The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-08-22
THACKERAY.
His Thoughts on Literature. Cguineas.
IS

The Memoirs of W. Edmonstone Avtounp
just published in London, contain some new
letters from Thackeray. At time when Thacke-
+ ay's great powers were comparatively unrecog.
nized, Aytoun had in more than one of his
papers spoken of them with warm admiration.
This kind Of service was likely to be deeply felt
by Thackeray, who had for many years been
doing great deal of first-class work without
arning either fortune or fame. He was there
ore, says Aytouns biographer, predisposed to
ike Aytoun, and when they met IN London they
ook most cordially to each other. 1t could
scarcely be otherwise with two men who, apart
from their intellectual gifts, were both so thor
oughly genial, kindly, and natural Their cor
+ espondence was of the frankest and most
riendly kind. Some of Thackerays letters
have fortunately been preserved. One of these
was as follows:-
'No. IL YOU'VE STREET. KENsINGToN, January
2, lS47,-My dear Aytoun:-I hope the Maclosky
received the Mulligan present. ought to have
written before, answering your kind, hearty
letter, but business, you know, and weariness
OF quul-driving after my business hours, etc.
l don't write to anybody, that's the fact, unless
want something of them, and perhaps that's
the case at this present.
II think l have never had any ambition
hitherto or cared what the world thought of
my work, good or bad but now the truth forces
itself upon me, If the world will once take to
admiring Titmarsh, all his guineas will be null
tiplied by ten. GuIneas are good. have got
children only ten years or more to the fore, say,
ETC.; now IS the time, my lad, to make your A,
when the sun at length has begun to shine.
well, think If l can make push at the
present minute-if my friends will shout, Tit
marsh forever! hurrah for, etc. etc.-I may 90
up with q run to pretty fair place in my trade,
and be allowed to appear before the public as
among the first 6ddles. But my tunes must be
heard in the streets, and the organs must grind
them. Ha Now do you read me?
"Why don't Btdckcood give me an article?
Because he refused the best story ever wrote
Oolburn refused the present Novel Without
Hero and II any man at Blackwood's or Col
burns, and II any man since-fddlededee
Upon my word and honor never said so much
about myself before; but know this if had
the command of Btdck1oood, and humoristical
person like Titmarsh should come up and labor
hard and honestly (please God) for ten years, l
would give him hand. Now try, like man,
revolving these things in your soul, and see If
you can't help me. And If l can but
save a little money, by the Lord I'll try and
"Some day when less selfish l will write to
you about other matters than the present ego.
The dining season has begun in London already,
frigbtfully severe have nv children
with me, and am mighty happy in that paternal
Character-preside over legs OF mutton comfort
ably-go to church at early morning and like
it-pay rates and taxes, etc. etc. Between this
line and the above man has brought me the
Times The Battle of Life to read. Apply
dickens! But love FlcKWlCk ana CrummleS
TOO we'll to abuse this great man. Aliquando
bonus. And you, young man, coming up in the
world full of fight, take counsel from venera-
BILE and peaceable old gladiator who has stripped
for many battles. Gad sir, this caution is very
good sign. Do you remember how compli-
mentary Scott and Goethe were? / like the
patriarchal air of some people. Have you ever
any snow in Scotland?
fHere follows an admirable drawing of dust
man singing beside his cart, with snow deep in
the street,
''As was walking in just now met this fell
low singing Il dreamt that l dwelt in marble
halls driving dust-cart. l burst out laugh
ing, and so did he. He is as good as Leech's
I boy in the last Punch. How good Leech is,
tian Andersen, have you read him l am wild
about him, having only Just discovered that
delightful, delicate, tanciful creature. Good
bye, my dear Aytoun. wish you merry
Christmas, and to honest Johnny Blackwood.
Thank HIM for the magazine. l shall enjoy ii
in bed tomorrow morning, when Ive left or
ders not to be called for church.
yours, ever, W. M. T."
Thackeray seems to have been under the mis-
taken impression, which afterwards became
very general, that Aytoun was the editor o
Bidckaoood Whether he thought so or not i
was very natural he should suggest to AytouI
that timely word of commendation in th
magazine would be much to his advantage
But the suggestion was withdrawn in the follow
ing letter almost as soon as made, and in man
ner emiuently characteristic:-
"No- l3 YOUNG STREET. KENsINGToN, Menda
Night, January 13, 1947 dear Aytoun:-
The copy of Mrs. Perkins which was sent by tn
Mullgan to the other chieftain has met with
mishap. 1t travelled to Edinburgh in the port
manteau of friend OF mine, who arrived at /
O'Clock at night, and started for Inverness tn
next morning at 6. Mrs. p. went with him. ii
forgot her at Inverness, and came back \
London, whittier Mrs. Perkins was sent afte
him at cost of As. 10d. for carriage. She Is no
worth that money either for you or me to pay
and waits in my room till you come to town
II 6ave been thinking of the matter on whic
/ unbosomed myself to you, and withdraw m
former letter. Pufs are good, and the test
mony OF good men; but don't think these wi
make a success for man, and he ought TO stan
as the public chooses TO put him. Will try
please God, to do my best, and the money wi
come, perhaps, some day. Meanwhile, ma
so lucky as myself has no reason to complain
SO let all putting alone, though, as you know
am glad If can have and deserve your pr
yate good opinion. The women like Vanit
Fan, II find, very much, and the publishers al
quite in good spirits regarding that venture
''Thls is all have to say-ln the solitude
mduight-with a quiet cigar, and the weake
gin and water in the world, ruminating over
child's bali from which had just come, haVln
gone as chaperon to my little girls. One
them had her hair plated in two tails, Il
other in ringlets (here follows sketch Of II
children) and the most fascinating bows OF blI
ribbon, II was very merry, and likewise Sc
fimental We went In fly quite genteel, an