Year: 1870




To the Editor of the Chicago Republican,
As almost everything connected with the late
Charles Dickens and the principal characters
in his works is interesting just now, l will re-
late what heard from Manchester gentleman
as long ago ago as the year 1928, of the brothers
William and Daniel Grant of that place, the un-
doubted originals from whom he drew the
'Cheeryble Brothers" The Grants were the
SONS of q calico printer who was either care
less or in different workman and on one occa-
sion his employers returned an imperfect
piece on his hands, merely charging nlm
however, with the cost of the materials. Not
knowing what to do with it, he sent his boys out
into the country to try to sell it. They sue
ceeded so well, that their father bought ''more
of the same sort, and sent them off again. This
was the origin of the great house of William and
Daniel Grant. The brothers were greatly
attached to each other, and had such confidence
in each others integrity and good judgment,
that their business went on very smoothly.
Their views and feelings, too, were so similar;
that it seemed as though they were actuated by
one impulse. Once when William was in Lon
don, he made the acquaintance of a Sir Robert
Grant, who was engaged in some benevo-
lent enterprises with which London, bad
though it is, has always abounded. In
the course of a mornings walk, they visited a
school for poor children, that so interested Will
liam Grant that he examined everything very
minutely, and inquired how it was sustained.
Sir Robert replied that the school had small
permanent fund, but that its managers had
sometimes occasion to ask the aid of their
friends. II think it is most excellent institu-
tion." said the Manchester gentleman, sand
should like to leave it mark of my approba-
tion." He Immediately drew an order on his
banker for e50C 500 pounds sterling), and gave
it to the Superintendent. AS he was about to
take his leave he said, "But stop, if l should
go home and tell my brother what have done,
/ am sure he would be very much dissatisfied if
had not left it mark of his appreciation also"
lie then drew another order for like amount,
which you will understand is from my brother
ha sal


In reading nicholas Nickleby," before l had
half got through his description of the "Cheery-
BILE Brothers" l felt quite sure that the Grants
had sat for their portraits, and in few weeks
convictions doubly sure. 1t is the opinion of
those who know the history of these noble men,
that Dickens has rather under than overrated
their characters.


Little History.


In the first instance when Chapman 81 Hall
were the publishers of Dickens, they declined,
Just after the publication of Martin Chuzzle-
wit" to advance him the sum of e1000. which
he wanted for his journey to Italy. The result
was that Dickens applied to and obtained the
money of Bradbury IL Evans, the well-known
publishers of Punch, to whom he at once trans
ferIed his business Subsequently he had
matters connected with his separation from
Mrs. Dickens, and went back to Chapman 81
Hall, who remained his publishers to the time of
his death. By declining to make that small ad-
vance of s1O6O-small for man like Dickens
Chapman d Hall must have lost at least ESQ, 900.
The fact is that martin Chuzzlewlt" didn't
sell so well as the previous works OF
Dickens, and they began to lose their con-
fidence in him. Moreover, the great Times had
just published an elaborate comparison between
Dickens and Thackeray, in which the palm was
given to Thackeray. Chapman & Hall looked
upon this as little short Of a coup de grace for
Dickens, and concluded they didn't want much
more stock in him. To be sure the distinguished
author had made two or three fortunes for them,
but what of that? Such is life.


Dickens n Unitarian.


Dickens was never formally connected with
any religious sect, but his rule was to worship
with the Unitarians. While living in London he
attended one of their places of worship regu-
larly, and had family pew there.