Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1868-05-08
Miseellany.
Mr.. Charles Dickens and his Chica-
go Relations.

The Chicago Tribune has the following
about Mr.. Dickens and his relations;
Some time since the Tribune referring
to Mr.. Charles Dickens visit to America,
and the probability of his coming to this
city alluded to the fact that the widow of
his dead brother was living in Chicago,
in circumstances so straitened as to rem
der his appearance among us duty. The
statement with regard to the condition of
his relatives led to publication of articles
in several of the European papers, in one
of which it was stated that the eminent
author had sent TO his sister-in-law the
sum of $4,000 sum sufficient to place
her and her family in circumstances be-
yond any ordinary need. From those
who were intimately acquainted with the
late Augustus ~ Dickens, and who are
familiar with the present condition Of the
family which he left, the following facts
have been obtained:
Mr.. Augustus N. Dickens married the
daughter of Mr.. Phillips, an English
merchant. He came with his wife to this
country, and engaged in mercantile bust
ness at Amboy, in this State. The ven
ture proved unfortunate, and, with little
means left, Mr.. Dickens, with his family
removed to the city and entered the land
Office of the Illinois Central Railroad
Company He erected house on piece
of leased ground on North Clark street,
and when he died last year, he left his
family little or nothing beside the house
in which they still live. For consider
able period previous to his death, it is
stated that Mr. Dickens relations with
his distinguished brother were not init
mate, though not positively unfriendly.
Augustus heard from his brother very
seldom, though he invited correspondence
by frequent letters. 1t is said that when
their mother died, Charles did not at
once inform the brother of the fact which
the latter learned almost incidentally
some four or five months after.
The death Of her husband left Mrs. A.
n. Dickens, as has been shown, in an
embarrassing condition. Her fathers dy-
ing soon after, and delay ensuing in the
settlement of his estate, which was by no
means large, she, with three small chill
dren, had before her future dreary
enough.
When Mr.. Charles Dickens visited this
country she wrote him, rendering him the
hospitality she had to offer, in case he
should visit this city. His reply is stated
to have been extremely formal. He re-
piled he did not know what arrangements
his agent (Mr. Dolby had made, and
that his coming to Chicago was uncer.
tain. Since then it has been learned that
Mr. Dickens will not visit the city. He
has not sent Mrs. Dickens $4,000, nor
$1,000, nor 100; nor cent.
Mrs. Dickens lives in small cottage,
on rented ground, on North Clark street.
With her live Mr.. and Mrs. Lawrence.
the former a book-keeper on small sal
airy, and Mrs. Lawrence, an own cousin
of Mr.. Charles Dickens, and his only
blood relation in this country, except the
children of his dead brother. Mrs. Die
kens is now in poor health, and is pros
trate upon bed of sickness. She has
not been concerned, directly orindirectly,
in the publication of the facts here recit.
ed. She has made no appeal to any per.
son for aid, nor will she do so.
We suggest as proper toast for the
proposed press banquet to Mr.. Dickens
New York; 1.-The Relatives of Charles
Dickens in America"
A man travelling, entered a tavern, and
seeing no one present but the landlord
and negro, seated himself and entered
into conversation with the negro. Shortly
he asked Sambo if he was dry. Sambo
said he was. Stranger told him to 90 to
the bar and take something at his ex-
-pense. Negro did so, and shortly left.
Landlord said to the stranger, " Are YOU
acquainted with that nigger?" "No
never saw him before; but why do you
ask - " | supposed so, from your con.
versing with him, and asking him 10
drink" "Oh," said the stranger, Il
was only experimenting The fact is,
was dry myself, and I thought that if
your liquor didn't kill the negro in fifteen