that  if  the  marriage  of  Charles  8.  S=
tratton  and  Lavinia  Warren=20
Is  to  be  regarded  as  a  pageant,  then  it  was  the  most  beautiful =
 pageant  it  has  ever  been  my=20
privilege  to  witness.  If,  on  the  contrary,  it  is  rather  to  be  t=
hought  of  as  a  solemn  ceremony,=20
then  it  was  as  touchingly  solemn  as  a  wedding  can  possibly  be  r=
endered.  It  is  true  the=20
bishop  was  not  present,  but  Mr.  Stratton's  own  pastor,  the  Rev.  =
Mr.  Willey,  of  Bridgeport,=20


MR.   AND   MRS.   GENERAL  TOM   THUMB.  227=20

Connecticut,  read  the  service  with  admirable  taste  and  iinpressiven=
ess,  and  the  bride  was=20
given  away  by  her  mother's  pastor  and  her  own  "next  friend,"  a  =
venerable  congregational=20
Jergyman  from  Massachusetts.  Surely,  there  never  was  a  gathering  o=
f  so  many  hundreds=20
of  our  best  people,  when  everybody  appeared  so  delighted  with  eve=
rything  ;  surely  it  is  no=20
light  thing  to  call  forth  so  much  innocent  joy  in  so  few  moment=
s  of  passing  time  ;  surely  it=20
8  no  light  thing,  thus  to  smooth  the  roughness  and  sweeten  the  =
acerbities  which  mar  our=20
nappiness  as  we  advance  upon  the  wearing  journey  of  life.  Sir,  i=
t  was  most  emphatically  a=20
high  triumph  of  "  Christian  civilization  1"=20

Respectfully  submitted,  by  your  obedient  servant,=20

THOMAS  HOUSE  TAYLOR.=20

Several  thousand  persons  attended  the  reception  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  T=
om  Thumb=20
the  same  day  at  the  Metropolitan  HoteL  After  this  they  started  o=
n  a  wedding=20
tour,  taking  Washington  in  their  way.  They  visited  President  Linco=
ln  at  the=20
White  House.  After  a  couple  of  weeks  they  returned,  and,  as  they=
  then  sup-=20
posed, retired  to  private  life.=20

Habit,  however,  is  indeed  second  nature.  The  General  and  his  wife=
  had  been=20
accustomed  to  excitement,  and  after  a  few  months'  retirement  they =
 again  longed=20
for  the  peculiar  pleasures  of  a  public  Me,  and  the  public  were  =
eager  to  welcome=20
them  once  more.  They  resumed  their  public  career,  and  have  since =
 traveled=20
around  the  world,  holding  public  exhibitions  more  than  half  the  t=
ime,  Commo-=20
dore Nutt  and  Minnie  Warren  accompanying  them.=20

I  met  the  little  Commodore  last  summer,  after  his  absence  in  Eur=
ope  of  three=20
years,  and  said:=20

"  Are  you  not  married  yet,  Commodore? "=20

"  No,  sir;  my  fruit  is  plucked,"  he  replied.=20

"You  don't  mean  to  say  you  will  never  marry,"  I  remarked.=20

"No,  not  exactly,"  replied  the  Commodore,  complacently,  "but  I  hav=
e=20
concluded  not  to  marry  until  I  am  thirty."=20

"  I  suppose  you  intend  to  marry  one  of  your  size? "  I  said.=20

"  I  am  not  particular  in  that  respect,"  but  seeing  my  jocose  mo=
od,  he  continued,=20
with  a  comical  leer,  "  I  think  I  should  prefer  marrying  a  good,=
  green,  country=20
girl,  to  anybody  else."=20

This  was  said  with  a  degree  of  nonchalance,  which  none  can  appre=
ciate  who  do=20
not  know  him.=20

To  make  sure  that  a  lack  of  memory  has  not  misled  me  as  to  an=
y  of  the  facts=20
in  regard  to  the  courtship  and  wedding  of  Tom  Thumb  and  Lavinia =
 Warren,  I=20
will  here  say  that,  after  writing  out  the  story,  I  read  it  to  =
the  parties  personally=20
interested,  and  they  give  me  leave  to  say  that,  in  all  particula=
rs,  it  is  a  correct=20
statement  of  the  affair,  except  that  Lavinia  remarked  :=20

"  Well,  Mr.  Barnum,  your  story  don't  lose  any  by  the  telling; " =
 and  the  Com-=20
modore denies  the  "  rolling  tear,"  when  informed  of  the  engagement=
  of  the  little=20
pair.=20

In  June,  1869,  the  report  was  started,  for  the  third  or  fourth  =
time  in  the=20
newspapers,  that  Commodore  Nutt  and  Miss  Minnie  Warren  were  marrie=
d,  this=20
time  at  West  Haven,  in  Connecticut.  The  story  was  wholly  untrue, =
 nor  do  I=20
think  that  such  a  wedding  is  likely  to  take  place,  for,  on  the =
 principle  that  people=20
like  their  opposites,  Minnie  and  the  Commodore  are  likely  to  marr=
y  persons  whom=20
they  can  literally  "look  up  to,"  that  is,  if  either  of  them  mar=
ries  at  all  it  will  be=20
a  tall  partner.=20

Soon  after  the  wedding  of  General  Tom  Thumb  and  Lavinia  Warren,  =
a  lady=20
came  to  my  office  and  called  my  attention  to  a  little  six-paged =
 pamphlet  which=20
she  aaid  she  had  written,  entitled  "Priests  and  Pigmies,"  and  req=
uested  me  to=20


228  MK.   AND   MRS.    GENERAL  TOM  THUMB.=20

read  it.  1  glanced  at  the  title,  and  at  once  estimating  the  cha=
racter  of  the=20
publication,  I  promptly  declined  to  devote  any  portion  of  my  valu=
able  time  to  its=20
perusal.=20

"  But  you  had  better  look  at  it,  Mr.  Barnum;  it  deeply  interest=
s  you,  and  you=20
may  think  it  worth  your  while  to  buy  it."=20

"  Certainly,  I  will  buy  it,  if  you  desire, "said  I,  tendering  he=
r  a  sixpence,  which=20
I  supposed  to  be  the  price  of  the  little  pamphlet.=20

"  Ohl  you  quite  misunderstand  me;  I  mean  buy  the  copyright  and  =
the  entire=20
edition,  with  the  view  of  suppressing  the  work.  It  says  some  fri=
ghtful  things,  1=20
assure  you,"  urged  the  author.=20

I  lay  back  in  my  chair  and  fairly  roared  at  this  exceedingly  fe=
eble  attempt  at=20
black-mail=20

" But,"  persisted  the  lady,  "suppose  it  says  that  your  Museum  and=
  Grace=20
Church  are  all  one,  what  then?"=20

"  My  dear  madam,"  I  replied,  "  you  may  say  what  you  please  abo=
ut  me  or  about=20
my  Museum;  you  may  print  a  hundred  thousand  copies  of  a  pamphlet=
  stating  that=20
I  stole  the  communion  service,  after  the  wedding,  from  Grace  Chur=
ch  altar,  or=20
anything  else  you  choose  to  write ;  only  have  the  kindness  to  sa=
y  something  about=20
me,  and  then  come  to  me  and  I  will  properly  estimate  the  money =
 value  of  your=20
services  to  me  as  an  advertising  agent.  Good  morning,  madam," =E2=
=80=94 and  the=20
departed.=20


CHAPTER    XXXVIII.=20

POLITICAL   AND   PEKSONAL.=20

I  BBGAN  my  political  life  as  a  Democrat,  and  my  newspaper,  the  =
Herald  oj=20
Freedom,  was  a  Jackson-Democratic  journal.  While  always  taking  an  =
active=20
interest  in  political  matters,  I  had  no  desire  for  personal  prefe=
rment,  and,  up  to=20
a  late  period,  steadily  declined  to  run  for  office.  Nevertheless, =
 in  1852  or  1853,=20
prominent  members  of  the  party  with  which  I  voted,  urged  the  sub=
mission  of  my=20
name  to  the  State  Convention,  as  a  candidate  for  the  office  of  =
Governor,  and,=20
although  the  party  was  then  in  the  ascendancy,  and  a  nomination  =
would  have=20
been  equivalent  to  an  election,  I  peremptorily  refused;  in  spite  =
of  this  refusal,=20
which  was  generally  known,  several  votes  were  cast  for  me  in  the=
  Convention.=20
The  Kansas  strifes,  in  1854,  shook  my  faith  in  my  party,  though =
 I  continued=20
to  call  myself  a  Democrat,  often  declaring  that  if  I  thought  the=
re  was  a  drop  of=20
blood  in  me  that  was  not  democratic,  I  would  let  it  out  if  I  =
had  to  cut  the  jugular=20
vein.  When,  however,  secession  threatened  in  1860,  I  thought  it  w=
as  time  for  a=20
"new  departure,"  and  I  identified  myself  with  the  Republican  party=
.=20

During  the  active  and  exciting  political  campaign  of  1860,  which  =
resulted  in=20
Mr.  Lincoln's  first  election  to  the  presidency,  it  will  be  rememb=
ered  that  "Wide-=20
Awake  "  associations,  with  their  uniforms,  torches  and  processions,=
  were  organ-=20
ized in  nearly  every  city,  town  and  village  throughout  the  North. =
 Arriving  at=20
Bridgeport  from  New  York  at  five  o'clock  one  afternoon,  I  was  in=
formed  that=20
the  Wide-A  wakes  were  to  parade  that  evening  and  intended  to  mar=
ch  out  to=20
Lindencroft.  So  I  ordered  two  boxes  of  sperm  candles,  and  prepare=
d  for  a  gen-=20
eral illumination  of  every  window  in  the  front  of  my  house.  Many =
 of  my=20
neighbors,  including  several  Democrats,  came  to  Lindencroft  in  the =
 evening  to=20
witness  the  illumination  and  see  the  Wide- A  wake  procession.  My  =
nearest  neigh-=20
bor, Mr.  T.,  was  a  strong  Democrat,  and  before  he  came  to  my  ho=
use,  he  ordered=20
his  servants  to  stay  in  the  basement,  and  not  to  show  a  light  =
above  ground,  thus=20
intending  to  prove  his  Democratic  convictions  and  conclusions  by  t=
he  darkness  of=20
his  premises;  and  so,  whilej  Lindencroft  was  all  ablaze  with  a  f=
lood  of  light,  the=20
next  house  was  as  black  as  a  coal-hole.=20

My  neighbor,  Mr.  James  D.  Johnson,  was  also  a  Democrat,  but  I  k=
new  he  would=20
not  spoil  a  good  joke  for  the  sake  of  politics,  and  I  asked  hi=
m  to  engage  the  atten-=20
tion of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  T.,  and  to  keep  their  faces  turned  towards =
 Bridgeport  and=20
the  approaching  procession,  the  light  of  whose  torches  could  alrea=
dy  be  seen  in=20
the  distance,  while  another  Democratic  friend,  Mr.  George  A.  Wells=
,  and  I,  ran=20
over  and  illuminated  Mr.  T.'s  house.  This  we  did  with  great  succ=
ess,  completing=20
our  work  five  minutes  before  the  procession  arrived.  As  the  Wide-=
A  wakes  turned=20
into  my  grounds  and  saw  that  the  house  of  Mr.  T.  was  brilliantl=
y  illuminated,  they=20
concluded  that  he  had  become  a  sudden  convert  to  Republicanism,  a=
nd  gave  three=20
rousing  cheers  for  him.  Hearing  his  name  thus  cheered  and  wonderi=
ng  at  the=20
cause,  he  happened  to  turn  and  see  that  his  house  was  lighted  u=
p  from  basement=20
to  attic,  and  uttering  a  single  profane  ejaculation,  he  rushed  fo=
r  home.  He  was=20
not  able,  however,  to  put  out  the  lights  till  the  Wide- A  wakes =
 had  gone  on  their=20
way  rejoicing  under  the  impression  that  one  more  Republican  had  b=
een  added  to=20
their  ranks.=20

229=20


230  POLITICAL  AND    PERSONAL.=20

When  the  rebellion  broke  out  in  18G1, 1  was  too  old  to  go  to  t=
he  field,  but  1  sup-=20
plied four  substitutes,  and  contributed  liberally  from  my  means  for=
  the  cause  of=20
the  Union.  After  the  defeat  at  Bull  Run,  July  21, 1861,  "  peace =
 meetings  "  began=20
to  be  held  in  different  parts  of  the  Northern  States,  and  especi=
ally  in  Fairfield=20
and  Litchfleld  counties,  in  Connecticut.  It  was  usual  in  these  as=
semblages  to=20
display  a  white  flag,  bearing  the  word  "  Peace  "  above  the  Nati=
onal  flag,  and  to=20
make  and  listen  to  harrangues  denunciatory  of  the  war.  One  of  th=
ese  meetings=20
was  advertised  to  be  held  August  24th,  at  Stepney  ten  miles  nort=
h  of  Bridgeport.=20
On  the  morning  of  that  day,  I  met  Elias  Howe,  Jr.,*  who  propose=
d  to  me  that=20
we  should  drive  up  to  Stepney,  attend  the  peace  meeting,  and  hea=
r  for  ourselves=20
whether  the  addresses  were  disloyal  or  not.  We  agreed  to  meet  at=
  the  post-office,=20
at  twelve  o'clock  at  noon,  and  I  went  home  for  my  carriage.  On =
 the  way  I  met=20
several  gentlemen  to  whom  I  communicated  my  intention,  asking  them=
  to  go  also;=20
and,  as  Mr.  Howe  invited  several  of'  his  friends  to  accompany  us=
,  when  we  met=20
at  noon,  at  least  twenty  gentlemen  were  at  the  place  of  rendezvo=
us  with  their=20
carriages,  ready  to  start  for  Stepney.  I  am  quite  confident  that =
 not  one  of  us  had=20
any  other  intention  in  going  to  this  meeting,  than  to  quietly  li=
sten  to  the  har-=20
rangues, and  if  they  were  found  to  be  in  opposition  to  the  gover=
nment,  and=20
calculated  to  create  disturbance  or  disaffection  in  the  community, =
 and  deter=20
enlistments,  it  would  be  best  to  represent  the  matter  to  the  gov=
ernment  at  Wash-=20
ington, and  ask  that  measures  might  be  taken  to  suppress  such  gat=
herings.=20

As  we  turned  into  Main  street,  we  discovered  two  large  omnibuses =
 filled  with=20
soldiers,  who  were  at  home  on  furlough,  and  who  were  going  to  S=
tepney.  Our=20
lighter  carriages  outran  them,  and  so  arrived  at  Stepney  in  time =
 to  see  the  white=20
peace  flag  run  up  over  the  stars  and  stripes,  when  we  quietly  s=
tood  in  the  crowd=20
while  the  meeting  was  organized.  It  was  a  very  large  gathering,  =
and  some  fifty=20
ladies  were  on  the  seats  in  front  of  the  platform,  on  which  wer=
e  the  officers  and=20
speakers  of  the  meeting.  A  "preacher" =E2=80=94 Mr.  Charles  Smith =
=E2=80=94 was  invited  to=20
open  the  proceedings  with  prayer,  and  "The  Military  and  Civil  His=
tory  of  Con-=20
necticut, during  the  War  of  1861-65,"  by  W.  A  Croffut  and  John  M=
.  Morris,  thus=20
continues  the  record  of  this  extraordinary  gathering:=20

"He  (Smith)  had  not,  however,  progressed  far  in  his  supplication, =
 when  he=20
slightly  opened  his  eyes,  and  beheld,  to  his  horror,  the  Bridgepo=
rt  omnibuses=20
coming  over  the  hill,  garnished  with  Union  banners,  and  vocal  wit=
h  loyal  cheers.=20
This  was  the  signal  for  a  panic;  Bull  Run,  on  a  small  scale  wa=
s  re-enacted.  The=20
devout  Smith,  and  the  undelivered  orators,  it  is  alleged,  took  re=
fuge  in  a  field  of=20
corn.  The  procession  drove  straight  to  the  pole  unresisted,  the  h=
ostile  crowd=20
parting  to  let  them  pass;  and  a  tall  man =E2=80=94 John  Platt =E2=
=80=94 amid  some  mutterings,=20
climbed  the  pole,  reached  the  halliards,  and  the  mongrel  banners  =
were  on  the=20
ground.  Some  of  the  peace-men,  rallying,  drew  weapons  on  '  the  i=
nvaders, '  and=20
a  musket  and  a  revolver  were  taken  from  them  by  soldiers  at  the=
  very  instant  of=20
firing.  Another  of  the  defenders  fired  a  revolver,  and  was  chased=
  into  the  fields.=20
Still  others,  waxing  belligerent,  were  disarmed,  and  a  number  of  =
loaded  muskets=20
found  stored  in  an  adjacent  shed  were  seized.  The  stars  and  stri=
pes  were  hoisted=20
upon  the  pole,  and  wildly  cheered.  P.  T.  Barnum  was  then  taken  =
on  the  shoulders=20
of  the  boys  in  blue,  and  put  on  the  platform,  where  he  made  a =
 speech  full  of=20
patriotism,  spiced  with  the  humor  of  the  occasion.  Captain  James  =
E.  Dunham=20
also  said  a  few  words  to  the  point.  *****  The  Star  Spangled  Ban=
ner '  was=20
then  sung  in  chorus,  and  a  series  of  resolutions  passed,  declarin=
g  that  '  loyal  men=20


=E2=80=A2  The  inventor  if  'ewing  machine  needle.=20


POLITICAL  AND   PEBSONAL.  233=20

are  the  rightful  custodians  of  the  peace  of  Connecticut.'  Elias  H=
owe,  Jr.,=20
chairman,  made  his  speech,  when  the  crowd  threatened  to  shoot  the=
  speakers.=20
'  If  they  fire  a  gun,  boys,  burn  the  whole  town,  and  I'll  pay =
 for  it ! '  Alter  giving=20
the  citizens  wholesome  advice  concerning  the  substituted  flag,  and =
 their  duty  to=20
the  government,  the  procession  returned  to  Bridgeport,  with  the  wh=
ite  flag  trail-=20
ing in  the  mud  behind  an  omnibus.  *  *  *  *  They  were  received  a=
t  Bridgeport=20
by  approving  crowds,  and  were  greeted  with  continuous  cheers  as  t=
hey  passed=20
along."=20

On  our  way  back  to  Bridgeport,  the  soldiers  threatened  a  descent =
 upon  the=20
Farmer  office,  but  I  strongly  appealed  to  them  to  refrain  from  s=
uch  a  riotous=20
proceeding,  telling  them  that  as  law-abiding  citizens  they  should  =
refrain  from  acts=20
of  violence,  and  especially  should  make  no  appeal  to  the  passions=
  of  a  mob.  So=20
confident  was  I  that  the  day's  proceedings  had  ended  with  the  re=
ception  of  the=20
soldiers  on  their  return  from  Stepney,  that,  in  telegraphing  a  fu=
ll  account  of  the=20
facts  to  the  New  York  papers,  I  added  that  there  was  no  danger =
 of  an  attack=20
upon  the  Farmer  office,  since  leading  loyal  citizens  were  opposed =
 to  such  action=20
as  unnecessary  and  unwise.  But  the  enthusiasm  with  which  the  sold=
iers  had  been=20
received,  and  the  excitement  of  the  day,  prompted  them  to  break  =
through  their=20
resolutions,  and,  half  an  hour  after  my  telegram  had  been  sent  t=
o  New  York,=20
they  rushed  into  the  Farmer  office,  tumbled  the  type  into  the  st=
reet,  and  broke=20
the  presses.  I  did  not  approve  of  this  summary  suppression  of  th=
e  paper,  and=20
offered  the  proprietors  a  handsome  subscription  to  assist  in  enabl=
ing  them  to=20
renew  the  publication  of  the  Farmer.=20

After  the  draft  riots  in  New  York  and  in  other  cities,  in  July,=
  1863,  myself  and=20
other  members  of  the  "  Prudential  Committee  "  which  had  been  for=
med  in=20
Bridgeport  were  frequently  threatened  with  personal  violence,  and  r=
umors  were=20
especially  rife  that  Lindencroft  would  some  night  be  mobbed  and  d=
estroyed.  On=20
several  occasions,  soldiers  volunteered  as  a  guard  and  came  and  s=
tayed  at  my=20
house,  sometimes  for  several  nights  in  succession,  and  I  was  also=
  provided  with=20
rockets,  so  that  in  case  of  an  attempted  attack  I  could  signal  =
to  my  friends  in  the=20
city,  and  especially  to  the  night  watchman  at  the  arsenal,  who  w=
ould  see  my=20
rockets  at  Lindencroft  and  give  the  alarm.  Happily  these  signals  =
were  never=20
needed,  but  the  rockets  came  in  play,  long  afterwards,  in  another=
  way.=20

My  house  was  provided  with  a  magnetic  burglar-alarm  and  one  night=
  the  faith-=20
ful bell  sounded.  I  was  instantly  on  my  feet  and  summoning  my  se=
rvants,  one=20
ran  and  rung  the  large  bell  on  the  lawn  which  served  in  the  da=
y-time  to  call  my=20
coachman  from  the  stable,  another  turned  on  the  gas,  while  I  fir=
ed  a  gun  out  of=20
the  window,  and  I  then  went  to  the  top  of  the  house  and  set  o=
ff  several  rockets.=20
The  whole  region  round  about  was  instantly  aroused;  dogs  barked,  =
neighbors  half-=20
dressed,  but  armed,  flocked  over  to  my  grounds,  every  time  a  roc=
ket  went  up,=20
and  I  was  by  no  means  sparing  of  my  supply;  the  whole  place  wa=
s  as  light  as=20
day,  and  in  the  general  glare  and  confusion  we  caught  sight  of  =
two  retreating=20
burglars,  one  running  one  way,  the  other  another  way,  and  both  a=
s  fast  as  their=20
legs  could  carry  them;  nor  do  I  believe  that  the  panic-stricken  =
would-be  plun-=20
derers stopped  running  till  they  reached  New  York.*=20

In  the  spring  of  1865,  I  accepted  from  the  Republican  party  a  n=
omination=20
to  the  Connecticut  legislature  from  the  town  of  Fairfield,  and  I =
 did  this  because=20
I  felt  that  it  would  be  an  honor  to  be  permitted  to  vote  for  =
the  then  proposed=20
amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  to  abolish  sl=
avery  forevei=20
from  the  land.=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  240.=20


232  POLITICAL  AND   PERSONAL.=20

I  was  elected,  and,  on  arriving  at  Hartford  the  night  before  the=
  session  began,  1=20
found  the  wire-pullers  at  work  laying  their  plans  for  the  electio=
n  of  a  Speaker  of=20
the  House.  Watching  the  movements  closely,  I  saw  that  the  railroa=
d  interests=20
had  combined  in  support  of  one  of  the  candidates,  and  this  natur=
ally  excited  my=20
suspicion.  I  never  believed  in  making  State  legislation  a  mere  po=
wer  to  support=20
monopolies.  I  do  not  need  to  declare  my  full  appreciation  of  the=
  great  blessings=20
which  railroad  interests  and  enterprises  have  brought  upon  this  co=
untry  and  the=20
world.  But  the  vaster  the  enterprise  and  its  power  for  good,  the=
  greater  its=20
opportunity  for  mischief  if  its  power  is  perverted.  The  time  was =
 when  a  whole=20
community  was  tied  to  the  track  of  one  or  two  railway  companies,=
  and  it  was=20
too  truthful  to  be  looked  upon  as  satire  to  call  New  Jersey  the=
  "  State  of  Camden=20
and  Amboy."  A  great  railroad  company,  like  fire,  is  a  good  serva=
nt,  but  a=20
bad  master;  and  when  it  is  considered  that  such  a  company,  with =
 its  vast  num-=20
ber of  men  dependent  upon  it  for  their  daily  bread,  can  sometimes=
  elect  State=20
officers  and  legislatures,  the  danger  to  our  free  institutions  fro=
m  such  a  force  may=20
well  be  feared.=20

Thinking  of  these  things,  and  seeing  in  the  combination  of  railro=
ad  interests  to=20
elect  a  speaker  no  promise  of  good  to  the  community  at  large,  I=
  at  once  con-=20
sulted with  a  few  friends  in  the  legislature,  and  we  resolved  to =
 defeat  the  railroad=20
"ring,"  if  possible,  in  caucus.  1  AJUU  IK.-=C2=BB=C2=AB.I-  seen  ei=
ther  of  the  candidates  for=20
the  speakership,  nor  had  I  a  single  selfish  end  in  view  to  grat=
ify  by  the  election=20
of  one  candidate  or  the  other;  but  I  felt  that  if  the  railroad =
 favorite  could  be=20
defeated,  the  public  interest  would  be  subserved.  We  succeeded;  th=
eir  candi-=20
date was  not  nominated,  and  the  railroad  men  were  taken  by  surpri=
se.  They=20
had  had  their  own  way  in  every  legislature  since  the  first  railr=
oad  was  laid  down=20
in  Connecticut,  and  to  be  beaten  now  fairly  startled  them.=20

Immediately  after  the  caucus,  I  sought  the  successful  nominee,  Hon=
.  E.  K.=20
Foster,  of  New  Haven,  and  begged  him  not  to  appoint,  as  chairman=
  of  the  rail-=20
road committee,  the^  man  who  had  held  that  office  for  several  suc=
cessive  years,=20
and  who  was,  in  fact,  the  great  railroad  factotum  in  the  State. =
 He  complied=20
with  my  request,  and  he  soon  found  how  important  it  was  to  chec=
k  the  strong=20
and  growing  monopoly;  for,  as  he  said,  the  "outside  pressure"  fro=
m  personal=20
friends  in  both  political  parties,  to  secure  the  appointments  of  =
the  person  to  whom=20
I  had  objected,  was  terrible.=20

Though  I  had  not  foreseen  nor  thought  of  such  a  thing  until  I  =
reached  Hart-=20
ford, I  soon  found  that  a  battle  with  the  railroad  commissioners  =
would  be  neces-=20
sary, and  my  course  was  shaped  accordingly.  It  was  soon  discovered=
  that  a=20
majority  of  the  railroad  commissioners  were  mere  tools  in  the  han=
ds  of  the=20
railroad  companies,  and  that  one  of  them  was  actually  a  hired  cl=
erk  in  the  office=20
of  the  New  York  and  New  Haven  Railroad  Company.  It  was  also  sho=
wn  that  the=20
chairman  of  the  railroad  commissioners  permitted  most  of  the  accid=
ents  which=20
occurred  on  that  road  to  be  taken  charge  of  and  reported  upon  b=
y  the  paid  lobby=20
agent  of  that  railroad.  This  was  so  manifestly  destructive  to  the=
  interests  of  all=20
parties  who  might  suffer  from  accidents  on  the  road,  or  have  any=
  controversy=20
therefor  with  the  company,  that  I  succeeded  in  enlisting  the  farm=
ers  and  other=20
true  men  on  the  side  of  right;  and  we  defeated  the  chairman  of =
 the  railroad=20
commissioners,  who  was  a  candidate  for  re-election,  and  elected  ou=
r  own  candi-=20
date in  his  place.  I  also  earned  through  a  law  that  no  person  w=
ho  was  in  the=20
employ  of  any  railroad  hi  the  State,  should  serve  as  railroad  co=
mmissioner.=20

But  the  great  struggle  which  lasted  nearly  through  the  entire  ses=
sion,  was  upon=20
the  subject  of  railroad  passenger  commutations.  Commodore  Vande*t)il=
t  had=20


POLITICAL   AND    PEBSONAL.  233=20

secured  control  of  the  Hudson  River  and  Harlem  railroads,  and  had=
  increased=20
the  price  of  commuters'  tickets  from  two  hundred  to  four  hundred =
 per  cent.=20
Many  men  living  on  the  line  of  these  roads,  at  distances  of  fro=
m  ten  to  fifty=20
miles  from  New  York,  had  built  fine  residences  in  the  country,  o=
n  the  strength  of=20
cheap  transit  to  and  from  the  city,  and  were  compelled  to  submit=
  to  the  extortion.=20
Commodore  Vanderbilt  was  a  large  shareholder  in  the  New  York  and =
 New  Haven=20
road;  indeed,  subsequent  elections  showed  that  he  had  a  controllin=
g  interest,  and=20
it  seemed  evident  to  me  that'the  same  practice  would  be  put  in  =
operation  on  the=20
New  Haven  railroad,  that  commuters  were  groaning  under  on  the  two=
  other=20
roads.  I  enlisted  as  many  as  I  could  in  an  effort  to  strangle  =
this  outrage=20
before  it  became  too  strong  te>  grapple  with.  Several  lawyers  =
in  the  Assembly=20
had  promised  me  then*  aid,  but,  long  before  the  final  struggle  c=
ame,  every  lawyer=20
except  one,  in  that  body,  was  enlisted  in  favor  of  the  railroads=
  !  What  potent=20
influence  had  been  at  work  with  these  legal  gentlemen,  could  only=
  be  surmised.=20
Certain  it  is,  that  all  the  railroad  interests  in  the  State  were=
  combined ;  and  while=20
they  had  plenty  of  money  with  which  to  carry  out  their  designs  =
and  desires,  the=20
chances  looked  slim  in  favor  of  those  members  of  the  legislature =
 who  had  no=20
pecuniary  interest  in  the  matter,  but  were  struggling  simply  for  =
justice  and  the=20
protection  of  the  people.  But  "Yankee  stick-to-it-iveness"  was  alwa=
ys  a  noted=20
feature  in  my  character.  Every  inch  of  the  ground  was  fought  ove=
r,  day  after=20
day,  before  the  legislative  railroad  committee.  Examinations  and  cr=
oss-exam-=20
inations of  railroad  commissioners  and  lobbyists  were  kept  up.  Scar=
ely  more=20
than  one  man,  Senator  Ballard,  of  Darien,  aided  me  personally  in =
 the  investiga-=20
tions which  took  place.  But  he  was  a  host  in  himself,  and  left  =
not  a  stone=20
unturned;  we  succeeded  by  persistence,  in  letting  in  considerable  =
light  upon  a=20
dark  subject.  The  man  whom  I  had  prevented  from  being  made  chair=
man,  suc-=20
ceeded in  becoming  a  member  of  the  railroad  committee;  but,  from  =
the  mouths  of=20
unwilling  witnesses,  I  exhibited  his  connection  with  railroad  repor=
ts,  railroad=20
laws,  and  railroad  lobbyings,  in  such  a  light  that  he  took  to  h=
is  bed  some  ten  days=20
before  the  end  of  the  session,  and  actually  remained  there  "  sic=
k,"  as  he  said,  till=20
the  legislature  adjourned=20

The  speaker  offered  me  the  chairmanship  of  any  one  of  several  co=
mmittees,=20
and  I  selected  that  of  the  agricultural  committee,  because  it  wou=
ld  occupy  but=20
little  of  my  time,  and  give  me  the  opportunity  I  so  much  desire=
d  to  devote  my=20
attention  to  the  railway  combinations.  The  Republicans  had  a  major=
ity  in  both=20
branches  of  the  legislature;  the  Democrats,  however,  were  watchful =
 and  ener-=20
getic. The  amendment  to  the  United  States  Constitution,  abolishing  =
slavery,=20
met  with  but  little  open  opposition ;  but  the  proposed  amendment  =
to  the  State=20
Constitution,  striking  out  the  word  "  white  "  from  that  clause  w=
hich  defined  the=20
qualifications  of  voters,  was  violently  opposed  by  the  Democratic  =
members.  The=20
report  from  the  minority  of  the  committee  to  whom  the  question  w=
as  referred,=20
gave  certain  reasons  for  opposing  the  contemplated  amendment,  and  =
in  reply  to=20
this,  I  spoke,  May  26th,  1865,  as  follows:=20

SPEECH  OF  P.  T.  BARNUM,=20

ON  THE  CONSTITUTIONAL,  AMENDMENT.=20

Mr.  Speaker:  I  will  not  attempt  to  notice  at  any  length  the  dec=
lamation  of=20
the  honorable  gentleman  from  Milford,  for  certainly  I  have  heard  =
nothing  from=20
his  lips  approach  tng  to  the  dignity  of  argument.  I  agree  with  =
the  gentleman=20


234  POLITICAL   AND    PERSONAL.=20

that  the  right  of  suffrage  is  "dearly  and  sacredly  cherished  by  =
the  white  mau; "=20
and  it  is  because  this  right  is  so  dear  and  sacred,  that  I  wis=
h  to  see  it  extended  to=20
every  educated  moral  man  within  our  State,  without  regard  to  colo=
r.  He  tells=20
us  that  one  race  is  a  vessel  to  honor,  and  another  to  dishonor;=
  and  that  he  has=20
seen  on  ancient  Egyptian  monuments  the  negro  represented  as  "  a  =
hewer  of  wood=20
and  a  drawer  or  water."  This  is  doubtless  true,  and  the  gentlema=
n  seems  deter=20
mined  always  to  keep  the  negro  a  "  vessel  of  dishonor,"  and  a  =
"  hewer  of  wood."=20
We,  on  the  other  hand,  propose  to  give  him  the  opportunity  of  e=
xpanding  his=20
faculties  and  elevating  himself  to  true  manhood.  He  says  he  "  ha=
tes  and  abhors,=20
and  despises  demagogism."  I  am  rejoiced  to  hear  it,  and  I  trust =
 we  shall  see=20
tangible  evidence  of  the  truth  of  what  he  professes  in  his  aband=
onment  of  that=20
slavery  to  party  which  is  the  mere  trick  and  trap  of  the  demago=
gue.=20

When,  a  few  days  since,  this  honorable  body  voted  unanimously  for=
  the=20
Amendment  of  the  United  States  Constitution  abolishing  human  slaver=
y,  I  not=20
only  thanked  God  from  my  heart  of  hearts,  but  I  felt  like  going=
  down  on  my=20
knees  to  the  gentlemen  of  the  opposition,  for  the  wisdom  they  ha=
d  exhibited=20
in  bowing  to  the  logic  of  events  by  dropping  that  dead  weight  o=
f  slavery=20
which  had  disrupted  the  Democratic  party,  with  which  I  had  been  =
so  long=20
connected.  And  on  this  occasion  I  wish  again  to  appeal  to  the  w=
isdom  and  loy-=20
alty of  my  Democratic  Mends.  I  say  Democratic  "  friends,"  for  I  =
am  and  ever=20
was,  a  thorough,  out  and  out  Democrat.  I  supported  General  Jackso=
n,  and=20
voted  for  every  Democratic  president  after  him,  up  to  and  includi=
ng  Pierce;  for=20
I  really  thought  Pierce  was  a  Democrat  until  he  proved  the  contr=
ary,  as  I  con-=20
ceived, in  the  Kansas  question.  My  democracy  goes  for  the  greatest=
  good  to  the=20
greatest  number,  for  equal  and  exact  justice  to  all  men,  and  for=
  a  submission  to=20
the  will  of  the  majority.  It  was  the  repudiation  by  the  southern=
  democracy  of=20
this  great  democratic  doctrine  of  majority  rule  which  opened  the  =
rebellion.=20

And  now,  Mr.  Speaker,  let  me  remind  our  democratic  friends  that  =
the  present=20
question  simply  asks  that  a  majority  of  the  legal  voters,  the  wh=
ite  citizens  of  this=20
State,  may  decide  whether  or  not  colored  men  of  good  moral  chara=
cter,  who  are=20
able  to  read,  and  who  possess  all  the  qualifications  of  white  vo=
ters,  shn.11  be=20
entitled  to  the  elective  franchise.  The  opposition  may  have  their =
 own  ideas,  or=20
may  be  in  doubt  upon  this  subject;  but  surely  no  true  democrat  =
will  dare  to=20
refuse  permission  to  our  fellow-citizens  to  decide  the  question.=20

Negro  slavery,  and  its  legitimate  outgrowths  of  ignorance,  tyranny =
 and  oppres-=20
sion, have  caused  this  gigantic  rebellion  which  has  cost  our  count=
ry  thousands  of=20
millions  of  treasure,  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of  human  lives  in=
  defending  a=20
principle.  And  where  was  this  poor,  down-trodden  colored  race  in  =
this  rebellion?=20
Did  they  seize  the  "  opportunity"  when  their  masters  were  engaged=
  with  a  pow-=20
erful foe,  to  break  out  in  insurrection,  and  massacre  those  tyrant=
s  who  had  so=20
long  held  them  in  the  most  cruel  bondage  ?  No,  Mr.  Speaker,  the=
y  did  not  do  this.=20
My  "  democratic  "  friends  would  have  done  it.  I  would  have  done=
  it.  Irishmen,=20
Chinamen,  Portuguese,  would  have  done  it;  any  white  man  would  hav=
e  done  it;=20
put  the  poor  black  man  is  like  a  lamb  in  his  nature  compared  w=
ith  the  white=20
man.  The  black  man  possesses  a  confiding  disposition,  thoroughly  t=
inctured  with=20
religious  enthusiasm,  and  not  characterized  by  a  spirit  of  revenge=
.  No,  the  only=20
barbarous  massacres  we  heard  of,  during  the  war,  were  those  commi=
tted  by=20
their  white  masters  on  their  poor,  defenceless  white  prisoners,  an=
d  to  the  eternal=20
disgrace  of  southern  white  "democratic"  rebels,  be  it  said,  these =
 instances  of=20
barbarism  were  numerous  all  through  the  war.  When  this  rebellion  =
first  broke=20
out.  the  northern  democracy  raised  a  hue-and-cry  against  permitting=
  the  negroes=20


POLITICAL  AND   PERSONAL.  235=20

to  fight;  but  when  such  a  measure  seemed  necessary,  in  order  to =
 put  down=20
traitors,  these  colored  men  took  their  muskets  in  hand  and  made  =
their  bodies  a=20
wall  of  defence  for  the  loyal  citizens  of  the  north.  And  now,  w=
hen  our  grateful=20
white  citizens  ask  from  this  assembly  the  privilege  of  deciding  b=
y  their  votes=20
whether  these  colored  men,  who,  at  least,  were  partially  our  savi=
ors  in  the  war,=20
may  or  may  not,  under  proper  restrictions,  become  participants  in =
 that  great=20
salvation,  I  am  amazed  that  men  calling  themselves  democrats  dare =
 refuse  to=20
grant  this  democratic  measure.  We  wish  to  educate  ignorant  men,  w=
hite  or=20
black.  Ignorance  is  incompatible  with  the  genius  of  our  free  inst=
itutions.  In=20
the  very  nature  of  things  it  jeopardizes  their  stability,  and  it =
 is  always  unsafe  to=20
transgress  the  laws  of  nature.  We  cannot  safely  shut  ourselves  up=
  with  ignorance=20
and  brutality;  we  must  educate  and  christianize  those  who  are  now=
  by  circum-=20
stances our  social  inferiors.=20

Years  ago,  I  was  afraid  of  foreign  voters.  I  feared  that  when  E=
urope  poured=20
her  teeming  millions  of  working  people  upon  our  shores,  our  exten=
ded  laws  of=20
franchise  =E2=80=A2would  enable  them  to  swamp  our  free  institutions=
,  and  reduce  us  to=20
anarchy.  But  much  reflection  has  satisfied  me  that  we  have  only  =
to  elevate  these=20
millions  and  their  descendants  to  the  standard  of  American  citizen=
ship,  and  we=20
shall  find  sufficient  of  the  leaven  of  liberty  in  our  system  of =
 government  to=20
absorb  all  foreign  elements  and  assimilate  them  to  a  truly  democr=
atic  form  of=20
government.=20

Mr.  Speaker:  We  cannot  afford  to  carry  passengers  and  have  them  =
live  under=20
our  government  with  no  real  vital  interest  in  its  perpetuity.  Eve=
ry  man  must=20
be  a  joint  owner.=20

The  only  safe  inhabitants  of  a  free  country  are  educated  citizens=
  who  vote.=20

Nor  in  a  free  government  can  we  afford  to  employ  journeymen;  the=
y  may  be=20
apprenticed  until  they  learn  to  read,  and  study  our  institutions; =
 and  then  let=20
them  become  joint  proprietors  and  feel  a  proportionate  responsibili=
ty.  The  two=20
learned  and  distinguished  authors  of  the  minority  report  have  been=
  studying  the=20
science  of  ethnology  and  have  treated  us  with  a  dissertation  on  =
the  races.  And=20
what  have  they  attempted  to  show  ?  Why,  that  a  race  which,  simp=
ly  on  account=20
of  the  color  of  the  skin,  has  long  been  buried  in  slavery  at  t=
he  South,  and  even=20
at  the  North  has  been  tabooed  and  scarcely  permitted  to  rise  abo=
ve  the  dignity  of=20
whitewashers  and  boot-blacks,  does  not  exhibit  the  same  polish  and=
  refinement=20
that  the  white  citizens  do  who  have  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  ci=
vilization,  edu-=20
cation, Christian  culture  and  self-respect  which  can  only  be  attain=
ed  by  those=20
who  share  in  making  the  laws  under  which  they  live.=20

Do  our  democratic  friends  assume  that  the  negroes  are  not  human  =
?  I  have=20
heard  professed  democrats  claim  even  that ;  but  do  the  authors  of=
  this  minority=20
report  insist  that  the  negro  is  a  beast  ?  Is  his  body  not  tena=
nted  by  an  immortal=20
spirit  ?  If  this  is  the  position  of  the  gentlemen,  then  I  confe=
ss  a  beast  cannot=20
reason,  and  this  minority  committee  are  right  in  declaring  that  "=
the  negro  can=20
develop  no  inventive  faculties  or  genius  for  the  arts."  For  altho=
ugh  the  elephant=20
may  be  taught  to  plow,  or  the  dog  to  carry  your  market-basket  b=
y  his  teeth,  you=20
cannot  teach  them  to  shave  notes,  to  speculate  in  gold,  or  even =
 to  vote;  whereas,=20
the  experience  of  all  political  parties  shows  that  men  may  be  ta=
ught  to  vote,  even=20
when  they  do  not  know  what  the  ticket  means.=20

But  if  the  colored  man  is  indeed  a  man,  then  his  manhood  with  =
proper  training=20
can  be  developed.  His  soul  may  appear  dormant,  his  brain  inactive=
,  but  there  is  a=20
vitality  there ;  and  Nature  will  assert  herself  if  you  will  give =
 her  the  opportunity.=20

Suppose  an  inhabitant  of  another  planet  should  drop  down  upon  thi=
s  portion  of=20


236  POLITICAL  AND   PERSONAL.=20

our  globe  at  mid-winter.  He  would  find  the  earth  covered  with  sn=
ow  and  ice=20
and  congealed  almost  to  the  consistency  of  granite.  The  trees  are=
  leafless,  every=20
thing  is  cold  and  barren;  no  green  thing  is  to  be  seen;  the  in=
habitants  are  chilled,=20
and  stalk  about  shivering,  from  place  to  place;  he  would  exclaim,=
  "  Surely  t^  is=20
not  life;  this  means  annihilation.  No  flesh  and  blood  can  long  e=
ndure  this;  this=20
frozen  earth  is  bound  in  the  everlasting  embraces  of  adamantine  f=
rost,  and  can=20
never  develop  vegetation  for  the  sustenance  of  any  living  thing." =
 He  little=20
dreams  of  the  priceless  myriads  of  germs  which  bountiful  Nature  h=
as  safely=20
garnered  in  the  warm  bosom  of  our  mother  earth;  he  sees  no  evid=
ence  of  that=20
vitality  which  the  beneficent  sun  will  develop  to  grace  and  beaut=
ify  the  world.=20
But  let  him  remain  until  March  or  April,  and  as  the  snow  begins=
  to  melt  away,=20
he  discovers  the  beautiful  crocus  struggling  through  the  half -froz=
en  ground;  the=20
snow-drops  appear  in  all  their  chaste  beauty;  the  buds  of  the  sw=
amp-maple  shoot=20
forth;  the  beautiful  magnolia  opens  her  splendid  blossoms;  the  sas=
safras  adds  its=20
evidence  of  life;  the  pearl-white  blossoms  of  the  dog-wood  light  =
up  every  forest;=20
and  while  our  stranger  is  rubbing  his  eyes  in  astonishment,  the  =
earth  is  covered=20
with  her  emerald  velvet  carpet;  rich  foliage  and  brilliant  colored=
  blossoms  adorn=20
the  trees;  fragrant  flowers  are  enwreathing  every  wayside;  the  swi=
ft-winged=20
birds  float  through  the  air  and  send  forth  joyful  notes  of  grati=
tude  from  every=20
tree-top;  the  merry  lambs  skip  joyfully  around  their  verdant  pastu=
re  grounds;=20
and  everywhere  is  our  stranger  surrounded  with  life,  beauty,  joy  =
and  gladness.=20

So  it  is  with  the  poor  African.  You  may  take  a  dozen  specimens =
 of  both  sexes=20
from  the  lowest  type  of  man  found  in  Africa;  their  race  has  bee=
n  buried  for  ages=20
in  ignorance  and  barbarism,  and  you  can  scarcely  perceive  that  th=
ey  have  any=20
more  of  manhood  or  womanhood  than  so  many  orang-outangs  or  gorill=
as.  You=20
look  at  their  low  foreheads,  their  thick  skulls  and  lips,  their  =
woolly  heads,  their=20
flat  noses,  their  dull,  lazy  eyes,  and  you  may  be  tempted  to  ad=
opt  the  language=20
of  this  minority  committee,  and  exclaim:  Surely  these  people  have =
 "no  inven-=20
tive faculties,  no  genius  for  the  arts,  or  for  any  of  those  occu=
pations  requiring=20
intellect  and  wisdom."  But  bring  them  out  into  the  light  of  civi=
lization;  le<~=20
them  and  their  children  come  into  the  genial  sunshine  of  Christia=
nity;  teach  them=20
industry,  self-reliance,  and  self-respect ;  let  them  learn  what  too=
  few  white  Chris-=20
tians have  yet  understood,  that  cleanliness  is  akin  to  godliness,  =
and  a  part  of=20
godlhiess;  and  the  human  soul  will  begin  to  develop  itself.  Each =
 generation,=20
blessed  with  churches  and  common  schools,  will  gradually  exhibit  t=
he  result  of=20
such  culture;  the  low  foreheads  will  be  raised  and  widened  by  an=
  active  and=20
expanded  brain;  the  vacant  eye  of  barbarism,  ignorance  and  idlenes=
s  will  light=20
up  with  the  fire  of  intelligence,  education,  ambition,  activity  an=
d  Christian  civili-=20
zation; and  you  will  find  the  immortal  soul  asserting  her  dignity,=
  by  the=20
development  of  a  man  who  would  startle,  by  his  intelligence,  the =
 honorable  gen=20
tleman  from  Wallingford,  who  has  presumed  to  compare  beings  made  =
in  God's=20
image  with  "oxen  and  asses."  That  honorable  gentleman,  if  he  is  =
rightly=20
reported  in  the  papers  (I  did  not  have  the  happiness  to  hear  hi=
s  speech),  has  mis-=20
taken the  nature  of  the  colored  man.  The  honorable  gentleman  remin=
ds  me  of=20
the  young  man  who  went  abroad,  and  when  he  returned,  there  was  =
nothing  in=20
America  that  could  compare  with  what  he  had  seen  in  foreign  land=
s.  Niagara=20
Falls  was  nowhere;  the  White  Mountains  were  "knocked  higher  than  =
a  kite"=20
by  Mont  Blanc;  our  rivers  were  so  large  that  they  were  vulgar,  =
when  contrasted=20
with  the  beautiful  little  streams  and  rivulets  of  Europe;  our  New=
  York  Central=20
Park  was  eclipsed  by  the  Bois  de  Bologne  and  the  Champs  Elysees =
 of  Paris,  or=20
Hyde  or  Regent  Park  of  London,  to  say  nothing  of  the  great  Phoe=
nix  Park  at=20
Dublin.=20


POLITICAL   AND   PERSONAL.  237=20

"Iney  have  introduced  a  couple  of  Venetian  gondolas  on  the  large =
 pond  in=20
Central  Park,"  remarked  a  friend.=20

"  All  very  well,"  replied  the  verdant  traveler,  "  but,  between  y=
ou  and  me,  these=20
birds  can't  stand  our  cold  climate  more  than  one  season."  The  ge=
ntleman  from=20
Wallingf ord  evidently  had  as  little  idea  of  the  true  nature  of  =
the  African  as  the=20
young  swell  had  of  the  pleasure-boats  of  Venice.=20

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Wallingf  ord:  The  gentleman  misapprehends  my  remar=
ks.=20
The  gentleman  from  Norwich  had  urged  that  the  negro  should  vote  =
because  they=20
have  fought  in  our  battles.  I  replied  that  oxen  and  asses  can  f=
ight,  and  therefore=20
should,  on  the  same  grounds,  be  entitled  to  vote.=20

Mr.  Barnum:  I  accept  the  gentleman's  explanation.  Doubtless  General=
  Grant=20
will  feel  himself  highly  complimented  when  he  learns  that  it  requ=
ires  no  greater=20
capacity  to  handle  the  musket,  and  meet  armed  battalions  in  the  =
field,  than  "  oxen=20
and  asses  "  possess.=20

Let  the  educated  free  negro  feel  that  he  is  a  man;  let  him  be =
 trained  in  New=20
England  churches,  schools  and  workshops;  let  him  support  himself,  =
pay  his  taxes,=20
and  cast  his  vote,  like  other  men,  and  he  will  put  to  everlasti=
ng  shame  the  cham-=20
pions of  modern  democracy,  by  the  overwhelming  evidence  he  will  gi=
ve  in  his  own=20
person  of  the  great  Scripture  truth,  that  "  God  has  made  of  one=
  blood  all  the=20
nations  of  men."  A  human  soul,  "that  God  has  created  and  Christ =
 died  for,"  is=20
not  to  be  trifled  with.  It  may  tenant  the  body  of  a  Chinaman,  =
a  Turk,  an  Arab=20
or  a  Hottentot =E2=80=94 it  is  still  an  immortal  spirit;  and,  amid=
  all  assumptions  of  caste,  it=20
will  in  due  time  vindicate  the  great  fact  that,  without  regard  t=
o  color  or  condition,=20
all  men  are  equally  children  of  the  common  Father.=20

A  few  years  since,  an  English  lord  and  his  family  were  riding  i=
n  his  carriage  in=20
Liverpool.  It  was  an  elegant  equipage;  the  servants  were  dressed  =
in  rich  livery;=20
the  horses  caparisoned  in  the  most  costly  style ;  and  everything  =
betokened  that=20
the  establishment  belonged  to  a  scion  of  England's  proudest  aristo=
cracy.  The=20
carriage  stopped  in  front  of  a  palatial  residence.  At  this  moment=
  a  poor  beggar=20
woman  rushed  to  the  side  of  the  carriage,  and  gently  seizing  the=
  lady  by  the=20
hand,  exclaimed,  "  For  the  love  of  God  give  me  something  to  sav=
e  my  poor  sick=20
children  from  starvation.  You  are  rich;  I  am  your  poor  sister,  f=
or  God  is  our=20
common  Father."=20

"Wretch  !"  exclaimed  the  proud  lady,  casting  the  woman's  hand  awa=
y;  "don't=20
call  me  sister;  I  have  nothing  in  common  with  such  low  brutes  a=
s  you."  And  the=20
great  lady  doubtless  thought  she  was  formed  of  finer  clay  than  t=
his  suffering=20
mendicant ;  but  when  a  few  days  afterwards  she  was  brought  to  a =
 sick  bed  by=20
the  small-pox,  contracted  by  touching  the  hand  of  that  poor  wretc=
h,  she  felt  the=20
evidence  that  they  belonged  to  the  same  great  family,  and  were  s=
ubject  to  the=20
same  pains  and  diseases.=20

The  State  of  Connecticut,  like  New  Jersey,  is  a  border  State  of =
 New  York.=20
New  York  has  a  great  commercial  city,  where  aldermen  rob  by  the =
 tens  of  thou-=20
sands, and  where  principal  is  studied  much  more  than  principle.  I =
 can  readily=20
understand  how  the  negro  has  come  to  be  debased  at  the  North  as=
  well  as  at  the=20
South.  The  interests  of  the  two  sections  in  the  product  of  negro=
  labor  were=20
nearly  identical  The  North  wanted  Southern  cotton  and  the  South  w=
as  ready=20
in  turn  to  buy  from  the  North  whatever  was  needed  in  the  way  o=
f  Northern=20
supplies  and  manufactures.  This  community  of  commercial  interests  l=
ed  to  an=20
identity  in  political  principles,  especially  in  matters  pertaining  =
to  the  negro  race =E2=80=94=20
the  working  race  of  the  South =E2=80=94 which  produced  the  cotton  =
and  consumed  so  much=20
of  what  Northern  merchants  and  manufacturers  sold  for  plantation  u=
se.  The=20


238  POLITICAL  AND    PERSONAL.=20

Southern  planters  were  good  customers  and  were  worth  conciliating. =
 So  when=20
Connecticut  proposed  in  1818  to  continue  to  admit  colored  men  to =
 the  franchise,=20
the  South  protested  against  thus  elevating  the  negroes,  and  Connec=
ticut  suc-=20
cumbed. No  other  New  England  State  has  ever  so  disgraced  herself; =
 and  now=20
Connecticut  democrats  are  asked  to  permit  the  white  citizens  of  t=
his  State  to=20
express  their  opinion  in  regard  to  re-instating  the  colored  man  w=
here  our  Revo-=20
lutionary sires  placed  him  under  the  Constitution.  Now,  gentlemen,  =
"  democrats,"=20
as  you  call  yourselves,  you  who  speak  so  flippantly  of  your  "loy=
alty,"  your=20
"love  for  the  Union"  and  your  "love  for  the  people;"  you  who  ar=
e  generally=20
talking  right  and  voting  wrong,  we  ask  you  to  come  forward  and  =
act  "democrati-=20
cally," by  letting  your  masters,  the  people,  speak.=20

The  word  ' '  white  "  in  the  Constitution  cannot  be  strictly  and =
 literally  construed.=20
The  opposition  express  great  love  for  white  blood.  Will  they  let =
 a  mulatto  vote=20
half  the  time,  a  quadroon  three-fourths,  and  an  octoroon  seven-eig=
hths  of  the=20
time  ?  If  not,  why  not  ?  Will  they  enslave  seven-eighths  of  a  =
white  man  because=20
one-eighth  is  not  Caucasian  ?  Is  this  democratic  ?  Shall  not  the=
  majority  seven=20
control  the  minority  one ?  Out  on  such  "democracy."=20

But  a  Democratic  minority  committee  (of  two)  seem  to  have  done  s=
omething=20
besides  study  ethnology.  They  have,  also  paid  great  attention  to  =
fine  arts,  and  are=20
particularly  anxious  that  all  voters  shall  have  a  "  genius  for  t=
he  arts."  I  would=20
like  to  ask  them  if  it  has  always  been  political  practice  to  in=
sist  that  every  voter=20
in  the  great  "  unwashed  "  and  "  unterrified  "  of  any  party  sho=
uld  become  a  mem-=20
ber of  the  Academy  of  Arts  before  he  votes  the  "  regular"  ticket=
  ?  I  thought  he=20
was  received  into  the  full  fellowship  of  a  political  party  if  he=
  could  exhibit  suffi-=20
cient "inventive  faculties  and  genius  for  the  arts,"  to  enable  him=
  to  paint  a  black=20
eye.  Can  a  man  whose  "genius  for  the  arts"  enables  him  to  strik=
e  from  the=20
shoulder  scientifically,  be  admitted  to  full  fellowship  in  a  polit=
ical  party  ?  Is  it=20
evident  that  the  political  artist  has  studied  the  old  masters,  if=
  he  exhibits  his  genius=20
by  tapping  an  opponent's  head  with  a  shillelagh?  The  oldest  maste=
r  in  this=20
school  of  art  was  Cain ;  and  so  canes  have  been  made  to  play  t=
heir  part  in  politics,=20
at  the  polls  and  even  in  the  United  States  Senate  Chamber.=20

"  Is  genius  for  the  arts  and  those  occupations  requiring  intellec=
t  and  wisdom  "=20
sufficiently  exemplified  in  adroitly  stuffing  ballot-boxes,  forging  =
soldiers'  votes,=20
and  copying  a  directory,  as  has  been  done,  as  the  return  list  o=
f  votes  ?  Is  the=20
"  inventive  faculty  "  of  "  voting  early  and  often,"  a  passport  =
to  political  brother-=20
hood? Is  it  satisfactory  evidence  of  "artistic"  genius,  to  head  a =
 mob?  and  a=20
mob  which  is  led  and  guided  by  political  passion,  as  numerous  in=
stances  in  our=20
history  prove,  is  the  worst  of  mobs.  Is  it  evidence  of  "high  ar=
t  "  to  lynch  a  man=20
by  hauging  him  to  the  nearest  tree  or  lamp-post  ?  Is  a  "whisky =
 scrimmage"=20
one  of  the  lost  arts  restored  1  We  all  know  how  certain  "artist=
s"  are  prone  to=20
embellish  elections  and  to  enhance  the  excitements  of  political  ca=
mpaigns  by=20
inciting  riots,  and  the  frequency  with  which  these  disgraceful  out=
breaks  have=20
occurred  of  late,  especially  in  some  of  the  populous  cities,  is  =
cause  for  just  alarm.=20
It  is  dangerous  "art."=20

Mr.  Speaker:  I  repeat  that  I  am  a  friend  to  the  Irishman.  I  ha=
ve  traveled=20
through  his  native  country  and  have  seen  how  he  is  oppressed.  I =
 have  listened  to=20
the  eloquent  and  patriotic  appeals  of  Daniel  O'Connell,  in  Concili=
ation  Hall,  in=20
Dublin,  and  I  have  gladly  contributed  to  his  fund  for  amelioratin=
g  the  condition=20
of  his  countrymen.  I  rejoice  to  see  them  rushing  to  this  land  o=
f  liberty  and  inde-=20
pendence; and  it  is  because  I  am  their  friend  that  I  denounce  th=
e  demagogues=20
who  attempt  to  blind  and  mislead  them  to  vote  in  the  interests  =
of  any  party=20


POLITICAL   AND    PERSONAL.  239=20

against  the  interests  of  humanity,  and  the  principles  of  true  dem=
ocracy.  My=20
neighbors  will  testify  that  at  mid-winter  I  employ  Irishmen  by  th=
e  hundred  to=20
do  work  that  is  not  absolutely  necessary,  in  order  to  help  them =
 support  their=20
families.=20

After  hearing  the  minority  report  last  week,  I  began  to  feel  tha=
t  I  might  be=20
disfranchised,  for  I  have  no  great  degree  of  "genius  for  the  art=
s;"  I  felt,  there-=20
fore, that  I  must  get  "posted"  on  that  subject  as  soon  as  possib=
le.  I  at  once=20
sauntered  into  the  Senate  Chamber  to  look  at  the  paintings;  there=
  I  saw  portraits=20
of  great  men,  and  I  saw  two  empty  frames  from  which  the  picture=
s  had  been=20
removed.  These  missing  paintings,  I  was  told,  were  portraits  of  t=
wo  ex-Gov-=20
ernors of  the  State,  whose  position  on  political  affairs  was  obnox=
ious  to  the=20
dominant  party  in  the  Legislature;  and  especially  obnoxious  were  t=
he  supposed=20
sentiments  of  these  governors  on  the  war.  Therefore,  the  Senate  v=
oted  to  remove=20
the  pictures,  and  thus  proved  as  it  would  seem,  that  there  is  a=
n  intimate  connec-=20
tion between  politics  and  art.=20

I  have  repeatedly  traveled  through  every  State  in  the  South,  and =
 I  assert,  what=20
every  intelligent  officer  and  soldier  who  has  resided  there  will  =
corroborate,  that=20
the  slaves,  as  a  body,  are  more  intelligent  than  the  poor  whites=
.  No  man  who  has=20
not  been  there  can  conceive  to  what  a  low  depth  of  ignorance  th=
e  poor  snuff-tak-=20
ing, clay-eating  whites  of  some  portion  of  the  South  have  descende=
d.  I  trust=20
the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  the  "  common  school "  shall  thr=
ow  its  illuminating=20
rays  through  this  Egyptian  pall.=20

I  have  known  slave  mechanics  to  be  sold  for  $3,000,  and  even  $5=
,000  each,  and=20
others  could  not  be  bought  at  all;  and  I  have  seen  intelligent  =
slaves  acting  as=20
stewards  for  their  masters,  traveling  every  year  to  New  Orleans,  =
Nashville,  and=20
even  to  Cincinnati,  to  dispose  of  their  master's  crops.  The  free =
 colored  citizens  of=20
Opelousas,  St.  Martinsville,  and  all  the  Attakapas  country  in  Loui=
siana,  are  as=20
respectable  and  intelligent  as  an  ordinary  community  of  whites.  Th=
ey  speak  the=20
French  and  English  languages,  educate  their  children  in  music  and =
 "the  arts,"=20
and  they  pay  their  taxes  on  more  than  fifteen  millions  of  dollar=
s.=20

Gentlemen  of  the  opposition,  I  beseech  you  to  remember  that  our  =
State  and  our=20
country  ask  from  us  something  more  than  party  tactics.  It  is  abs=
olutely  necessary=20
that  the  loyal  blacks  at  the  South  should  vote  in  order  to  save=
  the  loyal  whites.=20
Let  Connecticut,  without  regard  to  party,  set  them  an  example  tha=
t  shall  influence=20
the  action  at  the  South,  and  prevent  a  new  form  of  slavery  from=
  arising  there,=20
which  shall  make  all  our  expenditure  of  blood  and  treasure  fruitl=
ess.=20

But  some  persons  have  this  color  prejudice  simply  by  the  force  o=
f  education,=20
ctnd  they  say,  "Well,  a  nigger  is  a  nigger,  and  he  can't  be  an=
ything  else.  I  hate=20
niggers,  anyhow."  Twenty  years  ago  I  crossed  the  Atlantic,  and  am=
ong  our=20
passengers  was  an  Irish  judge,  who  was  coming  out  to  Newfoundland=
  as  chief=20
justice.  He  was  an  exceedingly  intelligent  and  polished  gentleman, =
 and  extremely=20
witty.  The  passengers  from  the  New  England  States  and  those  from =
 the  South=20
got  into  a  discussion  on  the  subject  of  slavery,  which  lasted  th=
ree  days.  The=20
Southerners  were  finally  worsted,  and  when  their  arguments  were  ex=
hausted,=20
they  fell  back  on  the  old  story,  by  saying:  "Oh !  curse  a  nigge=
r,  he  ain't  half=20
human  anyhow;  he  had  no  business  to  be  a  nigger,  etc."  One  of  =
the  gentlemen=20
t>>en  turned  to  the  Irish  judge,  and  asked  his  opinion  of  =
the  merits  of  the  contro-=20
versy The  judge  replied:=20

"  Gentlemen,  I  have  listened  with  much  edification  to  your  argume=
nts  pro  and=20
con  during  three  days.  I  was  quite  inclined  to  think  the  anti-sl=
avery  gentlemen=20
had  justice  and  right  on  their  side,  but  the  last  argument  from =
 the  South  has=20


240  POLITICAL  AND   PERSONAL.=20

changed  my  mind.  I  say  a  '  nigger  has  no  business  to  be  a  nig=
ger,'  and  we  should=20
kick  Him  out  of  society  and  trample  him  under  foot =E2=80=94 alway=
s  provided,  gentle-=20
men, you  prove  he  was  born  black  ac  Ms  own  particular  request.  I=
f  he  had  no=20
word  to  say  in  the  matter  of  course  he  is  blameless  for  his  co=
lor,  and  is  entitled=20
to  the  same  respect  that  other  men  are  who  properly  behave  thems=
elves  1"=20

Mr.  Speaker:  I  am  no  politician;  I  came  to  this  legislature  simp=
ly  because  1=20
wish  to  have  the  honor  of  voting  for  the  two  constitutional  amen=
dments=E2=80=94 one  for=20
driving  slavery  entirely  out  of  our  country;  the  other  to  allow  =
men  of  education=20
and  good  moral  character  to  vote,  regardless  of  the  color  of  the=
ir  skins.  To  give=20
my  voice  for  these  two  philanthropic,  just,  and  Christian  measures=
  is  all  the  glory=20
I  ask  legislativewise.  I  care  nothing  whatever  for  any  sect  or  p=
arty  under  heaven,=20
as  such.  I  have  no  axes  to  grind,  no  logs  to  roll,  no  favors  =
to  ask.  All  I  desire=20
is  to  do  what  is  right,  and  prevent  what  is  wrong.  I  believe  i=
n  no  "  expediency  "=20
that  is  not  predicated  of  justice,  for  in  all  things =E2=80=94 pol=
itics,  as  well  as  everything=20
else =E2=80=94 I  know  that  "honesty  is  the  best  policy."  A  retribu=
tive  Providence  will=20
unerringly  and  speedily  search  out  all  wrong-doing ;  hence,  right  =
is  always  the  best=20
in  the  long  run.  Certainly,  in  the  light  of  the  great  American  =
spirit  of  liberty=20
and  equal  rights  which  is  sweeping  over  this  country,  and  making =
 the  thrones  of=20
tyrants  totter  in  the  Old  World,  no  party  can  afford  to  carry  s=
lavery,  either  of=20
body  or  of  mind.  Knock  off  your  manacles  and  let  the  man  go  fr=
ee.  Take  down=20
the  blinds  from  his  intellect,  and  let  in  the  light  of  education=
  and  Christian  cul-=20
ture. When  this  is  done  you  have  developed  a  man.  Give  him  the  =
responsibility=20
of  a  man  and  the  self-respect  of  a  man,  by  granting  him  the  ri=
ght  of  suffrage.=20
Let  universal  education,  and  the  universal  franchise  be  the  motto =
 of  free  America,=20
and  the  toning  millions  of  Europe,  who  are  watching  you  with  suc=
h  intense=20
interest,  will  hail  us  as  their  saviors.  Let  us  loyally  sink  "  =
party  "  on  this  ques-=20
tion, and  go  for  "  God  and  our  Country."  Let  no  man  attach  an  =
eternal  stigma=20
to  his  name  by  shutting  his  eyes  to  the  great  lesson  of  the  ho=
ur,  and  voting  against=20
permitting  the  people  to  express  their  opinion  on  this  important  =
subject.  Let  us=20
unanimously  grant  this  truly  democratic  boon.  Then,  when  our  laws =
 of  fran-=20
chise are  settled  on  a  just  basis,  let  future  parties  divide  wher=
e  they  honestly  differ=20
on  State  or  national  questions  which  do  not  trench  upon  the  clai=
ms  of  manhood=20
or  American  citizenship.=20


CHAPTER    XXXIX.=20

THE   AMERICAN   MUSEUM   IN    RUINS.=20

ON  the  thirteenth  day  of  July,  1865,  I  was  speaking  in  the  Conn=
ecticut  Legis-=20
lature, in  session  at  Hartford,  against  the  railroad  schemes,  when =
 a  telegram  was=20
nanded  to  me  from  my  son-in-law,  S.  H.  Hurd,  my  assistant  manage=
r  in  New=20
York,  stating  that  the  American  Museum  was  in  flames,  and  that  i=
ts  total  destruc-=20
tion was  certain.  I  glanced  over  the  despatch,  folded  it,  laid  it=
  on  my  desk,=20
and  calmly  continued  my  speech  as  if  nothing  had  happened.  At  th=
e  conclusion=20
of  my  remarks,  the  bill  I  had  been  advocating  was  carried,  and  =
the  House=20
adjourned.  I  then  handed  the  telegram,  announcing  my  great  loss  i=
n  New  York,=20
to  my  friend  and  fellow-laborer,  Mr.  William  G.  Coe,  of  Winsted, =
 who  immedi-=20
ately communicated  the  intelligence  to  several  members.  Warm  sympath=
izers=20
at  once  crowded  around  me,  and  Mr.  Henry  B.  Harrison,  of  New  Ha=
ven,  my=20
strongest  railroad  opponent,  pushing  forward,  seized  me  by  the  han=
d,  and  said:=20

"  Mr.  Barnum,  I  am  really  very  sorry  to  hear  of  your  great  mis=
fortune."=20

"  Sorry,"  I  replied,  "  why,  my  dear  sir,  I  shall  not  have  time=
  to  be  '  sorry '  in  a=20
week  1  It  will  take  me  that  length  of  time  before  I  can  get  o=
ver  laughing  at=20
having  whipped  you  all  so  nicely  in  this  attempted  railroad  impos=
ition."=20

The  Speaker  of  the  House  and  many  of  my  fellow-members  testified =
 that=20
neither  my  face  nor  my  manner  betrayed  the  slightest  intimation,  =
when  I  read=20
the  telegram,  that  I  had  received  unpleasant  intelligence.  One  of =
 the  local  jour-=20
nals, speaking  of  this  incident,  two  days  after  the  fire,  said:=20

In  the  midst  of  Mr.  Barnum's  speech,  a  telegram  was  handed  to  h=
im,  announcing  that=20
his  Museum  was  in  flames,  with  no  hope  of  saving  any  portion  of=
  his  cherished  establish-=20
ment. Without  the  slightest  evidence  of  agitation,  he  laid  the  tel=
egram  upon  his  desk  and=20
finished  his  speech.  When  he  went  next  day  to  New  York  he  saw  =
only  a  pile  of  black,=20
smouldering  ruins.=20

Immediately  after  adjournment  that  afternoon,  I  took  the  cars  for =
 Bridgeport,=20
spending  the  night  quietly  at  home,  and  the  following  morning  I  =
went  to  New=20
York  to  see  the  ruins  of  my  Museum,  and  to  learn  the  full  exte=
nt  of  the  disaster.=20
When  I  arrived  at  the  scene  of  the  calamity  and  saw  nothing  but=
  the  smoulder-=20
ing debris  of  what  a  few  hours  before  was  the  American  Museum,  t=
he  sight  was=20
sad  indeed.  Here  were  destroyed,  almost  in  a  breath,  the  accumula=
ted  results  of=20
many  years  of  incessant  toil,  my  own  and  my  predecessors,  in  gat=
hering  from=20
every  quarter  of  the  globe  myriads  of  curious  productions  of  natu=
re  and  art =E2=80=94 an=20
assemblage  of  rarities  which  a  half  million  of  dollars  could  not =
 restore,  and  a=20
quarter  of  a  century  could  not  collect.  In  addition  to  these  the=
re  were  many=20
Revolutionary  relics  and  other  links  in  our  national  history  which=
  never  could  be=20
duplicated.  Not  a  thousand  dollars  worth  of  the  entire  property  w=
as  saved;  the=20
destruction  was  complete ;  the  loss  was  irreparable,  and  the  total=
  amount  of  insur-=20
ance was  but  forty  thousand  dollars.=20

The  fire  probably  originated  in  the  engine  room,  where  steam  was =
 constantly=20
kept  up  to  pump  fresh  air  into  the  water  of  the  aquaria  and  to=
  propel  the  immense=20
fans  for  cooling  the  atmosphere  of  the  halls.=20

11  241=20


242  THE    AMERICAN    MUSEUM    IN   RUIN'S.=20

All  the  New  York  newspapers  made  a  great  "sensation"  of  the  fire=
,  and  thu=20
full  particulars  were  copied  in  journals  throughout  the  country.  A=
  facetious=20
reporter,  Mr.  Nathan  D.  Urner,  of  the  Tribune,  wrote  the  followin=
g  amusing=20
account,  which  appeared  in  that  journal,  July  14,  1865,  and  was  =
very  generally=20
quoted  from  and  copied  by  provincial  papers,  many  of  whose  reader=
s  accepted=20
every  line  of  the  glowing  narrative  as  "gospel  truth:"=20

Soon  after  the  breaking  out  of  the  conflagration,  a  number  of  st=
range  and  terrible  howls=20
and  moans  proceeding  from  the  large  apartment  in  the  third  floor =
 of  the  Museum,  corner  of=20
Ann  street  and  Broadway,  startled  the  throngs  who  had  collected  i=
n  front  of  the  burning=20
building,  and  who  were  at  first  under  the  impression  that  the  so=
unds  must  proceed  from=20
human  beings  unable  to  effect  their  escape.  Their  anxiety  was  som=
ewhat  rt'ieved  on  this=20
score,  but  their  consternation  was  by  no  means  decreased  upon  lea=
rning  that  the  r  join  in=20
question  was  the  principal  chamber  of  the  menagerie  connected  with=
  the  Museum,  and=20
that  there  was  imminent  danger  of  the  release  of  the  animals  the=
re  confined,  by  the  action=20
of  the  flames.  Our  reporter  fortunately  occupied  a  room  on  the  n=
orth  corner  of  Ann  street=20
and  Broadway,  the  windows  of  which  looked  immediately  into  this  a=
partment;  and  no=20
sooner  was  he  apprised  of  the  fire  than  he  repaired  there,  confi=
dent  of  finding  items  in=20
abundance.  Luckily  the  windows  of  the  Museum  were  unclosed,  and  h=
e  had  a  perfect=20
view  of  almost  the  entire  interior  of  the  apartment.  The  followin=
g  is  his  statement  of=20
what  followed,  in  his  own  language:=20

"  Protecting  myself  from  the  intense  heat  as  well  as  I  could,  b=
y  taking  the  mattrass  from=20
the  bed  and  erecting  it  as  a  bulwark  before  the  window,  with  on=
ly  enough  space  reserved=20
on  the  top  so  as  to  look  out,  I  anxiously  observed  the  animals =
 in  the  opposite  room.  Imme-=20
diately opposite  the  window  through  which  I  gazed,  was  a  lare^e  c=
age  containing  a  lion  and=20
lioness.  To  the  right  hand  was  the  three-storied  cage,  containing =
 monkeys  at  the  top,  two=20
kangaroos  in  the  second  story,  and  a  happy  family  of  cats,  rats,=
  adders,  rabbits,  etc.,  in  the=20
lower  apartment.  To  the  left  of  the  lion's  cage  was  the  tank  co=
ntaining  the  two  vast  alli-=20
gators, and  still  further  to  the  left,  partially  hidden  from  my  s=
ight,  was  the  grand  tank=20
containing  the  great  white  whale,  which  has  created  such  a  furore=
  in  our  sight-seeing  midst=20
for  the  past  few  weeks.  Upon  the  floor  were  caged  the  boa-constr=
ictor,  anacondas  and=20
rattlesnakes,  whose  heads  would  now  and  then  rise  menacingly  throu=
gh  the  top  of  the=20
cage.  In  the  extreme  right  was  the  cage,  entirely  shut  from  my  =
view  at  first,  containing=20
the  Bengal  tiger  and  the  Polar  bear,  whose  terrific  growls  could =
 be  distinctly  heard  from=20
behind  the  partition.  With  a  simultaneous  bound  the  lion  and  his =
 mate,  sprang  against  the=20
bars,  which  gave  way  and  came  down  with  a  great  crash,  releasing=
  the  beasts,  which  for  a=20
moment,  apparently  amazed  at  their  sudden  liberty,  stood  in  the  m=
iddle  of  the  floor  lashing=20
their  sides  with  their  tails  and  roaring  dolefully.=20

Almost  at  the  same  moment  the  upper  part  of  the  three-storied  ca=
ge,  consumed  by  the=20
flames,  fell  forward,  letting  the  rods  drop  to  the  floor,  and  ma=
ny  other  animals  were  set=20
free.  Just  at  this  time  the  door  fell  through  and  the  flames  an=
d  smoke  rolled  in  like  a=20
whirlwind  from  the  Hadean  river  Cocytus.  A  horrible  scene  in  the =
 right-hand  corner  01=20
the  room,  a  yell  of  indescribable  agony,  and  a  crashing,  grating =
 sound,  indicated  that  the=20
tiger  and  Polar  bear  were  stirred  up  to  the  highest  pitch  of  ex=
citement.  Then  there  came=20
a  great  crash,  as  of  the  giving  way  of  the  bars  of  their  cage.=
  The  flames  and  smoke=20
momentarily  rolled  back,  and  for  a  few  seconds  the  interior  of  t=
he  room  was  visible  in  the=20
lurid  light  of  the  flames,  which  revealed  the  tiger  and  the  lion=
,  locked  together  in  close=20
combat.=20

The  monkeys  were  perched  around  the  \vin.1ows  shivering  with  dread=
,  and  afraid  to  Jump=20
out.  The  snakes  werewiithing  about,  crippled  and  blistered  by  the =
 heat,  darting  out=20
their  forked  tongues,  and  expressing  their  rage  and  fear  in  the  =
most  sibilant  of  hisses.=20
The  "Happy  Family"  were  experiencing  an  amount  of  beatitude  which =
 was  evidently  too=20
cordial  for  philosophical  enjoyment.  A  long  tongue  of  flame  had  c=
rept  under  the  cage,=20
completely  singing  every  hair  from  the  cat's  body.  The  felicitous =
 adder  was  slowly  burn-=20
ing in  two  and  busily  engaged  in  impregnating  his  organic  system  =
with  his  own  venom.=20
The  joyful  rat  had  lost  his  tail  by  a  falling  bar  of  iron  ;  a=
nd  the  beatific  rabbit,  perforated=20
by  a  red-hot  nail,  looked  as  if  nothing  would  be  more  grateful  =
than  a  cool  corner  in  some=20
Esquimaux  farm-yard.  The  members  of  the  delectated  convocation  were=
  all  huddled=20
together  in  the  bottom  of  their  cage,  which  suddenly  gave  way,  p=
recipitating  them  out  of=20
view  in  the  depths  below,  which  by  this  time  were  also  blazing  =
like  the  fabled  Tophet.=20

At  this  moment  the  flames  rolled  again  into  the  room,  and  then  =
again  retired.  The=20
whale  and  alligators  were  by  this  time  suffering  dreadful  torments=
.  The  water  in  which=20
they  swam  was  literally  boiling.  The  alligators  dashed  fiercely  ab=
out  endeavoring  to=20
escape,  and  opening  and  shutting  their  great  jaws  in  ferocious  to=
rture  ;  but  the  poor  whale,=20
almost  boiled,  with  great  ulcers  bursting  from  his  blubbery  sides,=
  could  only  feebly  swim=20
about,  though  blowing  excessively,  and  every  now  and  then  sending =
 up  great  fountains  of=20
spray.  At  length,  crack  went  the  glass  sides  of  the  great  cases,=
  and  whale  and  alligators=20
rolled  out  on  the  floor  with  the  rushing  and  ^teaming  water.  The=
  whale  died  easily,  hiving=20
been  pretty  well  used  up  before.  A  few  great  gasps  and  a  convul=
sive  flap  or  two  of  his  mighty=20
flukes  were  his  expiring  spasm.  One  of  the  alligators  was  killed =
 almost  immediately  by=20
falling  across  a  great  fragment  of  shattered  glass,  which  cut  ope=
n  his  stomach  and  let  out=20
Ihe  greater  part  of  his  entrails  to  the  light  of  day.  Th=C2=B0  =
remaining  alligator  became=20


THE   AMERICAN   MUSEUM   IN   RUINS.  243=20

Involved  in  a  controversy  with  an  anaconda,  and  joined  the  melee =
 in  the  center  of  the=20
flaming  apartment.=20

A  number  of  birds  which  were  caged  in  the  upper  part  of  the  bu=
ilding  were  set  free  by=20
some  charitably  inclined  person  at  the  first  alarm  of  fire,  and  =
at  intervals  they  flew  out.=20
There  were  many  valuable  tropical  birds,  parrots,  cockatoos,  mockin=
gbirds,  humming-=20
birds, etc.,  as  well  as  some  vultures  and  eagles,  and  one  condor.=
  Great  excitement  existed=20
among  the  swaying  crowds  in  the  streets  below  as  they  took  wing.=
  There  were  confined  in=20
the  same  room  a  few  serpents,  which  also  obtained  their  liberty; =
 and  soon  after  the  rising=20
and  devouring  flames  began  to  enwrap  the  entire  building,  a  splen=
did  and  emblematic  sight=20
wus  presented  to  the  wondering  and  upgazing  throngs.  Bursting  thro=
ugh  the  central  case-=20
ment, with  flap  of  wings  and  lashing  coils,  appeared  ah  eagle  and=
  a  serpent  wreathed  in  fight.=20
For  a  moment  they  hung  poised  in  mid-air,  presenting  a  novel  and=
  terrible  conflict.  It  was=20
the  earth  and  air  (or  their  respective  representatives)  at  war  fo=
r  mastery;  the  base  and  the=20
lofty,  the  groveller  and  the  soarer,  were  engaged  in  deadly  battl=
e.  At  length  the  flat  head=20
ol  the  serpent  sank;  his  writhing, sinuous  form  grew  still;  and  w=
afted  upward  by  the=20
cheers  of  the  gazing  multitude,  the  eagle,  with  u  scream  of  triu=
mph,  and  bearing  his  prey=20
in  his  iron  talons,  soared  towards  the  sun.  Several  monkeys  escap=
ed  from  the  burning=20
building  to  the  neighboring  roofs  and  streets;  and  considerable  ex=
citement  was  caused  by=20
the  attempts  to  secure  them.  One  of  the  most  amusing  incidents*  =
in  this  respect,  was  in=20
connection  with  Mr.  James  Gordon  Bennett.  The  veteran  editor  of  t=
he  Herald  was  sitting=20
in  his  private  office  with  his  back  to  the  open  window,  calmly  =
discussing  with  a  friend  the=20
chances  that  the  1/erald  establishment  would  escape  the  conflagrati=
on,  which  at  that  time=20
was  threateningly  advancing  up  Ann  street,  towards  Nassau  street.  =
In  the  course  of  his=20
conversation,  Mr.  Bennett  observed:  "Although  I  have  usually  had  g=
ood  luck  in  cases  of=20
fire,  they  say  that  the  devil  is  ever  at  one's  shoulder,  and" =
=E2=80=94 Here  an  exclamation  from  his=20
friend  interrupted  him,  and  turning  quickly  he  was  considerably  ta=
ken  aback  at  seeing  the=20
devil  himself,  or  something  like  him,  at  his  very  shoulder  as  he=
  spoke.  Recovering  his=20
equanimity,  with  the  ease  and  suavity  which  is  usual  with  him  in=
  all  company,  Mr.  Ben-=20
nett was  about  to  address  the  intruder  when  he  perceived  that  wha=
t  he  had  taken  for  the=20
gentleman  in  black  was  nothing  more  than  a  frightened  orang-outang=
.  The  poor  creature,=20
but  recently  released  from  captivity,  and  doubtless  thinking  that  =
he  might  till  some  vacancy=20
in  the  editorial  corps  of  the  paper  in  question,  had  descended  b=
y  the  water-pipe  and  instinc-=20
tively taken  refuge  in  the  inner  sanctum  of  the  establishment.  Alt=
hough  the  editor =E2=80=94 per-=20
haps from  the  fact  that  he  saw  nothing  peculiarly  strange  in  the =
 visitation =E2=80=94 soon  regained=20
his  composure,  it  was  far  otherwise  with  his  friend,  who  immediat=
ely  gave  the  alarm.  Mr.=20
Hudson  rushed  in  and  boldly  attacked  the  monkey,  grasping  him  by =
 the  throat.  The  book-=20
editor  next  came  in,  obtaining  a  clutch  upon  the  brute  by  the  e=
ars;  the  musical  critic=20
followed,  and  seized  the  tail  with  both  hands,  and  a  number  of  =
reporters,  armed  with=20
inkstands  and  sharpened  pencils,  came  next,  followed  by  a  dozen  p=
olicemen  with  brand-=20
ished clubs ;  at  the  same  time,  the  engineer  in  the  basement,  rec=
eived  the  preconcerted=20
signal  and  got  ready  his  hose,  wherewith  to  pour  boiling  hot  wat=
er  upon  the  heads  of  those=20
in  the  streets,  in  case  it  should  prove  a  regular  systematized  a=
ttack  by  gorillas,  Brazil  apes,=20
and  chimpanzees.  Opposed  to  this  formidable  combination,  the  rash  =
intruder  fared  badly,=20
and  was  soon  in  durance  vile.  Numerous  other  incidents  of  a  Simi=
lar  kind  occurred  ;  but=20
some  ol  the  most  amusing  were  in  connection  with  the  wax  figures=
.=20

Upon  the  same  impulse  which  prompts  men  in  time  of  fire  to  flin=
g  valuable  looking-=20
glasses  out  of  three-story  windows,  and  at  the  same  time  tenderly=
  to  lower  down  feaiher=20
beds =E2=80=94 soon  after  the  Museum  took  fire,  a  number  of  sturdy=
  firemen  rushed  into  the  build-=20
ing to  carry  out  the  wax  figures.  There  were  thousand  of  valuable=
  articles  which  mi;:ht=20
have  been  saved,  if  there  had  been  less  of  solicitude  displayed  =
for  the  miserable  effigies=20
which  are  usually  exhibited  under  the  appellation  of  "  wax  figure=
s."  As  it  was,  a  dozen=20
firemen  rushed  into  the  apartment  where  the  figures  were  kept,  am=
id  a  multitude  of  crawl-=20
ing snakes,  chattering  monkeys  and  escaped  paroquets.  The  "  Dj  ing=
  Brigand "  was=20
unceremoniously  throttled  and  dragged  toward  the  door;  liberties  we=
re  taken  with  the=20
tearful  "  Senorita,"  who  has  so  long  knelt  and  so  constantly  wag=
ged  her  doll's  head  at  his=20
side  :  the  mules  of  the  other  bandits  were  upset,  and  they  them=
selves  roughly  seized.  The=20
full  length  statue  of  P.  T.  Barnum  fell  down  of  its  own  accord,=
  as  if  disgusted  with  the=20
whole  affair.  A  red-shirted  fireman  seized  with  either  hand  Frankl=
in  Pierce  and  James=20
Buchanan  by  their  coat-collars,  tucked  the  Prince  Imperial  of  Fran=
ce,  under  one  arm,  and=20
the  Veiled  Murderess  under  the  other,  and  coolly  departed  for  the=
  street.  Two  ragged=20
boys  quarreled  over  the  Tom  Thumb,  but  at  length  settled  the  con=
troversy  by  one  of  them=20
tiiking  the  head,  the  other  satisfying  himself  with  the  legs  belo=
w  the  knees.  They  evi-=20
dently had  Tom  under  their  thumbs,  and  intended  to  keep  him  down.=
  While  a  curiosity-=20
peeking  policeman  was  garroting  Benjamin  Franklin,  with  the  idea  o=
f  abducting  him,  a=20
small  monkey,  flung  from  the  window-sill  by  the  strong  hand  of  a=
n  impatient  fireman,  made=20
a  straight  dive,  hitting  Poor  Richard  just  below  the  waist-coat,  =
and  passing  through  his=20
stomach,  as  fairly  as  the  Harlequin  in  the  "  Green  Monster"  pant=
omime  ever  pierced  the=20
picture  with  the  slit  in  it,  which  always  hangs  so  conveniently  =
low  and  near  Patrick  Henry=20
had  his  teeth  knocked  out  by  a  tlying  missile,  and  in  carrying  =
Diinibl  Lambert  down  stairs,=20
he  was  found  to  be  so  large  that  they  had  to  break  off  his  he=
ad  in  order  to  get  him  through=20
the  door.  At  length  the  heat  became  intense,  the  "  figgers  "  be=
gan  to  perspire  freely,  and=20
the  swiftly  approaching  flames  compelled  all  hands  to  desist  from =
 any  I'urthiT  attempt  at=20
rescue.  Throwing  a  parting  glance  behind  as  we  passed  dowu  the  s=
tairs,  we  saw  the=20
remaining  dignitaries  in  a  strange  plight.  Some  one  had  stuck  a  =
cigar  in  General  Wash-=20
ington's mouth,  and  thus,  with  his  chapean  crushed  down  over  his  =
eyes  and  his  head=20
reclining  upon  the  ample  lap  of  Moll  Pilcher.  the  Father  of  his =
 Country  led  lUe  vuii  of  us=20


244  THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM  IN   RUINS.=20

=E2=80=A2orry  a  band  of  patriots  as  not  often  comes  within  one's =
 experience  to  see.  General  Mai  ion=20
was  playing  a  dummy  game  of  poker  with  General  Lafayette :  Govern=
or  Morris  was  hav-=20
ing a  set-to  with  Nathan  Lane,  and  James  Madison  was  executing  a =
 Dutch  polka  with=20
Madam  Roland  on  one  arm  and  Lucretia  Borgia  on  the  other.  The  n=
ext  moment  the=20
advancing  flames  compelled  us  to  retire.=20

We  believe  that  all  the  living  curiosities  were  saved  ;  but  the =
 giant  girl,  Anna  Swan,  was=20
only  rescued  with  the  utmost  difficulty.  There  was  not  a  door  th=
rough  which  her  bulky=20
frame  could  obtain  a  passage.  It  was  likewise  feared  that  the  st=
airs  would  break  down,  even=20
if  she  should  reach  them.  Her  best  friend,  the  living  skeleton,  =
stood  by  her  as  long  as  he=20
dared,  but  then  deserted  her,  while,  as  the  heat  grew  in  intensi=
ty,  the  perspiration  rolled=20
from  her  face  in  little  brooks  and  rivulets,  which  pattered  music=
ally  upon  the  floor.  At=20
length,  as  a  last  resort,  the  employees  of  the  place  procured  a =
 lofty  derrick  which  fortu-=20
nately happened  to  be  standing  near,  and  erected  it  alongside  the =
 Museum.  A  portion  61=20
the  wall  was  then  broken  ofl  on  each  side  of  the  window,  the  s=
trong  tackle  was  got  in=20
readiness,  the  tall  woman  was  made  fast  to  one  end  and  swung  ov=
er  the  heads  of  the=20
people  in  the  street,  with  eighteen  men  grasping  the  other  extrem=
ity  of  the  line,  and  low-=20
ered down  from  the  third  story,  amid  enthusiastic  applause.  A  carr=
iage  of  extraordinary=20
capacity  was  in  readiness,  and,  entering  this,  the  young  lady  was=
  driven  away  to  a  hotel.=20

When  the  surviving  serpents,  that  were  released  by  the  partial  bu=
rning  of  the  box  in=20
which  they  were  contained,  crept  along  on  the  floor  to  the  balco=
ny  of  the  Museum  and=20
dropped  on  the  sidewalk,  the  crowd,  seized  with  St.  Patrick's  ave=
rsion  to  the  reptiles,  fled=20
with  such  precipitate  haste  that  they  knocked  each  other  down  and=
  trampled  on  one=20
another  in  the  most  reckless  and  damaging  manner.=20

Hats  were  lost,  coats  torn,  boots  burst  and  pantaloons  dropped  wi=
th  magnificent  miscel-=20
laneousness,  and  dozens  of  those  who  rose  from  the  miry  streets  =
into  which  they  had  been=20
thrown,  looked  like  the  disembodied  spirits  of  a  mud  bank.  The  s=
nakes  crawled  on  the=20
sidewalk  and  into  Broadway,  where  some  of  them  died  from  injuries=
  received,  and  others=20
were  despatched  by  the  excited  populace.  Several  of  the  serpents  =
of  the  copper-head=20
species,  escaped  the  fury  of  the  tumultuous  masses,  and,  true  to =
 their  instincts,  sought  shel-=20
ter in  the  World  and  News  offices.  A  large  black  bear  escaped  fr=
om  the  burning  Museum=20
into  Ann  street,  and  then  made  his  way  into  Nassau,  and  down  th=
at  thoroughfare  into=20
Wall,  where  his  appearance  caused  a  sensation.  Some  superstitious  =
persons  believed=20
him  the  spirit  of  a  departed  Ursa  Major,  and  others  of  his  frat=
ernity  welcomed  the  animal=20
as  a  favorable  omen.  The  bear  walked  quietly  along  to  the  Custom=
  House,  ascended  the=20
steps  of  the  building,  and  became  bewildered,  as  many  a  biped  be=
ar  has  done  before  him.=20
He  seemed  to  lose  his  sense  of  vision,  and  no  doubt,  endeavoring=
  to  operate  for  a  fall,=20
walked  over  the  side  of  the  steps  and  broke  his  neck.  He  succee=
ded  in  his  object,  but  it=20
cost  him  dearly.  The  appearance  of  Bruin  in  the  street  sensibly  =
affected  the  stock  market,=20
and  shares  fell  rapidly;  but  when  he  lost  his  life  in  the  carel=
ess  manner  we  have  described,=20
shares  advanced  again,  and  the  Bulls  triumphed  once  more.=20

Broadway  and  its  crossings  have  not  witnessed  a  denser  throng  for=
  months  thar  assem-=20
bled at  the  fire  yesterday.  Barnum's  was  always  popular,  but  it  n=
ever  drew  so  vast  a=20
crowd  before.  There  must  have  been  forty  thousand  people  on  Broad=
way,  between  Maiden=20
Lane  and  Chambers  street,  and  a  great  portion  stayed  there  until =
 dusk.  So  great  vas  the=20
concourse  of  people  that  it  was  with  difficulty  pedestrians  or  ve=
hicles  could  pass,=20

After  the  fire  several  high-art  epicures  grouping  among  the  ruins,=
  found  choice  morsels  of=20
boiled  whale,  roasted  kangaroo  and  fricassed  crocodile,  which,  it  =
is  said,  they  relished ;=20
though  the  many  would  have  failed  to  appreciate  such  rare  edibles=
  Probably  the  recherche=20
epicures  will  declare  the  only  true  way  to  prepare  those  meats  i=
s  to  cook  them  in  a  museum=20
wrapped  in  flames,  in  the  same  manner  that  the  Chinese,  according=
  to  Charles  Lamb,  first=20
discovered  roast  pig  in  a  burning  house,  and  ever  afterward  set  =
a  house  on  fire  with  a  pig=20
inside,  when  they  wanted  that  particular  food.=20

All  the  New  York  journals,  and  many  more  in  other  cities,  editor=
ially  expressed=20
their  sympathy  with  my  misfortune,  and  their  sense  of  the  loss  t=
he  community=20
had  sustained  in  the  destruction  of  the  American  Museum.  The  foll=
owing  editorial=20
is  from  the  New  York  Tribune,  of  July  14,  1865:=20


and  though  many  of  them  muy  not  have  had  much  intrinsic  or  memo=
rial  value,  a  consider-=20
able portion  was  certainly  of  great  worth  for  any  Museum.  But  asi=
de  from  this,  pleasant=20
memories  clustered  about  the  place,  which  for  so  many  years  has  =
been  the  chief  resort  for=20
amtsement  to  the  common  people  who  cannot  often  afl'ord  to  treat =
 themselves  to  a  night=20
at  the  more  expensive  theaters,  while  to  the  children  of  the  cit=
y,  Barnnm's  has  been  a  foun-=20
tain of  delight,  ever  ofl'erlng  new  attractions  as  captivating  and =
 as  implicitly  believed  in=20
as  the  Arabian  Nights,  Entertainments :  Theater,  Menagerie  and  Muse=
um,  it  amused,=20
instructed,  and  astonished.  If  its  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands=
  of  annual  visitors  were=20
bewildered  sometimes  with  a  Woolly  Horse,  a  What  is  It?  or  a  Me=
rmaid,  they  found  repose=20
and  certainty  in  a  Giraffe,  a  Whale  or  a  Rhinoceros.  If  wax  eff=
igies  of  pirates  and  mur-=20
derers made  them  shudder  lest  those  dreadful  figures  should  start  =
out  of  their  glass  cases=20
and  repeat  their  horrid  deeds,  they  were  reassured  by  the  presenc=
e  of  the  mildest  and  most=20
amiable  of  giants,  and  the  fattest  of  mortal  women,  whose  dead  w=
eight  alone  could  crush=20


THE   AMERICAN   MUSEUM   IN   RUINS.  245=20

all  the  wax  figures  Into  their  original  cakes.  It  was  a  source  =
of  unfailing  Interest  to  all=20
country  visitors,  and  New  York  to  many  of  them  was  only  the  pla=
ce  that  held  Barnnm's=20
Museum.  It  was  the  first  thing =E2=80=94 often  the  only  thing=E2=80=
=94 they  visited  when  they  came  among=20
us,  and  nothing  that  could  have  been  contrived,  out  of  our  prese=
nt  resources,  could  have=20
offered  so  many  attractions  unless  some  more  ingenious  showman  had=
  undertaken  to  add  to=20
Barnum's  collection  of  waxen  criminals  by  putting  in  a  cage  the  =
live  Boards  of  the  Com-=20
mon Council.  We  mourn  its  loss,  but  not  as  without  consolation.  B=
arnum's  Museum  is=20
gone,  but  Barnum  himself,  happily,  did  not  share  the  fate  of  his=
  rattlesnakes  and  his,  at=20
Feast,  most  "un-happy  Family."  There  are  fishes  in  the  seas  and  =
beasts  in  the  forest;=20
birds  still  fly  in  the  air,  and  strange  creatures  still  roam  in =
 the  deserts  ;  giants  and  pigmies=20
still  wander  up  and  down  the  earth ;  the  oldest  man,  the  fattest=
  woman,  and  the  smallest=20
baby  are  still  living,  and  Barnum  will  find  them.=20

Or  even  if  none  of  these  things  or  creatures  existed,  we  could  =
trust  to  Barnum  to  make=20
them  out  of  hand.  The  Museum,  then,  is  only  a  temporary  loss,  a=
nd  much  as  we  sympa-=20
thize with  the  proprietor,  the  public  may  trust  to  his  well-known =
 ability  and  energy  to  soon=20
renew  a  place  of  amusement  which  was  a  source  of  so  much  innoce=
nt  pleasure,  and  had  in=20
it  so  many  elements  of  solid  excellence.=20

As  already  stated,  my  insurance  was  but  $40,000,  while  the  collec=
tion,  at  the=20
lowest  estimate,  was  worth  $400,000,  and  as  my  premium  was  five  =
percent.,  I  had=20
paid  the  insurance  companies  more  than  they  returned  to  me.  When =
 the  fire=20
occurred,  my  summer  pantomime  season  had  just  begun  and  the  Museu=
m  was=20
doing  an  immensely  profitable  business.  My  first  impulse,  after  re=
ckoning  up  my=20
losses,  was  to  retire  from  active  lif e  and  from  all  business  oc=
cupation  beyond  what=20
my  large  real  estate  interests  in  Bridgeport,  and  my  property  in =
 New  York  would=20
compel.  I  felt  that  I  had  still  a  competence,  and  that  after  a =
 most  active  and=20
busy  life,  at  fifty-five  years,  I  was  entitled  to  retirement,  to =
 comparative  rest  for=20
the  remainder  of  my  days.  I  called  on  my  old  friend,  the  editor=
  of  the  Tribune,=20
for  advice  on  the  subject.=20

"Accept  this  fire  as  a  notice  to  quit,  and  go  a-fishing,"  said  =
Mr.  Greeley.=20

"  A-fishing! "  I  exclaimed.=20

"Yes,  a-fishing;  I  have  been  wanting  to  go  a-fishing  for  thirty  =
years,  and  have=20
not  yeb  found  time  to  do  so,"  replied  Mr.  Greeley.=20

I  really  felt  that  his  advice  was  good  and  wise,  and  had  I  con=
sulted  only  my=20
own  ease  and  interest  I  should  have  acted  upon  it.  But  two  cons=
iderations=20
moved  me  to  pause:  First,  one  hundred  and  fifty  employees,  many  =
of  whom=20
depended  upon  their  exertions  for  their  daily  bread,  were  thrown  =
out  of  work  at=20
a  season  when  it  would  be  difficult  for  them  to  get  engagements =
 elsewhere.=20
Second,  I  felt  that  a  large  city  like  New  York  needed  a  good  M=
useum,  and  that=20
my  experience  of  a  quarter  of  a  century  in  that  direction  afford=
ed  extraordinary=20
facilities  for  founding  another  establishment  of  the  kind,  and  so =
 I  took  a  few  days=20
for  reflection.=20

Meanwhile,  the  Museum  employees  were  tendered  a  benefit  at  the  Ac=
ademy  of=20
Music,  at  which  most  of  the  dramatic  artists  in  the  city  volunte=
ered  their  services.=20
I  was  called  out,  and  made  some  off-hand  remarks,  in  which  I  st=
ated  that  nothing=20
which  I  could  utter  in  behalf  of  the  recipients  of  that  benefit,=
  could  plead  for=20
them  half  so  eloquently  as  the  smoking  ruins  of  the  building  whe=
re  they  had  so=20
long  earned  their  support  by  their  efforts  to  gratify  the  public.=
  At  the  same  time=20
I  announced  that,  moved  by  the  considerations  I  have  mentioned,  I=
  had  concluded=20
to  establish  another  Museum,  and  that,  in  order  to  give  present  =
occupation  to  my=20
employees,  I  had  engaged  the  Winter  Garden  Theater  for  a  few  wee=
ks,  and  I=20
hoped  to  open  a  new  establishment  of  my  own  in  the  ensuing  fall=
.=20

The  New  York  Sun  commented  upon  the  few  remarks  which  I  was  sud=
denly=20
and  quite  unexpectedly  called  upon  to  make-,  in  the  following  fla=
ttering  manner:=20

One  of  the  happiest  impromptu  oratorial  efforts  that  we  have  hear=
d  for  some  time,  was=20
that  made  by  Bitrnum  at  the  benefit  performance  given  lor  his  em=
ployee*  on  Friday  after-=20
noon. If  a  stranger  wanted  to  satisfy  himself  how  the  great  showm=
an  had  managed  so  to=20


246  THE   AMERICAN    MUSEUM    IN   RUINS.=20


J^JUl  LU111LJ    Ul    UUlllg  BL=C2=BB    tlltlll    UJ/    UrMUlIilJ^   =
 LA.'   btUfl    AUUIVD^I.       =E2=80=A2=C2=BB  WI J       VY  VI  u,    =
 luuugll    UCTlltCTICU=20

WIMI  apparent  carelessness,  struck  a  key-note  in  the  hearts  of  hi=
s  listeners.  Simple,  lim-i'jle=20
and  touching,  it  showed  how  thoroughly  this  extraordinary  man  comp=
rehends  the  character=20
of  his  countrymen,  and  how  easily  he  can  play  upon  their  feeling=
s.=20

Those  who  look  upon  Barnum  as  a  mere  charlatan,  have  really  no  =
knowledge  of  him.  It=20
would  be  easy  to  demonstrate  that  the  qualities  that  have  placed =
 him  in  his  present  position=20
of  notoriety  and  affluence  would,  in  another  pursuit,  have  raised =
 him  to  far  greater  emi-=20
nence. In  his  breadth  of  views,  his  profound  knowledge  of  mankind,=
  his  courage  under=20

tact=20

thai .=20

American  mind.=20

I  very  soon  secured  by  lease  the  premises,  numbers  535,  537  and =
 539  Broadway,=20
seventy-five  feet  front  and  rear,  by  two  hundred  feet  deep,  and  =
known  as  the=20
Chinese  Museum  buildings.  In  less  than  four  months,  I  succeeded  i=
n  converting=20
this  building  into  a  commodious  Museum  and  lecture-room,  and  meanw=
hile  I=20
sent  agents  through  America  and  Europe  to  purchase  curiosities.  Be=
sides  hun-=20
dreds of  small  collections,  I  bought  up  several  entire  museums,  an=
d  with  many=20
living  curiosities  and  my  old  company  of  actors  and  actresses,  I =
 opened  to  the=20
public,  November  13,  1865,  "Barnum's  New  American  Museum,"  thus  be=
ginning=20
a  new  chapter  in  my  career  as  a  manager  and  showman.=20


CHAPTER    XL.=20


DURING  my  membership  in  the  Connecticut  Legislature  of  1865, 1  mad=
e  several=20
new  friends  and  agreeable  acquaintances,  and  many  things  occurred, =
 sometimes=20
in  the  regular  proceedings,  and  sometimes  as  episodes,  which  made =
 the  session=20
memorable.  On  one  occasion,  a  representative,  who  was  a  lawyer,  i=
ntroduced=20
resolutions  to  reduce  the  number  of  Representatives,  urging  that  t=
he  "  House"=20
was  too  large  and  ponderous  a  body  to  work  smoothly ;  that  a  sm=
aller  number=20
of  persons  could  accomplish  business  more  rapidly  and  completely  ;=
  and,  in  fact,=20
that  the  Connecticut  Legislature  was  so  large  that  the  members  di=
d  not  have  time=20
to  get  acquainted  with  each  other  before  the  body  adjourned  sine =
 die.=20

I  replied,  that  the  larger  the  number  of  representatives,  the  mor=
e  difficult  it=20
would  be  to  tamper  with  them ;  and  if  they  all  could  not  become=
  personally=20
acquainted,  so  much  the  better,  for  there  would  be  fewer  "rings, =
"and  less  facili-=20
ties for  forcing  improper  legislation.=20

"  As  the  house  seems  to  be  thin  now,  I  will  move  to  lay  my  r=
esolutions  on  the=20
table,"  remarked  the  member;  "but  I  shall  call  them  up  when  ther=
e  is  a  full=20
house."=20

"  According  to  the  gentleman's  own  theory,"  I  replied,  "the  small=
er  the  num-=20
ber, the  surer  are  we  to  arrive  at  correct  conclusions.  Now,  ther=
efore,  is  just  the=20
time  to  decide;  and  I  move  that  the  gentleman's  resolutions  be  c=
onsidered."  This=20
proposition  was  seconded  amid  a  roar  of  laughter;  and  the  resolut=
ions  were=20
almost  unanimously  voted  down,  before  the  member  fairly  comprehende=
d  what=20
was  going  on.  He  afterwards  acknowledged  it  as  a  pretty  fair  jok=
e,  and  at  any=20
rate  as  an  effective  one.=20

The  State  House  at  Hartford  was  a  disgrace  to  Connecticut;  the  H=
all  of  Repre-=20
sentatives was  too  small;  there  were  no  committee  rooms,  and  the  =
building  was=20
utterly  unfit  for  the  purposes  to  which  it  was  devoted.  The  Stat=
e  House  at  New=20
Haven  was  very  little  better,  and  I  made  a  strong  effort  to  sec=
ure  the  erection  of=20
new  edifices  in  both  cities.  I  was  chairman  of  the  committee  on =
 new  State=20
Houses,  and  during  our  investigations  it  was  ascertained  that  Brid=
geport,  Middle-=20
town  and  Meriden  would  each  be  willing  to  erect  a  State  House  a=
t  its  own  cost,=20
if  the  city  should  be  selected  as  the  new  capital  of  the  State.=
  These  movements=20
aroused  the  jealousy  of  Hartford  and  New  Haven,  which  at  once  ap=
pointed  com-=20
mittees to  wait  upon  us.  The  whole  matter,  however,  finally  went  =
by  default,=20
and  the  question  was  never  submitted  to  the  people.  Since  that  p=
eriod,  however,=20
Hartford  has  been  made  the  only  capital  city.=20

As  the  session  drew  near  its  close,  the  railroad  controversy  culm=
inated  by  my=20
introduction  of  a  bill  to  amend  the  act  for  the  regulation  of  r=
ailroads,  by  the=20
Interpolation  of  the  following:=20

SECTION  508.  No  railroad  company,  which  has  had  a  system  of  comm=
utation  fares  in  force=20
for  more  than  four  years,  shall  abolish,  alter,  or  modify  the  sa=
me,  except  for  the  regulation=20
of  the  price  charged  for  such  commutation  ;  and  such  price  shall=
,  in  no  case,  be  raised  to  an=20
extent  that  shall  alter  the  ratio  between  such  commutation  and  th=
e  rates  then  charged  fot=20
way  fare,  on  the  railroad  of  such  company.=20

247=20


248  MY    WAR   ON   THE    RAILROADS.=20

The  New  York  and  New  Haven  Railroad  Company  seemed  determined  to =
 move=20
heaven  and  earth  to  prevent  the  passage  of  this  law.  The  halls  =
of  legislation  were=20
thronged  with  railroad  lobbyists,  who  button-holed  nearly  every  mem=
ber.  My=20
motives  were  attacked,  and  the  most  foolish  slanders  were  circulat=
ed.  Not  only=20
every  legal  man  in  the  house  was  arrayed  against  me,  but  occasio=
nally  a  "country=20
member  "  who  had  promised  to  stick  by  and  aid  in  checking  the  =
cupidity  of  rail-=20
road managers,  would  drop  off,  and  be  found  voting  on  the  other  =
side.  I  devoted=20
many  hours,  and  even  days,  to  explaining  the  true  state  of  thing=
s  to  the  members=20
from  the  rural  regions,  and,  although  the  prospect  of  carrying  th=
is  great  reform=20
looked  rather  dark,  I  felt  that  I  had  a  majority  of  the  honest =
 and  disinterested=20
members  of  the  house  with  me.  Finally,  Senator  Ballard  informed  m=
e  that  he=20
had  canvassed  the  Senate,  and  was  convinced  that  the  bill  could  =
be  carried  through=20
that  body  if  I  could  be  equally  successful  with  the  house.  At  l=
ast  it  was  known=20
that  the  final  debate  would  take  place  and  the  vote  be  taken  on=
  the  morning  of=20
July  13.=20

When  the  day  arrived  the  excitement  was  intense.  The  passages  lea=
ding  to  the=20
hall  were  crowded  with  railroad  lobbyists;  for  nearly  every  railro=
ad  in  the  State=20
had  made  common  cause  with  the  New  York  and  New  Haven  Company,  =
and=20
every  representative  was  in  hisjseat,  excepting  the  sick  man,  who =
 had  doctored=20
the  railroads  till  he  needed  doctoring  himself.  The  debate  was  le=
d  off  by  skir-=20
mishers on  each  side,  and  was  finally  closed  on  the  part  of  the =
 railroads  by  Mr.=20
Harrison,  of  New  Haven,  who  was  chairman  of  the  railroad  committe=
e.  Mr.=20
Henry  B.  Harrison  was  a  close  and  forcible  debater  and  a  clear-h=
eaded  lawyer.=20
His  speech  exhibited  considerable  thought,  and  his  earnestness  and =
 high  character=20
as  a  gentleman  of  honor,  carried  much  weight.  Besides,  his  positi=
on  as  chairman=20
of  the  committee  naturally  influenced  some  votes.  He  claimed  to  u=
nderstand=20
thoroughly  the  merits  of  the  question,  from  having,  in  his  capaci=
ty  as  chairman,=20
heard  all  the  testimony  and  arguments  which  had  come  before  that =
 committee;=20
and  a  majority  of  the  committee,  after  due  deliberation,  had  repo=
rted  against  the=20
proposed  MIL=20

On  closing  the  debate,  I  endeavored  to  state  briefly  the  gist  of=
  the  case =E2=80=94 that,=20
only  a  few  years  before,  the  New  York  and  New  Haven  Company  had=
  fixed  their=20
own  price  for  commuters'  tickets  along  the  whole  line  of  the  roa=
d,  and  had  thus=20
induced  hundreds  of  New  York  citizens  to  remove  to  Connecticut  wi=
th  their=20
families,  and  build  their  houses  on  heretofore  unimproved  property,=
  thus  vastly=20
increasing  the  value  of  the  lands,  and  correspondingly  helping  our=
  receipts  for=20
taxes.  I  urged  that  there  was  a  tacit  understanding  between  the  =
railroad  and=20
these  commuters  and  the  public  generally,  that  such  persons  as  ch=
ose  thus  to=20
remove  from  a  neighboring  State,  and  bring  their  families  and  cap=
ital  within  our=20
borders,  should  have  the  right  to  pass  over  the  railroad  on  the =
 terms  fixed  at  the=20
time,  by  the  president  and  directors;  that  any  claim  that  the  ra=
ilroad  could  not=20
afford  to  commute  at  the  prices  they  had  themselves  established  w=
as  absurd,  from=20
the  fact  that,  even  now,  if  one  thousand  families  who  reside  in =
 New  York,  and=20
had  never  been  in  our  ovfn.  State,  should  propose  to  the  railroa=
d  to  remove  these=20
families  (embracing  in  the  aggregate  five  thousand  persons)  to  Con=
necticut,  and=20
build  one  thousand  new  houses  on  the  line  of  the  New  York  and  =
New  Haven=20
Railroad,  provided  the  railroad  would  carry  the  male  head  of  the =
 family  at  all=20
times  for  nothing,  the  company  could  well  afford  to  accept  the  p=
roposition,=20
because  they  would  receive  full  prices  for  transporting  all  other =
 members  of  these=20
families,  at  all  tunes,  as  well  as  full  prices  for  all  their  vi=
sitors  and  servants.=20


MY  WAR  ON  THE  RAILROADS.  249=20

And  now,  what  are  the  facts?  Do  we  desire  the  railroad  to  carry=
  even  one  fifth  ol  these=20
new  comers  for  nothing?  Do  we,  indeed,  desire  to  compel  them  to =
 transport  them  for  any=20
definitely  fixed  price  at  all?  On  the  contrary,  we  find  that  dur=
ing  the  late  rebellion,  when  gold=20
was  selling  for  two  dollars  and  eighty  cents  per  dollar,  this  co=
mpany  doubled  its  prices  of=20
commutation,  and  retains  the  same  prices  now,  although  gold  is  bu=
t  one-half  that  amount=20
($1.40).  We  don't  ask  them  to  go  back  to  their  former  prices  ; =
 we  don't  compel  them  to=20
rest  even  here;  we  simply  say,  increase  your  rates,  pile  up  your=
  demands  just  as  high  as=20
you  desire,  only  you  shall  not  muke  fish  of  one  and  fowl  of  an=
other.  You  have  fixed  and=20
increased  your  prices  to  passengers  of  all  classes  just  as  you  l=
iked,  and  established  your=20
own  ratio  between  those  who  pay  by  tlie  year,  and  those  who  pay=
  by  the  single  trip;  and=20
now,  all  we  ask  is,  that  you  shall  not  change  the  ratio.  Charge=
  ten  dollars  per  passenger=20
from  New  York  to  New  Haven,  if  you  have  the  courage  to  risk  th=
e  competition  of  the=20
steamboats  ;  and  whatever  percentage  you  choose  to  increase  the  f=
are  of  transient  passen-=20
gers, we  permit  you  to  increase  the  rates  ot  commuters  in  the  sa=
me  ratio.=20

The  interests  of  the  State,  as  well  as  communities,  demand  this  =
law;  (or  if  it  is  once=20
fixed  by  statute  that  the  prices  of  commutation  are  not  to  be  i=
ncreased,  many  persons  will=20
leave  the  localities  where  extortion  is  permitted  on  the  railroads=
,  and  will  settle  in  our=20
Htate.  But  these  railroad  gentlemen  say  they  have  no  intention  to=
  increase  their  rates  of=20
commutation,  and  they  deprecate  what  they  term  ''premature  legislat=
ion,"  and  an  uncalled=20
for  meddling  with  their  affairs.  Mr.  Speaker,  "an  ounce  of  preven=
tion  is  worth  a  pound=20
of  cure."  Men  engaged  in  plots  against  public  interests  always  as=
k  to  be  "  let  alone."=20
Jeff  Davis  only  asked  to  be  "let  alone,"  when  the  North  was  rai=
sing  great  armies  to  pre-=20
vent the  dissolution  of  the  Union.  The  people  cannot  afford  to  le=
t  these  railroads  alone.=20
This  hall,  crowded  with  railroad  lobbyists,  as  the  frogs  thronged =
 Egypt,  is  an  admonition=20
to  all  honest  legislators,  that  it  is  unsafe  to  allow  the  monopo=
lies  the  chance  to  rivet  the=20
chains  which  already  fetter  the  limbs  of  those  whom  circumstances =
 place  in  the  power  of=20
these  companies.=20

It  was  at  this  point  in  my  remarks  that  I  received  the  telegram=
  from  my  son-=20
in-law  in  New  York,  announcing  the  burning  of  the  American  Museum=
.  Reading=20
the  dispatch,  and  laying  it  on  my  desk  without  further  attention,=
  I  continued:=20

These  railroad  gentlemen  absolutely  deny  any  intention  of  raising  =
the  fares  of  commuters,=20
and  profess  to  think  it  very  hard  that  disinterested  and  conscien=
tious  gentlemen  like  them=20


I  then  drew  from  my  pocket  and  read  two  telegrams  received  that =
 morning,  one=20
f rom  New  York  and  the  other  from  Bridgeport,  announcing  that  the=
  New  York=20
and  New  Haven  Railroad  Directory  had  held  a  secret  meeting  in  Ne=
w  York,  the=20
day  before,  for  the  purpose  of  immediately  raising  the  fares  of  =
commuters  twenty=20
per  cent.,  so  that  in  case  my  bill  became  a  law  they  could  get=
  ahead  of  me.  I=20
continued:=20

Now,  Mr.  Speaker,  I  know  that  these  despatches  are  true  ;  my  in=
formation  is  from  the=20
inside  of  the  camp.  1  see  a  director  of  the  New  York  and  New  =
Haven  railroad  sitting  in=20
this  hall;  I  know  that  he  knows  these  despatches  are  true;  and  =
if  he  will  go  before  the=20
railroad  committee  and  make  oath  that  he  don't  know  that  such  a =
 meeting  took  place  yes-=20
terday, for  exactly  this  purpose,  I  will  forfeit  and  pay  one  thou=
sand  dollars  to  the  families=20
of  poor  soldiers  in  this  city.  In  consideration  of  this  attempt  =
to  forestall  the  action  of=20
this  legislature,  I  offer  an  amendment  to  the  bill  now  under  con=
sideration  by  adding  after=20
the  word  "  ratio,"  the  words  li  as  it  existed  on  the  first  day=
  of  July,  1865."  In  this  way  we=20
shall  cut  off  any  action  which  these  sleek  gentlemen  may  have  ta=
ken  yesterday.  It  is=20
now  evident  that  these  railroad  gentlemen  have  set  a  trap  for  th=
is  legislature;  and  I  pro-=20
pose that  we  now  spring  the  trap,  and  see  if  we  cannot  catch  th=
ese  wily  railroad  directors=20
in  it.  Mr.  Speaker,  1  move  the  previous  question.=20

The  opposition  were  astounded  at  the  revelation  and  the  previous  =
question  was=20
ordered.  The  bill  as  amended  was  carried  almost  with  a  "hurrah." =
 It  is  now  an=20
act  in  the  statute  book  of  the  State,  and  it  annually  adds  many=
  dollars  to  the=20
assessment  roll  of  Connecticut,  since  the  protection  afforded  to  c=
ommuters  against=20


250  MY   WAR  OK  THE   RAILROADS.=20

the  extortions  practised  by  railway  companies  elsewhere  is  a  stron=
g  inducement=20
to  permanent  settlers  along  the  lines  of  Connecticut  railways.*=20

In  the  spring  of  1866,  I  was  again  elected  to  represent  the  tow=
n  of  Fairfield  in=20
the  Connecticut  Legislature.  I  had  not  intended  to  accept  a  nomin=
ation  for  that=20
office  a  second  time,  but  one  of  the  directors  of  the  New  York =
 and  New  Haven=20
Railroad,  who  was  a  citizen  of  Fairfleld  and  had  been  a  zealous =
 lobby  member  of=20
the  preceding  legislature,  had  declared  that  I  should  not  represen=
t  the  town  again.=20
As  the  voters  of  Fairfield  seemed  to  think  that  the  public  inter=
ests  were  of  more=20
importance  than  the  success  of  railroad  conspiracies,  combinations, =
 and  monopo-=20
lies, I  accepted  their  nomination.=20

Almost  the  only  exciting  question  before  that  legislature  was  the =
 election  of  an=20
United  States  Senator.  President  Johnson  had  begun  to  show  disaffe=
ction=20
towards  the  Republican  party  which  elected  him,  and  the  zealous  m=
embers  of=20
that  party  were  watching  with  anxious  hearts  the  actions  of  those=
  who  offered=20
themselves  as  candidates  for  offices  of  trust  and  responsibility.  =
One  of  the=20
Republican  United  States  Senators  had  already  abandoned  the  party  =
and  affiliated=20
with  Johnson.  The  other  Senator  was  a  candidate  for  re-election.  =
He  had  been=20
a  favorite  candidate  with  me,  but  when  I  became  convinced  that  h=
e  sympathized=20
with  the  recreant  Senator  and  President  Johnson,  no  importunities  =
of  political=20
friends  or  any  other  inducement  could  change  my  determination  to  =
defeat  him,=20
if  possible.  I  devoted  days  and  nights  to  convincing  some  of  my =
 fellow-members=20
that  the  interests  of  the  State  and  the  country  demanded  the  ele=
ction  of  Hon.  O.=20
S.  Ferry  to  that  important  office.=20

Excitement  ran  high.  Ex-Governor  Wm.  A.  Buckingham  was  also  a  can=
di-=20
date. I  knew  he  would  make  an  excellent  Senator,  but  he  had  fill=
ed  the=20
gubernatorial  chair  for  eight  years;  and  as  the  present  Senator  h=
ad  held  his  office=20
twelve  years,  and  he  was  from  the  same  city  as  Governor  Buckingh=
am,  I  urged=20
that  Norwich  should  not  carry  off  all  the  honors;  that  Fairfield =
 county  was=20
entitled  to  the  office;  and  both  before  and  at  the  Republican  no=
minating  caucus=20
I  set  forth,  so  far  as  I  was  able,  what  I  considered  the  merit=
s  and  peculiar  claims=20
of  Mr.  Ferry.  I  suggested  that  Mr.  Buckingham  might  rest  on  his =
 laurels  for  a=20
couple  of  years  and  be  elected  to  fill  the  place  of  the  next  r=
etiring  Senator  in  1868.=20
Mr.  Ferry  started  in  the  ballotings  with  a  very  small  vote  indee=
d,  and  it  required=20
the  most  delicate  management  to  secure  a  majority  for  him  in  tha=
t  caucus.  But=20
it  was  done;  and  as  the  great  strife  was  between  the  two  other =
 rival  candidates=20
Mr.  Ferry  had  scarcely  a  hope  of  the  nomination  and  was  much  su=
rprised  the=20
next  morning  to  hear  of  his  success.  He  was  elected  for  the  ter=
m  beginning=20
March  4,  1866,  and  one  of  his  opposing  candidates  in  the  caucus,=
  Ex-Governor=20
William  A.  Buckingham,  was  elected,  two  years  afterwards,  for  the =
 senatorial=20
term  commencing  March  4,  1869.=20

I  was  again  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Agriculture,  and  on  the=
  whole  the=20
session  at  New  Haven,  in  1866,  was  very  agreeable  to  me  ;  there=
  were  many  con-=20
genial spirits  in  the  House  and  our  severer  labors  were  lightened =
 by  some  very=20
delightful  episodes.=20

During  the  summer,  Governor  Hawley,  Hon.  David  Gallup,  Speaker  of =
 the=20
House,  Hon.  O.  S.  Ferry,  United  States  Senator,  Mr.  W.  G.  Coe,  =
of  Winsted,=20

*  The  New  York  and  New  Haven  railroad  company  never  forgave  me  =
for  thus  securing  a=20
righteous  law  for  the  protection  of  its  commuters.  Even  as  lately=
  as  1871,  the  venders  of=20
books  on  the  tr-.iins  \\ere  prohibited  from  selling  to  ousseugers =
 my  autobiography  which=20
exposed  their  cupidity.  A  parallel  railroad  from  New  Vork  to  New =
 Haven,  would  De  good=20
paying  stock,  and  would  materially  disturb,  if  not  destroy,  the  p=
resent  railroad  and  express=20
monopolies.=20


MY    WAR   ON   THE   RAILROADS.  251=20

Mr.  A.  B.  Mygatt,  of  New  Milford,  Mr.  George  Pratt,  of  Norwich, =
 Mr.  S.  H.=20
Wales,  of  the  Scientific  American,  Mr.  David  Clark,  of  Hartford,  =
Mr.  A.  H.=20
Byington,  of  Norwalk,  and  many  other  gentlemen  of  distinction,  wer=
e  occasional=20
guests  at  Lindencroft.  Several  times  we  had  delightful  sails,  dinn=
ers,  and  clam-=20
bakes at  Charles  Island,  eight  miles  east  of  Bridgeport,  a  most  c=
ool  and  charming=20
spot  in  the  warm  summer  days.  The  health  of  my  wife,  which  had =
 been  poor=20
since  1855,  prevented  many  occasions  of  festivity  for  which  I  had=
  all  other  facili-=20
ties; for  Lindencroft  was  indeed  a  charming  residence,  and  it  affo=
rded  every=20
requisite  for  the  entertainment  of  large  numbers  of  friends.=20

During  the  summer,  Governor  Hawley  appointed  me  a  commissioner  to =
 the=20
Paris  Exposition,  but  I  was  unable  to  attend.  =E2=80=A2=20

In  the  spring  of  1867, 1  received  from  the  Republican  convention  =
in  the  Fourth=20
District  in  Connecticut,  the  nomination  for  Congress.  As  I  have  a=
lready  re-=20
marked, politics  were  always  distasteful  to  me.  I  possessed,  natura=
lly,  too  much=20
independence  of  mind,  and  too  strong  a  determination  to  do  what  =
I  believe  to  be=20
right,  regardless  of  party  expediency,  to  make  a  lithe  and  oily  =
politician.  To  be=20
called  on  to  favor  applications  from  office-seekers,  without  regard=
  to  their  merits,=20
and  to  do  the  dirty  work  too  often  demanded  by  political  parties=
;  to  be  "all=20
things  to  all  men  "  though  not  in  the  apostolic  sense ;  to  shak=
e  hands  with  those=20
whom  I  despised,  and  to  kiss  the  dirty  babies  of  those  whose  vo=
tes  were  courted,=20
were  political  requirements  which  I  felt  I  could  never  acceptably =
 fulfill.  Never-=20
theless, I  had  become,  so  far  as  business  was  concerned,  almost  a=
  man  of  leisure;=20
and  some  of  my  warmest,  personal  friends,  insisted  that  a  nominat=
ion  to  so  high=20
and  honorable  a  position  as  a  member  of  Congress,  was  not  to  be=
  lightly  rejected,=20
and  so  I  consented  to  run.  Fairfield  and  Litchfield  counties  comp=
osed  the  district,=20
which,  in  the  preceding  Congressional  election,  in  1865,  and  just =
 after  the  close=20
of  the  war,  was  republican.  In  the  year  following,  however,  the  =
district  in  State=20
election  went  democratic.  I  had  this  democratic  majority  to  conten=
d  against  in=20
1867,  and  as  the  whole  State  turned  over  and  elected  the  democra=
tic  ticket,  I  lost=20
my  election.  In  the  next  succeeding  Congressional  election,  iu  186=
9,  the  Fourth=20
District  also  elected  the  only  democratic  congressman  chosen  from  =
Connecticut=20
that  year.=20

I  was  neither  disappointed  nor  cast  down  by  my  defeat.  The  polit=
ical  canvass=20
served  the  purpose  of  giving  me  a  new  sensation,  and  introducing =
 me  to  new=20
phases  of  human  nature =E2=80=94 a  subject  which  I  had  always  grea=
t  delight  in  studying=20
The  filth  and  scandal,  the  slanders  and  vindictiveness,  the  plotti=
ngs  and  fawn=20
ings,  the  fidelity,  meanness  and  manliness,  which  by  turns  exhibit=
ed  themselver=20
in  the  exciting  scenes  preceding  the  election,  were  novel  to  me, =
 and  were  so  fai=20
interesting.=20

Shortly  after  my  opponent  was  nominated,  1  sent  him  the  following=
  letter=20
which  was  also  published  in  the  Bridgeport  Standard .=20

BRIDGEPORT,  Conn.,  Feb.  21,  1867.=20
W.  H.  BARNUM,  Esq.,  Salisbury,  Conn.:=20

Dear  Sir :  Observing  that  the  Democratic  party  has  nominated  you  =
for  Con=20
gress  from  this  district,  I  desire  to  make  you  a  proposition.=20

The  citizens  of  this  portion  of  our  State  will  be  compelled,  on =
 the  first  Mondaj=20
in  April  next,  to  decide  whether  you  or  myself  shall  represent  t=
heir  interests  and=20
their  principles  in  the  Fortieth  Congress  of  the  United  States.=20

The  theory  of  our  government  is,  that  the  will  of  the  people  sh=
all  be  the  law=20
of  the  land.  It  is  important,  therefore,  that  the  people  shall  v=
ote  understand=20


252  MY  WAR  ON  THE  RAILROADS.=20

ingly,  and  especially  at  tliis  important  crisis  in  our  national  e=
xistence.  In  order,=20
that  the  voters  of  this  district  shall  fully  comprehend  the  princ=
iples  by  which=20
each  of  their  congressional  candidates  is  guided,  I  respectfully  i=
nvite  you  to  meet=20
me  in  a  serious  and  candid  discussion  of  the  important  political =
 issues  of  the  day,=20
at  various  towns  in  the  Fourth  Congressional  District  of  Connectic=
ut,  on  each=20
week-day  evening,  from  the  fourth  day  of  March  until  the  thirtiet=
h  day  of  the=20
same  month,  both  inclusive.=20

If  you  will  consent  to  thus  meet  me  in  a  friendly  discussion  of=
  those  subjects,=20
now  so  near  and  dear  to  every  American  bean,  and,  I  may  add,  p=
ossessing  at  this=20
time  such  momentous  interest  to  all  civilized  nations  in  the  worl=
d  who  are  suf-=20
fering from  misrule,  I  pledge  myself  to  conduct  my  portion  of  the=
  debate  with=20
perfect  fairness,  and  with  all  due  respect  for  my  opponent,  and  =
doubt  not  you=20
will  do  the  same.=20

Never,  in  my  judgment,  in  our  past  history  as  a  nation,  have  in=
terests  and=20
questions  more  important  appealed  to  the  people  for  their  wise  an=
d  careful  con-=20
sideration. It  is  due  to  the  voters  of  the  Fourth  Congressional  D=
istrict,  that  they=20
have  an  early  and  full  opportunity  to  examine  their  candidates  in=
  regard  to=20
these  important  problems,  and  I  shall  esteem  it  a  great  privilege=
  if  you  will=20
accept  tliis  proposition.=20

Please  favor  me  with  an  early  answer,  and  oblige,=20

Truly  yours,  P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

To  this  letter  Mr.  William  H.  Barnum  replied,  declining  to  accept=
  my  propo-=20
sition to  go  before  the  people  of  the  district  and  discuss  the  p=
olitical  questions  of=20
the  day.=20

When  Congress  met,  I  was  surprised  to  see  by  the  newspapers  that=
  the  seat  of=20
my  opponent  was  to  be  contested  on  account  of  alleged  bribery,  f=
raud  and  cor-=20
ruption in  securing  his  election.  This  was  the  first  intimation  th=
at  I  had  ever=20
received  of  such  an  intention,  and  I  was  never,  at  any  time  bef=
ore  or  afterwards,=20
consulted  upon  the  subject.  The  movement  proved  to  have  originated=
  with=20
neighbors  and  townsmen  of  the  successful  candidate,  who  claimed  to=
  be  able  to=20
prove  that  he  had  paid  large  sums  of  money  to  purchase  votes.  T=
hey  also  claimed=20
that  they  had  proof  that  men  were  brought  from  an  adjoining  Stat=
e  to  vote,  and=20
that  in  the  office  of  the  successful  candidate  naturalization  pape=
rs  were  forged=20
to  enabled  foreigners  to  vote  upon  them.  But,  I  repeat,  I  took  =
no  part  nor  lot  in=20
the  matter,  but  concluded  that  if  I  had  been  defeated  by  fraud, =
 mine  was  the=20
real  success.=20


CHAPTER    XLI.=20

BENNETT   AND   THE   HERALD.=20

WHEN  the  old  American  Museum  burned  down,  and  while  the  ruins  we=
re  still=20
smoking,  I  had  numerous  applications  for  the  purchase  of  the  leas=
e  of  the  two=20
lots,  fifty-six  by  one  hundred  feet,  which  had  still  nearly  eleve=
n  years  to  run.  It=20
will  be  remembered  that  in  1847  I  came  back  from  England,  while =
 my  second=20
lease  of  five  years  had  yet  three  years  more  to  run,  and  renewe=
d  that  lease  for=20
twenty-five  years  from  1851  at  an  annual  rental  of  $10,000.  It  w=
as  also  stipulated=20
that  in  case  the  building  was  destroyed  by  fire  the  proprietor  o=
f  the  property=20
should  expend  twenty-four  thousand  dollars  towards  the  erection  of =
 a  new  edifice,=20
and  at  the  end  of  the  term  of  lease  he  was  to  pay  me  the  app=
raised  value  of  the=20
building,  not  to  exceed  $100,000.  Rents  and  real  estate  values  ha=
d  trebled  since=20
I  took  this  twenty-five  years'  lease,  and  hence  the  remaining  ter=
m  was  very  valu-=20
able. I  engaged  an  experienced  and  competent  real  estate  broker  in=
  Pine  street=20
to  examine  the  terms  of  my  lease,  and  in  view  of  his  knowledge =
 of  the  cost  of=20
erecting  buildings  and  the  rentals  they  were  commanding  in  Broadwa=
y,  I  enjoined=20
him  to  take  his  time,  and  make  a  careful  estimate  of  what  the  =
lease  was  worth  to=20
me,  and  what  price  I  ought  to  receive  if  I  sold  it  to  another =
 party.  At  the  end=20
of  several  days,  he  showed  me  his  figures,  which  proved  that  the=
  lease  was  fully=20
worth  $5375,000.  As  I  was  inclined  to  have  a  museum  higher  up  t=
own,  I  did  not=20
wish  to  engage  in  erecting  two  buildings  at  once,  so  I  concluded=
  to  offer  my=20
museum  lease  for  sale.  Accordingly,  I  put  it  into  the  hands  of  =
Mr.  Homer  Mor-=20
gan, with  directions  to  offer  it  for  $235,000,  which  was  $50,000  =
less  than  the  value=20
at  which  it  had  been  estimated.=20

The  next  day  I  met  Mr.  James  Gordon  Bennett,  who  told  me  that  =
he  desired  to=20
buy  my  lease,  and  at  the  same  time  to  purchase  the  fee  of  the =
 museum  property,=20
for  the  erection  thereon  of  a  publication  building  for  the  New  Y=
ork  Herald.  I=20
said  I  thought  it  was  very  fitting  the  Herald  should  be  the  suc=
cessor  of  the  Mu-=20
seum, and  Mr.  Bennett  asked  my  price.=20

"  Please  to  go  or  send  immediately  to  Homer  Morgan's  office,"  I =
 replied,  "  and=20
you  will  learn  that  Mr.  Morgan  has  the  lease  for  sale  at  $235,0=
00.  This  is  $50,000=20
less  than  its  estimated  value;  but  to  you  I  will  deduct  $25,000 =
 from  my  already=20
reduced  price,  so  you  may  have  the  lease  for  $200,000."=20

Bennett  replied  that  he  would  look  into  the  affair  closely;  and  =
the  next  day  his=20
attorney  sent  for  my  lease.  He  kept  it  several  days,  and  then  a=
ppointed  an  hour=20
for  me  to  come  to  his  office.  I  called  according  to  appointment.=
  Mr.  Bennett=20
and  his  attorney  had  thoroughly  examined  the  lease.  It  was  the  p=
roperty  of  my=20
wife.  Bennett  concluded  to  accept  my  offer.  My  wife  assigned  the =
 lease  to  him,=20
and  his  attorney  handed  me  Mr.  Bennett's  check  on  the  Chemical  B=
ank  for=20
$200,000.  That  same  day  I  invested  $50,000  in  United  States  bonds=
;  and  the=20
remaining  $150,000  was  similarly  invested  on  the  following  day.  I =
 learned  at  that=20
time  that  Bennett  had  agreed  to  purchase  the  fee  of  the  property=
  for  $500,000.=20
He  had  been  informed  that  the  property  was  worth  some  $350,000  t=
o  $400,000,  and=20
he  did  not  mind  paying  $100,000  extra  for  the  purpose  of  carryin=
g  out  his  plans.=20
But  the  parties  who  estimated  for  him  the  value  of  the  land  kne=
w  nothing  of  the=20

253=20


xJ54  BENNETT   AND   THE   HERALD.=20

t'ac  c  that  there  was  a  lease  upon  the  property,  else  of  course=
  they  would  in  their=20
estimate  have  deducted  the  $300,000,  which  the  lease  would  cost.  =
When,  there-=20
fore, Mr.  Bennett  saw  it  stated  in  the  newspapers  that  the  sum  w=
hich  he  had  paid=20
for  a  piece  of  land  measuring  only  fifty-six  by  one  hundred  feet=
  was  more  than=20
was  ever  before  paid  in  any  city  in  the  world  for  a  tract  of  =
that  size,  he  discov-=20
ered the  serious  oversight  which  he  had  made;  and  the  owner  of  t=
he  property=20
was  immediately  informed  that  Bennett  would  not  take  it.  But  Benn=
ett  had=20
already  signed  a  bond  to  the  owner,  agreeing  to  pay  $100,000  cas=
h,  and  to  mort-=20
gage the  premises  for  the  remaining  $400,000.=20

Supposing  that  by  this  step  he  had  shaken  off  the  owner  of  the =
 fee,  Bennett=20
was  not  long  in  seeing  that,  as  he  was  not  to  own  the  land,  h=
e  would  have  no=20
possible  use  for  the  lease,  for  which  he  had  paid  the  $300,000; =
 and  accordingly  his=20
next  step  was  to  shake  me  off  also,  and  get  back  the  money  he =
 had  paid  me.=20

My  business  for  many  years,  as  manager  of  the  Museum  and  other  =
public=20
entertainments,  compelled  me  to  court  notoriety ;  and  I  always  fou=
nd  Bennett's=20
abuse  far  more  remunerative  than  his  praise,  even  if  I  could  hav=
e  had  the  praise=20
at  the  same  price,  that  is,  for  nothing.  Especially  was  it  profi=
table  to  me  when  I=20
could  be  the  subject  of  scores  of  lines  of  his  scolding  editoria=
ls  free  of  charge,=20
instead  of  paying  him  forty  cents  a  line  for  advertisements,  whic=
h  would  not=20
attract  a  tenth  part  so  much  attention.  Bennett  had  tried  abusing=
  me,  off  and=20
on,  for  twenty  years,  on  one  occasion  refusing  my  advertisement  a=
ltogether  for=20
the  space  of  about  a  year;  but  I  always  managed  to  be  the  gain=
er  by  his  course.=20
Now,  however,  when  new  difficulties  threatened,  all  the  leading  ma=
nagers  in  New=20
York  were  members  of  the  "Managers'  Association,"  and  as  we  all  =
submitted  to=20
the  arbitrary  and  extortionate  demands  of  the  Herald,  Bennett  thou=
ght  he  had=20
but  to  crack  his  whip,  in  order  to  keep  any  and  all  of  us  wit=
hin  the  traces.  A  ccord-=20
ingly,  one  day  Bennett's  attorney  wrote  me  a  letter,  saying  that =
 he  would  like  to=20
have  me  call  on  him  at  his  office  the  following  morning.  Not  dr=
eaming  of  the=20
object,  I  called  as  desired,  and  after  a  few  pleasant  commonplace=
  remarks  about=20
the  weather,  and  other  trifles,  the  attorney  said:=20

"  Mr.  Barnum,  I  have  sent  for  you  to  say  that  Mr.  Bennett  has =
 concluded  not=20
to  purchase  the  museum  lots,  and  therefore  that  you  had  better  t=
ake  back  the=20
lease,  and  return  the  $300,000  paid  for  it."=20

"  Are  you  in  earnest  ?"  I  asked  with  surprise.=20

"  Certainly,  quite  so,"  he  answered.=20

"Really,"  I  said,  smiling,  "I  am  sorry  I  can't  accommodate  Mr.  B=
ennett;  1=20
have  not  got  the  little  sum  about  me;  in  fact,  I  have  spent  th=
e  money."=20

"It  will  be  better  for  you  to  take  back  the  lease,"  said  the  a=
ttorney,  seriously.=20

"Nonsense,"  I  replied,  "I  shall  do  nothing  of  the  sort,  I  don't =
 make  child's=20
bargains.  The  lease  was  cheap  enough,  but  I  have  other  business  =
to  attend  to,=20
and  shall  have  nothing  to  do  with  it."=20

The  attorney  said  very  little  in  reply;  but  I  could  see,  by  the=
  almost  benignant=20
sorrow  expressed  upon  his  countenance,  that  he  evidently  pitied  me=
  for  the  temer-=20
ity that  would  doubtless  lead  me  into  the  jaws  of  the  insatiable =
 monster  of  the=20
Herald.  The  next  morning  I  observed  that  the  advertisement  of  my =
 entertain-=20
ments with  my  Museum  Company  at  Winter  Garden  was  left  out  of  th=
e  Herald=20
columns.  I  went  directly  to  the  editorial  rooms  of  the  Herald;  a=
nd  learning=20
that  Bennett  was  not  in,  I  said  to  Mr.  Hudson,  then  managing  ed=
itor:=20

"My  advertisement  is  left  out  of  the  Herald:  is  there  a  screw  l=
oose  ?"=20

"  1  believe  there  is,"  was  the  reply.=20

"  What  is  the  matter  ?"  I  asked.=20


t=20

BENNETT  AND  THE  HERALD.  255=20

"You  must  ask  the  Emperor,"  said  Mr.  Hudson,  meaning  of  course  B=
ennett.=20

"When  will  the  'Emperor'  be  in?"  I  enquired.  "Next  Monday,"  was  =
the=20
answer.=20

"  Well,  I  shall  not  see  him,"  I  replied;  "  but  I  wish  to  have=
  this  thing  settled  at=20
once.  Mr.  Hudson,  I  now  tender  you  the  money  for  the  insertion  =
of  my  Museum=20
advertisement  on  the  same  terms  as  are  paid  by  other  places  of  =
amusement;  will=20
you  publish  it?"=20

"I  will  not,"  Mr.  Hudson  peremptorily  replied.=20

"That  is  all,"  I  said.  Mr.  Hudson  then  smilingly  and  blandly  rem=
arked,  "1=20
have  formally  answered  your  formal  demand,  because  I  suppose  you  =
require  it ;=20
but  you  know,  Mr.  Barnum,  I  can  only  obey  orders."  I  assured  hi=
m  that  I=20
understood  the  matter  perfectly,  and  attached  no  blame  to  him  in =
 the  premises.=20
I  then  proceeded  to  notify  the  secretary  of  the  "  Managers'  Asso=
ciation  "  to  call=20
the  managers  together  at  twelve  o'clock  the  following  day;  and  th=
ere  was  a  full=20
meeting  at  the  appointed  time.  I  stated  the  facts  in  the  case  i=
n  the  Herald  affair,=20
and  simply  remarked,  that  if  we  did  not  make  common  cause  agains=
t  any  news-=20
paper publisher  who  excluded  an  advertisement  from  his  columns  simp=
ly  to=20
gratify  a  private  pique,  it  was  evident  that  either  and  all  of  =
us  were  liable  to=20
imposition  at  any  time.=20

One  of  the  managers  immediately  made  a  motion  that  the  entire  As=
sociation=20
should  stop  their  advertising  and  bill  printing  at  the  Herald  off=
ice,  and  have  no=20
further  connection  with  that  establishment.  Mr.  Lester  Wallack  advi=
sed  that=20
this  motion  should  not  be  adopted  until  a  committee  had  waited  u=
pon  Bennett,=20
and  had  reported  the  result  of  the  interview  to  the  Association. =
 Accordingly,=20
Messrs.  Wallack,  Wheatley  and  Stuart  were  delegated  to  go  down  to=
  the  Herald=20
office  to  call  on  Mr.  Bennett.=20

The  moment  Bennett  saw  them,  he  evidently  suspected  the  object  of=
  their=20
mission,  for  he  at  once  commenced  to  speak  to  Mr.  Wallack  in  a =
 patronizing=20
manner;  told  him  how  long  he  had  known,  and  how  much  he  respect=
ed  his  late=20
father,  who  was  "a  true  English  gentleman  of  the  old  school,"  wi=
th  much  more=20
in  the  same  strain.  Mr.  Wallack  replied  to  Bennett  that  the  thre=
e  managers=20
were  appointed  a  committee  to  wait  upon  him  to  ascertain  if  he  =
insisted  upon=20
excluding  from  his  columns  the  Museum  advertisements =E2=80=94 not  o=
n  account  of  any=20
objection  to  the  contents  of  the  advertisements,  or  to  the  Museum=
  itself,  but=20
simply  because  he  had  a  private  business  disagreement  with  the  pr=
oprietor ;  inti-=20
mating that  such  a  proceeding,  for  such  a  reason,  and  no  other,  =
might  lead  to  a=20
rupture  of  business  relations  with  other  managers.  In  reply,  Mr.  =
Bennett  had=20
something  to  say  about  the  fox  that  had  suffered  tailwise  from  a=
  trap,  and  there-=20
upon advised  all  other  foxes  to  cut  their  tails  off;  and  he  poin=
ted  the  fable  by=20
setting  forth  the  impolicy  of  drawing  down  upon  the  Association  t=
he  vengeance=20
of  the  Herald.  The  committee,  however,  coolly  insisted  upon  a  dir=
ect  answer  to=20
their  question.=20

Bennett  then  answered:  "  I  will  not  publish  Bamurn's  advertisement=
;  I  do  my=20
business  as  I  please,  and  in  my  own  way."=20

"  So  do  we,"  replied  one  of  the  managers,  and  the  committee  wit=
hdrew.=20

The  next  day  the  Managers'  Association  met,  heard  the  report,  and=
  unanimously=20
resolved  to  withdraw  their  advertisements  from  the  Herald,  and  the=
ir  patronage=20
from  the  Herald  job  establishment,  and  it  was  done.  Nevertheless, =
 the  Herald=20
for  several  days  continued  to  print  gratuitously  the  advertisements=
  of  Wallack's=20
Theater  and  Niblo's  Garden,  and  inordinately  puffed  these  establish=
ments,  evi-=20
dently in  order  to  ease  the  fall,  and  to  convey  the  idea  that  s=
ome  of  the  theaters=20
patronized  the  Herald,  and  perhaps  hoping  by  praising  these  manage=
rs  to  draw=20


t=20

256  BENNETT  AND  THE   HERALD.=20

them  back  again,  and  so  to  nullify  the  agreement  of  the  Associat=
ion  in  regard  to=20
the  Herald.  Thereupon,  the  managers  headed  their  advertisements  in =
 all  the=20
other  New  York  papers  with  the  line,  "This  establishment  does  not=
  advertise  in=20
the  New  York  Herald,"  and  for  many  months  this  announcement  was  =
kept  at  the=20
top  of  every  theatrical  advertisement  and  on  the  posters  and  play=
bills.=20

The  Herald  then  began  to  abuse  and  villif  y  the  theatrical  and  =
opera  managers,=20
their  artists  and  their  performances,  and  by  way  of  contrast  prof=
usely  praised=20
Tony  Pastor's  Bowery  show,  and  sundry  entertainments  of  a  similar =
 character,=20
which  of  course  was  well  understood  by  the  public  and  relished  a=
ccordingly.=20
Meanwhile,  the  first-class  theaters  prospered  amazingly  under  the  a=
buse  of  Ben-=20
nett. Their  receipts  were  never  larger,  and  their  houses  never  mor=
e  thronged.=20
The  public  took  sides  in  the  matter  with  the  managers  and  agains=
t  the  Herald,=20
and  thousands  of  people  went  to  the  theaters  merely  to  show  thei=
r  willingness=20
to  support  the  managers  and  to  spite  "Old  Bennett."  The  editor  w=
as  fairly=20
caught  in  his  own  trap;  other  journals  began  to  estimate  the  los=
s  the  Herald  sus-=20
tained by  the  action  of  the  managers,  and  it  was  generally  believ=
ed  that  this  loss-=20
in  advertising  and  job  printing  was  not  less  than  from  $75,000  t=
o  $100,000  a  year.=20
The  Herald's  circulation  also  suffered  terribly,  since  hundreds  of =
 people,  at  the=20
hotels  and  elsewhere,  who  were  accustomed  to  buy  the  paper  solely=
  for  the  sake=20
of  seeing  what  amusements  were  announced  for  the  evening,  now  bou=
ght  other=20
papers.  This  was  the  hardest  blow  of  all,  and  it  fully  accounted=
  for  the  abuse=20
which  the  Herald  daily  poured  out  upon  the  theaters.=20

Bennett  evidently  felt  ashamed  of  the  whole  transaction;  he  would =
 never=20
publish  the  facts  in  his  columns,  though  he  once  stated  in  an  e=
ditorial  that  it  had=20
been  reported  that  he  had  been  cheated  in  purchasing  the  Broadway=
  property;=20
that  the  case  had  gone  to  court,  and  the  public  would  soon  know=
  all  the  particu-=20
lars. Some  persons  supposed  by  this  that  Bennett  had  sued  me;  but=
  this  was  far=20
from  being  the  case.  The  owner  of  the  lots  sued  Bennett,  to  com=
pel  him  to  take=20
the  title  and  pay  for  the  property  as  per  agreement;  and  that  w=
as  all  the  "law '-=20
there  was  about  it.  He  held  James  Gordon  Bennett's  bond,  that  he=
  would  pay=20
him  half  a  million  of  dollars  for  the  land,  as  follows:  $100,000=
  cash,  and  a  bond=20
and  mortgage  upon  the  premises  for  the  remaining  $400,000.  The  da=
y  before  the=20
suit  was  to  come  to  trial,  Bennett  came  forward,  took  the  deed, =
 and  paid  $100,000=20
cash,  and  gave  a  bond  and  mortgage  of  the  entire  premises  for  $=
400,000.=20

Had  I  really  taken  back  the  lease  as  Bennett  desired,  he  would  =
have  been  in  a=20
worse  scrape  than  ever;  for  having  been  compelled  to  take  the  pr=
operty,  he  would=20
have  been  obliged,  as  my  landlord,  to  go  on  and  assist  in  build=
ing  a  Museum  for=20
me,  according  to  the  terms  of  my  lease,  and  a  Museum  I  should  =
certainly  have=20
built  on  Bennett's  property,  even  if  I  had  owned  a  dozen  Museums=
  up  town.=20

In  the  autumn  of  1868,  the  associated  managers  came  to  the  concl=
usion  that  the=20
punishment  of  Bennett  for  two  years  was  sufficient,  and  they  cons=
ented  to  restore=20
their  advertisements  to  the  Herald,  I  was  then  carrying  on  my  ne=
w  Museum,=20
and  although  I  did  not  immediately  resume  advertising  in  the  Hera=
ld,  I  have=20
since  done  so.=20

Mr.  Bennett  died  in  1872.  In  these  pages  I  have  not  been  sparin=
g  of  criticism=20
upon  his  business  plans  and  schemes,  but  cannot  forbear  acknowledg=
ment  of  the=20
extraordinary  talent  and  tact  of  this  great  journalist.  By  enterpr=
ise  and  energy=20
he  attained  a  world-wide  reputation  and  a  fortune  of  large  propor=
tions.  Let=20
personal  conflicts  be  buried  in  forgiving  forgetfulness.=20


CHAPTER    XLII.=20

PUBLIC    LECTURING.=20

DURING  the  summer  of  1866,  Mr.  Edwin  L.  Brown,  Corresponding  Secr=
etary=20
of  the  "Associated  Western  Literary  Societies,"  opened  a  correspond=
ence  with=20
me  relative  to  delivering,  in  the  ensuing  season,  my  lecture  on  =
"Success  in  Life,"=20
before  some  sixty  lyceums,  Young  Men's  Christian  Associations,  and =
 Literary=20
Societies  belonging  to  the  union  which  Mr.  Brown  represented.  The =
 scheme=20
embraced  an  extended  tour  through  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illi=
nois,  Wis-=20
consin, Missouri  and  Iowa,  and  I  was  to  receive  one  hundred  dolla=
rs  for  every=20
repetition  of  my  lecture,  with  all  my  traveling  expenses  on  the- =
route.  Agreeing=20
to  these  terms,  I  commenced  the  engagement  at  the  appointed  time,=
  and,  averag-=20
ing five  lectures  a  week,  I  finished  the  prescribed  round  just  be=
fore  New  Year's.=20
Before  beginning  this  engagement,  however,  I  gave  the  lecture  for =
 other=20
associations  at  Wheeling,  Virginia,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  Louisville=
,  Kentucky.=20
I  also  delivered  the  lecture  in  Chicago,  for  Professor  Eastman,  w=
ho  at  that  time=20
had  one  of  his  Business  Colleges  in  that  city.  He  engaged  the  c=
elebrated  Crosby=20
Opera  House  for  the  occasion,  and  I  think,  with  perhaps  two  exce=
ptions,  I  never=20
spoke  before  so  large  and  intelligent  an  audience  as  was  there  a=
ssembled.  It  was=20
estimated  that  from  five  to  six  thousand  ladies  and  gentlemen  wer=
e  gathered  in=20
that  capacious  building;  and  nearly  as  many  more  went  away  unable=
  to  obtain=20
admission.  I  was  glad  to  observe  by  the  action  of  the  audience, =
 and  by  th<*=20
journals  of  the  following  day,  that  my  efforts  on  that  occasion  =
were  satisfactory.=20
Indeed,  though  it  is  necessarily  egotistical,  I  may  truly  say  tha=
t  with  this  lecture=20
I  always  succeeded  in  pleasing  my  hearers.  I  may  add,  that  I  ha=
ve  invariably,=20
as  a  rule,  devoted  to  charitable  purposes  every  penny  I  ever  rec=
eived  for  lectur-=20
ing, except  while  I  was  under  the  great  Jerome  Clock  cloud  in  En=
gland,  when  I=20
needed  all  I  could  earn.=20

My  western  tour  was  delightful ;  indeed  it  was  almost  an  ovation.=
  I  found,  in=20
fact,  that  when  I  had  strayed  so  far  from  home,  the  curiosity  e=
xhibitor  himself=20
became  quite  a  curiosity.  On  several  occasions,  in  Iowa,  I  was  i=
ntroduced  to=20
ladies  and  gentlemen,  who  had  driven  thirty  miles  in  carriages  to=
  hear  me.  I=20
insisted,  however,  that  it  was  more  to  see  than  to  hear;  and  I =
 asked  them  if  that=20
was  not  really  the  case.  In  several  instances  they  answered  in  t=
he  affirmative.=20
In  fact,  one  quaint  old  lady  said:  "Why,  to  tell  you  the  truth,=
  Mr.  Barnum,  we=20
have  read  so  much  about  you,  and  your  Museum  and  your  queer  car=
ryings-on,=20
that  we  were  not  quite  sure  but  you  had  horns  and  cloven  feet, =
 and  so  we  came=20
to  satisfy  our  curiosity;  but,  la,  me!  I  don't  see  but  what  you=
  look  a  good  deal=20
like  other  folks,  after  all."=20

On  my  tour,  in  attempting  to  make  the  connection  from  Cleveland, =
 Ohio,  to=20
Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  via  Toledo,  I  arrived  at  the  latter  city  at=
  one  o'clock  P.  M.,=20
which  was  about  two  hours  too  late  to  catch  the  train  in  time  =
for  the  hour=20
announced  for  my  lecture  that  evening.  I  went  to  Mr.  Andrews,  th=
e  superin-=20
tendent of  the  Toledo,  Wabash  and  Western  Railway,  and  told  him  I=
  wanted  to=20
hire  a  locomotive  and  car  to  run  to  Fort  Wayne,  as  I  must  be  =
there  at  eight=20
o'clock  at  night.=20

257=20


258  PUBLIC  LECTURING.=20

"  It  is  an  impossibility,"  said  Mr.  Andrews  ;  "  the  distance  is=
  ninety-four  miles=20
and  no  train  leaves  here  till  morning.  The  road  is  much  occupied=
  by  freight=20
trains,  and  we  never  run  extra  trains  in  this  part  of  the  count=
ry,  unless  the=20
necessity  is  imperative."=20

I  suppose  I  looked  astonished,  as  well  as  chagrined.  I  knew  that=
  if  I  missed=20
lecturing  in  Fort  Wayne  that  evening,  I  could  not  appoint  another=
  time  for  that=20
purpose,  for  every  night  was  engaged  during  the  next  two  months. =
 I  also  felt=20
that  a  large  number  of  persons  in  Fort  Wayne  would  be  disappoint=
ed,  and  I  grew=20
desperate.  Drawing  my  wallet  from  my  pocket,  I  said:=20

"  I  will  give  two  hundred  dollars,  and  even  more,  if  you  say  s=
o,  to  be  put  into=20
Fort  Wayne  before  eight  o'clock  to-night;  and,  really,  I  hope  you=
  will  accommo-=20
date me  "=20

The  superintendent  looked  me  thoroughly  over  in  half  a  minute,  an=
d  I  fancied=20
he  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  I  was  a  burglar,  a  counterf =
 eiter,  or  something=20
worse,  fleeing  from  justice.  My  surmise  was  confirmed,  when  he  sl=
owly=20
remarked :=20

"Your  business  must  be  very  pressing,  sir."=20

"It  is  indeed,"  I  replied;  "  I  am  Barnum,  the  Museum  man,  and  =
am  engaged=20
to  speak  in  Fort  Wayne  to-night."=20

He  evidently  did  not  catch  the  whole  of  my  response,  for  he  imm=
ediately  said.=20

"  Oh,  it  is  a  show,  eh?    Where  is  old  Barnum  himself  ? "=20

"I  am  Barnum,"  I  replied,  "and  it  is  a  lecture  which  I  am  adve=
rtised  to  give=20
to-night;  and  I  would  not  disappoint  the  people  for  anything."=20

"Is  this  P.  T.  Barnum?"  said  the  superintendent,  starting  to  his =
 feet.=20

"  I  am  sorry  to  say  it  is,"  I  replied.=20

"Well,  Mr.  Barnum,"  said  he,  earnestly,  "if  you  can  stand  it  to =
 ride  to  Fort=20
Wayne  in  the  caboose  of  a  freight  train,  your  well-established  re=
putation  for=20
punctuality  in  keeping  your  engagements  shall  not  suffer  on  accoun=
t  of  the  Toledo,=20
Wabash  and  Western  Raijroad."=20

"  Caboose  1 "  said  I,  with  a  laugh,  "  I  would  ride  to  Fort  Wa=
yne  astride  of  the=20
engine,  or  boxed  up  and  stowed  away  in  a  freight  car,  if  necess=
ary,  in  order  to=20
meet  my  engagement."=20

A  freight  train  was  on  the  point  of  starting  for  Fort  Wayne;  al=
l  the  cars  were=20
at  once  ordered  to  be  switched  off,  except  two,  which  the  superi=
ntendent  said  were=20
necessary  to  balance  the  train;  the  freight  trains  on  the  road  w=
ere  telegraphed  to=20
clear  the  track,  and  the  polite  superintendent,  pointing  to  the  c=
aboose,  invited  me=20
to  step  in.  I  drew  out  my  pocket-book  to  pay,  but  he  smilingly =
 shook  his  head,=20
and  said:  "You  have  a  through  ticket  from  Cleveland  to  Fort  Wayn=
e;  hand  it=20
to  the  freight  agent  on  your  arrival,  and  all  will  be  right."*=
=20

The  excited  state  of  mind  which  I  had  suffered  while  under  the  =
impression  that=20
the  audience  in  Fort  Wayne  must  be  disappointed,  now  changed,  and=
  I  felt  as=20
happy  as  a  king.  In  fact,  I  enjoyed  a  new  sensation  of  imperial=
  superiority,  in=20
that  I  was  "monarch  of  all  I  surveyed,"  emperor  of  my  own  train=
,  switching=20
all  other  trains  from  the  main  track,  and  making  conductors  all  =
along  the  line=20
wonder  what  grand  mogul  had  thus  taken  complete  possession  and  co=
ntrol  of=20
the  road.  Indeed,  as  we  sped  past  each  train,  which  stood  quietl=
y  on  a  side=20
track  waiting  for  us  to  pass,  I  could  not  help  smiling  at  the  =
glances  of  excited=20
curiosity  which  were  thrown  into  our  car  by  the  agent  and  brakem=
an  of  the=20
train  which  had  been  so  peremptorily  ordered  to  clear  the  track :=
  and  always  step-=20

=E2=80=A2See  Illustration,  page  252.=20


PUBLIC   LECTURING.  259=20

ping  at  the  caboose  door,  I  raised  my  hat,  receiving  in  return  =
an  almost  rev-=20
erent salute,  which  the  occupants  of  the  waiting  train  thought  due=
,  no  doubt,  to=20
the  distinguished  person  for  whom  they  were  ordered  by  special  te=
legram  to=20
to  make  way.=20

I  now  began  to  reflect  that  the  Fort  Wayne  lecture  committee,  up=
on  discover-=20
ing that  I  did  not  arrive  by  the  regular  passenger  train,  would  =
not  expect  me  at=20
all,  and  that  probably  they  might  issue  small  bills  announcing  my=
  failure  tc=20
arrive.  I  therefore  prepared  the  following  telegram  which  I  despat=
ched  to  them=20
on  our  arrival  at  Napoleon,  the  first  station  at  which  we  stoppe=
d:=20

Lecture  Committee,  Fort  Wayne :  Rest  perfectly  tranquil.  I  am  to  =
be  delivered  at  Fort=20
Wayne  by  con  tract  by  half-past  seven  o'clock =E2=80=94 special  tra=
in.=20

At  the  same  station  I  received  a  telegram  from  Mr.  Andrews,  the =
 superintend-=20
ent, asking  me  how  I  liked  the  caboose.  I  replied  :=20

The  springs  of  the  caboose  are  softer  than  down  ;  I  am  as  happ=
y  as  a  clam  at  high -water:=20
I  am  being  carried  towards  Fort  Wayne  in  a  style  never  surpassed=
  by  Caesar's  triumphal=20
march  into  Rome.  Hurrah  for  the  Toledo  and  Wabash  Railroad  !=20

At  the  invitation  of  the  engineer,  I  took  a  ride  of  twenty  mile=
s  upon  the  loco-=20
motive. It  fairly  made  my  head  swim.  I  could  not  reconcile  my  mi=
nd  to  the=20
idea  that  there  was  no  danger;  and  intimating  to  the  engineer  th=
at  it  would  be  a=20
relief  to  get  where  I  could  not  see  ahead,  I  was  permitted  to  =
crawl  back  again  to=20
the  caboose.=20

I  reached  Fort  "Wayne  in  ample  time  for  the  lecture ;  and  as  th=
e  committee  had=20
discreetly  kept  to  themselves  the  fact  of  my  non-arrival  by  the  =
regular  train,=20
probably  not  a  dozen  persons  were  aware  of  the  trouble  I  had  ta=
ken  to  f ulfUl  my=20
engagement,  till  in  the  course  of  my  lecture,  under  the  head  of =
 "perseverance,"  I=20
recounted  my  day's  adventures,  as  an  illustration  of  exercising  th=
at  quality  when=20
real  necessity  demanded.  The  Fort  Wayne  papers  of  the  next  day  p=
ublished=20
accounts  of  "Barnum  on  a  Locomotive,"  and  "A  Journey  in  a  Caboos=
e;"  and,=20
as  I  always  had  an  eye  to  advertising,  these  articles  were  sent =
 marked  to  news-=20
papers in  towns  and  cities  where  I  was  to  lecture,  and  of  course=
  were  copied =E2=80=94=20
thus  producing  the  desired  effects,  first,  of  informing  the  public=
  that  the  "  show-=20
man "  was  coming,  and  next,  assuring  the  lecture  committee  that  B=
arnum  would=20
be  punctually  on  hand  as  advertised,  unless  prevented  by  "  circum=
stances  over=20
which  he  had  no  control"=20

The  managers  of  railroads  running  west  from  Chicago,  pretty  rigidl=
y  enforce=20
a  rule  excluding  from  certain  reserved  cars,  all  gentlemen  traveli=
ng  without=20
ladies.  As  I  do  not  smoke  I  avoided  the  smoking  cars;  and  as  t=
he  ladies'  car  was=20
sometimes  more  select  and  always  more  comfortable  than  the  other  =
cars,  I  tried=20
various  expedients  to  smuggle  myself  in.  If  I  saw  a  lady  about  =
to  enter  the  car=20
alone,  I  followed  closely,  hoping  thus  to  elude  the  vigilance  of =
 the  brakeman,=20
who  generally  acts  as  door-keeper.  But  the  car  Cerberus  is  pretty=
  well  up  to  all=20
such  dodges,  and  I  did  not  always  succeed.  One  one  occasion,  see=
ing  a  young=20
couple,  evidently  just  married,  and  starting  on  a  bridal  tour,  ab=
out  to  enter  the=20
car,  I  followed  closely,  but  was  stopped  by  the  door-keeper,  who =
 called  out:=20

"How  many  gentlemen  are  with  this  lady."=20

I  have  always  noticed  that  young,  newly-married  people,  are  very  =
fond  of  say-=20
ing "  my  husband  "  and  "  my  wife; "  they  are  new  terms  which  s=
ound  pleasantly=20
to  the  ears  of  those  who  utter  them;  so,  in  answer  to  the  pere=
mptory  inquiry  of=20
the  door-keeper,  the  bridegroom  promptly  responded  :=20


260  PUBLIC   LECTURING.=20

"  I  am  this  lady's  husband."=20

"  And  I  guess  you  can  see  by  the  resemblance  between  the  lady  =
and  myself,"=20
said  I  to  Cerberus,  "  that  I  am  her  father."=20

The  astounded  husband  and  the  blushing  bride  were  too  much  "taken=
  aback"=20
to  deny  their  newly-discovered  parent,  but  the  brakeman  said,  as  =
he  permitted=20
the  young  couple  to  pass  into  the  car:=20

"  We  can't  pass  all  creation  with  one  lady."=20

"  I  hope  you  will  not  deprive  me  of  the  company  of  my  child  d=
uring  the  little=20
time  we  can  remain  together,"  I  said  with  a  demure  countenance.  =
The  brake-=20
man evidently  sympathized  with  the  fond  "parient"  whose  feelings  we=
re=20
sufficiently  lacerated  at  losing  his  daughter,  through  her  finding =
 a  husband,  and  I=20
was  permitted  to  pass.  I  immediately  apologized  to  the  young  brid=
e  and  her  hus-=20
band, and  told  them  who  I  was,  and  my  reasons  for  the  assumed  p=
aternity,  and=20
they  enjoyed  the  joke  so  heartily  that  they  called  me  "  father  =
"  during  our  entire=20
journey  together.  Indeed,  the  husband  privately  and  slyly  hinted  t=
o  me  that=20
the  first  boy  should  be  christened  "  P.  T."=20

I  fulfilled  my  entire  engagement,  which  covered  the  lecturing  seas=
on,  and=20
returned  to  New  York  greatly  pleased  with  my  western  tour.  Public=
  lecturing=20
was  by  no  means  a  new  experience  with  me;  for,  apart  from  my  l=
abors  in  that=20
direction  in  England,  and  occasional  addresses  before  literary  and =
 agricultural=20
associations  at  home,  I  had  been  prominently  in  the  field  for  ma=
ny  years,  as  a=20
lecturer  on  temperance.  My  attention  was  turned  to  this  subject  i=
n  the  following=20
manner:=20

In  the  fall  of  1847,  while  exhibiting  General  Tom  Thumb  at  Sarat=
oga  Springs,=20
where  the  New  York  State  Fair  was  then  being  held,  I  saw  so  mu=
ch  intoxication=20
among  men  of  wealth  and  intellect,  filling  the  highest  positions  =
in  society,  that  I=20
began  to  ask  myself  the  question,  What  guarantee  is  there  that  /=
  may  not  become=20
a  drunkard  ?  and  I  forthwith  pledged  myself  at  that  time  never  =
again  to  partake=20
of  any  kind  of  spirituous  liquors  as  a  beverage.  True,  I  continu=
ed  to  partake  of=20
wine,  for  I  had  been  instructed,  in  my  European  tour,  that  this =
 was  one  of  the=20
innocent  and  charming  indispensables  of  life.  I  however  regarded  m=
yself  as  a=20
good  temperance  man,  and  soon  began  to  persuade  my  friends  to  re=
frain  from  the=20
intoxicating  cup.  Seeing  need  of  reform  in  Bridgeport,  I  invited  =
my  friend,=20
the  Reverend  Doctor  E.  H.  Chapin,  to  visit  us,  for  the  purpose  =
of  giving  a  public=20
temperance  lecture.  I  had  never  heard  him  on  that  subject,  but  I=
  knew  that  on=20
whatever  topic  he  spoke,  he  was  as  logical  as  he  was  eloquent.=
=20

He  lectured  in  the  Baptist  church  in  Bridgeport.  His  subject  was =
 presented  in=20
three  divisions:  The  liquor-seller,  the  moderate  drinker,  and  the  =
indifferent  man.=20
It  happened,  therefore,  that  the  second,  if  not  the  third  clause =
 of  the  subject,  had=20
a  special  bearing  upon  me  and  my  position.  The  eloquent  gentleman=
  overwhelm-=20
ingly proved  that  the  so-called  respectable  liquor-seller,  in  his  s=
plendid  saloon  or=20
hotel  bar,  and  who  sold  only  to  "  gentlemen,"  inflicted  much  gre=
ater  injury  upon=20
the  community  than  a  dozen  common  groggeries =E2=80=94 which  he  abu=
ndantly  illus-=20
trated. He  then  took  up  the  "  moderate  drinker,"  and  urged  that  =
he  was  the=20
great  stumbling-block  to  the  temperance  reform.  He  it  was,  and  no=
t  the  drunk-=20
ard in  the  ditch,  that  the  young  man  looked  at  as  an  example  wh=
en  he  took  his=20
first  glass.  That  when  the  drunkard  was  asked  to  sign  the  pledge=
,  he  would  reply,=20
"  Why  should  I  do  so  ?  What  harm  can  there  be  in  drinking,  wh=
en  such  men  as=20
respectable  Mr.  A,  and  moral  Mr.  B  drink  wine  under  their  own  r=
oof  J "  He=20
urged  that  the  higher  a  man  stood  in  the  community,  the  greater =
 was  his  influ-=20
ence either  for  good  or  for  eviL  He  said  to  the  moderate  drinker=
:  "Sir,  yon=20


PUBLIC    LECTUKING.  261=20

either  do  or  you  do  not  consider  it  a  privation  and  a  sacrifice=
  to  give  up  drinking.=20
Which  is  it  ?  If  you  say  that  you  can  drink  or  let  it  alone, =
 that  you  can  quit  it=20
forever  without  considering  it  a  self-denial,  then  I  appeal  to  yo=
u  as  a  man,  to  do=20
it  for  the  sake  of  your  suffering  fellow-beings."  He  further  argu=
ed  that  if  it  was=20
a  self-denial  to  give  up  wine-drinking,  then  certainly  the  man  sh=
ould  stop,  for  he=20
was  in  danger  of  becoming  a  drunkard.=20

What  Doctor  Chapin  said  produced  a  deep  impression  upon  my  mind, =
 and,  after=20
a  night  of  anxious  thought,  I  rose  in  the  morning,  took  my  cham=
pagne  bottles,=20
knocked  off  their  heads,  and  poured  their  contents  upon  the  groun=
d.  I  then  called=20
upon  Doctor  Chapin,  asked  him  for  the  teetotal  pledge,  and  signed=
  it.  He  was=20
greatly  surprised  in  discovering  that  I  was  not  already  a  teetota=
ler.  He  supposed=20
such  was  the  case,  from  the  fact  that  1  had  invited  him  to  lec=
ture,  and  he  little=20
thought,  at  the  time  of  his  delivering  it,  that  his  argument  to =
 the  moderate=20
drinker  was  at  all  applicable  to  me.  I  felt  that  I  had  now  a  =
duty  to  perform =E2=80=94 to=20
save  others,  as  I  had  been  saved,  and  on  the  very  morning  when =
 I  signed  the=20
pledge,  I  obtained  over  twenty  signatures  in  Bridgeport.  I  talked =
 temperance  to=20
all  whom  I  met,  and  very  soon  commenced  lecturing  upon  the  subje=
ct  in  the=20
adjacent  towns  and  villages.  I  spent  the  entire  winter  and  spring=
  of  1851-2  in=20
lecturing  free,  through  my  native  State,  always  traveling  at  my  o=
wn  expense,=20
and  I  was  glad  to  know  that  I  aroused  many  hundreds,  perhaps  th=
ousands,  to  the=20
importance  of  the  temperance  reform.  I  also  lectured  frequently  in=
  the  cities  of=20
New  York  and  Philadelphia,  as  well  as  in  other  towns  in  the  nei=
ghboring  States.=20

While  in  Boston  with  Jenny  Land,  I  was  earnestly  solicited  to  de=
liver  two  tem-=20
perance lectures  in  the  Tremont  Temple,  where  she  gave  her  concert=
s.  I  did  so;=20
and  though  an  admission  fee  was  charged  for  the  benefit  of  a  be=
nevolent  society,=20
the  building  on  each  occasion  was  crowded.  In  the  course  of  my  =
tour  with=20
Jenny  Land,  I  was  frequently  solicited  to  lecture  on  temperance  o=
n  evenings=20
when  she  did  not  sing.  I  always  complied  when  it  was  in  my  pow=
er.  In  this=20
way  I  lectured  in  Baltimore,  Washington,  Charleston,  New  Orleans,  =
Cincinnati,=20
St.  Louis,  and  other  cities,  also  in  the  ladies'  saloon  of  the  =
steamer  Lexing-=20
ton, on  Sunday  morning.  In  August,  1853,  I  lectured  in  Cleveland, =
 Ohio,  and=20
several  other  towns,  and  afterwards  in  Chicago,  Illinois,  and  in  =
Kenosha,  Wis-=20
consin. An  election  was  to  be  held  in  Wisconsin  in  October,  and  =
the  friends=20
of  prohibition  in  that  State  solicited  my  services  for  the  ensuin=
g  month,  and  I=20
could  not  refuse  them.  I  therefore  hastened  home  to  transact  some=
  business=20
which  required  my  presence  for  a  few  days,  and  then  returned,  an=
d  lectured  on=20
my  way  in  Toledo,  Norwalk,  Ohio,  and  Chicago,  Dlinois.  I  made  th=
e  tour  of  the=20
State  of  Wisconsin,  delivering  two  free  lectures  per  day,  for  fou=
r  consecutive=20
weeks,  to  crowded  and  attentive  audiences.=20

My  lecture  in  New  Orleans,  when  I  was  in  that  city,  was  in  the=
  great  Lyceum=20
Hall,  in  St.  Charles  street,  and  I  lectured  by  the  invitation  of=
  Mayor  Grossman,=20
and  several  other  influential  gentlemen.  The  immense  hall  contained=
  more  than=20
three  thousand  auditors,  including  the  most  respectable  portion  of =
 the  New=20
Orleans  public.  I  was  in  capital  humor,  and  had  warmed  myself  in=
to  a  pleasant=20
state  of  excitement,  feeling  that  the  audience  was  with  me.  While=
  in  the  midst=20
of  an  argument  illustrating  the  poisonous  and  destructive  nature  o=
f  alcohol  to=20
ihe  animal  economy,  .some  opponent  called  out,  "How  does  it  affec=
t  us,  exter-=20
nally or  internally  ? "=20

".S-ternally,"  I  replied.=20


PUBLIC    LECTURING.=20

I  have  scarcely  ever  heard  more  tremendous  merriment  than  that  wh=
ich  fol=20
lowed  this  reply,  and  the  applause  was  so  prolonged  that  it  was =
 some  minutes=20
before  I  could  proceed.=20

On  the  first  evening  when  I  lectured  in  Cleveland,  Ohio  (it  was =
 in  the  Baptist=20
church),  I  commenced  in  this  wise:  "  If  there  are  any  ladies  or=
  gentlemen  present=20
who  have  never  suffered  in  consequence  of  the  use  of  intoxicating=
  drinks  as  a=20
beverage,  either  directly  or  in  the  person  of  a  dear  relative  or=
  friend,  I  will  thank=20
them  to  rise."  A.man  with  a  tolerably  glowing  countenance  arose.  =
"  Had  you=20
never  a  friend  who  was  intemperate  ? "  I  asked.=20
. "  Never  1 "  was  the  positive  reply.=20

A  giggle  ran  through  the  opposition  portion  of  the  audience.  "  R=
eally,  my=20
friends,"  I  said,  "  I  feel  constrained  to  make  a  proposition  whi=
ch  I  did  not  antici-=20
pate. I  am,  as  you  are  all  aware,  a  showman,  and  I  am  always  o=
n  the  look-out=20
for  curiosities.  This  gentleman  is  a  stranger  to  me,  but  if  he  =
will  satisfy  me  to-=20
morrow morning  that  he  is  a  man  of  credibility,  and  that  no  frie=
nd  of  his  was=20
ever  intemperate,  I  will  be  glad  to  engage  him  for  ten  weeks  at=
  $200  per  week,  to=20
exhibit  him  in  my  American  Museum  in  New  York,  as  the  greatest  =
curiosity  in=20
this  country."=20

A  laugh  that  was  a  laugh  followed  this  announcement.=20

"They  may  laugh,  but  it  is  a  fact,"  persisted  my  opponent,  with =
 a  look  of=20
dogged  tenacity.=20

The  gentleman  still  insists  that  it  is  a  fact,"  I  replied.  "  I =
 would  like,  there-=20
fore, to  make  one  simple  qualification  to  my  offer;  I  made  it  on=
  the  supposition=20
that,  at  some  period  of  his  lif e,  he  had  friends.  Now,  if  he  =
never  had  any  friends,=20
I  withdraw  my  offer;  otherwise,  I  will  stick  to  it."=20

This,  and  the  shout  of  laughter  that  ensued,  was  too  much  for  t=
he  gentleman,=20
and  he  sat  down.  I  noticed  throughout  my  speech  that  he  paid  st=
rict  attention,=20
and  frequently  indulged  in  a  hearty  laugh.  At  the  close  of  the  =
lecture  he=20
approached  me,  and,  extending  his  hand,  which  I  readily  accepted, =
 he  said,  "  I  was=20
particularly  green  in  rising  to-night.  Having  once  stood  up,  I  wa=
s  determined=20
not  to  be  put  down,  but  your  last  remark  fixed  me  !"  He  then  =
complimented=20
me  very  highly  on  the  reasonableness  of  my  arguments,  and  declare=
d  that  ever=20
afterwards  he  would  be  found  on  the  side  of  temperance.=20

I  have  lectured  in  Montreal,  Canada,  and  many  towns  and  cities  i=
n  the  United=20
States,  at  my  own  expense.  One  of  the  greatest  consolations  I  no=
w  enjoy  is  that=20
of  believing  I  have  carried  happiness  to  the  bosom  of  many  a  fa=
mily.  In  the=20
course  of  my  life  I  have  written  much  for  newspapers,  on  various=
  subjects,  and=20
always  with  earnestness,  but  in  none  of  these  have  I  felt  so  de=
ep  an  interest  as  in=20
that  of  the  temperance  reform.  Were  it  not  for  this  fact,  I  sho=
uld  be  reluctant=20
to  mention  that,  besides  numerous  articles  for  the  daily  and  week=
ly  press,  I  wrot=C2=BB-=20
a  little  tract  on  "  The  Liquor  Business,"  which  expresses  my  pra=
ctical  view  of=20
the  use  and  traffic  in  intoxicating  drinks.  In  every  one  of  my  =
temperance  lee=20
tures  since  the  beginning  of  the  year  1869,  I  have  regularly  rea=
d  the  following=20
report,  made  by  Mr.  T.  T.  Cortis,  Overseer  of  the  Poor  in  Vinel=
and,  New  Jersey :=20

Though  we  have  a  population  of  10,000  people,  for  the  period  of =
 six  months  no  settler  or=20
citizen  of  Vineland  has  required  relief  at  my  hands  as  overseer  =
of  the  poor.  Within  sev-=20
enty days,  there  has  only  been  one  case  among  what  we  call  the  =
flpating  population,  at  the=20
expense  of  $4.00.  During  the  entire  year,  there  has  only  been  bu=
t  one  indictment,  and  that=20
a  trifling  case  of  assault  and  battery,  among  our  colored  populat=
ion.  So  few  are  the  fires=20
in  Vineiand,  that  we  have  no  need  of  a  fire  department.  There  h=
as  only  been  one  house=20
burnt  down  in  a  year,  and  two  slight  fires,  which  were  soon  put=
  out.  \Ve  practically  have=20
no  debt,  and  our  taxes  are  only  one  per  cent  on  the  valuation. =
 The  police  expenses  of=20
Vine'and  amount  to  $75.00  per  year,  the  sum  paid  to  me:  and  our=
  poor  expenses  a  mere=20


PUBLIC   LECTURING.  2G3=20

trifle.  I  ascribe  this  remarkable  state  of  things,  so  nearly  appr=
oaching  the  golden  age,  to=20
the  industry  of  our  people,  and  the  absence  of  King  Alcohol.  Let=
  me  give  you,  in  contrast=20
to  this,  the  state  of  things  in  the  town  from  which  I  came,  in=
  New  England.  The  popula-=20
tion of  the  town  was  9,500 =E2=80=94 a  little  less  than  that  of  V=
ineland.  It  maintained  forty  liquor=20
shops.  These  kept  busy  a  police  judge,  city  marshal,  assistant  ma=
rshal,  four  night  watch-=20
men, six  policemen.  Fires  were  almost  continual.  That  small  place  =
maintained  a  paid  fire=20
department,  of  four  companies,  of  forty  men  each,  at  an  expense  =
of  $3,000.00  per  annum.  I=20
belonged  to  this  department  for  six  years,  and  the  fires  averaged=
  about  one  every  two=20
weeks,  and  mostly  incendiary.  The  support  of  the  poor  cost  $2,500=
.00  per  annum.  The=20
debt  of  the  township  was  $120,000.00.  The  condition  of  things  in =
 this  New  England  town=20
is  as  favorable  in  that  country  as  that  of  many  other  places  wh=
ere  liquor  is  sold.=20

It  seems  to  me  that  there  is  an  amount  of  overwhelming  testimony=
  and  unan-=20
swerable argument  in  this  one  brief  extract,  that  makes  it  in  its=
elf  one  of  the=20
most  perfect  and  powerful  temperance  lectures  ever  written.=20


CHAPTER    XLII1.=20

THE   NEW    MUSEUM.=20

MY  new  Museum  on  Broadway  was  liberally  patronized  from  the  start=
,  but  1=20
felt  that  still  more  attractions  were  necessary  in  order  to  insur=
e  constant  success.=20
I  therefore  made  arrangements  with  the  renowned  Van  Amburgh  Menage=
rie=20
Company  to  unite  their  entire  collection  of  living  wild  animals  w=
ith  the  Museum.=20
The  new  company  was  known  as  the  "  Baruum  and  Van  Amburgh  Museu=
m  and=20
Menagerie  Company,"  and  as  such  was  chartered  by  the  Connecticut  =
Legislature,=20
the  New  York  Legislature  having  refused  us  a  charter  unless  I  wo=
uld  "see"  the=20
"  ring  "  a  thousand  dollars'  worth,  which  I  declined.  I  owned  f=
orty  per  cent,  and=20
the  Van  Amburgh  Company  held  the  remaining  sixty  per  cent,  in  th=
e  new  enter-=20
prise, which  comprehended  a  large  traveling  menagerie  through  the  c=
ountry  in=20
summer,  and  the  placing  of  the  wild  animals  in  the  Museum  in  wi=
nter.  The=20
capital  of  the  company  was  one  million  of  dollars,  with  the  priv=
ilege  of  doubling=20
the  amount.  As  one  of  the  conditions  of  the  new  arrangement,  it =
 was  stipulated=20
that  I  should  withdraw  from  all  active  personal  attention  to  the =
 Museum,  but=20
should  permit  my  name  to  be  announced  as  General  Manager,  and  I =
 was  also=20
elected  President  of  the  company.=20

Meanwhile,  immense  additions  were  made  to  the  curiosity  departments=
  of  the=20
new  Museum.  Every  penny  of  the  profits  of  this  Museum  and  of  th=
e  two=20
immense  traveling  menageries  of  wild  animals  was  expended  in  procu=
ring  addi-=20
tional attractions  for  our  patrons.  Among  other  valuable  novelties  =
introduced  in=20
this  establishment  was  the  famous  collection  made  by  the  renowned =
 lion-slayer=20
Gordon  Cummings.  This  was  purchased  for  me  by  my  faithful  friend,=
  Mr.=20
George  A.  Wells,  who  was  then  traveling  in  Great  Britain  with  Ge=
neral  Tom=20
Thumb.  The  collection  consisted  of  many  hundreds  of  skins,  tusks, =
 heads  and=20
skeletons  of  nearly  every  species  of  African  animal,  including  num=
erous  rare=20
specimens  never  before  exhibited  on  this  continent.  It  was  a  grea=
t  Museum  in=20
itself,  and  as  such  had  attracted  much  attention  in  London  and  e=
lsewhere,  but  it=20
was  a  mere  addition  to  our  Museum  and  Menagerie;  and  was  exhibit=
ed  without=20
extra  charge  for  admission.=20

The  monthly  returns  made  to  the  United  States  Collector  of  Intern=
al  Revenue=20
for  the  district,  showed  that  our  receipts  were  larger  than  those=
  of  "Wallack's=20
Theater,  Niblo's  Garden,  or  any  other  theater  or  place  of  amuseme=
nt  in  New=20
York,  or  in  America.=20

Anxious  to  gather  curiosities  from  every  quarter  of  the  globe,  I =
 sent  Mr.=20
John  Greenwood,  junior  (who  went  for  me  to  the  isle  of  Cyprus  a=
nd  to  Constan-=20
tinople, in  1864),  on  the  "Quaker  City"  excursion,  which  left  New =
 York,  June=20
8, 1867,  and  returned  in  the  following  November.  During  his  absenc=
e  Mr.  Green-=20
wood traveled  17,735  miles,  and  brought  back  several  interesting  re=
lics  from  the=20
Holy  Land,  which  were  duly  deposited  in  the  Museum.=20

Very  soon  after  entering  upon  the  premises,  I  built  a  new  and  l=
arger  lecture=20
room,  which  was  one  of  the  most  commodious  and  complete  theaters =
 in  New=20
York,  and  I  largely  increased  the  dramatic  company.  Our  collection=
  swelled  so=20

264=20


THE   NEW   MUSEUM.  265=20

rapidly  that  we  were  obliged  to  extend  our  premises  by  the  addit=
ion  of  another=20
building,  forty  by  one  hundred  feet,  adjoining  the  Museum.  This  a=
ddition  gave=20
us  several  new  halls,  which  were  speedily  filled  with  curiosities.=
  The  rapid=20
expansion  of  the  establishment,  and  the  immense  interest  excited  i=
n  the  public=20
mind  led  me  to  consider  a  plan  I  had  long  contemplated,  of  taki=
ng  some  decided=20
steps  towards  the  foundation  of  a  great  free  institution,  which  s=
hould  be  similar=20
to  and  in  some  respects  superior  to  the  British  Museum  in  London=
.  "  The  Bar-=20
num  and  Van  Amburgh  Museum  and  Menagerie  Company,"  chartered  with =
 a=20
capital  of  $2,000,000  had,  in  addition  to  the  New  York  establishm=
ent,  thirty  acres=20
of  land  in  Bridgeport,  whereon  it  was  proposed  to  erect  suitable =
 buildings  and=20
glass  and  wire  edifices  for  breeding  and  acclimating  rare  animals =
 and  birds,  and=20
training  such  of  them  as  were  fit  for  public  performances.  In  ti=
me,  a  new  build  '=20
ing  in  New  York,  covering  a  whole  square,  and  farther  up  town,  =
would  be  needed=20
for  the  mammoth  exhibition,  and  I  was  not  without  hopes  that  I  =
might  be  th=C2=BB=20
means  of  establishing  permanently  in  the  city  an  extensive  zoologi=
cal  garden.=20

It  was  also  my  intention  ultimately  to  make  my  Museum  the  nucleu=
s  of  a  great=20
free  national  institution.  When  the  American  Museum  was  burned,  an=
d  I  turned=20
my  attention  to  the  collection  of  fresh  curiosities,  I  felt  that =
 I  needed  other  assist-=20
ance than  that  of  my  own  agents  in  America  and  Europe.  It  occurr=
ed  to  me=20
that  if  our  government  representatives  abroad  would  but  use  their =
 influence  to=20
secure  curiosities  in  the  respective  countries  to  which  they  were =
 delegated,  a  free=20
public  Museum  might  at  once  be  begun  in  New  York,  and  I  propose=
d  to  offer  a=20
part  of  my  own  establishment  rent-free  for  the  deposit  and  exhibi=
tion  of  such=20
rarities  as  might  be  collected  in  this  way.  Accordingly,  a  week  =
after  the  destruc-=20
tion of  the  American  Museum,  a  memorial  was  addressed  to  the  Pres=
ident  of  the=20
United  States,  asking  him  to  give  his  sanction  to  the  new  effort=
  to  furnish  the=20
means  of  useful  information  and  wholesome  amusement,  and  to  give  =
such  instruc-=20
tions to  public  officers  abroad  as  would  enable  them,  without  any =
 conflict  with=20
their  legitimate  duties,  to  give  efficiency  to  this  truly  national=
  movement  for  the=20
advancement  of  the  public  good,  without  cost  to  the  government.  T=
his  memorial=20
was  dated  July  20,  1865,  and  was  signed  by  Messrs.  E.  D.  Morgan=
,  Moses  Taylor,=20
Abram  Wakeman,  Simeon  Draper,  Moses  H.  Grinnell,  Stephen  Knapp,  Be=
njamin=20
R.  Winthrop,  Charles  Gould,  Wm.  C.  Bryant,  James  Wadsworth,  Tunis =
 W.=20
Quick,  John  A.  Pitldn,  Willis  Gaylord,  Prosper  M.  Wetmore,  Henry  =
Ward=20
Beecher,  and  Horace  Greeley.  This  memorial  was  in  due  time  presen=
ted,  and=20
was  indorsed  as  follows:=20

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C'.,  April  27,  1866.=20

The  purpose  set  forth  in  this  Memorial  IB  highly  approved  and  co=
mmended,  and  our=20
Ministers,  Consuls  and  commercial  agents  are  requested  to  give  wha=
tever  influence  in  car-=20
rying out  the  object  within  stated  they  may  deem  compatible  with  =
the  duties  of  their=20
respective  positions,  and  not  inconsistent  with  the  public  interest=
s.=20

ANDREW  JOHNSON."=20

1  went  to  Washington  myself,  and  had  interviews  with  the  Presiden=
t,  Secre-=20
taries Seward,  McCulloch  and  Welles,  and  also  with  Assistant  Secret=
ary  of  the=20
Navy,  G.  V.  Fox,  who  gave  me  several  muskets  and  other  "rebel  t=
rophies."=20
During  my  stay  at  the  capital  I  had  a  pleasant  interview  with  G=
eneral  Grant,=20
who  told  me  he  had  lately  visited  my  Museum  with  one  of  his  so=
ns,  and  had  been=20
greatly  gratified.  Upon  my  mentioning,  among  other  projects,  that  =
I  had  an=20
idea  of  collecting  the  hats  of  distinguished  individuals,  he  at  o=
nce  offered  to  send=20
an  orderly  for  the  hat  he  had  worn  during  his  principal  campaign=
s.  Ah1  these=20
12=20


266  TI1E    NEW    Ml'SKL'M.=20

gentlemen  cordially  approved  of  my  plan  for  the  establishment  of  =
a  National=20
Museum  in  New  York.=20

But  before  this  plan  could  be  put  into  effective  operation,  an  e=
vent  occurred=20
which  is  now  to  be  narrated:  The  winter  of  1867-68  was  one  of  =
the  coldest  that=20
had  been  known  for  years,  and  some  thirty  severe  snow-storms  occu=
rred  during=20
the  season.  On  Tuesday  morning,  March  3d,  1868,  it  was  bitter  co=
ld.  A  heavy=20
body  of  snow  was  on  the  ground,  and,  as  I  sat  at  the  breakfast=
  table  with  my=20
wife  and  an  esteemed  lady  guest,  the  wife  of  my  excellent  friend=
,  Rev.  A.  C.=20
Thomas,  I  read  aloud  the  general  news  from  the  morning  papers.  L=
eisurely=20
turning  to  the  local  columns,  I  said,  "  Hallo  1  Barnum's  Museum =
 is  burned."=20

"Yes,  said  my  wife,  with  an  incredulous  smile,  "I  suspect  it  is.=
"=20

"It  is  a  fact,"  said  I,  "just  listen;  'Barnum's  Museum  totally  d=
estroyed  by=20
fire.' "=20

This  was  read  so  coolly,  and  I  showed  so  little  excitement,  that=
  both  of  the=20
ladies  supposed  I  was  joking.  My  wife  simply  remarked:=20

"Yes,  it  was  totally  destroyed  two  years  ago,  but  Bamum  built  an=
other  one."=20

"Yes,  and  that  is  burned,"  I  replied;  "now  listen,"  and  I  procee=
ded  very=20
calmly  to  read  the  account  of  the  fire.  Mrs.  Thomas,  still  belie=
ving  from  my=20
manner  that  it  was  a  joke,  stole  slyly  behind  my  chair,  and  loo=
king  over  my=20
shoulder  at  the  newspaper,  she  exclaimed:=20

"  Why,  Mrs.  Bamum,  the  Museum  is  really  burned.  Here  is  the  who=
le  account=20
of  it  in  this  morning's  paper."=20

"  Of  course  it  is,"  I  remarked,  with  a  smile,  "  how  could  you =
 think  I  could  joke=20
on  such  a  serious  subject !"=20

The  papers  of  the  following  morning  contained  full  accounts  of  th=
e  fire  ;  and=20
editorial  writers,  while  manifesting  much  sympathy  for  the  propriet=
ors,  also=20
expressed  profound  regret  that  so  magnificent  a  collection,  especia=
lly  in  the=20
zoological  department,  should  be  lost  to  the  city.=20

The  cold  was  so  intense  that  the  water  froze  almost  as  soon  as =
 it  left  the  hose  of=20
the  fire  engines;  and  when  at  last  everything  was  destroyed,  exce=
pt  the  front=20
granite  wall  of  the  Museum  building,  that  and  the  ladder,  signs, =
 and  lamp-posts=20
in  front,  were  covered  in  a  gorgeous  frame-work  of  transparent  ic=
e,  which  made=20
it  altogether  one  of  the  most  picturesque  scenes  imaginable.  Thous=
ands  of  per-=20
sons congregated  daily  in  that  locality  in  order  to  get  a  view  o=
f  the  magnificent=20
ruins.  By  moonlight,  the  ice-coated  ruins  were  still  more  sublime;=
  and  for  many=20
days  and  nights  the  old  Museum  was  "the  observed  of  all  observer=
s,"  and  pho-=20
tographs were  taken  by  several  artists.*=20

When  the  Museum  was  burnt,  I  was  nearly  ready  to  bring  out  a  n=
ew  spectacle,=20
for  which  a  very  large,  extra  company  had  been  engaged,  and  on  =
which  a  con-=20
siderable sum  of  money  had  been  expended  hi  scenery,  properties,  c=
ostumes,  and=20
especially  in  enlarging  the  stage.  I  had  expended  altogether,  some=
  $78,000  in=20
building  the  new  lecture-room,  and  in  refitting  the  saloons.  The  =
curiosities  were=20
inventoried  by  the  manager,  Mr.  Ferguson,  at  $288,000.  I  bought  t=
he  real  estate=20
only  a  little  while  before  the  tire,  for  $4(30,000,  and  there  wa=
s  an  insurance  on  the=20
whole  of  $160,000;  and  hi  June,  1868,  1  sold  the  lots  on  which =
 the  building  stood,=20
for  $432,000.  The  cause  of  the  fire  was  a  defective  flue  in  the=
  restaurant  hi  the=20
basement  of  the  building.=20

Thus,  by  the  destruction  of  Iranistan  and  two  Museums,  about  a  m=
illion  of=20
dollars'  worth  of  my  property  had  been  destroyed  by  fire,  and  I =
 was  not  now=20
long  in  making  up  my  mind  to  follow  Mr.  Greeley's  advice  on  a  =
former  occasion,=20
to  "  take  this  fire  as  a  notice  to  quit,  and  go  a-fishing/'=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  ;W4.=20


THE    NEW    MUSEUM.  26?=20

I  dissolved  with  the  Van  Amburgh  Company,  and  sold  out  to  them  =
all  my=20
interest  in  the  personal  property  of  the  concern.  I  was  beset  on=
  every  side  to=20
start  another  Museum,  and  men  of  capital  offered  to  raise  a  mill=
ion  of  dollars,  if=20
necessary,  for  that  purpose,  provided  I  would  undertake  its  manage=
ment ;  but  I=20
felt  that  I  had  enough  to  live  on,  and  I  earnestly  believed  the=
  doctrine  laid  down=20
in  my  lecture  on  "  Money-Getting,"  in  regard  to  the  danger  of  l=
eaving  too  much=20
property  to  children.=20

As  I  now  had  something  like  real  leisure  at  my  disposal,  in  the=
  summer  of  1868=20
I  made  my  third  visit  to  the  White  Mountains.  To  me,  the  locali=
ty  and  scene=20
are  ever  fresh  and  ever  wonderful.  From  the  top  of  Mount  Washing=
ton,  one=20
can  see,  on  every  side  within  a  radius  of  forty  miles,  peaks  pi=
led  on  peaks,  with=20
smiling  valleys  here  and  there  between,  and,  on  a  very  clear  day=
,  the  Atlantic=20
Ocean,  off  Portland,  Maine,  is  distinctly  visible =E2=80=94 sixty  mi=
les  away.  Beauty,=20
grandeur,  sublimity,  and  the  satisfaction  of  almost  every  sense  co=
mbine  to  remind=20
one  of  the  ejaculation  of  that  devout  English  soul  who  exclaims: =
 "  Look  around=20
with  pleasure,  and  upward  with  gratitude."=20

At  the  Profile  House,  near  the  Notch,  in  the  Franconia  range,  I =
 met  many=20
acquaintances,  some  of  whom  had  been  there  with  their  families  fo=
r  several=20
weeks.  When  tired  of  scenery-hunting  and  hill-climbing,  and  thrown =
 entirely=20
upon  their  own  resources,  they  had  invented  a  "sell"  which  they  =
perpetrated=20
upon  every  new-comer.  Naturally  enough,  as  I  was  considered  a  cap=
ital  subject=20
for  their  fun,  before  I  had  been  there  half  an  hour  they  had  m=
ade  all  the  arrange-=20
ments to  take  me  in.  The  "  sell "  consisted  in  getting  up  a  foo=
t-race  in  which  all=20
were  to  join,  and  at  the  word  "  go  "  the  contestants  were  to  =
start  and  run  across=20
the  open  space  in  front  of  the  hotel  to  a  fence  opposite,  while=
  the  last  man  who=20
should  touch  the  rail  must  treat  the  crowd.  Of  course,  no  one  t=
ouched  the  rail=20
at  all,  except  the  victim.  I  suspected  no  trick,  but  tried  to  a=
void  the  race,  urging=20
in  excuse,  that  I  was  too  old,  too  corpulent,  and,  besides,  as  =
they  knew,  I  was  a=20
teetotaler  and  would  not  drink  their  liquor.=20

"  Oh,  drink  lemonade,  if  you  like,"  they  said,  "but  no  backing  =
out;  and  as  for=20
corpulence,  here  is  Stephen,  our  old  stage-driver,  who  weighs  thre=
e  hundred,  and=20
he  shall  run  with  the  rest."=20

And,  in  good  truth,  Stephen,  in  a  warm  day  especially,  would  be =
 likely  to=20
"  run  "  with  the  best  of  them;  but  I  did  not  know  then  that  =
Stephen  was  the  stool-=20
pigeon  whom  they  kept  to  entrap  unwary  and  verdant  youths  like  m=
yself  ;  so,=20
looking  at  his  portly  form,  I  at  once  agreed  that  if  Stephen  ra=
n  I  would,  as  1=20
knew  that,  for  a  stout  man,  I  was  pretty  quick  on  my  feet.  Acc=
ordingly  at  the=20
word  "  go,"  I  started  and  ran  as  if  the  traditional  enemy  of  m=
ankind  were  in=20
me  or  after  me,  but,  before  I  had  accomplished  half  the  distance=
,  I  wondered  why=20
at  least,  one  or  two  of  the  crowd  had  not  outstripped  me,  for, =
 in  fact,  Stephen=20
was  the  only  one  whom  I  expected  to  beat.  Looking  back  and  at  =
once  compre-=20
hending the  "sell,"  I  decided  not  to  be  sold.  A  correspondent  of =
 the  New  York=20
Sun  told  how  I  escaped  the  trick  and  the  penalty,  and  how  I  su=
bsequently  paid=20
off  the  tricksters,  in  a  letter  from  which  I  quote  the  following=
 :  *=20

"  Barnum  threw  up  his  hands  before  arriving  at  the  railing,  and =
 did  not  touch  it  at  all  I=20
It  was  acknowledged  on  all  sides  that  the  '  biters  were  bit.'  '=
  But  you  run  well,'  said  those=20
who  intended  the  'sell.'  'Yes,'  replied  Barnum,  in  high  glee,  'I =
 ran  better  than  I  did  for=20
Congress,  but  I  was  not  green  enough  to  touch  the  rail!'  Of  cou=
rse  a  roar  of  laughter=20
followed,  and  the  '  sellers  r  resolved  to  try  the  game  the  next=
  morning  on  some  other  new-=20
comer ;  but  their  luck  had  evidently  deserted  them,  for  the  next =
 man  also  '  smelt  a  rat,'  and,=20
holding  up  his  hunds,  refused  to  touch  the  rail.  The  two  success=
ive  failures  dampened  the=20
ardor  of  the  "  sellers,"  and  they  relinquished  that  trick  as  a  =
bad  job.  But  the  way  Bar-=20
num sold  nearly  the  whole  crowd  of  'sellers,'  in  detail,  on  the  =
following  afternoon,  by  the=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  800.=20


268  THE  NEW   MUSEUM.=20

old  'sliver  trick,'  was  a  caution  to  sore  Rides.  So  much  laughin=
g  In  one  day  was  probably=20
never  before  done  in  that  locality.  One  after  another  succeeded  i=
n  extracting  from  the=20
palm  of  Barnum's  hand  what  each  at  first  supposed  was  a  tormenti=
ng  '  sliver,'  but  which=20
turned  out  to  be  a  *  broom  splinter '  a  foot  long  which  was  hi=
dden  up  B.'s  sleeve,  except=20
the  small  point  which  appeared  from  under  the  end  of  his  thumb, =
 apparently  protruding=20
from  under  the  skin  of  his  palm.  One  '  weak  brother '  nearly  fa=
inUd  as  he  saw  come=20
forth  some  twelve  inches  of  what  he  first  supposed  was  a  '  sliv=
er,'  but  which  he  was  now=20
thoroughly  convinced  was  one  of  the  nerves  from  Barnum's  arm.  Mr.=
  O'Brien,  the  Wall=20
street  banker,  was  the  first  victim.  When  asked  what  he  thought  =
upon  seeing  such  a  long=20
'sliver'  coming  from  Barnum's  hand,  he  solemnly  replied,  '  I  thou=
ght  he  was  a  dead  man!'=20
It  was  acknowledged  by  all  that  Barnum  gave  them  a  world  of  'fa=
n,1  and  that  he  and  his=20
friends  left  the  Profile  House  with  flying  colors."=20


CHAPTER    XLIV.=20

CUKIOUS   COINCIDENCES =E2=80=94 NUMBER  THIBTEEN.=20

lw  the  summer  of  1868,  a  lady,  who  happened  to  be  at  that  time=
  an  inmate  of=20
my  family,  upon  hearing  me  say  that  I  supposed  we  must  remove  i=
nto  our  sum-=20
mer residence  on  Thursday,  because  our  servants  might  not  like  to =
 go  on  Friday,=20
remarked:=20

"  What  nonsense  that  is !  It  is  astonishing  that  some  persons  ar=
e  so  foolish  as=20
to  think  there  is  any  difference  in  the  days.  I  call  it  rank  h=
eathenism  to  be  so=20
superstitious  as  to  think  one  day  is  lucky  and  another  unlucky;" =
 and  then,  in  the=20
most  innocent  manner  possible,  she  added :  "I  would  not  like  to  =
remove  on  a=20
Saturday,  myself,  for  they  say  people  who  remove  on  the  last  day=
  of  the  week=20
don't  stay  long."=20

Of  course  this  was  too  refreshing  a  case  of  undoubted  superstitio=
n  to  be  per-=20
mitted to  pass  without  a  hearty  laugh  from  all  who  heard  it.=20

I  suppose  most  of  us  have  certain  superstitions,  imbibed  in  our  =
youth,  and  still=20
lurking  more  or  less  faintly  in  our  minds.  Many  would  not  like  =
to  acknowledge=20
that  they  had  any  choice  whether  they  commenced  a  new  enterprise =
 on  a  Friday=20
or  on  a  Monday,  or  whether  they  first  saw  the  new  moon  over  th=
e  right  or  left=20
shoulder.  And  yet,  perhaps,  a  large  portion  of  these  same  persons=
  will  be  apt=20
to  observe  it  when  they  happen  to  do  anything  which  popular  supe=
rstition  calls=20
"unlucky."  It  is  a  common  occurrence  with  many  to  immediately  mak=
e  a=20
secret  "wish"  if  they  happen  to  use  the  same  expression  at  the  =
same  moment=20
when  a  friend  with  whom  they  are  conversing  makes  it ;  neverthele=
ss,  these  per-=20
sons would  protest  against  being  considered  superstitious =E2=80=94 in=
deed,  probably  they=20
are  not  so  in  the  full  meaning  of  the  word.=20

Several  years  ago,  an  old  lady,  who  was  a  guest  at  my  house,  r=
emarked  on  a=20
rainy  Sunday:=20

"  This  is  the  first  Sunday  in  the  month,  and  now  it  will  rain =
 every  Sunday  in=20
the  month;  that  is  a  sign  which  never  fails,  for  I  have  noticed=
  it  many  a  time."=20

"Well,"  I  remarked,  smiling,  "watch  closely  this  time,  and  if  it =
 rains  on  the=20
next  three  Sundays,  I  will  give  you  a  new  silk  dress."=20

She  was  in  high  glee,  and  replied:=20

"Well,  you  have  lost  that  dress,  as  sure  as  you  are  born."=20

The  following  Sunday  it  did,  indeed,  rain.=20

"  Ah,  ha  1 "  exclaimed  the  old  lady,  "  what  did  I  tell  you  ? =
 I  knew  it  would=20
rain."=20

I  smiled,  and  said,  "  all  right,  watch  for  next  Sunday."=20

And  surely  enough,  the  next  Sunday  it  did  ram,  harder  than  on  e=
ither  of  the=20
preceding  Sundays.=20

"Now,  what  do  you  think?"  said  the  old  lady,  solemnly.  "I  tell  =
you  that=20
sign  never  fails.  It  won't  do  to  doubt  the  ways  of  Providence," =
 she  added  with=20
a  sigh,  "  for  His  ways  are  mysterious  and  past  finding  out."=20

The  following  Sunday,  the  sun  rose  in  a  cloudless  sky,  and  not  =
the  slightest=20
appearance  of  rain  was  manifested  through  the  day.  The  old  lady  =
was  greatly=20
disappointed,  and  did  not  like  to  hear  any  allusion  to  the  subje=
ct;  but  two  yearn=20

269=20


270  CURIOUS    COINCIDENCES =E2=80=94 NUMBER  THIRTEEN.=20

afterwards,  when  she  was  once  more  my  guest,  it  again  happened  t=
o  rain  on  the=20
first  Sunday  in  the  month,  and  I  heard  her  solemnly  predict  that=
  it  would,  every=20
succeeding  Sunday  in  the  month,  "  for,"  she  remarked,  "  it  is  a=
  sign  that  never=20
fails."  She  had  forgotten  the  failure  of  two  years  before;  indeed=
,  the  contin-=20
uance and  prevalence  of  many  popular  superstitions  is  due  to  the  =
fact  that  we=20
notice  the  "  sign"  when  it  happens  to  be  verified,  and  do  not  =
observe  it,  or  we=20
forget  it,  when  it  fails.  Many  persons  are  exceedingly  superstitio=
us  in  regard  to=20
the  number  "  thirteen."  This  is  particularly  the  case,  I  have  no=
ticed,  in  Catholic=20
countries  I  have  visited,  and  I  have  been  told  that  superstition =
 originated  in  the=20
fact  of  a  thirteenth  apostle  having  been  chosen,  on  account  of  t=
he  treachery  of=20
Judas.  At  any  rate,  I  have  known  numbers  of  French  persons  who  =
had  quite  a=20
horror  of  this  fatal  number.  Once  I  knew  a  French  lady,  who  had=
  taken  pas-=20
sage in  an  ocean  steamer,  and  who,  on  going  aboard,  and  finding  =
her  assigned=20
state-room  to  be  "  No.  13,"  insisted  upon  it  that  she  would  not=
  sail  in  the  ship  at=20
all;  she  had  rather  forfeit  her  passage  money,  though,  finally,  s=
he  was  persuaded=20
to  take  another  room.  And  a  great  many  people,  French,  English  a=
nd  Amer-=20
ican, will  not  undertake  any  important  enterprise  on  the  thirteenth=
  day  of  the=20
month,  nor  sit  at  table  with  a  full  complement  of  thirteen  perso=
ns.  With  regard=20
to  this  number,  to  which  so  many  superstitions  cling,  I  have  som=
e  interesting=20
experiences  and  curious  coincidences,  which  are  worth  relating,  as =
 a  part  of  my=20
personal  history.=20

When  I  was  first  in  England  with  General  Tom  Thumb,  I  well  reme=
mber  din-=20
ing one  Christmas  day  with  my  friends,  the  Brettells,  in  St.  Jame=
s's  Palace,  in=20
London.  Just  before  the  dinner  was  finished  (it  is  a  wonder  it  =
was  not  noticed=20
before)  it  was  discovered  that  the  number  at  table  was  exactly  t=
hirteen.=20

"How  very  unfortunate,"  remarked  one  of  the  guests;  "I  would  not =
 have=20
dined  under  such  circumstances  for  any  consideration,  had  I  known =
 it ! "=20

"  Nor  I  either,"  seriously  remarked  another  guest.=20

"Do  you  really  suppose  there  is  any  truth  in  the  old  superstitio=
n  on  that=20
subject  ?"  I  asked.=20

"  Truth  ! "  solemnly  replied  an  old  lady.  "  Truth  1  Why  I  myse=
lf  have  known=20
three  instances,  and  have  heard  of  scores  of  others,  where  thirte=
en  persons  have=20
eaten  at  the  same  table,  and  in  every  case  one  of  the  number  d=
ied  before  the  year=20
was  out ! "=20

This  assertion,  made  with  so  much  earnestness,  evidently  affected  =
several  of  the=20
guests,  whose  nerves  were  easily  excited.  I  can  truthfully  state, =
 however,  that=20
I  dined  at  the  Palace  again  the  following  Christmas,  and  although=
  there  were=20
seventeen  persons  present,  every  one  of  the  original  thirteen  who =
 dined  there  the=20
preceding  Christmas,  was  among  this  number,  and  all  in  good  healt=
h ;  although,=20
of  course,  it  would  have  been  nothing  very  remarkable  if  one  had=
  happened  to=20
have  died  during  the  last  twelve  months.=20

While  I  was  on  my  Western  lecturing  tour  in  1866,  long  before  I=
  got  out  of  Illinois,=20
1  began  to  observe  that  at  the  various  hotels  where  I  stopped  m=
y  room  very  fre-=20
quently was  number  thirteen.  Indeed,  it  seemed  as  if  this  number  =
turned  up  to  me=20
as  often  as  four  times  per  week,  and  so,  before  many  days,  I  a=
lmost  expected  to=20
have  that  number  set  down  to  my  name  wherever  I  signed  it  upon =
 the  register  of=20
the  hotel.  Still,  I  laughed  to  myself,  at  what  I  was  convinced  =
was  simply  a  coin-=20
cidence. On  one  occasion  I  was  traveling  from  Clinton  to  Mount  Ve=
rnon,  Iowa,=20
and  was  to  lecture  in  the  college  of  the  latter  place  that  even=
ing.  Ordinarily,=20
I  should  have  arrived  at  two  o'clock  P.  M. ;  but  owing  to  an  a=
ccident  which  had=20
occurred  to  the  train  from  the  West,  the  conductor  informed  me  t=
hat  our  arrival  in=20


CURIOUS   COINCIDENCES =E2=80=94 NUMBER  THIRTEEN.  27J=20

Mount  Vernon  would  probably  be  delayed  until  after  seven  o'clock. =
 I  telegraphed=20
that  fact  to  the  committee  who  were  expecting  me,  and  told  them =
 to  be  patient.=20

When  we  had  arrived  within  ten  miles  of  that  town  it  was  dark. =
 I  sat  rather=20
moodily  in  the  car,  wishing  the  train  would  ' '  hurry  up ; "  and=
  happening,  for  some=20
cause  to  look  bacK  over  my  left  shoulder,  I  discovered  the  new  =
moon  through  the=20
window.  This  omen  struck  me  as  a  coincident  addition  to  my  ill-l=
uck,  and=20
with  a  pleasant  chuckle  I  muttered  to  myself,  "Well,  I  hope  I  w=
on't  get  room=20
number  thirteen  to-night,  for  that  will  be  adding  insult  to  injur=
y."=20

I  reached  Mount  Vernon  a  few  minutes  before  eight,  and  was  met  =
at  the  depot=20
by  the  committee,  who  took  me  in  a  carriage  and  hurried  to  the =
 Ballard  House.=20
The  committee  told  me  the  hall  in  the  college  was  already  crowde=
d,  and  they=20
hoped  I  would  defer  taking  tea  until  after  the  lecture.  I  inform=
ed  them  that  I=20
would  gladly  do  so,  but  simply  wished  to  run  to  my  room  a  mome=
nt  for  a  wash.=20
While  wiping  my  face  I  happened  to  think  about  the  new  room,  an=
d  at  once=20
stepped  outside  of  my  bed-room  door  to  look  at  the  number.  It  w=
as  "  number=20
thirteen."=20

After  the  lecture  I  took  tea,  and  I  confess  that  I  began  to  th=
ink  "  number  thir=20
teen  "  looked  a  little  ominous.  There  I  was,  many  hundreds  of  m=
iles  from  my=20
family;  I  left  my  wife  sick,  and  I  began  to  ask  myself,  does  "=
  number  thirteen  "=20
portend  anything  in  particular  ?  Without  feeling  willing  even  now =
 to  acknowl-=20
edge that  I  felt  much  apprehension  on  the  subject,  I  must  say  I =
 began  to  take  a=20
serious  view  of  things  in  general.=20

I  mentioned  the  coincidence  of  my  luck  in  so  often  having  "numbe=
r  thirteen"=20
assigned  to  me  to  Mr.  Ballard,  the  proprietor  of  the  hotel,  givi=
ng  him  all  the=20
particulars  to  date.=20

"  I  will  give  you  another  room,  if  you  prefer  it,"  said  Mr.  Ba=
llard.=20

"No,  I  thank  you,"  I  replied  with  a  semi-serious  smile;  "  if  it=
  is  fate,  I  will=20
take  it  as  it  comes;  and  if  it  means  anything  I  shall  probably =
 find  it  out  in  time.=20
That  same  night,  before  retiring  to  rest,  I  wrote  a  letter  to  a=
  clerical  friend,  then=20
residing  in  Bridgeport,  telling  him  all  my  experiences  in  regard  =
to  "number=20
thirteen."  I  said  to  him  in  closing:  "  Don't  laugh  at  me  for  b=
eing  superstitious,=20
for  I  hardly  feel  so;  I  think  it  is  simply  a  series  of  'coinci=
dences'  which  appear=20
the  more  strange  because  I  am  sure  to  notice  eveiy  one  that  occ=
urs."  Ten  days=20
afterwards  I  received  an  answer  from  my  reverend  friend,  in  which=
  he  cheerfully=20
said:  "It's  all  right;  go  ahead  and  get  'number  thirteen'  as  of =
 ten  as  you  can.=20
It  is  a  lucky  number,"  and  he  added:=20

w Unbelieving  and  ungrateful  man!  What  is  thirteen  but  the  traditi=
onal  'baker's  dozen,'=20
indicating  '  good  measure,  pressed  down,  shaken  together,  and  runn=
ing  over,'  as  illustrated=20
in  your  triumphal  lecturing  tour  ?  By  all  means  insist  upon  havi=
ng  room  number  thirteen=20
at  every  hotel;  anil  if  the  guests  at  any  meal  be  less  than  th=
at  charmed  complement,  send=20
out  and  compel  somebody  to  come  in.=20

"  What  do  you  say  respecting  the  Thirteen  Colonies?  Any  ill-luck =
 in  the  number?  Was=20
the  patriarch  Jacob  afraid  of  it  when  he  adopted  Ephraim  and  Man=
asseh,  the  two  sons  of=20
Joseph,  so  as  to  complete  the  magic  circle  of  thirteen?=20

"Do  you  not  know  that  chapter  thirteen  of  First  Corinthians  is  t=
he  grandest  in  the  Bible,=20
with  verse  thirteen  as  the  culmination  of  all  religions  thought?  =
And  can  you  read  verse=20
thirteen  of  the  fifth  chapter  of  Revelation  without  the  highest  r=
apture?"=20

But  my  clerical  friend  had  not  heard  of  a  certain  curious  circum=
stance  which=20
occurred  to  me  after  I  had  mailed  my  letter  to  him  and  before  =
I  received  his=20
answer.=20

On  leaving  Mount  Vernon  for  Cedar  Rapids  the  next  morning,  the  l=
andlord,=20
Mr.  Ballard,  drove  me  to  the  railroad  depot.  As  I  was  stepping  =
upon  the  cars,=20
Mr.  Ballard  shook  my  hand,  and  with  a  laugh  exclaimed:  "Good-by, =
 friend  Bar-=20


CURIOUS   COINCIDENCES =E2=80=94 NUMBER  THIRTEEN.=20

I  hope  you  won't  get  room  number  thirteen  at  Cedar  Rapids  to-day=
."  "  1=20
hope  not  1 "  I  replied  earnestly,  and  yet  with  a  smile.  I  reach=
ed  Cedar  Rapids  in=20
an  hour.  The  lecture  committee  met  and  took  me  to  the  hotel.  I =
 entered  my=20
name,  and  the  landlord  immediately  called  out  to  the  porter:=20

"  Here,  John,  take  Mr.  Barnum's  baggage,  and  show  him  to  '  numb=
er  thirteen  ? ' "=20

I  confess  that  when  I  heard  this  I  was  startled.  I  remarked  to =
 the  landlord=20
that  it  was  certainly  very  singular,  but  was  nevertheless  true,  t=
hat  "number=20
thirteen  "  seemed  to  be  about  th=C2=BB  only  room  that  I  could  g=
et  in  a  hotel.=20

"We  have  a  large  meeting  of  railroad  directors  here  at  present," =
 he  replied,=20
"  and  'number  thirteen'  is  the  only  room  unoccupied  in  my  house.=
"=20

I  proceeded  to  the  room,  and  immediately  wrote  to  Mr.  Ballard  at=
  Mount  Ver-=20
non,  assuring  him  that  my  letter  was  written  in  "number  thirteen,=
"  and  that=20
this  was  the  only  room  I  could  get  in  the  hotel.  During  the  re=
mainder  of  my=20
journey,  I  was  put  into  "number  thirteen"  so  often  in  the  variou=
s  hotels  at=20
which  I  stopped  that  it  came  to  be  quite  a  matter  of  course,  t=
hough  occasionally=20
I  was  fortunate  enough  to  secure  some  other  number.  Upon  returnin=
g  to  New=20
York,  I  related  the  foregoing  adventures  to  my  family,  and  told  =
them  I  was=20
really  half  afraid  of  "number  thirteen. "  Soon  afterwards,  I  teleg=
raphed  to  my=20
daughter  who  was  boarding  at  the  Atlantic  House  in  Bridgeport,  as=
king  her  to=20
engage  a  room  for  me  to  lodge  there  the  next  night,  on  my  way =
 to  Boston.  "Mr.=20
Hale,"  said  she  to  the  landlord,  "father  is  coming  up  to-day;  wi=
ll  you  please=20
reserve  him  a  comfortable  room?"  "Certainly,"  replied  Mr.  Hale,  an=
d  he=20
instantly  ordered  a  fire  in  "room  thirteen  ! "  I  went  to  Boston =
 and  proceeded  to=20
Lewiston,  Maine,  and  thence  to  Lawrence,  Massachusetts,  and  the  ho=
tel  register=20
there  has  my  name  booked  for  "  number  thirteen."=20

My  experience  with  this  number  has  by  no  means  been  con  fined  t=
o  apartments.=20
In  1867  a  church  in  Bridgeport  wanted  to  raise  several  thousand  =
dollars  in  order=20
to  get  freed  from  debt.  I  subscribed  one  thousand  dollars,  by  ai=
d  of  which  they=20
assured  me  they  would  certainly  raise  enough  to  pay  off  the  debt=
.  A  few  weeks=20
subsequently,  however,  one  of  the  "brethren"  wrote  me  that  they  w=
ere  still  six=20
hundred  dollars  short,  with  but  little  prospect  of  getting  it.  I =
 replied  that  I=20
would  pay  one-half  of  the  sum  required.  The  brother  soon  afterwar=
ds  wrote  me=20
that  he  had  obtained  the  other  half,  and  I  might  forward  him  my=
  subscription  of=20
"  thirteen  "  hundred  dollars.  During  the  same  season  I  attended  =
a  fan-  in  Franklin=20
Hall,  Bridgeport,  given  by  a  temperance  organization.  Two  of  my  l=
ittle  grand-=20
daughters accompanied  me,  and,  telling  them  to  select  what  articles=
  they  desired,=20
I  paid  the  bill,  twelve  dollars  and  fifty  cents.  Whereupon  I  sai=
d  to  the  children,=20
"I  am  glad  you  did  not  make  it  thirteen  dollars,  and  I  will  ex=
pend  no  more=20
here  to-night."  We  sat  awhile  listening  to  the  music,  and  finally=
  started  for=20
home,  and,  as  we  were  going,  a  lady  at  one  of  the  stands  near =
 the  door,  called=20
out :  "  Mr.  Barnum,  you  have  not  patronized  me.  Please  take  a  c=
hance  in  my=20
lottery."  "  Certainly,"  I  replied  ;  "  give  me  a  ticket."  I  paid=
  her  the  price  (fifty=20
cents),  and  after  I  arrived  home,  I  discovered  that  in  spite  of =
 my  expressed=20
determination  to  the  contrary,  I  had  expended  exactly  "thirteen"  d=
ollars  !=20

I  invited  a  few  friends  to  a  "clam-bake"  in  the  summer  of  1868,=
  and,  being=20
determined  the  party  should  not  be  thirteen,  I  invited  fifteen,  a=
nd  they  all  agreed=20
to  go.  Of  course,  one  man  and  his  wife  were  "disappointed,"  and =
 could  not  go =E2=80=94=20
and  my  party  numbered  thirteen.  At  Christmas,  in  the  same  year,  =
my  children=20
and  grandchildren  dined  with  me,  and  finding,  on  "counting  noses,"=
  that  they=20
would  number  the  inevitable  thirteen,  I  expressly  arranged  to  have=
  a  high  chair=20
nlaced  at  the  table,  and  my  youngest  grandchild,  seventeen  months =
 old,  was=20


OTTEIOU8  COINCIDENCES =E2=80=94 NUMBEE  THIBTEEN.  273=20

placed  in  it,  so  that  we  should  number  fourteen,  After  the  dinne=
r  was  over,  we=20
discovered  that  my  son-in-law,  Thompson,  had  been  detained  down  to=
wn,  and  the=20
number  at  dinner  table,  notwithstanding  my  extra  precautions,  was  =
exactly=20
thirteen.=20

Thirteen  was  certainly  an  ominous  number  to  me  in  1865,  for  on  =
the  thirteenth=20
day  of  July,  the  American  Museum  was  burned  to  the  ground,  while=
  the  thir-=20
teenth day  of  November  saw  the  opening  of  "  Barnum's  New  American=
  Museum,"=20
which  was  also  subsequently  destroyed  by  flre.=20

Having  concluded  this  veritable  history  of  superstitious  coincidence=
s  in  regard=20
to  thirteen,  I  read  it  to  a  clerical  friend,  who  happened  to  be=
  present ;  and  after=20
reading  the  manuscript,  I  paged  it,  when  my  friend  and  I  were  a=
  little  startled  to=20
find  that  the  pages  numbered  exactly  thirteen.=20


CHAPTER    XLV.=20

SEA-SIDE   PARK.*=20

PROM  the  time  when  I  first  settled  in  Bridgeport,  and  turned  my =
 attention  to=20
opening  and  beautifying  new  avenues,  and  doing  whatever  lay  in  my=
  power  to=20
extend  and  improve  that  charming  city,  I  was  exceedingly  anxious  =
that  public=20
parks  should  be  established,  especially  one  where  good  drive-ways, =
 and  an  oppor-=20
tunity for  the  display  of  the  many  fine  equipages  for  which  Bridg=
eport  is  cele-=20
brated, could  be  afforded.  Mr.  Noble  and  I  began  the  movement  by =
 presenting=20
to  the  city  the  beautiful  ground  in  East  Bridgeport  now  known  as=
  Washington=20
Park =E2=80=94 a  most  attractive  promenade  and  breathing-place,  and  =
a  continual  resort=20
for  citizens  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  particularly  in  the  sum=
mer  evenings,  when=20
one  of  the  city  bands  is  an  additional  attraction  to  the  pleasan=
t  spot.  Thus=20
our  city  was  far  in  advance  of  Bridgeport  proper  in  providing  a =
 prime  necessity=20
for  the  health  and  amusement  of  the  people.=20

Up  to  the  year  1865,  the  shores  of  Bridgeport,  west  of  the  publ=
ic  wharves,  and=20
washed  by  the  waters  of  Long  Island  Sound,  was  inaccessible  to  c=
arriages,  or=20
even  to  horsemen,  and  almost  impossible  for  pedestrianism.  The  sho=
re  edge,  in=20
fact,  was  strewn  with  rocks  and  boulders,  which  made  it,  like  "J=
ordan"  in  the=20
song,  an  exceedingly  "hard  road  to  travel."  A  narrow  lane  reachin=
g  down  to=20
the  shore  enabled  parties  to  drive  near  to  the  water  for  the  pu=
rpose  of  Clamming,=20
and  occasionally  bathing  ;  but  it  was  all  claimed  as  private  pro=
perty  by  the  land=20
proprietors,  whose  farms  extended  down  to  the  water's  edge.  On  se=
veral  occa-=20
sions, at  low  tide,  I  endeavored  to  ride  along  the  shore  on  hors=
eback,  for  the=20
purpose  of  examining  "the  lay  of  the  land,"  in  the  hope  of  find=
ing  it  feasible  to=20
get  a  public  drive  along  the  water's  edge.  On  one  occasion,  in  =
1863,  I  succeeded=20
in  getting  my  horse  around  from  the  foot  of  Broad  street,  in  Br=
idgeport,  to  a=20
lane  over  the  Fail-field  line,  a  few  rods  west  of  "  Iranistan  a=
venue,"  a  grand=20
street  which  I  have  since  opened  at  my  own  expense,  and  through =
 my  own  land.=20
From  the  observations  I  made  that  day,  I  was  satisfied  that  a  m=
ost  lovely  park=20
and  public  drive  might  be,  and  ought  to  be  opened  along  the  who=
le  water-front=20
as  far  as  the  western  boundary  line  of  Bridgeport,  and  even  exte=
nding  over=20
the  Fairfield  line.=20

Foreseeing  that  in  a  few  years  such  an  improvement  would  be  too =
 late,  and=20
having  in  mind  the  failure  of  the  attempt  in  1850  to  provide  a =
 park  for  the=20
people  of  Bridgeport,  I  immediately  began  to  agitate  the  subject  =
in  the  Bridge-=20
port papers,  and  also  in  daily  conversations  with  such  of  my  fell=
ow-citizens  as  I=20
thought  would  take  an  earnest  and  immediate  interest  in  the  enter=
prise.  I  urged=20
that  such  an  improvement  would  increase  the  taxable  value  of  prop=
erty  in  that=20
vicinity  many  thousands  of  dollars,  and  thus  enrich  the  city  trea=
sury;  that  it=20
would  improve  the  value  of  real  estate  generally,  in  the  city  ; =
 that  it  would  be=20
an  additional  attraction  to  strangers  who  came  to  spend  the  summe=
r  with  us,  and=20
to  those  who  might  be  induced  from  other  considerations  to  make  =
the  city  their=20
permanent  residence;  that  the  improvement  would  throw  into  market  =
some  of=20

"  See  Jllnstration.  page  276.=20


SEA-SIDE    PARK  275=20

the  most  beautiful  building  sites  that  could  be  found  anywhere  in=
  Connecticut ;=20
and  I  dwelt  upon  the  absurdity,  almost  criminality,  that  a  beauti=
ful  city  like=20
Bridgeport,  lying  on  the  shore  of  a  broad  expanse  of  salt  water,=
  should  so  cage=20
itself  in,  that  not  an  inhabitant  could  approach  the  beach.  With =
 these  and  like=20
arguments  and  entreaties,  I  plied  the  people  day  in  and  "day  out=
,  till  some  of=20
them  began  to  be  familiarized  with  the  idea  that  a  public  park  =
close  upon  the=20
shore  of  the  Sound,  was  at  least  a  possible  if  not  probable  thi=
ng.=20

But  certain  "conservatives,"  as  they  are  called,  said:  "Barnum  is =
 a  hair-=20
brained  fellow,  who  thinks  he  can  open  and  people  a  New  York  Br=
oadway=20
through  a  Connecticut  wilderness;"  and  the  "old  fogies"  added:  "Ye=
s,  he  is=20
trying  to  start  another  chestnut-wood  fire  for  the  city  to  blow  =
forever ;  but  the=20
city  or  town  of  Bridgeport  will  not  pay  out  money  to  lay  out  o=
r  to  purchase=20
public  parks.  If  people  want  to  see  green  grass  and  trees,  they =
 have  only  to  walk=20
or  drive  half  a  mile  either  way  from  the  city  limits,  and  they =
 will  come  to  farms=20
where  they  can  see  either,  or  both,  for  nothing ;  and,  if  they  =
are  anxious  to  see=20
salt  water,  and  to  get  a  breath  of  the  Sound  breeze,  they  can  =
take  boats  at  the=20
wharves,  and  sail  or  row  till  they  are  entirely  satisfied."=20

Thus  talked  the  conservatives  and  the  "old  fogies,"  who,  unhappily=
,  even  if=20
they  are  in  a  minority,  are  always  a  force  in  all  communities.  =
I  soon  saw  that  it=20
was  of  no  use  to  expect  to  get  the  city  to  pay  for  a  park.  T=
he  next  thing  was  to=20
see  if  the  land  could  not  be  procured  free  of  charge,  or  at  a =
 nominal  cost,  pro-=20
vided the  city  would  improve  and  maintain  it  as  a  public  park.  I=
  approached  the=20
farmers  who  owned  the  land  lying  immediately  upon  the  shore,  and =
 tried  to  con-=20
vince them  that,  if  they  would  give  the  city,  free,  a  deep  slip =
 next  to  the  water,=20
to  be  used  as  a  public  park,  it  would  increase  in  value  the  re=
st  of  their  land  so=20
much  as  to  make  it  a  profitable  operation  for  them.  But  it  was =
 like  beating=20
against  the  wind.  They  were  "  not  so  stupid  as  to  think  that  t=
hey  could  become=20
gainers  by  giving  away  their  property."  Such  trials  of  patience  a=
s  I  underwent=20
in  a  twelvemonth,  in  the  endeavor  to  carry  this  point,  few  perso=
ns  who  have=20
not  undertaken  like  almost  hopeless  labor,  can  comprehend.  At  last=
,  I  enlisted=20
the  attention  of  Messrs.  Nathaniel  Wheeler,  James  Loomis,  Francis  =
Ives,  Frede-=20
rick Wood,  and  a  few  more  gentlemen,  and  persuaded  them  to  walk  =
with  me=20
over  the  ground,  which  to  me  seemed  in  every  way  practicable  for=
  a  park.  These=20
gentlemen,  who  were  men  of  taste,  as  well  as  of  enterprise  and  =
public  spirit,=20
very  soon  coincided  in  my  ideas  as  to  the  feasibility  of  the  pl=
an  and  the  advan-=20
tages of  the  site ;  and  some  of  them  went  with  me  to  talk  with =
 the  land-owners,=20
adding  their  own  pleas  to  the  arguments  I  had  already  advanced.  =
After  much=20
pressing  and  persuading,  we  got  the  terms  upon  which  the  propriet=
ors  would  give=20
a  portion  and  sell  another  portion  of  their  land,  which  fronted  =
on  the  water,  pro-=20
vided the  land  thus  disposed  of,  should  forever  be  appropriated  to=
  the  purposes=20
of  a  public  park.  But,  unfortunately,  a  part  of  the  land  it  was=
  desirable  to=20
include,  was  the  small  Mallett  farm,  of  some  thirty  acres,  then  =
belonging  to  an=20
unsettled  estate,  and  neither  the  administrator  nor  the  heirs  coul=
d  or  would  give=20
away  a  rod  of  it.  But  the  whole  farm  was  for  sale=E2=80=94 and, =
 to  overcome  the  diffi-=20
culty in  the  way  of  its  transfer  for  the  public  benefit,  I  bough=
t  it  for  about=20
$12,000,  and  then  presented  the  required  front  to  the  park.  I  di=
d  not  want  this=20
land  or  any  portion  of  it,  for  my  own  purposes  or  profit,  and  =
I  offered  a  thou-=20
sand dollars  to  any  one  who  would  take  my  place  in  the  transacti=
on  ;  but  no  one=20
accepted,  and  I  was  quite  willing  to  contribute  so  much  of  the  =
land  as  was  needed=20
for  so  noble  an  object.  Indeed,  besides  this,  I  gave  $1,400  towa=
rds  purchasing=20
other  land  and  improving  the  park  ;  and.  after  months  of  persist=
ent  and  pei-sonaJ=20


276  SEA-SIDE   PARK.=20

effort,  1  succeeded  in  raising,  by  private  subscription,  the  sum  =
necessary  to=20
secure  the  land  needed.  This  was  duly  paid  for,  deeded  to,  and  =
accepted  by  the=20
city,  and  I  had  the  pleasure  of  naming  this  new  and  great  publi=
c  improvement,=20
4 '  Sea-side  Park. "  .=20

Public  journals  are  generally  exponents  of  public  opinion  ;  and  h=
ow  the  people=20
viewed  the  new  purchase,  now  their  own  property,  may  be  judged  b=
y  the  fol-=20
lowing extracts  from  the  leading  local  newspapers,  when  the  land  f=
or  the  new=20
enterprise  was  finally  secured  :=20

OUR  SKA-SIDE  PARK.=20
[From  the  "Bridgeport  Standard,"  August  21,  1865.]=20

Bridgeport  has  taken  another  broad  stride  of  which  she  may  well  =
be  proud.  The  Sea-=20
Bide  Park  is  a  fixed  fact.  Yesterday  Messrs.  P.  T.  B;irnum,  Capt=
ain  John  Brooks,  Mr.=20
George  Bailey,  Captain  Burr  Knapp,  and  Henry  Wheeler  generously  do=
nated  to  this  city=20
sufficient  land  for  the  Park,  with  the  exception  of  seven  or  eig=
ht  acres,  which  have  been=20
purchased  by  private  subscriptions.  Last  night  the  Common  Council  =
appointed  excellent=20
Park  Commissioners,  and  work  on  the  tea-wall  and  the  avenues  surr=
ounding  the  Park  will=20
be  commenced  at  once.  Besides  securing  the  most  lovely  location  f=
or  a  park  to  be  found=20
between  New  York  and  Boston,  which  for  all  time  will  be  a  sourc=
e  of  pride  to  our  city  and=20
State,  there  is  no  estimating  the  pecuniary  advantage  which  this  =
great  improvement  will=20
eventually  prove  to  our  citizens.  Plans  are  on  foot  and  enterpris=
es  are  agitated  in  regard=20
to  a  park  hotel,  sea-side  cottages,  horse  raijroad  branch,  and  ot=
her  features,  which,  when=20
consummated,  will  serve  to  amaze  our  citizens  to  think  that  such =
 a  delightful  sea-side=20
frontage  had  been  permitted  to  lie  so  long  unimproved.  To  Mr.  P.=
  T.  Barnum,  we  believe,=20
is  awarded  the  credit  of  originating  this  beautiful  improvement,  a=
nd  certainly  to  his  untir-=20
ing, constant  and  persevering  personal  efforts  are  we  indebted  for =
 its  being  finally  consum-=20
mated. Hon.  James  C.  Loomis  was  the  first  man  who  heartily  joined=
  with  Baruum  in=20
pressing  the  plan  of  the  sea-side  park  upon  the  attention  of  our=
  citizens,  but  it  is  due  to=20
our  citizens  themselves  to  say  that,  with  an  extraordinary  unanimi=
ty,  they  have  not  only=20
voted  to  appropriate  810,000  from  the  city  treasury  to  making  the=
  avenues  around  the  Park,=20
and  otherwise  improving  it,  but  they  have  also  generously  aided  b=
y  private  contributions=20
in  purchasing  such  land  as  was  not  freely  given  for  the  Park.=20

Thus  was  my  long-cherished  plan  at  length  fulfilled ;  nor  did  my =
 efforts  end=20
Here,  for  I  aided  and  advised  in  all  important  matters  in  the  l=
aying  out  and  pro-=20
gress of  the  new  park  ;  and  in  July,  1869,  I  gave  to  the  city =
 several  acres  of  land,=20
worth,  at  the  lowest  valuation,  $5,000,  which  were  added  to  and  =
included  in  this=20
public  pleasure-ground,  and  now  make  the  west  end  of  the  park.=20

At  the  beginning,  the  park  on  paper  and  the  park  hi  reality,  we=
re  two  quite=20
different  things.  The  inaccessibility  of  the  site  was  remedied  by =
 approaches=20
which  permitted  the  hundreds  of  workmen  to  begin  to  grade  the  gr=
ounds,  and  to=20
lay  out  the  walks  and  drives.  The  rocks  and  boulders  over  which =
 I  had  more=20
than  once  attempted  to  make  my  way  on  foot  and  on  horseback,  we=
re  devoted  to=20
the  building  of  a  substantial  sea-wall,  under  the  able  superintend=
ence  of  Mr.=20
David  TV.  Sherwood.  Paths  were  opened,  shade-trees  were  planted ;  =
and  for-=20
tunately there  was,  in  the  very  center  of  the  ground,  a  beautiful=
  grove  of  full=20
growth,  which  is  one  of  the  most  attractive  features  of  this  now=
  charming  spot ;=20
and  a  broad  and  magnificent  drive  follows  the  curves  of  the  shor=
e  and  encircles=20
the  entire  park.  A  large  covered  music-stand  has  been  erected  ;  =
and  on  a  rising=20
piece  of  ground  has  been  built  a  substantial  Soldiers'  Monument.=
=20

The  branch  horse  railroad  already  reaches  one  of  the  main  entranc=
es,  and=20
brings  down  crowds  of  people  every  day  and  evening,  and  especiall=
y  on  the=20
evenings  in  which  the  band  plays.  At  such  times  the  avenues  are =
 not  only=20
thronged  with  superb  equipages  and  crowds  of  people,  but  the  whol=
e  harbor  is=20
alive  with  row-boats,  sail-boats  and  yachts.  The  views  on  all  sid=
es  are  Charming.=20
In  the  rear  is  the  city,  with  its  roofs  and  spires  ;  Black  Roc=
k  and  Stafford  light*=20


SEA-SIDE    PARK.  277=20

are  in  plain  sight ;  to  the  eastward  and  southward  stretches  "  O=
ld  Long  Island's=20
sea-girt  shore  ; "  and  between  lies  the  broad  expanse  of  the  sal=
t  water,  with  its=20
ever  "  fresh  "  breezes,  and  the  perpetual  panorama  of  sails  and =
 steamers.  I  do  not=20
believe  that  a  million  dollars,  to-day,  would  compensate  the  city =
 of  Bridgeport=20
for  the  loss  of  what  is  confessed  to  be  the  most  delightful  pub=
lic  pleasure-ground=20
between  New  York  and  Boston.=20


CHAPTER  XLV1=20

WALDEMERE.*=20

WHEN  I  first  selected  Bridgeport  as  a  permanent  residence  for  my =
 family,  its=20
nearness  to  New  York,  and  the  facilities  for  daily  transit  to  an=
d  from  the=20
metropolis  were  present  and  partial  considerations  only  in  the  gen=
eral  advantages=20
the  location  seemed  to  offer.  Nowhere,  in  all  my  travels  in  Amer=
ica  and  abroad,=20
had  I  seen  a  city  whose  very  position  presented  so  many  and  var=
ied  attractions.=20
Situated  on  Long  Island  Sound,  with  that  vast  water-view  in  front=
,  and  on  every=20
other  side  a  beautiful  and  fertile  country  with  every  variety  of =
 inland  scenery,=20
and  charming  drives  which  led  through  valleys  rich  with  well-culti=
vated  farms,=20
and  over  hills  thick-wooded  with  far-stretching  forests  of  primeval=
  growth =E2=80=94 all=20
these  natural  attractions  appeared  to  me  only  so  many  aids  to  th=
e  advancement=20
the  beautiful  and  busy  city  might  attain,  if  public  spirit,  enter=
prise  and  money=20
grasped  and  improved  the  opportunities  the  locality  itself,  extende=
d.  I  saw  that=20
what  Nature  had  so  freely  lavished  must  be  supplemented  by  yet  n=
lore  liberal=20
Art.=20

Consequently,  and  quite  naturally,  when  I  projected  and  established=
  my  first=20
residence  in  Bridgeport,  I  was  exceedingly  desirous  that  all  the  =
surroundings  of=20
Iranistan  should  accord  with  the  beauty  and  completeness  of  that  =
place.  I  was=20
never  a  victim  to  that  r"anm  which  possesses  many  men  of  even  m=
oderate  means=20
to  "  own  everything  tkat  joins  them,"  and  I  knew  that  Iranistan =
 would  so  increase=20
the  value  of  surrounding  property  that  none  but  first-class  reside=
nces  would  be=20
possible  in  the  vicinity.  But  there  was  other  work  to  do,  which,=
  while  affording=20
advantageous  approaches  to  my  property,  would  at  the  same  time  be=
  a  lasting=20
benefit  to  the  public ;  and  so  I  opened  Iranistan  Avenue,  and  ot=
her  broad  and=20
beautiful  streets,  through  land  which  I  freely  purchased,  and  as  =
freely  gave  to=20
the  public,  and  these  highways  are  now  the  most  convenient  as  we=
ll  as  charming=20
in  the  city.=20

To  have  opened  all  these  new  avenues,  in  their  entire  length,  at=
  my  own  cost,=20
and  through  my  own  ground,  would  have  required  a  confirmation  of =
 Miss  Lavi-=20
nia  Warren's  opinion,  that  what  little  of  the  city  of  Bridgeport =
 and  the  adjacent=20
town  of  Fairfield  was  not  owned  by  General  Tom  Thumb,  belonged  t=
o  P.  T.=20
Barnum.  Everywhere  through  my  own  lands  I  laid  out  and  threw  ope=
n  public=20
streets,  and  on  both  sides  of  every  avenue  I  laid  out  and  plant=
ed  a  profusion  of=20
elms  and  other  trees.  In  this  way,  I  have  opened  miles  of  new  =
streets,  and  have=20
planted  thousands  of  shade-trees  in  Bridgeport;  for  I  think  there =
 is  much  wisdom=20
in  the  advice  of  the  Laird  of  Dumbiedikes,  in  Scott's  "  Heart  o=
f  Mid-Lothian,"  who=20
sensibly  says :  "  When  ye  hae  naething  else  to  do,  ye  may  be  a=
ye  sticking  in  a=20
tree ;  it  will  be  growing  when  ye're  sleeping."  But,  in  establish=
ing  new  streets,=20
too  often,  when  I  had  gone  through  my  own  land,  the  project  cam=
e  literally  to  an=20
end ;  some  "old  fogy"  blocked  the  way =E2=80=94 my  way,  his  own  w=
ay,  and  the  high-=20
way=E2=80=94 and  all  I  could  do  would  be  to  jump  over  his  field,=
  and  continue  my  new=20

*  See  Illustration,  page  288.=20


WALDEMERE.  ^'l:,=20

street  through  land  I  might  own  on  the  other  side,  till  I  reach=
ed  the  desired  termi-=20
nus in  the  end  or  continuation  of  some  other  street ;  or  till,  u=
nhappily,  I  came=20
to  a  dead  stand-still  at  the  ground  of  some  other  "old  fogy,"  w=
ho,  like  the=20
original  owners  of  what  is  now  the  shore-front  of  Sea-side  Park, =
 "  did  not  believe=20
there  was  money  to  be  made  by  giving  away  their  property."=20

Conservatism  may  be  a  good  thing  in  the  State,  or  in  the  church=
,  but  it  is  fatal=20
to  the  growth  of  cities ;  and  the  conservative  notions  of  old  fo=
gies  make  them=20
indifferent  to  the  requirements  which  a  very  few  years  in  the  fu=
ture  will  compel,=20
and  blind  to  their  own  best  interests.  Such  men  never  look  beyon=
d  the  length  of=20
their  noses,  and  consider  every  investment  a  dead  loss  unless  the=
y  can  get  the=20
sixpence  profit  into  tiwir  pockets  before  they  go  to  bed.  My  own=
  long  training=20
and  experience  as  a  manager  impelled  me  to  cany  into  such  privat=
e  enterprises=20
as  the  purchase  of  real  estate  that  best  and  most  essential  mana=
gerial  quality  of=20
instantly  deciding,  not  only  whether  a  venture  was  worth  undertaki=
ng,  but  what,=20
all  things  considered,  that  venture  would  result  in.  Almost  any  m=
an  can  see=20
how  a  thing  will  begin,  but  not  every  man  is  gifted  with  the  f=
oresight  to  see  how=20
it  will  end,  or  how,  with  the  proper  effort,  it  may  be  made  to=
  end.  In  East=20
Bridgeport,  where  we  had  no  "conservatives"  to  contend  with,  we  w=
ere  only  a=20
few  years  in  turning  almost  tenantless  farms  into  a  populous  and =
 prosperous  city.=20
On  the  other  side  of  the  river,  while  the  opening  of  new  avenue=
s,  the  planting  of=20
shade-trees,  and  the  building  of  many  houses,  have  afforded  me  th=
e  highest  pleas-=20
ures of  my  life,  I  confess  that  not  a  few  of  my  greatest  annoya=
nces  have  been=20
occasioned  by  the  opposition  of  those  who  seem  to  be  content  to =
 simply  vegetate=20
through  their  existence,  and  who  looked  upon  me  as  a  restless,  r=
eckless  innovator,=20
because  I  was  trying  to  remove  the  moss  from  everything  around  t=
hem,  and  even=20
from  their  own  eyes. .=20

In  the  summer  of  1867,  the  health  of  my  wife  continuing  to  decl=
ine,  her  physi-=20
cian directed  that  she  should  remove  nearer  to  the  sea-shore.=20

Lindencroft  was  sold  July  1, 1867,  and  we  immediately  removed  for =
 a  summer's=20
sojourn  to  a  small  farm-house  adjoining  Sea-side  Park.  During  the =
 hot  days  of=20
the  next  three  months  we  found  the  delightful  sea-breeze  so  braci=
ng  and  refresh-=20
ing that  the  season  passed  like  a  happy  dream,  and  we  resolved  t=
hat  our  future=20
summers  should  be  spent  on  the  very  shore  of  Long  Island  Sound. =
 I  did  not,=20
however,  perfect  my  arrangements  in  time  to  prepare  my  own  summer=
  residence=20
for  the  ensuing  season ;  and  during  the  hot  months  of  1868,  we  =
resided  in  a  new=20
and  very  pretty  house  I  had  just  completed  on  State  street,  in  =
Bridgeport,  and=20
which  I  subsequently  sold,  as  I  intended  doing  when  I  built  it. =
 But,  towards  the=20
end  of  the  summer,  I  added  by  purchase  to  the  Mallett  farm,  adj=
oining  Sea-side=20
Park,  a  large  and  beautiful  hickory  grove,  which  seemed  to  be  al=
l  that  was=20
needed  to  make  the  site  exactly  what  I  desired  for  a  summer  res=
idence.=20

But  there  was  a  vast  deal  to  do  in  grading  and  preparing  the  g=
round,  in  open-=20
ing new  streets  and  avenues  as  approaches  to  the  property,  and  in=
  setting  out=20
trees  near  the  proposed  site  of  the  house;  so  that  ground  was  n=
ot  broken  for  the=20
foundation  till  October.  I  planned  a  house  which  should  combine  t=
he  greatest=20
convenience  with  the  highest  comfort,  keeping  in  mind  always  that =
 houses  are=20
made  to  live  in  as  well  as  to  look  at,  and  to  be  "  homes  "  =
rather  than  mere  resi-=20
dences. So  the  house  was  made  to  include  abundant  room  for  guests=
,  with=20
dressing-rooms  and  baths  to  every  chamber ;  water  from  the  city  t=
hroughout  the=20
premises ;  gas,  manufactured  on  my  own  ground  ;  and  that  greatest=
  of  all  com-=20
forts, a  semi-detached  kitchen,  so  that  the  smell  as  weU  as  the  =
sec/ets  of  the=20
cuisine  might  be  confined  to  its  own  locality.  The  stables  and  g=
ardens  were=20


280  WALDEMERE.=20

located  far  from  the  mansion,  on  the  opposite  side  of  one  of  th=
e  newly  opened=20
avenues,  so  that  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  house,  on  eith=
er  side  and  before=20
both  fronts,  stretched  large  lawns,  broken  only  by  the  grove,  sin=
gle  shade-trees,=20
rock-work,  walks,  flower-beds  and  drives.  The  whole  scheme  as  plan=
ned  was=20
faithfully  carried  out  in  less  than  eight  months.  The  first  found=
ation  stone  was=20
laid  in  October,  1868 ;  and  we  moved  into  the  completed  house  in=
  June  following,=20
in  1809.=20

It  required  a  regiment  of  faithful  laborers  and  mechanics,  and  a =
 very  consider-=20
able expenditure  of  money,  to  accomplish  so  much  in  so  short  a  s=
pace  of  time.=20
Those  who  saw  a  comparatively  barren  waste  thus  suddenly  converted=
  to  a  bloom-=20
ing garden,  and,  by  the  successful  transplanting  and  judicious  plac=
ing  of  very=20
large  and  full-grown  forest  trees,  made  to  seem  like  a  long-settl=
ed  place,  considered=20
the  creation  of  my  new  summer  home  almost  a  work  of  magic ,  but=
  there  is  no=20
magic  when  determination  and  dollars  combine  to  achieve  a  work.  W=
hen  we=20
moved  into  this  new  residence,  we  formally  christened  the  place  '=
'"Waldemere,"=20
literally,  but  not  so  euphoniously,  "Waldammeer,"  "Woods-by-the-Sea,"=
for  I=20
preferred  to  give  this  native  child  of  my  own  conception  an  Amer=
ican  name  of=20
my  own  creation.=20

On  the  same  estate,  and  fronting  the  new  avenue  I  opened  between=
  my  own=20
property  and  the  public  park,  I  built  at  the  same  time  two  beau=
tiful  cottages,  one=20
of  which  is  known  as  the  "Petrel's  Nest,"  and  the  other,  occupie=
d  by  my  eldest=20
daughter,  Mrs.  Thompson,  and  my  youngest  daughter,  Mrs.  Seeley,  as=
  a  summer=20
residence,  is  called  "  Wave  wood."  From  the  east  front  of  Waldem=
ere,  across  the=20
sloping  lawn,  and  through  the  reaches  of  the  grove,  these  cottage=
s  are  in  sight,=20
and  before  the  three  residences  stretches  the  broad  Sound,  with  n=
othing  to  cut=20
off  the  view,  and  nothing  intervening  but  the  western  portion  of =
 Sea-side  Park.=20

Having  made  up  my  mind  to  spend  seven  months  of  every  year  in  =
the  city,  in=20
the  summer  of  1867, 1  purchased  the  elegant  and  most  eligibly  sit=
uated  mansion,=20
No.  438,  Fifth  Avenue,  corner  of  Thirty-ninth  street,  at  the  crow=
ning  point  erf=20
Murray  Hill,  in  New  York,  and  moved  into  it  in  November.=20


CHAPTER    XLVII.=20

REST   ONLY   FOUND    IN   ACTION.=20

AFTEB  the  destruction  by  fire  of  my  Museum,  March  3d,  1868,  I  r=
etired  from=20
business,  not  knowing  how  utterly  fruitless  it  is  to  attempt  to  =
chain  down  energies=20
peculiar  to  my  nature.  No  man  not  similarly  situated  can  imagine =
 the  ennui=20
which  seizes  such  a  nature  after  it  has  lain  dormant  for  a  few =
 months.  Having=20
"nothing  to  do,"  I  thought  at  first  was  a  very  pleasant,  as  it =
 was  to  me  an  entirely=20
new  sensation.=20

"  I  would  like  to  call  on  you  in  the  summer,  if  you  have  any =
 leisure,  in  Bridge-=20
port," said  an  old  friend.=20

"  I  am  a  man  of  leisure  and  thankful  that  I  have  nothing  to  d=
o;  so  you  cannot=20
call  amiss,"  I  replied  with  an  immense  degree  of  self-satisfaction=
.=20

"  Where  is  your  office  down-town  when  you  live  in  New  York  I"  =
asked  another=20
friend.=20

"I  have  no  office,"  I  proudly  replied.  "I  have  done  work  enough,=
  and  shall=20
play  the  rest  of  my  life.  I  don't  go  down-town  once  a  week;  bu=
t  I  ride  in  the=20
Park  every  day,  and  am  at  home  much  of  my  time."=20

I  am  afraid  that  I  chuckled  often,  when  I  saw  rich  merchants  an=
d  bankers=20
driving  to  their  offices  on  a  stormy  morning,  while  I,  looking  c=
omplacently  from=20
the  window  of  my  cozy  library,  said  to  myself,  "  Let  it  snow  a=
nd  blow,  there's=20
nothing  to  call  me  out  to-day."    But  nature  will  assert  herself.=
    Reading  is  pleas-=20
ant as  a  pastime;  writing  without  any  special  purpose  soon  tires; =
 a  game  of  chess=20
will  answer  as  a  condiment;  lectures,  concerts,  operas,  and  dinner=
  parties  are=20
well  enough  in  their  way ;  but  to  a  robust,  healthy  man  of  fort=
y  years'  active=20
business  life,  something  else  is  needed  to  satisfy.    Sometimes  li=
ke  the  truant=20
school-boy  I  found  all  my  frieuds  engaged,  and  I  had  no  play-mat=
e.    I  began  to=20
fill  my  house  with  visitors,  and  yet  frequently  we  spent  evenings=
  quite  alone.=20
Without  really  perceiving  what  the  matter  was,  time  hung  on  my  h=
ands,  and  I=20
was  ready  to  lecture  gratuitously  for  every  charitable  cause  that =
 I  could  benefit.=20
At  this  juncture  I  hailed  with  delight  a  visit  from  my  friend  P=
ish  (the  enterpris-=20
ing Englishman  of  chapter  thirty-second)  and  his  daughter,  who  came=
  to  see  the=20
new  world,  and  found  me  just  in  the  humor  to  act  as  guide  and =
 exhibitor.    I=20
now  resumed  my  old  business  and  became  a  showman  of  "natural  cur=
iosities  "=20
on  a  most  magnificent  scale:  and,  having  congenial  and  appreciativ=
e  traveling=20
companions,  and  no  business  distractions,  I  saw  beauty  and  grandeu=
r  in  scenes=20
which  I  had  before  gazed  on  unimpressed.     For  the  third  time  I=
  visited  Cuba,=20
then  New  Orleans,  Memphis,  Louisville,  Cincinnati,  Baltimore  and  Wa=
shington,=20
noting  and  enjoying  the  emotions  of  my  English  friends.    The  awe=
  with  which=20
they  gazed  on  the  great  cataract  of  Niagara ;  their  horror  at  se=
eing  slaves  driven=20
to  work  with  whips  in  the  plantations  of  Cuba,  the  tearful  silen=
ce  of  the  young=20
English  lady  as  she  gazed  down  into  the  beautiful  valley  of  the =
 Yumurri,  the=20
disgust  of  my  friend  when  he  found  Castle  Thunder  not  a  great  f=
ort  as  he  had=20
imagined,  but  a  tobacco  warehouse,  all  made  scenes  interesting  tha=
t  were  old=20
to  me.=20

281=20


BEST   ONLY    FOUND   IN   ACTION.=20

In  April  we  made  up  a  small,  congenial  party  of  ladies  and  gent=
lemen,  ana=20
visited  California  via  the  Union  and  Central  Pacific  Railroads.=20

We  journeyed  leisurely,  and  I  lectured  in  Council  Bluffs,  Omaha  a=
nd  Salt  Lake=20
City,  where  amongst  my  audience  were  a  dozen  or  so  of  Brigliam  =
Young's  wives=20
and  scores  of  his  children.  By  invitation,  t  called  with  my  frie=
nds  on  President=20
Young  at  the  Bee-Hive.  He  received  us  very  cordially,  asked  us  m=
any  questions,=20
and  promptly  answered  ours=20

"  Barnum,"  said  he,  "  what  will  you  give  to  exhibit  me  in  New =
 York  and  the=20
eastern  cities?"=20

"  Well,  Mr.  President,"  I  replied,  "I'll  give  you  half  the  recei=
pts,  which  I  will=20
guarantee  shall  be  $200,000  per  year,  for  I  consider  you  the  bes=
t  show  in  America.  '=E2=80=A2=20

"  Why  did  you  not  secure  me  some  years  ago  when  I  was  of  no  =
consequence  ?"=20
he  continued.=20

"  Because,  you  would  not  have  '  drawn '  at  that  time,"  I  answer=
ed.=20

Brigham  smiled  and  said,  "  I  would  like  right  well  to  spend  a  =
few  hours  with=20
you,  if  you  could  come  when  I  am  disengaged."  I  thanked  him,  an=
d  told  him  I=20
guessed  I  should  enjoy  it;  but  visitors  were  crowding  into  his  r=
eception-room,  and=20
we  withdrew.=20

During  the  week  we  spent  in  seeing  San  Francisco  and  its  suburbs=
,  I  discovered=20
a  dwarf  more  diminutive  than  General  Tom  Thumb  was  when  first  I =
 found  him.=20
and  so  handsome,  well-formed  and  captivating  that  I  could  not  res=
ist  the  tempta-=20
tion to  engage  him.  I  gave  him  the  soubriquet  of  Admiral  Dot,  dr=
essed  him  in=20
complete  Admiral's  uniform,  and  invited  the  editors  of  the  San  Fr=
ancisco  journals=20
to  visit  him  in  the  parlors  of  the  Cosmopolitan  Hotel.=20

Immediately  there  was  an  immense  furore,  and  Woodward's  Gardens,  w=
here=20
"  Dot "  was  exhibited  for  three  weeks  before  going  east,  was  dai=
ly  thronged  with=20
crowds  of  his  curious  fellow  citizens,  under  whose  very  eyes  he  =
had  lived  so=20
long  undiscovered.=20

Speaking  of  dwarfs,  it  may  be  mentioned  here,  that,  notwithstandin=
g  my=20
announced  retirement  from  public  life,  I  still  retained  business  c=
onnections  with=20
my  old  friend,  the  well-known  General  Tom  Thumb.  In  1869,  I  join=
ed  that  cele-=20
brated dwarf  in  a  fresh  enterprise  which  proposed  an  exhibition  to=
ur  of  him  and=20
a  party  of  twelve,  with  a  complete  outfit,  including  a  pair  of  =
ponies  and  a  car-=20
riage, entirely  around  the  world.=20

This  party  was  made  up  of  General  Tom  Thumb  and  his  wife  (forme=
rly  Lavinia=20
Warren),  Commodore  Nutt  and  his  brother  Rodnia,  Miss  Minnie  Warren=
,  Mr.=20
Sylvester  Bleeker  and  his  wife,  and  Mr.  B.  S.  Kellogg,  besides  a=
n  advertising=20
agent  and  musicians.  Mr.  Bleeker  was  the  manager,  and  Mr.  Kellogg=
  acted  as=20
treasurer.  In  the  Fall  of  1869,  this  little  company  went  by  the =
 Union  Pacific=20
Railway  to  San  Francisco,  stopping  on  the  way  to  give  exhibitions=
  at  Omaha,=20
Denver,  Salt  Lake  City,  and  other  places  on  the  route,  with  grea=
t  success.=20

After  a  prolonged  and  most  profitable  series  of  exhibitions  in  Sa=
n  Francisco,=20
the  company  visited  several  leading  towns  in  California  and  then  =
started  for=20
Australia.  On  the  way  they  stopped  at  the  Sandwich  Islands  and  e=
xhibited  in=20
Honolulu.  From  there  they  went  to  Japan,  exhibiting  in  Yeddo,  Yok=
ohama  and=20
other  principal  places,  and  afterwards  at  Canton  and  elsewhere  in =
 China.  They=20
next  made  the  entire  tour  of  Australia,  drawing  immense  houses  at=
  Sydney,=20
MeH>oume,  and  in  other  towns,  but  they  did  not  go  to  New  Zea=
land.  They  then=20
proceeded  to  the  East  Indies,  giving  exhibitions  in  the  larger  to=
wns  and  cities,=20
receiving  marked  attentions  from  Rajahs  and  other  distinguished  per=
sonages.=20
Afterwards  they  went  by  the  way  of  the  Suez  Canal  to  Egypt,  and=
  gave  theii=20


REST  ONLY   FOUND   IN   ACTION.  283=20

entertainments  at  Cairo;  and  thence  to  Italy,  exhibiting  at  all  a=
vailable  points,=20
and  arrived  in  Great  Britain  in  the  summer  of  18TL=20

While  I  am  about  it,  I  may  as  well  confess  my  connection,  sub  =
rosa,  with  another=20
little  speculation  during  my  three  years'  "leisure."  I  hired  the  =
well-known=20
Siamese  Twins,  the  giantess,  Anna  Swan,  and  a  Circassian  lady,  an=
d,  in  connec-=20
tion with  Judge  Ingalls,  I  sent  them  to  Great  Britain  where,  in  =
all  the  principal=20
places,  and  for  about  a  year,  their  levees  were  continually  crowd=
ed.  In  all=20
probability  the  great  success  attending  this  enterprise  was  much  e=
nhanced,  if  not=20
actually  caused,  by  extensive  announcements  in  advance,  that  the  m=
ain  purpose=20
of  Chang-Bug's  visit  to  Europe  was  to  consult  the  most  eminent  m=
edical  and=20
surgical  talent  with  regard  to  the  safety  of  separating  the  twins=
.=20

We  spent  some  time  in  the  Yo  Semite  ;  stopping  by  the  way  at  =
the  Mariposa=20
grove  of  big  trees,  whence  I  sent  to  New  York  a  piece  of  bark =
 thirty-one  niches=20
thick.=20

Concluding  a  most  enjoyable  trip,  we  returned  to  New  York,  and  f=
irst  of  June=20
my  family  removed  to  our  summer  home,  Waldemere.  There  the  good  =
and=20
gifted  Alice  Gary,  then  in  feeble  health,  and  her  sister  Phoebe, =
 were  our  guests=20
for  several  weeks.=20

In  September,  I  made  up  a  party  of  ten,  including  my  English  fr=
iend,  and  we=20
started  for  Kansas  on  a  grand  buffalo  hunt.  General  Custer,  comma=
ndant  at=20
Fort  Hayes,  was  apprized  in  advance  of  our  anticipated  visit,  and=
  he  received  us=20
like  princes.  He  fitted  out  a  company  of  fifty  cavalry,  furnishin=
g  us  with  horses,=20
arms  and  ammunition.  We  were  taken  to  an  immense  herd  of  buffalo=
es,  quietly=20
browsing  on  the  open  plain.  We  charged  on  them,  and,  during  an  =
exciting  chase=20
of  a  couple  of  hours,  we  slew  twenty  immense  bull  buffaloes,  and=
  might  have=20
killed  as  many  more  had  we  not  considered  it  wanton  butchery.=20

Our  ten  day's  sport  afforded  me  a  "sensation,"  but  sensations  can=
not  be  ma/le=20
to  order  every  day,  so,  in  the  autumn  of  1870,  to  open  a  safet=
y-valve  for  my=20
pent-up  energies,  I  began  to  prepare  a  great  show  enterprise,  com=
prising  a  Mu-=20
seum, Menagerie,  Caravan,  Hippodrome  and  Circus,  of  such  proportions=
  as  to=20
require  five  hundred  men  and  horses  to  transport  it  through  the  =
country.  On  the=20
tenth  of  April,  1871,  the  vast  tents,  covering  nearly  three  acres=
  of  ground,  were=20
opened  in  Brooklyn,  and  filled  with  ten  thousand  delighted  spectat=
ors,  thousands=20
more  being  unable  to  obtain  entrance.  The  success  which  marked  th=
e  inaugura-=20
tion of  this,  my  greatest  show,  attended  it  the  whole  season,  dur=
ing  which  time=20
it  visited  the  Eastern,  Middle  and  Western  States  from  Maine  to  =
Kansas.=20

At  the  close  of  a  brilliant  season,  I  recalled  the  show  to  New =
 York,  secured=20
the  Empire  Rink,  and  opened  in  that  building  November  13, 1871,  b=
eing*welcomed=20
by  an  enthusiastic  audience  of  ten  thousand  people.  The  exhibition=
s  were  con-=20
tinued daily,  with  unvarying  popularity  and  patronage,  until  the  cl=
ose  of  the=20
holidays,  when  necessary  preparations  for  the  spring  campaign  compe=
lled  me  to=20
close.  One  of  the  most  interesting  curiosities  added  at  that  time=
,  was  a  gigantic=20
section  of  a  California  "big  tree,"  of  such  proportions  that  on  =
one  occasion,  at=20
the  Empire  Rink,  it  enclosed  two  hundred  children  of  the  Howard  =
Mission.  This=20
section  I  afterwards  presented  to  Frank  Leslie,  who  had  it  mounte=
d  and  roofed=20
to  form  a  summer-house  on  his  Saratoga  estate,  where  it  now  stan=
ds,  a  unique=20
ornament  and  attraction.=20

During  the  winter  of  1871  and  1872,  I  worked  unremittingly,  re-or=
ganizing  and=20
re-enforcing  my  great  traveling  show.  To  the  horror  of  my  very  a=
ble  but  too=20
cautious  manager,  Mr.  W.  C.  Coup,  and  my  treasurer,  Mr.  Hurd,  I =
 so  augmented=20


284  REST  ONLY   FOUND   IN    ACTION.=20

the  already  innumerable  attractions,  that  it  was  shown  beyond  doub=
t,  that  we=20
could  not  travel  at  a  less  expense  than  five  thousand  dollars  pe=
r  day,  but,=20
undaunted,  I  still  expended  thousands  of  dollars,  and  ship  after  =
ship  brought  me=20
rare  and  valuable  animals  and  works  of  art.  Two  beautiful  Giraffe=
s  or  Camel-=20
opards,  were  dispatched  to  me  (one  died  on  the  Atlantic),  and  a =
 third  was=20
retained  for  me  at  the  Zoological  Gardens,  London,  ready  to  be  s=
hipped  at  a=20
moment's  notice.  As  no  giraffe  has  ever  lived  two  years  in  Ameri=
ca,  all  other=20
managers  had  given  up  any  attempt  to  import  them,  but  this  only =
 made  me  more=20
determined  to  always  have  one  on  hand  at  whatever  cost.=20

My  agents  in  Alaska  procured  for  me  several  immense  sea-lions  and=
  barking-=20
seals,  which  weighed  a  thousand  pounds  each,  and  consumed  from  si=
xty  to  a=20
hundred  pounds  of  fish  daily.=20

My  novelties  comprised  an  Italian  goat  "Alexis,"  taught  in  Europe =
 to  ride  on=20
horseback,  leap  through  hoops  and  over  banners,  alighting  on  his  =
feet  on  the  back=20
of  the  horse  while  going  at  full  speed.  I  had  also  many  extraor=
dinary  musical=20
and  other  automatons  and  moving  tableaux,  made  expressly  for  me  b=
y  expert=20
European  artists.=20

But  perhaps  the  most  striking  additions  to  my  show  were  four  wil=
d  Fiji  Canni-=20
bals, ransomed  at  great  cost  from  the  hands  of  a  royal  enemy,  in=
to  whose  hands=20
they  had  fallen,  and  by  whom  they  were  about  to  be  killed  and  =
perhaps  eaten.=20

The  following  happy  hit  is  from  the  pen-  of  Rev.  Henry  Ward  Bee=
cher,  as  it=20
appeared  in  that  excellent  paper  of  which  he  was  editor,  the  New=
  York  Christian=20
Union  of  February  28th,  1872:=20

"Should  not  a  paternal  government  set  some  limit  to  the  enterpris=
e  of  Brother  Barn  am,=20
with  reference,  at  least,  to  the  considerations  of  public  safety  =
T  Here  upon  our  desk,  lie*=20
an  indication  of  his  last  perilous  venture.  He  invites  us  '  and =
 one  friend ' =E2=80=94 no  conditions=20
as  to^condition '  specified=E2=80=94 to  a  private  exhibition  of  four=
  living  cannibals,  which  he  has=20
obtained  from  the  Fiji  Islands,  for  his  traveling  show.  We  have  =
beaten  up.  in  this  office,=20
among  the  lean  and  tough,  and  those  most  easily  spared  in  an  em=
ergency,  for  volunteers  to=20
visit  the  Anthropophagi,  and  report ;  but  never  has  the  retiring  =
and  self-distrustful  dispo-=20
sition of  our  employees  been  more  signally  displayed.  The  establish=
ment  was  not  represented=20
at  that  exposition.  If  Barnum  had  remembered  to  specify  the  '  fe=
eding-time,'  we  might=20
have  dropped  in,  in  a  friendly  way,  at  some  other  period  of  the=
  day."=20

Perceiving  that  my  great  combination  was  assuming  such  proportions =
 that  it=20
would  be  impossible  to  move  it  by  horse  power,  I  negotiated  with=
  all  the  railway=20
companies  between  New  York  and  Omaha,  Nebraska,  for  the  transporta=
tion  by=20
rail,  of  my  whole  show,  requiring  sixty  to  seventy  freight  cars, =
 six  passenger=20
cars,  and  three  engines.  The  result  is  well  remembered.  The  great=
  show  visited=20
the  States  of  New  Jersey,  Delaware,  Maryland,  Pennsylvania,  Distric=
t  of  Colum-=20
bia, Virginia^  Ohio,  Tnriiana,  Kentucky,  Illinois,  Missouri,  Kansas, =
 Iowa,  Minne-=20
sota, Wisconsin  and  Michigan,  often  traveling  one  hundred  miles  in =
 a  single  night=20
to  hit  good-sized  towns  every  day,  arriving  in  time  to  give  thre=
e  exhibitions,  and=20
the  usual  street  pageant  at  eight  o'clock,  A,  M.  By  means  of  ch=
eap  excursion=20
trains,  thousands  of  strangers  attended  daily,  coming  fifty,  sevent=
y-five  and  a=20
hundred  miles.  Thousands  more  came  in  wagons  and  on  horseback,  fr=
equently=20
arriving  in  the  night  and  "  camping  out"  The  tenting  season  clos=
ed  at  Detroit,=20
October  30th,  when  we  were  patronized  by  the  largest  concourse  of=
  people  ever=20
assembled  in  the  State  of  Michigan.=20

With  wonderful  unanimity  the  public  press  acknowledged  that  I  exhi=
bited=20
much  more  than  I  advertised,  and  that  no  combination  of  exhibitio=
ns  that  ever=20
traveled  had  shown  a  tithe  of  the  instructive  and  amusing  novelti=
es  that  I  had=20
gathered  together.  This  universal  commendation  is,  to  me,  the  most=
  gratifying=20
feature  of  the  campaign,  for,  not  being  compelled  to  do  business =
 merely  for  the=20


BEST  ONLY   FOUND   IN  ACTION.  285=20

take  of  profit,  my  highest  enjoyment  is  to  delight  my  patrons.  T=
he  entire  six=20
months'  receipts  of  the  Great  Traveling  World's  Fair,  amounted  to =
 nearly  one=20
million  dollars.=20

When  not  with  the  company,  I  spent  most  of  my  time  at  my  ideal=
  home,=20
Waldemere,  which  I  enlarged  and  beautified  at  a  cost  of  ninety  t=
housand  dollars,=20
There  I  had  the  honor  and  pleasure  of  entertaining  Horace  Greeley=
,  my  life-long=20
friend,  and  of  arranging  for  him  those  simple,  healthful  country  =
amusements,  so=20
grateful  and  refreshing  to  a  care-worn  politician.=20

In  October,  I  visited  Colorado,  accompanied  by  my  English  friend, =
 John  Fish,=20
and  a  Bridgeport  gentleman  who  had  an  interest  with  me  in  a  sto=
ck-raising=20
ranche  in  the  southern  part  of  that  Territory.  We  took  the  Kansa=
s  Pacific  Rail-=20
road to  Denver,  seeing  many  thousands  of  wild  buffalo =E2=80=94 our =
 train  sometimes=20
being  stopped  to  let  them  pass.  The  weather  was  delightful.  We  s=
pent  several=20
days  in  the  new  and  flourishing  town  of  Greeley.  I  gave  a  tempe=
rance  lecture=20
there;  also  at  Denver.  At  the  latter  city,  hi  the  course  of  my =
 remarks,  I  told=20
them  I  never  saw  so  many  disappointed  people  as  at  Denver.  The  =
large  audience=20
looked  surprised,  but  were  relieved  when  I  added,  "  half  the  inh=
abitants  came=20
invalids  from  the  east,  expecting  to  die,  and  they  find  they  can=
not  do  it.  Your=20
charming  climate  will  not  permit  it ! "  And  it  is  a  fact.  I  am =
 charmed  with=20
Colorado,  the  scenery  and  delightful  air,  and  particularly  would  I=
  recommend  as=20
a  place  of  residence  to  those  who  can  afford  it,  the  lively,  th=
riving  city  of  Den-=20
ver. To  those  who  have  some  capital  and  yet  have  their  fortunes  =
to  make,  I=20
say,  "go  to  Greeley."=20

We  took  the  narrow  gauge  road  from  Denver  to  Pueblo,  stopping  at=
  Colorado=20
Springs,  and  the  "Garden  of  the  gods."  The  novel  scenery  here  am=
ply  paid  us=20
for  our  visit.  From  Pueblo  I  proceeded  forty  miles  by  carriage  t=
o  our  cattle=20
ranche,  and  spent  a  couple  of  days  there  very  pleasantly.  We  hav=
e  several=20
thousand  head  of  cattle  there,  which  thrive  through  the  winter  wi=
thout  hay  or=20
fodder  of  any  kind.  A  railroad  has  just  been  opened  from  Pueblo =
 to  Trinidad=20
which  passes  through  a  corner  of  my  ranche.=20

At  the  close  in  Detroit  of  the  great  Western  railroad  tour,  I  e=
quipped  and=20
started  South  a  Museum,  Menagerie  and  Circus,  which,  while  it  mad=
e  no  per-=20
ceptible diminution  in  the  main  body,  was  still  the  largest  and  m=
ost  complete=20
traveling  expedition  ever  seen  in  the  Southern  States.  Louisville  =
was  designated=20
as  the  rendezvous  and  point  of  consolidation  of  the  various  depar=
tments,  and  the=20
new  expedition  gave  its  initial  exhibition  hi  the  Falls  City,  Nov=
ember  4.  Much=20
of  the  menagerie  consisted  of  animals  of  which  I  owned  the  dupli=
cate,  and  henc=C2=AB=20
could  easily  spare  them  without  injuring  the  variety  in  my  zoolog=
ical  collection=20
I  was  aware,  also,  that  many  of  the  rare  specimens  would  thrive =
 better  in  a=20
warmer  climate,  and  as  the  expense  of  procuring  them  had  been  en=
ormous,  1=20
coupled  my  humanitarian  feelings  with  my  pecuniary  interests,  and  =
sent  them=20
South.=20

In  August,  I  purchased  the  building  and  lease  on  Fourteenth  stree=
t,  New  York,=20
known  as  the  Hippotheafcron,  purposing  to  open  a  Museum,  Menagerie=
,  Hippo-=20
drome and  Circus,  that  would  furnish  employment  for  two  hundred  of=
  my  people=20
who  would  otherwise  be  idle  during  the  winter.  I  enlarged  and  re=
modeled  the=20
building  almost  beyond  recognition,  at  an  expense  of  $60,000,  inst=
alled  in  it  my=20
valuable  collection  of  animals,  automatons  and  living  curiosities,  =
and  on  Monday=20
evening,  November  18,  the  grand  opening  took  place.  It  was  a  bea=
utiful  sight;=20
the  huge  building,  with  a  seating  capacity  of  2,800,  filled  from =
 pit  to  dome  with=20
a  brilliant  audience,  the  dazzling  new  lights,  the  sweet  music  an=
d  gorgeous  orna-=20


286  BEST  ONLY   FOUND   IN  ACTION.=20

mentations  completing  the  charm.    The  papers  next  morning  containe=
d  long  and=20
eulogistic  editorials.=20

Four  weeks  after  this  inauguration,  I  visited  my  Southern  show  at=
  New  Orleans.=20
While  seated  at  breakfast  at  the  St.  Louis  Hotel  and  perusing  an=
  account  of  the=20
flooding  of  my  show-grounds  in  that  city,  the  following  telegram  =
was  handed  me:=20

NEW  YOBK,  December  24.=20
To  P.  T.  Bamum,  New  Orleans ;=20

About  4  A.  M.  fire  discovered  in  boiler-room  of  circus  building ;=
  everything  destroyed=20
except  2  elephants,  1  camel.=20

S.  H.  HURD,  Treasurer.=20

The  smaller  misfortune  was  instantly  forgotten  in  the  greater.  Cal=
ling  for=20
writing  material,  I  then  and  there  cabled  my  European  agents  to  =
send  duplicates=20
of  all  animals  lost,  with  positive  instructions  to  have  everything=
  shipped  in  time=20
to  reach  New  York  by  the  middle  of  March.  I  directed  them  furth=
er  to  procure=20
at  any  cost  specimens  never  seen  in  America;  and  through  sub-agen=
ts  to  purchase=20
and  forward  curiosities =E2=80=94 animate  and  ina.TiiTnn.tfl =E2=80=94 =
from  all  parts  of  the  globe.=20
I  then  dispatched  the  following  to  my  son-in-law:=20

NBW  ORLEANS.  December  24.=20
To  S.  H.  Hurd,  New  York :=20

Tell  editors  I  have  cabled  European  agents  to  expend  half  million=
  dollars  for  extra=20
attractions ;  will  have  new  and  more  attractive  show  than  ever  ea=
rly  in  April.=20

P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

These  details  attended  to,  I  resumed  my  breakfast,  and  took  a  ca=
lm  view  of  the=20
situation.=20

Returning  to  New  York,  I  learned  that  my  loss  on  building  and  p=
roperty=20
amoimted  to  nearly  $300,000,  to  meet  which  I  held  insurance  polic=
ies  to  the=20
amount  of  $90,000.  My  equestrian  company,  in  which  I  took  great  =
pride,  was=20
left  idle  until  the  opening  of  the  summer  season.  The  members  lo=
st  their  entire=20
wardrobes,  a  loss  which  can  only  be  appreciated  by  professionals. =
 The  Eques-=20
trian Benevolent  Society  kindly  gave  them  a  benefit  at  the  Academy=
  of  Music,=20
on  the  afternoon  and  evening  of  January  7, 1873.  Many  stars  in  t=
he  Equestrian,=20
Dramatic  and  Musical  firmament  volunteered  for  the  occasion,  and  t=
he  two=20
entertainments  were  largely  attended.  Being  called  upon  to  "  defin=
e  my  posi=20
tion,"  I  stepped  upon  the  stage  and  made  a  few  off-hand  remarks,=
  which  were=20
reported  in  the  morning  papers  as  follows:=20

LADIES  AND  GENTLEMEN  :  I  have  catered  for  so  many  years  for  the=
  amusement  of  the=20
public  that  the  beneficiaries  on  this  occasion  seem  to  have  thoug=
ht  that  the  showman=20
himself  ought  to  be  a  part  of  the  show  ;  and,  at  their  request=
,  I  come  before  yon.  I  sincerely=20
thank  you,  in  their  behalf,  for  your  patronage  on  this  occasion. =
 How  much  they  need  your=20
substantial  sympathy  .the  ashes  across  the  street  can  tell  you  mo=
re  eloquently  than  human=20
tongue  could  utter.  Those  ashes  are  the  remnants  of  "  all  the  w=
orldly  goods  "  of  some  who=20
appeal  to  you  to-day.=20

For  myself,  I  have  been  burned  out  so  often,  I  am  like  the  sin=
ger  who  was  hissed  on=20
the  stage:  "  Hiss  away,"  said  he,  "  I  am  used  to  it."  My  pecu=
niary  loss  is  very  serious.=20
and  occurring,  as  it  did.  just  before  the  holidays,  it  is  all  t=
he  more  disastrous.=20

It  may,  perhaps,  gratify  my  friends  to  know,  however,  that  I  am =
 still  enabled  to  invest=20
another  half  million  of  dollars  without  disturbing  my  bank  account=
.  The  public  will  have=20
amusements,  and  they  ought  to  be  those  of  an  elevating  and  an  u=
nobjectionable  character.=20
For  many  years  it  has  been  my  pleasure  to  provide  a  class  of  i=
nstructive  and  amusing  enter-=20
tainments, to  which  a  refined  Christian  mother  can  take  her  childr=
en  with  satisfaction.=20

I  believe  that  no  other  man  in  America  possesses  the  desire  and =
 facilities  which  I  have  in=20
this  direction.  I  have,  therefore,  taken  steps,  through  all  my  ag=
ents  in  Europe  and  this=20
country,  which  will  enable  me  to  put  upon  the  road,  early  in  Ap=
ril,  the  most  gigantic  and=20
complete  traveling  museum,  menagerie  and  hippodrome  ever  organized.=
=20

It  has  been  asked  whether  I  will  build  up  a  large  museum  and  m=
enagerie  in  New  York.=20
Well,  I  am  now  nearly  sixty-three  years  of  age.  I  can  buy  plent=
y  of  building  sites  and  get=20
plenty  of  leased  lots  for  a  new  museum ;  but  I  cannot  get  a  ne=
w  lease  of  life.=20


REST   ONLY    FOUND    IN    ACTION.  '^ '=20

Younger  members  of  my  family  desire  me  to  erect  in  this  city  an=
  establishment  worthy=20
of  New  York  and  of  myself.  It  will  be  no  small  undertaking  ;  f=
or  if  I  erect  such  an  estab-=20
lishment, it  will  possess  novel  and  costly  features  never  before  a=
ttempted.  I  have  it  under=20
consideration,  and  within  a  month  shall  determine  whether  or  not  =
I  shall  make  another=20
attempt ;  of  one  thing,  however,  you  may  be  assured,  ladies  and  =
gentlemen,  although  confla-=20
grations may,  for  the  present,  disconcert  my  plans,  yet,  while  I  =
have  life  and  health,  no  fire=20
can  burn  nor  water  quench  my  ambition  to  gratify  my  patrons  at  =
whatever  cost  of  money  or=20
of  effort.  I  shall  never  lend  my  name  where  my  labors  and  heart=
  do  not  go  with  it,  and  the=20
public  shall  never  fail  to  find  at  any  of  my  exhibitions  their  =
money's  worth  ten  times  told.=20

Before  the  new  year  dawned,  I  received  tidings  that  my  agents  ha=
d  purchased=20
for  me  a  full  collection  of  animals  and  curiosities,  and  by  the =
 first  week  in  April,=20
1873 =E2=80=94 but  three  short  months  after  thfe  fire =E2=80=94 I  pl=
aced  upon  the  road  a  combination=20
of  curiosities  and  marvellous  performances  that  by  far  surpassed  a=
ny  attempt  ever  =E2=80=A2=20
made  with  a  traveling  exhibition  in  any  country.  Indeed,  so  wonde=
rfully  im-=20
mense was  "  Barnum's  Traveling  World's  Fair  "  in  1873,  that  its  =
expenses  greatly=20
exceeded  five  thousand  dollars  per  day,  and  my  friends  almost  una=
nimously=20
declared  that  it  would  "break"  me.  I  suppose  there  is  a  limit  b=
eyond  which  it=20
would  be  fatal  to  go,  in  catering  for  public  instruction  and  amu=
sement,  but  I=20
have  never  yet  found  that  limit.  My  experience  is  that  the  more =
 and  the  better=20
a  manager  will  provide  for  the  public,  the  more  liberally  they  w=
ill  respond.  The=20
season  of  1873  was  far  from  being  an  exception  to  this  experienc=
e.  My  tents=20
covered  double  the  space  of  ground  that  I  had  ever  required  befo=
re,  and  yet  they=20
were  never  so  closely  crowded  with  visitors.  Where  thousands  atten=
ded  my=20
show  in  1872,  numbers  of  thousands  came  in  1873.  It  visited  the =
 largest  cities  in  ^=20
Connecticut,  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Verm=
ont,=20
and  the  Middle  and  Western  States,  as  far  as  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  ta=
king  Canada  on=20
the  return  route  to  New  York.=20

While  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  a  little  incident  occurred  which  was  de=
scribed  as=20
follows  by  one  of  the  Cleveland  papers:=20

A  PRIVATE  SHOW  TO  A  SICK  BOY-A  PLEASANT  EPISODE.=20

Mr.  P.  T.  Barnum's  ambition  to  give  the  public  a  better  show  th=
an  any  one  else  can  give=20
them  for  the  same  money  is  well  known,  though  very  few  are  awar=
e  of  the  great  pleasure=20
he  takes  in.  providing  amusement  for  little  children.  An  incident =
 happening  in  our  city  yes-=20
terday illustrated  this  characteristic  very  strikingly.  There  is  a  =
little  five-year-old  invalid=20
up  town  who  has  become  quite  a  favorite  with  the-great  showman,  =
who  never  fails  to  visit=20
him  in  passing  through  Cleveland.  Yesterday  morning  the  little  fel=
low  heard  the  door  bell=20
rin<;,  and  his  face  lit  up  with  joy  as  Mr.  Barnnm  entered  th=
e  sick-room.  The  usual  pleasant=20
greetings  ensued,  and  the  great  manager  threw  his  soul  into  the  =
work  of  entertaining  the=20
child  as  completely  as  when  surrounded  by  thousands  he  talks  in  =
his  great  show.  Thechild=20
was  delighted,  but  the  shadow  which  is  always  as  near  joy  as  th=
e  thorn  is  to  the  rose,  stole=20
over  the  little  "Trot's"  face  on  reflecting  that  he  could  not  se=
e  the  menagerie.  "Never=20
mind."  said  Mr.  Itanium,  "  if  yon  cannot  go  to  the  show,  we  mu=
st  bring  the  show  to  you."=20
So  Maying,  he  departed,  and  a  h;ilf  hour  later  the  child  and  th=
e  whole  family  were  astonished=20
to  see  a  drove  of  elephants,  camel*  and  dromedaries  marched  in  t=
o  the  yard,  and  come  to  a  halt=20
near  the  child's  window.  The  little  one  was  held  up  where  he  co=
uld  see  the  animals,  and=20
their  keeper  made  them  go  through  a  regular  performance.  =E2=80=A2=
'  Trot  "  gave  his  orders  to  the=20
unwieldy  elephants,  and,  by  a  sign  from  the  keeper,  they  were  al=
l  obeyed.  In  half  an  hour=20
the  matinee  terminated,  and  the  detachment  of  the  procession  march=
ed  back  to  the  show-=20
grounds, leaving  the  child  wild  with  delight.  Mr.  Barnum's  love  fo=
r  the  little  ones  lias=20
been  frequently  shown  by  the  generous  invitations  he  everywhere  ex=
tends  to  orphans  to=20
attend  his  exhibitions  free  of  charge ;  but  this  effort  to  please=
  a  little  child  is  a  unique=20
illustration  of  that  characteristic.=20

Notwithstanding  my  frequent  visits  to  the  "traveling  show,"  I  mana=
ged  to=20
spend  much  of  the  summer  at  my  delightful  "  Waldemere."=20

In  September,  of  1873,  as  I  had  not  visited  Europe  since  1869, 1=
  concluded  to=20
run  over  and  see  the  International  Exhibition  at  Vienna,  and  visi=
t  other  parts  of=20
Europe,  to  rest  my  over-worked  brain,  and  see  what  could  be  pick=
ed  up  to=20
instruct  and  edify  my  amusement  patrons.=20


BEST  ONLY   FOUND  IN  ACTION.=20

On  landing  at  Liverpool,  I  was  met  by  my  old  friend,  John  Fish,=
  Esq.,  the=20
"enterprising  Englishman."  Mr.  Fish  was  the  last  friend  who  shook =
 my  hand=20
as  I  left  Liverpool  in  1859,  and  the  first  to  grasp  it  as  I  l=
anded  in  1873.  After=20
spending  a  few  days  at  his  house,  in  Southport,  the  "  Montpelier=
  of  England,"  a=20
delightful  watering-place  eighteen  miles  from  Liverpool,  I  proceeded=
  to  London.=20
I  met  many  of  my  old  English  friends  here,  including,  of  course,=
  my  esteemed=20
friend  and  faithful  agent,  Robert  Fillingham,  Esq.,  and  then  haste=
ned  on  to=20
Cologne,  Leipsic,  Dresden,  and  Vienna,  which  latter  city  I  reached=
  ten  days=20
before  the  closing  of  the  great  World's  Fair.  Those  ten  days  I  =
devoted  most=20
assiduously  to  studying  the  marvels  of  this  great  World's  Exhibiti=
on,  and  I=20
t  witnessed  the  ceremonies  which  terminated  what  is  generally  conc=
eded  to  be  the=20
largest  and  best  International  Exhibition  that  the  world  ever  saw.=
  I  proceeded=20
leisurely  back  to  Dresden,  stopping  at  Prague  on  the  way.  Thence =
 I  went  to=20
Berlin,  and,  at  each  city,  I  took  time  to  see  all  that  was  int=
eresting.  While  at=20
Berlin,  I  received  letters  from  my  Manager,  Coup,  and  Treasurer,  =
Hurd,  saying=20
they  would  be  able  to  secure  a  short  lease  of  the  Harlem  Railro=
ad  property  hi=20
New  York,  bounded  by  Fourth  and  Madison  avenues  and  Twenty-sixth  =
anu=20
Twenty-seventh  streets,  containing  several  acres,  for  the  purpose  o=
f  carrying  out=20
my  long-cherished  plan  of  exhibiting  a  Roman  Hippodrome,  Zoological=
  Institute,=20
Aquaria,  and  Museum  of  unsurpassable  extent  and  magnificence.  I  im=
mediately=20
telegraphed  them  to  take  the  lease,  and  within  twenty-four  hours  =
from  that  time=20
I  was  in  telegraphic  communication  with  seventeen  European  cities  =
where  I  knew=20
were  the  proper  parties  to  aid  me  in  carrying  out  a  grand  and  =
novel  enterprise.=20

I  visited  all  the  zoological  gardens,  circuses,  and  public  exhibit=
ions,  wherever  I=20
went,  and  thus  secured  numerous  novelties  and  obtained  new  and  va=
luable  ideas.=20

At  Hamburg,  I  purchased  nearly  a  ship-load  of  valuable  wild  anima=
ls  and  rare=20
birds,  including  elephants,  giraffes,  a  dozen  ostriches,  &c.,  &=
amp;c.=20

I  had  concluded  all  my  purchases  in  Hamburg  on  the  eighteenth  of=
  November,=20
1873,  and  was  taking  a  few  last  looks  around  the  city  previous  =
to  starting  for=20
Italy,  when,  on  the  twentieth  inst.,  I  received  from  my  son-in-la=
w,  Mr.  Hurd,  a=20
telegraphic  despatch  announcing  the  death  of  my  wife  on  the  day  =
previous.=20

It  is  difficult  for  those  who  have  not  had  the  sad  experience,  =
to  imagine  the=20
degree  of  anguish  which  overwhelms  one,  when  called  to  part  with =
 a  beloved=20
companion  with  whom  he  has  lived  forty-four  years.  That  anguish  m=
ust  be=20
greatly  enhanced  when  such  a  death  comes  sudden  and  unexpected.  B=
ut  when=20
the  intelligence  is  not  only  unlocked  for,  but  as,  in  my  case,  =
it  finds  the  sorrowing=20
husband  four  thousand  miles  away  from  the  bedside  of  his  dead  wi=
fe,  alone,  in  a=20
strange  land,  where  his  native  tongue  is  not  spoken:  when  he  ref=
lects  that  children,=20
grandchildren  and  other  kindred  are  mourning  over  the  coffin  where=
  he  is  needed,=20
and  vrhere  his  poor  stricken  heart  is  breaking  to  be,  the  utter =
 loneliness  of  that=20
mourner  cannot  be  truly  comprehended.  Long  accustomed  as  I  have  b=
een  to  feel=20
that  God  is  good,  and  that  His  ways  are  always  right,  that  He  =
overcometh  evil=20
with  good,  and  chastens  us  "for  our  profit,"  I  confess  the  "clou=
d"  seemed  so=20
utterly  black  that  it  was  hard  to  realize  it  could  have  a  silve=
r  "  lining; "  and  my=20
tongue  ceased  to  move  when  I  attempted  to  say,  as  surely  we  all=
  ought  unhesi-=20
tatingly at  all  times  to  say,  "Not  my  will,  but  Thine  be  done." =
 I  remained  in=20
my  room  for  several  days,  and  on  that  Saturday,  on  which  I  felt=
  confident  my=20
children  and  friends  were  accompanying  her  remains  to  our  beautifu=
l  Mountain=20
Grove  Cemetery,  my  lonely  head  was  bowed,  and  my  tears  flowed  in=
  unison=20
with  theirs,  while  I  implored  our  dear  Father  to  give  them  stren=
gth  to  bear  their=20
loss  and  to  sanctify  her  death  to  the  benefit  of  us  all.=20


P.  T.  BARNUM'S  WIFE,  CHARITY,=20

AT  THE  AGE  OF  65.  See  page  289.=20


REST  ONLY   FOUND  IN  ACTION.=20


289=20


She  died  at  our  New  York  residence,  surrounded  by  children  and  M=
ends,  who=20
had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  she  passed  away  without  pain=
.=20
The  Bridgeport  Standard  gave  the  following  account  of  the  funeral =
 services:=20

Toe  remains  of  Mrs.  P.  T.  Barnmn  were  brought  to  this  city,  upo=
n  the  10.12  express  this=20
morning,  and  were  taken  to  Waldemere,  where  the  funeral  services  =
were  held  this  after-=20
noou.  The  house  was  filled  with  the  relatives  and  Iriends  of  the=
  deceased,  to  render  th'=20
last  sad  tribute  of  affection  and  respect,  among  whom  were  many  =
of  our  most  prominent=20
citizens  and  their  families,  and  a  number  of  the  clargy  of  the  =
city.  The  remains,  which  had=20
been  embalmed  in  New  York,  in  accordance  with  a  request  received =
 by  telegram  from  Mr.=20
Barnnm,  who  is  at  Hamburgh,  were  enclosed  In  an  elegant  rosewood =
 casket,  and  placed  in=20
*he  east  parlor  at  Waldemere.  The  casket  was  covered  with  crowns =
 and  crosses,  and=20
wreaths  of  white  roses,  beautifully  arranged.  At  the  head  of  the =
 casket  was  a  large  cross=20
of  evergreens,  with  the  word  "  Mother  "in  white  roses,  across  th=
e  arms,  and  at  the  base,=20
"  Charity,"  also  in  white  roses.  The  funeral  services  were  conduc=
ted  by  Rev.  Abel  C.=20
Thomas,  of  Philadelphia.  He  also  made  a  few  short  remarks  upon  t=
he  past  life  of  the=20
deceased,  and  addressed  comforting  words  to  the  mourning  friends.  =
After  a  closing  prayer=20
the  doxology=E2=80=94 "  Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow,"  =
was  sung  by  all  present,  after=20
which  an  opportunity  was  given  to  view  the  remains.  The  funeral  =
procession  then  wended=20
its  sorrowful  way  "  from  Waldemere  and  the  sound  of  many  waters =
 to  the  quiet  of  Moun-=20
tain Grove."  The  remains  were  then  placed  in  the  public  receiving =
 vault  until  the  return=20
of  Mr.  Barnnm  from  Europe.=20

After  this  sad  blow  I  could  not  bear  the  thought  of  "sight-seein=
g,"  and  1=20
yearned  to  be  where  I  could  meet  sympathizing  friends  and  hear  m=
y  native=20
tongue.  I  therefore  returned  to  London  and  s^ent  several  weeks  in=
  quiet=20


CHAPTER  XLVII1.=20

AMONG    MY   FRIENDS   AND   NEIGHBORS.=20

AT  length,  the  continual  letters  from  my  manager  roused  me  to  ac=
tion,  and  1=20
went  at  it  with  a  wilL  What  I  did  is  shown  in  the  following  e=
xtract  from  the=20
London  Era:=20

BARNUM'S  NEXT  SENSATION.=20

The  greatest  showman  of  the  day  Is  once  more  in  London,  completi=
ng  preparations  for  the=20
opening  of  the  immense  Hippodrome  which  he  is  erecting  in  New  Yo=
rk.  Some  idea  of  the=20
means  which  are  being  taken  to  create  a  sensation  maybe  derived  =
from  the  following  facts:=20
Mr.  Barnnm  has  not  only  sent  agents  to  Spain  and  Africa  to  secu=
re  attractions,  but  has  liini-=20
gelf  visited  the  Hippodrome  in  Paris,  the  Circus  Renzat  Vienna,  M=
yers'  Circus  at  Dresden,=20
Salamonski  and  Carre's  Circus  at  Cologne,  the  Zoological  Gardens  a=
t  Hamburgh,  Amster-=20
dam and  other  Continental  cities,  selecting  and  purchasing  the  choi=
cest  animals  procurable,=20
and  engaging  the  most  talented  artists.  He  has  secured  what  may  =
fairly  be  called  an  endless=20
variety  of  attractions,  ranging  from  a  race-horse  to  a  Roman  char=
iot.  With  the  Messrs.=20
Sanger  alone  he  has  done  business  to  "the  tune"  of  =C2=A311,000. =
 He  has  already  shipped  to=20
New  York  elephants,  camels  and  horses,  trained  for  every  species  =
of  Circus  performance.=20
On  tbe  25th  a  further  '=E2=80=A2  batch  "  will  be  dispatched,  inc=
luding  sixteen  ostriches,  ten  elands,=20
ten  zebras,  a  team  of  reindeer,  with  Lapland  drivers,  a  troupe  o=
f  performing  ponies,  monkeys,=20
dogs,  goats,  &c.,  &c.  The  armor  and  costume  makers  of  Lon=
don  are  to  be  set  to  work=20
immediately  the  pantomines  are  off  their  minds  and  hands,  and  som=
e  portion  of  the  para-=20
phernalia which  is  to  contribute  to  the  gigantic  whole  will  be  sh=
ipped  weekly.  The=20
Hippodrome  will  open  in  April  next,  and  in  the  preliminary  parade=
,  we  liave  no  doubt,  the=20
citizens  will  find  reason  to  say  that  their  greatest  and  most  po=
pular  showman  has  far=20
outstripped  all  his  former  efforts.  We  may  iidd  that  the  New  Yor=
k  enterprise  will  in  no=20
way  interfere  with  the  famous  tent  show  everywhere  known  as  "  Ba=
rnum's  Great  Museum.=20
Menagerie,  Circus  and  Traveling  World's  Fair."=20

Ten  days  afterwards  the  London  Times,  whose  editor  had  seen  the  =
original=20
contract,  published  the  following  article:=20

A  THEATRICAL  CONTRACT.=20

Mr.  P.  T.  Barnnm.  who  is  now  in  this  country,  has  just  entered =
 into  a  contract  with  Messrs.=20
Sanger,  of  Astley's  Amphitheatre,  for  the  purchase  of  the  whole  o=
f  the  plant,  wardrobe,=20
and  paraphernalia  connected  with  the  pageant  of  the  "  Congress  of=
  Monarchs '"  exhibited=20
at  the  Agricultural  Hall  four  or  five  years'since.  The  contract  i=
s  as  follows  .=20

"  This  agreement  made  at  the  City  of  London,  January  2d,  1674,  =
between  Messrs.  John=20
and  George  Sanger,  of  the  said  city  of  London,  Eng.,  and  P.  T. =
 Barnum,  of  New  York,=20
United  States  of  America,  witnesseth,  that  for  the  sum  of  =C2=A33=
3,000*  sterling,  the  said  Messrs.=20
J.  and  G.  Sanger  agree  to  complete  and  deliver  to  the  said  P.  =
T.  Barnuni,  duplicates  of  all=20
the  chariots,  costumes,  trappings,  flags,  banners,  and  other  paraph=
ernalia  used  by  the  said=20
J.  and  G.  Sanger  in  the  production  of  the  great  pageant  represen=
ting  the  Congress  of  Mon-=20
archs. Every  article  thus  furnished  by  the  said  Messrs.  John  and  =
George  Sanger  shall  be=20
new.  and  of  the  same  quality  and  style  used  by  them  aforesaid.  =
This  collection  embraces=20
13  gorgeous  carved  and  gilt  emblazoned  chariots,  and  appropriate  h=
arness  for  lt>2  horses  :=20
1.136  elegant  and  appropriate  suits  of  armor,  court  dresses,  &=
c..  to  faithfully  represent  all=20
the  principal  Monarchs  and  Courts  in  the  world,  and  &fac  simi=
le  of  all  the  flags,  banners,=20
and  everything  else  used  in  this  pageant,  except  the  horses,  elep=
hants,  ostriches,  giraffes,=20
camels,  and  other  living  animals.  These  the  said  Mr.  P.  T.  Barnu=
m  will  provide  for  him-=20
self. The  arms  of  all  nations  represented  on  that  occasion  shall  =
also  be  delivered  to  the=20
said  P.  T.  Barnum.  The  whole  to  be  completed  and  delivered  to  t=
he  said  P.  T.  Barnum  or=20
his  agent,  in  London  by  February  22d,  1874.  The  said  P.  T.  Barn=
um  hereby  agrees  to  pay=20
the  said  =C2=A333,000  to  the  said  .Messrs.  J.  and  G.  Sanger  for =
 the  make  and  perfect  delivery  of  the=20
articles  hereby  agreed  upon=E2=80=94 =C2=A313,000  to  be  paid  upon  t=
he  signing  of  the  contract,  and  the=20
remaining  =C2=A320,000  on  the  22d  day  of  February  next,  or  upon  =
the  earlier  completion  of  the=20

*  Independent  of  =C2=A311,000  worth  before  purchased  of  Messrs.  Sa=
nger.=20

Ji'JO=20


AMONG   MY  FRIENDS  AND  NEIGHBORS.  291=20

contract  by  the  said  Messrs.  John  and  George  Sanger.    Property  t=
o  be  delivered  to  Mr.=20
Robert  Fiilingham,  the  said  P.  T.  Barnum's  agent,  and  to  be  appr=
oved  by  him."=20

This  document  was  signed  on  Tuesday,  and  the  =C2=A313,000  paid.  M=
essrs.  Sanger  will  hava=20
on  view  at  their  Royal  National  Amphitheatre  the  costumes  they  ar=
e  about  to  provide  Mr=20
Barnum.=20

Already  had  we  leased  from  the  Harlem  Railroad  Company  a  plot  of=
  land  in=20
the  center  of  New  York  valued  at  over  a  million  of  dollars,  and=
  on  that  land  we=20
were  to  erect  buildings  which  would  probably  cost  two  hundred  tho=
usand  dollars.=20

Curiosity  impelled  me  to  attend  the  Tichborne  trial  one  day.  I  w=
as  told  it=20
would  be  useless  to  attempt  it,  as  none  were  admitted  without  a =
 court  order.  I,=20
however,  applied  at  the  door  of  Westminster  Hall,  where  a  great  =
crowd  was=20
waiting  unable  to  get  in.  In  reply  to  my  request  to  be  admitted=
,  a  policeman=20
asked  if  I  had  an  order  from  the  court.  Upon  my  answering  in  t=
he  negative  he=20
remarked:  "Even  if  you  had,  you  could  not  get  in  to-day,  for  ev=
ery  inch  of=20
room  is  occupied ;  but  in  no  case  can  you  ever  get  in  without  =
an  order  from  the=20
court."=20

I  asked  for  the  inspector  who  had  charge  of  the  police.  Inspecto=
r  Doming  was=20
pointed  out  to  me,  and  I  handed  him  my  card.=20

"Are  you  the  great  American  Museum  man?"  he  asked.=20

"  Y.es,"  I  replied;  I  am  the  Museum  man,  the  Tom  Thumb  man,  th=
e  Jenny=20
Land  man,  and  the  Showman."=20

"  My  dear  sir,"  said  the  inspector,  "  I  am  glad  to  see  you.  P=
lease  write  your=20
name  on  the  back  of  your  card  and  I  shall  always  prize  it  as  =
a  souvenir.  I  am=20
very  happy  that  I  can  show  the  celebrated  showman  something  he  n=
ever  saw=20
before."=20

He  then  led  me  into  Westminster  Hall,  secured  me  a  good  seat,  p=
ointed  out  the=20
"  claimant,"  Lord  Chief  Justice  Cockburn,  Justices  Weller  and  Lush=
,  Dr.  Kenealy,=20
Mr.  Hawkins,  and  other  prominent  personages.=20

I  arrived  in  New  York  from  Liverpool  by  the  steamer  Scotia,  Apri=
l  30,  1874,=20
rejoiced  to  reach  my  native  land  again,  and  delighted  to  find  my=
  children  and=20
grandchildren  in  good  health.  The  great  Roman  Hippodrome  had  been =
 open=20
about  a  week,  and  on  the  evening  of  my  arrival  I  was  called  ou=
t  by  the  audience=20
and  was  driven  in  my  carriage  around  the  immense  arena  and  saw  =
what,  to  me,=20
was  indeed  a  great  "show"=E2=80=94 the  largest  assemblage  of  people=
  ever  gathered  in=20
one  building  in  New  York.  I  may  be  permitted  to  add,  that  my  e=
nthusiastic=20
reception  was  at  once  a  testimonial  of  the  public  appreciation  of=
  one  of  my=20
greatest  efforts  in  my  managerial  career,  and  a  verdict  that  it  =
was  a  complete=20
and  gratifying  success.=20

This  truly  stupendous  and  superb  spectacle,  as  the  unanimous  voice=
  of  the  press=20
pronounced  it,  opened  every  evening  with  an  allegorical  representat=
ion  of  a=20
"  Congress  of  Nations,"  in  a  grand  procession  of  gilded  chariots =
 and  triumphal=20
cars,  conveying  the  Kings,  Queens,  Emperors,  and  other  potentates  =
of  the=20
civilized  world,  costumed  with  historical  correctness,  royally  surro=
unded,  and=20
accompanied  and  followed  by  their  respective  courts  and  splended  r=
etinues.  The=20
correctness  and  completeness  of  this  historical  representation  requi=
red  nearly=20
one  thousand  persons  and  several  hundred  horses,  besides  elephants,=
  camels,=20
llamas,  ostriches,  etc.  The  rich  and  varied  costumes,  armor  and  t=
rappings,  the=20
gorgeous  banners  and  paraphernalia,  and  the  appropriate  music  accom=
panying=20
the  entrance  of  each  nation  produced  an  effect  at  once  brilliant =
 and  l>ewildering.=20
The  entire  public,  and  the  press,  both  secular  and  religious,  dec=
lared  unanimous!  v,=20
what  is  unquestionably  true=E2=80=94 that  never  before  since  the  da=
ys  of  the  Ca*ars  has=20
there  been  so  grand  and  so  interesting  a  public  spectacle.=20


292=20


AMONG    MY    FRIENDS   AND    NEIGHBORS.=20


Following  this  superb  historical  introduction  were  all  kinds  of  ra=
ces  by  high-=20
bred horses  imported  by  scores  from  Europe  and  ridden  and  driven  =
by  accom-=20
plished experts  of  both  sexes.  To  these  succeeded  various  first-cla=
ss  entertain-=20
ments, including  the  wonderful  performances  of  the  Japanese  athletes=
,  thrilling=20
wire-walking  exploits,  athletic  sports  by  non-professionals  for  priz=
es  awarded  as=20
encouragements  to  such  enterprises,  semi-weekly  balloon  ascensions  b=
y  Prof.=20
Donaldson,  the  whole  interspersed  with  a  plenty  of  genuine  fun  in=
  the  monkey=20
and  donkey  races,  and  in  "  Twenty  minutes  of  the  Donnybrook  Fair=
  and  Lan-=20
cashire Races  " =E2=80=94 and  with  all  was  "thrown  in "  my  magnific=
ent  menagerie.=20

Although  the  Hippodrome  could  accommodate  ten  thousand  spectators,  =
for=20
weeks  in  succession  all  the  best  seats  were  engaged  days  in  adva=
nce,  and  it  is=20
literally  true  that  at  every  evening  performance  thousands  were  tu=
rned  away.=20
My  patrons  included  the  President  of  the  United  States  and  his  C=
abinet,  Gov-=20
ernors and  Judges,  the  Clergy  of  all  denominations,  and  all  the  b=
est  people  of=20
our  land,  who  expressed  but  one  opinion,  that  the  exhibition,  as =
 I  intended  it=20
should  be,  far  surpassed  the  most  sanguine  expectations  of  what  m=
anagerial=20
experience  and  endeavor  could  possibly  accomplish.  In  the  very  mid=
st  of  such=20
success,  the  necessity  of  covering  the  central  part  of  the  Hippod=
rome  with  glass,=20
putting  in  heating  apparatus,  and  otherwise  preparing  the  immense  =
building  for=20
the  winter  campaign,  compelled  me  to  temporarily  transfer  the  enti=
re  vast  estab-=20
lishment to  Boston  for  three  weeks  from  August  3d,  thence  to  Phil=
adelphia,=20
returning  and  reopening  in  New  York  about  September  20th,=20

^fter  the  exciting  scenes  and  unremitting  labor  of  several  weeks  =
in  New  York,=20
I  retired  to  Waldemere  for  rest.  No  sooner  had  I  arrived  at  Bri=
dgeport  than  a=20
newspaper  paragraph  announced  to  me  that  my  friends  and  neighbors =
 had=20
determined  to  tender  to  me  a  public  dinner.  Flattering  as  this  t=
estimonial  was,=20
my  first  impulse  was  to  express  my  gratitude  for  the  tendered  co=
mpliment,  but=20
by  no  means  to  accept  it  But  my  mere  arrival  had  already  been  =
the  occasion=20
of  a  spontaneous  and  enthusiastic  welcome,  which  a  large  number  w=
ished  to  make=20
more  formal  and  complete,  so  that  the  proposed  tender  of  a  dinne=
r  remained=20
inevitable,  and  the  following  correspondence  ensued :=20

BRIDGEPORT,  JitllC  6,  1874.=20

To  HON.  P.  T.  BABNUM  :=20

Dear  Sir :  As  a  mark  of  our  esteem  for  your  liberality  and  ener=
gy  In  private  enterprise=20
and  in  promoting  the  industries  and  public  improvements  of  oar  ci=
ty,  we  cordially  invite=20
you  to  dine  with  us  on  some  early  and  convenient  occasion.=20

Yours,  very  truly,=20


R.  T.  CLABKE,=20

F.  W.  PABBOTT,=20

HANPOBD  LYON,=20

F.  G.  FOWLEB,=20

G.  B.  WALLBB,=20

SAML.  B.  SUMNER,=20

ALBERT  EAMES,=20

H.  S.  SANPOBD,=20

GIDEON  THOMPSON,=20

W.  11.  NOBLE,=20

C.  SPOONER,=20

F.  HUBD,=20

FRANCIS  IVBS,=20

F.  A.  BENHAM,=20

ROBERT  HUBBARD,=20

ALFRED  HOPKINS,=20

JOHK  BROOKS,=20

SHELTON  &  LYON,=20

N.  WHEELER,=20

CABLOS  CURTIS,=20

J.  E.  DUNHAM,=20

A.  W.  WALLACE,=20

JARRATT  MORPOBD,=20

J.  &  G.  A  STAPLES,=20

IIIA  GREGORY.=20

JOHN  D.  CANDEE,=20

ELI  THOMPSON,=20

KNOWLES  &  Co.,=20

JAMES  C.  Looms,=20

G.  W.  BABKEB,=20

GEO.  MALLORY,=20

D.  N.  MOBGAN,=20

E.  B.  GOODSELL,=20

WESSELLS  BROS.,=20

R.  ToMLINgON,=20

JAMES  A.  HOUSE.=20

W.  H.  PERRY,=20

A.  R.  LAMB,=20

CHAS.  B.  HOTCHKISS,=20

H.  R.  PARROTT,=20

D.  F.  HOLLISTEB,=20

M.  H.  WILSON,=20

G.  H.  HOJXISTER.=20

E.  C.  WILMOT,=20

JACOB  KIEFER,=20

D.  W.  SHERWOOD,=20

W.  R.  HIGBY,=20

L.  F.  CURTIS,=20

TREAT  &  BULLOCK,=20

DAVID  TRUBEE,=20

GEO.  C.  WALDO,=20

B.  SOULES,=20

LEWIS  W.  BOOTH,=20

T.  M.  PALMER,=20

W.  S.  EDWARDS,=20

S.  C.  NICKEBSON,=20

P.  HUBBELL,=20

SAMUEL  C.  KIN  OMAN,=20

JOHN  E.  POND.=20

Z.  GOODSELL,=20

T.  R.  CRUTTBNBEN,=20

JOHN  1).  WHITNEY,=20

HUBBELL,JoNES  &  Co.=20

CHESTER  RUSSELL,=20

\VjI.   li.   SfiKLET.=20

J.  W.  SMITH,=20

W.  11.  MALLOBY,=20

J.  H.  &  J.  N.  BENHAM=20

T.  HAWLEY  &  Co  ,=20

H.  BUCKINGHAM,=20

GEO.  W.  BACON,=20

WILLIS  <fc  LANE,=20

S.  B.  FEEGDSOX.=20

E.  BransEV.  :>i>.=20

H.  M    HEAD,=20

LYDN,  CURTI*  A  Co  ,=20

W.  H.  ADAMS,=20

E.  V.  UAWES  &  SON,=20

W.  G.  LLNEBUROH.=20

aud  cUiera.=20

AMONG  MY   EBIENDS   AND   NEIGHBORS.  293=20

WAIJJBMERE,  BRIDGEPORT.  CONK.=20

June  6,  1874.=20
To  HIB  HONOR.  R.  T.  CLARKE,  MAYOR,  AND  OTHERS  :=20

Gentlemen:    It  is  always  pleasaut  to  receiv*  the  approval  of  one=
's  neighbors     To  be=20

tendered  a  public  dinner  by  the  most  prominent  and  substantial  in=
habitants  of  a  city  where=20

sided  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century,  is  a  compliment  as =
 gratifying  as  it  is=20

Though  conscious  that  to  my  recent  return  from  abroad  may  be  att=
ributed  your  selection=20
of  myself  at  this  time  from  among  other  citizens  who  have  materi=
ally  aided  in  "  promoting=20
the  industries  and  public  improvements  of  our  city,"  yet  I  cannot=
  forego  the  pleasure  that!=20
always  enjoy  in  social  intercourse  with  friends,  and  therefore  you=
r  invitation  is  gratefully=20
accepted.  Any  date  agreeable  to  yourselves,  alter  the  sixteenth  in=
st.,  will  be  convenient  to=20
me.=20

Respectfully  yours,=20

P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

COMPLIMENTARY  DINNER  TO  P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

[From  the  Bridgeport  Republican  Standard,  July  3, 1874.]=20

The  complimentary  dinner  given  by  the  citizens  of  Bridgeport  to  P=
.  T.  Barnum,  at  the=20
Atlantic  House,  Thursday  evening,  June  25,  was  in  every  respect  a=
  success,  gratifying  alike=20
to  the  guest  in  honor  of  whose  energy,  thrift,  public  spirit  and=
  genuine  philanthropy  it  was=20
given,  and  to  those  who  had  conceived  and  carried  it  out  so  hap=
pily.  The  fine  dining-hall=20
of  the  Atlantic  House  was  set  with  four  long  tables,  one  across =
 the  head  of  the  hall,  and=20
the  other  three  running  at  right  angles  to  it  and  lengthwise  of =
 the  room.  At  the  first  were=20
seated  the  presiding  officer,  Mayor  Clarke;  the  guest  of  the  even=
ing,  P.  T.  Barnum, Esq.,=20
and  his  immediate  friends  from  abroad,  with  ex-Mayors  of  Bridgepor=
t  and  other  prominent=20
citizens,  while  the  men  of  all  professions  and  callings,  represent=
ing  the  wealth,  respecta-=20
bility, enterprise  and  energy  of  our  thriving  town  occupied  the  ot=
her  tables,  in  all  to  the=20
number  of  over  two  hundred.  It  is  seldom  that  any  public  occasio=
n  calls  out  such  a  body=20
of  our  townsmen,  and  the  company  was  one  of  which  any  Bridgeport=
er  might  well  feel=20
proud.  Among  the  most  prominent  of  our  older  citizens  present  wer=
e  Hanford  Lyon,  Esq.,=20
Capt.  John  Brooks,  Philo  Eurd  and  Eli  Thompson,  Esqs.:  while  amon=
gst  the  prominent=20
ex-city  officials  were  ex-Mayors  E.  B.  Goodsell  and  Jarratt  Morfor=
d.  Representatives  from=20
nearly  all  the  prominent  New  York  daily  and  weekly  journals  were =
 also  in  attendance.  The=20
tables  were  profusely  adorned  with  beautiful  flowers,  toward  which =
 nearly  every  large=20
garden  and  green-house  in  town  contributed,  and  these  were  tastily=
  arranged  in  elegant=20
vases,  holders  and  stands,  which  displayed  them  to  advantage  and  =
enhanced  their  beauty.=20
Pyramids  of  fruit  and  delicate  confections  mingled  with  the  flower=
s  and  added  to  the=20
appropriate  adornment.  The  bill  of  fare  was  an  elaborate  and  exha=
ustive  one,  embracing=20
all  the  luxuries  of  the  season,  cooked  artistically,  well  served, =
 and  in  profusion.  The=20
Wheeler  &  Wilson  Band,  under  leader  Kosenburg,  furnished  music,=
  and  was,  as  usual,=20
very  fine.  They  played  on  the  balcony  in  front  of  the  hotel  whi=
le  the  guests  were  assem-=20
bling in  the  parlors,  and  subsequently  enlivened  the  entertainment  =
with  judiciously  selected=20
and  well-played  airs.  Thus  music,  flowers,  fruits,  a  good  dinner  =
and  a  good  company,  all=20
combined  to  make  the  occasion  pleasaut  and  memorable.  The  guests  =
sat  down  at  the  tables=20
at  about  eight  o'clock,  after  grace  by  Rev.  Dr.  Hopper ;  but  it =
 was  nearly  ten  before  the=20
inner  man  had  been  sufficiently  satisfied  with  the  constantly  repl=
enished  supply  of  substan-=20
tials  and  delicacies  to  admit  of  the  "  feast  of  reason  and  flow=
  of  soul "  which  was  to  follow.=20
During  the  evening  members  of  the  committee  were  active  in  seeing=
  that  the  wants  of  guests=20
were  supplied,  and  that  nothing  was  left  undone  that  would  contri=
bute  to  the  success  of  the=20
occasion.  At  ten  o'clock  His  Honor  Mayor  Clarke  called  for  the  r=
eading  of  the  letters  from=20
invited  guests.  Mr.  G.  C.  Waldo,  of  the  committee,  read  letters  =
from  several  prominent=20
gentlemen,  who  were  prevented  from  attending,  but  who  expressed  th=
eir  regard  for  the=20
recipient  of  the  compliment.  Mr.  Charles  A.  Dana,  of  the  New  Yor=
k  Sun,  wrote:=20

"I  am  not  surprised  that  the  people  of  Bridgeport  should  pay  suc=
h  a  compliment  to  so=20
public-spirited  a  fellow  citizen."=20

Mr.  George  Jones,  of  the  New  York  Times,  wrote:=20

"  I  hope  you  will  have  a  glorious  time,  and  I  desire  to  be  co=
nsidered  IN  when  Mr.  Barnum'a=20
health  is  proposed,  and  further  shall  be  glad  to  send  the  follow=
ing:=20
"  P.  T.  Barnum,  '  The  Man  who  cannot  grow  old.'  "=20

Rev.  Dr.  Chapin's  letter  concludes :=20

Nothing  would  have  given  me  greater  pleasure  tflm  to  have  met  yo=
u  and  the  good=20
"on  referred  to  ;  but  now,  I  can  only  be  wilh  you  in  spirit=20
s  perfectly  consistent  with  a  teetotal  dinner,  and  wish=20


I1U     J^ICiHG!      jjicaaui  C     =E2=80=A2^=E2=80=A2u     L"     "'*&g=
t;"     IAIVV    jv-ru    =C2=ABiuu     nuu  gww=20

people  of  Bridgeport  on  the  occasion  referred  to  ;  but  now,  I  c=
an  only  be  wilh  you  in  spirit=20
=E2=80=94with  the  '  ardent  spirit '  which  is  perfectly  consistent  =
with  a  teetotal  dinner,  and  wish=20
you  all  a  first-rate  time."=20

Dr.  Cnyler,  of  Brooklyn,  wrote .=20

"  Tell  the  good  people  of  Bridgeport  for  me,  that  the  pleasantes=
t  hours  I  have  spent  In=20
their  town  have  been  passed  under  Mr.  Baruum's  hospitable  roof,  a=
nd  that  they  deserve  to=20


AMONG   MY   FBIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS.=20

uave  noti.e-hearted  citizens  when  they  appreciate  them.  They  cannot=
  do  too  much  to=20
honor  the  public-spirited  man  who  has  done  so  much  for  them.  If =
 I  were  present  I  should=20
propose  in  clear  crystal  water  this  toast:  A  bright  golden  '  Ind=
ian  Summer '  of  life  to  our=20
guest,  who  has  made  more  children  happy  than  any  American  of  thi=
a  generation.  With  a=20
thousand  good  wishes,  yours  most  cordially."=20

Gov.  Dix  wrote  regretting  that  he  was  prevented  from  attending  by=
  his  engagement  tc=20
deliver  au  address  to  the  graduating  class  ol  Union  College,  June=
  24.=20

The  following  is  from  Frank  Leslie's  letter :=20

"  No  man  living  more  fully  deserves  the  respect  and  confidence  o=
f  all  who  know  him.=20
We  have  had  business  and  friendly  relations  dating  back  twenty-fiv=
e  years,  so  I  speak  '  be-=20
cause I  know  the  man.'  Years  ago  I  was  much  impressed  by  the  re=
sponse  of  an  old  servant=20
in  answer  to  an  inquiry  as  to  what  kind  of  person  Mr.  Burnum  w=
as :  '  What  manner  of=20
man  is  Mr.  Barnnmf  Why,  just  one  of  the  kindest-hearted,  public-s=
pirited  men  that  lives.=20
Money  flows  from  him  like  water,  in  a  just  cause,  and  I  haven't=
  a  good  enough  name  to=20
give  him,'  with  a  burst  of  enthusiasm.  And  so.  sir,  I  can  only =
 echo  the  words  of  his  old=20
servant,  and  say  of  the  man  to  whom  you  do  honor,  that  I  have =
 not  a  good  enough  name  to=20
give  him."=20

Mayor  Clarke  then  announced  the  first  regular  sentiment  of  the  ev=
ening,  "  Our  Quest,"=20
and  called  upon  Gen.  William  H.  Noble  to  present  it.=20

SPEECH  OP  GEN.  NOBLE.=20

"The  words  of  your  invitation  to  our  guest,  while  they  are  your =
 just  epitome  of  his=20
deserts,  are  most  fitting  for  my  test.=20

"  Yon  offer  him  this  banquet,  and  your  goodly  presence  to  mark  =
your  '  esteem  for  his=20
liberality  and  energy  in  private  enterprise  and  in  promoting  the  =
industries  and  public=20
improvements  of  our  city.'=20

"  This  ia  no  tribute,  then,  to  mere  wealth =E2=80=94 your  catalogu=
e  of  merits  gives  no  place  to=20
stocks,  or  bonds,  or  princely  homes,  or  his  broad  acres  of  our  =
city  lots,  stretching  through=20
every  district  of  the  corporation.  Such  things  touch  not  the  hear=
t  of  our  esteem.  Why=20
should  they?  Wealth  is  a  mere  implement  to  the  soul  that  does  w=
ith  it  Besides,  the=20
bearing  of  our  friend  has  never  marked  the  sense  of  riches.=20

"  Esteem  is  only  due  to  wealth  or  talent  when  administered  as  a=
  blessing  held  intrust,=20
reaching  beyond  ourselves  and  yielding  zest  and  opportunity  to  oth=
ers.  By  this  standard  1=20
ask  the  measurement  of  our  friend.=20

"By  private  liberality  and  enterprise,  you  do  not,  of  course,  cla=
im  to  mark  its  ingenious=20
and  versatile  display  in  that  old  museum,  store-house  of  curiositi=
es,  instruction,  fun  and=20
moral  drama,  a  kaleidoscope  of  shows  and  innocent  amusements;  nor =
 that  ceaseless  throng=20
of  curious  wonders  drawn  from  every  country,  clime  and  race,  to  =
swell  that  'innumerable=20
caravan  '  of  world's  fairs  and  shows  which  circles  through  the  l=
ana ;  nor  will  you  claim,  I=20
think,  as  yours  the  newer  spectacle  of  mammoth  hippodrome  which  t=
reats  you  to  a  con-=20
gress of  the  nations,  and  a  steeple-chase  '  right  up  Broadway.'  N=
or  do  you  intend  to  mark=20
that  enterprise  of  his  which,  as  some  return  to  China,  and  Japan=
,  and  the  far-off  islands  of=20
the  sea,  for  contributions  drawn  from  them  to  swell  his  curious  =
inventory  of  wonders,  he=20
sent  to  them  sweet  singers,  Tom  Thumb  and  Nutt,  and  all  that  Li=
iiputian  troop,  to  play,  in=20
their  small  way,  the  '  heathen  Chinee '  and  hari-kari.  But  from  =
all  these  we  have  had,=20
indeed,  through  our  imperial  showman,  substantial  benefit  and  share=
,  in  concerts,  songs  and=20
shows  devoted  to  some  charity  or  other  goodly  work  in  our  midst,=
  and  from  the  vast  re-=20
turns of  all  his  ventures  put  into  the  improvements,  foundations  a=
nd  shapeliness  of  our=20
city.  The  marks  of  some  of  these  shall  last  through  time,  and  p=
erish  only  with  the  Republic=20
and  the  waning  of  the  solid  earth.=20

"  And  first,  our  guest,  in  a  life  of  thirty  years  amongst  us,  =
has,  in  his  homes,  so  adminis-=20
tered his  trust,  that  we  have  shared  their  comely  aspects  and  the=
  grace  and  refinement  of=20
their  surroundings.  I  speak  not  of  the  genial  hospitality  and  cou=
rtesy  which,  within  his=20
threshold,  have  been  the  property  of  every  guest =E2=80=94 his  latc=
h-string  was  ever  out  to  them =E2=80=94=20
but  of  his  open  gates,  whose  posted  words  invited  all  to  enter  =
and  enjoy  his  grounds.=20

"  Most  ol  us  remember  Irauistan.  that  aerial,  oriental  villa,  who=
se  domes  and  minarets=20
were  for  every  flitting  train  an  attraction,  a  name  and  an  adver=
tisement  for  us  and  him.=20

"  It  was  as  original  as  our  friend,  and  was  said  to  duplicate  =
the  Brighton  Palace  of  George=20
the  IV.;  but,  beside  that  squat  thine,  ours  had  wings  and  airy  =
elevation,  as  unlike  it  as  an=20
eagle  to  a  terrapin.  Seen  by  moonlight,  I-anistan  was  like  some  =
delicate  tracery  of  arch=20
and  pinnacle,  photographed  on  the  air,  from  those  fairy  Moslem  ga=
rdens  across  the=20
Bosphorus.  It  was,  by  his  permission  and  invitation,  our  show-plac=
e,  and  our  little  park=20
of  twenty  acres,  our  flower-garden  and  pleasure-ground.  His  trees, =
 and  shrubs,  and=20
flower?  were  about  as  much  ours  as  his.  In  fact,  I  believe  that=
  throng  which  circled=20
through  its  drives  and  shades,  in  carriages  and  on  foot,  enjoyed =
 its  loveliness  In  larger=20
measures  than  our  friend.  But  he  had  the  advantage  of  us  in  tha=
t  return  which  ever  cornea=20
to  reward  a  pleasure  granted  others.  The  cost  of  our  enjoyment,  =
though  a  heavy  footing=20
in  his  books,  was  never  counted  a  loss.=20

"  Next  came  Lindencroft,  a  world  too  narrow  for  our  friend=E2=80=
=94 a  kind  of  resting-place  wh'le=20
prospecting  round  for  his  new  home  at  Waldemere.  That  is  a  regio=
n  discovered  by  himself,=20
and  traversed  by  him  and  other  Livingstones  about  1865.  What  a  f=
it  and  speaking  name,=20
this  Waldemere,  child  of  the  woodland  and  the  wave,  how  suited  t=
o  its  aspects  and  stir-=20


AMONG    MY    FRIENDS   AND    NEIGHBORS.  295=20


lea,  by  his  invitation,  set  down  at  its  gates,  that  means=20


to  seek  in  fruitless  quest  those  fabled  waters  whose  reviving  lav=
e  were  said  to  bring  to  aze=20
the  vigor  and  the  bloom  of  youth,  to  flre  the  currents  of  the  =
blood,  and  stay  the  waning=20
tides  of  life.=20

"  Let  no  man  look  on  such  a  use  of  wealth=E2=80=94 the  making  o=
f  one's  home  and  its  surround-=20
ings to  minister  to  the  pleasure,  taste  and  instruction  of  his  to=
wnsmen  and  fellows=E2=80=94 and  tell=20
me  that  down  in  the  heart  and  purposes  of  him  who  so  does  and =
 deals  out  his  store  there=20
is  not  gentle  kindness,  refinement  and  grace  of  thought  and  feeli=
ng.  Verily,  if  our  Iriend=20
hath  sins=E2=80=94 and  who  of  us  has  not=E2=80=94 such  doing  covers=
  a  multitude  thereof  There  is  a=20
efinemeut  in  flowers,  in  love  of  art  and  nature,  that  follows  th=
e  footsteps  of  their  presence=20
He  who  ministers  thereto  fulfills  a  mission  whose  sermons  are  in =
 the  woodlands  and  the=20
rocks,  and  its  songs  in  breezes  and  the  babbling  brooks.  Let  no =
 man  sneer  at  the  love  of=20
flowers  and  fronds,  and  tinge  ot  leaf,  which  God  has  made  and  t=
inted,  as  too  frivolous  ana=20
feminine  to  become  the  toughness  of  manly,  athlete,  mental  fibre. =
 He  who  derides  them=20
knows  not  their  meaning;  such  tastes  mark  culture  and  refinement, =
 and  diviner  levels=20
reached  in  the  ascent  of  our  race.  Prom  behind  the  flower  that  =
blooms  and  smiles  in  the=20
wintry  sunshine  of  some  humble  cottage  window,  there  looks  a  woma=
n's  soul,  beyond  the=20
hard  facts  of  life,  toward  that  refinement  and  a  higher  civilizat=
ion  which  comes  with  and=20
follows  that  flower.=20

"  But,  as  your  invitation  points  out,  the  doings  of  our  friend  =
have  been  especially  felt  in=20
the  industries  and  public  improvements  of  our  city.=20

"One  of  his  first  works  here  was  on  our  'Greenwood.'  Out  on  the=
  border  of  our  city,=20
beside  the  little  stream  which  girts  a  goodly  spread  of  plateau, =
 woodlands,  dale,  and  shade=20
and  rolling  hill,  lies  '  Mountain  Grove?  Our  friend  discovered  it=
s  fitness  for  our  loved  ones'=20
last  resting-place,  secured  its  titles,  and  with  that  magnetic  way=
  of  his  inspired  others  to=20
the  purpose  of  its  dedication  to  the  sacred  dead.  After  Greenwood=
  and  Mount  Auburn,  it=20
was  one  of  the  first  well-ordered  and  tastefully  laid  out  cemeter=
ies  in  the  country.  To  this=20
graceful  public  improvement  our  friend  added,  from  the  proceeds  of=
  a  concert  by  Catherine=20
Hayes,  its  comely  gateway.  I  here,  too,  pay  just  tribute  to  thos=
e  gentlemen  to  whose  care=20
and  tasteful  administration  of  its  business  and  improvements  our  c=
emetery  owes  so  much.=20

"  Our  guest  was  in  full  swing  in  his  imperial  campaign  with  Jen=
ny  Lind,  when,  somehow,=20
he  and  1  were  brought  to  work  together  in  that  East  Bridgeport, =
 whose  early,  rapid  growth=20
and  solid  foundations  are  due  to  his  liberal  trust  and  out-pour  =
of  means  for  my  administra-=20
tion. I  could  not  have  met  another  man  so  open-handed  and  confidi=
ng.  He  found  me  over-=20
loaded with  some  seventy  acres,  substantially  projected  and  mapped  =
'as  now=E2=80=94 a  foot-bridge=20
built  along  the  railroad  into  its  heart  had  ensured  success,  with=
  means.  He  brought  these.=20
The  whole  of  our  bargnir,  and  work  together  was  an  index  of  the=
  man.  Of  course  he  knew=20
me,  and  of  my  doings=E2=80=94 had  seen  my  map  and  advertisement.  =
He  saw  at  once  how  we  could=20
work  together.  Not  half  an  hour  was  spent  in  terms  of  purchase  =
and  in  putting  them  on=20
paper,  before  I  was  on  the  rail  for  Bridgeport  with  $20,000  in  =
my  pocket  to  buy  more  land=20
and  '  push  things.'  He  took  no  deed,  looked  up  no  titles  ;  I  =
told  him  how  things  were,  he=20
found  them  so,  and  ever  has.  My  receipt  for  money,  and  one  litt=
le  half  page  of  terms  were=20
all  our  writings.=20

"  From  that  day  to  the  great  clock  disaster,  it  was  one  continu=
ous  rush  of  streets  and=20
grades,  trees,  factories,  dwellings,  churches,  schools.  Washington  P=
ark,  now  worth  $200,000,=20
was  laid  out  and  dedicated  to  the  public.  There  was  no  stint  of=
  money.  His  m=C2=ABans,  drawc=20
from  concerts,  museum,  Tom  Thumb,  and  all,  were  poured  into  East =
 Bridgeport.  Had=20
Jerome,  and  those  who  abetted  him,  not  crippled  and  tangled  our  =
friend  in  the  wreck  of=20
clocks,  no  one  can  tell,  with  the  powerful  backings  since  cume  a=
mong  us,  what  East  Bridge-=20
port might  have  become.  Sometimes  success  and  good  come  of  disaste=
r.  That  magnificent=20
industry  and  its  swarm  of  kindred  works,  so  ably  engineered  and  =
allied  by  our  friend  and=20
senator  before  me,  Nathaniel  Wheeler,  but  for  this  clock  disaster =
 would  hardly  have  found=20
the  opportunity  so  valuable  for  us  and  all.=20

"Throughout  our  work  together,  and  since,  my  old  associate,  in  ot=
her  parts  of  the  city,=20
has  kept  up  his  tireless  betterment  of  the  situation.  State  stree=
t  was  started  westward,=20
but  blocked  by  others,  who  would  not  consent  to  that  extension  w=
hich  afterwards  they=20
craved.  Iranistan  avenue  was  laid  down  by  him  through  a  swamp  an=
d  mud  creek,  where=20
tides  (dyked  out  by  him)  flowed  and  old  scows  floated  over  land =
 to-day  built  on  and  bordered=20
with  trees  and  walks.  By  his  push  and  enterprise,  this  avenue  no=
w  stretches  a  mile  of=20
splendid  thoroughfare,  and  is  the  western  entrance  to  our  park.=20

"  The  last  conspicuous  monument  of  our  friend's  enterprise  is  Sea=
-side  Park.  Its  fitness=20
for  such  use  was,  by  himself  and  other  Livingstones,  discovered  a=
bout  the  same  time  as=20
Waldemere.  Through  his  exertions,  and  the  enlisted  aid  of  others, =
 Sea-side  has  been  made=20
a  breathing  place  and  pleasure  ground  for  our  people  forever.  The=
  names  and  generous=20
donations  of  those  whose  land  formed  a  large  part  of  the  track  =
have  gone  into  history  and=20
should  have  a  monument.=20

"  In  our  friend's  administration  of  the  trust  of  wealth,  you  hav=
e  an  example  of  its  wisest=20
use  for  the  good  of  his  fellows.  This  is  a  day  of  unexampled  c=
harities  and  large  handed=20


296  AMONG   MY   FHIENDS  AND   NEIGHBORS.=20

benevolence  ;  donations  by  hundreds  of  thousands,  and  millions,  ar=
e  poured  out  of  the  trust=20
which  God  has  given  in  store,  for  various  objects  of  public  good=
.  It  is  of  some  moment=20
to  judge  rightly  of  that  use  of  means  which  benefits  the  most  a=
nd  reaches  most.  I  do  not=20
know  that  any  one  way  or  purpose  should  be  set  down  for  all :  =
men,  though  divine  in=20
giving,  are  human  in  their  judgment.  Each  acts  according  to  his  =
character,  habits  of=20
thought,  and  life.  Let  all  give  for  good  purposes,  as  they  are  =
wont.  He  may  rest  well=20
satisfied  with  his  work  who  appeals  thereby  to  the  better  instinc=
ts  of  the  race ;  who,=20
instead  of  devoting  his  wealth  to  the  waifs  and  overburthened  of =
 life,  makes  opportunities=20
for  self-help,  homes  and  industry  for  others ;  who  devotes  his  st=
ores  of  wealth  to  such  an=20
improvement  as  East  Bridgeport,  where  the  chance  of  homes  and  ind=
ustries,  and  all  the=20
strength  and  stamina  of  a  people  that  gather  around  those  homes  =
are  made  possible  to  every=20
willing  toiler.  Our  townsman,  Howe,  made  his  millions  out  of  the =
 profits  of  his  great=20
invention.  But  not  content  with  its  possession  and  holding  as  an =
 unproductive  fund,  he=20
devoted  it  to  that  magnificent  industry  which  bears  his  name  and =
 gives  bread  and  comfort=20
to  thousands.=20

"  But  when  men,  like  our  friend  and  guest,  have  so  administered =
 the  trust  of  their  talents=20
and  means,  as  to  bring  prosperity,  improvements,  comfort  and  refin=
ement  to  others,  there=20
becomes  due  to  them  a  grateful  recognition  of  duties  well  dischar=
ged,  from  their  fellows=20
and  the  community  in  which  they  live.  Such  testimony  to  merit  in=
spires  both  giver  and=20
receiver  with  a  kindly  fellowship.  We  give  ovations  to  soldiers ; =
 why  not  to  duty-doing=20
citizens  as  well  ?  Peace  hath  her  victories,  her  toils  and  strug=
gles,  and  her  triumphs,  less=20
costly  and  wasteful,  to  be  sure,  but  ministering  to  happiness  and=
  wealth.  There  is  power=20
in  those  men  who  move  the  business  of  the  world.  I  believe  in  =
Csesars  and  Napoleons =E2=80=94=20
not  those  of  conquest,  who  squander  human  life  and  stores  of  har=
d-earned  wealth,  whose=20
path  is  desolation =E2=80=94 but  in  Oeesars  and  Napoleons  who  engin=
eer  and  organize  the  industries=20
of  the  world  ;  who  minister  in  the  ten  thousand  channels  where  =
flow  the  busy  throng  of=20
human  workers,  to  swell  the  flood  and  direct  its  currents ;  who  =
bridge  our  mighty  rivers,=20
swing  high  in  air  above  the  masts  of  ships  aerial  pathways  ;  wh=
o  tunnel  mountains,  unite=20
oceans,  band  people  and  nations  with  iron  nerves  and  arteries  of =
 intercourse  and  commerce  ;=20
who  girt  the  world  with  speaking  fire.=20

"  But  Caesars  want  a  following.  No  man  alone,  however  great  his =
 means,  can  of  himself=20
accomplish  much.  Strength  lies  in  union,  in  harmonious  action,  and=
  in  conspiracies  for=20
good  as  well  as  evil.  If  one  can  do  so  much,  with  centered  ene=
rgies  and  wealth,  how  much=20
a  whole  community  who  join  their  peaceful  Csesars  in  all  works  l=
ooking  towards  the  good=20
of  the  community  in  which  they  live.  May  this  our  guest  and  fri=
end,  one  of  our  peaceful=20
Caesars,  live  to  do  among  us  as  in  the  past,  but  with  a  heavie=
r  following  and  more  earnest=20
help.  Long  may  it  be  before  that  flag,  which  from  the  pinnacle  =
at  Waldemere  marks  his=20
hospitable  presence,  shall  descend  to  note  an  absence  from  which  =
there  is  no  return."=20

The  scholarly,  elegant  and  able  effort  of  General  Noble  received  =
alike  the  attention  and=20
applause  which  were  its  due ;  ami  when  he  sat  down  Mr.  Barnum  a=
rose  amid  a  perfect=20
tempest  of  cheers  and  such  an  enthusiastic  greeting  as  visibly  to=
uched  his  heart.  His=20
speech  was  interrupted  wKh  frequent  applause ;  and  his  allusions  t=
o  prominent  men,  who=20
had  been  his  co-workers  in  building  up  Bridgeport=E2=80=94 Nathaniel=
  Wheeler,  J.  C.  Loomis,  Glen.=20
Noble  and  others =E2=80=94 were  greeted  with  special  and  prolonged  =
cheers  ;  while  the  many  happy=20
hits  should  have  been  heard  to  be  properly  appreciated.  The  follo=
wing  is  an  outline  of=20

KB.  BARNUM'S  SPEECU.=20

"  YOUR  HONOR  THB  MAYOR,  NEIGHBORS  AND  FRIENDS:  I  offer  yon  my  m=
ost  profound=20
thanks  for  this  spontaneous  expression  of  your  esteem.  No  words  o=
f  mine  can  express  the=20
debt  of  gratitude  which  I  owe  you.=20

"Among  all  the  toils  and  pleasures,  the  vicissitudes  and  successes=
  of  an  active  and=20
eventful  life,  this  day  and  this  occasion  will  ever  stand  out  a =
 red  letter  day  on  the  calendar=20
of  my  history.  It  will  be  cherished  by  myself,  my  children  and  =
my  children's  children,=20
with  feelings  of  joy  and  thankfulness.=20

"  It  is  no  trifling  thing  for  a  man  of"  the  world,  of  active  =
temperament  and  positive  ideas,=20
to  have  so  lived  as  to  have  won  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  t=
he  general  public ;  but  it  is=20
an  honor  inestimable  to  become  an  exception  to  the  divine  maxim, =
'  A  prophet  is  not  without=20
honor  save  in  his  own  country  and  his  own  house,'  and  to-be  thu=
s  honored  by  a  multitude=20
of  my  most  prominent  and  substantial  neighbors,  among  whom  I  have=
  lived  for  more  than=20
thirty  years.  And  daring  that  period  I  have  received  nothing  but =
 unvaried  kindness  from=20
the  citizens  of  Bridgeport.  In  my  wanderings  I  have  always  left  =
our  beautiful  city  with=20
regret,  and  ever  returned  to  it  with  renewed  pleasure,  for  in  th=
is  my  home  I  am  always  sure=20
of  meeting  smiling  faces  and  warm  hearts.=20

"I  only  wish,  gentlemen,  that  I  better  deserved  your  compliment.  =
Others  sitting  at  thii=20
table  merit  and  receive  your  approbation.  We  have  here  gentlemen  =
who  have  introduced=20
manufactures  and  capital  into  Bridgeport,  without  which  it  would  h=
ave  still  been  a  mere=20
country  village.  These  gentlemen,  for  their  energy  and  liberality, =
 command  the  gratitude=20
of  their  neighbors,  and  I  trust,  at  no  distant  day,  they  will  r=
eceive  tangible  evidence  thereof.=20

"  East  Bridgeport  owes  its  existence,  in  a  great  measure,  to  Gen=
.  Wm.  H.  Noble.  It  wa=C2=AB=20
his  original  conception,  and  all  its  streets  were  opened  under  hi=
s  supervision.=20

=E2=80=A2'  Our  respected  fellow  citizen  Captain  John  Brooks  was  th=
e  first  president  of  Mountain=20
Grove  Cemetery,  and  he  aided  materially  in  its  formation.=20


AMONG  MY  FRIENDS  AND  JTEIGHBOBS.  297=20

=E2=80=A2  "  **.=C2=B0,n  I?*=E2=84=A288  c>  Loomt8  was  one  of  the=
  most  ardent  advocates  for  the  esUhllahr=C2=BBi=C2=ABnt  ni=20

8ea-8ide  Park  and  my  efforts  in  that  direction  were  warmly  sustJn=
ed  by  H^nNaThaniel=20

to^iamT'  Vn=E2=84=A2nclf'  Wood'  Ks<1"  Uon'  Wm-  D"  BishoP-  "ad  o=
thers  Xm  I  hav"e  not  time=20

"  When  we  speak  of  the  material  prosperity  of  Bridgeport,  we  rem=
ember  with  m-atitnda=20

WheneTere AwSZ?^'1  ^T^'  tO,Wh=C2=B0m  T  "etn^bted  forTe^tabU^me'Sfof  t=
hJ=20
hithJ ,  H  ^i  wrC=C2=B0ii8  manufactol;les  hel-e.  and  who  was  also  =
instrumental  in  bringing=20
ither  the  noble  Ehas  Howe,  Jr.  and  many  other  enterprising  busine=
ss  men.  Scores  of=20
others  might  be  mentioned  who  have  contributed  largely  to  the  pre=
sent  position  of  the  mos=20
thriving  city  in  New  England  ;  and  pur  citizens  can  never  be  to=
o  grateful  for  the  liberality=20
and  energies  of  our  principal  capitalists  and  business  men.=20

'  I  should  have  declined  the  honor  of  this  dinner,  and  been  con=
tent  with  the  privilege  of=20
receiving  your  invitation  had  I  not  felt  that  this  occasion  might=
  perhaps  encourage  other.=20
in  cultivating  a  spirit  of  liberality,  a  spirit  of  improvement  in=
  fact  a  '"  =E2=80=A2  =E2=80=A2=E2=80=A2  =E2=80=A2=20


jged  my  opinic...=20

"  When  I  started  for  Europe  last  autumn,  1  said  to  my  poor  wif=
e  I  did  not  expect  to  see  a=20
more  pleasant  locality  than  Waldemere=E2=80=94 and  I  did  not.  Indee=
d,  I  fully  believe  it  is  one  of=20
the  most  duliguUul  and  healthy  residences  ou  the  face  of  the  ear=
th=20

=E2=80=A2'This  shore  around  Bridgeport  has  long  been  celebrated  for=
  its 'fine  and  peculiarly  invig-=20
orating air.  It  has  been  remarked  that  there  has  been  during  the =
 last  forty  ye:irs  as  there=20
is  to-day,  an  unusual  number  of  persons  living  here  whose  ages  r=
ange  from  ei"hty-five  to=20
nmety-tive  and  even  one  hundred  years  and  upwards.  I  could  recall=
  the  names  of  scores  of=20
such  persons  within  my  recollection,  and  many  such  are  now  living=
  here  This  is  in  a=20
great  degree,  attributable  to  "OZONE,"  which  scientific  experiments =
 have  demonstrated=20
exists  iii  larger  quantity  in  the  air  of  Bridgeport  than  in  that=
  of  any  other  locality  on  this=20
continent.=20

"  General  Noble  has  put  me  in  a  reverse  position  to  the  man  wh=
o  received  a  scratch  on=20
the  face,  and  when  he  heard  his  lawyer  depict  his  terrible  injur=
ies  to  the  jury,  burst  into=20
tears  and  declared  he  had  no  conception  how  shockingly  he  had  be=
en  injured.=20

"  If  I  have  done  what  the  general  has  so  generously  stated,  it =
 is  because  I  could  not  help=20
it.  Having  taken  Bridgeport  as  my  life-long  residence,  I  could  no=
t  help  doing  all  in  my=20
power  to  add  to  its  beauty  and  its  prosperity.  I  had  a  pride  i=
n  the  place  of  my  selection=20
and  had  no  desire  to  expend  my  money  elsewhere  :  consequently  I =
 felt  a  pleasure  in  laying=20
out  new  streets,  raising  valleys  and  lowering  hills,  erecting  hous=
es  and  factories  and=20
Inducing  capitalists  and  manufacturers  to  come  among  ua.=20

"  I  felt  like  the  old  darkle  who  was  sued  by  a  man.  Before  th=
e  morning  of  the  trial=20
arrived  the  plaintiff  withdrew  his  suit  and  paid  the  cost.  But  t=
he  old  darkie  went  to  court=20
and  insisted  upon  having  a  trial.  The  judge  told  him  the  suit  w=
as  withdrawn.=20

4 '  Nebber  mind  dat,'  exclaimed  the  ancient  African,  '  call  de  c=
ase,  call  de  case,  I  want  to=20
hear  how  'em  roar  1 '=20

"  And  so  with  me.  If  I  conceived  that  a  new  street,  a  new  bui=
lding,  or  the  planting  of  *=20
few  hundred  trees  would  improve  things,  I  was  anxious  to  '  call =
 de  case  and  hear  how  'em=20
roar.'=20

"  The  advice  of  the  Irishman  in  the  scrimmage  at  Donnybrook  Fair=
  was :  '  Wherever  you=20
see  a  head,  hit  it.'=20

"  That  is  the  way  I  feel ;  whenever  I  see  a  swamp-hole  or  a  b=
it  of  salt  meadow,  I  want  to=20
hit  it.=20

"  Some  persons  present  will  remember  that  when  I  built  Iranistan,=
  a  large  brook  crossed=20
Fairfleld  avenue  between  Iranistau  and  the  homestead  of  Ira  B.  Wh=
eeler.  Travelers=20
=E2=80=A2topped  to  water  their  horses  in  that  stream.  A  salt-meado=
w  swamp  set  up  close  to  the=20
Bouth  side  of  Fairfleld  avenue  and  boats  came  up  to  the  street. =
 When  I  bought  the  swamp,=20
filled  it  up.  and  turned  the  stream  into  a  large  stone  sewer,  C=
ol.  Hall  sued,  or  threatened  to=20
sue  me,  lor  obstructing  navigation  !  That  entire  swamp  meadow  is =
 now  solid  ground.=20

"  Now,  some  say  that  when  I  make  improvements,  I  do  it  with  an=
  eye  to  future  profit.  I=20
am  glad  to  acknowledge  that  this  is  generally  true.  I  have  certa=
inly  made  some  expensive=20
improvements,  which  I  felt  sure  could  never  repay  me,  but  I  am  =
glad  to  have  it  understood=20
that  mine  is  usually  a  profitable  philanthropy.  I  have  no  desire =
 to  be  considered  much  of  a=20
philanthropist  in  any  other  sense.  If  by  helping  those  who  try  t=
o  help  themselves,  I  can  do=20
it  without  ultimate  loss,  the  inducement  is  all  the  greater  to  m=
e  ;  and  if  by  improving  and=20
beautifying  our  city,  anil  adding  to  the  pleasure  and  prosperity  =
of  my  neighbors,  I  can  do  BO=20
at  a  profit,  the  incentive  to  '  good  works  '  will  be  twice  as =
 strong  as  if  it  were  otherwise.=20

"  I  don't  believe  much  in  the  doctrine  that  teaches  persons  to  =
sit  still,  suck  their  fingers=20
and  be  fed,  clothed  and  lodged  by  the  charity  of  others ;  I  bel=
ieve  in  teaching  people  to  be=20
active,  industrious,  economical  and  temperate.  Above  all,  I  believe=
  in  teaching  the  doctrine=20
of  honesty  as  taught  by  Ralph  Waldo  Emerson,  when  he  said  that  =
it  is  impossible  for  one=20
man  to  rob  or  injure  another  without,  at  the  same  time,  robbing =
 and  injuring  himself  more=20
than  anybody  else.  I  believe  in  teaching  that  all  wrong-doing  and=
  all  violations  of  nature's=20
laws  cause  us  to  lose  our  self-respect,  our  manhood  and  the  conf=
idence  of  mankind,  so  that=20
it  is  impossible  to  gain  anything  thereby,  hence  that  honesty  is.=
  as  Franklin  sold,  the  best=20
'podcy,'  and  that  right  in  any  shape  is  always  the  best  ^policy.=
  And  those  who  do  right=20
and  try  to  help  themselves  do  not  generally  ueed  free  gifts  from=
  others.  King  David  tri'ly=20


298=20


AMONG  MY   FRIENDS   AND   NEIGHBORS.=20


said  he  had  '  never  seen  the  righteous  forsaken,  nor  their  seed =
 begging  bread.'  Therefore,=20
I  want  it  to  be  understood,  that  when  I  make  improvements  I  am =
 benefiting  the  community=20
by  giving  employment  to  working  people.=20

"But  there  is  a  funny  side  to  my  improvements  and  experiences  in=
  Bridgeport.  When  I=20
first  settled  here  I  knew  nothing  about  making  new  streets,  erect=
ing  buildings,  laying  out=20
pleasure  grounds,  etc.=20

"I  had  traveled  considerably,  and  picked  up  some  knowledge  of  hum=
an  nature,  and  that=20
was  all.  Hence,  in  making  'improvements,'  I  made  many  ludicrous  b=
lunders.  I  had=20
bought  up  during  several  years  numerous  parcels  of  land  west  of  =
Fairfleld  avenue,  and  it  so=20
happened  that  a  low  piece  of  salt  meadow  lay  between  two  pieces =
 of  my  upland.  Thinking=20
that  at  some  future  time  I  might  want  that  salt  marsh  filled  up=
,  I  called  on  Deacon  Silliman,=20
the  reputed  owner,  and  told  him  he  had  a  piece  of  salt  meadow  =
I  wished  to  buy.=20

"  '  I  have  no  salt  meadow  to  spare,'  said  the  deacon.  '  Well, =
 I'll  let  you  have  another=20
piece  in  exchange.  I  only  want  yours  so  as  to  connect  my  two  p=
ieces  of  land,'  I  replied.=20
'  I  don't  know  which  salt  meadow  you  mean,'  said  the  deacon.  ' =
 Jump  into  my  wagon  and=20
I  will  show  it  to  you  in  ten  minutes,'  I  answered,  and  away  we=
  went.  Arriving  at  the  spot=20
I  pointed  out  the  coveted  piece  of  marsh .  '  Why,  Mr.  Barnum,  y=
ou  have  owned  that  salt=20
meadow  these  three  years  1'  exclaimed  the  astonished  deacon.  I  wa=
s  always  vexed  that=20
the  deacon  did  not  give  me  a  quit-claim  for  twenty-five  dollars ;=
  the  joke  would  have  been=20
worth  that.=20

"  On  another  occasion  I  was  in  the  Island  of  Ccba.  I  went  to  =
a  nursery  there,  admired=20
the  young  palms,  bananas,  India  rubber  plants,  indigo  and  coffee  =
trees,  &c.,  and  having  no=20
special  knowledge  of  such  things,  but  desiring  to  enrich  the  cons=
ervatories  of  Iranistan=20
with  every  rare  plant  and  flower,  I  purchased  a  lot  of  these  sh=
rubs  and  then  gave  the=20
nurseryman  an  order  for  flower  seeds,  which  were  to  include  every=
thing  which  he  had  that=20
was  rare.  He  made  Pie  up  over  a  hundred  packages  of  seeds,  at  =
an  expense  of  some  fifty=20
dollars.  When  planted  in  the  grounds  of  Iranistan,  I  found  I  had=
  purchased  seeds  of  cat-=20
nip, pennyroyal,  inullen,  daisies,  and  lots  of  weeds  common  to  us,=
  but  quite  '  rare '  to  the=20
Havana  nurseryman.=20

"And  so  on  my  late  visit  to  Europe,  with  a  desire  to  beautify  =
the  grounds  of  Waldemere,=20
I  engaged  the  best  gardener  in  the  Crystal  Palace  Gardens  at  Syd=
enham,  and  sent  him  to=20
America.  I  looked  over  the  various  rare  plants,  with  which  these =
 grounds  abound,  and  made=20
numerous  selections  for  Waldemere.  On  placing  them  in  my  grounds, =
 my  neighbors  dis-=20
covered 'dusty  miller,'  and  several  other  common  plants  among  my  s=
upposed  choice=20
varieties.=20

"  But,  gentlemen,  I  will  not  detain  you  ;  I  cannot  tell  yon  ho=
w  glad  I  am  to  meet  you,  nor=20
can  I  sit  down  without  saying  how  grateful  I  am  for  the  kindnes=
s  and  delicate  forethought=20
you  have  shown  in  deferring  on  this  occasion  to  my  public  advoca=
cy  of  teetotalism  for=20
thirty  years.  I  trust  our  natural  faw  of  spirits  will  keep  us  j=
olly,  and  hope  that  somehow=20
or  other  you  will  manage  to  do  what  I  always  desire  my  patrons =
 to  do,  viz.:  '  Get  the  worth=20
of  your  money."=20

Mr.  Barnum  sat  down  amid  prolonged  applause,  and  when  that  had  s=
ubsided  and  the=20
band  had  played  an  appropriate  air,  George  Mallory,  Esq.,  chairman=
  of  the  Dinner  Committee,=20
announced  the  next  regular  toast,  "The  Municipal  Government  of  our=
  City  ;  may  Wisdom=20
guide  and  govern  the  deliberations  and  acts  of  its  council,  and  =
Ability  and  Honesty  the=20
execution  of  its  laws.=20

XATOR  R.  T.  CLARKE'S  SPEECH.=20
After  responding  directly  to  the  toast,  Mayor  Clarke  said  :=20

"  When  I  first  came  to  Bridgeport,  something  more  than  twenty  ye=
ars  ago,  I  used  to  take=20
an  occasional  walk  alter  bank  hours  into  the  country.  I  enjoyed  =
the  fields,  the  quiet,  the=20
almost  complete  solitude  of  the  uninhabited  regions  through  which  =
I  strolled.  The  scene=20
would  be  enlivened  now  and  then  by  the  flight,  part  play  and  pa=
rt  fear,  of  some  squirrel=20
bounding  along  a  stone  wall.  Next  there  would  come  a  glimpse  of =
 civilization  in  some  cow=20
getting  her  living  in  a  five-acre  lot  of  daisies  and  sorrel,  bou=
nded  by  a  moss-grown  and=20
venerable  rail  fence ;  and  once  in  a  while  aboriginal  scenes  woul=
d  re-appear  in  an  encamp-=20
ment of  New  Milford  or  Kent  Indians,  who  had  strayed  for  a  few  =
weeks  away  from  home.=20
Where  did  I  go  for  these  walks  of  mine  ?  Not  very  far.  That  w=
as  East  Bridge-port  when=20
I  first  came  here.  There  were  the  houses  of  a  few  old  residents=
  on  '  the  Point.'  The  rest=20
was  mainly  fields,  and  as  much  country  as  Tashua  is  to-day  ;  an=
d  it  is  a  fact  that  I  have=20
more  than  once  seen  Indians  encamped  in  the  woods  which  were  in =
 those  days  near  the=20
east  end  of  the  present  railroad  bridge.=20

"The  change  from  that  time  to  this  is  very  much  like  a  dream.  =
I  need  not  tell  you  to=20
n'hose  enterprise  it  is  that  we  are  mainly  indebted  for  that  cha=
nge.  We  have  him  here=20
with  us  as  the  guest  of  the  evening.  I  will  not  enter  into  tho=
se  particulars  which  have  and=20
will  be,  no  doubt,  thoroughly  discussed  by  the  eloquent  speakers  =
to  whom  we  are  to  have=20
the  privilege  of  listening.  I  will  but  say,  in  a  word,  that  no =
 one  can  compare  Bridgeport  as  it=20
was  with  Bridgeport  as  it  is,  without  an  impulse  of  gratitude  to=
wards  that  genius  of  indus-=20
try, sagacity  and  boldness  in  whose  honor  this  meeting  is  given,  =
and  that  there  can  oe  in=20
the  years  to  come  no  impartial  history  of  Bridgeport  written  whic=
h  shall  leave  out  the  name=20
of  P.  T.  Barnum."=20

Mayor 'Jlarke  was  liberally  applauded,  and  "  when  the  tumult  dwind=
led  to  a  calm  "  h*=20
announced  the  next  toiist,  "The  Manufacturing  airl  Commercial  Inter=
ests  o'=20


AMONG    MY   FRIENDS  AND   NEIGHBORS.  *yo=20

tnd  called  upon  Hon.  Nathaniel  Wheeler  to  respond.  He  was  receive=
d  wHh  a  very=20
flattering  burst  of  applause,  and  after  some  pithy  and  appropriate=
  remarks  about  the  growth=20
of  the  city  and  Its  manufactures,  he  continued  :=20

"  When  manufacturers  visited  Bridgeport  with  a  view  to  locating  h=
ere,  our  distinguished=20
guest  mot  them  in  a  cordial  and  generous  manner,  and  would  say  =
to  them,  'If  you  wish  to=20
locate  here,  take  my  lands  for  a  site.'  It  was  this  generous  an=
d  far-seeing  policy  that=20
brought  to  our  city  numerous  manufacturing  establishments.  Among  th=
em  may  be  men-=20
tioned that  of  Blias  Howe,  that  of  Schnyler,  Hartley  &  Graham,=
  the  Hotchkiss  establishment,=20
and  many  others,  and  thus  our  town  grew  up  to  be  a  city  of  sh=
ops,  stores  and  residences.=20
You  have  seen  the  stranger  coming  in  from  all  directions  as  to  =
a  place  inviting  for  business=20
enterprise,  because  there  was  thrift,  life  and  spirit  in  Bridgepor=
t.=20

"  And  to-day  our  city  offers  to  business  men  the  greatest  induce=
ments  of  any  place  in  the=20
land.  (Applause.)  It  is  near  New  York,  and  yet  sufficiently  in  N=
ew  England  to  command=20
the  best  class  of  mechanics  and  artisans.  And  I  am  happy  to  not=
e  the  effect  of  bringing=20
this  class  of  men  to  our  town.  And  I  will  add,  that  whenever  s=
trangers  have  come  here,  or=20
mechanics  have  come  here,  they  have  always  been  met  by  open-hande=
d  encouragement  from=20
our  guest.  The  products  of  Bridgeport  go  into  every  family  on  th=
e  continent/and  to  every=20
continent  on  the  earth,  and  are  stamped  with  words  indelibly,  '  =
Manufactured  at  Bridge-=20
port, Conn.'  Yon  cannot  find  a  town  or  village  but  has  Bridgeport=
  represented  in  it  by  one=20
of  the  most  useful  instruments  ever  devised  by  the  skill  of  man.=
  Go  to  Mexico,  or  South=20
America,  yes,  even  to  the  homes  lining  the  remote  tributaries  of =
 the  La  Platte,  and  you  will=20
find  it  doing  its  duty  and  saving  labor  to  the  poor  female  of  =
the  country.  Go  to  Asia  and=20
you  will  find  it ;  and  even  in  China  and  Japan.=20

"  I  wish  to  have  it  understood  that  our  guest  laid  the  foundati=
on  of  all  this  business,  and=20
I  am  glad  to  be  here  to  honor  him  and  sound  his  praise.  We  di=
d  not  come  here  to  examine=20
some  wonderful  specimen  of  human  longevity,  or  with  a  curious  eye=
  to  view  some  wonder-=20
ful product  of  the  sea =E2=80=94 (Mr.  Barn  11111 =E2=80=94 '  Mermaid =
 1 '  Laughter.) =E2=80=94 we  came  here  to  honor  the=20
man  who  has  honored  Bridgeport  and  laid  the  foundation  of  her  pr=
osperity,  and  has  always=20
given  to  Bridgeport '  more  than  her  money's  worth.' "  (Applause.)=
=20

Mayor  Clarke  then  announced  the  next  regular  sentiment,  "  The  Pre=
ss,"  to  which  Mr.=20
G.  C.  Waldo  responded  as  follows  :=20

"  We  have  to-night  heard  how  the  great  energy,  perseverance,  indo=
mitable  will  and  spirit=20
of  Mr.  Baruum  have  contributed  to  his  success  ;  but  one  great  e=
lement  of  that  success  has=20
not  been  mentioned.  No  one  knows  better  than  P.  T.  Barnum  the  v=
alue  of  printer's  ink  1=20
He  values  it  and  uses  it,  and  without  it  he  might  to-day  have  =
still  been  a  wandering  show-=20
man, exhibiting  from  town  to  town,  instead  of  the  great  chief  and=
  head  he  undoubtedly  is,=20
of  all  men  in  his  business  !  (Applause.)  Mr.  Barnum  himself  will=
  tell  you  that !  (Mr.=20
Barnum,  interrupting,  'Yes,  without  printer's  ink  I  should  have  be=
en  no  bigger  than  Tom=20
Thumb  1 ')  Mr.  Barnum  thoroughly  understands  the  value  of  judiciou=
s  advertising,  and  if=20
yon  would  succeed  as  he  has,  'go  and  do  likewise!  "'  (Applause.)=
=20

Mr.  Morris,  of  the  New  York  Times,  then  said:=20

"  Mr.  Barnnm  represented  the  energy  and  enterprise  of  the  America=
n  race,  and  the  better=20
side  of  those  qualities,  too.  He  went  abroad  with  his  money  to  =
purchase  what  was  valuable=20
there,  but  more  valuable  here,  and  would  bring  him  an  increase  o=
n  his  investment  in  turn.=20
He  was  the  thrifty,  enterprising  and  indomitable  Yankee,  and  illus=
trated  the  characteristic=20
and  distinctive  element  of  the  American  mind,  lie  knew  the  value =
 of  printer's  ink,  and=20
of  the  men  who  made  printer's  ink  the  vehicle  of  news  and  infor=
mation.  Mr.  Barnum=20
owed  much  to  the  editorial  fraternity,  and  they  in  turn  were  ind=
ebted  to  him  for  liberality=20
and  courtesy.  The  editorial  profession  had  always  been  ready  to  a=
id  any  honest  enterprise,=20
and  herald  whatever  was  worth  heralding.  The  press  of  New  York  a=
cknowledged  Mr.=20
Barnum  the  greatest  showman  of  the  world,  and  one  of  the  most  t=
ruly  philanthropic.  In=20
behalf  of  the  members  of  the  New  York  press,  he  thanked  Mr.  Bar=
num  for  the  kindness=20
and  courtesies  extended  to  them,  and  expressed  a  wish  that  one  s=
o  ready  to  assist  his  fellows=20
might  live  long  to  enjoy  many  such  occasions,  at  which  he  hoped =
 ,to  be  present.  (Applause.)=20

The  next  sentiment  was  "Our  Homes,"  to  which  Dr.  C.  E.  Sanford  =
responded  as  follows:=20

"Our  homes,  models  of  refined  taste,  surrounded  with  nature's  love=
liest  adornments;=20

pleasant  to  behold,  pleasanter  to  know,  pleasantest  to  possess.    =
I  thank  you,  Mr.  Chairman,=20

for  inviting  me  to  respond  to  such  a  sentiment.    Next  to  my  pr=
ofession,  I  love  my  home,=20


AMONG   MY   FKIENDS  AND   NEIGHBORS.=20

Iranittan,  built  it  when  he  was  abroad,  and  surrounded  it  with  a=
ll  the  loveliness  of  nature=20
and  art.  I  can  well  imagine  how  other  matrons  and  other  househol=
ds,  stimulated  by  such=20
an  example,  have  built  more  wisely  and  spent  more  time  and  eil'o=
rt  in  beautifying  and  adorn-=20
ing their  homes.  After  the  trial  byjire  and  by  time  came  Lindencr=
oft ;  less  pretentious,  but=20
perhaps  not  less  beautiful  in  its  chaste  simplicity,  and  last  of =
 all  she  fashioned  Waldemere:=20
and  we  shall  never  gaze  upon  its  rounding  slope  of  sun-kissed  la=
wn  with  its  rich  borders  of=20
bright,  fragrant  flowers,  upon  its  mounds  of  moss-grown  stone  and =
 shell,  its  wooded  park=20
and  its  wave-washed  shore  (only  the  rim  of  our  fair  park  between=
)  without  remembering=20
her  to  whom  I  believe  this  community  are  indirectly  so  deeply  in=
debted  for  so  much  that  is=20
beautiful  about  our  homes.  The  contagion  of  example  is  intense  an=
d  eil'ective,  and  1  can=20
readily  see  how  it  spread  from  these  houses  which  your  wealth  er=
ected  and  her  taste=20
adorned,  to  others  less  pretentious =E2=80=94 spread,  because  the  lo=
ving  heart  and  the  fervent  mind=20
of  woman  IB  always  ready  for  such  an  influence.  And  just  here,  =
Mr.  Bariium,  in  the  name=20
of  the  citizens  of  Bridgeport  and  of  strangers  who  may  visit  her=
e,  I  desire  to  thank  you  for=20
again  throwing  open  to  the  public  your  beautiful  grounds  at  V  al=
demere,  your  latest  and=20
perhaps  your  best  model  of  a  charming  home.  It  has  been  well  sa=
id  '  that  he  who  causes=20
two  blades  of  grass  to  grow  where  but  one  has  grown  before  is  =
a  public  benefactor.'  If=20
this  is  true,  he  who  converts  a  New  England  cow-pasture  into  an =
 almost  perfect  paradise=20
of  loveliness,  and  then  lets  down  the  bars  and  says  to  all  man =
 and  womankind,  '  come  in=20
and  enjoy  this  with  me,'  shall  at  least  receive  our  warmest  than=
ks.=20

"Mr.  Barnum  has  always  been  a  good  feeder,  but  by  no  means  a  h=
igh  liver,  and  herein  is=20
one  great  secret  of  his  health.  Good,  plain,  substantial  food,  un=
d  plenty  of  it;  for  the  solid=20
physique,  with  the  constantly  worked  Drain  and  nerve  and  muscle,  =
must  needs  nnd  plenty=20
of  good  blood  with  which  to  replenish.  I  remember  very  well  one =
 summer  when  I  was=20
frequently  at  his  house,  Mr.  BaruuuTs  dessert,  day  after  day,  was=
  cold  boiled  rice  and  milk.=20
Very  simple  and  very  nutritous.  No  irritating  stimulants;  no  dyspe=
ptic  pastry.  Show=20
him  the  reasonableness  and  healthfulness  of  taking  a  given  food  o=
r  drink,  it  would  be=20
tried;  of  denying  it  and  it  was  'passed.''  And  with  all  respect =
 to  Mr.  Baruum's  unselfish-=20
ness !  just  here  I  imagine,  lies  the  foundation  of  his  anti-rum  =
and  anti-tobacco  principles.=20
He  made  up  his  mind,  saw,  felt  and  was  convinced  it  was  an  inj=
ury  to  him,  and,  presto,  he=20
would  have  none  of  it.  So  he  has  been  the  foe  of  rum  and  toba=
cco,  and  he  believes  they=20
are  his  and  the  foes  of  all  mankind.  He  says  they  break  down,  =
they  weaken,  they  destroy.=20
So  he  fights  them,  especially  the  former,  with  lance  well  held  i=
n  rest,  and  with  his  well-=20
known  vigor  and  zeal.=20

"But,  sir,  you  have  always  shown  your  love  for  us  by  spending  y=
our  money  freely  in  our=20
midst.  Your  open  grounds  at  Waldemere  '  ao  passing  fair,'  will  p=
rove  a  rapid  education  in=20
the  love  of  the  beautiful."=20

Next  in  order  came  "  The  City  of  Hartford  "  responded  to  by  Da=
vid  dark,  Esq.,  of  that=20
city.  Mr.  Clark  said :=20

"  To  show  you  how  he  is  appreciated  in  Hartford,  I  will  tell  y=
ou  what  a  citizen  said  of=20
him:  'If  he  had  been  a  citizen  of  Hartford,  it  would  have  been =
 the  capital  of  the  State=20
twenty  years  ago,  and  a  city  of  one  hundred  thousand  inhabitants.=
  (Applause.)  Instead=20
of  being  at  the  head  of  sloop  navigation,  the  ocean  steamers  wou=
ld  have  arrived  at  her=20
ports  by  some  Suez  canal  that  he  would  have  constructed.'  I  only=
  have  to  say  that  I  hope=20
Mr.  Barnum  will  send  that  man  a  ticket  to  his  Roman  Hippodrome. =
 (Laughter  and  cheers.)=20
Twenty-six  years  ago  I  visited  Bridgeport,  but  saw  the  elements  o=
f  success  were  wanting,=20
out  since  then  her  advancement  has  been  excelled  by  no  town  in  =
the  State,  which  is  in  a=20
ereat  degree  owing  to  the  energy  and  public  spirit  of  your  disti=
nguished  fellow-townsman.=20
For  this  he  is  entitled  to  great  credit,  and  this  honor  is  just=
ly  due  him,  and  his  memory  will=20
always  be  cherished  by  those  who  know  the  story  of  his  good  dee=
ds.  Shakespeare  made=20
Mark  Antony  say  that '  the  evil  men  do,  lives  after  them,  while =
 the  good  they  do  is  often=20
interred  with  their  bones.'  That  might  do  for  that  generation,  bu=
t  henceforth  it  is  the  good=20
men  do  that  will  live  after  them."  (Applause.)=20

Mr.  Clark  sat  down  amid  applause,  and  the  Chairman  announced  the =
 "  Town  of  Danbury,"=20
responded  to  by  the  Hon.  D.  P.  Nichols,  of  that  place,  who  than=
ktl  the  committee  for  the=20
compliment  to  Danbury,  and  closed  with  the  wish  that  Mr.  Barn.im =
 might  live  long  to=20
-vbeuelit  the  city  of  his  adoption,  and  honor  the  place  of  his  =
nativity.=20

Mr.  Nichols  received  hearty  applause.=20

Next  on  the  programme  was  a  poem  by  Judge  S.  B.  Sumner.  It  was=
  splendidly  delivered,=20
kept  the  company  in  a  roar  of  laughter,  and  is  one  of  the  happ=
iest  ell'orts  th.it  Judge  Sum-=20
ner has  ever  produced.  \Ve  are  pleased  to  be  able  to  lay  it  bef=
ore  our  readers,  and  can=20
assure  them  that  it  is  simply  "  perfect  of  its  kind,"  but  needs=
  the  Judge's  excellent  delivery=20
to  be  properly  set  out.  Round  after  round  of  applause  greeted  ev=
ery  happy  hit,  and  com-=20
pelled a  temporary  suspension  of  the  reading.=20

JUDOB  8.  B.  BUHNER'S  POEM.=20

"I'm  no  pianist ;  ue'ertheless  a  pcean  I  must  sing,=20
This  night  in  honor  of  our  guest,  the  famous  Money-King  ;=20
The  man  who  keeps  informing  us  that  poverty's  a  blunder.=20
And  rolls  up  wealth  before  our  eyes,  while  we  look  on  *nd  wonde=
r.=20


MY    FH1ENDS  AN  JO   N JSJ.GHBOJW.  301=20

"  There's  no  such  thing  as  ciphering  the  gauge  of  such  a  man;=
=20
To-day  it's  business  in  New  York =E2=80=94 to-morrow  in  Japan;=20
One  day  beneath  the  sea,  to  flud  some  learned,  lovely  shark,=20
The  next,  way  off  on  Ararat,  for  pieces  of  the  Ark  I=20

"  Sometimes  he  calls  for  quarter,  with  the  giant  Fe-Fo-Fum;=20
And  then  again  he  captures  us  with  General  Tom  Thumb;=20
One  day  in  Bridgeport,  staking  out  new  streets  across  his  farm,=
=20
The  next,  in  Windsor  Castle,  with  Victoria  on  his  arm;=20

u  One  day  upon  the  prairies,  looking  out  lor  freaks  of  nature  ;=
=20
The  next,  in  Hartford,  speech-making  before  the  legislature ;=20
One  day  the  Bearded  Woman  ;  next,  the  Mermaid  with  her  comb  ;=
=20
And  now  the  Hippopotamus,  and  now  the  Hippodrome.=20

14  To-day  recalling  from  the  deep,  oblivious  shades  of  death,=20
And  so  rejuvenating  and  rejoicing  old  Joice  Heth  ;=20
To-morrow,  showing  all  at  once,  the  wondrous  Twins  of  Siaiu,=20
And  Jnlius  Cesar's  boxing-gloves,  and  fish-pole  used  by  Priam.=20

'One  day  the  fiery  element  his  big  Museum  slashes,=20
But  next  day,  lo  1  it  rises  as  a  Phoenix  from  its  ashes  ;=20
And  while  the  croakers  shake  their  heads,  and  dubiously  figure.=20
The  Crocodile  gives  broader  smiles,  the  show  keeps  growing  bigger =
 |=20

"I  never,  NEVBB,  saw  his  like ;  and  so  I  might  as  well=20
Give  o'er  at  once  the  vain  attempt  all  his  exploits  to  tell ;=20
It's  all  recorded=E2=80=94 read  of  all=E2=80=94 on  everybody's  shelf;=
=20
1  Biography  of  P.  T.  Barnum,  written  by  himself.'=20

"There's  not  a  journal  round  the  world,  whose  columns  haven't  kno=
w  n  '  im=20
Nor  board  fence,  on  whose  superflce  bill-posters  haven't  shown  him=
;=20
No  savage  or  philosopher,  no  Gentile.  Greek  or  Roman,=20
But  knows  of  this  ubiquitous,  inevitable  showman.=20

"But  'showman'  though  he  style  himself,  we  know  the  word  but  tel=
U*=20
A  vulgar  fraction  of  what  force  within  his  manhood  dwells ;=20
An  orator  of  wide  repute,  a  poet  and  a  preacher,=20
An  author  and  an  editor,  a  student  and  a  teacher !=20

"A  wit  of  ever-ready  fund  within  his  storehouse  ample;=20
Of  Temperance,  alike  renowned  Apostle  and  example  :=20
Philanthropist,  with  human  kind  not  merely  sympathetic,=20
But  generous  and  bountiful,  and  grandly  energetic.=20

"And  last =E2=80=94 hjino  means  least=E2=80=94 of  all ;  and  that  is =
 why  we  come=20
Thus  heartily  to  welcome  him=E2=80=94 a  lover  of  his  home !=20
A  home  that  proudly  crowns  to-day  a  whilom  barren  waste,=20
The  triumph  and  the  marvel  now  of  fine  asthetic  taste  1=20

"But  prouder  monument  for  him:  within  the  city's  bound,=20
Full  many  a  score  of  happy  habitations  may  be  found.=20
Whose  owners  will  not  soon  forget  the  prudent  head  that  planned=
=20
The  homes  they  ne'er  had  builded  but  for  Barnum's  helping  hand  I=
=20

"Oh,  when  the  leaf  of  human  life  is  turning  sere  and  yellow,=20
One's  best  reflection  can  but  be,  that  he  has  served  his  fellow =
;=20
How  many  a  man  had  been  a  wreck,  whose  fate  had  quite  undone  h=
im=20
If  Barnum  hadn't  raised,  and  put  wheels  under  him,  and  '  run  ' =
 him  '=20

"Now,  if  our  fellow  citizen  had  been  a  sordid  hunks,=20
Who  hoarded  all  his  treasures  in  old  stockings  and  in  trunks,=20
We  simply  should  have  set  him  down  a  flinty-hearted  sinner,=20
Instead  of  voting  him  a  =E2=80=A2  brick '  and  complimentary  dinner=
.=20

"And  so  we  wish  it  understood,  and  thoroughly  inferred,=20
These  testimonials  of  esteem=E2=80=94 we  mean  them,  every  word,=20
We  toast  not  wealth,  nor  simply  brains,  but,  as  we  proudly  can,=
=20
The  qualities  that  always  make  ttie  hero  and  the  man.=20

'Long  life  and  health  to  him  and  his,  to  do  and  gather  good,=20
And  when  at  last  he  shall  be  called  to  cross  the  Stygian  flood,=
=20
Surviving  friends,  with  tearful  eyes,  beholding  him  embark,=20
Shall  place  his  statue,  I  predict,  within  the  Sea-side  Park ;=20


AMOKO   MY   FRIENDS  AND   NEIGHBOUR.=20

"And  every  ooy  wno  looks  thereon,  the  record  shall  review,=20
And  learu  what  steady  Yankee  pluck  and  industry  can  do;=20
And  as  our  city  grows  apace,  an  ever  crescent  fame,=20
As  halo,  shall  surround  her  pristine  Benefactor's  name.=20

"  And  meanwhile,  he'll  be  ransacking  the  Universe  for  '  stars,'=
=20
And  lav  a  cable  through  the  air  from  Jupiter  to  Mars,=20
And  institute  a  comet-race,  on  some  tremendous  wager,=20
And  case  up  Taurus,  Scorpio,  the  Whale,  and  Ursa  Major  t=20

"  And  niro  the  Twins =E2=80=94 oh,  Gemini  1=E2=80=94 to  manage  a  b=
alloon.=20
Ana  make  an  exhibition  of  the  old  man  ill  tie  moo-; ;=20
And  in  the  vast  arena,  pit  the  Sickle  of  the  Lioi.=20
Against  the  vaunted  sword  and  belt  of  arrogant  Orloj=20

"  And,  finally,  discovering  the  brink  of  Hades'  crater,=20
Put  out  the  conflagration  with  his  Fire  Annihilator ;=20
Exorcise  from  the^neighborhood,  the  'cussed'  imps  of  evU,=20
Nor  rest,  till  he  has  raised,  reformed,  and  then =E2=80=94 ENGAGED =
=E2=80=94 the  Devil  I  '=20

When  quiet  hud  been  restored,  Mayor  Clarke  announced  "  The  Bar  a=
nd  Bench,'  to  which=20
the  Hon.  J.  C.  Loomis  eloquently  replied.  His  remarks  commanded  m=
arked  attention  and=20
appreciative  and  hearty  applause.  "The  Veterans  of  the  Show  Busine=
ss"  was  then=20
announced  by  the  chairman,  and  was  responded  to  by  Mr.  Fordyce  H=
itchcock,  of  New=20
York,  who  alluded  to  his  management  for  Mr.  Barn  urn  of  the  old=
  Museum  for  many  years,=20
and  who  said:=20

"  It  has  ever  been  the  endeavor  of  my  friend  to  avoid  everythin=
g  calculated  to  offend  the=20
most  delicate  taste  or  mislead  the  mind  of  the  young  (Applause.) =
 But  it  is  said  Barnum=20
is  a  grand  humbug.  I  ask  if  any  went  into  his  Museum  that  did =
 not  get  his  money's  worth.=20
I  have  traveled  over  Europe  and  found  no  place  that  compared  wit=
h  Barnum's  old  Museum.=20
And  that  institution  saved  many  young  men,  who  sought  it  instead =
 of  goiiig  into  dens  of=20
vice.  If  that  is  being  a  humbug,  let  us  all  learn  to  be  humbug=
s."  (Applause.)=20

The  chair  then  announced  that  the  lateness  of  the  evening  compell=
ed  a  shortening  of  the=20
programme,  and  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hopper  would  respond  to  the  toa=
st  "The  Clergy"'  as  the=20
last  sentiment  of  the  evening.=20

DR.  HOPPER'S  SPEECH.=20

"  MB.  MAYOR  AND  GENTLEMEN:  I  am  glad  that  I  have  the  pleasure  =
of  being  present  on=20
this  occasion.  I  desire  to  add  my  little  quota  to  the  interest  =
of  the  hour.  I  bring  all  of=20
which  my  nature  is  susceptible,  for  I  am  in  entire  rapport  with =
 the  object  of  the  meeting.=20
It  seems  to  be  nightly  befitting  that  the  clergy  should  be  repre=
sented  at  this  banquet  g'ven=20
in  honor  of  our  esteemed  guest,  and  I  am  glad  that  the  custom  =
which  onci-  prevailed  in=20
old  England  of  dismissing  the  clergy  to  an  ante-room  after  the  s=
itting  of  grace,  does  not=20
prevail  in  this  country,  but  that  with  impunity  they  may  sit  thr=
ough  the  entire  feast,  par=20
taking  of  the  choicest  viands,  sharing  even  in  the  offering  of  g=
enial  t&'ists.  It  is  propei=20
that  we  should  be  present  at  this  time  for  many  reasons.  In  the=
  first  place,  our  honored=20
Iriend  has  always  taken  kindly  to  the  clergy,  ever  ready  to  mani=
fest  a  genuine  and  tangible=20
sympathy  for  them  in  their  sacred  mission.  Mr.  Barnum,  during  his=
  long  and  eventful  liie,=20
has  fastened,  as  with  hooks  of  steel,  to  his  broad  nature  many  =
of  the  clergy  of  every=20
denomination,  who  are  among  his  truest  and  most  devoted  friends.  =
Among  this  number=20
are  the  distinguished  Drs.  Chapin,  Cuyler,  Thomas,  Emerson  and  oth=
ers,  who.  had  circum-=20
stances permitted,  would  have  gladly  been  personally  present,  and  b=
rought  floral  wreaths=20
as  expressions  of  their  sincere  sympathy  and  affection  for  the  ma=
n.  And  many  of  the=20
profession,  who  have  fallen  upon  sleep,  resting  from  life's  confli=
cts,  could  they  leave  their=20
quiet  graves,  or  celestial  homes,  would  be  here  and  vie  with  us =
 in  our  offerings.  Let  us=20
believe,  as  it  is  not  inconsistent  with  our  holy  faith,  that  uns=
een  they  are  bending  over  us.=20

"  It  is  befitting  that  we  should  speak,  because  I  think  our  fri=
end  may  have  been'originally=20
designed  for  the  church.  I  don't  know  that  he  ever  himself  harbo=
red  such  a  thought,  I=20
only  judge  from  his  youthful  reply,  as  a  Sunday-school  scholar,  t=
o  the  question  implied  in=20
the  words  of  Christ  to  Martha,  *  One  thing  it  iieedfulS  I  quote=
  the  closing  paragraph:=20
'  The  one  thing  needful,'  says  the  young  preacher,  '  is  to  beli=
eve  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,=20
follow  in  his  footsteps,  love  God,  and  obey  his  commandments,  lov=
e  our  fellow-man,  and=20
embrace  every  opportunity  of  administering  to  his  necessities.  In  =
short,  the  one  thing=20
needful  is,  to  live  a  life  that  we  can  always  look  back  upon  w=
ith  satisfaction,  and  be  enabled=20
ever  to  contemplate  its  termination  with  trust  in  Him  who  has  so=
  kindly  vouchsafed  it  to=20
us,  surrounding  us  with  innumerable  blessings,  if  we  have  but  the=
  heart  and  wisdom  to=20
receive  them  in  a  proper  manner.'  Noble  sentiment  for  a  youth  I =
 Surely,  here  is  a  minister=20
In  embryo.  I  could  wish  that  with  a  sanctified  lile,  he  had  ele=
vated  himself  to  this  noble=20
calling.  No  doubt  but  that  he  would  have  been  greatly  successful.=
  With  his  fine=20
mesmerism,  how  lie  would  have  electrified  the  people;  what  a  spir=
itual  showman  he  would=20
have  made ;  how  he  would  have  exhibited  the  menagerie  of  the  hea=
rt,  in  which  ferocious=20
beasts,  in  the  form  of  fiery  passions,  prey  upon  the  suul.  And  =
with  his  genial  love  and=20
trust  in  mankind,  seeing  ever  the  good  in  the  midst  of  degrading=
  vices,  how  lovingly  he=20


AMONG   MY   FRIENDS  AND   NEIGHBORS.  303=20


-=20


It  is  befitting  that  the  clergy  should  here  have  a  voice,  becaus=
e  our  friend,  in  addition=20
to  the  great  interest  winch  he  has  always  taken  in  the  secular  =
affairs  of  our  city,  has  never=20
foiled  to  generously  assist  the  churches  in  the  days  of  their  we=
akness  and  poverty=20

He  doubtless  saw  that  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  his  favorite  =
city  would  largely=20
depend  upon  the  elevating  influence  of  Christian  sanctuaries.  In  a=
lmost  every  church  book=20
In  the  city  is  recorded  at  different  times  a  liberal  subscription=
  from  Mr  B=20

"And  I  here  acknowledge  the  generous  aid,  pecuniarily,  which  he  r=
endered  to  the  church=20
over  which  I  have  the  honor  to  preside,  in  the  days  of  her  fee=
bleness=20

"So,  then,  I  say  again,  most  emphatically,  it  is  highly  befitting=
  that  the  clergy  have  a=20
voice  at  this  festival.=20

"  In  closing,  please,  friend  Barnum,  accept  our  kind  congratulatio=
ns  and  offerings  of  sincere=20
friendship.  As  the  years  with  you  roll  on  towards  the  deep  sunse=
t  may  you  find  the=20
evening  of  life  serene  and  beautiful,  and  your  faith  in  God  and =
 love  for  humanity  increase=20
HS  the  shadows  longer  grow."=20

Mr.  George  Mallory  begged  leave  to  offer,  as  a  final  sentiment,  =
the  following,  one  in  which=20
an  could  join:  "May  the  Hag  at  Waldemere  long  continue  to  float =
 over  that  dwelling=20
indicating,  as  it  does,  that  its  owner  is  'at  home.'  ^  (Applause=
.)=20

Three  cheers  were  then  called  for  by  Mayor  Clarke  in  honor  of  P=
.  T.  Barnum  which=20
were  given  with  a  rousing  will,  and  the  company  dispersed  at  abo=
ut  one  o'clock.=20

Among  those  present  who  would  have  been  called  upon  to  speak,  ha=
d  not  the  lateness  of=20
the  hour  prevented,  were  the  Rev.  E.  W.  Maxey.  the  Rev.  Edwin  J=
ohnson,  the  Rev.  D  O=20
Fen-is,  the  Rev.  Father  Synott.  the  Rev.  Dr.  Richardson,  the  Rev.=
  N.  L.  Briggs,  and  others'=20

It  must  be  a  matter  of  congratulation  to  Mr.  Barnum  that  this  e=
ntire  movement  was  so=20
spontaneous,  and  that  no  effort  was  needed  to  make  it  a  grand  s=
uccess.  There  was  a=20
balance  in  the  hands  of  the  committee  of  fifty  dollars,  which  wa=
s  given  to  the  Bridgeport=20
Orphan  Asylum.=20

[From  the  Republican  Standard  (Editorial),  July  3,  1874.]=20
P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

The  press  and  the  people  of  Bridgeport  united  in  an  ovation  to  =
P.  T.  Barnum,  Thursday=20
evening,  in  acknowledgment  of  the  honor  due  him  for  the  public  i=
mprovements  he  has=20
inaugurated  and  pushed  through  in  this  city,  with  unceasing  energy=
,  for  the  past  thirty=20
years.  To  the  press  he  acknowledges  his  obligations  for  success  i=
n  life.  It  has  given  him=20
fame,  so  far  and  wide  that  his  uame  is  familiar  to  every  eye  t=
hat  can  read  and  every  ear  that=20
can  hear,  while  almost  every  pocket  has  contributed  to  his  store =
 of  wealth.  Without  the=20
press,  he  says  he  would  to-day  "  be  a  pigmy  no  bigger  than  Tom=
  Thumb,"  instead  of  being=20
at  the  head  of  his  profession.  If  the  press  is  thus  the  father =
 of  P.  T.  Barnum,  it  follows=20
that  it  is  the  grandfather  of  East  Bridgeport  and  all  other  publ=
ic  improvements  wrought=20
out  by  his  hand.  It  is  to  be  hoped,  therefore,  that  East  Bridge=
port  will  hold  its  grand-=20
father in  all  due  honor  and  reverence.=20

We  have  always  admired  the  public  spirit  of  P.  T.  Barnum.  He  is=
  accustomed  to  work=20
with  herculean  energy  and  enthusiasm  to  acquire  his  money,  and  th=
en  he  shows  the  same=20
zeal  in  spending  it,  and  to  this  characteristic  Bridgeport  is  ind=
ebted  for  all  those  public=20
Improvement*  inaugurated  by  1iim.  We  admire  the  way  and  manner  in=
  which  he  works  out=20
his  plans.  Instead  of  sending  petitions  to  the  Common  Council,  ha=
ving  committees  appointed=20
to  examine  and  report,  advertising  for  hearings,  ordering  the  stre=
et  commissioners  to  do  the=20
work,  then  make  assessments,  having  appeals  to  the  board  of  revie=
w,  and  all  that,  he  merely=20
tells  "  Dave  Sherwood  "  to  open  a  street  here,  fill  tip  a  swam=
p  there,  dig  down  this  hill,=20
blast  out  that  rock,  build  houses,  &c.,  and  the  work  is  done=
  and  he  is  ready  for  the  next  one,=20
before  he  even  could  get  a  petition  through  the  Common  Council.  =
It  may  be  very  true  that=20
he  does  all  these  things  for  the  sake  of  making  more  money  ther=
eby,  yet  this  fact  by  no=20
means  lessens  the  obligations  of  Bridgeporters  to  him,  but  they  m=
ight  well  pray  for  a  dozen=20
more  such  men  who  have  sufficient  intelligence  to  perceive  that  t=
heir  own  personal  interests=20
can  be  best  advanced  in  making  public  improvements.=20

As  a  specimen  of  his  style  of  working  for  himself  and  the  publi=
c  combined,  we  may  refer=20
to  his  straightening  and  extending  State  street.  Formerly  State  st=
reet  beyond  Park  avenue.=20
turned  at  an  angle  north-westerly.  He  caused  a  change  in  its  dir=
ection,  widening  it,  filled=20
up  a  swamp  in  his  own  land  and  made  a  good  firm  road  across  i=
t,  moved  one  lariie  block  of=20
houses,  and  spent  some  $12.000  in  the  operation,  thus  making  a  f=
ine  public  improvement=20
which  will  be  beneficial  to  the  city  as  long  as  the  city  lasts.=
  All  this  he  did  without  calling=20
for  aid  outside  ot  his  own  pocket.  But  in  doing  this  he  saw  th=
at  the  street  when  extended=20
beyond  would  greatly  enhance  the  value  of  his  property  and  yield =
 hi;n  a  rich  return,  perhaps=20
at  no  distant  day.  This  is  his  usual  mode  of  working,  and  thoug=
h  private  interests  may=20
prompt  his  action,  yet  he  so  works  in  all  his  improvements  that =
 the  public  shares  very=20
largely  in  the  accruing  advantages.  Any  city  is  blessed  which  has=
  su-h  intelligent  persona=20
Whose  motto  is  "to  do  good  and  make  money  "  without  being  so  =
=C2=BBellish  as  to  refruiu  from=20


304  AMONG   MY   FBIEND8  AND   NEIGHBORS.=20

any  work  beojnee  they  do  not  get  all  the  good  that  comes  from  =
their  venture.   It  to  for  sncb=20
deeds  that  the  citizens  of  Bridgeport  have  worthily  honored  Mr.  B=
arnum.=20

The  American  Register,  published  in  Paris,  in  its  issue  of  July  =
11,  1874,  speak-=20
ing of  this  dinner,  says:=20

The  press,  the  pnlpit,  the  bench  and  bar  were  all  liberally  repr=
esented.  It  may  seem=20
strange  to  Europeans  that  such  distinguished  men  should  accept  inv=
itations  to  a  dinner  in=20
honor  of  a  common  showman,  as  Mr.  Baruum  is  too  often  called ;  =
but  their  surprise  will=20
cease  when  we  tell  them  what  that  gentleman  really  is.  True,  he =
 is>  a  showman,  but  he  is=20
also  a  man  of  considerable  personal  acquirements,  of  great  public =
 spirit,  and  a  good  citizen.=20
Ue  is  an  excellent  representative  of  the  indomitable  strength  and =
 energy  of  our  young  nation.=20
Moreover,  he  is  a  man  of  great  generosity,  and  knows  how  to  spe=
nd  money  as  well  as  to=20
make  it.  By  this  we  mean  that  he  spends  it  in  a  way  which  ten=
ds  to  the  public  good.  There=20
are  very  few  men  who  have  ever  known  Mr.  Baruum  who  would  not  =
have  been  pleased  to=20
join  in  a  dinner  given  to  him,  and  since  we  were  not  able  to  =
be  present  on  the  occasion,  we=20
are  happy  to  pay  our  tribute  in  another  form  to  that  liberal-min=
ded  and  large-hearted  man=20

LINES=20

IC3S1CSTED  BY  A  DRIVE  TO  P.  T.  BARNUJt'S  PLACE  (WALDEMERE)  AT  SK=
A-SIDE  PARK,  BRLIM*=20
PORT,  CONN.,  PIVB  TEARS  AFTER  ITS  COMPLETION.=20

FAIR  Waldemerel  Thou  gem  of  art  and  nature,=20

Glorified  by  breath  of  June  like  emerald=20

Iii  diamond  setting  1    With  thy  rich  robe=20

Of  verdure  and  sparkling  waves=20

Of  ocean  dancing  round  thy=20

Borders=E2=80=94 glancing  and  Hashing  in  the=20

Sunlight,  meet  setting  for  a  spot=20

So  fair!    The  stranger's  eye=20

Ilesteth  upon  thee  as  some  surprising=20

Scene  of  marvelous  beauty,  bursting=20

Upon  the  gaze  with  all  thy  ease=20

And  grace  of  architecture,=20

Adorned  with  fountain,  statuette  and=20

Floral  vase,  each  in  its  favorite  niche=20

In  favored  Waldemere=E2=80=94=20

Well  chosen  spot!=20

By  sea-side  murmuring =E2=80=94 and  well=20
Combined  its  mansion  of  palatial=20
Structure,  rearing  its  grand=20
Proportions  with  many  varied=20
Turrets,  in  graceful  dignity,=20
Floating  aloft,  its  silken  banner=20
Waves  from  crowning  tower,=20
Bearing  its  owner's  monogram=20
On  its  proud  silken  folds.=20

=E2=80=A2  =E2=80=A2  =E2=80=A2  *  *  *=20

No  need  in  statue  bronze  of  stalwart=20
Indian,  with  springing  wolf  at  feet=20
And  tomahawk  in  hand.=20
To  guard  thy  entrance,  fair  Waldemere,=20
For  who  would  mar  such  scene=20
Of  beauty,  made  for  the  eye  to=20
Feast  upon?    Who  could  defile  thy=20
Precincts,  or  with  evil  wish  to=20
Harm  thee,  while  witli  inviting=20
Aspect  such  harmony  of  art  and=20
Nature  greets  the  human  vision?=20

Dark  and  unlighted  be  the=20
Heart,  which  ruthlessly  would  violate=20
Such  type  of  Paradise.=20

Farewell,  sweet  Waldemere:=20
I  ne'er  may  look  upon  thy  face  again.=20
But  I  will  leave  the  token  of  a  stranger's=20
Benediction,  for  the  ray  of  happiness=20
And  sunshine  thou  hast  unconscious=20
Shed  upon  the  traveler's  heart.=20

H.  E.  a.=20

BIUDOEPOKT,  June,  1874.=20


CHAPTER    XLIX.=20

HIPPODROMICAL,   HYMENEAL  AND   MUNICIPAL.=20

IN  July,  1374,  immense  canvas  tents  were  made  of  sufficient  capac=
ity  to  accjom=20
modate  all  my  great  Roman  Hippodrome  performances.  These  tents,  wi=
th  the=20
expense  of  removing  the  whole  Hippodrome  establishment  to  Boston  f=
or  a  three=20
weeks'  exhibition,  cost  me  nearly  fifty  thousand  dollars.  During  t=
he  three  weeks'=20
exhibition  in  Boston,  the  tents  were  crowded  each  afternoon  and  e=
vening  with=20
the  most  delighted  audiences.  Excursion  trains  on  all  the  railroad=
s  leading  to=20
Boston  brought  thousands  of  visitors  to  the  Hippodrome  every  day, =
 and  the  Boston=20
and  New  England  papers,  secular  and  religious,  without  exception,  =
were  loud  in=20
praise  of  what  all  acknowledged  to  be  by  far  the  most  gorgeous, =
 extensive,  instruc-=20
tive and  expensive  traveling  exhibition  of  which  we  have  any  recor=
d.=20

From  Boston  the  entire  Hippodrome  was  transported  by  railroad  to  =
Philadel-=20
phia, where  a  success  was  achieved  fully  equal  to  that  in  Boston.=
  The  Hippo-=20
drome afterwards  visited  Baltimore,  Pittsburgh  and  Cincinnati,  everyw=
here=20
drawing  immense  crowds,  and  opened  again  in  my  great  Hippodrome  b=
uilding  in=20
New  York,  in  November,  where,  for  several  months,  it  afforded  a  =
treat  to  the=20
American  public  that  will  probably  not  be  witnessed  again  in  this=
  generation.  I=20
am  confident  that  nothing  less  than  my  reputation  for  forty  years=
  as  a  liberal=20
caterer  for  public  instruction  and  amusement,  would  have  brought  a=
  paying=20
response  to  my  efforts.  The  great  religious  community  aided  mostly=
  in  sustain-=20
ing this  hazardous  enterprise.=20

In  the  autumn  of  1874  I  married  again.  My  second  wife  is  the  d=
aughter  of  my=20
old  English  friend,  John  Fish,  Esq.,  whom  I  have  embalmed  in  the=
  thirty-second=20
chapter  of  this  book,  under  the  title  of  "An  Enterprising  English=
man."  We=20
were  married  in  the  Church  of  the  Divine  Paternity,  Fifth  Avenue,=
  New  York,=20
oy  my  old  and  esteemed  friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Chapin,  in  the  pres=
ence  of  members=20
of  my  family  and  a  large  gathering  of  gratified  friends.  After  a=
  brief  bridal=20
tour,  our  wedding  receptions  were  attended  at  Waldemere.=20

In  December,  1874,  His  Majesty,  David  Kalakau,  King  of  the  Sandwi=
ch  Islands,=20
visited  New  York.  I  invited  the  king  and  his  suite  to  attend  th=
e  Hippodrome,=20
which  they  did  on  the  afternoon  of  December  26th.  During  the  ent=
ire  perform-=20
ance I  was  seated  by  the  side  of  the  king,  who  kept  up  a  pleas=
ant  conversation=20
with  me  for  a  couple  of  hours.  I  took  occasion  to  remind  him  t=
hat  this  was  by  no=20
means  the  first  time  I  had  had  the  honor  of  "entertaining "  roya=
lty,  as  he  would=20
see  from  my  book =E2=80=94 a  handsome  presentation  copy  of  which  h=
e  had  accepted  from=20
me  on  Christmas  day.  He  expressed  himself  highly  delighted  with  m=
y  enter-=20
tainment, and  said  he  was  always  fond  of  horses  and  racing.  Some =
 twelve=20
thousand  persons  were  present,  and  when  the  exhibitions  were  about=
  half  finished=20
they  called  loudly ' '  The  King !  The  King ! "  Turning  to  me,  His=
  Majesty  inquired=20
the  meaning  of  this.  I  replied :  "  Your  Majesty,  this  vast  audie=
nce  undoubtedly=20
wishes  to  give  you  an  ovation.  This  building  is  so  large  that  t=
hey  cannot  dis-=20
tinctly see  Your  Majesty  from  every  part,  and  are  anxious  that  yo=
u  should  ride=20
around  the  circle  in  order  that  they  may  greet  you."=20

305=20


306  HIPPODROMICAL,   HYMENEAL  AND  MUNICIPAL.=20

The  king  looked  surprised,  and  presently  the  audience  commenced  ca=
iliug  "  The=20
King  |  Barnum  I  Barnum  1  The  King  1 "  At  that  moment  my  open  =
barouche=20
was  driven  into  the  circle  and  approached  where  we  were  sitting.=
=20

"  No  doubt  Your  Majesty  would  greatly  gratify  my  countrymen,"  1  =
remarked,=20
"if  you  would  kindly  step  into  this  carriage  with  me  and  ride  a=
round  the  circle."=20

The  king  immediately  arose,  and,  amid  tremendous  cheering,  he  step=
ped  into=20
the  carriage.  I  took  a  seat  by  his  side,  and  he  smilingly  remar=
ked,  sotto  voce  :=20
"  We  are  all  actors."=20

The  audience  rose  to  their  feet,  cheered  and  waved  their  handkerc=
hiefs  as  the=20
king  rode  around  the  circle,  raising  his  hat  and  bowing.  The  exc=
itement  was=20
indeed  tremendous.  The  king  remained  till  all  the  performances  wer=
e  finished,=20
and  expressed  himself  as  greatly  pleased  with  the  whole  entertainm=
ent.  A=20
prominent  New  York  paper,  in  speaking  of  this  event,  said :=20

"  Of  course  Americans  see  no  Impropriety  in  King  Kalnkan's  respon=
ding  to  the  public  call=20
to  show  himself  to  the  multitude  by  riding  around  the  Hippodrome =
 ring.  Had  ;m  American=20
President  or  other  distinguished  American  gentleman  thus  responded, =
 it  would  have  been=20
considered  as  quite  the  thing  in  this  republican  country.  To  Euro=
peans,  however,  it  will=20
look  very  different.  They  will  be  astonished  that  any  man  on  ear=
th  would  have  had  the=20
presumption  to  propose  making  a  show  of  a  living  monarch,  albeit =
 his  kingdom  may  not  be=20
the  most  extensive  in  the  world,  and  we  confess  that,  in  our  op=
inion,  the  only  human  being=20
on  the  footstool  who  would  have  the  temerity  to  show  up  a  king =
 is  our  worthy  countryman,=20
Phineas  T.  Barnum."=20

I  trust  that  King  Kalakau  saw  no  "  temerity  "  in  my  proposition=
.  At  all  events,=20
he  seemed  to  enjoy  his  reception,  and  so  did  I,  and,  as  they  s=
ay  in  whist,  "the=20
honors  are  easy."=20

It  is  said  that  "  It  never  rams  but  it  pours."  and  just  at  th=
is  time  I  was  visited=20
by  a  shower  of  royalty  and  nobility.  The  King  of  Hawaii  had  sca=
rcely  left=20
New  York  before  I  received  an  invitation  to  breakfast  with  Lord  =
Rosebery  at  the=20
Brevoort  House,  Fifth  Avenue.  Lord  Rosebery  is  a  prominent  member =
 of  the=20
British  Parliament,  where  he  sits  as  Baron  Rosebery.  The  invitatio=
n  stated  that=20
his  Lordship  would  sail  for  England  on  the  twenty-seventh  of  Janu=
ary,  and  that=20
having  seen  most  of  our  country,  and  its  "lions,"  he  did  not  li=
ke  to  leave  =E2=80=A2without=20
having  an  interview  with  Barnum.  I  accepted  the  invitation.  The  b=
reakfast=20
came  off  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  January  26th,  and  I  =
need  scarcely  say=20
that  it  was  a  most  dainty,  delightful  and  recherche  affair.  Only =
 one  gentleman=20
besides  his  Lordship  was  present.  I  found  my  host  a  very  intelli=
gent  gentleman.=20
He  had  been  in  America  once  before,  and  he  seemed  well  "posted" =
 in  regard  to=20
our  country  and  its  institutions.  He  said  he  had  read  my  autobio=
graphy,  and=20
had  witnessed  with  amazement  and  delight  the  scenes  at  my  Roman  =
Hippodrome.=20
These  enhanced  his  desire  to  see  "the  man  who  was  so  celebrated =
 throughout  the=20
world  for  the  magnitude  and  perfection  of  his  enterprises  as  a  c=
aterer  for  public=20
gratification."=20

I  accepted  the  compliment  as  gracefully  as  I  could,  and  we  were =
 soon  convers-=20
ing socially  without  restraint  on  either  side.  Lord  Rosebery  is  a =
 good  story-teller,=20
and,  what  is  still  more  pleasing  to  a  loquacious  old  traveler  li=
ke  myself,  he  is  a=20
capital  listener.  While  discussing  the  luxurious  meal,  we  interchan=
ged  amusing=20
anecdotes  and  personal  experiences,  some  of  mine  so  tickling  bis  =
lordship's  keen=20
sense  of  humor  that,  more  than  once,  he  pushed  back  his  chair  f=
rom  the  table=20
and  gave  vent  to  his  hilarity  in  hearty,  unrestrained  laughter.=20

After  a  couple  of  hours  we  parted,  exchanging  photographs  and  aut=
ographs.=20
His  lordship  expressed  himself  highly  pleased  with  the  interview,  =
and  politely=20
added  that  he  hoped  to  meet  me  in  England,  whenever  T  shall  car=
ry  out  my=20
intention  of  taking  a  great  show  to  that  country.=20


HIPPODROMICAL,   HYMENEAL  AND   MUNICIPAL.  307=20

In  March,  1S75,  the  nomination  for  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Bridgepo=
rt  was  ten-=20
dered me  by  a  committee  from  the  Republican  party,  but  I  declined=
  until  assured=20
by  prominent  members  of  the  opposition  that  my  nomination  was  int=
ended  as  a=20
compliment,  and  that  both  parties  would  sustain  it.  Politically,  t=
he  w  ty  is  largely=20
democratic,  but  I  led  the  republican  ticket,  and  was  elected,  Apr=
il  5th,  by  several=20
hundred  majority.  On  the  twelfth  of  April  the  newly  elected  Commo=
n  Council=20
held  its  first  meeting,  on  which  occasion  I  delivered  the  followi=
ng  Inaugural=20
Address:=20

GENTLEMEN  OK  THE  COMMON  COUNCIL  :=20

intrusted  as  we  are,  by  the  votes  of  our  fellow-citizens,  with  t=
he  care  and  man-=20
agement of  their  interests,  it  behooves  us  to  endeavor  to  merit  t=
he  confidence=20
reposed  in  us.  We  are  sometimes  called  the  "fathers  of  the  city.=
"  Certainly  our=20
duty  is,  and  our  pleasure  should  be,  to  administer  the  municipal =
 government  as  a=20
good  and  wise  father  conducts  his  household,  caring  for  all,  part=
ial  to  none.  No=20
personal  f eelings  should  dictate  our  official  acts.  We  are  not  p=
laced  here  to  gratify=20
personal  or  party  resentment,  nor  to  extend  personal  or  party  fav=
or  in  any=20
manner  that  may  in  the  remotest  degree  conflict  with  the  best  in=
terests  of  our=20
city.  As  citizens  we  enjoy  a  great  common  interest.  Each  individu=
al  is  a  mem-=20
ber of  the  body  corporate,  and  no  member  can  be  unduly  favored  o=
r  unjustly=20
oppressed  without  injury  to  the  entire  community.  No  person  or  pa=
rty  can  afford=20
to  be  dishonest.  Honesty  is  always  the  best  policy,  for  "  with  =
what  measure  ye=20
mete  it  shall  be  measured  to  you  again."=20

A  large  portion  of  this  honorable  body  are  now  serving  officially=
  for  the  first=20
time,  and  therefore  may  not  be  fully  acquainted  with  the  details =
 of  its  workings ;=20
but  we  are  all  acquainted  with  the  great  principles  of  Justice  a=
nd  Right.  If  we=20
fail  to  work  according  to  these  eternal  principles,  we  betray  the=
  confidence  placed=20
in  us,  and  this  our  year  of  administration  will  be  remembered  wi=
th  disappro-=20
bation and  contempt.=20

Let  us  bring  to  our  duties  careful  judgment  and  comprehensive  vie=
ws  with=20
regard  to  expenditure,  so  that  we  may  be  neither  parsimonious  nor=
  extravagant,=20
but,  like  a  prudent  householder,  ever  careful  that  expenses  shall =
 be  less  than  the=20
income.=20

Our  city  is  peculiarly  adapted  for  commercial  purposes ;  it  should=
  be  our  care=20
therefore  to  adopt  such  measures  as  tend  to  promote  trade,  manufa=
ctures  and=20
commerce.  Its  delightful  and  healthy  locality  makes  it  also  a  des=
irable  place  of=20
residence.  We  should  strive  to  enhance  its  natural  beauty,  to  imp=
rove  our  streets=20
and,  with  moderate  expenditure,  to  embellish  our  parks,  by  which  =
means  we=20
shall  attract  refined  and  wealthy  residents.=20

As  conservators  of  the  public  peace  and  morals  it  is  our  duty  t=
o  prevent,  so  far=20
as  possible,  acts  which  disturb  one  or  the  other,  and  to  enforce=
  the  laws  in  an=20
impartial  and  parental  spirit.=20

The  last  report  of  our  Chief  of  Police  says :  "  'Tis  a  sad  and=
  painful  duty,  yet=20
candor  compels  us  to  state  that  at  least  ninety  per  cent,  of  th=
e  causes  of  all  the=20
arrests  during  the  year  are  directly  traceable  to  the  immoderate  =
use  of  intoxi-=20
cating liquors,  not  to  speak  of  the  poverty  and  misery  it  has  ca=
used  families=20
which  almost  daily  come  under  our  observation."=20

In  the  town  of  Vineland,  N.  J.,  where  no  intoxicating  drinks  are=
  sold,  the  over-=20
seer of  the  poor  stated  in  his  annual  report  that  in  a  populatio=
n  of  10,000  there=20
was  but  one  indictment  in  six  months,  and  that  the  entire  police=
  expenses  were=20
but  seventy-five  dollars!  per  year,  the  sum  paid  to  him,  and  the=
  poor  expenses  a=20


308  HIPPODROMICAL,   HYMENEAL  AND   MUNICIPAL.=20

mere  trifle.  He  further  says :  "  We  practically  have  no  debt,  an=
d  our  taxes  are=20
only  one  per  cent  on  the  valuation."  Similar  results  are  reported=
  in  the  town  of=20
Greeley,  Colorado,  where  no  liquors  are  sold.=20

Our  laws  license  the  sale  of  intoxicating  drinks  under  certain  re=
strictions  on=20
week  days,  but  no  man  can  claim  the  right  under  such  license  to=
  cause  mobs,=20
riots,  bloodshed  or  murder.  Hence  no  man  has,  or  can  have,  any  =
right  by  license=20
or  otherwise  to  dispense  liquors  to  intoxicated  persons,  nor  to  f=
urnish  sufficient=20
liquor  to  cause  intoxication.  Our  duty  is  therefore  to  see  that  =
the  police  aid  in=20
regulating  to  the  extent  of  their  legal  power  a  traffic  which  ou=
r  laws  do  not=20
wholly  prohibit.  Spirituous  liquors  of  the  present  day  are  so  muc=
h  adulterated=20
and  doubly  poisoned  that  their  use  fires  the  brain  and  drives  th=
eir  victims  to=20
madness,  violence  and  murder.  The  money  annually  expended  for  into=
xicating=20
drinks,  and  the  cost  of  their  evil  results  in  Bridgeport  or  any =
 other  American=20
city  where  liquor-selling  is  licensed,  would  pay  the  entire  expens=
es  of  the  city  (if=20
liquors  were  not  drank),  including  the  public  schools,  give  a  goo=
d  suit  of  clothes=20
to  every  poor  person  of  both  sexes,  a  barrel  of  flour  to  every =
 poor  family  living=20
within  its  municipal  boundaries,  and  leave  a  handsome  surplus  on  =
hand.  Our=20
enormous  expenses  for  the  trial  and  punishment  of  criminals,  as  w=
ell  as  for  the=20
support  of  the  poor,  are  mainly  caused  by  this  traffic.  Surely  t=
hen  it  is  our  duty=20
to  do  all  we  can,  legally,  to  limit  and  mitigate  its  eviL  As  n=
o  person  ever  became=20
a  drunkard  who  did  not  sincerely  regret  that  he  or  she  ever  tas=
ted  intoxicating=20
drinks,  it  is  a  work  of  mercy,  as  well  as  justice,  to  do  all  =
in  our  power  to  lessen=20
this  leprous  hindrance  to  happiness.  We  should  strive  to  extermina=
te  gambling,=20
prostitution  and  other  crimes  which  have  not  yet  attained  to  the =
 dignity  of  a=20
"license."=20

The  public  health  demands  that  we  should  pay  attention  to  necessa=
ry  drainage,=20
and  prevent  the  sale  of  adulterated  food.  The  invigorating  breezes=
  from  Long=20
Island  Sound,  and  the  absence  of  miasmatic  marshes  serve  to  make =
 ours  one  of=20
the  most  healthy  cities  in  America.  Scientific  experiments  made  da=
ily  during=20
the  whole  of  last  year  have  established  the  fact  that  our  atmosp=
here  is  impreg-=20
nated with  OZONE,  or  concentrated  oxygen,  to  an  extent  not  hithert=
o  discovered=20
on  this  continent.  No  city  of  the  same  size  in  America,  is  so  =
extensively  known=20
throughout  our  own  land  and  in  Europe  as  Bridgeport.  It  should  b=
e  our  pleasure=20
to  strengthen  all  natural  advantages  which  we  possess  as  a  city  =
by  maintaining  a=20
government  of  corresponding  excellence.=20

A  plentiful  supply  of  pure  water  is  necessary  to  the  health  of  =
a  city.  Experi-=20
ence has  proved  that  the  city  should  own  and  control  the  Water  W=
orks,  or  require=20
the  Water  Company  to  furnish  a  regular  and  reliable  supply  suffic=
ient  for  the=20
wants  and  necessities  of  the  people.  I  invite  your  most  serious  =
and  disinterested=20
consideration  of  "the  water  question."=20

The  custom  of  selling  fruits  and  vegetables  by  measure  tempts  to =
 fraud,  and  I=20
earnestly  recommend  that  the  practice  of  selling  these  products  by=
  weight  be=20
adopted  in  this  city .=20

Every  employee  of  the  city  should  be  strictly  held  to  perform  th=
e  duty  assigned=20
and  to  earn  the  money  paid  him.  We  should  support  no  drones.=20

All  condemned  prisoners  should  be  kept  continually  employed,  and  t=
hus  made=20
to  contribute  to  their  own  support,  and  the  expenses  incurred  by =
 their  wrong=20
doing.=20


HIPPODBOMIOAL,  HYMENEAL  AND  MUNICIPAL.  309=20

As  cleanliness  Is  conducive  alike  to  health  and  morality,  I  recom=
mend  that  we=20
stablish  one  or  more  floating  baths,  a  portion  of  which  might  be=
  free,  and  the=20
rest  subject  to  a  small  charge,  which  would  nearly  or  quite  cove=
r  the  expense  of=20
the  whole.=20

As  the  city  at  certain  periods  is  obliged  to  borrow  money  on  wh=
ich  it  pays=20
interest,  I  advise  that  at  seasons  when  the  city  treasury  has  a =
 surplus,  we  shall,=20
as  is  customary  in  other  cities,  place  this  money  where  it  will =
 draw  interest  until=20
needed.=20

It  is  painful  to  the  industrious  and  moral  portions  of  our  peopl=
e  to  see  so  many=20
loungers  about  the  streets,  and  such  a  multitude  whose  highest  as=
pirations  seem=20
to  be  to  waste  their  time  in  idleness  or  at  base  ball,  billiard=
s,  &c.=20

No  person  needs  to  be  unemployed  who  is  not  over  fastidious  abou=
t  the  kind  of=20
occupation.  There  are  too  many  soft  hands  (and  heads)  waiting  for=
  light  work=20
and  heavy  pay.  Better  work  for  half  a  loaf  than  beg  or  steal  a=
  whole  one.=20
Mother  earth  is  always  near  by,  and  ready  to  respond  to  reasonab=
le  drafts  on  her=20
never-failing  treasury.  A  patch  of  potatoes  raised  "on  shares  "  i=
s  preferable  to=20
a  poulticed  pate  earned  in  a  whisky  scrimmage.  Some  modern  Micawb=
ers  stand=20
with  folded  hands  waiting  for  the  panic  to  pass,  as  the  foolish =
 man  waited  for  the=20
river  to  run  dry  and  allow  him  to  walk  over.=20

The  soil  is  the  foundation  of  American  prosperity.  When  multitudes=
  of  our=20
consumers  become  producers ;  when  fashion  teaches  economy,  instead  =
of  expend-=20
ing for  a  gaudy  dress  what  would  comfortably  clothe  the  family ;  =
when  people=20
learn  to  walk  until  they  can  afford  to  ride ;  when  the  poor  man=
  ceases  to  spend=20
more  for  tobacco  than  for  bread ;  when  those  who  complain  of  pan=
ics  learn  that=20
"  we  cannot  eat  our  cake  and  keep  it,"  that  a  sieve  will  not  =
hold  water,  that  we=20
must  rely  on  our  own  exertions  and  earn  before  we  expend,  then  =
will  panics  cease=20
and  prosperity  return.  While  we  should  by  no  means  unreasonably  r=
estrict=20
healthy  recreation,  we  should  remember  that  "time  is  money,"  that =
 idleness=20
leads  to  immoral  habits,  and  that  the  peace,  prosperity  and  chara=
cter  of  a  city=20
depend  on  the  intelligence,  integrity,  industry  and  frugality  of  i=
ts  inhabitants.=20

Frank  Leslie's  Illustrated  Newspaper  of  July  24th,  contained  a  pic=
ture  entitled=20
"  His  HONOR  P.  T.  BARNUM,  MAYOR  OF  BRIDGEPORT,  PRESIDING  AT  A  M=
EETING=20
OF  THE  COMMON  COUNCIL  OF  THAT  CITY."  The  editor's  remarks  are  as=
  follows :=20

Mayor  Barounrs  message  was  a  model  of  brevity  and  practical  thoug=
ht.  Having  at  the=20
beginning  of  his  official  career  declared  war  against  the  whisky  =
dealers,  he  next  proceeded=20
to  open  the  struggle.  For  twenty  years  the  saloons  had  been  kept=
  open  on  Sundays,  and  it=20
was  declared  impossible  to  close  them.  Mr.  Barnum  has  all  his  li=
fe  acted  upon  the  quaint=20
French  aphorism  that  "nothing  is  BO  possible  as  the  impossible."  =
He  gave  notice  that  the=20
saloons  must  be  closed.  A  select  committee  of  citizens  volunteered=
  to  aid  in  collecting=20
testimony  in  case  the  sellers  should  disregard  the  proclamation,  a=
nd  leave  the  latch-string=20
to  their  back  doors  displayed  on  the  outside.  Although  the  doors =
 were  open,  the  keepers=20
refused  to  sell  except  to  personal  friends.  The  committee-men  stoo=
d  opposite  the  saloons,=20
and  took  the  names  of  a  dozen  or  so  who  were  admitted.  The  nex=
t  morning  the  saloon-=20
keepers were  arrested,  and  when  they  found  their  "  friends  "  had =
 been  subpoenaed  to  appear=20
as  witnesses,  they  pleaded  guilty  and  immediately  brought  out  thei=
r  pocket-books  to  pay=20
the  judicial  "  shot."  This  plan  effectually  broke  up  Sunday  traff=
ic  in  liquor,  thus  insuring=20
a  quiet  day  for  the  citizens,  and  greatly  accommodating  the  saloo=
n-keepers,  the  best  portion=20
of  whom  really  favor  a  general  closing  on  Sunday.=20

His  next  reform  was  directed  against  a  private  gas  corporation  th=
at  had  been  lighting  the=20
streets  at  a  flgure  that  he  deemed  exorbitant.  A  contract  was  ma=
de  with  a  Boston  portable=20
gas  company,  by  which  the  cost  of  keeping  the  city  bright  at  ni=
ght  was  reduced  one-half.=20

But  the  most  striking  of  all  was  his  action  against  the  water-wo=
rks  corporation,  of  which=20
he  was,  with  one  exception  the  largest  stockholder.  He  denounced  =
the  management  severely=20
for  not  keeping  good  faith  with  the  city  under  the  charter  giveu=
  it,  and  appointed  a  com-=20
mittee of  investigation.  A  report  was  submitted  with  a  recommendati=
on  that  the  corporation=20
be  sued  and  deprived  of  its  local  privilege  if  It  did  not  immed=
iately  conform  to  the  letter  of=20
its  agreement,  and  Mr.  Barnum  promptly  concurred  in  the  recommenda=
tion.  Hn  also=20
appointed  a  Retrenchment  Committee,  through  the  investigation  of  wh=
ich  he  expects  to=20
=E2=80=A2Heel  a  still  further  reduction  of  local  expenses.=20


310  HIPPODROMICAL,  HYMENEAL  AND   MUNICIPAL.=20

This  Is  good  work  for  two  months,  and  the  citizens  have  a  grate=
ful  appreciation  of  this=20
new  phase  of  his  joking  propensities.  Although  now  sixty-five  year=
s  of  age,  the  same=20
patient  industry  that  has  made  him  the  prince  of  entertainers,  ma=
rks  all  his  official  actions.=20
He  ia  honest,  impartial,  laborions  ;  far-seeing,  judicious  and  san=
guine.  Care  finds  as  firm  a=20
resting-place  upon  him  as  water  does  on  a  duck's  back.=20

By  nature  an  organizer  of  men  and  systems,  he  in  his  own  best  =
executive  officer.  No  one=20
knows  so  well  as  he  how  men  may  be  best  governed,  and  no  one  =
can  so  pleasantly  polish  on=20
the  rough  sides  of  mankind.  Successful  beyond  the  usual  measure  a=
s  an  intelligent,  courte-=20
ous and  considerate  showman,  he  has  already  prored  himself  the  mos=
t  acceptable  of  mayors.=20

During  my  administration  as  Mayor,  I  had  occasion  three  times  to =
 veto  cer-=20
tain propositions  of  the  Common  Council.=20

At  the  dawn  of  the  second  century  of  our  national  existence  I  i=
ssued  the=20
following  proclamation,  and  was  glad  to  see  that  my  suggestions  w=
ere  patrioti-=20
cally and  enthusiastically  carried  out  by  my  constituents :=20

MAYOR'S  OFFICE,  BRIDGEPORT,  CT.,  Dec.  30,  1875.=20
To  THB  CITIZENS  OF  BRIDGEPORT:=20

The  experiment  of  a  people  governing  themselves  has  been  tried  on=
  this  conti-=20
nent for  a  huudred  years.  During  this  period,  and  under  this  rule=
,  we  have=20
grown  to  such  proportions,  prosperity  and  power,  as  has  never  bee=
n  attained  in=20
a  century  by  any  nation  under  monarchical  government.  As  a  nation=
  we  owe=20
unbounded  gratitude  to  the  Fathers  of  the  Republic  who  by  toil,  =
sacrifice  and=20
blood,  planted  the  seed  of  this  great  and  free  nation.=20

As  citizens  of  one  of  the  most  prosperous,  delightful  and  healthy=
  cities  in=20
Puritan  New  England,  I  know  you  will  rejoice  to  recognize  in  som=
e  befitting=20
manner  the  beginning  of  the  second  century  of  our  great  and  nobl=
e  Republic.=20

I  recommend,  therefore,  that  a  national  salute  be  fired,  the  bell=
s  of  our  city  be=20
rung  for  half  an  hour,  beginning  at  midnight  of  Friday,  and  that=
  Saturday,  the=20
birthday  of  our  centennial  year,  be  celebrated  with  even  greater  =
demonstrations=20
of  joy  and  enthusiasm  than  marks  our  anniversary  of  American  Inde=
pendence.=20
Especially  do  I  request  that  the  national  emblem  shall  adorn  our =
 public  buildings,=20
and  that  all  citizens  shall  display  the  American  flag  from  their =
 residences  and=20
places  of  business.=20

P.  T.  BARNUM,  Mayor.=20

My  Hippodrome,  in  1875,  was  transported  by  rail  throughout  the  Un=
ited  States,=20
going  as  far  east  as  Portland,  Maine,  and  west  to  Kansas  City,  =
Missouri  It=20
proved  a  tolerably  successful  season,  notwithstanding  the  depressed =
 state  of=20
finances  generally.=20

It  gives  me  pain  to  record  that  our  aeronaut,  Professor  Donaldson=
,  having=20
made  his  daily  balloon  ascension  on  Thursday,  July  15.  from  our  =
Hippodrome=20
grounds  at  Chicago,  was  uever  heard  from  afterwards.  He  took  with=
  him  Mr.  N.=20
S.  Grimwood,  a  reporter  of  the  Chicago  Journal,  whose  body  was  f=
ound  in  Lake=20
Michigan  a  few  weeks  afterwards.  Prof.  Donaldson  was  doubtless  dro=
wned=20
during  the  terrible  storm  which  occurred  on  the  night  of  the  asc=
ension.  He  was=20
a  man  of  excellent  habits,  clear  brain  and  steady  nerve,  fearless=
,  but  not=20
reckless,  and  respected  by  all  who  knew  him.  His  last  was  his  1=
38th  ascension.=20

A  couple  of  newspaper  extracts,  which  are  but  a  fair  specimen  of=
  hundreds,=20
will  give  an  inkling  of  the  enthusiasm  with  which  my  latest  amus=
ement  enterprise=20
was  greeted  throughout  the  entire  country:=20


HIPPODROMICAL,  HYMENEAL  AND  MUNICIPAL.  311=20

[From  the  Providence  (=C2=A3.  I.)  Journal,  May  13,  1875.]=20

Phineas  Taylor  Barnnm's  Great  Roman  Hippodrome  arrived  yesterday  as=
  per  announce-=20
ent,  and  after  a  parade  through  the  streets,  that  awakened  everyb=
ody  to  a  sense  of  Us=20

magnitude,  gave  two  exhibitions  on  the  Federal  Street  Common,  whic=
h  not  only  called=20
[ether  the  largest  audience  ever  seen  in  this  city,  but  furnished=
  them  with  such=20

amusement  and  excitement  as  are  rarely  offered,  and  gave  the  most=
  thorough  satisfaction.=20

[From  the  Troy  Daily  Press,  June,  1875.]=20

P.  T.  Barnum  Is  probably  the  only  man  in  the  world  who  can  kee=
p  together  such  a=20
-?tr=C2=B0J?s  show  an,d  make  it  pay,  as  visited  Troy  yesterday.   =
 There  were  two  perform-=20


ances began,  so  that  those  who  were  late  were  obliged  to  stand  o=
r  go  away.  Hundreds=20
were  turned  away,  because  there  was  not  even  standing  room.  It  i=
s  safe  to  say  that  twenty-=20
flve  thousand  people  witnessed  the  pageant.  People  from  the  surrou=
nding  country  for=20
thirty  miles  came  on  the  cars,  on  horseback,  and  in  wagons.  The =
 blockade  of  vehicles  of=20
every  description  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile  around  the  tents  was  =
unprecedented  in  this  city=20
Everybody  was  pleased.  Thousands,  we  might  say,  were  so  well  plea=
sed  with  the  after-=20
noon performance  that  they  staid  on  the  ground  until  evening  and  =
went  in  again.  Some=20
had  lunches  with  them,  and  spread  themselves  out  on  the  grass  an=
d  waited  for  night.  The=20
programme  is  too  long  to  mention  in  detail.  But  there  are  scores=
  of  Interesting  and  thrill-=20
ing acts  which  should  be  seen  by  everybody.  Those  who  did  not  se=
e  the  great  show  here=20
yesterday  missed  an  important  event  in  their  lives.=20

About  the  middle  of  June  I  visited  Niagara  Falls  with  Mrs.  Barnu=
m  and=20
several  friends,  including  Misses  Pattie  and  Julia  Hutchinson,  of  =
Southport,=20
England,  former  neighbors  of  my  wife,  who  were  our  guests  during =
 the  summer.=20
Leaving  our  friends  at  Niagara,  my  wife  accompanied  me  to  Akron, =
 Ohio,  where=20
my  Traveling  World's  Fair  was  to  exhibit.  On  our  arrival,  the  ni=
ght  before  the=20
show  was  to  come,  the  Mayor  of  Akron  waited  on  us.  We  were  inv=
ited  to  a=20
=E2=80=A2  concert  (where,  in  response  to  loud  calls,  I  gave  a  sh=
ort  speech),  and  were  after-=20
wards serenaded  at  the  hotel.  The  next  morning  I  was  escorted  to =
 Buchtel  Col-=20
lege by  its  noble-hearted  founder,  Mr.  J.  R.  Buchtel,  and  an  old =
 friend,  Rev.  D.=20
C.  Tomlinson.  The  students  would  not  let  me  off  without  a  speech=
.  I  gave=20
them  a  few  off-hand  remarks  which  I  hope  may  prove  beneficial  to=
  some  of  my=20
auditors.  Returning  to  Buffalo  we  rejoined  our  friends,  whom  we  l=
eft  at  Niagara,=20
and  there,  too,  I  met  the  Hippodrome,  which  remained  a  couple  of=
  days.  Early=20
on  the  morning  of  the  second  day  I  despatched  a  special  train  t=
o  Niagara  Falls=20
with  some  hundreds  of  our  Hippodrome  company,  to  whom  I  was  glad=
  to  give=20
this  first  opportunity  of  seeing  the  great  Cataract.  Our  band  acc=
ompanied  them,=20
crossed  the  Suspension  Bridge  to  Canada,  playing  "  God  Save  the  =
Queen  "  and=20
"Yankee  Doodle,"  and  returned  to  Buffalo  in  time  for  the  afternoo=
n  exhibition.=20
In  July  I  visited  the  Hippodrome  at  Chicago  and  St.  Louis,  being=
  ten  days  absent=20
from  home.  I  spent  most  of  the  summer  at  Waldeinere,  looking  aft=
er  the=20
interests  of  the  city,  and  enjoying  the  season  heartily  with  my  =
family  and=20
friends.  Our  clam-bakes,  picnics,  charming  country  rides,  weekly  co=
ncerts  in=20
Sea-Side  Park  by  our  two  best  city  bands,  and  numerous  other  ple=
asures  in  this=20
most  healthy  and  delightful  locality,  were  extremely  enjoyable,  and=
  caused  the=20
time  to  fly  much  more  rapidly  than  we  wished.=20

[From  the  Baltimore  Saturday  Night,  March  6,  1875.]=20
BAKNUM  AND  HIS  BOOK.=20

On  last  Siiiidiij  night  a  rather  novel  lecture,  both  as  to  theme=
  and  handling,  was  delivered=20
by  Henry  Hikert,  Esq.,  at  the  hall  of  the  Turn  Verein  Vorwaerta =
 on  Kayette  street.  The=20
large  hall  was  crowded  with  ladies  and  gentlemen,  belonging  largel=
y  to  the  more  educated=20
and  refined  class  of  Germans,  and  the  audience  lias  ing  acquainta=
nce  with  the  orator  through=20
(he  medium  of  several  lectures  delivered  last  year  anticipated  an =
 instructive  and  agreeable=20


312  HIPPODBOMICAL,  HYMENEAL  AND   MUNICIPAL.=20

entertainment.  We  are  pleased  to  agree  with  the  German  daily  pape=
rs  of  our  citj  in  the=20
statement  that  the  expectations  of  all  who  were  present  were  more=
  than  realized.=20

Mr.  Hilgert  took  for  his  text  "  Barnum  and  his  Book."=20

After  an  interesting  introduction  of  his  subject,  in  which  he  dwe=
lt  with  caustic  severity=20
upon  the  weakness  of  those  who  run  into  hasty  judgment  of  men  a=
nd  their  works  without=20
really  knowing  anything  about  them,  the  lecturer  said  :  "As  I  kn=
ow  of  no  book  which  is=20
better  adapted  to  become  a  thoroughly  instructive  and  agreeable  gu=
ide  through  life,  for  the=20
youths  of  our  country,  than  the  record  and  experiences  of  the  ex=
emplarily  industrious,=20
intelligent,  strictly  honest  and  moral  citizen,  Phineas  Taylor  Barn=
um,  I  will  devote  my  to-=20
day's address  to  him  and  his  book."  Charity  Barnum,  the  showman's =
 first  wife,  was  very=20
pighly  spoken  of,  and  recommended  to  the  ladies  as  a  wife,  mothe=
r  and  companion  worth=20
imitating.=20

Mr.  Hilgert,  after  giving  some  of  Barnnm's  anecdotes,  which,  by  t=
he  way,  he  rendered  to=20
perfection,  gave  a  graphic  description  of  Barnum's  career  as  a  me=
rchant,  editor,  showman,=20
legislator  and  public  lecturer,  and  in  all  was  his  enthusiastic  p=
anegyrist.  In  the  description=20
of  Barnum's  seven  years'  hard  work  to  pay  off  over  half  a  milli=
on  dollars  indebtedness=20
incurred  by  indorsements  for  the  Jerome  Clock  Company,  the  speaker=
  waxed  warm  and=20
eloquent,  and  called  forth  applause  that  testified  fully  to  his  a=
bility  as  an  advocate.=20

After  explaining  Barnnm's  manly  behavior  in  great  pecuniary  catastr=
ophes,  and  after=20
giving  a  graphic  description  of  Barnum's  suffering  in  Hamburg,  in =
 1873.  upon  the  arrival=20
of  the  news  of  the  death  of  his  beloved  wife,  Mr.  Hilgert  concl=
uded  his  lecture  with  the=20
following  words :=20

"  I  have  perhaps  detained  yon  longer  than  you  anticipated,  and  c=
ertainly  longer  than  1=20
should  have  done  if  I  had  been  able  to  compress  the  abundance  o=
f  interesting  material  into=20
a  smaller  compass,  and,  at  the  conclusion  of  my  address,  I  give =
 you  my  thanks  for  your  very=20
close  attention,  and  I  pray  you  to  recommend  the  good  citizen,  P=
hineas  Taylor  Barnum,  to=20
your  children  as  an  exemplary  man.  When  you  give  one  of  your  da=
ughters  away  in  matri-=20
mony, advise  her  to  imitate  Charity  Barnum;  when  your  son  leaves  =
home  to  try  his  luck=20
upon  the  ocean  of  life,  give  him  Barnnm  for  a  guide ;  when  yon =
 yourself  are  in  trouble  and=20
misery  and  near  desperation,  take  from  Barnum's  life  and  teachings=
  consolation  and  new=20
courage,  and,  after  you  all  have  received  instructive  enjoyment  fr=
om  Barnnm's  mind,  heart,=20
and  actions,  join  me  in  the  wish  that  the  old  gentleman  in  bis =
 new  matrimony  may  find=20
many  joyful  and  happy  days."=20

The  applanse,  which  during  the  lecture  on  several  occasions  was  l=
oud  enough,  was  almost=20
deafening  at  its  conclusion.=20

During  the  autumn  of  1875,  under  the  auspices  of  "The  Redpath  Ly=
ceum*=20
Bureau,"  in  Boston,  I  delivered  about  thirty  times  a  lecture  on  =
"The  World  and=20
How  to  Live  in  It,"  going  as  far  east  as  Thomaston,  Maine,  and =
 west  to  Leaven-=20
worth,  Kansas,  and  including  the  cities  of  Boston,  Portland,  Chica=
go,  Kansas=20
City,  &J.  When  finished,  the  Bureau  wrote  me  as  follows:  "In =
 parting  for  a=20
season,  please  allow  us  to  say  that  none  of  our  best  lecturers  =
have  succeeded  in=20
delighting  our  audiences  and  lecture  committees  so  well  as  yoursel=
f."=20

On  November  28,  and  following  days,  I  offered  all  my  show  proper=
ty  at  auc-=20
tion. This  included  my  Hippodrome  and  also  my  "  World's  Fair,"  co=
nsisting  of=20
museum,  menagerie  and  circus  property.  My  object  was  to  get  rid  =
of  all  surplus=20
stock,  and  henceforth  to  have  but  one  traveling  show,  which,  as  =
ever,  should  be=20
as  good  as  money  and  experience  could  make  it.  To  this  end  my  =
agent  bid  in  all=20
such  property  as  I  could  use,  and  now  I  am  properly  prepared  fo=
r  our  Centennial=20
year.  My  traveling  show  consisted  of  Museum,  Menagerie  and  Circus =
 of  im-=20
mense proportions,  and  I  introduced  patriotic  features  that  gave  th=
e  people  a=20
Fourth  of  July  celebration  every  day.  My  establishment  traveled  in=
  three=20
trains  of  railway  cars.  We  took  along  a  battery  of  cannon,  and  =
every  morn-=20
ing we  fired  a  salute  of  thirteen  guns.  We  introduced  groups  of  =
persons  cos-=20
tumed in  the  style  of  our  Continental  troops,  and  supplemented  wit=
h  the  Goddess=20
of  Liberty,  a  live  eagle  and  some  first-class  singers,  who,  with =
 a  chorus  of  several=20
hundred  voices,  sang  the  "Star  Spangled  Banner"  and  other  patrioti=
c  songs,=20
accompanied  with  bands  of  music  and  also  with  cannon  placed  outsi=
de  our  tents,=20
and  fired  by  means  of  electricity.  We  closed  our  patriotic  demons=
tration  by=20
singing  "America"  ("My  Country,  'Tisof  Thee"),  the  entire  audience =
 rising  and=20
joining  in  the  chorus.  At  night  we  terminated  our  performances  wi=
th  fire-works,=20
in  which  thrilling  revolutionary  scenes  were  brilliantly  depicted.  =
Our  grand=20


HIPPODROMIOAL,  HYMEffEAL  AND   MUNICIPAL.  '313=20

street  procession  was  a  gorgeous  and  novel  feature.  It  began  to  =
move  when  the=20
salute  was  fired,  and  I  depended  upon  the  patriotism  of  each  tow=
n  we  visited  to=20
add  to  the  effects  of  our  National  Jubilee  by  ringing  of  bells  =
at  the  same  time.  My=20
assistant  managers  were  my  son-in-law,  Mr.  Kurd,  and  Messrs.  Smith=
  Brothers.=20
June  and  Bailey,  late  proprietors  of  the  European  Menagerie  and  C=
ircus,  which=20
I  purchased  entire  and  added  to  my  other  attractions.  My  official=
  term  as  Mayor=20
expired  April  3,  1876.  I  peremptorily  refused  a  renomination,  pref=
erring  to=20
travel  a  portion  of  the  time  with  my  grand  Centennial  show,  and =
 meet  face  to=20
face  the  millions  of  friends  who,  during  the  last  year,  have  bee=
n  ay  generous=20
and  I  trust  gratified  patrons.=20

The  last  meeting  of  the  Common  Council  under  my  administration  wa=
s  held=20
Friday  evening,  March  29.  The  Bridgeport  Farmer  of  the  next  day  =
said:=20

The  desks  of  the  members  and  reporters  were  each  adorned  with  a =
 beautiful  bouquet,=20
presented  "  with  the  compliments  "  of  the  Mayor,  and  this  raisin=
g  of  municipal  business  to=20
a  higher  level  was  evidently  appreciated  by  all  present.  It  was  =
a  novelty,  but  then  Mayor=20
Barnum  made  a  name  by  the  introduction  of  novelties.=20

The  New  York  Daily  Graphic  of  March  80  read:=20

Mr.  P.  T.  Barnnm,  Mayor  of  Bridgeport,  has  uttered  his  valedictor=
y  message.  The  docu-=20
ment is  very  much  like  the  man.  lie  disapproves  of  the  reports  o=
f  the  Chief  of  Police  and=20
Clerk  of  the  Police  Commissioners  because  they  declare  that  liquor=
  saloons  and  brothels=20
cannot  be  closed,  and  he  even  reproves  the  latter  for  his  "  fli=
ppant  manner  "  of  dealing  with=20
the  subject.  Barnum  must  have  his  joke  or  two,  withal,  and  he  c=
an  no  more  subsist  with-=20
out his  fun  than  could  a  former  Mayor  of  this  city.  He  ventures =
 to  allude  in  this  solemn=20
document  to  the  management  of  the  New  York  and  New  Haven  Railroa=
d  Company  as  "  the=20
good  bishop  and  his  directors ; "  makes  a  first-rate  pnn  on  the  =
names  of  two  citizens  ;  and=20
says  to  the  Aldermen,  "And  now  we  have,  like,  the  Arabs,  only  t=
o  '  fold  our  tents  and=20
silently  steal  away.'  congratulating  ourselves  that  this  is  the  on=
ly  stealing  which  has  been=20
performed  by  this  honorable  body."  Mr.  Barnum's  administration  in  =
Bridgeport  has  been=20
mild,  but  characterized  by  firmness  and  independence.  His  trouble  =
with  the  Jews  was  of=20
short  duration,  for  he  is  most  respectful  towards  all  theologies. =
 He  has  not  been  able  to=20
carry  out  his  extreme  temperance  views ;  but  he  has  made  a  very =
 good  Mayor  of  a  city  for=20
whose  prosperity  he  has  labored  for  half  a  lifetime.=20

The  following  extract  is  from  the  Bridgeport  Leader  of  April  5:=
=20

We  do  not  know  of  anyone  connected  with  the  city  government  of  =
last  year  who  was=20
more  pleased  in  being  relieved  of  the  cares  of  office  than  our  =
late  Mayor,  P.  T.  Barnum.=20
That  Mr.  Barnum  could  have  been  re-elected  Mayor  this  year,  had  =
he  not,  months  ago,=20
emphatically  declared  his  intention  to  retire  at  the  close  of  his=
  official  term,  has  always=20
been  our  firm  conviction,  and,  aside  from  this,  that  he  was  abou=
t  the  only  one  of  the=20
Republican  party  who  could  be.=20

He  retires  from  office  voluntarily,  commanding  the  respect  of  his =
 constituents,  and  fa<=20
better  appreciated  for  those  sterling  qualities  of  rigid  independen=
ce  and  honest  desire  to=20
serve  the  city,  irrespective  of  all  other  considerations,  than  any=
  Mayor  we  hav=C2=AB  had  for=20
years.=20

Prom  the  Bridgeport  /Standard  of  March  30:=20

Mayor  Barnum's  Message,  printed  on  the  first  page  of  to-day's  pap=
er,  will  repay  perusal,=20
as  he  says  many  things  and  makes  sundry  suggestions  which  if  hee=
ded  will  be  for  the=20
benefit  of  the  city.  There  is  no  candid  man  who  will  not  be  pl=
eased  with  more  or  less  of=20
his  suggestions,  since  they  are  not  the  clap-trap  of  a  politician=
,  but  the  utterances  of  an=20
old  citizen  of  Bridgeport,  who  has  the  best  interests  of  the  cit=
y  at  heart,  and  sincerely=20
desires  its  best  prosperity  in  all  things.=20

Gen.  Noble,  on  moving  the  printing  of  the  Mayor's  Message,  said :=
=20
"  I  think  it  due  to  the  Mayor  and  to  his  office  to  say  here  =
that,  however  much  member*=20
jf  this  Council  may  have  differed  from  the  Mayor  on  the  subject-=
matter  of  his  messages,=20
no  one  who  has  read  them  will  hesitate  to  accord  to  them  very  =
marked  ability  and  thor-=20
ough study  of  their  topics.  The  message  on  the  subject  of  the  or=
dinance  amendment,=20
which  proposed  to  subject  the  Police  Commissioners  to  the  resolves=
  of  the  Council,  I  do=20
not  think  could  have  been  more  clearly,  tersely  or  exhaustively  p=
resented  by  any  gentle-=20
man well  learned  in  th=C2=BB  law."  .=20

14=20


314  HIPPODROMICAL,    HYMENEAL  AND    MUNICIPAL.=20

The  usual  congratulatory  resolution,  complimenting  the  Mayor  on  his=
  faithfulness,  and=20
expressing  the  high  opinion  of  the  Council  for  him,  was  passed  b=
y  a  unanimous  rising  vote,=20
and  the  meeting  adjourned.=20

My  successor,  a  Democrat,  was  elected  by  a  majority  of  six  hundr=
ed  votes.=20


NOTE. =E2=80=94 During  the  forty  years  that  I  have  been  a  manager =
 of  public  amuse-=20
ments, the  number  of  my  patrons  has  been  almost  incredible.  From  =
a  careful=20
examination  of  my  account-books  for  the  different  exhibitions  which=
  I  have=20
owned  and  controlled,  I  find  that  more  than  eighty-two  millions  o=
f  tickets,  in  tho=20
aggregate,  were  disposed  of,  and  numerous  exhibitions  which  I  have=
  had  at=20
various  times  are  not  included  in  this  statement.=20

The  traveling  exhibitions  which  I  managed  during  the  six.  years  p=
reced-=20
ing my  purchase^of  the  New  York  American  Museumj  in  1841,  were=20

attended  by 1,500,000  persons.=20

The  American  Museum  which  I  managed  from  1841  to  1865,  when  it  =
was=20

destroyed  by  fire,  sold 37,560,000  tickets.=20

My  Broadway  Museum,  in  1865-6-7  and  8,  sold 3,640,000       "=20

My  Philadelphia  Museum,  1849,  1850  and  1851,  sold.  1,800,000=20

My  Baltimore  Museum,  sold 900,000       "=20

My  traveling  Asiatic  Caravan,  Museum  and  Menagerie  im  1851-3-3  and=
  4,=20

sold 5,824,000       "=20

My  great  traveling  World's  Fair  and  Hippodrome,  in  1871-3-3-4-5  an=
d  6,=20

sold 7,920,000       "=20

By  other  traveling  exhibitions  in  America  and  Europe,  sold 2,200,00=
0       "=20

General  Tom  Thumb  has  exhibited  for  me  34  years,  and  sold 20,400,=
000       "=20

Jenny  Lind's  Concerts,  under  my  management,  were  attended  by 600,00=
0  persons.=20

Catharine  Hayes'  60  Concerts  in  California,  under  my  contract,  sol=
d. . .  120,000  tickets.=20

Thus,  my  patrons  amount  to  the  enormous  number  of 82,464,000=20

Of  course,  eighty-two  millions  of  different  individuals  have  not  v=
isited  my  va-=20
rious exhibitions,  for  many  persons  visited  my  Museums,  etc.,  score=
s  and  some=20
undoubtedly  hundreds  of  times.  But,  taken  altogether,  I  think  I  c=
an,  without=20
egotism,  say  that  I  have  amused  and  instructed  more  persons  than =
 any  other=20
manager  who  ever  lived.  In  addition  to  the  eighty-two  millions  wh=
o  have=20
visited  my  public  exhibitions,  I  may  add  that  I  have  delivered  o=
ver  seven  hun-=20
dred public  lectures,  which  were  attended  in  the  aggregate  by  1,30=
0,000  persons.=20
My  first  autobiography,  published  in  1851,  reached  a  circulation  o=
f  100,000  copies,=20
besides  which  two  separate  editions  were  published  in  England,  one=
  in  Germany=20
and  one  in  France.  These,  in  the  aggregate,  had  probably  more  th=
an  a  million  of=20
readers.  Of  my  autobiography,  "  Struggles  and  Triumphs,"  published =
 in  1869,=20
and  written  up  to  1877,  240,000  copies  have  been  printed  in  Amer=
ica,  and  a  dif-=20
ferent edition  in  London,  all  of  which  I  estimate  have  had  two  m=
illions  of  readers.=20
It  will  thus  be  seen  that  "Barnum"  has  occupied  so  much  public  =
attention  for=20
forty  years,  that  the  fact  need  not  be  wondered  at  (and  it  is  =
a  fact),  that  in  1870=20
a  letter  mailed  in  New  Zealand,  and  addressed  simply  "  Mr.  Barnu=
m,  America,"=20
came  as  direct  to  me  at  Waldemere,  in  Bridgeport,  Conn.,  as  it  =
could  have  done=20
if  my  full  address  had  been  written  on  the  envelope.  P.  T.  B.=
=20


CHAPTER  L.=20


FOBEIGN  AND   DOMESTIC.=20

IN  December,  1876,  I  received  a  second  invitation  from  Lord  Roseb=
ery  to=20
breakfast  with  him  in  New  York.  On  parting  with  his  lordship  in =
 lS7i,  Vs=20
warm  expressions  of  pleasure  at  having  met  me,  and  his  assurances=
  that  he=20
hoped  and  intended  to  renew  our  acquaintance,  left  no  room  for  e=
mbarrassing=20
misgivings  on  this  occasion.  Our  meeting  at  the  Brevoort  House  wa=
s  very=20
cordial.  His  lordship  took  me  in  his  brougham  to  the  New  York  C=
lub,  and=20
there  I  first  learned  that  our  breakfast  companions  were  Martin  F=
arquhar=20
Tupper  and  the  chief  editor  of  a  prominent  New  York  daily  paper.=
  Mr.  Tup-=20
per  and  myself  had  held  a  correspondence  previous  to  his  leaving =
 England,  and=20
the  author  of  "Proverbial  Philosophy"  was  apparently  delighted  at  =
the  unex-=20
pected meeting  of  his  "dear  friend  Barnum."  The  occasion  was  an  e=
xceedingly=20
enjoyable  one,  and  if,  as  is  said,  laughter  aids  digestion,  I  am=
  confident  that=20
three  of  the  quartette  were  not  troubled  with  dyspepsia  after  tha=
t  delicious  and=20
recherche  meal.  Since  his  marriage  with  Miss  Rothschild,  I  have  r=
eceived  a=20
letter  from  Lord  Rosebery,  in  which  he  makes  pleasant  and  witty  =
allusion  to=20
that  never-to-be-forgotten  breakfast.  The  transatlantic  friends  of  t=
his  brilliant=20
nobleman  are  pleased  to  know  that  he  has  been  recently  chosen  Lo=
rd  Rector  of=20
the  University  of  Aberdeen.=20

In  1876  I  accompanied  my  Great  Show  as  far  East  as  Halifax,  Nov=
a  Scotia,=20
where  we  exhibited  early  in  August.  While  in  the  Dominions  of  He=
r  Majesty=20
Queen  Victoria,  we  changed  our  song  and  chorus  of  the  Star-Spangl=
ed  Banner=20
to  God  Save  the  Queen,  with  decidedly  good  effect.  The  Show  proc=
eeded  West=20
to  Illinois.  The  financial  result  of  the  traveling  season  (1876)  =
was  satisfactory.=20

In  the  autumn  of  1876  I  wrote  a  book  of  fiction,  founded  on  fa=
ct,  entitled  "  The=20
Adventures  of  Lion  Jack  ;  or,  How  Menageries  are  Made. "  It  was =
 a  real  boys'=20
book,  and  I  dedicated  it  to  the  boys  of  America.  It  was  publish=
ed  by  Carleton,=20
of  New  York.  Sampson,  Low  &  Co. ,  of  London,  also  published  =
it.  Many  copies=20
have  been  sold  in  both  countries.  The  London  Times,  in  its  weekl=
y  edition,  March=20
23,  1877,  gave  "  Lion  Jack  "  a  favorable  notice  in  a  third  of =
 a  column.  It  is  sold=20
in  my  traveling  show,  as  well  as  by  Carleton  &  Co.=20

Among  many  other  valuable  additions  to  my  traveling  show  of  1877 =
 were  six=20
beautiful  and  remarkably  trained  black  Trakene  Stallions  from  Germa=
ny.  My=20
agents,  Bailey  and  June,  after  scouring  Europe  in  search  of  novel=
ties,  purchased=20
them  at  large  figures  from  James  Myers,  proprietor  of  the  Great  =
American=20
Circus  in  Paris.  They  formed  a  novel  and  pleasing  feature,  and,  =
with  other=20
startling  novelties,  aided  to  secure  to  me  a  still  more  profitabl=
e  season  than  that=20
of  1876.=20

On  the  llth  of  April,  1877,  my  family  were  stricken  with  a  heav=
y  sorrow  in=20
the  sudden  death  of  my  daughter,  Pauline  T.  Seeley,  at  the  age  =
of  thirty-one=20
years,  leaving  a  husband  and  three  children.  This  blow  would  have=
  been  insup-=20
portable to  me  did  I  not  receive  it  as  coming  from  our  good  Fat=
her  in  Heaven,=20
who  does  all  things  right.=20

315=20


316  FOREIGN    AND    DOMESTIC.=20

In  July,  1877,  I  sailed  for  England,  with  my  wife,  in  the  Cunar=
d  steamer=20
Russia,  both  of  us  arriving  home  eight  weeks  later  in  the  Scythi=
a  of  the  same=20
line.  At  the  request  of  the  captains  and  passengers,  I  gave  a  l=
ecture  on  each=20
steamer  for  the  benefit  of  the  Seamen's  Orphan  Institution  in  Liv=
erpool.  I  also=20
gave  my  lecture  on  "The  "World,  and  How  to  Live  in  It,"  several=
  times  in  the=20
Royal  Aquarium  Theatre,  London,  in  Alexandra  Palace,  London,  Southp=
ort=20
"Winter  Gardens,  and  in  Bolton.  I  likewise  lectured  on  Temperance =
 in  Hawk=20
stone  Hall,  London,  at  which  the  celebrated  Rev.  Newman  Hall  pres=
ided ;  and  I=20
gave  a  similar  lecture  in  Hengler's  Circus  building,  Liverpool  The=
  London=20
Entracte,  the  London  Sporting  and  Dramatic  Neivs,  and  several  othe=
r  metro-=20
politan papers,  published  illustrations  of  my  appearance  in  the  for=
um,  and=20
numerous  London  journals  gave  favorable  notices  of  my  lectures.  I =
 was  glad=20
to  meet  many  of  my  old  friends  in  England  after  an  absence  of  =
eighteen=20
years.  I  have  nearly  as  many  personal  friends  in  London  as  in  t=
he  city  of  New=20
York.  In  the  latter  city  the  boys  often  hail  me  in  the  streets =
 and  ask  me  ques-=20
tions about  the  show,  and  a  similar  occurrence  took  place  on  this=
  last  visit  to=20
London.  As  I  was  one  day  coming  out  from  my  hairdresser's,  near =
 Regent=20
street,  where  it  was  known  I  went  every  day,  a  bevy  of  lads  ca=
lled  me  by  name=20
and  inquired  if  it  was  true,  as  they  had  read  in  the  papers,  t=
hat  I  was  going  to=20
bring  over  my  Great  Show  from  America.=20

The  immense  'patronage  which  my  own  country  bestows  on  my  efforts=
  is  all=20
that  keeps  me  from  taking  my  big  show  to  Europe,  where  my  name =
 is  as  well=20
known  as  in  America.=20

The  London  (England)  Wwld,  a  very  popular  weekly,  of  which  Edmund=
=20
Yates,  the  novelist,  is  editor  and  proprietor,  has  a  specialty  in=
  each  of  its  issues=20
headed  "Celebrities  at  Home."  In  this  department  have  appeared  ske=
tches  of=20
'  Lord  Beaconsfield,  Gladstone,  Tennyson,  Carlyle,  John  Bright,  Spu=
rgeon,  etc.=20
General  Grant  is  the  only  American  who  has  been  selected  for  por=
traiture  besides=20
myself.  The  editor  obtained  =E2=80=A2  from  some  person  in  Bridgepo=
rt,  probably  an=20
Englishman,  the  following  sketch,  which  he  published  in  March,  187=
7.  My=20
neighbors  generally  say  it  is  a  truthful  representation  of  me  and=
  my  surround-=20
ings "  at  home."  but  I  think  the  writer  has  made  the  picture  to=
o  flattering:=20

CELEBRITIES  AT  HOME.=20

P.    T.   BARNUM.=20

A  stranger  in  America,  happening  to  alight  at  Bridgeport,  a  thriv=
ing  city  of  some  twenty-=20
five  thousand  inhabitants,  beautifully  situated  on  the  shore  of  Lo=
ng  Island  Sound,  within=20
sixty  miles  of  Xew  York  city,  might  be  surprised  to  find  that  i=
t  owes  much  of  its  pros-=20
perity to  the  business  tact  and  energy  of  its  most prominent  citiz=
en,  Phineas  Taylor  Barnuin.=20
Ask  any  inhabitant  of  this  third  city  of  the  State  of  Connecticu=
t  who  built  those  rows  of=20
cottages,  reminding  an  English  traveler  of  those  built  by  the  mor=
e  philanthropic  manu-=20
facturers at  home,  and  the  answer  comes,  "  Barnum."  Ho\v  is  it  t=
hat  so  manv  operatives)=20
possess  homes  of  their  own  ?  Again  the  answer.  "  Barnum  helped  =
them."  Who  planned=20
your  Mountain  Grove =E2=80=94 one  of  the  most  beautiful  cemeteries  =
in  America  ?  "  Barnum=20
started  it,  and  thus  did  away  with  an  old,  neglected  buryingrgron=
nd,  that  used  to  be  in  the=20
heart  of  the  city."  And  your  lovely  Sea-side  Park  ;  who  originat=
ed  that  ?  "  Oh,  Barnum,=20
of  course  ;  he  gave  some  of  the  land,  begged  and  bought  the  re=
mainder,  and  never  rested=20
until  the  park  became  what  it  is=E2=80=94 the  greatest  ornament  an=
d  blessing  of  our  city."  Yon=20
may  go  on  with  the  catechism,  ad  libitum,  and  will  find  that  th=
is  "showman "  has  been  a=20
zealous  worker  in,  and  generally  prime  mover  of  every  public  impr=
ovement.  That  his  fel-=20
low-citizens appreciate  his  efforts  is  apparent,  for  they  elected  h=
im  mayor,  twice  sent  him=20
to  represent  the  town  in  the  State  Legislature,  nominated  him  for=
  the  United  States  Congress,=20
and,  on  one  occasion,  within  the  last  few  years,  on  his  return  =
from  a  visit  to  England,  over=20
two  hundred  of  the  most  substantial  citizens  of  Bridgeport  gave  h=
im  a  complimentary  din-=20
ner, "  in  honor  of  the  liberality  and  energy  in  private  enterpris=
e  ;  in  promoting  the  indus-=20
tries and  public  improvements  of  Bridgeport,  and  the  genuine  philan=
thropy"  of  their=20
popular  fellow-townsman.=20


FOREIGN    AND   DOMESTIC.  3L?=20

Mr.  Barnnm,  when  at  home,  is  in  great  request.    Pew  temperance  =
meetings  are  consia=20
ered  complete  unless  he  is  a  prominent  speaker ;  few  church  bazaa=
rs  expected  to  succeed=20
unless  he  opens  them  with  a  humorous  speech,  which  seldom  fails  =
to  open  hearts  and=20
The  youngest  urchin  can  point  the  way  to  Sea-side  Park,  and  ther=
e,  standing  on=20
.  slight  eminence,  looking  down  on  the  park  and  across  its  narro=
west  part  to  the  waters  of=20
lie  sound,  over  whose  surface  steamers,  yachts,  and  every  variety =
 of  water  craft  are  con-=20
tinually passing,  stands  Waldemere,  from  whose  cupola  floats  a  silk=
en  flag  bearing  the  well-=20
known  monogram,  P.  T.  B.,  whenever  the  king  of  showmen  is  at  ho=
me.     Walderaere=E2=80=94=20
woods  by  the  Sea=E2=80=94 so  named  by  its  owner's  friend,  Bayard  =
Taylor,  is  a  naturally  beautiful=20


border  the  drives  from  gateway  to  porch.  The  house  itself  is  not=
  easily  described,  being  a=20
curious  but  pleasant  melange  of  Gothic,  Italian  and  French  archite=
cture  and  decoration,=20
presenting  a  front  a  hundred  and  sixty  feet  long  to  the  water,  =
whereby  most  of  the  rooms=20
command  a  very  charming  view.  On  entering  one  is  pleasantly  struc=
k  by  the  spaciousness=20
of  hall  and  rooms.  One  can  breathe  as  freely  in-doors  as  out.  N=
othing  is  small  or  con-=20
tracted. The  house  is  furnished  luxuriously  but  not  ostentatiously  =
;  taste  as  well  as  wealth=20
being  evident  in  the  arrangement  of  every  room.  Pictures  of  high =
 merit  hang  on  tinted=20
walls  and  stand  on  easels.  Chinese  vases  of  quaint  and  wonderful =
 design  guard  the  fire-=20
places ;  busts  and  statuettes  fill  nooks  and  corners  ;  capacious  =
bookcases  fail  to  hold  the=20
latest  works  ;  -while  mantels  and  etagers  hold  costly  bric-a-brac =
 in  artistic  confusion.  Many=20
of  these  ornaments  abound  in  interesting  reminiscences  for  the  "gr=
eat  showman  "  and  for=20
his  friends.  On  a  pedestal  in  a  place  of  honor,  stands  a  marble=
  bust  of  Jenny  Lind,  whose=20
original  contract  with  P.  T.  Barnum  hangs  framed  in  one  of  the  =
halls,  the  signatures  of=20
Jenny  Lind,  Sir  Jules  Benedict,  Giovanni  Belletti  and  P.  T.  Barnu=
m,  compelling  us  to  pause=20
for  a  moment  before  it.  A  corner  bracket  in  a  cosy  sitting-room =
 holds  a  small  Parian=20
Bacchus=E2=80=94  a  Christmas  gift  from  the  Swedish  nightingale  to  =
Mr.  Barnum,  in  good-natured=20
ridicule  of  his  firm  temperance  principles  and  practice.  In  an  et=
agere  in  this  same  pleasant=20
room  lie  dimpled  marble  models  of  Tom  Thumb's  hand  and  foot  take=
n  when  his  size  waa=20
smallest  and  his  fame  greatest.  One  cannot  spend  half  an  hour  in=
specting  Waldemere=20
without  discovering  that  Mr.  Barnum  is  a  firm  believer  in  cleanli=
ness  either  for  its  relation=20
to  godliness  or  for  its  own  merits.  The  mansion  is  intersected  w=
ith  a  very  network  of=20
waterpipes=E2=80=94  there  being  scarcely  a  room  that  has  not  its  =
bath-room  and  lavatory  attached.=20
There  are  rooms  bearing  the"  names  of  distinguished  guests  who  ha=
ve  occupied  them.  A=20


spacious  bed-room,  with  hangings  and  furniture  of  pale  green  and  =
white,  is  known  as  the=20
"  Greeley  room."  for  here  Horace  Greeley  had  reposed.  Two  pleasan=
t  rooms  are  associated=20
with  the  memory  of  the  sister  poetesses,  Alice  and  Phcebe  Cary.  =
Doubtless  there  will=20


sometime  be  a  "Twain  room,"  for  the  humorist  is  a  frequent  guest=
  at  Waldemere.=20

Mr.  Barnum's  second  wife  is  a  young  English  lady  of  culture,  the=
  daughter  of  an  old=20
friend  of  his  in  Lancashire.  The  good  taste  displayed  in  the  orn=
amentation  of  Waldemere=20
is  due  to  Mrs.  Barnum,  who  is  highly  appreciated  by  the  best  fa=
milies  of  Bridgeport  as  a=20
charming  hostess,  an  intelligent  and  agreeable  conversationalist,  an=
d  a  kind  neighbor  and=20
friend.  Mr.  Barnnra's  daughters  regard  her  as  a  treasure  added  to=
  their  enjoyment,  and  to=20
their  father's  happiness  and  comfort.  As  for  Mr.  Barnum  himself  h=
is  round  full  face  beams=20
with  extra  smiles  when  he  is  near  her.  He  never  seems  quite  so =
 happy  as  when  listening=20
to  her  playing  opera  music  on  the  grand  piano,  riding  at  her  si=
de  in  the  family  landeau  to=20
and  from  church,  in  Sea-side  Park,  or  on  the  numerous  pleasant  a=
venues  in  the  vicinity  of=20
Bridgeport.=20

Mr.  Barnum's  library,  or,  as  he  calls  it,  "work-shop,"  is  an  imp=
osing  octagonal  room  fur-=20
nished and  paneled  with  cherry,  birch  and  maple  woods.  Opening  on =
 one  hand  is  a  lava-=20
tory, and  on  another  a  room  where  his  private  secretary  works  wit=
hin  call.  At  a  large  and=20
much  littered  desk,  with  papers  strewn  ankle-deep  around  his  chair=
,  Mr.  Barnum  spends=20
nearly  every  morning  of  his  life  communicating  with  his  agents  in=
  every  land  =E2=80=94  often  in-=20
terrupted by  some  employe  desiring  orders,  or  by  some  friend  or  s=
tranger  asking  advice=20
or  more  substantial  help,  but  never  laying  down  his  pen,  which  i=
s  traveling  rapidly  as=20
ever  ere  the  door  has  closed  behind  the  visitor.  He  is  economica=
l  of  his  time,  never=20
wasting  or  submitting  to  be  robbed  of  a  moment  of  the  hours  set=
  apart  for  business.=20
Woe  to  the  adventurer  or  visionary  who  intrudes  at  this  time.  He=
  is  weighed,  found=20
wanting  and  dismissed  in  two  minutes.  These  long  mornings,  and  a =
 short  time  de-=20
voted on  the  arrival  of  each  mail  to  answering  the  letters  they  =
never  fail  to  bring,  these=20
hours  over  =E2=80=94  the  keen  but  conscientious  man  of  business,  =
the  head  of  so  many  under-=20
takings =E2=80=94  enjoys  himself  with  as  much  apparent  freedom  from=
  care  as  the  workman  who=20
has  just  pocketed  a  good  week's  wages.  If  Mr.  Barnum,  when  worki=
ng,  dislikes  to  be=20
interrupted,  Mr.  Barnum,  when  enjoying  himself,  is  even  less  toler=
ant  of  business  intru-=20
sion. The  intruder  may  desire  to  purchase  valuable  land  and  come  =
with  the  money  in  his=20
pocket  ;  he  is  none  the  less  decisively  told  to  "come  in  the  m=
orning."  The  personal  ap-=20
pearance of  P.  T.  Barnum  will  interest  those  who  may  not  have  se=
en  the  man  nor  his=20
portrait  Tall,  portly,  erect,  in  spite  of  his  sixty-seven  years  o=
f  hard  work  and  several=20
fortunes  earned  and  lost,  and  won  ;ig;iin,  witli  a  high  forehead,=
  gray  hair  curling  crisply=20
around  a  bald  head,  with  a  firm,  decided  step  and  voice,  he  is =
 very  different  from  the=20
popular  conception  of  a  showman=E2=80=94  as  indeed  his  social  stan=
ding  upsets  the  general  idea  of=20
a  showman's  natural  and  proper  status.=20


318  FOREIGN   AND   DOMESTIC.=20

In  the  spring  of  1877  I  offered  $10,000  for  the  return  of  the  =
kidnapped  Charley=20
Ross  to  his  afflicted  parents.  But  though  my  offer  was  published =
 far  and  wide=20
on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic,  all  efforts  for  his  restoration  p=
roved  unavailing,=20

In  August,  1877,  I  visited  Des  Moines,  and  proceeded  west  with  m=
y  show  as=20
far  as  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa,  and  thence  to  my  cattle  ranch  in  C=
olorado.  I  gave=20
temperance  speeches  in  Denver  and  Greeley,  and  also  gave  my  lectu=
re  on  "  The=20
World,  and  How  to  Live  in  it,"  in  the  former  city  and  at  Color=
ado  Springs.=20

In  November,  1877,  I  was  elected  to  represent  Bridgeport  in  the  =
General  As-=20
sembly of  Connecticut.  My  majority  was  212,  although  the  political =
 party  with=20
which  I  am  identified  is  usually  700  in  the  minority.  It  was  a =
 personal  sacrifice=20
to  me  to  leave  my  home  to  help  make  our  State  laws  at  Hartford=
,  but  I  did  not=20
feel  at  liberty  to  refuse  the  demand  upon  my  services,  and  I  en=
deavored  to  fulfill=20
my  duty  as  a  citizen  of  the  Commonwealth  without  undue  exertions =
 party-wise.=20
The  Speaker,  Hon.  Chas.  H.  Briscoe,  offered  me  the  choice  of  cha=
irmanship  of'=20
half  a  dozen  standing  committees.  I  told  him  that  on  the  two  fo=
rmer  occasions=20
when  I  was  in  the  Legislature  I  was  Chairman  on  Agriculture  (hav=
ing  plowed=20
with  an  elephant),  but  I  should  now  prefer  to  be  one  of  the  Co=
mmittee  on  Tem-=20
perance. He  appointed  me  chairman  of  that  committee.  "We  succeeded =
 in  get-=20
ting several  favorable  changes  in  our  liquor  laws,  yet,  like  Olive=
r  Twist,  we=20
asked  for  more.  During  the  winter  I  gave  a  number  of  lectures  i=
n  the  vicinity=20
of  Hartford.  Among  numerous  social  gatherings  which  I  attended  in =
 that  city,=20
I  remember  none  more  pleasant  than  a  dinner  given  to  half  a  doz=
en  of  his  friends=20
by  Governor  Hubbard.  The  Republican  party  had  a  majority  in  both =
 Houses,=20
and  of  course  carried  such  measures  as  they  desired.  There  was,  =
however,  one=20
exception.  At  our  party  caucus,  when  it  was  announced  that  a  nom=
ination  was=20
to  be  made  for  a  Republican  Superintendent  of  the  Public  School  =
Fund  to  super-=20
cede  the  Democratic  incumbent,  who  was  acknowledged  by  all  parties=
  to  be  an=20
honest,  intelligent  and  capable  person,  I  insisted  that  no  change =
 should  be  made.=20
I  reminded  the  members  of  the  caucus  that  the  position  was  a  re=
sponsible  and=20
important  one;  that  a  large  amount  of  the  State's  money,  held  as=
  a  sacred  trust,=20
was  under  the  control  of  the  present  incumbent,  Mr.  Miles;  that  =
mortgages=20
were  being  foreclosed,  and  several  complicated  law  suits  were  befo=
re  the  courts,=20
the  details  of  which  Mr.  Miles  thoroughly  understood,  and  that,  a=
lthough  I  did=20
not  know  that  gentleman  and  never  saw  him,  I  should  insist  upon =
 his  re-appoint-=20
ment. But,  as  is  usual  in  politics,  ardent  members  were  anxious  t=
o  serve  the=20
party,  and  a  new  nomination  was  insisted  on.  I  declined  to  vote,=
  and  when  the=20
name  of  the  new  nominee  was  subsequently  presented  in  the  House  =
I  opposed  it,=20
giving  my  reasons,  and  appealed  to  the  honor  of  my  brother  Repub=
licans  to  not=20
let  partisan  feelings  conflict  with  the  general  interests  of  our  =
State.  Of  course=20
I  was  strongly  opposed,  but  when  the  final  vote  was  taken  by  ye=
as  and  nays  I=20
had  the  gratification  of  seeing  over  twenty  Republicans  stand  up  =
for  "civil=20
service,"  and  Mr.  Miles  was  again  appointed.  I  have  never  seen  t=
hat  gentleman=20
to  this  day,  but  I  feel  that  the  Commonwealth  of  Connecticut  was=
  a  gainer  by=20
his  re-appointment.=20

In  April,  1878,  my  great  traveling  show  opened  for  a  fortnight  a=
t  the  Ameri-=20
can Institute  building,  in  New  York,  and  then  proceeded  to  Philade=
lphia.=20

The  show,  as  usual,  was  transported  through  the  country  on  nearly=
  a  hundred=20
railway  cars  of  my  own,  preceded  a  fortnight  in  advance  by  my  M=
agnificent=20
Advertising  Car,  carrying  press  agents,  the  "paste  brigade,"  number=
ing  twenty,=20
and  tons  of  immense  colored  bills,  programmes,  lithographs,  photogr=
aphs,  elec-=20


FOREIGN   AND   DOMESTIC.  319=20

trotype  cuts,  etc.,  to  arouse  the  entire  country  for  fifty  miles =
 around  each  place=20
of  exhibition  to  the  fact  that  "P.  T.  Barnum's  New  and  Greatest =
 Show  on=20
Earth,"  with  its  acres  of  tents  and  pavilions  could  be  reached  b=
y  cheap  excur-=20
sion trains  on  certain  days  specified  in  the  bills  and  advertiseme=
nts.  The  show=20
went  East  to  Bangor,  Maine,  and  West  to  Illinois,  reaching  New  Y=
ork  and=20
opening  at  Gilmore's  Garden  in  October,  for  seven  weeks  to  crowde=
d  houses.=20

In  the  summer  of  1878,  I  expended  some  twenty  thousand  dollars  i=
n  the  pur-=20
chase and  reclamation  of  a  large  tract  of  salt  marsh  adjoining  Se=
a-side  Park=20
and  the  grounds  of  Waldemere  on  the  west.  This  marsh  has  been  i=
naccessible=20
from  time  immemorial,  annually  producing  plentiful  crops  of  mosquit=
oes.  The=20
times  were  hard,  many  laboring  men  in  Bridgeport  were  suffering  f=
or  want  of=20
employment,  and  although  it  was  evident  I  should  never  be  reimbur=
sed  for  half=20
my  expenditures,  I  could  see  that  the  improvement  would  be  a  gre=
at  public  ben-=20
efit, and  remembering  the  dykes  in  Holland  which  I  had  so  frequen=
tly  seen  with=20
astonishment  and  admiration,  I  determined,  as  I  told  my  neighbors,=
  to  "  cheat=20
my  heirs, "  by  expending  a  good  sum  pro  bono  publico.  I  built  t=
his  dyke  straight=20
across  a  channel  which  let  in  the  tide- water  every  twelve  hours =
 and  covered  an=20
immense  tract  of  low  salt  meadow.  I  made  the  dyke  seventy  feet  =
wide  at  bot-=20
tom, and  of  sufficient  width  on  the  top  to  form  a  fine  street  l=
eading  from  one  of=20
our  city  avenues  to  the  beach  on  Long  Island  Sound.  This  gives  =
nearly  a  mile=20
high  and  dry  front  on  the  salt  water  connecting  with  Sea-side  Pa=
rk.  I  propose=20
to  make  a  present  to  the  city  of  this  "water"  front,  150  feet  =
in  width,  which=20
will  give  them  as  an  extension  of  their  already  beautiful  Park,  =
a  delightful=20
additional  boulevard  for  carriages  and  promenade  on  the  very  edge =
 of  Long=20
Island  Sound,  where  the  plashing  salt  waves  may  be  seen,  heard  a=
nd  enjoyed  for=20
all  time.  Mayor  Morford  (of  opposite  politics  from  myself)  in  his=
  message  to=20
the  Common  Council  of  Bridgeport,  characterized  my  proposition  as  =
a  "liberal=20
offer,"  and  said,  "  the  Barnum  Boulevard,  in  connection  with  the =
 Sea-side  Park,=20
adding  nearly  a  mile  to  the  present  park-drive,  would  be  the  fin=
est  improvement=20
of  the  kind  on  the  Atlantic  Coast."=20

The  Bridgeport  Leader  of  May  1,  1878,  in  referring  to  this  enter=
prise,  said  :=20
It  is  one  of  the  peculiarities  of  Mr.  Barnum,  that  he  is  always=
  undertaking  some  kind=20
of  a  public  improvement  which  uo  one  else  would  think  of,  and  b=
esides  this  he  does  it  at=20
his  own  expense.  When  he  takes  hold  of  any  great  work  which  at =
 the  least  will  require=20
years  of  waiting  before  any  return  can  be  hoped  for  to  recompens=
e  for  the  original  outlay,=20
it  is  reasonable  to  believe  that  pecuniary  gain  is  not  the  sole =
 object  of  these  undertakings.=20
It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  no  six  men,  living  or  dead,  ha=
ve  done  more  for  Bridgeport=20
than  the  "  Great  Showman,"  and,  although  we  do  not  doubt  that  c=
ould  the  books  be  bal-=20
anced, that  he  has  virtually  sunk  at  least  more  than  a  quarter  o=
f  a  million  of  dollars  in=20
improving  the  city,  he  is  still  as  anxious  as  ever  to  leave  the=
  impress  of  his  enterprise  upon=20
the  most  unpromising  portions  of  the  place.  The  building  of  the  =
dyke  from  the  western=20
terminus  of  Short  Beach  northerly  to  the  western  end  of  South  av=
enue,  promises  the  least=20
pecuniary  return  of  the  money  invested  of  any  of  the  enterprises =
 Mr.  Barnum  has  entered=20
into.  Yet  we  know  of  no  work  which  promises  in  the  end  to  add =
 more  to  the  attractive-=20
ness of  the  place  than  this.  ..=20

It  will  be  those  who  will  people  this  section  in  the  future  who=
  will  recognize  the  wisdom=20
and  foresight  of  the  man  who  had  nothing  to  gain  save  the  notab=
le  ambition  of  "  leaving=20
the  world'  better  for  having  lived  in  it,"  and  did  not  hesitate =
 to  take  upon  himself  the=20
expense  and  the  risk  of  beginning  a  work  of  which  every  year's  =
delay  is  an  irreparable=20

'  Tlie^roa'd  contemplated  to  be  constructed  from  the  west  end  of =
 Sea-side  Park  to  Mr.=20
Barnnm's  dyke,  when  completed,  will  give  Bridgeport  one  of  the  ha=
ndsomest  drives  by  the=20
sea  shore  on  Long  Island  Sound.=E2=80=94 Bridgeport  Leader,  Nov.  13=
,  1878.=20


320  FOREIGN   AND   DOMESTIC.=20

Colonel  O.  B.  Hall,  a  quaint  old  neighbor  of  mine,  hitherto  unsu=
spected  of  any=20
poetic  tendencies,  thus  expressed  his  admiration  of  my  achievement =
:=20

TO  P   T   BAENTJM.=20

Had  you  but  lived  in  days  gone  by,=20

When  Captain  Noah  sailed  above=20
The  tops  of  trees,  and  mountains  high,=20

With  relatives,  and  beasts  and  dove.=20

You  could  have  saved  that  great  expense,=20

In  building  arks  and  catching  beasts,=20
By  making  dams  and  dykes  and  fence,=20

And  many  millions  saved  at  least=20

Of  souls  that  found  a  watery  grave=20
While  swimming  round  the  Ark,  and  plead=20

With  Noah,  to  take  them  in  and  save=20
From  being  numbered  with  the  dead.=20

He  did  not  care  a  dam  or  dyke  to  make,=20

To  stop  that  flood  which  spread  so  wide ;=20
To  Ark  !  to  Ark  !  he  said,  betake,=20

We'll  on  the  ocean  gayly  ride.=20

Well  stored  lockers  in  the  Ark=20

With  sweetmeats,  wine  and  solid  grub,=20
When  he  and  kin  did  quick  embark.=20

With  haste  and  speed,  on  board  his  tub.=20

One  of  each  sex  of  beasts  that  roam,=20

Likewise  did  board  his  pitchy  boat,=20
All  others  left  to  their  sad  doom,=20

When  that  old  craft  did  rise  and  float.=20

You  could  have  dammed  that  rising  tide,=20

And  saved  unnumbered  human  souls,=20
By  stopping  sea  from  spreading  wide,=20

Which  covered  earth  above  the  poles.=20

But  as  it  was,  no  one  could  live=20

On  earth,  through  that  calamity,=20
When  Heaven  ope'd  its  riddling  sieve,=20

Through  which  was  pour'd  a  mighty  sex=20

The  fish  were  pleased  to  hear  it  pour,=20

And  see  the  angling  lubbers  strive=20
To  find  a  floating  plank  or  door,=20

On  which  to  ride  and  keep  alive.=20

But  you,  more  wise,  have  done  a  deed=20

To  stay  the  water's  tide  o'erflow,=20
Where  cussed  'skeeters  used  to  breed,=20

On  those  salt  meadows  down  below.=20

Ozone,  that  pure  and  healthy  air,=20

Will  soon  embalm  that  sea  of  grass,=20

=C2=BB  And  Heavenly  zephyrs  free  and  fair,=20

Will  linger  o'er  it  ere  they  pass.=20

It  soon  will  be  like  Eden's  land,=20

Where  flowers  bloom  and  fig  trees  grow,=20
And  yon,  like  Adam,  have  command,=20

Of  this  fair  garden  down  below.=20

Those  railroad  ties  will  stand  as  guard,=20

To  keep  the  flowing  tide  aback,=20
Protecting  safely  "boulevard  "=20

As  driveway  for  a  carriage  track,=20

Where  "  lads  and  lasses  blithe  and  gay,"=20

Can  ride  with  pleasure  o'er  the  pave.=20
And  bless  that  man  who,  in  his  day,=20

Redeemed  that  place  from  under  wuve.=20


FOREIGN  AND   DOMESTIC.  321=20

The  Bridgeport  Standard  of  Nov.  2,  1878,  says  :=20

Hori,.  P.  T.  Barnum  is  known  all  the  world  over  as  a  Bridgeport=
  man,  and  he  has  done=20
as  much,  or  more  for  the  place,  regardless  of  party  or  sect,  th=
an  any  man  living.  The=20
people  of  Bridgeport  have  honored  him  with  their  confidence  and  i=
t  has  never  been=20
abused.=20

In  November,  1878,  I  consented,  much  against  my  will,  to  accept  =
another=20
nomination  to  represent  Bridgeport  in  the  General  Assembly  of  Conn=
ecticut.  I=20
was  re-elected  by  a  majority  of  several  hundred  votes.  My  opponen=
ts  on  the=20
Democratic  ticket  were  Hon.  W.  D.  Bishop  and  Hon.  Nathaniel  Wheel=
er.=20

The  Manchester  (England)  Examiner  and  Times  published  an  editorial =
 article=20
coupling  my  name  with  those  of  the  British  Ministry,  to  which  I =
 replied  as=20
follows :=20

To  the  Editor  of  the  Examiner  and  Times,  Manchester,  England  :=20

SIR  :  In  your  issue  of  the  3d  instant  you  make  mention  of  me  =
as  "  the  late  Mr.  Bar-=20
num." For  the  benefit  of  numerous  friends  in  Great  Britain,  who  h=
ave  not  before  heard=20
of  my  being  classed  amons<  the  "  lates,"  I  beg  to  say  that  =
my  age  is  among  the  sixties,=20
and  tliat,  having  been  a  teetotaler  for  thirty  years,  I  am  robus=
t  in  health,  and  maintain=20
the  same  vigor  I  possessed  at  forty.  I  am  proprietor  of  the  mos=
t  extensive  Museum,=20
Menagerie,  World's  Fair  and  Hippodrome  that  ever  traveled,  being  r=
un  at  an  expense  of=20
$3.000  (or  =C2=A3600  sterling)  per  day,  and  my  highest  ambition,  =
professionally,  now  is,  to  pay=20
to  the  British  Government  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  (=C2=A320,00=
0)  for  the  priviledge  of=20
exhibiting  alive,  for  five  years,  its  "while  elephant,"  King  Ketow=
ayo,  the  captive  Zulu.=20
I  shall  be  glad  to  receive,  by  an  early  mull,  a  note  of  accept=
ance  from  my  friend  Lord=20
Beaconsfleld,  who  so  kindly  mentioned  me  in  his  "Lothair."=20

Truly  yours,=20

P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

WAKDEMERE,  BRIDGEPORT,  CONN.,  November,  1879.=20


CHAPTER    LI.=20

THE    GKEAT    ALLIANCE.=20

BERGH  VANQUISHED =E2=80=94 TRANSFORMATION  SCENE=E2=80=94 BABY  ELEPHANT =
=E2=80=94 THE  GREAT  ALLIANCE=E2=80=94=20

WINTER  QUARTERS   OF    THE  GREAT   BARNUM-LONDON   SHOW =E2=80=94 VALLEY=
  OF  THE   SHADOW  OF=20

DEATH=E2=80=94 FOUR  PULLMAN    CAR  LOADS   OF  EDITORS=E2=80=94 TORCH-LIG=
HT   PROCESSION    AND   GRAND=20

OPENING =E2=80=94 TESTIMONIALS     FROM     GARFIELD     AND     ARTHUR =E2=
=80=94 MY     VOYAGE     TO     EUROPE =E2=80=94=20

PRESENTATION     OF     FOUNTAIN     TO    BETHEL;    ALSO,    "THE     BAR=
NUM     BOULEVARD"    AND=20

DYKE     TO     THE     CITY     OF     BRIDGEPORT =E2=80=94 ANOTHER    BAB=
Y     ELEPHANT=E2=80=94 "  JUMBO,"     THE=20

GREATEST  OF  THE  GREAT =E2=80=94 VALEDICTORY.=20

IN  1879  and  i860  the  show  under  the  same  management  was  very  su=
ccessful.=20
I  introduced  the  firing  of  Zazel  from  a  cannon.  This  has  since  =
been  the  princi-=20
pal feature  of  other  shows,  as  has  also  the  tattooed  Greek  whom  =
I  first  intro-=20
duced to  the  American  public  in  1876.  While  exhibiting  in  the  Rin=
k  in  1880,  I=20
had  a  business  encounter  with  Henry  Bergh,  Esq.,  which  created  mu=
ch  interest=20
and  excitement  in  the  arena  and  in  the  newspapers.  A  New  York  d=
aily  paper=20
gave  the  following  faithful  account  of  the  affair  :=20

The  controversy  between  P.  T.  Barnum  and  Henry  Bergh,  which  has  =
occupied  public=20
attention  for  a  few  days,  was  ended  yesterday  in  favor  of  the  v=
eteran  showman.  It  will  be=20
remembered  that  Mr.  Bergh  compelled  Mr.  Barnum  to  discontinue  the =
 act  of  the  fire-horse=20
Salamander,  on  the  grounds  of  cruelty  to  the  animal  and  danger  t=
o  the  audience.  Mr.=20
Barnum,  with  an  eye  to  a  stupendous  advertising  scheme,  and  doubt=
less  with  a  wish  to=20
assure  his  patrons  that  everything  had  been  done  to  secure  their =
 safety,  challenged  Mr.=20
Bergh  to  meet  him  in  the  circus  ring  on  Monday  afternoon  and  to=
  reply  to  his  explanations.=20
Yesterday  the  vast  American  Institute  Building  was  unable  to  accom=
modate  the  crowds  who=20
clamored  for  admission.  Shortly  after  the  opening  of  the  show  Sup=
erintendent  Hartfield,=20
of  the  Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  *o  Animals,  entered =
 in  command  of  seven  of=20
his  officers.  Police  Captain  Gunner,  who  originally  made  the  repor=
t  that  caused  Mr.=20
Bergh's  interference,  was  also  on  hand  with  a  posse  of  twenty  po=
licemen,  who  were=20
assigned  positions  around  the  ring.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  bare=
bark  horsemanship  of=20
Orrin  Hollis,  Mr.  Barnum  entered  the  arena  amid  an  outburst  of  a=
pplause.  When  this  had=20
subsided,  Mr.  Barnum  beean  his  speech  and  said :  =E2=80=A2=20

"  LADIES  AND  GENTLEMEN:  I  have  been  catering  to  the  public  for  =
forty-eight  years,  yet  I=20
am  here  to-day  expecting  arrest  by  this  large  force  of  police,  a=
nd  imprisonment  and  trial  by=20
ajury  of  my  countrymen.  The  patent  fact  is  just  this:  Mr.  Bergh =
 or  I  must  run  this  show.=20
Mr.  Bergh  has  published  that  I  have  endangered  the  lives  of  my  =
audiences.  Long  before=20
he  was  known  to  society,  I  was  a  subscriber  to  a  society  in  Lo=
ndon,  similar  to  the  one  of=20
which  he  is  chief,  and  of  which  Queen  Victoria  was  a  patron.  It=
  was  I  who  called  the=20
attention  of  the  Mayor  of  the  city  to  the  necessity  for  such  a =
 society  here,  and  I  am,  in=20
Bridgeport,  what  Mr.  Bergh  is  here.  I  know  more  about  animals  th=
an  he  knows.  They=20
are  taught  and  governed  only  by  kindness.  The  fire-horse.  Salamand=
er's  performance  has=20
been  witnessed  by  the  Emperor  of  Germany.  Prince  Bismarck,  Queeu  =
Victoria,  and  many=20
of  the  most  prominent  people  in  Europe,  and  he,  like  other  anima=
ls,  being  valuable,  self-=20
interest  demands  protection  and  proper  treatment.  In  this  performan=
ce  not  a  hair  of  the=20
horse  i*  singed.=20

"  *  Years  ago,'  continued  Mr.  Barnum,  '  Mr.  Bergh  demanded  that =
 I  should  furnish  the=20
rhinoceros  with  a  tank  of  water  to  swim  in,  when  such  a  proceed=
ing  would  have  killed  it.=20
I  explained  to  Mr.  Bergh  the  nature  of  the  animal  and  its  requi=
rements,  and  he  troubled=20
me  no  further.  In  1866,  during  my  absence  from  New  York,  Mr.  Be=
rgh  frightened  my=20
manager  into  sending  the  snakes  to  New  Jersey  to  be  fed,  objecti=
ng  to  their  being  supplied=20
with  live  toads  and  lizards,  although  it  was  explnined  to  him  th=
at,  while  they  were  only=20
attracted  by  living  food,  they  crushed  and  killed  it  before  swall=
owing.  On  my  return  I=20
ordered  them  to  be  fed  with  live  frogs  in  order  to  preserve  the=
ir  lives.=20

"'I  hold  in  my  hand,'  said  Mr.  Barnum,  'a  letter  from  Mr.  Bergh=
,  dated  "Rooms  of=20
Society,  No.  826  Broadway,  Dec.  11,  1866,"  from  which  I  will  rea=
d  an  extract :=20

"  I  am  informed  that  several  live  animals  were  recently  thrown  i=
nto  the  cage  with  your=20
boa  constrictor  to  be  devoured  !  I  assert,  without  fear  of  contr=
adiction,  that  any  person=20
who  can  commit  an  atrocity  such  as  the  one  I  complain  of  is  se=
mi-barbarian  in  his  in-=20
stincts *  *  *  It  may  be  urged  that  the  reptiles  will  not  eat  d=
ead  food.  In  reply  to=20
this  I  have  only  to  say=E2=80=94 then  let  them  starve;  for  it  is=
  contrary  to  the  merciful  providence=20

322=20


THE   GREAT   ALLIANCE.  323=20

of  God  that  wrong  should  be  committed  in  order  to  accomplish  a  =
supposed  right.  But  I=20
am  satisfied  that  this  assertion  is  false  in  theory  and  practice,=
  for  no  living  creature  will=20
allow  itself  to  perish  of  hunger  with  food  before  it=E2=80=94 be  =
the  aliment  dead  or  alive  On  the=20
ixt  occurrence  of  this  cruel  exhibition  this  society  will  take  le=
gal  measures  to  punish  the=20
perpetrator  of  it.  (Signed)=20

HENRY  BERGH,  President."=20

"  I  sent  a  copy  of  this  letter  to  the  elder  Prof.  Agassiz,  and=
  received  the  following  auto-=20
graph letter  in  reply.    It  is  too  rich  to  keep  longer  from  the =
 public :=20
P.  T.  BARNUM,  ESQ.  :  CAMBRIDGE,  Feb.  28,  1867.=20

Dear  Sir:    On  my  return  to  Cambridge  I  received  your  letter  of =
 the  15th  January     I  do=20

know  of  any  way  to  induce  snakes  to  eat  their  food  otherwise  th=
an  in  their  natural=20

manner=E2=80=94 that  is  alive.     Your  museum  is  intended  to  show  =
the  public  the  animals  as  nearly=20

as  possible  in  their  natural  state.    The  society  of  which  you  s=
peak  is,  as  I  understand  for=20

the  prevention  of  unnecessary  cruelty  to  animals.    It  is  a  most =
 praiseworthy  object  but  I=20

think  the  most  active  members  of  the  society  would  object  to  eat=
ing  lobster  salad=20

because  the  lobster  was  boiled  alive,  or  refuse  roasted  oysters  b=
ecause  they  were  cooked=20

alive,  or  raw  oysters  because  they  must  be  swallowed  alive.    I  =
am,  dear  sir,  your  obedient=20

servant,  L.  AQASSIZ.=20

"  On  March  4, 1867, 1  inclosed  Prof.  Agassiz's  letter  to  Mr.  Berg=
h,  from  whom  I  demanded=20
an  apology  for  bis  abuse,  and  an  acknowledgment  of  his  mistakes  =
as  to  snakes  eating  dead=20
food.  Three  days  later  Mr.  Bergh  replied,  acknowledging  the  receip=
t  of  mine.  He  then=20
wrote  as  follows :=20

"Your  letter  contains  a  threat  to  give  my  letter  to  the  public  =
unless  I  write  you  a  letter=20
for  publication,  stating  that  since  reading  Prof.  Agassiz's  letter =
 to  you  I  withdraw  my=20
objections,  etc.  In  reply  to  this  I  have  to  say  that  the  hastil=
y  written  note  to  which  you=20
refer  was  not  intended  for  publication."=20

"  '  Hastily  written,  indeed,'  commented  the  great  show  king, '  ca=
lling  my  acts  atrocities  and=20
me  semi-barbarous  in  my  instincts.'  He  then  proceeded  with  the  le=
tter:=20

"I  am  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  laboring  more  assiduously  in =
 the  cause  of  protecting=20
the  brute  creation  in  order,  to  counteract  the  unhappy  influence  =
which  the  expressions  of=20
that  distinguished  savant  (Prof.  Agassiz)  are  calculated  to  occasio=
n.  I  scarcely  know=20
which  emotion  is  paramount  in  my  mind,  regret  or  astonishment,  th=
at  so  eminent  a=20
philosopher  should  have  cast  the  weight  of  his  commanding  authorit=
y  into  the  scale  where=20
cruelty  points  the  index  in  its  favor.=20

HENRY  BERGH,  President."=20

"He  detailed  other  obstacles  which  Mr.  Bergh  had  thrown  in  his  w=
ay,  and  intimated=20
that  if  he  (Berj*h)  would  stick  to  his  own  business,  that  he  (B=
arnnm)  would  run  his  own=20
show,  and  conform  to  the  laws  as  decided  by  a  jury  of  his  coun=
trymen.  In  conclusion  Mr.=20
Barnum  said  :  '  I  now  expect  to  be  arrested,  but  if  I  should  =
be.  I  shall  place  a  hoop  of  fire=20
around  Henry  Bergh  that  will  make  him  warmer  than  he  has  been  i=
n  the  past,  and  probably=20
than  he  ever  will  experience  in  the  future.'=20

"  The  effort  was  received  with  tremendous  cheering.  The  horse  Sal=
amander  was  then=20
brought  into  the  ring  by  Prince  Nagaard,  its  trainer,  and  the  fi=
re  hoops  were  lighted.  Mr.=20
Barnum  ran  his  hand  through  the  blaze,  and  then  stepped  through  =
the  flaming  circle,  hat=20
in  hand.  Ten  clowns  performed  a  number  of  ludicrous  antics  throug=
h  the  hoops,  and  then=20
the  horse  passed  through  without  showing  any  signs  of  fear  and  w=
ithout  singeing  a  hair.=20
Mr.  Barnum  had  not  yet  finished  the  illustration,  however,  for  he=
  requested  Superintendent=20
Hartfield  to  walk  through  the  still  blazing  hoops.  Without  hesitat=
ion  he  did  so,  and  he  got=20
more  applause  than  Mme.  Dockrill  in  her  four-horse  act.  Superinten=
dent  Hartfield  then=20
stated  that  his  superior, Mr.  Bergh,  had  evidently  made  a  mistake =
 in  the  matter;  that  there=20
was  neither  cruelty  nor  danger  in  the  performance,  -iiul  that  the=
  society  had  no  cause  for=20
action.  Amid  the  wildest  excitement  and  cheers  for  the  plucky  Bar=
num,  Capt.  Gunner,=20
looking  somewhat  crestfallen,  withdrew  his  officers,  and  the  show  =
went  on.  Salamander=20
again  went  through  his  tricks  last  night  without  interruption.=20

Although  I  was  forced  to  resent  his  ill-advised  interference  and  =
mistaken=20
accusation,  this  episode  did  not  impair  my  personal  regard  for  Mr=
.  Bergh  and=20
my  admiration  of  his  noble  works.=20

In  the  spring  of  the  same  year,  1880, 1  erected  on  the  principal=
  street  of  Bridge-=20
port a  fine  building  for  business  purposes.  It  was  built  behind  a=
  board  screen  or=20
casing  the  full  height  of  the  structure.  Its  purpose  was  to  prot=
ect  the  workmen=20
and  enable  them  (time  being  an  object)  to  work  regardless  of  inc=
lement  weather,=20
but  when,  the  work  being  finished,  the  screen  was  removed  in  the=
  night-time,=20
and  early  risers  saw,  instead  of  unsightly  boards,  a  handsome  bui=
lding  of  brick,=20
with  granite  and  terra  cotta  ornaments,  and  a  fine  statue  of  Ame=
rica  gazing=20
benignly  down,  from  her  alcove  in  the  second  story,  on  the  wonde=
ring  and  ad-=20
miring crowd  below,  I  was  suspected  of  having  planned  a  very  effe=
ctive  trans-=20
formation scene.=20


324  THE   GREAT   ALLIANCE.=20

So  late  as  1880,  no  traveling  show  in  the  world  bore  any  compar=
ison  with  my=20
justly -called  "  Greatest  Show  on  Earth."  Other  show-managers  boast=
ed  of  own-=20
ing shows  equalling  mine,  and  some  bought  of  the  printers  large  c=
olored  show-=20
bills pictorially  representing  my  marvelous  curiosities,  although  the=
se  managers=20
had  no  performances  or  curiosities  of  the  kinds  which  they  repres=
ented.  The=20
cost  of  one  of  their  shows  was  from  twenty  thousand  to  fifty  th=
ousand  dollars,=20
while  mine  cost  millions  of  dollars.  Their  expenses  were  three  hu=
ndred  to  seven=20
hundred  dollars  per  day,  while  mine  were  three  thousand  dollars  p=
er  day.=20
The  public  soon  discovered  the  difference  between  the  sham  and  th=
e  reality,  the=20
natural  consequences  of  misrepresentation  followed  ;  the  small  show=
men  made=20
little  or  nothing,  some  went  into  bankruptcy  each  season,  while  m=
ine  was=20
always  crowded,  and  each  succeeding  year  showed  a  larger  profit.=
=20

My  strongest  competitors  were  the  so-called  "Great  London  Circus.  =
Sanger's=20
Royal  British  Menagerie  and  Grand  International  Allied  Shows."  Its =
 managers,=20
Cooper,  Bailey  &  Hutchinson,  had  adopted  my  manner  of  dealing =
 with  the=20
public,  and  consequently  their  great  show  grew  in  popularity.=20

On  the  tenth  of  March,  1880,  while  in  Philadelphia,  one  of  their=
  large  ele-=20
phants, Hebe,  became  a  mother.  This  was  the  first  elephant  born  i=
n  captivity,=20
and  the  managers  so  effectively  advertised  the  fact  that  the  publ=
ic  became  wild=20
with  excitement  over  the  "Baby  Elephant."  Naturalists  and  men  of  =
science=20
rushed  in  numbers  to  Philadelphia,  examined  the  wonderful  ' '  litt=
le  stranger  "=20
and  gave  glowing  reports  to  the  papers  of  this  country  and  of  E=
urope.  Illus-=20
trated papers  and  magazines  of  this  and  foreign  lands  described  th=
e  Baby  Ele-=20
phant with  pen  and  pencil,  and  before  it  was  two  months  old  I  o=
ffered  the  lucky=20
proprietors  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  cash  for  mother  and  baby.=
  They  glee-=20
fully rejected  my  offer,  pleasantly  told  me  to  look  to  my  laurels=
,  and  wisely=20
held  on  to  their  treasure.=20

1  found  that  I  had  at  last  met  foemen  "  worthy  of  my  steel,"  =
and  pleased  to=20
find  comparatively  young  men  with  a  business  talent  and  energy  ap=
proximating=20
to  my  own,  I  met  them  in  friendly  council,  and  after  days  of  n=
egotiation  w=C2=AB=20
decided  to  join  our  two  shows  in  one  mammoth  combination,  and,  s=
ink  or  swim,=20
to  exhibit  them  for,  at  least,  one  season  for  one  price  of  admi=
ssion.  The  public=20
were  astonished  at  our  audacity,  and  old  showmen  declared  that  we=
  could  never=20
take  in  enough  money  to  cover  our  expenses,  which  would  be  fully=
  forty -five=20
hundred  dollars  per  day.  My  new  partners,  James  A.  Bailey  and  Ja=
mes  L.=20
Hutchinson,  sagacious  and  practical  managers,  agreed  with  me  that  =
the  experi-=20
ment involved  great  risk,  but,  from  the  time  of  the  Jenny  Lind  C=
oncerts,  the=20
Great  Roman  Hippodrome  and  other  expensive  enterprises,  I  have  alw=
ays  found=20
the  great  American  public  appreciative  and  ready  to  respond  in  pr=
oportion  to=20
the  sums  expended  for  their  gratification  and  amusement.=20

This  partnership  entered  into,  we  conceived  the  idea  of  building  =
a  monster=20
emporium  or  winter  quarters  to  accommodate  all  our  wild  animals,  =
horses,=20
chariots,  railroad  cars,  and  the  immense  paraphernalia  of  the  unit=
ed  shows,  in-=20
stead of  distributing  the  same  in  different  localities.  We  inclosed=
  a  ten-acre  lot=20
in  Bridgeport  adjacent  to  the  New  York,  New  Haven  and  Hartford  R=
ailroad.=20
In  this  inclosure  we  erected  an  elephant  house  one  hundred  feet  =
square,  kept=20
heated  to  the  temperature  naturally  required  by  these  animals.  Her=
e  thirty  to=20
forty  elephants  are  luxuriously  housed  and  trained  to  perform  in  =
a  circus-ring=20
in  the  center.=20


THE   GREAT    ALLIANCE.  335=20

In  another  large  building  the  lions,  tigers  and  leopards,  which  r=
equire  a  differ-=20
ent temperature,  are  lodged  and  trained.  Still  another  accommodates =
 the  camels=20
and  caged  animals.  The  monkeys  have  roomy  quarters  all  to  themsel=
ves,  where=20
they  can  roam  and  work  their  mischievous  will  unrestrained.  The  a=
mphibious=20
animals,  hippopotami,  sea-lions,  etc.,  have  in  their  inclosure  a  h=
uge  pond=20
heated  by  means  of  steam  pipes,  where  the  elephants  are  permitted=
  their  great=20
enjoyment,  a  bath.  A  building  three  hundred  feet  long  covers  eigh=
t  lines  of=20
tracks  where  the  cars  are  stored,  and  these  tracks  are  all  conne=
cted  by  switches=20
with  the  New  York,  New  Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad.  In  a  circus =
 ring=20
exclusively  for  the  purpose  the  riders,  acrobats,  etc.,  practice  i=
n  the  winter,  so=20
as  not  to  lose  their  hard-won  skill  and  suppleness.  The  chariots =
 are  all  placed=20
in  one  huge  store-house,  and  are  run  into  position  by  the  larger=
  elephants,  which,=20
standing  behind  the  chariots,  put  their  heads  against  them,  and,  =
with  wonderful=20
intelligence  and  docility,  push  them  in  place  at  the  direction  of=
  their  keeper.=20
The  elephants  are  always  called  into  requisition  when  a  car  gets =
 off  the  switches,=20
and  indeed  they  do  all  the  heavy  work  of  the  winter  quarters.  A=
  nursery  de-=20
partment maintained  for  the  reception  and  careful  tending  of  new-bo=
rn  animals=20
adjoins  the  office  of  the  veterinary  surgeon.  The  harness,  paint  =
and  blacksmith=20
shops  are  all  immense  and  distinct.  The  accommodations  include  sta=
bling  for=20
seven  hundred  of  our  best  horses,  and  store-rooms  for  canvas,  ten=
t-poles  and  in-=20
numerable properties.  Editors  and  artists  flocked  to  see  the  quickl=
y-famous=20
winter  quarters,  and  well-illustrated  articles  appeared  in  leading  =
periodicals.=20
The  public  also  were  anxious  and  curious  to  see  the  workings  of =
 this  city  of=20
wonders,  but  were  reluctantly  denied  admission,  as  visitors  derange=
d  the  neces-=20
sarily strict  routine  of  the  establishment,  and  were  themselves  in =
 no  little  dan-=20
ger, many  of  the  wild  animals  which  are  perfectly  tractable  when  =
alone  with=20
their  keepers,  being  permitted  to  leave  their  cages  and  frolic  at=
  large  in  their=20
respective  buildings.  The  signs  which  designate  the  different  build=
ings  are=20
visible  from  all  trains  passing  through  Bridgeport.=20

In  November  of  1880,  while  in  New  York  on  business,  I  was  sudde=
nly  attacked=20
by  an  almost  fatal  illness,  and  laid  for  many  weeks  between  life=
  and  death,=20
unconscious  of  the  tender  solicitude  shown  me  by  countless  good  f=
riends  in  this=20
country,  and  the  cable  messages  of  inquiry  that  came  thickly  from=
  others  in=20
foreign  lands ;  the  knowledge  of  all  which  will  be  ever  a  bright=
  and  grateful=20
memory.  Dr.  Chapin,  then  on  his  death-bed,  sent  a  messenger  daily=
  ;  reporters=20
besieged  the  house  at  all  hours,  and  contributed  bulletins  of  my =
 progress  or=20
relapse  to  all  the  principal  New  York  papers  ;  while  the  Associa=
ted  Press  kept=20
the  remoter  public  informed  by  telegraph  of  my  condition.  When  st=
rong=20
enough  I  went  to  Florida,  to  recuperate  in  that  delightful  climat=
e,  returning  in=20
April  to  take  up  my  old  avocations  with  the  old  zest,  and  littl=
e  less  than  the  old=20
strength.=20

The  Barnum  &  London  Circus  opened  in  New  York  March  18,  1881=
,  heralded=20
by  a  torchlight  procession  through  the  city  on  Saturday  night,  Ma=
rch  16th,=20
which  was  witnessed  by  more  than  half  a  million  of  people  and  p=
ronounced  the=20
most  brilliant  display  ever  seen  in  America.  A  New  York  paper  th=
us  described=20
it:=20


326  THE  GREAT  ALLIANCE.=20

The  street  parade  Saturday  nigm  was  the  grandest  pageant  ever  wit=
nessed  in  our=20
streets,  and  fully  met  the  anticipations  of  the  thousands  of  spec=
tators  thronging  the  entire=20
route.  The  whole  equipment  and  display  was  magnificent,  without  a =
 single  weak  feature=20
to  mar  the  general  effect.  The  golden  chariots,  triumphal  and  tab=
leau  cars  were  more=20
numerous,  more  ponderous,  more  elaborate  and  gorgeous  in  finish  th=
an  any  other  establish-=20
ment has  brought  here  ;  the  cages  of  wild  animals  were  more  nume=
rous  than  usual,  many=20
of  them  were  also  open,  and  their  trainers  rode  through  the  stre=
ets  in  the  cages  of  lions,=20
tigers,  leopards,  hyenas  and  monster  serpents.  There  were  cars  dra=
wn  by  teams  of  ele-=20
phants, camels,  dromedaries,  zebras,  elk,  deer  and  ponies.  And  ther=
e  appeared  in  the=20
grand  cavalcade  three  hundred  and  thirty-eight  horses,  twenty  eleph=
ants,  fourteen  camels,=20
jet  black  dromedaries,  a  large  number  of  ponies,  zebras,  trained  =
oxen,  etc.,  also  three  hun-=20
dred and  seventy  men  and  women.  The  cavalry  of  all  nations  was  r=
epresented  in  the=20
various  uniforms  worn,  mounted  upon  superb  chargers,  and  the  costu=
mes  throughout  were=20
brilliant  and  beautiful.  Music  was  furnished  by  four  brass  bands  =
(one  composed  of  gen-=20
uine Indians),  a  caliope,  a  fine  chime  of  bells,  a  steam  organ,  =
a  squad  of  Scotch  bag-pipers,=20
and  a  company  of  genuine  plantation  negro  jubilee  singers.=20

Electric  and  calcium  lights  illuminated  the  whole.  "Windows  were  s=
old  in  New=20
York,  along  Broadway,  for  five  dollars,  eight  dollars  and  ten  dol=
lars,  from  which=20
to  view  the  pageant.  So  certain  were  we  that  this  great  street  =
pageant  and  the=20
marvellous  combination  of  novelties  to  be  produced  throughout  the  =
season,=20
would  totally  eclipse  any  former  show  enterprise,  that  on  Saturday=
,  March  26th,=20
we  brought,  in  drawing-room  cars,  from  Washington,  D.  C. ,  and  Bo=
ston,  and  all=20
the  principal  cities  on  those  routes,  the  editors  of  all  the  lea=
ding  papers.  These=20
gentlemen,  nearly  one  hundred  in  number,  witnessed  the  torchlight  =
procession=20
Saturday  night,  and  our  opening  performance  at  the  Madison  Square =
 Garden=20
Monday  night,  March  28th.  They  were  lodged  at  hotels  at  our  expe=
nse,  and  by=20
us  returned  to  their  homes  on  Tuesday  ;  a  very  costly  piece  of =
 advertising,=20
which  yet  yielded  us  a  magnificent  return  in  the  enthusiastic  edi=
torial  indorse^=20
ments  of  so  many  papers  of  good  standing,  whose  representatives  h=
ad  seen  our=20
show  and  exclaimed  as  did  the  Queen  of  Sheba  to  King  Solomon,  "=
The  half=20
was  not  told  me."=20

The  following  extract  from  the  New  York  Herald  of  March  29th  wil=
l  give=20
some  idea  of  the  variety  and  excellence  of  our  attractions  for  1=
881  :=20

MADISON  SQUARE  GARDEN-BARNUM'S  CIRCUS  AND  SHOW.=20

The  management  at  Madison  Square  Garden  have  redeemed  their  promis=
e  to  give  the=20
public  one  of  the  best  arenic  exhibitions  in  connection  with  a  m=
enagerie  that  ever  has  been=20
witnessed  in  New  York.  Long  before  the  doors  were  opened  they  we=
re  besieged  by=20
anxious  hundreds,  and  at  a  quarter  past  eight  o'clock  there  was  =
scarcely  a  seat  to  be  ob-=20
tained in  the  vast  edifice.  It  was  stated  by  one  of  the  propriet=
ors  that  about  nine  thousand=20
persons  were  present,  and  fully  three  thousand  who  could  not  be  =
accommodated  were=20
refused  admission.  The  spectacle  can  therefore  be  better  imagined  =
than  described.  Indeed=20
it  was  worth  the  price  of  admission  alone  to  see  the  immense  cr=
owd  and  note  the  intense=20
interest  exhibited  by  all  classes  present,  from  the  representatives=
  of  wealth  ;tnd  fashion,=20
who  were  there  in  large  numbers,  to  the  little  arabs  to  whom  a =
 circus  is  a  paradise.  The=20
arrangements  for  the  convenience  of  the  audience  were  in  every  wa=
y  complete.  Each=20
individual  was  provided  with  a  chair,  so  th.it  all  crowding  was  =
avoided,  while  an  ample=20
supply  of  ushers  promptly  and  without  confusion  conducted  the  hold=
ers  of  tickets  to  their=20
respective  places.  Everything  was  new  and  clean,  from  the  costumes=
  to  the  sawdust.  No=20
bad  flavors  disturbed  the  nostrils ;  electric  lights  made  the  audi=
torium  as  bright  as  day ;=20
the  ventilation  was  good  and  a  strong  force  of  police  were  prese=
nt  to  preserve  order  had=20
their  services  been  required.  The  only  drawback  to  the  performance=
  w;is  that  the  spectator=20
was  compelled  to  receive  more  than  his  money's-worth  ;  in  other  =
words,  that  while  his=20
head  was  turned  in  one  direction  he  felt  that  he  was  losing  som=
ething  good  in  another.=20
Three  rings  were  provided,  marked  on  the  programmes  as  Circle  No.=
  1,  No.  2  and  No.  3;=20
the  equestrianism  taking  place  in  the  two  outer  rings  and  the  ce=
ntral  space  being  reserved=20
more  especially  for  what  are  technically  known  as  "ground  acts."  =
The  display  began  with=20
the  usual  'pageant,  in  which  a  vast  number  of  rich'  dresses  and =
 handsome  animals  were=20
exhibited,  after  which  there  was  a  general  introduction  of  the  mo=
st  notable  curiosities,=20
including  General  Tom  Thumb  and  lady,  Chang,  the  Chinese  giant,  t=
he  bearded  woman,=20
the  American  baby  elephant,  giant  horse,  ox,  a  pair  of  giraffes  =
broken  to  harness,  and  other=20
features.  Six  common  plow  oxen  were  next  shown,  after  which  follo=
wed  extraordinary=20
performances  on  horseback,  gymnastic  and  athletic  exercises,  jugglin=
g,  wire-rope  walking,=20
trapeze-flying  and  other  attractions  =E2=80=A2'  too  numerous  to  men=
tion."  Among  the  most  inter-=20
esting portions  of  the  performance  were  the  military  drill  and  oth=
er  feats  by  twenty  trained=20
elephants,  the  balancing  by  a  Japanese  family  and  the  extraordinar=
y  jumping  of  the  group=20
of  leapers  who  ended  the  programme.  The  clowns  wpre  exceptionally =
 good  and  one  or  two=20
quite  original.  Altogether  the  show  is  well  worth  seeing.=20


THE  GREAT  ALLIANCE.  327=20

Very  early  in  the  traveling  season  of  1881,  we  enlarged  our  alre=
ady  immense=20
tents  three  different  times,  and  yet  so  great  was  the  multitude  =
that  attended  our=20
exhibitions =E2=80=94 many  coming  on  excursion  trains  twenty,  thirty =
 and  even  fifty=20
miles =E2=80=94 that  at  half  the  towns  we  visited  we  were  unable  =
to  accommodate  all  who=20
came,  and  we  turned  away  thousands  for  want  of  room.  In  every  t=
own  we  were=20
patronized  by  the  elite,  and  frequently  the  public  and  private  sc=
hools,  as  well  as=20
manufactories,  were  closed  on  "Barnum  Day,  "school  committees  and  =
teachers=20
recognizing  that  children  would  learn  more  of  natural  history  by  =
one  visit  to=20
our  menagerie  than  they  could  acquire  by  months  of  reading.=20

In  Washington  President  Garfleld  told  me  he  always  attended  my  sh=
ows,  and=20
when  Secretary  Blaine  said,  "  Well,  Barnum  !  all  the  children  in=
  America  are=20
anxious  to  see  your  show,"  the  president  smilingly  added,  "Yes  ! =
 Mr.  Barnum=20
is  the  Kris  Kringle  of  America."=20

Sir  Edward  Thornton,  the  British  Ambassador,  secured  seventy-five  s=
eats  at=20
one  of  our  exhibitions  in  Washington,  and  the  next  day  wrote  me =
 a  letter  in=20
which  he  said,  "I  certainly  consider  it  the  best  organized  and  m=
ost  complete=20
establishment  of  that  kind  that  I  have  ever  visited,  and  that  it=
  is  the  most  in-=20
structive and  enjoyable."  General  Sherman  wrote,  "  I  say  without  h=
esitating=20
that  it  surpasses  anything  of  the  kind  I  have  seen  in  America  o=
r  Europe."=20
I  received  the  autographic  indorsements  of  President  Garfield,  Vice=
-president=20
Arthur,  Secretary  Blaine,  McVeagh,  Roscoe  Conkling,  Hunt,  Secretary =
 of  the=20
Navy,  Robert  T.  Lincoln,  T.  L.  James,  Senators  Frye,  Salisbury,  L=
amar  and=20
Platt  of  Connecticut,  Gov.  Hawley  and  most  of  the  foreign  ambassa=
dors,  cabi-=20
net ministers  and  United  States  senators.  The  furore  which  my  show=
  never=20
fails  to  excite  everywhere  was  tersely  and  wittily  expressed  in  a=
  notice  posted=20
up  in  a  factory  in  a  town  which  we  visited  last  season.  "  Clos=
ed  on  account  of=20
the  greatest  interference  on  earth."=20

The  immense  patronage  which  my  own  country  bestows  on  my  efforts =
 is  all=20
that  keeps  me  from  taking  my  big  show  to  Europe,  where  my  name =
 is  as  well-=20
known  as  in  America.=20

For  years  showmen  have  asserted  that  I  did  not  own  my  show ;  ot=
hers  assumed=20
to  be  my  relatives  and  representatives.  Determined  to  put  down  th=
ese  false=20
assertions  and  assumptions  I  sued  the  Philadelphia  Sun  for  $100,00=
0  damages  in=20
April,  1881,  for  saying  that  I  merely  hired  out  my  name.  The  pu=
blisher,  con-=20
vinced of  his  error,  retracted  the  statement  and  apologized.  I  wit=
hdrew  the  suit,=20
having  obtained  all  the  redress  I  desired.  In  May,  1881,  the  des=
ire  to  acquire,=20
for  my  show-season  of  1882,  attractions  which  only  my  personal  ne=
gotiations=20
could  secure,  I  revisited  England,  sailing  in  the  "  Scythia."  Aft=
er  four  pleasant=20
weeks  I  returned  in  the  "  Gallia,"  successful  in  the  object  of  =
my  journey  and=20
invigorated  by  that  finest  of  all  tonics,  a  sea-voyage.  Desiring  =
to  aid  in  beauti-=20
fying the  village  of  Bethel,  it  being  my  birth-place,  from  which  =
a  busy  checkered=20
life  has  never  alienated  my  interest,  I  presented  to  my  old  comp=
anions  a  bronze=20
fountain  eighteen  feet  high,  made  in  Germany;  the  design  a  Triton=
  of  heroic=20
size,  spouting  water  from  an  uplifted  horn.  It  was  a  gala  day  f=
or  Bethel,  the=20
streets  and  residences  were  decorated  with  flags  and  bunting,  a  p=
rocession  of=20
police,  fire  companies  with  their  engines,  bands  of  music,  citizen=
s  and  invited=20
guests  in  carriages,  etc.,  paraded  the  town,  and  they  formed  in  =
line  around  the=20
square,  newly  adorned  by  the  fountain.  All  of  which  was  described=
,  and  the=20
fountain  illustrated  in  Frank  Leslie's  Illustrated  Newspaper  of  .Se=
pt.  3,  1881.=20
From  a  grand  stand  many  speeches  were  made,  and  as  my  old  frien=
ds  would  not=20


328  THE    GREAT   ALLIANCE.=20

permit  me  to  be  merely  a  listener  and  looker-on,  and  as  reminisc=
ences  of  the  old=20
days  presented  themselves  thickly  in  my  mind,  in  wide  and  often  =
amusing  con-=20
trasts to  the  customs  and  conditions  of  to-day,  I  addressed  them.=
=20

"  My  Friendt :  Among  all  the  varied  scenes  of  an  active  and  eve=
ntjul  life,  crowded  with=20
strange  incidents  of  struggle  and  excitement,  of  joy  and  sorrow,  =
taking  me  oHen  through=20
foreign  lands  and  bringing  me  face  to  face  with  the  king  in  his=
  palace  and  the  peasant=20
in  his  turf-covered  hut,  I  have  invariably  cherished  with  the  mos=
t  affectionate  remembrance=20
the  place  of  my  birth,  the  old  village  meeting-house,  without  ste=
eple  or  bell,  where  in  its=20
square  family  pew  I  sweltered  in  summer  and  shivered  through  my  =
Sunday-school  lessons=20
in  winter,  and  the  old  school-house  where  the  ferule,  the  birchen=
  rod  and  rattan  did  active=20
duty,  and  which  I  deserved  and  received  a  liberal  share.  I  am  s=
urprised  to  find  that  I  can=20
distinctly  remember  events  which  occurred  before  I  was  four  years =
 old.=20

"  I  can  see  as  if  but  yesterday,  pur  hardworking  mothers  hetchel=
ing  their  flax,  carding=20
their  tow  and  wool,  spinning,  reeling  and  weaving  it  into  fabrics=
  for  bedding  and  clothing=20
for  all  the  family  of  both  sexes.  The  same  good  mothers  did  the=
  knitting,  darning,  mend-=20
ing, washing,  ironing,  cooking,  soap  and  candle  making,  picked  the =
 geese,  milked  the  cows,=20
made  butter  and  cheese  and  did  many  other  things  for  the  support=
  of  the  family.=20

"  We  babies  of  1810,  when  at  home,  were  dressed  in  tow  frocks, =
 and  the  garments  of  our=20
elders  were  not  much  superior,  except  oa  Sunday,  when  they  wore  =
their  "go-to-meeting=20
clothes"  of  homespun  and  linsey-woolsey.=20

"  Rain  water  was  caught  and  used  for  washing,  while  that  for  dr=
inking  and  cooking  was=20
drawn  irom  wells  with  their  "old  oaken  bucket"  and  long  poles  an=
d  well  sweeps.=20

"  Fire  was  kept  over  night  by  banking  up  the  brands  in  allies  =
in  the  fire-place,  and  if  it=20
A'ent  out  one  neighbor  would  visit  another  about  daylight  the  nex=
t  morning  with  a  pair  of=20
tongs  to  borrow  a  coal  of  fire  to  kindle  with.  Our  candles  were=
  tallow,  home-made,  with=20
dark  tow  wicks.  In  Bummer  nearly  all  retired  to  rest  at  early  d=
ark  without  lighting  a  can-=20
dle except  upon  extraordinary  occasions.  Home-made  soft-soap  was  use=
d  for  washing=20
hands,  faces  and  everything  else.  The  children  of  families  in  ord=
inary  circumstances  ate=20
their  meals  on  trenchers  (wooden  plates).  As  I  grew  older  our  fa=
mily  and  others  got  an=20
extravagant  streak,  discarded  the  trenchers  and  rose  to  the  dignit=
y  of  pewter  plates  and=20
leaden  spoons.  Tin  peddlers  who  traveled  through  the  country  with =
 their  wagons  supplied=20
these  and  other  luxuries.  Our  food  consisted  chiefly  of  boiled  an=
d  baked  beans,  bean  por-=20
ridge, coarse  rye  bread,  apple  sauce,  hasty  pudding  eaten  in  milk,=
  of  which  we  all  had=20
plenty.  The  elder  portion  of  the  family  ate  meat  twice  a  day=E2=
=80=94 had  plenty  of  vegetables.=20
fish  of  their  own  catching,  and  occasionally  big  clams,  which  wer=
e  cheap  in  those  days,  and=20
shad  in  their  season.  These  were  brought  from  Norwalk  and  Bridgep=
ort  by  fish  and  clam=20
peddlers.  Uncle  Caleb  Morgan  of  Wolfpits  or  Puppytown,  was  our  on=
ly  butcher.  He=20
peddled  his  meat  through  Bethel  once  a  week.  It  consisted  mostly =
 of  veal,  lamb,  mutton=20
or  fresh  pork,  seldom  bringing  more  than  one  kind  at  a  time.  Pr=
obably  he  did  not  have=20
beef  oftener  than  once  a  month.  Many  families  kept  sheep,  pigs  a=
nd  poultry,  and  one  or=20
more  cows.  They  had  plenty  of  plain  substantial  food.  Droves  of  =
hogs  ran  at  large  in  the=20
streets  of  Bethel.=20

"  When  one  of  the  neighbors  wanted  to  feed  his  hogs  he  went  ou=
t  in  the  street  and  called=20
=E2=80=A2  Pig,1  which  was  pretty  sure  to  bring  in  all  the  other =
 hogs  in  the  neighborhood.  I  remem-=20
ber one  man,  called  '  Old  Chambers,'  who  had  no  trouble  in  this =
 respect,  and  he  was  the=20
only  one  excepted  from  it.  He  had  a  peculiar  way  of  getting  his=
  hogs  from  the  general=20
drove.  When  he  wanted  them  he  would  go  out  into  the  street  and =
 shout  Hoot !  hoot !=20
hoot !  At  this  cry  all  the  hogs  but  his  own  would  run  away,  bu=
t  they  understood  the  cry=20
and  would  stand  still  and  take  the  meal.=20

"Our  dinners  several  times  each  week  consisted  of  "pot  luck,"  whi=
ch  was  corned  beef,=20
salt  pork  and  vegetables,  all  boiled  together  in  the  same  big  ir=
on  pot  hanging  from  the=20
crane  which  was  supplied  with  iron  hooks  and  trammels  and  swung  =
in  and  out  of  the  huge=20
fire-place.  In  the  same  pot  with  the  salt  pork,  potatoes,  turnips=
,  parsnips,  beets,  carrots,=20
cabbage  and  sometimes  onions,  was  placed  un  Indian  pudding,  consis=
ting  of  plain  Indian=20
meal  mixed  in  water,  pretty  thick,  salted  and  poured  into  a  home=
-made  brown  linen  bag=20
which  was  tied  at  the  top.  When  dinner  was  ready  the  Indian  pud=
ding  \rasjirft  taken  from=20
the  pot,  slipped  out  of  the  bag  and  eaten  with  molasses.  Then  f=
ollowed  the  "pot-luck.'1=20
I  confess  I  like  to  this  day  the  old-fashioned  "  boiled  dinner,"=
  but  doubt  whether  I  should=20
relish  a  sweetened  dessert  before  my  meat.  Rows  of  sausages  calle=
d  "  links  "  hung  in  the=20
garret,  were  dried  and  lasted  all  winter.=20

"  I  remember  them  well,  and  the  treat  it  was  when  a  boy,  to  h=
ave  one  of  these  links  to=20
take  to  school  to  eat.  At  noon  we  children  would  gather  about  t=
he  great  fire-place,  and=20
having  cut  a  long  stick  w-onld  push  the  sharpened  end  through  th=
e  link,  giving  it  a  sort  of=20
cat-tail  appearance.  The  link  we  would  hold  in  the  fire  until  it=
  was  cooked,  and  would=20
then  devour  it  with  a  keen  relish.=20

"  There  were  but  few  wagons  or  carriages  in  Bethel  when  I  was  =
a  boy.  Our  grists  of=20
grain  were  taken  to  the  mill  in  bags  on  horseback,  and  the  wome=
n  rode  to  church  on  Sun-=20
days and  around  the  country  on  week  days  on  horseback,  usually  on=
  a  cushion  called  a  pil-=20
lion fastened  behind  the  saddle,  the  husband,  father,  brother  or  l=
over  riding  in  front  on  the=20
saddle.  The  country  doctor  visited  his  patients  on  horseback,  carr=
ying  his  saddle-bags=20
containing  calomel,  jalap,  Epsom  salts,  lancet  and  a  turnkey,  thos=
e  being  the  principal  aids=20
in  relieving  the  sick.  Nearly  every  person  sick  or  well  was  bled=
  every  spring.=20


s=20


BRONZE   FOUNTAIN    PRESENTED   TO    MY   NATIVE   TOWN.=20


THE   GREAT   ALLIANCE.  320=20

"  Teeth  were  pulled  with  a  turnkey,  and  a  dreadful  instrument  it=
  was  in  looks,  and  terri-=20
ble in  execution.  I  can  remember  that  ouce  I  had  a  convenient  to=
othache.  Like  many=20
other  boys  I  had  occasions,  when  school  was  distasteful  to  me,  a=
nd  the  hunting  for  birch  or=20
berries,  or  going  after  fish  were  more  of  a  delight  than  the  st=
ruggle  after  knowledge.=20
Tuis  toothache  struck  in  on  a  Monday  morning  in  ample  time  to  c=
over  the  school  hour.  I=20
was  in  great  pain,  and  held  on  to  my  jaw  with  a  severe  grip.  =
My  mother's  sympathetic=20
nature  permitted  me  to  stay  at  home  with  the  pain.  My  father  wa=
s  of  rather  sterner  stuff.=20
He  didn't  discover  I  was  out  of  school  until  the  second  day.  Wh=
en  he  found  out  I  had  the=20
teethache,  he  wanted  to  see  the  tooth.  1  pointed  out  one,  and  h=
e  examined  it  carefully.=20
He  said  it  was  a  perfectly  sound  tooth,  but  he  didn't  doubt  but=
  it  pained  very  much,  and=20
must  be  dreadful  to  bear,  but  he  would  have  something  done  for  =
it.  He  gave  me  a  note  to=20
Dr.  Tyle  Taylor.  Dr.  Tyle  read  the  note,  looked  at  the  tooth,  a=
nd  then,  getting  down  the=20
dreadful  turnkey,  growled,  "  Sit  down  there,  and  I'll  have  that  =
tooth  out  of  there,  or  I'll=20
yank  your  young  head  o!f."  I  did  not  wait  for  the  remedy,  but  =
left  for  home  at  the  top  of=20
my  speed=E2=80=94 and  have  not  had  the  toothache  since.=20

"  I  remember  seeing  my  father  and  our  neighbors  put  through  mili=
tary  drill  every  day  by=20
Capt.  Noah  Ferry  in  1814,  for  the  war  with  Great  Britain  of  181=
2-15.=20

"  My  uncles,  aunts  and  others,  when  I  was  a  child,  often  spoke =
 about  ravages  of  Indians=20
from  which  their  ancestors  had  suffered,  and  numbers  of  them  reme=
mbered  and  described=20
the  burning  of  Danbury  by  the  British  in  1777.=20

"  One  season  I  attended  the  private  school  of  Laureus  P.  Hickok =
 (now  Prof.  Hickok),  in=20
which  his  sweetheart,  Eliza  Taylor,  was  also  a  scholar.  One  day  =
he  threw  a  ruler  at  my=20
head.  I  dodged,  and  it  struck  Eliza  in  the  face.  He  quietly  apo=
logized  and  said  she  might=20
apply  that  to  some  other  time  when  she  might  deserve  it.  He  and=
  his  wife  are  still  living=20
in  Andover,  Mass.,  a  happy  grey-haired  old  couple  of  eighty  or  m=
ore.=20

"  Eliza's  father,  Esquire  Tom  Taylor,  sometimes  wore  white-topped  =
boots.  He  was  a=20
large,  majestic-looking  man,  of  great  will-force,  and  was  considere=
d  the  richest  man  in=20
Bethel.  Mr.  Eli  Judd  was  marked  second  in  point  of  wealth.  Every=
  year  I  took  twelve=20
dollars  to  Esquire  Tom  Taylor  to  pay  the  interest  on  a  two  hund=
red  dollar  note  which  my=20
father  owed  him.  I  also  annually  carried  four  dollars  and  fifty  =
cents  to  Eli  Judd  for  interest=20
on  a  seventy-five  dollar  note  which  he  held  against  my  father.  A=
s  these  wealthy  men=20
quietly  turned  over  each  note  filed  away  in  a  small  package  till=
  they  found  the  note  of  my=20
father,  and  then  indorsed  the  interest  thereon,  I  trembled  with  a=
we  to  think  I  stood  in  the=20
presence  of  such  wonderfully  rich  men.  It  was  estimated  that  the =
 richer  of  them  was=20
actually  worth  three  thousand  dollars  !=20

"Esquire  Tom  made  quite  a  revolution  here  by  one  act.  He  got  tw=
o  yards  of  figured  car-=20
pet to  put  down  in  front  of  his  bed  in  the  winter,  because  the =
 bare  board  floor  was  too  cold=20
for  his  feet,  while  he  was  dressing.  This  was  a  big  event  in  t=
he  social  life  of  that  day,  and=20
Esquire  Tom  was  thought  to  be  putting  on  airs  which  his  great  w=
ealth  alone  permitted.=20

"  When  I  was  but  ten  years  old,  newspapers  came  only  once  a  we=
ek.=20

"  The  man  who  brought  us  the  week's  papers  came  up  from  Norwalk=
,  and  drove  through=20
this  section  with  newspapers  for  subscribers  and  pins  and  needles =
 for  customers.  He  was=20
called  Uncle  Siiliman.  I  can  remember  well  his  weekly  visit  throu=
gh  Bethel,  and  his  queer=20
cry.  Oncoming  to  a  house  or  village  he  would  shout  'News!  Newsl =
 The  Lord  reigns!'=20
One  time  he  passed  our  school-house  when  a  snow  storm  was  prevai=
ling.  He  shouted  :=20
'News!  News!  The  Lord  reigns =E2=80=94 and  snows  a  little.1=20

"It  took  two  days,  and  sometimes  more,  to  reach  New  York  from  B=
ethel  or  Danbury.=20
My  father  drove  a  freight  or  market  wagon  from  Bethel  to  Norwalk=
.  Stage  passengers  for=20
New  York  took  sloop  at  Norwalk,  sometimes  arriving  in  New  York  t=
he  next  morning,  but=20
were  often  detained  by  adverse  winds  several  days.=20

"  Everybody  had  barrels  of  cider  in  their  cellars  and  drank  cide=
r=E2=80=94 spirits  called  "  gump-=20
tion." Professors  of  religion  and  the  clergy  all  drank  liquor.  The=
y  drunk  it  in  all  the  hat=20
and  comb  shops,  the  farmers  had  it  at  hay  and  harvest  times.  Ev=
ery  sort  of  excuse  was=20
made  for  being  treated.  A  new  journeyman  must  give  a  pint  or  qu=
art  of  rum  to  pay  his=20
footing.  If  a  man  had  a  new  coat  he  must  "  sponge "  it  by  tre=
ating.  Even  at  funerals  the=20
clergy,  mourners  and  friends  drank  liquor.  At  public  veudues  the  =
auctioneer  held  a  bottle=20
of  liquor  in  Ins  hand  and  when  bidding  lagged  he  would  cry  "  a=
  dram  to  the  next  bidder,"=20
the  bid  would  be  raised  a  cent  and  the  bidder  would  take  his  d=
ram  boldly  and  be  the  envy=20
of  most  of  the  others.=20

"The  public  whippingpost  and  imprisonment  ior  debt  both  flourished =
 in  Bethel  in  my=20
youthful  days.  Suicides  were  buried  at  cross-roads.  How  blessed  ar=
e  we  to  live  in  a  more=20
charitable  and  enlightened  age,  to  enjoy  the  comforts  and  convenie=
nces  of  modern  tunes=20
and  to  realize  that  the  world  is  continually  growing  wiser  and  b=
etter.=20

"  I  sincerely  congratulate  my  native  village  on  her  character  for=
  temperance,  industry=20
=E2=80=A2and  other  good  qualities.=20

"And  now,  my  friends,  I  t;ike  very  great  pleasure  in  presenting  =
this  fountain  to  the  town=20
and  borough  of  Bethel  as  a  small  evidence  of  the  love  which  I  =
bear  them  and  the  respect=20
which  I  feel  for  my  successors,  the  present  and  future  citizens  =
of  my  native  village.=20

Our  Great  Barnum-London  Show  closed  its  season  at  Newport,  Arkansa=
s,=20
November  12,  1881,  from  whence  it  came  direct  to  its  Winter  Quar=
ters,  at  Bridge-=20
port, arriving  on  the  morning  of  November  nineteenth.  The  entire  s=
how  trav-=20
eled,' during  the  season  of  thirty-three  weeks,  12,266  miles.  Bay  =
City,  Michigan,=20
was  the  furthest  point  north  which  the  Show  visited.  Bangor,  Main=
e,  the=20
further  east ;  Galveston,  Texas,  the  furthest  south,  and  Omaha,  Ne=
braska,  the=20
furthest  west.=20


CHAPTER    LI  I.=20

TWO   FAMOUS    ELEPHANTS.=20

On  February  2, 1882,  "  Queen,"  one  of  my  twenty-two  elephants  gav=
e  birth  to  a=20
young  one  at  our  "  winter-quarters  "  in  Bridgeport.  The  event  ha=
d  long  been  an-=20
ticipated and  thoroughly  published  throughout  America  and  Europe.  Sc=
ientists,=20
all  over  the  country,  had  been  informed  that  the  period  of  gesta=
tion  being=20
known  to  be  about  twenty  months,  a  "Baby  Elephant"  might  be  expe=
cted=20
early  in  February.  The  public  press,  naturalists,  college  professor=
s  and  agents=20
of  zoological  gardens  in  Europe  were  on  the  qui  vive,  and  when  =
the  interesting=20
event  was  imminent  it  was;  telegraphed  through  the  associated  pres=
s  to  all  parts=20
of  the  United  States,  and  about  sixty  scientists,  medical  men  and=
  reporters=20
arrived  in  time  to  be  present  at  the  birth.  The  next  morning  mo=
re  than  fifty=20
columns  of  details  of  the  birth,  weight  and  name  of  the  Baby  El=
ephant  appeared=20
in  the  American  papers,  and  notices  cabled  to  London  and  Paris  a=
ppeared  in  the=20
morning  papers.  As  this  was  the  second  elephant  ever  born  in  cap=
tivity,  either=20
in  America  or  Europe,  it  created  a  great  sensation.  Its  weight  w=
as  only  one=20
hundred  and  forty-five  pounds  at  birth.  We  named  it  "Bridgeport," =
 after  the=20
place  of  its  nativity  and  of  my  residence.=20

We  opened  our  Great  Show  for  the  season  of  1SS2  on  Monday,  Marc=
h  13th,  in=20
Madison  Square  Garden,  New  York  City,  having  given  an  illuminated =
 street=20
pageant  the  preceding  Saturday  evening,  which  eclipsed  all  similar =
 exhibitions=20
ever  witnessed  in  America.  The  fame  of  the  "Baby  Elephant"  had  c=
reated=20
quite  a  furore  in  the  public  mind,  and  from  the  very  first  nigh=
t  of  opening,  our=20
efforts  were  crowned  with  success  totally  unprecedented  in  the  sho=
w  business.=20
Day  after  day,  and  night  after  night,  we  turned  away  multitudes  =
for  want  of=20
room.=20

' '  Jumbo,"  the  largest  elephant  ever  seen,  either  wild  or  in  ca=
ptivity,  had  been  for=20
many  years  one  of  the  chief  attractions  of  the  Royal  Zoological  =
Gardens,  London.=20
I  had  often  looked  wistfully  on  Jumbo,  but  with  no  hope  of  ever=
  getting  posses-=20
sion of  him,  as  I  knew  him  to  be  a  great  favorite  of  Queen  Vic=
toria,  whose=20
children  and  grandchildren  are  among  the  tens  of  thousands  of  Bri=
tish  juveniles=20
whom  Jumbo  has  carried  on  his  back.  I  did  not  suppose  he  would =
 ever  be=20
sold.  But  one  of  my  agents,  who  made  tho  tour  of  Europe  in  the=
  summer=20
and  autumn  of  1881  in  search  of  novelties  for  our  big  show,  was=
  so  struck=20
with  the  extraordinary  size  of  the  majestic  Jumbo  that  he  venture=
d  to=20
ask  my  friend,  Mr.  Bartlett,  Superintendent  of  the  Zoological  Gard=
ens,  if  he=20
would  sell  Jumbo.  The  presumption  of  my  agent  startled  Mr.  Bartle=
tt,  and  at=20
first  he  replied  rather  sarcastically  in  the  negative,  but  my  age=
nt  pushed  the=20
question  and  said,  "Mr.  Barnum  would  pay  a  round  price  for  him."=
  Further=20
conversation  led  my  agent  to  think  that  possibly  an  offer  of  $10=
,000  might  be=20
entertained.  He  cabled  me  to  that  effect,  to  which  I  replied :  "=
1  will  give  ten=20
thousand  dollars  for  Jumbo,  but  the  Zoo  will  never  sell  him."  Tw=
o  days  after-=20
wards my  agent  cabled  me  that  my  offer  of  $10,000  for  Jumbo  was =
 accepted,  I=20
to  take  him  in  the  Garden  as  he  stood.  The  next  day  I  dispatch=
ed  Mr.  Davis  by=20
steamer  to  London,  with  a  bank  draft  for  =C2=A32000  sterling,  pay=
able  to  the  order  of=20

330=20


TWO    FAMOUS    ELEPHANTS.  331=20

the  Treasurer  of  the  Royal  Zoological  Gardens,  London.  From  that  =
time  an  ex-=20
citement prevailed  and  increased  throughout  Great  Britain  which,  for=
  a  cause  so=20
comparatively  trivial,  has  never  had  a  parallel  in  any  civilized  =
country.  The=20
council  and  directors  of  the  Royal  Zoo  were  denounced  in  strong  =
terms  for  having=20
sold  Jumbo  to  the  famous  Yankee  showman,  Barnum.  The  newspapers,  =
from=20
the  London  Times  down,  daily  thundered  anathemas  against  the  sale,=
  and  their=20
columns  teemed  with  communications  from  statesmen,  noblemen  and  per=
sons  of=20
distinction  advising  that  the  bargain  should  be  broken  at  all  ris=
k,  and  promising=20
that  the  money  would  be  contributed  by  the  British  public  to  pay=
  any  damages=20
which  might  be  awarded  to  Barnum  by  the  courts.  It  is  said  that=
  the  Queen=20
and  the  Prince  of  Wales  both  asked  that  this  course  should  be  a=
dopted. .  I  re-=20
ceived scores  of  letters  from  ladies  and  children,  beseeching  me  t=
o  let  Jumbo=20
remain,  and  to  name  what  damages  I  required  and  they  should  be  =
paid.  Mr.=20
Laird,  the  ship-builder,  wrote  me  from  Birkenhead  that  England  was=
  as  able  to=20
pay  "  Jumbo  claims  "  as  she  was  to  pay  the  "  Alabama  claims," =
 and  it  would  be=20
done  if  I  would  only  desist  and  name  my  terms.  All  England  seem=
ed  to  run=20
mad  about- Jumbo;  pictures  of  Jumbo,  the  life  of  Jumbo,  a  pamphle=
t  headed=20
"Jumbo-Barnum,"  and  all  sorts  of  Jumbo  stories  and  poetry,  Jumbo  =
Hats,=20
Jumbo  Collars,  Jumbo  Cigars,  Jumbo  Neckties,  Jumbo  Fans,  Jumbo  Pol=
kas,  etc.,=20
were  sold  by  the  tens  of  thousands  in  the  stores  and  streets  of=
  London  and  other=20
British  cities.  Meanwhile  the  London  correspondents  of  the  leading =
 American=20
newspapers  cabled  columns  upon  the  subject,  describing  the  sentimen=
tal  Jumbo=20
craze  which  had  seized  upon  Great  Britain.  These  facts  stirred  up=
  the  excite-=20
ment in  the  United  States,  and  the  American  newspapers,  and  scores=
  of  letters=20
sent  to  me  daily,  urged  me  not  to  give  up  Jumbo.=20

The  editor  of  the  London  Daily  Telegraph  cabled  me  to  name  a  pr=
ice  for  which=20
I  would  cancel  the  sale,  and  permit  Jumbo  to  remain  in  London  :=
=20

LONDON,  February  22.=20
P.  T.  Barnum,  ff.  Y.:=20

Editor's  compliments ;  all  British  children  distressed  at  Elephant's=
  departure  ;  hundreds=20
of  correspondents  beg  us  to  inquire  on  what  terms  you  will  kindl=
y  return  Jumbo.  Answer,=20
prepaid,  unlimited.=20

LESARGE,  Daily  Telegraph.=20

I  cabled  back  as  follows  :=20

NEW  YORK,  February  23,  1882.=20
To  Letarge,  Daily  Telegraph,  London  :=20

My  compliments  to  Editor  Daily  Telegraph  and  British  Nation.  Fifty=
-one  millions  of=20
American  citizens  anxiously  awaiting  Jumbo's  arrival.  My  forty  year=
s'  invariable  practice=20
of  exhibiting  the  best  that  money  could  procure,  makes  Jumbo's  pr=
esence  here  imperative.=20
Hundred  thousand  pounds  would  be  no  inducement  to  cancel  purchase.=
  My  largest  tent=20
seats  20,000  persons,  and  is  filled  twice  each  day.  It  contains  =
four  rings,  in  three  of  which=20
three  full  circus  companies  give  different  performances  simultaneous=
ly.=20

In  the  large  outer  ring,  or  racing  track,  the  Roman  Hippodrome  i=
s  exhibited.  In  two=20
other  immense  connecting  tents  my  colossal  Zoological  collection  an=
d  museum  are  shown.=20
*  *  *  *  *  wishing  long  life  and  prosperity  to  British  Nation  a=
nd  Telegraph=20
and  Jumbo,  I  am  the  public's  obedient  servant,=20

P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

This  dispatch  was  published  in  the  London  Daily  Telegraph  the  nex=
t  morning,=20
and  was  sent  by  the  London  Associated  press  to  the  principal  new=
spapers  through-=20
out Great  Britain,  which  republished  it  the  following  day,  giving  =
the  excitement=20
an  immense  impetus.  Crowds  of  men,  women  and  children  rushed  to  =
the  "  Zoo  "=20
to  see  dear  old  Jumbo  for  the  last  time,  and  the  receipts  at  t=
he  gates  were  aug-=20
mented nearly  two  thousand  dollars  per  day.  A  "  fellow  "  or  stoc=
kholder  of  the=20
Royal  Zoo  sued  out  an  injunction  in  the  Chancery  Court  against  t=
he  "council-=20
lors "  of  the  Zoo  and  myself  to  quash  the  sale.  After  a  hearing=
,  which  occupied  two=20
days,  the  sale  was  declared  valid,  and  Jumbo  was  decided  to  be  =
my  property..=20


332  TWO    FAMOUS    ELEPHANTS.=20

The  fateful  day  arrived  when  Jumbo  was  to  bid  farewell  to  the  Z=
oo,  and  then=20
came  the  tug  of  war.  The  unfamiliar  street  waked  in  Jumbo's  brea=
st  the=20
timidity  which  is  so  marked  a  feature  of  elephant  character.  He  =
trumpeted=20
with  alarm,  turned  to  re-enter  the  Gardens,  and,  finding  the  gate=
  closed,  laid=20
down  on  the  pavement.  His  cries  of  fright  sounded  to  the  uniniti=
ated  like=20
cries  of  grief,  and  quickly  attracted  a  crowd  of  sympathizers.  Br=
itish  hearts=20
were  touched,  British  tears  flowed  for  the  poor  beast  who  was  so=
  unwilling  to=20
leave  his  old  home.  Persuasion  had  no  effect  in  inducing  him  to =
 rise,  force  was=20
not  permitted,  and  indeed  it  would  have  been  a  puzzle  what  force=
  to  apply  to  so=20
huge  a  creature.  My  agent,  dismayed,  cabled  me,  "Jumbo  has  laid  =
down  in=20
the  street  and  won't  get  up.  What  shall  we  do  '. "  I  replied,  =
"  Lot  him  lie  there=20
a  week  if  he  wants  to.  It  is  the  best  advertisement  in  the  wor=
ld."  After=20
twenty -four  hours  the  gates  of  his  paradise  were  reopened  and  Ju=
mbo  allowed=20
to  return  to  his  old  quarters,  while  my  agents  set  to  work  to  =
secure  him  by=20
strategy.  A  huge  iron-bound  cage  was  constructed  with  a  door  at  =
each  end=20
and  mounted  on  broad  wheels  of  enormous  strength.  This,  with  the =
 doors=20
openj  was  backed  up  against  the  door  entrance  to  Jumbo's  den,  an=
d  the  wheels=20
sunk  so  that  the  floor  of  the  cage  was  on  a  level  with  that  o=
f  the  elephant's.  A=20
passageway  was  thus  formed  through  which  Jumbo  must  pass  to  reach=
  the=20
outer  air.  After  much  hesitation,  he  was  persuaded  to  follow  nis =
 keeper,  Scott=20
through  this  cage  to  take  his  daily  airing.  For  several  days  thi=
s  ruse  wa:=20
repeated,  then,  as  he  entered  the  cage,  the  door  behind  him  was =
 swiftly  closed,=20
then  the  door  in  front  of  him,  and  Jumbo  was  mine.=20


On  account  of  the  national  interest  manifested  in  "Jumbo,"  we  pre=
sume  the  "  British=20
Lion  "  is  for  the  time  forgotten  ;  and  we  therefore  suggest  the=
  above  as  the  most  appropri-=20
ate coat-of-arms  for  England.=E2=80=94 London  Fun.=20

Meanwhile  Jumbo  came  up  in  Parliament,  where  the  President  of  the=
  Board=20
of  Trade  was  questioned  in  regard  to  precautions  being  taken  to  =
protect  the=20
passengers  on  shipboard.  Mr.  Lowell,  our  American  Minister  to  the =
 Court  of=20


TWO    FAMOUS    ELEPHANTS.  333=20

St.  James,  in  a  speech  given  at  a  public  banquet  in  London,  pla=
yfully  remarked,=20
"the  only  burning  question  between  England  and  America  is  Jumbo." =
 The=20
London  Graphic,  Illustrated  News,  Punch,  and  all  the  London  papers=
  published=20
scores  of  pictures  and  descriptions  of  Jumbo,  in  prose  and  poetry=
,  for  several=20
weeks  in  succession.=20

On  the  morning  of  his  capture,  March  25,  1882,  the  wheels  of  hi=
s  cage  were=20
dug  free  of  the  ground,  twenty  horses  attached,  and  in  the  compa=
rative  silence=20
of  the  following  night,  Jumbo  was  dragged  miles  to  the  steamship,=
  Assyrian=20
Monarch,  where  quarters  had  been  prepared  for  him  by  cutting  away=
  one  of=20
the  decks.  The  Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Animals  =
hovered  over=20
Jumbo  to  the  last,  and  titled  ladies  and  little  children  brought =
 to  the  ship=20
baskets  of  dainties  for  Jumbo's  consumption  during  the  voyage.=20

After  a  rough  passage  he  arrived  in  New  York,  in  good  condition,=
  Sunday=20
morning,  April  9th,  and  next  day  was  placed  on  exhibition  in  the=
  menagerie=20
department  of  our  Great  Show  where  he  created  such  a  sensation  t=
hat  in  the=20
next  two  weeks  the  receipts  in  excess  of  the  usual  amount  more  =
than  repaid=20
us  the  $30,000  his  purchase  and  removal  had  cost  us.  Being  a  li=
ttle  wearied=20
after  the  excitement  of  this  achievement,  and  knowing  well  that  t=
here  is  no=20
rest  and  recuperative  like  a  sea  voyage,  I  sailed  with  my  wife  =
in  the  City  of=20
Rome,  for  Liverpool,  the  latter  part  of  May.  We  spent  most  of  o=
ur  time  at=20
the  home  of  my  wife's  parents  in  Lancashire,  making  brief  trips  =
to  London,=20
visits  made  pleasant  by  the  social  attentions  of  old  friends.  I  =
was  present  at=20
the  dinner  given  by  Mr.  Henry  Irving,  the  eminent  actor,  on  the =
 stage  of  his=20
Lyceum  Theatre,  June  25th.  About  seventy  gentlemen  of  note  were  p=
resent,=20
including  Lord  Lytton,  the  Lord  Mayor  Sir  Julius  Benedict,  Dion  B=
oucicault,=20
etc.  The  banquet  was  enlivened  by  speeches,  and  much  humor  and  r=
epartee.=20
The  Lord  Mayor  jocosely  asked  me  what  countryman  I  was.  I  replie=
d,  "A=20
Yankee."  Augustus  Sala,  whose  ready  wit  is  proverbial,  immediately =
 said,  "  I=20
can  prove  that  Barnum  is  more  English  than  American."  "How  is  th=
at  ?"=20
asked  Mr.  Henry  Irving.  "  Because  his  better-half  is  English,"  wa=
s  the  famous=20
editor's  reply.=20

I  also  attended,  by  special  invitation,  a  grand  Military  Tournamen=
t  at  the=20
Agricultural  Hall,  at  which  the  Prince  and  Princess  of  Wales,  the=
  Duke  of=20
Cambridge,  and  other  members  of  the  Royal  Family,  were  present.  M=
y  seat=20
was  located  within  a  few  feet  of  the  Royal  box.  During  the  ente=
rtainment,=20
some  sixty  of  the  Royal  Life  Guards,  mounted  on  their  jet-black  =
steeds,  gave=20
what  is  called  the  ' '  Musical  Ride,"  consisting  of  an  ingenious =
 and  exciting  series=20
of  marches,  countermarches,  evolutions  and  figures,  not  unlike  thos=
e  presented=20
in  the  ' '  grand  entrees  "  of  my  circus  rings.  The  large  area  =
of  the  Agricultural=20
Hall  gave  space  for  elaboration.  When  I  was  pointed  out  to  the  =
Prince  of=20
Wales  and  the  Duke  of  Cambridge,  they  rose  and  gave  me  a  good  =
stare,  and=20
then  smilingly  conversed.  I  fancy  that,  remembering  my  success  in =
 securing=20
"Jumbo,"  these  royal  personages  were  wondering  whether  I  contemplat=
ed=20
coming  down  with  a  swoop  and  carrying  the  Royal  Life  Guards  off =
 to  America '=20

The  success  of  the  Great  Show  during  the  season  of  1882  is  well=
  and  briefly=20
chronicled  in  the  following  extract  :=20


334  TWO    FAMOUS    ELEPHANTS.=20

[From  Harper's  Weekly,  November  4, 1882.]=20

Few  persons,  ontside  of  those  immediately  engaged  in  its  managemen=
t,  have  any  idea  of=20
the  vast  amount  of  labor  and  money  required  to  run  a  first-class=
  circus.  Mr.  Barnum,=20
having  recently  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  interviewers,  has  gi=
ven  to  the  public  press=20
some  points  concerning  his  "Greatest  Show  on  Earth  "  that  are  of=
  curious  interest.  For=20
instance,  a  single  item  of  expenditure  amounts  to  a  snug  fortune,=
  viz.,  that  of  wintering  the=20
animals  and  their  keepers,  trainers  and  attendants,  and  getting  ma=
tters  into  shape  for  the=20
spring  opening.  Last  year,  said  the  veteran  showman,  this  cost  ne=
arly  a  quarter  of  a=20
million  dollars,  and  that  during  a  time  when  not  a  dollar  was  b=
eing  earned.  But  large  as=20
it  is,  the  cost  of  wintering  is  a  mere  "flea-bite"  to  that  of  =
securing  fresh  novelties.  For=20
this  purpose  scores  of  agents  under  large  salaries  are  sent  aroun=
d  the  world  every  year  to=20
gather  up  the  best  of  all  that  is  new,  regardless  of  expense.  T=
his  year  men  have  gone  on=20
these  errands  to  fur-away  countries  where  no  show  agent  ever  befo=
re  appeared.  To  meet=20
the  necessities  of  but  one  of  these  agents  $70,000  were  recently =
 deposited  with  Messrs.=20
Brown  Brothers  &  Co.  One  of  the  most  costly  ventures  was  the=
  Jumbo  affair.  The  fig-=20
ures are  not  given,  but  the  round  outlay  is  said  to  have  been  e=
normous.  Another  impor-=20
tant item  this  year  was  the  printing,  which  cost  $175,000  exclusiv=
e  of  newspaper  advertis-=20
ing. The  gross  receipts  of  the  season-  of  thirty-one  weeks  were  a=
  million  and  three-=20
quarters  of  dollars.  The  receipts  in  New  York  were  nearly  $60,000=
  per  week.  In  Phila-=20
delphia, $69,115.85  were  taken  in.  six  days,  four  of  which  were  r=
ainy,  auU  iu  Boston  a  single=20
week  rolled  iu  =C2=A774,051.03.=20


CHAPTER    LIII.=20

THE    WHITE    ELEPHANT.=20

On  the  9th  of  August,  1S83,  ' '  my  wife  and  I  "  made  our  usua=
l  summit-  trip  to=20
Europe,  being  mot,  as  always,  by  my  father-in-law,  John  Fish,  who=
.  on  this=20
occasion,  said,  "Mr.  Barnum,  I  am  always  glad  to  see  you  set  yo=
ur  foot  on=20
English  soil,  for  I  really  believe  that  every  voyage  you  make  ac=
ross  the  Atlantic=20
adds  a  year  to  your  life."=20

"Then  I  will  hereafter  make  two  trips  a  year,"  I  replied,  which =
 set  my  mat-=20
ter-of-fact English  father-in-law  to  practicing  arithmetic,  in  order =
 to  discover=20
how  long  I  should  live  if  I  became  purser  of  a  steamship,  and  =
made  a  dozen=20
trans- Atlantic  trips  a  year  !=20

Among  the  pleasantest  of  our  fellow-passengers  on  the  Adriatic,  I =
 count  Sir=20
Charles  Lees,  then  Governor-General  of  the  Bahamas,  sometime  promin=
ent  rep-=20
rasentative  of  the  British  government  in  Africa  and  Asia.  I  had  =
with  me=20
several  agents,  on  their  way  to  these  countries  to  secure  natives=
  for  my  Ethno-=20
logical Congress.  The  knowledge  of  strange  tribes  and  races  which  =
Sir  Charles=20
had  acquired  during  long  residence  in  foreign  countries,  he  not  o=
nly  obligingly=20
imparted  to  them,  but  gave  them  letters  of  introduction  which  wer=
e  of  much=20
service  to  them  in  Siam,  Burmah,  India,  etc.,  and  placed  me  unde=
r  further=20
indebtedness  by  introducing  me  to  the  Foreign  Office  in  London.  T=
hough  our=20
busy  hours  may  prevent  our  exchanging  the  visits  we  so  faithfully=
  promised=20
each  other,  I  shall  always  retain  the  pleasantest  memory  of  this =
 genial,  cultured=20
Englishman,  and  the  conversations  and  stories  with  which  we  abbrev=
iated  the=20
voyage.  Touching  Mackey,  the  California  millionaire,  he  told  a  sto=
ry  that  lost=20
none  of  its  point  because  of  the  deliberate,  dryly  humorous  manne=
r  of  narrating.=20
Mackey,  he  said,  was  present  on  one  occasion  when  Sir  Charles,  a=
s  the  Queen's=20
representative,  opened  the  Parliament  at  Nassau,  with  much  bravery =
 of  ermined=20
robes,  and  due  observance  of  ceremonies.  In  his  speech,  he  spoke =
 of  the  govern-=20
ment debt  as  amounting  to  =C2=A360,000.  Afterward,  Mackey  said,  "Is=
  that  really=20
all  you  owe  ?"=20

"  That  is  all,"  replied  Sir  Charles.=20

"  Well,"  said  the  money  king,  with  a  comical  smile,  "  Ihave  a  =
devilish  r;oo<l=20
mind  to  give  you  a  check  for  it !  "=20

In  the  summer  of  1883  my  little  friend  Tom  Thumb  died  of  apople=
xy.  He=20
was  at  the  time  of  his  death  a  portly  little  man,  of  middle  ag=
e,  and  iu  prosper-=20
ous circumstances.  His  widow,  the  charming  little  Lavinia,  of  Chapt=
er=20
XXXVII,  has  since  married  again,  and  is  now  known  as  the  Countes=
s  Magri.=20
In  November  I  had  the  pleasure  of  entertaining  at  Waldemere  Mr.  =
Matthew=20
Arnold,  on  the  occasion  of  his  lecturing  in  Bridgeport.=20

The  official  accounts  of  the  show  at  the  end  of  the  traveling  s=
eason  gave  much=20
cause  for  congratulation.  The  expenses  for  the  season  amounted  to =
 $1,034,000,=20
or  more  than  $6, 000  for  each  of  the  176  exhibition  days,  out  o=
f  which  six  per-=20
formances were  lost.  A  glance  at  some  of  these  records  of  receipt=
s  will  show=20
where  we  get  enough  to  pay  $6,000  a  day  and  still  have  sufficie=
nt  to  make  a  very=20
satisfying  division  of  profits  at  the  end  of  the  season.  Take  th=
e  six  days  in=20
Philadelphia:  April  30tb,  $8,416.75;  May  1st,  $12,000.15;  May  2d,  =
$16,382.15;=20
May  3d,  $17,187.25;  May  4th,  $16,064.80;  May  5tb,  $10,053.10=E2=80=
=94 aggregating  a=20

335=20


336  THE    WHITE    ELEPHANT.=20

grand  total  of  $80,130.20  from  that  city  alone.  Out  of  Chicago,  =
in  the  ten  days,=20
from  June  4th  to  June  14th,  both  inclusive,  the  show  took  $119,1=
72.30.  Then=20
take  the  single  day's  receipts  into  notice  :  Detroit,  $15,538.10; =
 Cleveland,=20
$14,763.20;  Pittsburgh,  $14,376.20;  Cincinnati,  $14,133.65;  Toronto,  =
$13,864.80;=20
Hamilton,  $13,451.50;  Toledo,  $13,372.25;  Baltimore,  $13,352.05;  Wash=
ington,=20
$13,294.90  ;  Louisville,  $12,937.75,  Montreal,  $15,896.  T5;  Brooklyn=
,  $13,732.00.=20

I  was  the  recipient  of  a  very  novel  compliment  at  Christmas.  Lal=
>ouchere,=20
M.  P.,  the  publisher  of  London  Tmth,  dubbed  his  Christmas  number =
 "  Barnum=20
in  Britishland,"  and  every  line  was  devoted  to  imaginary  interview=
s  of  P.  T.=20
Barnum  with  the  most  prominent  Britishers,  beginning  with  a  hob-no=
bbing=20
tete-d-tete  with  the  Prince  of  Wales.  It  was  a  witty  hit  (done  =
up  in  rhyme)  at=20
the  foibles,  follies,  customs,  fashions  and  sharp  practices  suppose=
d  to  exist  in=20
Britishland.  The  sale  reached  a  third  edition,  and  exceeded  by  ma=
ny  thousands=20
that  of  any  previous  season.  The  gratuitous  advertisement  was  high=
ly  appre-=20
ciated by  me.=20

The  New  York  Sun,  about  the  same  time,  published  the  following  :=
=20

Under  the  moral  influence  of  a  great  illuminated  motto=E2=80=94 "  =
Whatsoever  ye  would  that=20
men  should  dp  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them  " =E2=80=94 in  his =
 luxuriously  furnished  parlor  at=20
Waldemere,  his  country  seat  near  Bridgeport,  the  reporter  found  th=
e  venerable  showman,=20
P  T.  Barnum.  Plump,  ruddy  lively  and  active,  the  veteran  looked  =
as  if  he  had  juggled=20
away  a  score,  at  least,  of  his  seventy-four  years.  "  But  I'm  ge=
tting  pretty  well  on  in=20
years."  he  said,  "  for  I  was  born  on  July  5,  1810."=20

=E2=80=A2'What  is  your  actual  present  physical  condition  ?"  the  re=
porter  asked,=20

"  I  don't  positively  know,  without  trying,  whether  I  could  turn  =
a  somersault  or  not,  but=20
the  chances  are  that  I  could,  at  least,  as  well  as  ever.  At  al=
l  events,  I  never  was  better  in=20
my  life.  I  eat  well,  sleep  well,  and  enjoy  the  most  perfect  hea=
lth.  Perhaps  to  maintain=20
this  condition  I  should  walk  more  than  I  do,  but  I  walk  some,  =
and  go  out  riding  every  day=20
twice.  All  the  disease  I  have  is  old  age,  and  my  neighbors  say =
 1  should  not  plead  that,  for=20
I'm  as  young  as  most  men  of  sixty.  The  sickness  I  had  in  New  =
York  three  years  ago,=20
when  the  doctors  gave  me  up,  was  the  only  one  1  had  in  many  y=
ears,  and  seems  to  have=20
renovated  me=E2=80=94 given  me  a  new  lease  of  life."=20

"  What  have  besn  and  are  the  personal  habits  that  have  conduced =
 to  such  a  good  result? "=20

1  Primarily,  regularity ;  secondarily,  abstinence  from  things  that  =
tend  to  shorten  life.=20
Sometimes,  when  neighbors  do  not  come  to  me  I  go  out  to  them  i=
n  the  evenings  and  play  a=20
game  of  whist,  and  occasionally  I  go  to  the  theatre,  but  as  a  =
rule  I  am  in  bed  by  10  o  clock=20
every  night.  All  my  work,  directing  my  personal  business,  conducti=
ng  my  correspondence,=20
and  communicating  with  my  partners,  I  do  in  the  forenoons,  gettin=
g  through  it  in  time  for=20
a  drive  before  my  dinner,  which  I  take  in  the  middle  of  the  da=
y.  After  dinner  I  am=20
accustomed  to  doze  for  three  or  five  minutes.  If  I  just  lose  co=
nsciousness  that  long  I  am=20
as  much  refreshed  as  If  I  had  slept  for  hours.  After  that  I  ta=
ke  another  drive.  In  the=20
evening  an  hour's  reading,  a  few  games  of  cribbage  or  whist,  or =
 a  little  music  fills  up  the=20
time  until  my  hour  for  retiring  I  am  always  up  by  7  o'clock  in=
  the  morning."=20

"How  long  have  you  maintained  such  regular  habits?  "=20

''  AR  far  as  practicable  since  1847,  when  I  became  a  teetotaller=
,  although  when  I  was  a=20
traveling  showman  my  hours  were  necessarily  not  so  good."=20

"Did  you  drink  much  prior  to  1847?  "=20

"  Well,  I  wouldn't  have  allowed  anybody  to  tell  me  so.  but  when=
  I  look  back  over  that=20
time  I  know  now  that  I  did.  When  I  built  my  magnificent  Orienta=
l  country  seat  Iranistan.=20
I  was  proud  of  the  house,  but  ten  times  prouder  of  my  wine  cel=
lar  than  of  anything  else  I=20
had.  I  was  not  in  the  habit  of  dvinking  distilled  liquors,  but  =
every  day  at  dinner  took  my=20
bottle  of  champagne,  or  its  equivalent  in  other  wines  or  malt  li=
quors.  I  did  no  business=20
after  noon,  and  my  mother-in-law  used  to  say  sometimes  t  .at  I  =
was  '  heady'  after  dinner=20
I  felt  quite  offended  by  the  suggestion,  and  threatened  to  go  ba=
ck  to  whisky  if  it  was=20
repeated,  for  I  really  considered  myself  quite  a  temperance  man,  =
since  I  drank  only  wine,=20
and  thought  my  after-dinner  feelings  were  due  to  overeating  rather=
  than  drinking.  But=20
I  got  the  Rev.  Dr.  Chnpin  to  come  up  to  Bridgeport  and  deliver =
 a  temperance  lecture,  for=20
the  subject  of  which  he  took  'The  Moderate  Drinker,'  and  I  saw  =
myself  in  quite  a  new=20
light.  I  realized  for  the  first  time  the  bad  example  I  was  sett=
ing,  and  when  I  went  home=20
that  night  was  so  worried  that  I  could  scarcely  sleep.  The  next =
 morning  I  had  my  coach-=20
man knock  the  necks  off  all  the  champagne  bottles  I  had  in  my  c=
ellar,  so  i:e  five  or  six=20
dozen ;  the  port  and  other  medicinal  wines  I  gave  away  in  cases =
 of  sickness,  and  the=20
liquors  I  returned  to  the  dealers.  That  was  the  end  of  my  drink=
ing.  As  young  bumblebees=20
are  biggest  when  they  are  first  hatched,  so  I  was,  in  the  first=
  heat  of  my  conversion,  an=20
enthusiast  on  the  subject  of  teetotalism.  I  went  all  over  Connect=
icut  and  New  York=20
delivering  free  lectures  on  the  subject,  and  even  went  out  to  Wi=
sconsin,  stumped  the  State=20
at  my  own  expense,  and  at  least  helped  to  carry  it  on  a  temper=
ance  platform."=20

"  You  shut  oft' on  tobacco  also?  "=20


THE    WHITE    ELEPHANT.=20


s&i&mx&ssssa=20


time  to  buy  and  hold  on  for  a  raise=20


dld  y=C2=B0U  take  the  *"=C2=BB"=E2=80=A2  *>  call  a  concha  of=20
""1     *  "     CaS6  =C2=B0f  Prank  Le8lle=20


me  estate  to  make  the  ILtht.    As  a  measurn  nf  M*.,.*!/.  .  T -?=
ii'  ;  =E2=80=A2  '      "  lllen  s=C2=B0  an"  apply=20

s^^-iSKsS&^^^S^1^=20

that  they  believed  me  to  be  of  souad  mind  J          688  my  Wl11=
'  but  make  oath=20

=E2=80=A2=E2=80=A2Independent  of  the  donations  you  have  made  to  adv=
ance  your  own  landed  interest-=20
yon  have  given  largely  solely  for  the  public  good,  have  y<  u =
 not  *  "=20

.=C2=BBF,o=C2=BB  the  fl"i  j^l  V,1  utho  ??urse  of  the  interview,  M=
r.  Barnum  spoke  with  manifest=20
reluctance  "  I  think,"  he  said.  "  that  it  is  not  a  becoming  th=
ing  jn  me  to  recapitulate  what=20
my  good  fortune  has  enabled  me  to  do  for  my  friendl  and  neighbo=
rs,  forso  I  deem  al=20
Br  dgepor  There  ivr=C2=AB  doubtless  many  among  them  who,  h  ,d  th=
ey  been  equally  ancrasfe=20
In  having  the  means  to  dispose  of,  would  have  been  at  least  as =
 liberal  as  I  have  been  I=20
had  been  lucky,  and  naturally  wished  those  about  me  to  have  some=
  share  in  my  Inck  It=20
will  all  be  told  when  I  am  gone.  In  this  matter  I  should,  for =
 once,  prefer  to  drop  the=20
showman  and  not  seem  to  be  =E2=80=A2  blowing  my  own  horn.' "=20

V  Let  me  speak  for  him,"  interpolated  a  friend  who  was  present, =
 "  as  I  believe  I  can  cor-=20
rectly, so  far,  at  least,  as  the  main  things  deserving  of  mention=
.  Many  years  ago  he  and=20
his  then  associate,  Gen.  Noble,  donated  to  the  City  of  Bridgeport=
,  Washington  Park  a=20
beautiful  grove  surrounded  by  churches  and  fine  residences,  which  =
the  city  would  not  sell=20
now  for  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars.  Then  he,  individually,  =
gave  the  city  =C2=A370000=20
worth  more  of  land  for  park  purpose?,  on  condition  that  the  city=
  is  bound  to  foreVer=20
maintain  it  as  a  park,  and  always  to  have  a  free  bathing  ground=
  on  Its  front.  In  the  City=20
Cemetery  he  gave  several  thousand  dollars'  worth  of  lots  for  a  b=
urial  plot  for  the  Grand=20
Army  of  the  Republic;  as  much  more  for  the  Fire  Department  of  B=
ridgeport;  three=20
thousand  single  graves  for  poor  people,  on  condition  that  they  sh=
ould  be  scattered  all  over=20
the  cemetery,  not  located  in  any  one  place  together,  where  the  ^=
pot  might  come  to  be=20
known  by  the  opprobrious  name  of  Potter's  Field,  and  the  further =
 c  ndition  that  the  very=20
poor  shall  be  buried  for  nothing,  and  in  no  case  shall  more  tha=
n  $-2  be  charged,  instead  of=20
the  ordinary  rate  of  $7.  In  addition  to  all  that,  he  gave  some =
 $50,000  worth  of  land  for  the=20
cemetery.  In  his  native  town  of  Bethel,  a  few  miles  from  here,  =
he  erected  a  fountain  that=20
cost  him  $10,000  in  Berlin,  and  with  'lie  fitting  up  and  ground =
 about  it,  represented  *20  000=20
at  least.  He  gave "=20

"There!  There!  Stop!"  interposed  Mr.  Barnum.  "No  more  of  that.  To=
  sit  here=20
and  listen  to  you  going  on  in  that  way  makes  me  feel  as  if  yo=
u  were  reading  my=20
obitflary  aloud."=20


338  THE    WHITE    ELEPHANT.=20

To  add  to  the  attractions  of  "  The  Great  Combined  Show  "  during=
  the  season=20
of  1884,  my  agents  in  Africa  and  in  India  and  other  parts  of  A=
sia,  among  whom=20
were  Messrs.  J.  B.  Gaylord,  Charles  White,  and  Thomas  H.  Davis,  =
after  many=20
months  residence  in  those  lands,  procured  a  number  of  additional  =
ethnological=20
specimens  for  exhibition  in  my  "  Grand  Congress  of  the  Nations." =
 These  nov-=20
elties included  specimens  of  the  follow  ing  tribes,  namely:  Nubian =
 warriors,=20
Zulu  chiefs,  Afghans,  Hindus,  Todas  Indians,  and  Singing  and  Danci=
ng  Nautch=20
Girls  of  India.  A  preliminary  private  exhibition  of  these  ethnolog=
ical  rarities=20
was  given  to  members  of  the  press  and  of  the  clergy  in  Madison =
 Square  Garden,=20
New  York,  on  the  afternoon  of  March  15,  1884,  which  was  attended=
  with  the=20
customary  success.  In  the  evening  of  the  same  day  they  were  intr=
oduced  to=20
the  public  as  part  of  the  Great  Show.=20

The  particular  additional  feature,  however,  by  which  the  season  of=
  1884  was=20
made  memorable,  was  the  exhibition  for  the  first  time  in  any  civ=
ilized  country=20
of  that  rare  and  beautiful  animal,  which  for  ages  has  been  recog=
nized  in  Siam.=20
Burmah,  and  other  Buddhist  countries  as  the  "  Royal  Sacred  White =
 Elephant."=20
This  absolutely  unique  curiosity  was  accompanied  by  a  Burmese  orch=
estra  and=20
a  retinue  of  Buddhist  priests  in  full  ecclesiastical  costume,  the =
 sacred  animal=20
being  surrounded  by  the  same  attendants  and  the  like  paraphernalia=
  as  during=20
the  performance  of  religious  ceremonies  in  his  native  country.  The=
  priests=20
were  also  supplied  with  documents,  under  the  royal  seal,  attesting=
  the  sacred=20
character  of  the  beast,  and  with  the  royal  bill  of  sale  executed=
  by  King  Thee-=20
baw's  Master  of  Elephants,  and  also  bearing  the  king's  seaL=20

L  n nl  my  a^eut  first  visited  Bangkok,  the  capital  of  ISiam,  and=
  there  saw  the=20
king's  "  Sacred  White  Elephants/'  I  had  supposed  that  they  were  =
literally  white,=20
instead  of  technically  so.  Those  who  had  not  seen  these  animals, =
 nor  read=20
authentic  descriptions  of  them,  had  the  same  idea  as  mj^self.  Whe=
n,  therefore,=20
my  Sacred  Elephant  arrived  in  London,  a  large  portion  of  the  pub=
lic,  having=20
expected  to  see  a  milk-white  elephant,  were  disappointed.  The  f  o=
lio  wing  article,=20
which  I  clip  from  the  New  York  Tribune  of  Feb.  17,  gives  the  f=
acts  in  the  case:=20

P.  T.  Barnum  and  his  partners  have  dispelled  a  wide-spread  popula=
r  illusion,  that  the  so-=20
called  sacred  white  elt-pliants  of  the  kings  of  Siam  and  Bunnah  =
either  are,  or  ever  were,=20
literally  white.  They  ^ay  they  have  secured  as  perfect  a  specimen=
  of  this  aniuinl  as  exists=20
anywhere,  and  they  do  not  claim  that  it  is  =E2=80=A2'  white"  in =
 the  strict  sense  of  tisat  word,=20
yet,  it  is  the  same  ppecies,  and  exact  counterpart  of  those  whit=
e  sacred  elephants  wor-=20
shiped for  centuries  by  the  Buddhists.  Up  to  this  time,  no  Europe=
an  monarch  has  ever=20
been  able  to  procure  '=E2=80=A2  a  sticred  white  elephant,"  or  eve=
n  get  it  into  a  Christian  country,  and=20
in  that  Barnura  has  succeeded.=20

A  rival  showman,  -who  labored  under  the  "  popular  "  illusion,  ha=
d  a  common=20
elephant  painted  milk-white,  and  so  exhibited  it  for  a  time  as  a=
  genuine  specimen=20
purchased  in  Siam.  Two  leading  New  York  illustrated  papers,  early =
 in  1882,  were=20
deceived  into  publishing  pictures  of  this  '=E2=80=A2  pure  white  :'=
-washed  animal  as  a  gen-=20
uine Sacred  White  Elephant  from  Siam.  The  owner  of  this  imposition=
  soon=20
announced  that  it  had  suddenly  died.  It  was  simply  =E2=80=A2un-dye=
d  !  And  thus=20
another  proof  added  to  millions  which  have  preceded  it,  demonstrat=
es  that=20
truth  will  always  triumph  over  falsehood.=20

In  his  own  land  the  white  elephant  is  huld  in  the  utmost  venera=
tion  ;  and  as=20
the  people  believe  that  if  one  of  them  leaves  their  country  his =
 departure  will  be=20
the  signal  for  dire  calamities  to  them  ;  and  as,  moreover,  any  =
person  who  is=20
instrumental  in  sending  one  out  of  the  country  without  the  royal =
 permission  is=20
liable  to  the  penalty  of  death,  the  difficulty  of  procuring  one  =
for  exportation  has=20
hitherto  been  so  great  as  to  have  proved  insurmountable.  As,  howe=
ver,  it  has=20


THK    WHITE    ELEPHANT.  330=20

ever  been  my  aim  to  bring  together  under  our  tents,  utterly  rega=
rdless  of  cost,=20
the  real  marvels  of  this  wonderful  earth,  I  determined,  if  possib=
le,  even  at  the=20
cost  of  half  a  million  dollars,  if  necessary,  to  procure  a  curio=
sity  which  centuries  of=20
unsuccessful  endeavor  had  seemed  to  prove  utterly  unattainable.  Unf=
ortunately,=20
just  as  my  agents  seemed  on  the  verge  of  success,  they  were  doo=
med  to  disap-=20
pointment. A  white  elephant  purchased  by  them  in  Siam  many  months =
 before=20
Toung  Taloung  was  obtained,  was  poisoned  on  the  eve  of  its  depar=
ture  by  its=20
attendant  priests  rather  than  that  it  should  fall  into  the  hands =
 of  profane  Chris-=20
tians. Finally,  however,  after  three  years  of  patient  persistence,  =
and  the=20
exercise,  on  the  part  of  half  a  score  of  our  shrewdest  agents,  =
of  wonderful  tact,=20
diplomacy,  and  untiring  energy,  often  at  the  peril  of  their  lives=
,  and  the  outlay=20
of  a  quarter  of  a  million  dollars,  our  efforts  were  crowned  with=
  victory.  We=20
now  possessed  and  regularly  exhibited  the  first  arid  only  animal  =
of  the  kind  that=20
ever  had  been  seen  or  that  probably  ever  will  be  seen  in  a  Chr=
istian  land.  So=20
enormous  were  the  dificulties  which  had  to  be  conquered  in  order =
 to  get  this  only=20
genuine  White  Elephant  out  of  Burmah,  that  I  am  satisfied  no  oth=
er  successful=20
attempt  to  export  one  will  ever  again  be  made.=20

The  Royal  Sacred  White  Elephant,  Toung  Taloung,  was  purchased  at  =
Man-=20
delay,  in  Burmah  ;  and  having  been  brought  away  under  the  royal =
 warrant  of=20
King  Theebaw,  was  shipped  from  Rangoon,  in  British  Burmah,  in  the=
  steamship=20
Tenasserim,  on  December  8,  1883.  After  passing  through  the  Suez  C=
anal,  and=20
touching  at  Malta,  it  arrived  safely  at  Liverpool,  England,  on  Ja=
nuary  14,  1884.=20
Thence  it  was  taken  to  London,  where  it  was  exhibited  for  severa=
l  weeks  at  the=20
Royal  Zoological  Gardens,  Regent's  Park,  receiving  the  indorsement  =
of  many=20
eminent  scientists,  prominent  among  whom  was  Professor  W.  H.  Flowe=
r,  Presi-=20
dent of  the  London  Zoological  Society  and  Curator  of  the  Royal  Co=
llege  of=20
Surgeons.  On  March  13,  1884,  it  was  shipped  in  the  steamer  Lydia=
n  Monarch=20
for  New  York,  and  at  that  city  it  arrived  on  the  28th  of  the  =
same  month.  On=20
the  31st  a  special  private  exhibition  of  it  was  given  to  several=
  hundred  natural-=20
ists, scientists,  Eastern  travelers,  scholars,  leading  physicians  and=
  clergymen,=20
editors  of  New  York  and  other  papers,  and  other  persons,  whose  c=
losest  scrutiny=20
I  invited,  but  who  none  of  them  doubted  that  the  animal  was  wha=
t  ho  was=20
described  to  be,  namely,  a  genuine  white  elephant  from  Burmah.  Ma=
ny  cer-=20
tificates of  his  genuineness,  now  in  our  possession,  were  given  by=
  such  eminent=20
authorities  as  Colonel  Daniel  B.  Sickles,  late  Minister  to  Siam  ;=
  Colonel  Thomas=20
W.  Knox,  the  only  American  to  whom  the  King  of  Siam  has  ever  p=
resented  the=20
Order  of  the  White  Elephant;  Mr.  Edward  Greey,  author  of  "The  Go=
lden=20
Lotus ; "  Mr.  David  Ker,  Siamese  correspondent  of  the  New  York  Ti=
mes  ;=20
Frank  Vincent,  Jr.,  author  of  "  The  Land  of  the  White  Elephant,"=
  and  many=20

As  might  have  been  anticipated,  as  a  consequence  of  the  exhibitio=
n  of  so=20
unique  a  curiosity,  not  to  speak  of  the  other  novelties,  the  tou=
r  of  the  "  Greatest=20
Show  on  Earth,"  during  the  season  of  1884,  was  quite  as  successf=
ul  as  any  pre-=20
vious one.  The  Show  visited  the  principal  cities  of  the  United  St=
ates  as  far  east=20
as  Lewiston,  Me. ,  and  as  far  west  as  Kansas  City  and  Omaha.=20

It  is  worthy  of  special  remark  that  with  regard  to  the  genuinene=
s  of  the=20
Sacred  White  Elephant,  which  has  been  the  subject  of  so  much  dis=
cussion,  every=20
c'aim  made  in  behalf  of  Toung  Taloung  has  been  substantiated  by  =
subsequent=20
events  The  Siamese  Weekly  Advertiser,  a  paper  printed  partly  in  E=
nglish  and=20
partly  in  Siamese,  and  published  at  Bangkok,  the  Siamese  capital-w=
here  the=20
King  and  his  Court  reside-in  its  issue  of  March  7th,  1885,  print=
s  the  following=20
editorial  :=20


340  THK    WHITE    ELEPHANT.=20

WHITE  ELEPHANT.=E2=80=94 It  is  stated  that  a  White  Elephant  has  be=
en  obtained  at  Pratabaung=20
and  will  be  sent  to  Bangkok  as  speedily  as  p-ssible.  There  will =
 doubtless  be  the  usual=20
pompous  demonstrations  in  connection  with  bringing  it  to  Bangkok,  =
conferring  on  it  a  title=20
and  giving  it  a  home  in  the  vi'-inity  of  the  p  tlaee.  Foreigner=
s  naturally  are  surprised  that=20
such  eminent  honors  should  be  conferred  upon  an  animnl,  by  no  me=
an*  wkite,  though  per-=20
haps a  shade  or  two  lighter  than  the  ordinary  elephant  in  some  p=
arts  of  the  body.=20

The  same  paper,  in  its  issue  of  April  18th,  1885,  speaks  as  fol=
lows  of  the  pre-=20
sentation of  the  elephant  above  referred  to  :=20

On  the  3d  instant.  His  Royal  Highness  Somdetch  Chowfah  Mahamalah  =
Bamrahp  Parapako=20
conducted  a  male  elephant  into  tie  Palace  for  presentation  to  His=
  Majesty  the  King  of=20
Siam.  His  Majesty  graciously  accepted  the  animal  and  presented  a  =
sum  of  money  and  sun-=20
dry articles  of  clothing  to  be  given  to  Tepan.  the  mother,  and  h=
er  son.  Ayaungtoh  Karens,=20
the  owners  of  the  elephant.  The  Siamese  officials  who  brought  the=
  elephant  to  Bangkok=20
were  honored  with  an  audience  of  His  Majesty  and  were  the  recipi=
ents  of  suitable  presents=20
also.=20

Certainly  the  King  of  Siam  ought  to  be  accepted  as  good  authorit=
y  on  the=20
subject  of  white  elephants,  and  here  we  have  an  account  of  his  =
receiving  with=20
highest  honors  and  rewards  a  "  White  Elephant,"  which  in  sacred  =
attributes=20
and  required  peculiarities  of  marking  would  have  no  comparison  wit=
h  ours.=20
And  this  is  supplemented  by  more  recent  proof  from  Burmah,  which =
 in  the=20
Autumn  of  1885  was  conquered  by  Great  Britain.  The  correspondent  =
of  the=20
London  Daily  Standard,  who  entered  Mandelay,  the  Capital,  with  Gen=
eral=20
Prendergast's  army,  says :=20

I  saw  King  Theebaw's  Sacred  White  Elephant  close  by  in  a  magnifi=
cent  palace  of  his  own.=20
The  only  white  about  him  is  two  small  dirty  spots,  almost  imperc=
eptible.=20

The  Manchester  (Eng.)  Mail  says  :=20

Barnnm's  Sacred  White  Elephant,  exhibited  in  London  last  year,  app=
ears  to  have  been=20
whiter  than  King  Theebaw's.=20

King  Theebaw's  "White  Elephant  died  soon  after  his  royal  master's =
 over-=20
throw, aud  the  New  York  Commercial  Advertiser,  commenting  on  the  f=
act,=20
says :=20

Mr.  Barnum's  White  Elephant  was,  after  all,  whiter  than  him  of  M=
andelay.=20

The  tour  of  the  Great  Show  during  the  summer  of  1884  was  marked=
  by  an  inci-=20
dent which  is  worthy  of  note  heft.  The  authorities  of  a  thriving =
 New  England=20
town,  at  which  we  were  advertised  to  appear,  demanded  an  exceptio=
nally  exor-=20
bitant sum  as  a  license  fee.  Though  our  advance  agent  demurred  to=
  the  impo-=20
sition, the  authorities,  thinking  no  doubt  that  we  would  submit  to=
  it  rather  than=20
pass  by  a  town  where  the  receipts  for  a  day  had  averaged  $10,00=
0,  were  immov-=20
able. They  reckoned  without  their  host,  however.  We  at  once  change=
d  our=20
plans,  cancelled  the  date  for  their  town,  and  announced  instead  t=
hat  we  would=20
give  the  intended  exhibition  at  a  smaller  town  twelve  miles  off.'=
  The  merchants,=20
hotel-keepers  and  other  business  men  of  the  larger  town  offered  u=
s  four  times=20
the  amount  of  the  license-fee  demanded  if  we  would  adhere  to  our=
  original  pur-=20
pose and  exhibit  there.  We,  however,  were  immovable  in  our  turn,  =
and=20
declined  to  change  our  plans  a  second  time.  On  the  day  of  the  =
exhibition  we=20
ran  a  large  number  of  excursion  trains  to  the  smaller  town  ;  th=
e  other  town=20
was  nearly  deserted  ;  and  the  day's  receipts  for  the  exhibition  =
were  not  $10,000,=20
but  $12,760.=20

Another  incident,  of  a  widely  different  character,  by  which  the  y=
ear  1884=20
was  marked  as  a  bright  spot  in  my  calendar,  was  the  opening  of =
 the  Natural=20
History  Museum  of  Tuft's  College,  near  Boston,  of  which  admirable =
 educa-=20
tional institution  I  was  a  trustee  at  its  foundation.  The  want  of=
  a  natural=20


THE    WHITE    ELEPHANT.  341=20

history  museum  had  long  been  felt,  and  some  time  ago  my  friend, =
 President  E.=20
H.  Capen,  made  an  appeal  to  me  to  supply  the  need.  To  this  app=
eal  I  responded  ;=20
and  the  outcome  has  been  the  erection  of  a  large  and  handsome  s=
tone  structure,=20
partially  furnished  with  a  fine  collection  of  natural  history  spec=
imens  and=20
other  curiosities  interesting  and  useful  to  students.  The  building =
 was  completed=20
in  the  spring  of  1884,  and  it  was  formally  inaugurated  at  the  C=
ommencement=20
exercises  of  the  college,  held  on  the  10th  of  June  in  the  same =
 year.  The  name=20
of  the  founder  had  been  kept  a  secret,  but  it  was  then  publicly=
  announced  by=20
President  Capen  in  the  course  of  his  address.=20

The  event  was  described  by  the  Christian  Leader  of  June  26th  as =
 follows:=20

There  had  been  great  curiosity  in  regard  to  the  donor  whose  grea=
t  heart  had  added  to=20
the  group  of  buildings  on  College  Hill  the  elegant  structure  in  =
stone,  to  be  known  as  the=20
Natural  History  Museum.  When,  as  the  tone  of  the  President's  addr=
ess  eliminated  one=20
after  another  till  it  was  clear  that  PHINEAS  TAYLOR  BAHJTUM  was  =
the  man,  the  applause=20
became  a  shout,  and  for  what  seemed  many  minutes  the  throng  test=
ified  their  gratitude  for=20
the  magnificent  gift=E2=80=94 of  a  character  BO  exactly  accordant  w=
ith  the  spirit  of  the  donor=E2=80=94 in=20
every  articulate  and  muscular  form  In  which  an  enthusiastic  people=
  know  how  to  manifest=20
their  joy.  It  will  hereafter  be  our  great  pleasure  to  put  Mr.  B=
arnum  into  the  category  of=20
Tufts,  Packard,  Walker  and  the  Goddards.  It  was  the  feature  of  t=
he  day,  aud  it  made  the=20
day  most  memorable  in  the  history  of  Tuft'a  College.=20

President  Capen's  address  on  the  occasion  was  as  follows:=20

LADIES  AND  GENTLEMEN  :  I  had  hoped  to  have  the  supreme  felicity =
 of  introducing  to=20
you  here  and  now  the  founder  of  the  Natural  History  Museum.  He  =
made  some  weeks  ngo=20
an  engagement  to  he  present,  but  within  a  few  days  has  been  obl=
iged  to  cancel  it.  There=20
has  been  a  great  deal  of  cariosity  during  the  past  year  to  know=
  the  n=C2=ABme  of  our  generous=20
l-enefactor.  A  good  many  guesses  have  been  ventured,  but  very  few=
  of  them,  so  far  as  I=20
know,  have  come  near  the  mark.  Our  friend  Is  ono  who  has  taken =
 a  deep  interest  in  this=20
college  from  the  start.  His  name  is  on  the  original  list  of  its=
  trustees  with  CuarJe*  Tuft=20
and  Silvauus  Packard  and  Oliver  Dean  and  Thomas  A.  Goddard.  He  b=
egun  life  in  pov-=20
erty, but  by  nn  energy  and  a  spirit  of  enterprise  almost  unequale=
d,  even  in  this  country,=20
and  in  the  face  of  difficulties  that  would  have  appalled  most  me=
n,  he  has  conqaere'd  pov-=20
erty and  secured  for  himself  a  place  among  the  men  of  princely  f=
ortune.  Ho  had  no  such=20
educational  advantages  as  the  young  men  of  this  college  enjoy.  Ev=
en  the  lads  in  our  pri-=20
mary schools  get  better  training  than  he  received.  But  by  dilligen=
t  use  of  his  opportunities,=20
by  studious  habits  and  an  active  brain  he  has  not  only  stored  h=
is  mind  with  varied  and=20
useful  knowledge,  but,  as  you  shall  presently  see,  has  become  the=
  master  of  a  vigorous  and=20
idiomatic  style  of  English  which  would  put  many  a  college  man  to=
  shame.  Tnrough  all=20
his  life  he  has  been  a  man  of  unbounded  public  spirit.  In  the  =
city  of  his  adoption  he  is,  by=20
unanimous  consent,  the  foremost  citizen,  pouring  out  his  money  lik=
e  water  for  every  spe-=20
cies of  public  improvement.  I  doubt  if  a  single  New  England  city =
 has  his  superior  in  this=20
respect.  He  is  a  man  of  pure  life,  who  has  taught  temperance  by=
  precept  and  example  to=20
young  and  old  alike.  He  is  a  man  of  positive  religious  convictio=
ns  and  deep  religious  life,=20
the  friend  for  many  years  of  the  venerable  Dean  of  Tuft's  Divini=
ty  School,  the  Itev.  Dr.=20
Sawyer,  and  the  parishioner  and  life-long  friend  of  the  lamented  =
Chapiu.  He  has  been=20
prominently  identified  with  the  Church  to  which  his  laith  has  all=
ied  him,  and  promoted  its=20
enterprises  by  generous  contributions.  In  his  business  he  has  soug=
ht  to  combine  popular=20
amusement  with  popular  education.  He  has  searched  all  climate*,  fr=
om  the  frozen  polar=20
regions  to  the  blazing  tropics,  regardless  of  pecuniary  cost,  that=
  he  might  secure  specimens=20
of  the  rarest  of  living  creatures  for  exhibition.  Years  ago  he  b=
uilt  up  in  the  city  of  New=20
York  a  museum,  which  the  late  Professor  Henry,  of  the  Smithsonian=
  Institution,  charac-=20
terized as  one  of  the  most  important  educational  institutions  in  t=
his  country.  And  now,  in=20
the  latter  end  of  his  varied  and  useful  lite,  he  has  chosen  thi=
s  college  in  which  to  create  an=20
instrumentality  in  which  his  name  may  be  perpetuated,  aud  the  wor=
k  to  which  his  best=20
energies  have  been  devoted  may  be  carried  forward  on  a  scientific=
  basis  forever.  Five=20
years  ago  I  took  occasion  to  call  his  attention  to  this  subject,=
  and  again  some  fourteen=20
months  since  I  renewed  the  suggestion.  The  response  was  almost  in=
stantaneous.  From=20
that  moment  until  now  the  work  has  been'pushed  forward  with  an  e=
nergy  that  is  electric.=20
The  sum  of  $35,000  lias  been  set  apart  for  this  object,  which  i=
s  ample  f  r  the  erection  of  the=20
building,  for  partially  furnishing  it  with  specimens,  leaving  a  fu=
nd  f<>r  its  care  and  main-=20
tenance. I  have  received  the  following  letter,  which  I  am  sure  yo=
u  will  be  glud  to  hear,=20
am  which,  in  the  absence  of  our  friend,  I  will  venture  to  read:=
=20


342  THE     WHITE     ELEPHANT.=20

E.  n.  Capen,  D.D.,  President  Tuffs  College,  College  Hill,  Mass.:=
=E2=80=94=20

Mr  DEAR  MR.  PRESIDENT=E2=80=94 It  is  with  unfeigned  regret  that  I =
 find  it  impossible  to  attend=20
the  Commencement  exercises  at  Tuft's,  as  promised.  Often  have  I  w=
ished  to  be  with  you=20
on  these  annual  occasions,  if  for  no  other  reason  than  to  mark  =
by  my  presence  the  deep=20
interest  I  take  and  have  always  taken  in  an  institution  the  pros=
perity  of  which  I  have=20
watched  with  no  small  degree  of  satisfaction  and  pride.  But  a  bu=
sy  life  ha-i  invariably=20
brought  with  it  duties  which  have  deprive:!,  from  time  to  time,  =
the  realization  of  my  desire=20
to  visit  College  Hill  in  Jane.  Planning  with  more  than  usual  for=
esight  (as  I  hnd  imagined)=20
to  be  with  you  this  year,  and  believing  that  the  time  had  come =
 wh"n  I  could  in  person=20
extend  my  congratulations  to  the  faculty  and  the  students,  I  find=
  I  mu=C2=ABt  forego  even  this=20
visit.  But  if  absent  in  the  flesh,  I  am  with  you  in  spirit,  an=
d  my  thoughts  will  wander  to  you=20
in  your  rejoicings  of  commencement  on  the  18th  instant.  Deprived  =
in  my  own  youth  of=20
rare  educational  advantage?,  I  have  learned  to  appreciate  their  wo=
rth  and  to  take  solid=20
delight  in  every  evidence  of  greater  enlightenment  and  progress.  I=
  nev^r  see  an  urchin=20
plodding  his  way  unwillingly  to  school  but  I  contrast  the  meagre =
 facilities  of  sixty  years=20
ago  with  the  present  wealth  of  instrumentalities  within  the  reach =
 of  every  American  boy=20
and  girl.  And  so,  when  I  hear  tlie  common  pchool-bell  rii  g,  I =
 bless  the  day  which  no=20
longer  sees  my  valid  reason  tor  ignorance  in  this  country.  I  hav=
e  always  declared  that  I=20
took  more  pleasure  in  paying  my  school-taxes  than  any  other  ;  fo=
r  education  often  tends  to=20
lessen  vice  und  crime,  as  well  as  to  secure  to  its  recipients  r=
eputation,  honor  and  success.=20

I  may  be  pardoned,  Mr.  President,  if  on  this  occasion  I  assert  =
that  my  interest  in  the=20
higher  education  of  the  day  has  ever  been  constant  and  profound. =
 Had  my  earlier  advan-=20
tages been  greater  I  might  have  achieved  more;  but  looking  back  o=
n  a  long  an<l  eventful=20
career,  I  confess,  in  no  boasting  vein,  that  I  have  conscientious=
ly  labored  to  elevate  and=20
ennoble  public  amusements  which  p!ay  no  small  part  among  the  educ=
ational  agencies  of=20
the  times.  How  successful  I  have  been  in  blending  healthful  and  =
moral  instruction  with=20
recreation  it  is  not  for  me  to  state,  but  the  satisfaction  exper=
ienced  in  my  life-work  has=20
been  in  itself  a  reward  altogether  apart  from  and  superior  to  an=
y  golden  harvest  I  may=20
have  reaped.  Not  that  I  am  insensible  to  the  latter,  fir  it  is =
 because  of  it  that  I  am  able,=20
under  the  provi  fence  of  a  Good  F  ther,  who  has  blessed  me  all=
  my  life,  to  do  somewhat=20
for  Tufts  in  the  foundation  of  the  Barnnm  Museum  of  Natural  Hist=
ory.=20

lam  happy  in  the  thought  that  this  Museum  will  be  another  factor=
  in  the  work  of  the=20
college,  helping  it  on  in  its  high  career  of  usefulness.  I  have =
 for  many  years  past  decided  to=20
do  something  for  an  institution  the  growing  exi-ellence  and  thorou=
ghness  of  which  must  com-=20
mend it  to  the  lovers  of  knowledge  everywhere.  And  now  that  the  =
decision  ha*  been=20
made,  and  the  Museum  Building  erected,  I  hope  the  college  may  po=
ssess  for  many  decades=20
to  come,  facilities  sufficient  to  inspire  its  students  to  investig=
ations  in  a  branch  of  science=20
which  so  wonderfully  reveals  in  varied  form  the  infinite  wisdom  a=
nd  power  of  the  Creator.=20

But  I  am  afraid  this  letter  exceeds  all  bounds,  und  should  it  b=
e  read  on  Commencement=20
Day  it  will  be  considered  irksome.  And  yet  I  cannot  close  witho =
 t  assuring  you.  Mr.=20
President,  the  officers,  teachers,  patrons  and  students  of  the  col=
lige,  of  my  strung  faith  in=20
the  brilliant  future  of  Tuft's.  I  be.ieve,  irom  what  I  know  of  =
the  sacrificing  spirit  and=20
intellectual  standing  of  its  facul  y,  that  the  possibilities  withi=
n  i's  reach  wiil  be  attained,=20
and  that  it  will  become  an  educational  centre  fostered  and  nouris=
hed  not  only  by  men  of=20
brains,  but  also  by  men  of  fortune.  It  augurs  well  for  tue  futu=
re  of  any  cause  when  peo-=20
ple of  means  are  ready  to  give  generously  in  its  behalf.  The  his=
tory  of  most  denomina-=20
tions to-day  reveals  the  fact  that  there  is  more  giving  than  form=
erly,  and  with  it  corres-=20
ponding prosperity.  Whilst  feeding  the  Churches,  let  us  not  neglect=
  to  foster  the  colleges,=20
but  endeavor  to  give  them  such  prestige  and  position  as  shall  en=
able  them  to  exercise  the=20
most  salutary  influence  and  do  the  very  best  work.  Hoping  that  o=
thers  may  do  much  more=20
than  I  have,  and  that  all  will  feel  a  pleasure  in  contributing  =
according  to  their  means,  I  am,=20
my  dear  Mr.  President,  .Respectfully  yours,  P.  T.  BARNUM.=20

After  reading  the  Jetter,  President  Capen  said:  "  I  give  you  the=
  health  of  the=20
Pounder  of  the  Barnum  Museum  of  Natural  History.  May  his  life  be=
  prolonged.=20
May  he  have  prosperity  and  success.  May  his  declining  days  be  cr=
owned  by=20
domestic  happiness  and  inward  peace."=20

The  audience  arose  and  greeted  the  sentiment  with  heart  and  voice=
.  It  was=20
an  ovation.=20

When  General  Grant  became  financially  embarrassed  in  1884  he  was  =
specially-=20
anxious  to  secure  Mr.  W.  H.  Vanderbflt  in  the  sum  of  $150,000,  =
loaned  to  him=20
under  peculiar  circumstances=E2=80=94 the  noble-hearted  General  and  h=
is.wife  made  over=20
to  him  all  their  personal  property,  including  the  valuable  trophie=
s  and  mementos=20
presented  to  him  not  only  in  America  but  by  monarchs,  princes  an=
d  other=20
admirers  during  his  celebrated  trip  around  the  world.=20

Recognizing  the  fact  that  people  everywhere  would  feel  interested  =
in  seeing=20
these  trophies,  and  that  I  could  by  exhibiting  them  in  a  most  e=
legant  and  suit-=20


THE    WHITE    ELEPHANT.  34'}=20

able  manner  throughout  the  civilized  world  gratify  millions  of  per=
sons  of  taste=20
and  appreciation,  while  I  could  afford  to  compensate  General  Grant=
  so  liberally=20
for  the  privilege  as  to  assure  him  a  fine  income,  I  wrote  to  h=
im  the  following=20
letter  and  sent  it  by  special  messenger :=20

NEW  YORK,  January  12,  1885.=20
To  General  U.  S.  Grant,  twice  Pi-esident  of  the  United  Slates,  e=
tc.:=20

H(ft=C2=BB<>RED  SIR  :  The  whole  world  honors  and  respects  yo=
u.  All  are  anxious  that  yon=20
should  live  happy  and  free  from  care.  While  they  admire  your  man=
liness  in  declining  the=20
large  =C2=BBum  recently  tender**!  yuu  by  friends,  they  still  desir=
e  to  see  you  achieve  financial=20
independence  in  itn  honorable  manner.  Of  the  unique  and  valuable  =
trophies  with  which=20
you  have  been  honored,  we  all  have  read,  and  ull  have  a  laudabl=
e  desire  to  see  these  evi-=20
dences of  love  and  respect  bestowed  upon  you  by  monarchs,  princes =
 and  people  through-=20
out the  globe.  While  you  would  confer  a  great  mid  enduring  favor =
 on  your  l'ell<>w-men  and=20
women  by  permitting  them  to  see  these  trophies  you  could  also  re=
move  existing  embar-=20
rassments in  a  most  satisfactory  and  honorable  manner.  I  will  give=
  you  one  hundred=20
thousand  dollars  cash,  besides  a  proportion  of  the  profits,  if  I =
 may  be  permitted  to  exhibit=20
these  relics  to  a  grateful  and  appreciative  public,  and  I  will  g=
ive  satisfactory  bonds  of  half=20
a  million  dollars  lor  their  safe-keeping  and  return.=20

These  precious  trophies  of  which  all  your  friends  are  so  proud,  =
would  be  placed  before  the=20
eyes  of  your  millions  of  admirers  in  a  manner  and  style  at  once=
  pleasing  to  yourself  and=20
satisfactory  to  the  best  e'ernents  of  the  entire  community.  Rememb=
ering  thnt  the  memen-=20
toes of  Washington,  Wellington,  Nnpoleon,  Frederick  (he  Great  and  m=
any  other  dis-=20
tingui-'hed  men  have  given  immense  pleasure  to  millions  who  have  =
been  permitted  to  see=20
them.  I  trust  you  will  in  the  honorable  manner  proponed,  gratify =
 the  public  and  thus  incul-=20
c  ite  the  lesson  of  honesty,  perseverence  and  true  patriotism  so =
 admirably  illustrated  in=20
your  career.=20

I  hare  the  honor  to  be  truly  your  friend  and  admirer,  P.  T.  BA=
RNUM.=20

I  called  at  General  Grant's  residence  soon  afterwards,  and  was  po=
litely  received=20
by  him,  his  wife,  and  son,  Colonel  Frederick  Grant.=20

I  ?aid  to  the  General,  after  our  greeting.  "  General,  since  your=
  journey  around=20
the  world  you  are  the  best-known  man  on  the  globe."=20

"No,  sir,"  replied  the  General,  "your. name  is  familiar  to  multitu=
des  who=20
never  heard  of  me.  Wherever  I  went,  amorg  the  most  distant  natio=
ns,  the  fact=20
that  I  was  an  American  led  to  constant  inquiries  whether  I  knew =
 Barnum."=20

Proceeding  to  the  business  on  which  I  had  called,  the  General  in=
formed  me=20
that  the  trophies  were  no  longer  under  his  control,  as  Mr.  Vande=
rbilt,  after=20
refusing  to  take  them,  out  of  respect  to  the  General,  had  finall=
y  accepted  them=20
on  condition  that  after  General  Grant's  decease  they  should  be  lo=
dged  in  some=20
safe  public  place  in  Washington,  where  all  could  see  them.=20

"  After  all,  Mr.  Barnum,''  said  General  Grant,  "under  the  present=
  arrange-=20
ments, everybody  who  visits  Washington  can  see  them."=20

"Yes,  General,"  I  replied,  "but  millions  of  persons  who  will  neve=
r  visit=20
Washington  will  regret  that  I  had  never  brought  these  historical  =
relics  where=20
they  would  see  them."=20

I  shall  always  believe,  regardless  of  any  profit  (or  loss)  which =
 might  have_=20
accrued  to  me,  that  my  plan  was  one  creditable  to  all  concerned,=
  and  that  it  is=20
to  be  regretted  that  it  was  not  carried  out.=20

I  was  reminded  of  General  Grant's  assurance  of  my  name  being  kno=
wn  to  the=20
ends  of  the  earth,  when  a  few  weeks  later  I  received  a  letter  =
addres'sed  to  "Mr.=20
Barnum,  America,"  and  posted  in  Noulmein,  British  Burmah,  on  Janua=
ry  15  h.=20
It  had  been  stamped  seven  times  on  its  face  and  ba^k,  and  bore =
 the  marks  of  the=20
Post  Office  of  Bombay,  Brandisi,%ie  "Sea  Post  Office,"  and  the  Po=
st  Office  in=20
New  York,  whence  it  was  transmitted  to  Bridgeport.  The  envelope  c=
ontained=20
two  letters  in  the  Burmese  language,  to  the  attendants  on  the  Wh=
ite  Elephant.=20
The  Daily  Standard  remarked  :=20

The  lact  that  the  address  was  simply  "Mr.  Barnum,  America."  goe=
=C2=AB  to  show  that  our=20
fellow-townsman  ii  the  Mr.  Barnum,  not  only  of  the  United  States,=
  or  North  America,  but=20
of  the  world.=20


CHAPTER    LIV.=20

ALICE.=20

=E2=80=A2=20

Our  Great  Barnum-London  Show  opened  its  season  at  Madison  Square  =
Garden,=20
New  York  City,  Monday,  March  16th,  18&5,  and  closed  at  Newbur=
g,  N.  Y.,  Sat-=20
urday, October  24th,  whence  it  was  shipped  directly  to  Winter  Head=
quarters,=20
Bridgeport,  Conn.  In  the  course  of  192  days,  exclusive  of  Sundays=
,  it  traveled=20
8,471  miles  and  exhibited  in  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  New  Jersey,  =
Connecticut,=20
Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  Maine,  New  Brunswick,  New  Hampshire,  V=
er-=20
mont, and  the  Provinces  of  Quebec  and  Ontario,  Canada.  The  net  pr=
ofits  were=20
larger  than  those  of  the  previous  year.=20

The  first  event  of  note  during  the  season =E2=80=94 and  a  most  la=
mentable  one =E2=80=94=20
occurred  at  Nashua,  N.  H.,  on  Saturday  afternoon,  July  18th,  when=
  "Albert,"=20
a  very  large  and  treacherous  Asiatic  elephant,  attacked  James  McCo=
rmick,  one=20
of  the  keepers,  inflicting  internal  injuries,  which  resulted  in  de=
ath  the  next  day.=20
For  this,  and  to  prevent  further  possible  loss  of  life,  Albert  w=
as  sentenced  to=20
death,  and  executed  in  a  ravine  in  the  suburbs  of  Keene,  N.  H.,=
  on  Monday,=20
July  20.  After  he  had  been  chained  to  four  large  trees,  and  the=
  location  of  his=20
heart  and  brain  marked  with  chalk,  thirty-three  members  of  the  Ke=
ene  Light=20
Guard  were  marshalled  in  line  at  sixteen  paces,  and,  at  the  word=
  of  command,=20
discharged  a  volley  into  the  huge  culprit  with  such  accuracy  of  =
aim  that  he  fell=20
dead,  without  a  struggle.  Albert  was  worth  $10,000.  His  remains  w=
ere  pre-=20
sented to  the  Smithsonian  Institute,  Washington,  D.  C.=20

On  Tuesday,  Sept.  15th,  at  St.  Thomas,  Ontario,  Canada,  occurred  =
a  univer-=20
sally announced  and  regretted  tragedy,  by  which  the  Show  suffered  =
a  great  and=20
irreparable  loss.  At  about  9  o'clock  on  the  evening  of  that  day,=
  Jumbo,  the=20
biggest,  noblest,  most  famous,  popular,  and  valuable  of  beasts,  wa=
s  killed.=20
While  being  led  along  the  main  line  of  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway  =
to  his  car,  an=20
unexpected  special  freight  train  rushed  upon  him.  There  was  no  ti=
me  for=20
escape,  and  the  locomotive  struck  Jumbo  with  terrific  force.  The  =
engine  was=20
badly  broken  and  derailed,  and  Jumbo's  skull  fractured  and  interna=
l  injuries=20
inflicted  by  his  huge  body  being  crushed  between  the  freight  trai=
n  and  a  train  of=20
show  cars  standing  on  an  adjacent  track.  He  died  in  a  few  momen=
ts.=20
The  dwarf  clown  elephant,  "  Tom  Thumb,"  had  a  leg  broken,  but  h=
as  since=20
recovered,  retaining  only  an  interesting  little  limp  as  a  souvenir=
  of  his  narm\v=20
escape.=20

The  death  of  Jumbo  was  cabled  all  over  the  world,  and,  for  the =
 time,  almost=20
monopolized  public  attention,  both  at  home  and  abroad.  I  received =
 hundreds=20
of  telegrams  and  letters  of  sympathy.  The  London  Pall-Mall  Gazette=
,  one  of=20
the  leading  English  newspapers,  referred  editorially  to  the  event  =
as  follows:=20

Mr.  Bnrnnm  has.  of  course,  been  interviewed  resecting  the  death  o=
f  Jumbo,  and  tne=20
great  showman,  with  that  peculiar  repose  in  faith  which  is  one  o=
f  his  strongest  character-=20
istics, keeps  f>n  believing  th;it  Jumbo's  death  may  prove  a  tru=
mp  card  yet.  "  The  loss  is=20
tremendous, "nay*  Mr  Ha'num,  "but- such  :i  trifle  never  disturbs  my=
  nerves.  Have  I  not=20
lost  a  nvllion  dollars  by  fires.  :md  half  as  much  by  other  fina=
ncial  misfortunes?  but  long  aijo=20
I  learned  that  to  those  who  metn  riant  and  try  to  do  rizht,  th=
ere  are  no  such  things  as  real=20
misfortunes.  On  the  other  hand,  to  such  persons,  all  apparent  evi=
ls  are  blessings  in=20
dl=C2=ABzuise."=20

344=20


ALICE.  345=20

My  first  thought  was  of  the  many  thousands  who  were  counting  on =
 seeing  the=20
giant  beast,  the  largest  living  creature  in  the  world.=20

Fortunately,  in  the  case  of  Jumbo,  science  achieved  a  substantial =
 victory  over=20
death.  Professor  Henry  A.  Ward,  the  distinguished  head  of  Ward's  =
Natural=20
Science  Establishment  at  Rochester,  N.  Y..  was  for  many  months  en=
gaged  in  the=20
labor  of  preserving  Jumbo's  form,  and  also  preparing  his  skeleton =
 for  exhibition.=20
This  great  work  has  been  successfully  concluded,  and  the  public  c=
an  now  look=20
upon  Jumbo  as  majestic  and  natural  as  life,  while  beside  him  sta=
nds  the=20
prodigious  framework  of  massive  bones  which  sustained  the  vast  wei=
ght  of  his=20
flesh.=20

So  many  letters  have  been  received  by  me  from  all  parts  of  the =
 world,  asking=20
the  exact  size  of  the  lamented  Jumbo,  that  I  am  impelled  to  pri=
nt  the  measure-=20
ments made  by  Professor  H.  A.  Ward.=20

JUMBO'S  SIZE.=20

Neck=E2=80=94 Smallest  circumference 11  feet,  6  inches.=20

Body =E2=80=94 Circumference  at  shoulders 16=20

Circumference  at  middle 18=20

Circumference  at  hind  legs 17=20

Forelegs =E2=80=94 Circumference  of  leg  3     feet  above  sole  of  foo=
t        3          10=20

5^        "  "  "       ..  5  7=20

Hind  legs=E2=80=94  "2  "  "  "      ..     3=20

"4  "  "  "       ..  4=20

Length  of  tail 4=20

Length  in  all 14=20

Height  to  shoulder 12=20

Weight _ 7  tons.=20

Soon  after  Jumbo's  death  I  succeeded  in  purchasing  from  the  Direc=
tors  of  the=20
Zoological  Society's  Garden,  London,  the  great  African  Elephant  "  =
ALICE,"  for=20
sixteen  years  the  companion  and  so-called  "  wife  "  of  the  great =
 Jumbo.  Alice',=20
it  will  be  remembered,  was  so  sorrowfully  excited  when  my  agent  =
attempted  to=20
remove  Jumbo,  February,  1882,  that  her  groans  and  trumpetings  frig=
htened  the=20
wild  beasts  in  the  great  "  Zoo  "  into  such  bowlings  and  roaring=
s  as  were  heard  a=20
mile  away.  When  Jumbo  was  killed  the  English  newspapers  called  Al=
ice=20
"  Jumbo's  widow,"  and  several  of  the  illustrated  weeklies  gave  pi=
ctures  of  her=20
wearing  her  "widow's  cap."=20

Alice  joined  the  Greatest  Show  on  Earth  in  the  early  days  of  he=
r  widowhood,=20
and  was  exhibited  side  by  side  with  the  skeleton  and  stuffed  hid=
e  of  Jumbo.=20
This  pathetic  juxtaposition  did  not  apparently  affect  her  spirits. =
 The  dead=20
Jumbo  and  the  living  Alice  were  among  the  most  interesting  featur=
es  of  the=20
show  season  of  1886,  both  at  the  Madison  Square  Garden,  from  Apr=
il  1st  to=20
April  24th,  and  in  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  District  of  =
Columbia,=20
Virginia.  Ohio,  Kentucky,  Indiana,  Tennessee,  Michigan,  Illinois,  Io=
wa,  Wis-=20
consin, Minnesota,  Nebraska,  Missouri,  Kansas,  Georgia,  South  Carolin=
a  and=20
North  Carolina.  The  show,  as  usual,  was  larger  and  better  than  e=
ver  before,=20
and  its  financial  success  proportionate.  This  was  the  first  visit =
 of  the  great  show=20
to  the  Southern  States,  where  it  was  received  with  the  greatest  =
enthusiasm.  It=20
visited,  during  its  season  of  1886,  21  States  and  144  cities,  tr=
aveled  10,447  miles,=20
and  gave  344  performances.  Its  longest  single  run  was  from  Spring=
field,  Mo. ,  to=20
Memphis,  Tenn.,  285  miles.=20

In  pursuance  of  my  custom  of  visiting  my  Great  Show  at  such  pla=
ces  as  are=20
railroad  centers,  where  I  know  thousands  will  come  in  by  excursio=
n  trains.  I=20


346  ALICE.=20

last  year  met  the  show  at  Erie,  Pa.  I  did  not  make  myself  know=
n  (for  I  like  to=20
mingle  with  the  crowd  incognito,  and  get  information  and  pleasure =
 listening  to=20
the  various  remarks,  and  especially  criticisms,  about  the  different=
  details  of  the=20
show)  but  seated  myself  among  the  audience,  surrounded  by  the  cou=
ntry  people.=20
It  was  a  great  satisfaction  to  witness  their  delight  at  the  vari=
ous  exhibitions=20
brought  into  the  arena.  One  old  farmer  and  his  wife,  who  sat  on=
  the  seat  in=20
front  of  me,  attracted  my  attention.=20

"  '  I  declare,  Sally,'  says  the  man,  'I  ain't  seen  a  circus  si=
nce  I  was  twenty-=20
one.  I  neyer  did  think  it  possible  to  do  such  wonderful  things  =
as  I  have  seen=20
here  to-day.'=20

"  '  I  have  never,'  replied  Sally,  '  seen  a  circus  since  I  was =
 a  gal.  But  I  was=20
determined  to  see  Barnum's,  I  had  heard  so  much  about  it.  It  ce=
rtainly  beats=20
all  I  had  ever  dreamt  of.'=20

"  'After  all,'  said  the  husband,  '  there  is  one  thing  I  would  =
give  more  to  =C2=A7ee=20
than  the  whole  show,  and  that  is  Barnum  himself.'=20

, "'  Well,  perhaps  you  may  see  him,'  replied  the  wife,  '  they  s=
ay  he  sometimes=20
goes  with  his  show.'=20
"  '  I  hope  I  will  get  a  look  at  him,'  said  the  husband.=20

After  a  while,  a  young  rider  about  three-and-twenty  years  of  age,=
  a  perfect=20
athlete  and  equestrian,  came  into  the  ring,  riding  four  bare-backe=
d  horses.  They=20
were  very  spirited  animals,  aud  they  went  through  their  various  e=
volutions=20
with  such  perfection  and  celerity  as  to  bring  repeated  thunders  o=
f  applause.=20
Presently  the  youthful  rider  turned  a  somersault,  alighted  upon  hi=
s  head,  and  in=20
that  position,  with  his  heels  in  the  air,  rode  several  times  aro=
und  the  ring.  All=20
were  wondering  at  this  extraordinary  feat,  when  my  old  farmer  fri=
end  jumped=20
to  his  feet,  wild  with  excitement,  swung  his  hat  in  the  air  and=
  exclaimed,  '  I'll=20
bet  five  dollars  that's  Barnum.  There  ain't  another  man  in  Americ=
a  who  can=20
do  that  but  Barnum.'  I  did"  not  disabuse  his  mind.  He  felt  that=
  he  had  gotten=20
his  money's  worth,  and  I  was  satisfied.=20

During  the  six  weeks  of  the  exhibition  in  New  York.  I  was  a  co=
nstant  visitor=20
in  the  afternoons  and  an  occasional  one  in  the  evenings,  at  whic=
h  latter  times=20
I  renewed  many  old  acquaintanceships.  When  it  was  not  possible  to=
  attend=20
both,  I  always  gave  the  preference  to  the  afternoon^performances,  =
so  as  to  meet=20
as  many  as  possible  of  my  little  friends  and  patrons,  to  whose  =
amusement  and=20
happiness  it  is  such  a  pleasure  to  minister.  To  me  there  is  no =
 picture  so  beauti-=20
ful as  ten  thousand  smiling,  bright-eyed,  happy  children;  no  music =
 so  sweet  as=20
their  clear  ringing  laughter.  That  I  have  had  power,  year  after  =
year,  by  pro-=20
viding innocent  amusement  for  the  little  ones,  to  create  such  pict=
ures,  to  evoke=20
such  music,  is  my  proudest  and  happiest  reflection.  Often,  as  I  =
walked  through=20
the  Madison  Square  Garden,  I  was  the  recipient  of  spontaneous  bur=
sts  of  ap-=20
plause and  clapping  of  little  hands  from  the  multitude  of  children=
  present.=20
These  incidents  are  among  the  pleasantest  of  my  life  and  never  t=
o  be  forgotten.=20
The  show  left  the  city  for  its  annual  traveling  season  and  trave=
led  through=20
the  following  states,  first  going  to  Brooklyn,  New  Jersey,  Pennsyl=
vania,  Dela-=20
ware, New  York,  Connecticut,  Massachusetts,  Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Ve=
rmont,=20
Rhode  Island,  back  to  New  York  State,  through  Canada,  then  into  =
New  York=20
State  again,  Pennsylvania,  and  lastly  New  Jersey,  closing  the  seas=
on  in  Hoboken,=20
on  October  22,  1887.  It  was  a  most  satisfactory  season  financiall=
y,  although  not=20
quite  as  extensive  as  formerly.  In  its  travels  the  show  visited  =
175  cities,  covering=20
over  10,500  miles  of  territory  and  meeting  with  but  few  accidents=
,  and  none  of=20


ALICE.  347=20

auy  consequence.  From  Hoboken  all  the  animals  and  material  were  s=
afely=20
transported  to  the  winter  quarters  at  Bridgeport.=20

At  the  close  of  the  season,  Messrs.  Hutchinson,  Cole  and  Cooper, =
 feeling  a=20
desire  for  more  leisurely  lives  than  the  terms  of  our  partnership=
  permitted,  and=20
being  possessed  of  fortunes  large  enough  to  gratify  all  reasonable=
  tastes,  with-=20
drew from  the  firm,  with  my  free  consent,  and  the  show  property  =
was  housed=20
for  the  winter  with  myself  and  Mr.  James  A.  Bailey  as  equal  par=
tners  and  pro=20
prietors,  and  under  the  name  of  the  Barnum  &  Bailey  Show.=20

The  sad  news  of  Jenny  Lind's  death  in  London  November  2,  1887,  =
news=20
which  flashed  across  the  world  awakening  universal  sorrow  and  regr=
et,  appealed=20
peculiarly  to  me.  It  was  not  only  that  the  dead  songstress  was  =
associated  with=20
one  of  the  most  successful  business  enterprises  of  my  life,  and  =
one  of  which  I=20
am  particularly  pleased,  but  from  the  time  of  our  first  associati=
on  I  conceived=20
for  the  woman  and  the  artist  a  warm  regard  which  was  not  impair=
ed  by  any=20
subsequent  events.  Her  impulses  were  always  good,  and  if  the  some=
what=20
abrupt  termination  of  her  engagement  with  me  was  not  in  keeping  =
with  the=20
fine  sense  of  justice  which  ordinarily  regulated  her  actions,  the =
 blame  must  rest=20
on  her  interested  advisers,  not  on  Jenny  Lind.=20

In  the  years  that  have  passed  since  then  we  have  each  held  ours=
elves  ready  to=20
do  the  other  any  friendly  service  possible,  and  have  taken  a  mut=
ual  pleasure=20
in  recalling  the  many  humorous  and  pathetic  incidents  of  our  conc=
ert  season.=20
I  remember  the  glorious  voice  of  the  Nightingale,  not  alone  in  t=
he  raptures  of=20
unrivalled  singing,  but  low  and  soft,  with  pitying  tender  words,  =
as  she  sought=20
to  comfort  one  in  trouble;  or  ringing  out  in  the  hearty  laughter=
  of  blithe  and=20
vigorous  young  womanhood.  From  my  very  heart  came  the  words  of  s=
ympa-=20
thy I  sent  to  her  devoted  husband,  and  from  his,  I  am  sure,  cam=
e  the  message=20
he  cabled  from  Malvern,  England,  where  he  had  just  laid  the  body=
  of  his=20
worshipped  wife  :=20

P.  T.  BARNUM,  New  York  :=20

Fully  appreciate  your  condolences,  coming  from  one  who  well  knew  =
my=20
beloved  wife,  and  was  always  remembered  by  her  with  sincere  regar=
d.=20

OTTO  QOLDSCHMIDT.=20

So  dies  away  the  last  echo  of  the  most  glorious  voice  the  world=
  has  ever=20
heard.=20


CHAPTER    LV.=20

THE   CHURCH   AND    CIRCUS.=20

YEARS  ago  no  two  institutions  were  more  actively  antagonistic  than=
  the=20
Church  and  Circus.  The  former  waged  fierce  and  uncompromising  war =
 against=20
the  latter,  the  Methodist  Church  going  so  far  as  to  make  it  a  =
part  of  their  dis-=20
cipline that  attendance  at  a  circus  entailed  forfeiture  of  membersh=
ip.  That  the=20
Church  should  ever  tolerate,  patronize  or  even  recognize  as  an  ed=
ucator  the=20
circus  was  a  possibility  that  probably  entered  into  the  dreams  of=
  no  man  but=20
myself,  and  perhaps  no  man  but  myself  believed  it  possible  to  or=
ganize  a  circus=20
which  should  respect  the  Church  and  all  pertaining  to  it.=20

In  those  days  the  circus  was  very  justly  the  object  of  the  Chur=
ch's  animad-=20
versions. Its  spectacular  attractions  consisted  principally  of  six  t=
o  ten  entree=20
horses,  with  riders ;  two  fairly  good  equestrians,  whose  standing  =
feats  on  horse-=20
back were  made  on  a  broad  pad  saddle;  half  a  dozen  apprentice  bo=
ys,  who  rode=20
more  or  less  (and  rather  less  than  more)  and  joined  in  flip-flap=
s,  hand-springs=20
and,  in  the  afterpiece,  " The  Tailor  of  Tamworth  "  or  "Pete  Jenk=
ins,"  in  which=20
drunken  characters  were  represented  and  broad  jokes,  suited  to  the=
  groundlings,=20
were  given.  Its  fun  consisted  of  the  clown's  vulgar  jests,  emphas=
ized  with  still=20
more  vulgar  and  suggestive  gestures,  lest  providentially  the  point =
 might  be  lost.=20
Educational  features  the  circus  of  that  day  had  done.  Its  employe=
es  were=20
mostly  of  the  [rowdy  element,  and  it  had  a  following  of  card-sha=
rpers,  pick-=20
pockets and  swindlers  generally,  who  were  countenanced  by  some  of  =
the  circus=20
proprietors,  with  whom  they  shared  their  ill-gotten  gains.  Its  adv=
ent  was=20
dreaded  by  all  law-abiding  people,  who  knew  that  with  it  would  i=
nevitably=20
cause  disorder,  drunkenness  and  riot.  It  will  scarcely  be  believed=
  that  it  was=20
the  custom  of  most  of  Rich  circuses  to  engage  in  advance  the  fi=
remen  of  the=20
town  they  proposed  to  visit  to  help  to  protect  the  circus  compan=
y  against  possi-=20
ble attacks  of  the  rabble,  who  were  apt  to  be  belligerently  indig=
nant  when  too=20
outrageously  victimized.  Some  circus  proprietors  paid  no  salary  to =
 their  ticket-=20
sellers,  but  let  them  cheat  it  out  of  their  customers  by  giving =
 them  short  change=20
in  the  rush  and  excitement  which  usually  prevailed  around  the  tic=
ket  wagon.=20

THE   MISSION  OF  THE  CIRCUS.=20

Every  one  in  these  enlightened  days  concedes  that  human  nature  im=
peratively=20
demands  amusement  and  recreation.  The  childish  mind  to  which  all  =
the  world=20
is  yet  fresh  and  interesting  and  the  jaded,  brain  of  the  adult  =
call  with  equal=20
insistence  for  "  something  new  and  strange."  Granted  the  necessity=
  of  amuse-=20
ments and  the  desirability  of  their  being  morally  clean  and  health=
ful  and  instruc-=20
tive, the  provider  of  such  entertainments  is  a  public  benefactor  a=
nd  may=20
reasonably  ask  for  his  wares  the  countenance  of  the  Church.=20

The  so-called  circus  of  to-day,  with,  I  regret  to  say,  some  exce=
ptions,  is  a=20
widely  different  affair  from  that  of  the  past.  When  under  proper =
 management=20
it  is  decorous  and  orderly  in  operation  and  composed  of  features =
 which  appeal=20
to  all  ages,  classes  and  conditions.  While  modestly  submitting  to =
 bear  the=20
generic  title  of  circus,  a  genuine  tent  exhibition  under  thit  nam=
e  must  com-=20


THE    CHURCH    AND    CIRCUS.  349=20

prise  a  menagerie  and  museum,  the  accumulating  of  which  necessitat=
ed  a=20
diligent  searching  of  the  whole  earth  at  an  incredible  pecuniary  =
outlay.  In  the=20
proper  circus  of  to-day  the  athlete  demonstrates  the  perfection  of=
  training  of=20
which  the  human  body  is  capable.  His  feats  of  strength  and  grace=
ful  agility=20
pleases  the  understanding  as  well  as  the  eye,  and  if  the  average=
  small  boy  does=20
stand  on  his  head  and  practice  turning  "  hand-springs "  and  "flip=
-flaps"  with=20
exasperating  persistence  for  three  weeks  running  after  going  to  th=
e  circus  his=20
physique  will  be  all  the  better  for  it.  The  juggler  shows  the  m=
arvelous  precision=20
and  nicety  of  touch  which  can  be  acquired  by  patient  practice.  I=
n  the  real=20
circus  of  to-day  the  intelligent  lover  of  horse-flesh  will  find  t=
he  finest  specimens=20
of  the  equine  race  trained  to  do  almost  anything  but  talk.  There=
  the  scientific=20
mind  is  attracted  by  such  strange  examples  of  mechanism  as  the  t=
alking  machine,=20
an  ingenious  duplicate  of  the  structure  of  the  human  throat,  givi=
ng  forth  under=20
manipulation  a  very  human,  if  not  very  sweet,  voice.  The  ethnolog=
ist  finds=20
gathered  together  for  his  leisurely  inspection  representatives  of  n=
otable  and=20
peculiar  tribes,  civilized  and  savage,  from  far  distant  lands=E2=80=
=94 types  which  other-=20
wise he  would  never  see,  as  they  can  only  be  sought  in  their  na=
tive  countries  at=20
the  risk  of  life,  and  at  an  expenditure  of  time  and  money  possi=
ble  to  very  few.=20
The  menagerie  of  wild  beasts,  birds  and  reptiles =E2=80=94 comprisin=
g  every  curious=20
specimen  of  animal  life  from  the  denizens  of  the  torrid  African  =
jungle  to  those=20
of  the  Polar  regions =E2=80=94 form  a  study  that  will  impart  more =
 valuable  information=20
in  two  hours  than  can  be  obtained  from  reading  books  on  zoology =
 in  a  year.=20

MORALITY  OF  EMPLOYEES.=20

The  morality  of  a  genuine  circus  troupe  compares  favorably  with  t=
hat  of  any=20
equal  number  of  any  other  profession  or  trade.  Many  of  them  are =
 educated=20
and  intelligent;  most  are  loyal  to  strong  family  affections  and  t=
o  such  domes-=20
ticity as  is  attainable  while  traveling,  For  the  rest,  they  are  o=
bliged  to  behave=20
well.  The  circus  proprietor  has  a  more  complete  jurisdiction  over =
 his  employees=20
than  any  pastor  over  his  congregation.  Would  any  clergyman  dare  t=
o  punish=20
profanity  by  fine  and  drunkenness  by  expulsion  ?  which  is  exactly=
  what  the  best=20
type  of  circus  proprietor  can  do  and  does.  He  has  the  whip  hand=
,  and  retains=20
during  the  season  a  proportion  of  the  employee's  salary,  which  he=
  receives  at=20
the  end  of  the  season  if  his  record  is  good,  not  otherwise.  Bus=
iness  interests=20
compel  strict  discipline,  and  who  shall  say  that  the  employee  who=
  is  compelled=20
to  behave  well  is  not,  at  the  end  of  the  season,  somewhat  the  =
better  for  eight=20
months  of  compulsory  sobriety,  civility  and  orderly  living  ?=20

The  best  circus  of  to-day  is  not  a  fair  mark  for  the  Church's  =
hostility,  and=20
while  the  circus  has  advanced  in  merit,  the  Church  has  no  less  =
grown  in  toler-=20
ance. In  my  capacity  of  circus  proprietor  I  have  been  the  recipie=
nt  of  many=20
flattering  and  amusing  amenities  on  the  part  of  the  Church.  As,  =
for  instance,=20
when  on  Sunday  evening,  May  21,  1882,  I  entered  the  Church  of  t=
he  Messiah,=20
New  York  City,  Rev.  Robert  Collyer,  pastor,  and  quietly  took  a  b=
ack  seat  only=20
to  find  the  keen  clear  eyes  of  the  preacher  fixed  upon  me,  and =
 to  hear  his  reso-=20
nant voice  announce,  "I  see  P.  T.  Barnum  in  a  back  pew  of  this =
 church,  and  I=20
invite  him  to  come  forward  and  take  a  seat  in  my  family  pew.  M=
r.  Barnum=20
always  gives  me  a  good  seat  in  his  circus  and  I  want  to  give  =
him  as  good  in  my=20
church."  I  thought  the  reverened  gentleman  had  the  courage  of  his=
  convictions=20
to  a  most  unusual  degree,  and  I  was  grateful  to  his  congregation=
  for  the  gravity=20
with  which  they  listened  to  this  very  remarkable  "pulpit  notice  "=
and  made=20


350  THE    CHURCH    AND    CIRCUS.=20

way  for  me  as,  with  some  embarrassment,  I  took  the  prominent  sea=
t  so  peremp-=20
torily indicated.=20

Again,  last  summer,  a  few  days  before  my  great  show  was  to  visi=
t  St.  Albans,=20
Vt.,  I  received  a  letter  signed  by  the  clergy  of  that  town  remi=
nding  me  that  my=20
organization  was  to  arrive  among  them  on  Sunday  morning  early,  an=
d  asking=20
that  I  would  give  orders  that  none  of  the  paraphernalia,  wagons, =
 etc.,  should=20
be  in  transit  between  the  railroad  depot  and  the  show  grounds  du=
ring  the  hours=20
of  divine  service.  I  was  punctilious  in  seeing  that  their  very  r=
easonable  request=20
was  respected.  Being  in  St.  Albans  myself  that  Sunday,  I  received=
,  with  my=20
company,  printed  invitations  to  attend  a  prominent  church.  I,  at  =
least,  went,=20
and  heard  a  very  good  sermon,  and  the  preacher  did  not  take  the=
  occasion  to=20
decry  the  calling  I  represented,  as  happened  to  Miss  Emma  Abbott =
 recently.=20

SPEAKING  IN  CHURCH.=20

I  will  not  say  whether  I  think  it  was  well  or  ill  advised  of  =
her  to  rise  in=20
meeting  and  combat  the  ungenerous  strictures  of  the  preacher,  but =
 I  did  the=20
same  thing  myself  (after  the  benediction  was  pronounced)  under  the=
  same=20
provocation,  in  Lenox,  Mass. ,  fifty-one  years  ago,  and  had  a  mos=
t  attentive  and=20
sympathetic  audience,  as  I  doubt  not  Miss  Abbott  did.  Many  promin=
ent  clergy-=20
men have  written  me  the  most  cordial  expressions  of  their  approbat=
ion  of  my=20
circus  and  of  their  personal  pleasure  in  attending  it.  I  append  =
three  of  the=20
most  notable  and  characteristic  :=20

I  should  like,  if  I  had  time,  to  Tisit  your  gigantic  combination=
  once  a  week  daring  the=20
whole  season,  for  there  is  so  much  to  see  that  no  one  could  do=
  the  matter  justice  in  less=20

Yours,  HENRY  WARD  BEECHER.=20

NEW  YORK,  January  15,  1878.=20

MT  DEAR  BARNUM  :  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  express  my  since=
re  opinion,  that  in=20
the  entertainments  which  you  have  lurnished  for  the  public,  your  =
patrons  have  always=20
received  a  full  and  profitable  money's-worth,  and  that  they  are  f=
itted  not  only  to  amuse,  but=20
to  instruct,  and  are  certainly  free  from  anything  that  can  be  in=
  the  least  objectionable  to=20
any  refined  or  religious  person.=20

I  remain,  truly  yours,=20

E.  H.  CHAPIN.=20

BROOKLYN,  January  13,  1878.=20

MT  DEAR  OLD  FRIEND  :  "  The  King  never  dies."  This  old  maxim  of=
  royalty  seems  to=20
apply  to  you  as  the  King  of  Exhibitors  and  Caterers,  not  merely =
 to  the  public  amusement,=20
but  to  popular  instruction.=20

Millions  of  -'little  folks"  may  consider  yon  their  benefactor  in  =
affording  them  innocent=20
gratification.  I  have  several  times  taker  my  children  to  your  Mus=
eums,  Menageiies  and=20
Exhibitions,  and  have  not  observed  there  anything  profane  or  impur=
e.  I  especially  thank=20
you  for  your  allegiance  (btv  h  in  your  practice  and  in  your  bus=
iness)  to  the  principle  of  total=20
abstinence  from  all  intoxicants.=20

With  a  thousand  good  wishes,  and  with  kindest  regards  to  your  fa=
mily,  I  remain,=20
Yours  sincerely,=20

THEO    L.  CUYLER.=20

The  religious  press  has  been  no  less  kind  and  complimentary  :=20
The  Examiner  and  Chronicle  said  :=20

Barnum's  Great  Show  is  well  worth  everybody's  seeing.  It  is  not  =
too  much  to  say  that=20
it  is  the  greatest  exhibition  of  its  kind  in  the  world.=20

The  Christian  at  Work  said  :=20

We  have  visited  Barnum's  Great  Novel  and  Instructive  Exhibition.  A=
musement  is=20
necessary  to  us  all =E2=80=94 and  when  we  can  combine  instruction  =
and  amusement,  as  in  tliH  case,=20
we  see  no  rtaMon  why  we  -houW  not  be  gratified  in  this  respect,=
  aud  our  children  us  well.=20


THE    CHURCH    AND    CIRCUS.  351=20

The  Methodist  said  :=20

Barnum's  Greatest  Show  on  Earth,  which  we  have  visited  at  the  Am=
erican  Institute  iu=20
this  city,  is  entirely  worthy  of  public  patronage.  It  is  amusing,=
  interesting  and  instructive.=20

The  Christian  Union  said  :=20

The  delighted  public  has  once  more  an  opportunity  of  enjoying  tha=
t  Great  Moral  and=20
Instructive  Exhibition  which  Mr.  P.  T.  Barnum  has  for  a  generatio=
n  or  two,  and  for  a  very=20
moderate  money  consideration,  innocently  pleased  and  educated  amusem=
ent-loving  America.=20

The  Independent  said  :=20

Barnum  claims  that  his  show  is  the  Great  Moral  and  Instructive  E=
xhibition=E2=80=94 and  Barnum=20
tells  the  truth.  All  the  world  says  so.=20

Perhaps  my  experience  has  been  exceptionally  fortunate,  but  I  am  =
convinced=20
that  the  Church  and  my  circus,  at  least,  are  to-day  on  very  goo=
d  terms.=20

A  secular  recognition  of  my  Great  Show  as  an  educator =E2=80=94 a =
 recognition  of=20
which  I  am  very  proud=E2=80=94 is  contained  in  the  following  lette=
r  :=20

UNITED  STATES  NATIONAL  MUSEUM.=20

UNDER  THB  DIRECTION  OP=20
THE  SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION,=20

WASHINGTON,  May  1, 1882.=20

DEAR  MR.  BARNCM  :  Will  you  do  us  the  favor  to  allow  Mr.  Clark =
 Mills  to  make  a  face-=20
mask  of  your  countenance  from  which  to  prepare  a  bust  for  the  N=
ational  Museum,  to  be=20
placed  in  our  series  of  representations  of  men  who  have  distingui=
shed  themselves  for  what=20
they  have  done  as  promoters  of  the  natural  sciences.=20

Very  truly  yours,=20
P.  T.  BARNUM,  ESQ.  SPENCER  BAIRD.=20

And  my  generous  foe,  Mr.  Henry  Bergh,  the  well-known  and  respecte=
d  presi-=20
dent of  "  The  Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Animals  "=
  with  whom  I=20
have  had  several  tilts,  as  recorded  in  these  pages),  said  in  a  =
letter  to  a  New  York=20
paper  in  the  summer  of  1885,  "  I  regard  Mr.  Barnum  as  one  of  =
the  most  humane=20
and  kind-hearted  men  living.  *  *  *  He  manages  an  exhibition  whic=
h,  in=20
view  of  its  vast  magnitude  and  amazing  excellence  of  details,  has=
  no  equal  in=20
the  world."=20


CHAPTER    LVI.=20

MY    FIFTH    GREAT    FIRE.=20

ON  November  20,  1887,  I  was  again,  and  for  the  fifth  time,  a  h=
eavy  loser  by=20
fire.  About  ten  o'clock  on  that  night  fire  broke  out  in  the  gre=
at  animal  building=20
of  the  winter  quarters  at  Bridgeport,  Conn.,  and  in  spite  of  str=
enuous  efforts  to=20
subdue  the  flames  it  was  entirely  consumed,  and  so  rapidly  that  =
there  was  not=20
time  to  rescue  the  animals.  Of  the  herd  of  thirty-four  elephants =
 thirty  escaped.=20
One  lion,  Nimrod,  a  fine  specimen  and  great  favorite,  was  led  ou=
t  by  his  keeper.=20
With  these  exceptions,  the  entire  menagerie  perished  in  the  flames=
.  An  immense=20
quantity  of  properties,  canvas  tents,  poles,  seats,  harness,  etc., =
 stored  in  the=20
second  story  was  also  destroyed.=20

Many  thrilling  incidents  of  that  night  will  long  remain  vividly  i=
n  the  memory=20
of  those  who  witnessed  them.  A  terrified  spectator,  who  did  not  =
realize  that=20
the  released  lion  would  obey  the  restraining  hand  of  his  keeper, =
 tangled  in  his=20
mane,  shot  at  the  beast,  which,  startled,  broke  away,  outstripped =
 his  pursuers=20
and  entered  a  barn  some  distance  from  the  scene  of  the  conflagra=
tion.  There=20
he  attacked  a  cow  and  calf,  whose  cries  brought  their  owner,  a  =
Mrs.  Gilligan.=20
Mistaking  the  lion  in  the  dim  light  for  a  huge  dog,  she  stoutly=
  belabored  him=20
with  a  broom-stick,  saying,  "  Shoo!  shoo!  "  The  lion  kept  on  ma=
king  a  meal  of=20
the  cow  and  calf,  but  growled  such  a  vigorous  objection  to  being=
  interrupted=20
that  the  widow  retreated  precipitately,  crying,  "  A  bear  !  a  bea=
r! "  A  neighbor=20
caught  up  his  gun  and  ran  to  her  assistance,  and,  little  recking=
  what  noble  game=20
he  was  slaughtering,  through  the  window  of  the  barn  he  shot  the =
 trapped  king=20
of  the  forest  dead.=20

The  elephant,  "Grade,"  rushed  into  the  Sound,  where  she  was  found=
  next=20
morning  swimming  exhaustedly.  She  died  of  cold  and  exposure  while =
 being=20
towed  to  shore.  The  white  elephant  determinedly  committed  suicide. =
 Liberated=20
with  the  rest  of  the  elephants,  he  rushed  back  into  the  flames. =
 Driven  out=20
again  and  again,  each  time  he  returned  until  the  keepers  were  fo=
rced  to  abandon=20
him  to  his  fate.  In  the  fiercest  of  the  flames  he  was  seen  wil=
dly  thrashing  his=20
trunk  in  the  air,  then  with  one  loud  cry  fell  and  was  seen  no =
 more.  The  fire=20
approached  in  a  weird  and  picturesque  way  a  very  large  portrait  =
of  myself=20
painted  on  the  end  of  the  building  overlooking  the  N.  Y.,  N.  H.=
  &  H.  Railroad.=20
For  many  minutes  the  picture  glowed  intact  in  an  unbroken  frame  =
of  flame.=20

As  a  strong  force  of  water  was  suddenly  turned  into  the  fire  ho=
se,  the  great=20
coils  swelled  and  writhed  and  leaped  along  the  ground,  and  many  =
of  the  excited=20
on-lookers  fled  in  horror,  and  told  honest  stories  of  the  huge  b=
oa  constrictors  that=20
were  wandering  about  seeking  whom  they  might  devour.  At  two  o'c  =
lock  in  the=20
morning  the  telegraphic  despatch  telling  the  dire  news  reached  my =
 rooms  at  the=20
Murray  Hill  Hotel,  New  York,  and  was  received  by  my  wife,  who  i=
s  authority=20
for  the  following  story  :=20

"I  rousfd  Mr.  Barnum,  who  turned  on  his  pillow  just  enough  to  f=
ocus  one=20
eye  at  me  as  I  stood  shivering  in  the  chill  morning  air.=20

'"What  is  it?'  said  he.=20

352=20


MY    FIFTH    Q11EA.T    FIUK.  353=20

"  '  A  telegram,'  said  I.=20
"  '  What  about  ?'  said  he.=20
"  '  I'll  read  it  to  you,"  said  I.=20

"  '  BRIDGEPORT,  Nov.  21,  1887.=20

'  To  P.  T.  BARNUM,  Murray  Hill  Hotel :=20

1 '  Large  animal  building  entirely  consumed.    Six  horses  in  ring =
 barn  burned,=20
together  with  entire  menagerie  except  thirty  elephants  and  oce  lio=
n.=20

"  '  C.  R.  BROTHWELL.=20

' '  I  am  very  sorry,  my  dear,'  said  he  calmly,  '  but  apparent  =
evils  are  often=20
blessings  in  disguise.  It  is  all  right.'=20

"  With  that  he  rolled  back  into  his  original  comfortable  position=
  and,  I  give=20
you  my  word  for  it,  in  three  minutes  was  fast  asleep."=20

The  loss  by  this  fire  was  $250,000.  Insurance,  only  $31,000.  Many=
  people=20
thought  I  would  be  deterred  by  this  disaster  from  ever  collecting=
  another  men-=20
agerie. Some  even  surmised  that  I  would  give  up  the  show  business=
  altogether.=20
But  I  am  not  in  the  show  business  alone  to  make  money.  I  feel =
 it  my  mission,=20
as  long  as  I  live,  to  provide  clean,  moral  and  healthful  recreat=
ion  for  the  public=20
to  which  I  have  so  long  catered,  and  which  has  never  failed  to =
 recognize  most=20
generously  my  efforts.  Mr.  Bailey  was  as  little  dismayed  as  mysel=
f.  From  all=20
parts  of  the  world  dealers  in  wild  animals  and  our  own  hunters  =
telegraphed,=20
cabled  and  wrote  what  they  had  to  offer  us.  Eleven  days  after  t=
he  fire  I  found=20
Mr.  Bailey  intently  reading  a  pile  of  telegrams  and  letters,  and =
 making  mem-=20
oranda. To  my  inquiry  as  to  what  he  was  doing,  he  coolly  remarke=
d,  "I  am=20
ordering  a  menagerie."  "What!  all  in  one  day?"  I  ejaculated,  some=
what=20
surprised.  "Certainly,"  he  replied,  "I  know  from  these  telegrams  j=
ust  where=20
we  can  get  every  animal  we  want,  and  in  six  hours  we  shall  own=
  a  much  finer=20
menagerie  than  the  one  we  have  lost. "=20

Apropos  of  this  fire  it  is  a  strange  coincidence  that  four  of  t=
he  most  famous=20
elephants  the  world  ever  saw,  elephants  which  contributed  very  lar=
gely  to  the=20
reputation  and  prosperity  of  my  show,  have  all  come  to  untimely  =
ends.  The=20
baby  elephant,  a  most  amiable  and  popular  little  creature,  died  A=
pril  12,  1886,=20
at  the  tender  age  of  four  years,  in  the  very  spot  where  he  was=
  born.  Jumbo=20
was  killed  by  a  locomotive,  and  the  white  elephant  and  Alice  per=
ished  tragically=20
in  the  burning  of  the  Winter  Quarters.=20

The  following  petition,  started  without  my  knowledge,  was  signed  b=
y  the=20
mayor,  three  ex- mayors,  bank  presidents  and  cashiers,  and  more  th=
an  one  thou-=20
sand of  our  principal  citizens,  including  all  our  chief  merchants  =
and  prominent=20
business  mer,  and  I  have  not  heard  a  dissenting  voice  :=20

To  MESSRS.  BARNUM  &  BAILEY  :=20

Gentlemen=E2=80=94 The  undersigned  citizens  and  business  houses  of  B=
ridgeport  learn=20
with  regret  that  a  proposal  has  been  made  to  remove  the  Winter  =
Quarters  from=20
this  city.  We  respectfully  request  that  such  proposal  be  not  ente=
rtained  by  you,=20
but  that  the  Winter  Quarters  will  still  remain  in  this  city.=20

We  should  consider  it  a  great  injury  to  our  city  to  have  you  r=
emove,  and=20
trust  that  you  will  favorably  consider  our  request  to  remain.=20

Bridgeport,  Conn.,  Nov.  23,  1887.=20

Nearly  every  newspaper  in  the  world  will  probably  publish  an  acco=
unt  of  my=20
last  fire.  The  hundreds  of  copies  already  received  from  every  par=
t  of  the  U  nited=20
States  and  Canada  express  sympathy  for  my  losses  and  admiration  f=
or  the=20


354  MY     FIFTH     G  Ft  HAT     FIRE.=20

determination  on  my  part  to  "die  in  harness,"  and  hand  down  to  =
future  genera-=20
tions "The  Greatest  Show  on  Earth,"  unimpaired  in  magnitude  and  me=
rit.  I=20
am  proud  to  say  that  the  most  powerful  and  influential  newspaper =
 in  the  world,=20
The  London  Times,  of  November  22,  1887,  devotes  an  editorial  of  =
more  than  a=20
column  to  a  complimentary  sketch  of  my  career,  in  which  it  recog=
nizes  mine  as=20
an  institution  of  "  definite  educational  value."  The  Times  describ=
es  me  as  "the=20
genial  showman,  favorably  known  in  both  hemispheres,"  and  among  ot=
her=20
pleasant  things  also  says  :=20

"  It  would  not  be  easy  to  forget  the  promptitude  and  energy  wit=
h  which  one=20
disaster  after  another  was  repaired  as  soon  as  sustained,  with  wh=
ich  the  loss  of=20
some  central  object  of  interest  was  made  good  by  the  discovery  o=
f  another,  and=20
the  way,  in  short,  in  which  many  of  the  qualities  which  adorn  a=
  general  or  a=20
statesman  were  displayed,  in  no  insignificant  degree,  in  an  undert=
aking  so  hum-=20
ble as  the  conducting  of  a  show.  *  *  *  Madame  Jenny  Lind,  who  =
probably,=20
notwithstanding  her  magnificent  voice,  owed  a  large  measure  of  her=
  popularity=20
in  America  to  Mr.  Barnum's  management,  always  bore  testimony  to  t=
he  absolute=20
integrity  and  honor  of  his  dealings  with  her.  *  *  *  We  confess =
 to  a  very=20
friendly  feeling  for  Mr.  Barnum,  and  trust  that  his  menagerie  wil=
l  soon  rise  from=20
its  ashes,  and  that  the  catastrophe  by  which  it  has  been  dispers=
ed  may  furnish=20
the  means  of  rendering  the  successor  still  more  attractive  than  t=
he  original."=20

My  well-beloved  City  of  Bridgeport,  at  this  writing  the  second  in=
  the  state,=20
bids  fair  soon  to  become  the  first  in  population,  as  it  has  lon=
g  been  in  enterprise.=20
Important  factors  in  its  almost  unprecedented  growth  and  prosperity=
  are  its=20
beautiful  position  on  the  shore  of  Long  Island  Sound  and  its  des=
irable  location=20
with  respect  to  the  railroads.  On  the  direct  line  of  the  Consoli=
dated  R.  R.  from=20
New  York  to  Boston,  via  Hartford  (tapping  the  Boston  &  Albany=
  R.  R.  at=20
Springfield,  Mass.),  also  via  New  London  &  Providence  ;  it  is=
  also  the  terminus=20
of  the  Housatonic  and  Naugatuck  Railroads,  both  of  which  lines  pa=
ss  through=20
fertile  valleys,  whose  inexhaustible  water-power  feeds  innumerable  m=
anufac-=20
tories. Eighty -two  passenger  trains  and  thirty-five  freight  trains  =
arrive  in  the=20
Bridgeport  depot  every  twenty-four  hours,  and  three  steamboats  ply =
 daily=20
between  New  York  and  Bridgeport,  besides  freight  steam  propellers. =
 There  is=20
also  daily  steamboat  communication  with  Port  Jefferson,  L.  I.=20

From  the  time  I  first  settled  in  Bridgeport,  forty  years  ago,  wh=
en  its  inhabi-=20
tants numbered  only  six  thousand,  I  have  been,  by  public  and  priv=
ate  enter-=20
prises, closely  identified  with  its  growth.  For  nearly  forty  years =
 I  have  been=20
opening  streets,  planting  trees,  filling  swamps,  making  docks,  and =
 erecting=20
houses  and  factories  in  Bridgeport.  As  those  persons  who  own  the =
 houses  they=20
live  in  are  generally  the  best  citizens,  since  they  feel  the  res=
ponsibilities  of=20
householders  and  taxpayers,  I  sell  them  lots  on  credit,  and  build=
  them  small,=20
convenient  houses,  my  condition  being  that  they  shall  furnish  one-=
third  of  the=20
cost  of  the  houses  alone,  repaying  the  rest  in  easy  installments,=
  covering  a=20
period  of  ten  or  a  dozen  years,  if  they  desire  it.=20

The  Bridgeport  Hospital  was  inaugurated  November  11,  1884.  His  Exc=
ellency=20
William  B.  Harrison,  Governor  of  the  State,  and  the  Mayors  of  al=
l  the  cities  in=20
Connecticut  were  among  the  numerous  distinguished  guests,  including =
 promi-=20
nent physicians  from  New  York  and  elsewhere.  A  banquet,  music  and =
 speeches=20
occupied  four  hours.  As  president  of  this  noble  institution  I  mad=
e  the  opening=20
speech  and  congratulated  the  audience  on  being  present  at  this  de=
dication  of  a=20


MY    FIFTH    GKEAT    FIRE.  355=20

Church,  the  "Church  of  Good  Works,"  where  the  Good  Samaritan  stoo=
d  far=20
above  priest  or  levite,  and  where  persons  of  all  creeds  could  wo=
rship  in  harmony=20
and  love.=20

On  the  16th  of  December,  1884,  the  Mayor  and  Common  Council  of  =
Bridge-=20
port passed  a  vote  of  thanks  for  one  thousand  dollars  placed  by  =
me  in  the  City=20
Treasury  for  the  purchase  annually  of  two  gold  medals  to  be  pres=
ented  to  the=20
two  students  in  the  ' '  Bridgeport  High  School "  who  shall  write =
 and  pronounce=20
the  best  two  English  orations.=20

The  corporation  known  as  the  "  Bridgeport  Hydraulic  Company,"  of  =
which  I=20
was  president,  was  unable,  in  consequence  of  the  rapid  growth  of =
 the  city,  to=20
furnish  that  "abundant  supply  of  pure  water"  which  its  charter  re=
quired,=20
without  obtaining  it  from  some  other  source  than  the  Pequonnock  R=
iver.=20

By  acquiring  the  rights  of  Mill  River,  a  stream  of  great  volume =
 and  purity,=20
and  bringing  it  through  very  large  pipes  some  eight  miles  into  t=
he  city,  Bridge-=20
port has  now  a  water-power  whose  natural  force  throws  a  stream  ov=
er  the  tops=20
of  its  highest  buildings,  and  thus  renders  the  use  of  fire  engin=
es  unnecessary.=20
This  great  blessing  will  largely  enhance  the  growth  and  prosperity=
  of  our=20
beautiful  and  thrifty  city.  Prominent  among  our  finest  buildings  i=
s  the  Sea=20
Side  Institute,  erected  by  Drs.  I  de  Ver  and  Lucian  Warner,  as  =
a  club-house  for=20
the  fifteen  hundred  women  employed  in  their  corset  factory.  Perfec=
tly  ap-=20
pointed, with  parlors,  music-rooms  (two  Stein  way  pianos),  sewing-ro=
oms,  bath-=20
rooms, restaurant,  class-rooms,  library,  a  great  hall  accommodating  =
six  hun-=20
dred people  (with  stage,  etc.),  this  Institute  is  as  unique  in  el=
egance  as  it  is=20
in  purpose.  Mrs.  Cleveland,  wife  of  the  President  of  the  United  =
States,  paid=20
to  the  Warner  Brothers'  generous  gift  the  fitting  and  graceful  tr=
ibute  of=20
signifying  her  willingness  to  open  the  Institute  in  person.  The  o=
ccasion  was  a=20
=E2=80=A2*most  enjoyable  one  for  the  working  women,  every  one  of  =
whom  Mrs.  Cleveland=20
took  by  the  hand,  and  for  the  few  guests  invited,  among  whom  we=
re  my  wife=20
and  myself.  Excellent  speeches  were  made  by  the  Rev.  Drs.  Collyer=
  and=20
Taylor,  of  New  York,  and  the  formal  opening  of  the  Institute  was=
  greeted=20
with  an  appreciative  enthusiasm  well  merited  by  the  founders.=20

The  beautiful  Sea-side  Park  in  Bridgeport,  whose  beginning  twenty  =
years=20
ago  I  described  in  Chapter  XLV.,  has  now  become  the  most  lovely =
 Park  which=20
lies  on  Long  Island  Sound.  On  several  occasions  it  has  been  enla=
rged  by  valu-=20
able land  fronting  the  Sound  presented  by  me.  My  last  gift  of  th=
irty  acres  at=20
the  West  end,  on  which,  including  the  Dyke  and  original  purchase =
 money,  I=20
had  expended  more  than  fifty  thousand  dollars,  extends  the  Park  b=
oundary  to=20
a  creek,  which  in  the  near  future  the  City  of  Bridgeport  will  b=
ridge,  thus=20
extending  the  shore  drive  to  Fairfield,  Southport,  Westport  and  No=
rwalk,  a=20
distance  of  fourteen  miles.  At  an  expense  of  $90,000  I  filled  up=
  forty-five  acres=20
of  low,  marshy  land,  owned  by  me,  adjoining  the  Park,  raising  it=
  six  feet.=20
This  expensive  improvement  has  materially  enhanced  the  beauty  of  t=
he  Park=20
and  will  be  a  great  public  benefit.=20

As  I  close  this  volume  I  am  more  thankful  than  words  can  expres=
s  that  my=20
health  is  preserved,  and  that  I  am  blessed  with  a  vigor  and  buo=
yancy  of  spirits=20
vouchsafed  to  but  few  ;  but  I  am  by  no  means  insensible  to  the=
  fact  that  I  have=20
reached  the  evening  of  life  (which  is  well  lighted,  however),  and=
  I  am  glad  to=20


356  MY    FIFTH    GREAT    FIRE.=20

know  that  though  this  is  indeed  a  beautiful,  delightful  world  to =
 those  who=20
have  the  temperament,  the  resolution,  and  the  judgment  to  make  it=
  so,  yet  it=20
happily  is  not  our  abiding-place  ;  and  that  he  is  unwise  who  se=
ts  his  heart  so=20
firmly  upon  its  transitory  pleasures  as  to  feel  a  reluctance  to  =
obey  the  call  when=20
his  Father  makes  it,  to  leave  all  behind  and  to  come  up  higher,=
  in  that  Great=20
Future,  when  all  that  we  now  prize  so  highly  (except  our  love  t=
o  God  and  man)=20
shall  dwindle  into  insignificance.=20
WALDEMERE,  BRIDGEPORT,  CONN.,  1888.=20


POSTSCRIPT.=20
Appended  is  the  first  proclamation  of  the  new  firm  of  Barnum  &am=
p;  Bailey  :=20

AN  OPEN  LETTER.=20

WALDEMERE,  BRIDGEPORT,  Conn.,  Dec.  1,  1887.=20

Rising,  Phoenix-like,  from  the  ashes  of  my  fifth  great  fire,  whic=
h  only  served=20
to  illuminate  my  path  of  duty  as  the  American  people's  champion  =
amusement=20
provider,  I  have  taken  into  equal  partnership  my  energetic  and  ex=
perienced=20
friend  and  former  associate,  JAMES  A.  BAILEY.  We  have  enlarged  an=
d  vastly=20
improved  The  Greatest  Show  on  Earth,  which  we  propose  to  establis=
h  as  a  per-=20
manence, with  a  reserve  capital  of  several  millions  of  dollars.  We=
  also  intend=20
at  an  early  date  to  establish  in  all  our  principal  cities  great =
 museums  of  natural=20
and  artificial  curiosities,  to  which  will  be  added  a  spacious  lec=
ture  room  for=20
scientific  experiments  and  historical  lectures,  panoramas,  pantomimes=
  and  light=20
entertainments  of  a  pleasing  and  general  nature.  The  Barnum  & =
 Bailey  Show=20
will  present  to  this  and  future  generations  a  WORLD'S  FAIR  and  a=
  moral  SCHOOL=20
OP  OBJECT  TEACHING,  of  unexampled  variety  and  superior  excellence, =
 more=20
amusing,  instructive,  comprehensive  and  vast  than  was  ever  before  =
seen  or=20
dreamed  of.  It  is  the  pride  of  my  declining  years  that  I  am  ab=
le  to  give,  as  the=20
result  of  my  long  life  of  experience  and  determined  effort,  that =
 innocent  and=20
educational  diversion  which  everyone  concedes  that  human  nature  imp=
eratively=20
demands.=20

The  public's  obedient  servant,=20

PHINEAS  T.  BARNUM.=20


MR.   BAILEY'S   POLICY.=20

In  re-entering  the  amusement  field  by  becoming  Mr.  P.  T.  Barnum's=
  equal=20
and  sole  partner,  and  assuming  the  personal  management  of  the  gre=
at  combined=20
exhibitions  bearing  our  names,  I  respectfully  avail  myself  of  the =
 opportunity=20
afforded  to  briefly  and  plainly  state  the  basis  upon  which  they  =
are  organized,=20
the  principles  upon  which  they  will  be  conducted,  and  the  policy =
 that  will,=20
under  all  circumstances,  be  rigidly  enforced  and  adhered  to.=20

I  have  returned  to  the  show  business  to  stay,  so  long  as  my  he=
alth  and  life=20
are  spared,  and  to  do  my  full  share,  in  not  only  placing  and  m=
aintaining  the=20
Great  Barnum  &  Bailey  World's  Fair  of  Wonders  upon  a  far  hig=
her,  broader=20
and  more  liberal  plane  than  was  ever  attained  by  any  similar  ent=
erprise,  b=C2=BBt=20
to  continually  enlarge  its  possessions  and  strengthen  its  popularit=
y.=20


MY  FIFTH  GREAT  FIRE.  357=20

The  partnership  is  not  a  temporary,  but  a  permanent  one,  equally =
 binding=20
upon  both  partners,  their  heirs,  administrators,  executors,  or  assi=
gns  ;  and  the=20
death  of  either  of  them  will  in  no  wise  affect  the  existence  an=
d  continuation  of=20
the  show.=20

It  is  not  an  experiment,  but  a  solid,  established  business  enterp=
rise,  whose=20
name  and  character  are  continuous  and  permanent.=20

It  will  never,  under  any  circumstances,  or  at  any  time  or  place,=
  be  divided,=20
and  the  malicious  circulators  of  libels  or  slanders  to  the  contra=
ry  will  be  prose-=20
cuted and  punished  to  the  full  extent  of  the  law.=20

It  will  be  honestly  advertised.=20

The  whole  of  it  will  always  be  exhibited  in  every  place,  large  =
or  small,=20
wherever  it  is  advertised  to  appear,  and  in  no  place  will  a  sin=
gle  feature  or  act=20
be  omitted.=20

The  magnificent  free  street  pageant  will  never  be  anywhere  curtail=
ed  by  the=20
omission  of  a  single  attraction.=20

Its  menagerie  and  museum  tent  will  never  be  taken  down  at  night,=
  until=20
after  the  conclusion  of  both  the  circus  and  hippodrome  performance=
s.=20

The  afternoon  and  evening  performances  will  invariably  be  equally  =
complete,=20
perfect  and  satisfactory,  and,  under  no  circumstances,  will  the  ev=
ening  perform-=20
ance be,  in  the  slightest  degree,  abbreviated,  cut,  or  neglected  ;=
  but  each  and=20
every  act  thereof  will  be  presented  according  to  the  printed  prog=
ramme.=20

The  convenience  and  pleasure  of  its  patrons  will  be  specially  con=
sidered.=20

It  will  be  a  place  which  an  unattended  child  can  visit  with  per=
fect  safety.=20

Its  employees  will  be  required  to  deal  fairly  and  courteously  wit=
h  all,  and  to=20
answer  all  proper  questions  intelligently  and  politely.=20

No  peddling  will  be  permitted  under  its  tents.=20

No  camp-followers,  street  fakirs,  gamblers,  or  disreputable  or  into=
xicated=20
persons  will  be  tolerated  on  its  grounds.=20

Everything  in  the  slightest  degree  calculated  to  offend  or  annoy  =
its  patrons=20
will  be  absolutely  prohibited.  Morality,  purity  and  refinement  will=
  be  the  rule=20
without  exception.=20

I  shall  always  be  present  to  investigate  any  complaints  and  to  s=
trictly=20
enforce  the  above  regulations,  and  all  others  that  may  be  necessa=
ry  to  protect=20
both  the  public  and  our  own  good  name.=20

JAMES  A.  BAILEY.=20


UCSB    LIBRARY=20


University  of  California=20

SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY=20

405  Hilgard  Avenue,  Los  Angeles,  CA  90024-1388=20

Return  this  material  to  the  library=20
from  which  it  was  borrowed.=20


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY 'FACILITY=20
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