A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology Edgar F. Harden

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

Author

Chronologies

General Editor: N o r m a n Page, Emeritus Professor of Modern English Literature, University of Nottingham

Gordon Campbell A MILTON CHRONOLOGY Martin Garrett A BROWNING CHRONOLOGY: ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING AND ROBERT BROWNING A MARY SHELLEY CHRONOLOGY A. M. Gibbs A BERNARD SHAW CHRONOLOGY J. R. H a m m o n d A ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON CHRONOLOGY AN EDGAR ALLAN POE CHRONOLOGY AN H. G. WELLS CHRONOLOGY A GEORGE ORWELL CHRONOLOGY Edgar F. Harden A WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY CHRONOLOGY J o h n McDermott A HOPKINS CHRONOLOGY Norman Page AN EVELYN WAUGH CHRONOLOGY AN OSCAR WILDE CHRONOLOGY Peter Preston A D. H. LAWRENCE CHRONOLOGY

Author Chronologies Series Series Standing Order ISBN 0-333-71484-9 (outside North America only) You can receive future titles in this series as they are published by placing a standing order. Please contact your bookseller or, in case of difficulty, write to us at the address below with your name and address, the title of the series and the ISBN quoted above. Customer Services Department, Macmillan Distribution Ltd, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 6XS, England

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Published titles include: J. L. Bradley A RUSKIN CHRONOLOGY

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Edgar R Harden

10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

© Edgar F. Harden 2003

No paragraph of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted save with written permission or in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, or under the terms of any licence permitting limited copying issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency, 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 4LP. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. The author has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. First published 2003 by PALGRAVE MACMILLAN Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 6XS and 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010 Companies and representatives throughout the world PALGRAVE MACMILLAN is the global academic imprint of the Palgrave Macmillan division of St. Martin's Press, LLC and of Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. Macmillan® is a registered trademark in the United States, United Kingdom and other countries. Palgrave is a registered trademark in the European Union and other countries. ISBN 1-4039-0301-8 This book is printed on paper suitable for recycling and made from fully managed and sustained forest sources. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Harden, Edgar F. A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology / Edgar F. Harden. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references (p.) and index. ISBN 1-4039-0301-8 I.Thackeray,William Makepeace, 1811-1863—Chronology. 2. Novelists, English—19th century—Chronology. I. Title. II. Series. PR5631.H37 2003 823'.8—dc21 2002044806 10 12

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For my son, Edgar

10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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General Editor's Preface

ix

Acknowledgmen ts

xi

List of Abbreviations

xii

Introduction

xvii

Ancestry and Family

1

Chronology

5

A Thackeray Who's Who

356

Index

369

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Contents

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Most biographies are ill adapted to serve as works of reference — not surprisingly so, since the biographer is likely to regard his function as the devising of a continuous and readable narrative, with excursions into interpretation and speculation, rather than a bald recital of facts. There are times, however, when anyone reading for business or pleasure needs to check a point quickly or to obtain a rapid overview of part of an author's life or career; and at such moments turning over the pages of a biography can be a time-consuming and frustrating occupation. The present series of volumes aims at providing a means whereby the chronological facts of an author's life and career, rather than needing to be prised out of the narrative in which they are (if they appear at all) securely embedded, can be seen at a glance. Moreover whereas biographies are often, and quite understandably, vague over matters of fact (since it makes for tediousness to be forever enumerating details of dates and places), a chronology can be precise whenever it is possible to be precise. Thanks to the survival, sometimes in very large quantities, of letters, diaries, notebooks and other documents, as well as to thoroughly researched biographies and bibliographies, this material now exists in abundance for many major authors. In the case of, for example, Dickens, we can often ascertain what he was doing in each month and week, and almost on each day, of his prodigiously active working life; and the student of, say, David Copperfield is likely to find it fascinating as well as useful to know just when Dickens was at work on each part of that novel, what other literary enterprises he was engaged in at the same time, whom he was meeting, what places he was visiting, and what were the relevant circumstances of his personal and professional life. Such a chronology is not, of course, a substitute for a biography; but its arrangement, in combination with its index, makes it a much more convenient tool for this kind of purpose; and it may be acceptable as a form of 'alternative' biography, with its own distinct advantages as well as its obvious limitations. Since information relating to an author's early years is usually scanty and chronologically imprecise, the opening section of some volumes in this series groups together the years of childhood and adolescence. Thereafter each year, and usually each month, is dealt with separately. Information not readily assignable to a specific month or day is given as a general note under the relevant ix 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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General Editor's Preface

General Editor's Preface

year or month. The first entry for each month carries an indication of the day of the week, so that when necessary this can be readily calculated for other dates. Each volume also contains a bibliography of the principal sources of information. In the chronology itself, the sources of many of the more specific items, including quotations, are identified, in order that the reader who wishes to do so may consult the original contexts. NORMAN PAGE

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x

Any scholar attempting to articulate the details of Thackeray's life and his extensive publications must inevitably be thankful for the magnificent scholarship of the late Gordon N. Ray, who has given us a great inheritance. Another major source for this Chronology is my Checklist of Contributions by William Makepeace Thackeray to Newspapers, Periodicals, Books, and Serial Part Issues, 1828-1864, No. 68 in the Monograph Series, English Literary Studies, which I have assimilated into this publication. Stuggling as one does with the mechanical devices of preparing a text for publication today, one also offers very grateful thanks for being led through these jungles—as always to Anita Mahoney of the Dean of Arts office, Simon Fraser University. I should also like to express my gratitude for the editorial helpfulness of Rebecca Mashayekh.

XI

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Acknowledgments

Adams

Henry Adams, The Education of Henry Adams (New York: Modern Library, 1931)

Baxter

Thackeray's Letters to an American Family, introd. Lucy Baxter (New York: Century, 1904)

Bedingfield

Richard Bedingfield, "Recollections of Thackeray," CasseWs Magazine, N. S. 2 (1870): 12-14, 28-30, 72-75, 108-10, 134-36, 230-32

Bio. Works

The Works of William Makepeace Thackeray With Biographical Introductions by His Daughter, Anne Ritchie, 13 vols. (London: Smith, Elder, 1907)

Boyes

John F. Boyes, "A Memorial of Thackeray's SchoolDays," The Cornhill Magazine, 40 (1865): 118-28

Brown 1

"Thackeray," The North British Review, 40 (1864): 210-65

Brown 2

Recollections of Dr. John Brown, ed. Alexander Peddie (London: Percival, 1930)

Carlyle

Letters of Thomas Carlyle to his Youngest Sister, ed. Charles Townsend Copeland (London: Chapman and Hall, 1899)

Cen. Works

The Centenary Biographical Edition of the Works of William Makepeace Thackeray, 26 vols. (London: Smith, Elder, 1910-11)

Chapters

Anne Thackeray Ritchie, Chapters from Some Memoirs (London and New York: Macmillan, 1894)

"Chronicle"

William Makepeace Thackeray: Contributions to the "Morning Chronicle," ed. Gordon N. Ray. (Urbana and London: University of Illinois Press, 1955)

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List of Abbreviations

List of Abbreviations

xi i i

Cole

Sir Henry Cole, Fifty Years of Public Work, 2 vols. (London: George Bell, 1884)

Crowe 1

Eyre Crowe, With Thackeray in America Paris, and Melbourne: Cassell, 1893)

Crowe 2

Eyre Crowe, Thackeray's Haunts and Homes (New York: Scribner, 1897)

Daughter

Thackeray and His Daughter. The Letters and Journals of Anne Thackeray Ritchie, With Many Letters of William Makepeace Thackeray (New York and London: Harper, 1924)

Dexter

The Letters of Dickens, ed. W. Dexter, 3 vols. (London: Nonesuch, 1938)

Elwin

Whitwell Elwin, Some Eighteenth Century Men of Letters, 2 vols. (London: John Murray, 1902)

FitzGerald

The Letters of Edward FitzGerald, ed. Alfred and Annabelle Terhune, 3 vols. (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1980)

Guivarc'h

Jean Guivarc'h, "Deux journalistes anglais de Paris en 1835 (George W. M. Reynolds et W. M. T.)," Etudes Anglaises, 28 (1975): 203-12

Gulliver

Harold S. Gulliver, Thackeray's Literary Apprenticeship (Valdosto, Georgia: Southern Stationery and Printing Co., 1934)

Hannay

James Hannay, A Brief Memoir of the Late Mr. Thackeray (Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd, 1864)

Harden 1, 2

The Letters and Private Papers of William Makepeace Thackeray. A Supplement, ed. Edgar F. Harden, 2 vols. (New York and London: Garland, 1994)

Hobhouse

John Cam Hobhouse, Lord Broughton, Recollections of a Long Life, 6 vols. (London: John Murray, 190911)

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(London,

List of Abbreviations

Hodder

George Hodder, Memories of My Time (London: Tinsley, 1870)

Huxley

Leonard Huxley, The House of Smith, (London: privately printed, 1923)

Kemble

Fanny Kemble Butler, Records of Later Li fe, 3 vols. (London: Bentley, 1882)

M&M

Herman Merivale and Frank T. Marzials, Life of W. M. Thackeray (London: Scott, 1891)

"Melville"

"Lewis Melville" [L. S. Benjamin], William Makepeace Thackeray, 2 vols. (London: John Lane, 1910)

Miscellanies

W. M. Thackeray, Miscellanies. 4 vols. (London: Bradbury and Evans, 1855-57)

Pacey

W. C. Desmond Pacey, "A Probable Addition to the Thackeray Canon," PMLA, 60 (1945): 606-11

Preface

W. M. Thackeray, "Author's Preface," Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town; with The Proser and Other Papers (New York: Appleton, 1853)

"Punch"

Gordon N. Ray, "Thackeray and 'Punch': 44 Newly Identified Contributions," The Times Literary Supplement, 1 Jan. 1949, p. 16

Elder

Ray 1, 2, 3, 4 The Letters and Private Papers of William Makepeace Thackeray, ed. Gordon N. Ray, 4 vols. (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1945-46) Ray 5

Gordon N. Ray, Thackeray. The Uses of Adversity, 1811-1846 (New York, Toronto, and London: McGraw-Hill, 1955)

Ray 6

Gordon N. Ray, Thackeray. The Age of Wisdom, 1847-1863 (New York, Toronto, and London: McGraw-Hill, 1958)

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xiv

List of Abbreviations

xv

Shillingsburg Peter L. Shillingsburg, Pegasus in Harness. Victorian Publishing and W. M. Thackeray (Charlottesburg and London: University Press of Virginia, 1992) Smith

George Smith, "Our Birth and Parentage," Cornhill Magazine, N. S. 10 (1901): 4-17

Spielmann

M. H. Spielmann, The Hitherto Unidentified Contributions ofW. M. Thackeray to "Punch" (New York and London: Harper & Brothers, 1900)

Stokes

Geoffrey C. Stokes, "Thackeray as Historian: Two Newly Identified Contributions to Fraser's Magazine." Nineteenth-Century Fiction, 22 (196768): 281-88

Story

Henry James, William Wetmore Story and His Friends, 2 vols. (London: Thames and Hudson, 1903)

Summerfield

Henry Summerfield, "Six Newly Discovered Articles by Thackeray," Journal of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, 12 (1963): 43-51; reprinted as "Letters from a Club Arm-Chair: William Makepeace Thackeray," NineteenthCentury Fiction, 18 (1963-64): 205-233

Van Duzer

Henry Sayre Van Duzer, A Thackeray Library (New York: privately printed, 1919)

Wellesley

The Wellesley Index to Victorian Periodicals 1824-1900, ed. Walter E. Houghton, et al, 5 vols. (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1966-89)

White

Edward M. White, "Thackeray's Contributions to Fraser's Magazine," Studies in Bibliography, 19 (1966): 67-84

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T. Weymyss Reid, ed., The Life, Letters, and Friendships of Richard Monckton Milnes, 2 vols. (London: Cassell, 1890)

Reid

List of Abbreviations

Wilson

James Grant Wilson, Thackeray in the United States 1852-3, 1855-6, 2 vols. (New York: Dodd Mead, 1904)

Works

The Oxford Thackeray, ed. George Saintsbury, 17 vols. (London, New York, and Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1908)

Wright

W. A. Wright, The Letters and Literary Remains of Edward FitzGerald, 7 vols. (London: and New York: Macmillan, 1889)

Yesterdays

James T. Fields, Yesterdays With Authors (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1883)

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xvi

One welcomes the opportunity to present a chronology such as this, offering as it does a format for an intense articulation of Thackeray's biographical experiences, which are presented amid the detailed unfolding of his imaginative writing, and set in the larger context of historical developments that impinged on his life. The range of his experiences with other human beings is immense. The intensity of his efforts to honor them and himself is constantly evident, and his endless efforts to express his joyful and tragic experiences compel repeated admiration. More mundanely, we become witnesses of his day-to-day struggles with financial necessity, and of his insistence on partaking of the abundant pleasures of life, both while enduring penury and after being rewarded.

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Introduction

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The Thackerays For generations The Thackerays were farmers in the West Riding of Yorkshire near the village of Hampsthwaite. The first Thackeray to leave the area was Elias (d. 1737), who was admitted as a scholarship student to Christ's College, Cambridge in 1682. His nephew, Thomas (1693-1760), was admitted to Eton in 1706 and matriculated in 1712 at King's College, Cambridge. He took his B. A. in 1715, and went on to earn his M. A. and Bachelor of Divinity while serving at Eton as Assistant Master. In 1728 he withdrew from Eton, having been given the rectories of Heydon and Chisall Parva in Essex, and in the following year married Ann Woodward (1709-97). In 1746 he became Headmaster of Harrow School, where he served until shortly before his death, receiving additional honors—notably in 1753, when he was made Archdeacon of Surrey. [Ray 5: 21-23] His son, William Makepeace Thackeray (1749-1813), joined the East India Company and in 1766 was sent to India, where he accumulated a small fortune and where in 1776 he married Amelia Richmond Webb (1757-1810). They returned to England in the following year, settling in Middlesex, ultimately at Hadley Green. His son, Richmond Makepeace Thackeray (17811815), attended Eton before joining the East India Company and setting out for India in 1798. He prospered in the service of the Company and fathered an illegitimate daughter, Sarah Redfield, later Blechynden (1804-41), before marrying Anne Becher (17921864), mother of the novelist. [Ray 5: 24, 37-42, 49-52] The Bechers Anne Becher's grandfather, Capt. John Becher (b. 1736) of the Royal Navy and his wife, Anne Fleyeham (1737-1825), settled at 1 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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Ancestry and Family

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Fareham, Hampshire. Their eldest son, John Harman Becher (1764-1800), was an East India Company official who married Harriet Cowper (d. 1847), the novelist's "G M," in Calcutta in 1786. Their daughter, Anne, born in India, grew up in Fareham under the care of her grandparents, Capt. and Mrs. John Becher. In 1806, Anne's widowed mother married Capt. Edward Butler (d. 1819). The following year she and her husband visited England, and in 1808, her daughter, Anne Becher, met Lt. Henry Carmichael-Smyth (1780-1861), on leave from the Bengal Engineers, and they fell in love. Mrs. Becher, however, opposed their marriage and told her that Lt Carmichael-Smyth had died of a sudden fever. Mrs. Becher and Mrs. Butler agreed to send Anne and her sister, Harriet, accompanied by the Butlers, to India to find suitable husbands. There on 16 February 1810 Harriet married Capt. Allan Graham, and on 13 October 1810 Anne married Richmond Thackeray, and there their son was born on 18 July 1811. [Ray 5: 52-59]

The Ritchies John Ritchie (d. 1849), a Scotsman, came to London to establish a branch of a family firm. In 1815 he married a sister of Thackeray's father, Charlotte Thackeray (1786-1854). Young Thackeray, following his arrival in England from India in June 1817, made his home with them until the arrival of his mother and step-father in July 1819. When they moved to Addiscombe for a year and a half (1822-24), where his step-father had taken a position, Thackeray came to the Ritchies on visits while attending Charterhouse. After 1830, the Ritchies lived chiefly in Paris, where Thackeray often visited them during his residence thereeven spending part of his honeymoon with them at their summer home near Paris. Over the years Thackeray repeatedly visited them with his daughters during his stays in Paris.

The Shawes Isabella Gethin Thackeray's grandfather, Matthew Shawe (d. 1796), born in Ireland, saw considerable service as a military officer in India and on the Iberian Peninsula. Shortly after marrying Isabella Gethin Creagh in Ireland late in 1813, he was again ordered abroad. Their second child, Isabella Gethin Shawe, was born in India and lived there until the death of her father in

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2

Ancestry and Family

3

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1826, after which her mother took her, her three brothers, and a sister, Jane, to Paris, where they could live more cheaply than in Britain. [Ray 5: 177-82]

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Chronology

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1749-92

7

June 20 (Wed)

Birth of Thackeray's grandfather, William Makepeace Thackeray, fifth child of Archdeacon Thomas Thackeray and his wife, the former Ann Woodward, at Harrow. [Ray 5: 24, 506] 1757 Birth of Thackeray's grandmother, Amelia Richmond Webb, second daughter of Lt. Col. Richmond Webb, in England. [Ray 5: 37-38] 1776

January 31 (Mon) Marriage of William Makepeace Thackeray and Amelia Richmond Webb in Calcutta. [Ray 5: 37] 1780 Birth of Henry Carmichael-Smyth, Thackeray's future step-father, in England. [Ray 5: 57] 1781 November 10 (Thu) Birth of William Makepeace Thackeray's father, Richmond Makepeace Thackeray, second child of William Makepeace Thackeray and Amelia Richmond Webb, in Hadley, near London. [Ray 5: 42] 1792 October 13 (Thu)

Birth of William Makepeace Thackeray's mother, Anne Becher, third child of John Harman Becher and the former Harriet Cowper, in India. She is soon sent to Fareham, near Southampton, to be raised by grandparents. [Ray 5: 54]

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1749

8

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology 1808 Lt. Henry Carmichael-Smyth returns to England from India and meets Thackeray's mother, Anne Becher, his future wife, in Bath. They fall in love but are separated by her grandmother, Mrs. John Becher, who considers him ineligible. Mrs. Becher later tells Anne that he has died of a fever. The family subsequently decides that she will be sent to India, where she can make a more appropriate marriage. [Ray 5: 57-58] 1809

April 25 (Tue)

Anne Becher and relatives embark for India on the Earl Howe and disembark at Calcutta on 24 October. [Ray 5: 58-59] 1810

October 13 (Sat)

Marriage of Richmond Makepeace Thackeray and Anne Becher in Calcutta. [Ray 5: 52] 1811

July 18 (Thu)

Birth of William Makepeace Thackeray, only child of Richmond Makepeace Thackeray and Anne Becher, in Calcutta. [Ray 5: 60] 1812 Capt. Henry Carmichael-Smyth, meets Richmond Thackeray, is invited to dinner, sees Anne, and both learn of her grandmother's deception. The Capt. soon returns to duty at Agra. [Ray 5: 62-63] 1815

June 18 (Sun)

Napoleon is defeated at Waterloo and later sent into exile on St. Helena in the south Atlantic Ocean.

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Spring

1811-63

9

September 1 (Fri) Birth in Calcutta of Mary Graham, daughter of Capt. Allan Graham and the former Harriet Becher, sister of Anne. [Ray 5: 73] Death of Richmond Makepeace Thackeray in Calcutta. [Ray 5: 63] 1816 June 7 (Fri)

Death of Capt. Alan Graham. Mary is sent to Graham relatives at Harwich. [Ray 5: 72-73]

December 5 (Thu) Birth of Thackeray's wife, Isabella Gethin Shawe, second child of Lt. Col. Matthew Shawe and the former Isabella Creagh, in India. [Ray 5: 179] 17

Thackeray embarks from Calcutta for England on the Prince Regent with his cousin, Richmond Shakespear [Ray 5: 65]. Over 35 years later the experience is reflected in The Newcomes: "What a strange pathos seems to me to accompany all our Indian story!.. . The lords of the subject province find wives there: but their children cannot live on the soil. The parents bring their children to the shore, and part from them. The family must be broken up. Keep the flowers of your home beyond a certain time, and the sickening buds wither and die. In America it is from the breast of a poor slave that a child is taken: in India it is from the wife, and from under the palace, of a splendid proconsul." [Works 14: 66] 1817

March 8 (Sat)

The Prince Regent stops at St. Helena [Ray 5: 66], where Thackeray has the following experience: "I came from India as a child, and our ship touched at an island on the way home, where my black servant took me a long walk over rocks and hills until we reached a garden, where we saw a man walking. That is he,' said the black man: 'that is Bonaparte! He eats three sheep

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13

10

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

13

Marriage of Anne Becher Thackeray to Capt. Henry Carmichael-Smyth in Cawnpore, India. [Ray 5: 72]

4 (Sun)

Thackeray disembarks at Weymouth, England, and is taken to his aunt and uncle, Charlotte Thackeray Ritchie and John Ritchie, in London. [Ray 5: 66]

autumn Thackeray and his cousin, Richmond Shakespear, are sent to a private school in Southampton, run by a Mr. and Mrs. Arthur, where he is very unhappy with schoolmaster bullying: "We Indian children were consigned to a school of which our deluded parents had heard a favourable report, but which was governed by a horrible little tyrant, who made our young lives so miserable that I remember kneeling by my little bed of a night, and saying, 'Pray God, I may dream of my mother!"' ["On Lett's Diary," Works 17: 553-54; Ray 5:70] 1818 summer Thackeray vacations with his relatives, the Becher family, in Fareham, near Southampton. [Ray 5: 70] June 11 (Thu)

From Fareham Thackeray writes to his mother in Agra: "My dearest of all dear Mamas I have much pleasure in writing to you again from Fareham to tell how happy I am. I went to Roche Court to see Mr & Mrs Thresher. I saw a birds nest with young ones in it in a beautiful Honeysuckle bush, and a Robbins in another place. This has been Neptune day with me I call it so beca[u]se I go into the water & am like Neptune Your old acquaintances are very kind to me & give me a great many Cakes, & great many Kisses but I do not let Charles Becher kiss me I only take those from the Ladies. I dont have many from Grandmama. Miss English gives her very kind love to

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every day, and all the little children he can lay hands on!'" ["George the Third," Works 13: 753]

11

you, and begs you will soon come home Pray give my kindest love to Pappa— .1 am grown a great Boy I am three feet 11 inches and a quarter high. . . . I learn some poems which you was very fond of such as the Ode on Music I shall go on Monday to Chiswick to see my Aunt Turner & heare the Boys speak. I intend to be one of those heroes in time. I am very glad I am not to go to Mrs Arthurs " [Ray 1: 8-9] autumn

Thackeray is sent to a private school in Chiswick run by his mother's cousin, the Rev. John Turner, D.D. [Ray 5:71] 1819

February 20 (Sat) Capt. and Mrs. Carmichael-Smyth embark from Calcutta for England on the Fame. [Ray 5: 74] July 5 (Mon)

Capt. and Mrs. Carmichael-Smyth disembark in England and take up quarters at Charlton, near London. [Ray 5: 74]

6

Thackeray is reunited with his mother after 2 1/2 years of separation. [Ray 5: 75]

19

Capt. Carmichael-Smyth, on half-pay, is promoted to Major. [Ray 5: 77]

August 10 (Tue)

Thackeray returns to Dr. Turner's school at Chiswick, which he attends until December 1821. [Ray 5: 76, 78] 1820

January 29 (Sat) fall

Death of George III. Succeeded by George IV. The Carmichael-Smyths take under their care Mary Graham, the orphaned daughter of Anne's sister, Harriet Becher Graham [Ray 5: 76]. She becomes like a sister to Thackeray.

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1811-63

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

May 5 (Sat)

Death of Napoleon, whose body is interred at St. Helena. Both Clive Newcome and apparently his father visit the tomb when returning to England from India [Works 14: 35, 92]. 1822

January 15 (Tue) Thackeray is sent to Charterhouse School in London, which his step-father had attended, where he is unhappy with schoolmaster bullying, but makes good friends. [Ray 5: 79-86] August 7 (Wed)

Major Carmichael-Smyth is named pro tern. Resident Superintendent of the East India Company's military seminary at Addiscombe, near Croyden, south of London. [Ray 5: 87] 1823 Thackeray spends the long vacation with his mother and step-father in Tunbridge Wells, later recalled in "Tunbridge Toys" (Works 17:413-19). 1824

April 6 (Tue)

Major Carmichael-Smyth Addiscombe. [Ray 5: 87]

resigns

his post

at

June Major and Mrs. Carmichael-Smyth move to Larkbeare, near Ottery St. Mary's, Devon. [Ray 5: 101] late

fall Thackeray becomes a day-student at Charterhouse, residing with Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Boyes at 9 Charterhouse Square. Through their son, John, he becomes part of a congenial group of boys interested in the writings of the day, especially those of Scott,

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1821

13

Wordsworth, Coleridge, Lamb, and Hazlitt, but also in magazines like Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, The New Monthly Magazine, The London Magazine, and The Literary Gazette. He develops the habit of active reading apart from the school curriculum. He also develops his propensity to make comic drawings, often in the spirit of George Cruikshank, the favorite of the group. [Boyes 125-26; Ray 5: 89-92] 1828 April-May Thackeray has a "fierce illness," treatment for which includes shaving his head—a temporary remedy being the wearing of a wig, as was to be the case with Pendennis. [Harden 1: 2-3] May Thackeray completes his studies at Charterhouse. [Ray 5: 97] November 4 (Tue) Thackeray's parodic poem, "Irish Melody," appears in Flindell's Western Luminary and Family Newspaper (p. 5), his first publication. [Gulliver 1-5] 25

A poem, "The Tear," signed "T," probably by Thackeray, is published in Flindell's Western Luminary and Family Newspaper (p. 6). [Gulliver 6]

December 9 (Tue) "A Translation of the First Ode of Anacreon," signed "W. M. T.," probably by Thackeray, is published in Flindell's Western Luminary and Family Newspaper (p. 6). [Gulliver 6] 1829 February Thackeray matriculates at Trinity College, Cambridge University. [Ray 5: 115] April 13 (Mon)

The Catholic Relief Bill is given royal assent.

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

30

Thackeray's parodic poem, "Timbuctoo," signed "T," is published in TheSnob (pp. 18-21). [Ray 5: 119]

May 14 (Wed)

Thackeray's "To Genvieve. A Disinterested Epistle," signed "A Literary Snob," is published in TheSnob (p. 31). [Ray 1:77]

14

Thackeray's "Advertisement," Snob (p. 34). [Ray 1:77]

21

"Mrs. Ramsbottom in Cambridge," signed "Dorothea Julia Ramsbottom," probably by Thackeray, is published in TheSnob (pp. 39-40).

28

Thackeray's "The Blood-Stained Murderer; or, The Cock and Charley" [written with William Williams] is published in TheSnob (pp. 41-46). [Ray 1: 79]

June 4 (Thu)

11

is published in The

"A Statement of Fax Relative to the Late Murder. By D. J. Ramsbottom," probably by Thackeray, is published in TheSnob (pp. 47-48). "To the Free and Independent Snobs of Cambridge!," signed "D. J. Ramsbottom," probably by Thackeray, is published in TheSnob (p. 53).

July-September Thackeray vacations in Paris with his older friend, William Williams, who tutors him in math. [Ray 1: 95] Years later he writes of his arrival at Calais: "When I come to look at a place which I have visited any time these twenty or thirty years, I recall not the place merely, but the sensations I had at first seeing it, and which are quite different to my feelings to-day. That first day at Calais; the voices of the women crying out at night, as the vessel came alongside the pier; the supper at Quillacq's and the flavour of the cutlets and wine; the red-calico canopy under which I slept; the tiled floor, and the fresh smell of the sheets; the wonderful postilion in his jack-boots and pigtail;—all return with perfect clearness to my mind, and I am

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14

1811-63

15

In Paris Thackeray takes dancing lessons from Coulon [Ray 1: 85], whom later he characterizes in "The FitzBoodle Papers" as "a little creature of four feet high with a pigtail. His room was hung round with glasses. He made us take off our coats, and dance each before a mirror." [Works 4: 285] He sees the dancer Paul, "who will leap you quite off the perpendicular & on the horizontal & recover his feet with the greatest dexterity" [Ray 1: 86], but his special enthusiasm is for the ballet dancer Marie Taglioni at the Opera, "who hath the most superb pair of pins, & maketh the most superb use of them that ever I saw dancer do before" [Ray 1: 85-86]. Years later, in writing Pendennis, he has Foker say, "She's clipping in The Sylphide, ain't she?", and follows with authorial commentary: "and he began very kindly to hum the pretty air which pervades that prettiest of all ballets, now faded into the past with that most beautiful and gracious of all dancers. Will the young folks ever see anything so charming, anything so classic, anything like Taglioni?" [Works 12: 478]. Still later, in writing The Newcomes, he has the narrator say of Ethel: "Not till the music stopped did she sink down on a seat, panting, and smiling radiant— as many, many hundred years ago I remember to have seen Taglioni, after a conquering pas seul." [Works 14: 541] He takes French lessons and German lessons [Ray 1: 101-02], finds Mile. Mars of the Comedie Frangaise to be "most extraordinary," "most glorious," and Leontine Fay to be "the most delightful little creature I ever set eyes on; she has a pair of such lips! out of wh. the French comes trilling out with a modulation & a beauty of wh. I did not think it capable" [Ray 1: 88, 91]. On another evening, he calls her "as usual divine," and to his objecting mother in England justifies his theatre-going as giving him "the best French lesson possible." [Ray 1: 93]

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seeing them, and not the objects which are actually under my eyes." ["Notes of a Week's Holiday." Works 17: 439-40]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology He feels the French style of painting is very artificial— indeed, "odious"—and sees even in Versailles a number of pictures in the manner of Jacques Louis David, whom he terms "that paltry god of French adoration," but he finds his "taste for old books and prints much [increased]." His most disturbing experience occurs at Frascati's, where he discovers in himself a compulsive attraction to gambling. "The interest in the game Rouge et Noir is so powerful that I could not tear myself away until I lost my last piece—I dreamed of it all night—& thought of nothing else for several days, but thank God I did not return [.] The excitement has passed away now, but I hope I shall never be thrown in the way of the thing again, for fear I could not resist." [Ray 1: 9 0 91,93]

October 5 (Mon)

In London Thackeray sees Fanny Kemble in Romeoand Juliet and is "much delighted with her" [Ray 1: 105]. He then returns to Cambridge, where Williams introduces him to Edward FitzGerald, who becomes a close friend, and who introduces Thackeray to John Mitchell Kemble, James Spedding, and Alfred Tennyson. [Ray 5: 129-30]

November Thackeray joins a debating society, where he forms a close friendship with John Allen. [Ray 5: 128-29] 12 (Thu)

"Letter from D. J. Ramsbottom," signed "Dorothea Julia R ," probably by Thackeray, is published in The Gownsman (pp. 10-12).

12

Thackeray's "Modern Songs.—No. 5 AIR: 'I'd be a Butterfly.' 'I'd be a Tadpole,'" signed "0," is published in TheGownsman (pp. 14-15). [Gulliver 18]

27

In debating "Has Woman, since the Fall, been the cause of more good or evil to mankind?" Thackeray argues for "more good." [Ray 5:128]

December 3 (Thu) Thackeray's "From Anacreon," signed "0," is published in The Gownsman (p. 39). [Gulliver 19]

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16

17

4

In debating "Are Works of Fiction prejudicial to the moral character?" Thackeray argues that they are good for the moral character. [Ray 5: 128]

11

Thackeray proposes the topic "Has the institution of Duelling been of benefit to mankind?" Comically, he argues for the affirmative. [Ray 5: 129] 1830

February 5 (Fri) In debating "Is the Elizabethan age deservedly called the golden age of English literature?" Thackeray, whose tastes favor 18th century literature, argues for the negative. [Ray 5:129] 19

March 7 (Sun)

12

In debating "Which exerts the greater moral influence, the poetry of intellect or that of passion?" Thackeray argues for the poetry of passion. [Ray 5:129] In debating "Whether a change of politics in a public character is in any case justifiable" Thackeray argues for the negative. [Ray 5:129] In debating "Is a Feudal System of Government calculated to promote the happiness of the People?" Thackeray, again with apparent humor, argues for the affirmative—his last known participation in the debating society. [Ray 5: 129]

Spring Thackeray's interest in academic subjects declines. The "expensive habits, wh. that blessed University Cambridge has taught me" [Ray 1: 137], grow. Worse still, his compulsive gambling attracts the attention of two card sharpers, who, "knowing that he had money when he came of age, induced him to play ecarte with them, letting him win at first and leading him on until they had eased him . . . of a round fifteen hundred pounds" [M&M 236]. Years later, in Spa, Belgium, Thackeray and a friend, Theodore Martin, see one of the sharpers gambling. Thackeray tells Martin the story and identifies the man as "the original of my

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1811-63

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

During the Easter vacation Thackeray joins FitzGerald in Paris, which he later, in "Desseins," terms "a certain little Paris excursion (about which my benighted parents never knew anything)." [Works 17: 617] At a masquerade ball he is approached by a woman whom he had known as a governess for a respectable family in England, but who has become a Parisian grisette—"Mademoiselle Pauline," as Thackeray calls her in "Shrove Tuesday in Paris" [Works 3: 500-03], details of whose character and life evidently suggested aspects of Becky Sharp. June "Dedication" (to the bound volume), probably by Thackeray, TheGownsman (p. iii). Thackeray leaves Cambridge without a degree. [Ray 5: 137] 26 (Sat)

Death of George IV. Succeeded by William IV.

July-September Thackeray travels through the Rhineland, arriving in Weimar in late September [Ray 1: 111-123]. In Weimar he finds an old Cambridge friend, William Garrow Lettsom, who persuades him to stay for the winter, introduces him to a group of young Englishmen there, and helps him gain entrance to the easy-going Court society. Twenty-five years later Thackeray speaks of his time there as "days of youth the most kindly and delightful," and terms Weimar "the friendly little Saxon capital. The Grand Duke and Duchess received us with the kindliest hospitality. The Court was splendid, but yet most pleasant and homely. We were invited in our turns to dinners, balls, and assemblies there... . [T]he kind old Hof Marshall of those days, M. de Spiegel (who had two of the most lovely daughters

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Deuceace" [M&M 236]—a character who appears in The Yellowplush Correspondence a n d is frequently mentioned in Thackeray's subsequent works.

19

eyes ever looked on), being in nowise difficult as to the admission of these young Englanders. Of the winter nights we used to charter sedan chairs, in which we were carried through the snow to those pleasant Court entertainments. . . . The theatre was admirably conducted; and besides the excellent Weimar company, famous actors and singers from various parts of Germany performed Gastrolle through the winter. In that winter I remember we had Ludwig Devrient in Shylock, Hamlet, Falstaff, and the Robbers; and the beautiful Schroder in Fidelio." In conclusion, he says: "I think I have never seen a society more simple, charitable, courteous, gentlemanlike than that of the dear little Saxon city, where the good Schiller and the great Goethe lived and lie buried." [Ray 3: 442-43, 445] Thackeray studies German with Dr. Friedrich Weissenborn, makes "rapid progress in Gallopading" [Ray 1: 126], buys Schiller's sword [Ray 3: 442], meets Goethe [Ray 1: 130], and reads their works. He also falls successively in love with Melanie von Spiegel, an experience that prompted him to create Dorothea in "Fitz-Boodle's Confessions," and then with Jenny von Pappenheim, who appears in his fiction as Ottilia in "Fitz-Boodle's Confessions" [Ray, 1: 127-29]. His experience of Weimar helped inspire the creation not only of Kalbsbraten in "Fitz-Boodle's Confessions," but also of Pumpernickel in Vanity Fair. November ca. 17 (Wed) Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her of attending a concert at which "Beethovens Battle of Victoria was played; I never saw half a dozen men so excited as the English were, when Rule Britannia was played" [Ray 1: 133]. The experience is evoked in Vanity Fair, as is his hearing Mme. Schroder-Devrient singing in Fidelio. [Works 11: 793-94] December 3 (Fri) Writing to his mother, Thackeray expresses doubts about taking up the law as a profession, but "I believe it is the best among the positive professions & as such I must take it, for better or worse." [Ray 1: 137]

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1811-63

20

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology 1831

March

May Thackeray goes to London to begin legal studies. [Ray 5:147] June 3 (Fri)

Thackeray is admitted to the Middle Temple, where he arranges to study law five hours every weekday for eight months a year with William Taprell, a special pleader. [Ray 1: 149]

July 18 (Mon)

Writing to FitzGerald on his twentieth birthday, Thackeray expresses his ambiguous feelings about becoming a lawyer: "Of one thing I am determined that I never will practise the law, or at least will retire from it, before my business should occupy me too much." [Ray 1: 152]

October ca. 27 (Thu) Thackeray's poem, "The Stars," is published in Ottilie von Goethe's magazine, Das Chaos, 2 (p. 40). [Gulliver 31] December 8 (Thu)-lO

15

Writing to his step-father, Thackeray tells of having persuaded the trustees controlling his inheritance to sell stock in the amount of 100 guineas to pay off a gambling debt, and says "it is very difficult to read dry law books." [Ray 1: 176] Thackeray sees Gay's Beggar's Opera and calls it "the pleasantest play . . . in our language." [Ray 1: 177] 1832

January 14 (Sat) Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "This lawyers preparatory education is certainly one of the most cold

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Thackeray leaves Weimar and returns to Larkbeare. [Ray 5:146]

1811-63

21

3 (Tue)

Thackeray writes in his diary: "went to . . . [a gambling "hell" at] No 60 where I lost 6/6." [Ray 1: 186]

4

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Then to 60 for the last time, so help me God where I won back the exact sum I had lost the day before." [Ray 1: 187]

5

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Took a lesson in dancing, & . . . played ecarte till four o'clock in the morning & lost 8 pound 7 shillings—before I knew where I was, so much for reform." [Ray 1: 187]

9

In his diary Thackeray mentions plans to purchase a newspaper. [Ray 1:189]

10

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Was not at Taprells, & have not read a syllable of anything for 3 days. I must mend, or else I shall be poor idle & wicked most likely in a couple more years" [Ray 1: 190]. His attendance at Taprells, however, becomes more and more sporadic.

14

Thackeray writes in his diary: "My newspaper scheme is done up, for want of funds." [Ray 1: 191]

16

Thackeray meets William Maginn [Ray 1: 191], who becomes a close friend and helps initiate Thackeray into the world of journalism.

May 2 (Wed)

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Dr. Maginn called & took me to the Standard shewing me the mysteries of printing & writing leading articles, with him all day till 4." [Ray 1: 197]

3

The last mention of Taprell in Thackeray's diary of 2 April-23 November 1832. [Ray 1: 197]

6

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Read [Bulwer's] Eugene Aram but was much disappointed (as usual)[.] It is a very forced and absurd taste to elevate a murderer for

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blooded prejudiced pieces of invention that ever a man was slave to." [Ray 1: 182]

22

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

12

Thackeray meets James Fraser, publisher of Fraser's Magazine, in which he was often to publish between 1834 and 1853. [Ray 1: 200]

June 7 (Thu)

The Reform Bill is given royal assent.

9

Thackeray continues his gambling losses: "spielte und wie gewohnlich verlierte." [Ray 1: 207]

17

Thackeray writes in his diary: "went to Maginn dined at the Barly-Mow & drank Sherry with him till t e n then he took me to a common brothel where I left him, very much disgusted & sickened to see a clever & good man disgrace himself in that way. His money matters press upon him I suppose & make him reckless—Thank God that idle & vicious as I am, I have no taste for scenes such as that of last night—There was an old bawd & a young whore both of them with child—The old woman seemed au reste a good natured beast enough with a countenance almost amiable—The young one was very repulsive in manner & face—Came home sickened." [Ray 1: 209]

June-July Thackeray, together with Arthur Buller, journeys to Devon and Cornwall to assist his friend, Charles Buller, in his campaign for the parliamentary seat of Liskeard [Ray 1: 210-20]. Buller defeats his Tory opponent July 18 (Wed)

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Here is the day for wh. I have been panting so long [coming of age on his twenty-first birthday], wh. now though it is come has not brought with it any sensations peculiarly pleasant. [B]ut I am a man now & must deal with men—Drew on Lubbock [his banker] for £25." [Ray 1: 220]

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money into a hero—The sentiments are very eloquent clap-trap. There is no new character . . . & no incident at all. . . . The book is in fact humbug, when my novel is written it will be something better I trust." [Ray 1: 198]

1811-63

Thackeray embarks for France, where he spends four months, mainly in Paris, reading contemporary French and German literature, attending operas and plays, visiting print galleries, patronizing fine restaurants, and gambling. [Ray 1:221-38]

August 17 (Fri)-18 Thackeray writes in his diary: "May Almighty God give me strength of mind to resist the temptation of play, & to keep my vow that from this day I will never again enter a gaming house." [Ray 1: 225] 19

Thackeray writes in his diary: "I broke the vow I solemnly made yesterday—& thank God lost the last halfpenny I possessed by doing so—At first I had won back nearly all my losings & went away but the money lay like fire in my pocket & I am thank heaven rid of it—A dinner at the Trois Freres was the cause of my lying—a bottle of Beaune & 2 glasses of Malaga made my head hot & my pocket finally empty." [Ray 1: 225]

22

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Read Cousins history of Philosophy," and concludes comically: "The excitement of metaphysics must equal almost that of gambling." [Ray 1: 225]

September 9 (Sun) Thackeray writes in his diary: "have in these latter days been to Paris wo ich spielte, have read [Hugo's] Notre Dame de Paris of wh. I think most highly as a work of genius, though it is not perhaps a fine novel. [H]ave read part of [Bulwer's] Pelham wh. I found rather dull & very impertinent." [Ray 1: 228] 19

Thackeray writes in his diary: "have just come from talking of debauchery & it's consequences—wh. have made me long for a good wife, & a happy home." [Ray 1: 229]

October 8 (Mon)

Thackeray writes in his diary: "breakfasted in the Palais Royal & dined at Vefours went for a while to the Opera Comique but found it dull, spielte und fegelte [fornicated]." [Ray 1: 230]

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31

23

24

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

24

Thackeray leaves for England. [Ray 1: 238] 1833

January-May Thackeray is actively associated with discounting firm in London [Ray 1: 504-05].

a

bill-

February I (Fri) Thackeray's account book for 1833 lists the loss of £668 at play. [Ray 1:504] May Thackeray purchases The National Standard and Journal of Literature, Science, Music, Theatricals, and the Fine Arts, a twopenny weekly journal. In running the paper, he is assisted by Maginn and by a subeditor, James Hume [Ray 5: 160]. In Lovel the Widower, Thackeray mockingly evokes his youthful conduct of the journal in the figure of Mr. Batchelor, who recalls earlier days with his literary paper, the Museum: "I dare say I gave myself airs as editor of that confounded Museum, and proposed to educate the public taste, to diffuse morality and sound literature throughout the nation, and to pocket a liberal salary in return for my services." [Works 17: 74] 4 (Sat)

Thackeray's poem, "Louis Philippe," with an illustration, is published in The National Standard, 1: 273. [Ray 1: 259-60]

4

"Drama. King's Theatre," probably by Thackeray, is published in The National Standard, 1: 286-87. [Gulliver 41]

II

Thackeray publishes "Address," The National Standard, 1: 289, announcing the change of proprietorship.

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November 17 (Sat) Thackeray writes in his diary: "went to the [Theatre Italien]—saw a poor opera of Bellini's II Pirata—then for a minute to Frascati's where I lost all I had." [Ray 1: 237]

25

11

"Mr. Braham. Sonnet.—By W. Wordsworth," with an illustration, both probably by Thackeray, is published in The National Standard, 1: 289.

18

"N. M. Rothschild, Esq.," with an illustration, both probably by Thackeray, is published in The National Standard, 1: 305.

25

"London Characters. No. 1," with an illustration, both probably by Thackeray, is published in The National Standard, 1: 321.

June 1 (Sat)

The poem, "A. Bunn," with an illustration, both probably by Thackeray, is published in The National Standard, 1: 345.

8

"Love in Fetters. A Tottenham-Court-Road Ditty," with an illustration, both probably by Thackeray, is published in The National Standard, 1: 362.

15

Thackeray's "Woman: The Angel of Life. A Poem. By Robert Montgomery" is published in The National Standard, 1: 376-77.

15

"Drama. Covent Garden," signed "Gamma," with an illustration, both probably by Thackeray, is published in The National Standard, 1: 380-81.

late

June 29

July 6 (Sat)

June-August Thackeray serves as foreign correspondent for The National Standard in Paris. Thackeray's "Foreign Correspondence," with an illustration, is published in The National Standard, 1: 412-13. Thackeray's "Foreign Correspondence," with an illustration, is published in The National Standard, 2: 10-11.

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

6

Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "I must try & make this paper worth something, & I suppose, that to obtain that [result my] presence will be necessary on the other [side] of the water. . . . It looks well however to have a Parisian correspondent; & I think that in a month more I may get together stuff enough for the next ten months." In the same letter, however, he also says: "I have been thinking very seriously of turning artist—I think I can draw better than do anything else & certainly like it better than any other occupation why shouldn't I?—It requires a three year apprenticeship however, wh. is not agreeable—but afterwards the way is clear & pleasant enough; & doubly so for an independent man who is not obliged to look to his brush for his livelihood." [Ray 1: 262]

13

Thackeray's "Foreign Correspondence. The Charruas," with an illustration, is published in The National Standard, 2: 28-29.

20

Thackeray's "Foreign Correspondence," with an illustration, is published in The National Standard, 2: 42-43.

August 10 (Sat)

24

Thackeray's "The Devil's Wager," with an illustration, is published in The National Standard, 2: 85-86. [Paris Sketch Book] Thackeray's "The Devil's Wager" is published in The National Standard, 2: 121-22. [Paris Sketch Book]

September 6 (Fri) Back in London writing to his mother from the Garrick Club, which he has recently joined, and which he finds "pleasant & cheap," he says: "I have had an offer made for a partner, wh. I think I shall accept" [Ray 1: 263], but the arrangement was not made. He continues: "I find a great change between this & Paris, where one makes friends, & here though for the last three years I have lived, I have not positively a single female acquaintance—I shall go back to Paris I think, & marry somebody—There is another evil wh. I complain of, that this system of newspaper writing spoils one for every

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26

1811-63

27

October 12 (Sat)

22

Thackeray's "Original Papers. A Tale of Wonder" is published in The National Standard, 2: 228-29. [Ray, 1: 268] Writing to his mother, Thackeray reports on progress made in studying art at an atalier in Paris: "I think that in a year were I to work hard I might paint something worth looking at, but it requires at least that time before one can gain any readiness with the brush. . . . I get tickets for the Italian Opera—where the company is very good, & where there is a beautiful creature called Grisi—I saw my ancient flame Duvernay at the French Opera the other day, & wondered how I could have ever been smitten—now this would be an awkward circumstance in marrying a wife" [Ray 1: 266-67]. His reference in this letter to a willingness to marry a girl for £11,325 suggests that this was the sum he had just lost when most of his inheritance vanished with the collapse of the Indian bank in which it had been invested—a remarkably light-hearted acceptance of his poverty [Ray 1: 267], Given his attachment to painting and Paris, he does not take up an offer "to go to Madrid for the Standard with £300 a year" [Ray 1: 270]. The bank failure is reflected in the collapse of the Bundelcund Bank in TheNewcomes.

November 12 (Tue) Having arrived back in London, Thackeray writes to his mother: "I intend to stop here, to sell my furniture, give up my chambers & my paper, by wh. I shall have had the pleasure of losing £200. . . . I shall go back to Paris—I have made or fancied I have made so much progress in a month, that it would be a shame not to handle the brush with a little more perseverance— besides it is the only metier I ever liked." (Ray 1: 270] 30

"Our Leader," probably by Thackeray, is published in The National Standard, 2: 333.

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other kind of writing; I am unwilling now more than ever, to write letters to my friends, & always find myself attempting to make a pert critical point, at the end of a sentence." [Ray 1: 264]

28

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

23

Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "I am anxious that the first No, for the year should be a particularly good one as I am going to change the name . . . & increase the price." He also reports being "very comfortably installed in the new house . . . and like much my little study, & airy bed-room." [Ray 1: 271]

28

Thackeray's "Address" is published in The National Standard, 2: 397. 1834

January 4 (Sat) Thackeray's paper appears under the title The National Standard and Literary Representative, price threepence. 18 "Father Gahagan's Exhortation," probably by Thackeray, is published in The National Standard, 3: 44. 25

Thackeray's "Drama. Plays and Play-Bills," signed "0," is published in The National Standard, 3: 62.

February 1 (Sat) Thackeray's "Original Papers. Etude sur Mirabeau. Par Victor Hugo," signed "0," is published in The National Standard, 3: 75-76. The paper ceases publication with this issue. May Thackeray's "The Fraser Papers for May. 'II etait un Roi d'Yvetot—Beranger'" is published in Fraser's Magazine, 9 (May): 617-18, his first contribution to that journal. [Paris Sketch Book] summer

Thackeray apparently studies art at a school in Bloomsbury, as Clive Newcome was to do. [Ray 5: 168]

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December 13 (Fri) Thackeray gives up his chambers in the Middle Temple and moves into a house at 18 Albion Street that his parents have bought. [Ray 1: 271, Ray 5: 168]

29

mid-September Thackeray moves to Paris to study art, staying with his grandmother, Mrs. Edward Butler [Ray 1: 273-74]. Fifteen years later he recalled these days with fellow student-painters as the time when "I . . . made believe to be a painter—just after I was ruined and before I fell in love and took to marriage & writing. It was a very jolly time. I was as poor as Job: and sketched away most abominably, but pretty contented: and we used to meet in each others little rooms and talk about Art and smoke pipes and drink bad brandy & water." [Ray 2: 503] 1835 January Thackeray is included in a group portrait of "Fraserians" by his friend, Daniel Maclise. April 17 (Fri)

Writing to his painter friend, Frank Stone, Thackeray says: "I am in a state of despair—I have got enough torn up pictures to roast an ox by . . . and I have become latterly so disgusted with myself, and art & every thing belonging to it, that for a month past I have been lying on sofas reading novels, & never touching a pencil. —In these six months, I have not done a thing worth looking a t — . . . if in another six mos. I can do no better, I will arise & go out & hang myself. . . . I had hoped to have gone into Germany for this summer, & on to Italy in autumn, but my governors & the rest of our tribe are to come here in a month & I shall not be sorry to stay, & have a little more copying at the Louvre." [Harden 1: 14-15] Thackeray is encouraged by his friend, Eyre Evans Crowe, Paris correspondent for The Morning Chronicle, to apply for a new position being planned by the newspaper: a correspondent at Constantinople. [Ray 1: 281, Ray 5: 175, 183]

19

Writing in his diary, Thackeray mentions having spoken to "Crowe about the Constantinople business— this will be a great lift for me if please God I can get

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

22

Writing to John Payne Collier, an acquaintance at the Garrick Club, now known as a literary forger but then simply on the staff of The Morning Chronicle, Thackeray requests Collier's help in securing the position: "I have already applied for the place, only as I can produce no proofs of my capability in the columns of any newspaper, I am obliged to ask my friends to vouch for the same. . . . If . . . you will mention me at head-quarters, a word from you will be, I am sure, all powerful and thus I shall be able to realize a favorite dream of mine, and to fill my sketch book to my heart's content." [Ray 1: 281-82]

May Writing to FitzGerald, who, with Tennyson, is visiting Spedding in the Lake Country, Thackeray tells of receiving good letters from his painter friends, Daniel Maclise, George Cattermole, and John Frederick Lewis, and mentions his continuing hopes for the Constantinople position, which "will give me a handsome income for a year and fill my sketch book into the bargain—perhaps I might make a bargain with Charles Heath for a Picturesque Annual" [Ray 1: 287]. Thackeray's hopes proved vain, however, for he did not visit the Near East until 1844, when, during his trip, he saw Lewis in Egypt. June 11 (Thu)

Thackeray gives up his rooms with his grandmother in the Rue de Chaillot and takes quarters for himself at 1 Rue des Beaux Arts. [Ray 1: 286]

September Writing to his cousin, William Ritchie, Thackeray reveals a startling new development: "I am arrived at such a pitch of sentimentality (for a plain girl without a penny in the world) that my whole seyn, etre, or being, is bouleverse or capsized.—I sleep not neither do I eat, only smoke a little & build castles in the clouds; thinking all day of the propriety of a sixieme, boiled beef & soup for dinner, & the possession of the gal of

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it—and I shall see Abanah and Pharphar, & all the rivers of Israel to boot" [Ray 1: 283]

31

my art. . . . God knows how it will end. . . . I purpose going from Munich to Venice... —then from Venice if I can effect the thing, I will pass over for a week or so into Turkey. Just to be able to say, in a book wh. I am going to make, that I have been there—after wh. I will go to Rome, Naples, Florence &c . . . then I will go to England book in hand, I will get three hundred guineas for my book—then I will exhibit at the Water Colour Society, and sell my ten drawings forthwith, then I will mar . " [Harden 1: 15-16]. The girl was his future wife, Isabella Shawe, who was living with her widowed mother in Paris. October 27 (Tue) Thackeray's "La verite sur les Cent Jours, par L. Bonaparte, Prince de Canino, Paris, 1835," signed "W. M. T.," is published in The Paris Literary Gazette, pp. 3-5. [Guivarc'h 205] November 3 (Tue) Thackeray's "Souvenirs d'Antony, par A. Dumas, Paris, Dumont, 1835," signed "W. M. T.," is published in The Paris Literary Gazette, pp. 19-21. [Guivarc'h 205] 10

Thackeray's "England," signed "W. M. T.," is published in The Paris Literary Gazette, pp. 33-34. [Guivarc'h 205]

24

Thackeray's "Servitude et Grandeur Militaires, par le Comte A. de Vigny, Paris, 1835," signed "W. M. T.," is published in The Paris Literary Gazette, pp. 65-67. [Guivarc'h 205]

December 29 (Tue) Thackeray's "German Songs," signed "W. M. T.," is published in The Paris Literary Gazette, pp. 145-47. [Guivarc'h 205] 1836 Major Carmichael-Smyth makes arrangements for establishing a Radical London newspaper, to be known as The Constitutional and Public Ledger. Laman

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

10 (Sun)

Writing from Calais to Isabella Shawe in Paris, Thackeray calls her "my better half.. . , dearest little Wife." [Ray 1: 302]

11

Thackeray arrives in London to discuss newspaper matters and to arrange for the appearance of his first separate publication, Flore et Zephyr, a burlesque sequence of eight captioned lithographs together with an illustrated title page that mocked a well-known neo-classical ballet choreographed by Charles Didelot, Flore et Zephire. Subsidized by Thackeray's friend, John Bowes Bowes, whom he had met at Cambridge, it was published in London by John Mitchell, a librarian and print-seller in Old Bond Street, and in Paris by Rittner et Goupil. [Ray 5: 184]

14

Writing to Isabella Shawe in Paris, Thackeray tells her "My father says I could not do better than to marry, my mother says the same. I need not say that I agree with the opinion of my parents—so, dearest, make the little shifts ready, and the pretty night caps; and we will in a few few months, go & hear Bishop Luscombe read, and be married, and have children, & be happy ever after, as they are in the Story books." [Ray 1: 303]

20

Death of Robert Seymour, who was to have illustrated Dickens's Pickwick Papers. Twenty-two years later, Thackeray recalled "walking up to [Dickens's] chambers in Furnival's Inn with two or three drawings in my hand, which strange to say, he did not find suitable." [Ray 1: 311-12]

22

Writing to William Jerdan, editor of The Literary Gazette, Thackeray asks for "a little puff for the accompanying caricatures." An appreciative review of Flore et Zephyr appeared in the 30 April issue (pp. 282-83). [Ray 1:313] Following the publication of Flore Thackeray returns to Paris. [Ray 1: 313]

et

Zephyr,

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Blanchard will be its editor, Douglas Jerrold its dramatic critic, and Thackeray its Paris Correspondent, p a y 5: 184-85]

1811-63

33

July

August 20 (Sat)

Thackeray is married to Isabella at the British Embassy in Paris by the Embassy chaplain, Bishop H. M. Luscombe, with Mrs. Shawe's consent [Ray 1: 318]. They honeymoon in Versailles and at the country villa near Paris of his aunt, Mrs. John Ritchie. [Ray 5: 18788]

September Thackeray and his wife settle in an apartment at 15 bis Rue Neuve St. Augustin, Paris. [Ray 5: 188] 19 (Mon)

Thackeray writes his first contribution to the new paper: "(From a Private Correspondent.) Paris, Sept. 17." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 19 Sept., p. [2]. Later, writing in December to his friend, John Mitchell Kemble, Thackeray jokes: "who in fact has not heard of T.T.?" [Harden 1:21]

24

"From Our Own Correspondent. Paris, Sept. 22." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 24 Sept., p. [3].

27

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. By Express. Paris, Sept. 25." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 27 Sept, p. [3].

29

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. By Express." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 29 Sept., p. [3].

October 1 (Sat)

"(From Our Own Correspondent.) Paris, Sept. 28." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 1 Oct., p. [2].

5

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. Paris, October 2." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 5 Oct., p. [2].

7

Writing to FitzGerald, Thackeray thanks him for a gift of money that will help him purchase furniture, and says: "I feel very much your kind and affectionate letter, and long to have you with me. As for the little

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Isabella's mother tries to break off her engagement, as Charlotte Baynes's mother was to do in Philip, but Isabella remains loyal. [Ray 5: 186-87]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology wife it does not change one in the least it is only a new quality that one discovers in ones'self, a new happiness. . . . I am sorry to say that I like the newspaper-work very much, it is a continual excitement, and I fancy I do it very well, that is very sarcastically, and though as we agreed about literature, sarcasm does no good either to reader or writer, I think in politics where all are rogues to deal with (yr. hble Servt. among them) a man cannot sneer and scorn too much, and bring the profession into disrepute—but the poor picture-painting is altogether neglected." [Ray 1: 322-23]

8

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. By Express. Paris, Oct. 6." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 8 Oct., p. [3].

11

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. Paris, Oct. 7. Oct. 8." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 11 Oct., p. [3].

13

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. By Express. Paris, Oct. 11." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 13 Oct., p. [3].

14

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. By Express. Paris, Oct. 12." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 14 Oct., p. [3].

18

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. By Express. Paris, Oct. 16." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 18 Oct., p. [3].

21

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Oct. 19." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 21 Oct., p. [3].

22

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Paris, Oct. 20." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 22 Oct., p. [3].

29

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Paris, Oct. 27." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 29 Oct., p. [3].

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1811-63

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Paris, Oct. 29." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 31 Oct., p. [3].

November 5 (Sat) "Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Paris, Nov. 3." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 5 Nov., p. [3]. 9

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Nov. 7." Signed HT. T." The Constitutional, 9 Nov., p. [3].

14

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Nov. 12." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 14 Nov., p. [31

16

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Nov. 14." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 16 Nov., p.

PL 18

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Nov. 16." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 18 Nov., p. [3].

22

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) November 20." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 22 Nov., p. [3].

26

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Nov. 24." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 26 Nov., p. [3].

December 1 (Thu) "Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Nov. 29." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 1 Dec, p. [3]. 8

"Paris, From Our Own Correspondent. (By Express.) Dec. 4." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 8 Dec, p. [3].

13

Writing to John Mitchell Kemble, Thackeray alludes to Isabella's pregnancy: "You also are probably in a

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31

35

36

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

14

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. Dec. 10." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 14 Dec, p. [3].

19

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent Dec 15." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 19 Dec, p. [3].

19

Writing to the publisher John Macrone, Thackeray proposes to illustrate William Harrison Ainsworth's Crichton, but the novel was published without illustrations in late February/early March. He also requests an advance for a book that he intends to write "in 2 Wollums. with 20 drawings, entitled Rambles & Sketches in old and new Paris." [Ray 1: 327-29]

20

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent The Mutiny at San Sebastian. Dec. 17." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 20 Dec, p. [3].

22

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent Dec 19." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 22 Dec, p. [3].

23

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent Dec 20." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 23 Dec, p. [3].

26

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent Dec. 21." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 26 Dec, p. [3].

31

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent Dec. 24." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 31 Dec, p. [3]. 1837

January 2 (Mon)

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent The Downfall of the French Ministry.—The Tactics of Thiers.— The Chances of the Radicals in France. Dec. 26. MurderPrivate and Public—The King's Speech—The Cause of the Discontent in France, and the Remedy for It [Dec] 28." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 2 Jan., p. [3].

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similar state—wife, children coming, and nothing in three per cents. . . . I am grown strangely fat, and am the happiest man in this neighbourhood." [Harden 1: 21]

37

4

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. Dec. 31." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 4 Jan., p. [3].

6

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. Jan. 2." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 6 Jan., p. [3].

7

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent Jan. 3." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 7 Jan., p. [3].

10

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. Louis Bonaparte's Manifestoes.—A Military Execution. Jan. 7." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 10 Jan., p. [3].

13

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent On Some New State Maxims in France. Jan. 9." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 13 Jan., p. [3].

14

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent The Addresses of the Chambers.—Marshal Soult on the Art of War.-— The Strasburg Conspiracy. Jan. 11." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 14 Jan., p. [3].

18

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent The Chamber of Deputies.—The Occult Power.—The Motion of M. Barrot— The Latest Fashionable Intelligence." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 18 Jan., p. [3].

19

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. The Last Defeat of the Carlists.—The Spy System in Switzerland and at Strasburg. Jan. 16." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 19 Jan., p. [3].

21

"Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. M. Guizot's Recantation—Berryer and Thiers—The Choice of Dupin. Jan. 18." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 21 Jan., p. [3].

24

"Paris. (From Our Own Correspondent) The Victory of the Ministry—The Strasburg Verdict. Jan. 21." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 24 Jan., p. [3].

28

"Paris. (From Our Own Correspondent) Some New Laws of Repression.—A New French Siberia.—Ministerial

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology Quarrels. Jan. 25." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 28 Jan., p. [3]. "Paris. From Our Own Correspondent. Jan. 28." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 31 Jan., p. [3].

February 3 (Fri) "Foreign Correspondence. Paris, January 31. (From Our Own Correspondent.)" Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 3 Feb., p. [4]. 8

"Foreign Correspondence. Paris, February 5. (From Our Own Correspondent.)" Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 8 Feb., p. [4].

11

"Foreign Correspondence. Paris. February 8. (From Our Own Correspondent.)" Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 11 Feb., p. [3].

18

"Foreign C o r r e s p o n d e n c e . (From Our Own Correspondent.) Paris, Feb. 15. Spanish Affairs—M. Dupin's Explanations—M. Clausel's Recal. M. Salvandy's Patriotism." Signed "T. T." The Constitutional, 18 Feb., p. [3]. With this piece, Thackeray ceases his regular contributions to The Constitutional, which can no longer afford a Paris correspondent. [Ray 5: 190]

March Thackeray and his wife move to London, where they live with the Carmichael-Smyths at 18 Albion St [Ray 5: 190] April 29 (Sat)

June 9 (Fri) 20

Writing to the Directors of The Constitutional, Thackeray explains that "our funds are totally inadequate to meet the present expenses," and asks for £1000 from shareholders, but without success. [Ray 1: 341-42] Thackeray's daughter, Anne Isabella, is born. [Ray 5: 202] Death of William IV. Succeeded by Victoria.

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31

1811-63 July 1 (Sat)

39

26

Thackeray unsuccessfully proposes to Macrone to rewrite Colonel Francis Maceroni's manuscript account of his life and adventures, but when Macrone published the book in 1838, it still contained the flaws that Thackeray had identified. [Ray 1: 344-45]

August 3 (Thu)

"The French Revolution, by T. Carlyle." The Times, 3 Aug., p. 6. Carlyle wrote in a letter to his sister: "The writer is one Thackeray, a half-monstrous Cornish giant, kind of painter, Cambridge man, and Paris newspaper correspondent, who is now writing for his life in London. I have seen him at the Bullers' and at Sterling's. His article is rather like him, and I suppose calculated to do the book good" [Carlyle 86]. Thackeray's life as a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines has begun in earnest. Through Lt. Col. Merrick Shawe he has became friends with Edward Sterling, a major contributor to The Times, and through Maginn he has gained access to Fraser's Magazine. [Ray 5: 196,199]

September "The Professor—A Tale. By Goliah Gahagan." Bentley's Miscellany, 2 (Sept.): 277-88. November "The Yellowplush Correspondence. [No. I.] Fashnable Fax and Polite Annygoats. By Charles Yellowplush, Esq." Fraser's Magazine, 16 (Nov.): 644-49. December "A Word on the Annuals." Fraser's Magazine, 16 (Dec): 757-63, probably by Thackeray. [White 79] Three illustrations to John Barrow, King Glumpus: An Interlude in One Act. (For private circulation only.) London: privately printed, 1837. [Van Duzer, 64-65]

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"To the Readers of the Constitutional." The Constitutional, 1 July, p. [3], is Thackeray's last contribution, explaining in this final issue why the paper has failed.

40

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology 1838

January

"Our Batch of Novels for Christmas, 1837." Fraser's Magazine, 17 (Jan.): 79-92. [Ray 1: 514] 6 (Sat)

"Duchess of Marlborough's Private Correspondence." The Times, 6 Jan., p. 6. [Ray 1: 515]

11

"Eros and Anteros—or 'Love,' by Lady Charlotte Bury" and "A Diary Relative to George IV. and Queen Caroline." The Times, 11 Jan., p. 3. [Ray 1: 515]

31

"Memoirs of Holt, The Irish Rebel." The Times, Jan., p. 2. [Ray 1: 515]

31

February "The Yellowplush Correspondence. No. III. Dimond Cut Dimond." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 17 (Feb.): 243-50. "Some Passages in the Life of Major Gahagan." The New Monthly Magazine, 52 (Feb.): 174-82. March Thackeray moves his family from 18 Albion Street to 13 Great Coram Street. Having suffered financial losses, notably the failure of The Constitutional, the Carmichael-Smyths sell their Albion Street house and move to Paris, which is more affordable. [Ray 1: 349, Ray 5: 201-02] "Half-a-Crown's Worth of Cheap Knowledge." Fraser's Magazine, 17 (Mar.): 279-90. [Ray 1: 515] "The Yellowplush Correspondence. No. IV. Skimmings from 'The Dairy of George IV.'" Fraser's Magazine, 17 (Mar.): 353-59.

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"The Yellowplush Correspondence. No. II. Miss Shum's Husband." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 17 (Jan.): 39-49.

1811-63

41

3 (Sat)

Thackeray arrives in Boulogne on the way to Paris. [Ray 1: 349]

5

Writing from Boulogne, Thackeray negotiates better wages from James Fraser. [Harden 1: 30-31]

11

Writing to his wife, Thackeray says: "Here have we been nearly 2 years married & not a single unhappy day." [Ray 1: 354]

15

Writing to his wife, Thackeray reports having seen "a new play at the Frangais, chock full of sentiment, but tolerably entertaining." He also says that he has agreed to do a few articles for Galignani's Messenger and a piece for The Morning Advertiser. These remain unidentified. [Harden 1: 31-32]

24

Writing to his wife, Thackeray tells her of having attended an opera benefit where he heard "an act from a very old opera—Orpheus by Gluck, wh. was . . . sublime—Dupre is the most delightful tenor I ever heard with a simplicity and beauty of voice and method quite delicious—as good as Rubini without his faults—singing his notes steadily, with no tricks or catches or quavers—and such music!—like very fine Mozart, so exquisitely tender and simple and melodious that by all the Gods, I never heard anything like it." [Ray 1: 363] "The Yellowplush Correspondence. No. V. Foring Parts." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 17 (Apr.): 404-08.

3 (Tue)

Thackeray returns to London. [Ray 1: 364]

5

"The Exhibition at Paris." Signed "D. D." The Times, 5 Apr., p. 5. [Ray 1: 361]

17

"The Poetical Works of Dr. Southey, Collected by Himself." The Times, 17 Apr., p. 6. [Ray 1: 516]

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"Historical Recollections by Major Gahagan." The New Monthly Magazine, 52 (Mar.): 374-78.

42

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

May 17 (May):

"The Yellowplush Correspondence. No. VI. Mr. Deuceaceat Paris [Chaps. I-IV]." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 17 (May): 616-27. 1 (Tue)

"Mr. Carlyle's Lectures." The Times, 1 May, p. 5. Cruikshank asks Thackeray to write the text accompanying twelve plates which he is to provide for the Comic Almanack for 1839. [Ray 5: 237] Thackeray tells George Wright, an associate of Charles Tilt, a London book and print dealer who is to publish the Comic Almanack for 1839, that his fee for "Stubbs's Calendar" is "twenty guineas for the 24 pages." [Ray 1: 365]

June "The Yellowplush Correspondence. Mr. Deuceace at Paris. No. II [Chaps. V-VII]." Fraser's Magazine, 17 (June): 734-41. "Strictures on Pictures. A Letter from Michael Angelo Titmarsh, Esq." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 17 (June): 758-64. July "The Yellowplush Correspondence. The End of Mr. Deuceace's History [Chaps. VIII-X]." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 18 (July): 59-71. 9 (Mon)

Thackeray's daughter, Jane, is born. [Ray 5: 203]

12

Writing to his mother-in-law, Thackeray speaks of "an event wh. has just occurred. Mrs. Thack after walking to Piccadilly on Monday, and eating a tolerable dinner requested me to fetch a medical gentleman wh. I did, and on my return had the pleasure to find another Miss Thackeray arrived in my family, and her mother just as unconcerned as if nothing had happened. . . . [I]n the morning I left Isabella perfectly happy giving

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"Four German Ditties." Fraser's Magazine, 577-79. [Miscellanies]

43

her a nice milk breakfast: and as cool and as comfortable as any woman possibly could be. . . . " He also tells her: "We have got a new nurse a very good one, and a most excellent, watchful, tender nurse in Mary [Graham]: who is about her, and keeps the house for me, and performs all the kind offices for her and the baby a merveille." [Ray 1: 366-67] August "The Yellowplush Correspondence. Mr. Yellowplush's Ajew." Fraser's Magazine, 18 (Aug.): 195-200. 30 (Thu)

"City of the Czar." The Times, 30 Aug., p. 3. [Harden 1: 38-39]

September 4 (Tue) Thackeray sends the subjects for Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 8 of "Stubbs's Calendar" to Cruikshank. [Ray 1: 369-72] 7

"The City of the Czar." The Times, [Harden 1: 38-39]

7 Sept., p. 2.

October "The Story of Mary Ancel." The New Monthly Magazine, 54 (Oct.): 185-97. [Paris Sketch Book] November "Major Gahagan's Historical Reminiscences." The New Monthly Magazine, 54 (Nov. 1838): 319-28. 2 (Fri)

"The Annuals." The Times, 2 Nov., p. 5. [Ray 1: 375]

8

"Steam Navigation in the Pacific." The Times, 8 Nov., p. 5. [Ray 1: 375]

12

"Tyler's Life of Henry V." The Times, 12 Nov., pp. 2-3. [Ray 1: 375]

16

"Fraser's Winter Journey to Persia." The Times, Nov., p. 3. [Ray 1: 375]

27

"Count Valerian Krasinski's History of the Reformation in Poland." The Times, 27 Nov., p. 3. [Ray 1:375]

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16

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

December

"Major Gahagan's Historical Reminiscences." The New Monthly Magazine, 54 (Dec): 543-52. Twelve illustrations to Douglas Jerrold, Men of Character. 3 vols. London: Henry Colburn, 1838. Ten [in some copies eighteen] illustrations to Charles G. Addison. Damascus and Palmyra. 2 vols. London: Richard Bentley, 1838. [Ray 1: 513] "Stubbs's Calendar; or, The Fatal Boots." The Comic Almanack for 1839, With Twelve Illustrations of the Months, by Geo. Cruikshank. London: Charles Tilt, [1838], pp. 4-5, 8-9, 12-13, 16-17, 20-21, 24-25, 2829, 32-33, 36-37, 40-41, 44-45, 48-49. 1839 January "Our Annual Execution." Fraser's Magazine, 19 (Jan.): 57-67. [Miscellanies] "Manners and Society in St Petersburg." The British and Foreign Review, 8 (Jan.): 33-63. [Harden 1: 38-39] February "Major Gahagan's Historical Reminiscences." The New Monthly Magazine, 55 (Feb.): 266-81. "Le Due de Normandie," Fraser's Magazine, 19 (Feb.): 192-204. [Stokes 285] March 14 (Thu)

Death of Jane Thackeray, aged eight months and six days, of an "inflammation in the chest" [Ray 5: 203]. The experience is reenacted in the death of Titmarsh's infant son in "The Great Hoggarty Diamond." [Works 4: 124-26]

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"The Painter's Bargain. Communicated by Michael Angelo Titmarsh, Esq." Fraser's Magazine, 18 (Dec): 687-93. [Paris Sketch Book]

1811-63

45

April "Horae Catnachianae." Fraser's Magazine, 407-24. [White 80]

19 (Apr.):

"Parisian Caricatures." Signed "T." The London and Westminster Review, 32 (Apr.): 282-305. [Paris Sketch Book] May "Catherine: A Story [Chap. I]. By Ikey Solomons, Esq. Junior." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 19 (May): 604-17. June "Catherine : A Story [Chaps. II-IV]. By Ikey Solomons, Esq. Junior." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 19 (June): 694-709. "A Second Lecture on the Fine Arts, by Michael Angelo Titmarsh, Esq. The Exhibitions." Fraser's Magazine, 19 (June): 743-50. July "Catherine: A Story [Chaps. V-VI]. By Ikey Solomons, Esq. Junior." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 20 (July): 98-112. 16 (Tue)

Thackeray and his family leave for Paris. [Ray 1: 390]

23

"Illustrations of the Rent Laws.—No. I." [A drawing with letterpress.] The Anti-Corn Law Circular, No. 8 (23 July): [iv]. [Cole 2: 143-46]

August "Catherine: A Story [Chap. VII]. By Ikey Solomons, Esq. Junior." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 20 (Aug.): 224-32. "Captain Rook and Mr. Pigeon. By William Thacker[a]y." Heads of the People Taken Off by Kenny

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"Speeches of Lord Brougham." The British and Foreign Review, 8 (Apr.): 490-539. [Ray 1: 378, 388]

46

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

24 (Sat)

"Letters from London, Paris, Pekin, Petersburgh, &c By the author of 'The Yellowplush Correspondence,' the 'Memoirs of Major Gahagan,' &c" Signed "T. T." The Corsair [New York], 24 Aug., pp. 380-82. [Paris Sketch Book: "An Invasion of France"]

September 14 (Sat) "Letters from London, Paris, Pekin, Petersburgh, &c By the author of 'The Yellowplush Correspondence,' the 'Memoirs of Major Gahagan,' &c" Signed "T. T.M The Corsair [New York], 14 Sept, pp. 429-30. [Paris Sketch Book: "Madame Sand and the New Apocalypse"] 21

"Letters from London, Paris, Pekin, Petersburgh, &c By the author of 'The Yellowplush Correspondence,1 the 'Memoirs of Major Gahagan,' &c (Madame Sand and Spiridion Concluded.)" Signed "T. T." The Corsair [New York], 21 Sept, pp. 445-47. [Paris Sketch Book: "Madame Sand and the New Apocalypse"]

October "The French Plutarch. No. L I. Cartouche. II. Poinsinet" Fraser's Magazine, 20 (Oct.): 447-59. [Paris Sketch Book] Thackeray writes to his friend, John Mitchell Kemble, editor of The British and Foreign Review, proposing a humorous 50 page article on "die history of Napoleon after the French papers, and after the English: the battles &c. in the 2 versions—under the title of 'Contemporary History'" [Harden 1: 54]. Kemble did not take up the proposal, but Thackeray recalled it in his lecture on George III: "I thought at one time of making a collection of the lies which the French had written against us, and we had published against them during the war: it would be a strange memorial of popular falsehood." [Works 13: 776] 5 (Sat)

"Letters from London, Paris, Pekin, Petersburgh, &c By the author of 'The Yellowplush Correspondence,' the 'Memoirs of Major Gahagan,' &c." Signed "T. T." The

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Meadows. [With two illustrations by Meadows.] First Series. No. X (Aug.): 305-20.

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47

26

"Letters from London, Paris, Pekin, Petersburgh, &c By the author of 'The Yellowplush Correspondence,' the 'Memoirs of Major Gahagan,' &c" Signed "T. T." The Corsair [New York], 26 Oct., pp. 521-23.

November "Catherine: A Story [Chaps. VIII-X]. By Ikey Solomons, Esq. Junior." Fraser's Magazine, 20 (Nov.): 531-48. 19 (Tue)

Thackeray and his family return to London. [Ray 1: 390-91]

December "On the French School of Painting." Signed "M. A. T." Fraser's Magazine, 20 (Dec): 679-88. [Paris Sketch Book] "The Great Cossack Epic of Demetrius Rigmarolovicz." Fraser's Magazine, 20 (Dec): 715-27. [Miscellanies: "The Legend of St Sophia of KiofT] 1 (Sun)-2 Writing to his mother, Thackeray says that he has recently seen Bulwer's latest play, The Sea Captain, and "was very much bored." The experience prompted him to write "a thundering article" mocking the play: "Epistles to the Literati. No. XIII." He also mentions the success of Ainsworth's novel Jack Sheppard: "I have not read this latter romance but one or two extracts are good: it is acted at four theatres, and they say that at the Cobourg people are waiting about the lobbies, selling Shepherd-bags—a bag containing a few picklocks that is, a screw driver, and iron lever, one or two young gentlemen have already confessed how much they were indebted to Jack Sheppard who gave them ideas of pocket-picking and thieving wh. they never would have had but for the play. Such facts must greatly delight an author who aims at popularity." Finally, he urges his mother to read Carlyle's recent Critical and Miscellaneous Essays, saying of the book that "a nobler one does not live in our language I am sure, and one that will have such an effect on our ways

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Corsair [New York], 5 Oct, pp. 473-75. [Paris Sketch Book: "The Fetes of July"]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Writing to John Mitchell Kemble, Thackeray tells him of his intention to write an article on Napoleon and mentions that in four months he intends to publish "that unfortunate book about France wh. I am compelled to write [The Paris Sketch Book ]." [Harden 1:56] Writing again to Kemble, Thackeray tells him of his intention "to leave Napoleon alone till April" and instead "to write an article on French fashionable novelists." "Napoleon and His System" and "On Some French Fashionable Novelists" appeared in The Paris Sketch Book without having been previously published. [Harden 1: 59] Writing to his friend, Mrs. Bryan Waller Procter, Thackeray reports having "read the last poem by Walter Savage Landor Esqre. and think it the most miserable twaddle possible" [Harden 1: 63-64]. Landor's Andrea of Hungary and Giovanna of Naples were published in a single volume at the end of May 1839. "Illustrations of the Rent Laws.—No. II. British Independence, or The Choice of a Loaf." [A drawing with letterpress.] The Anti-Corn Law Circular, No. 18 (10 Dec): [iv]. [Cole 2: 143-46] Writing to his mother, Thackeray expresses the hope that his book "will be finished in 6 weeks please God, and now for the 1st time I begin to fancy that it will be tolerably pleasant." Anticipating its completion, he tells her of his intention to republish "the comic stories." He also speaks of FitzGerald's brother-inlaw, John Kerrich, as a good sober man: "if I had 3000 a year I think I'd be so too" [Ray 1: 397, 399]. Becky Sharp was to raise the sum to £5000 a year.

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of thought and prejudices. Criticism has been a party matter with us until now, and literature a poor political lackey—please God we shall begin ere long to love art for art's sake. It is Carlyle who has worked more than any other to give it it's independence." [Ray 1: 394-96]

49

23-31

Writing to his mother, Thackeray expresses his belief that "Good is of necessity Eternal, independent of matter & existing in spite of it—that evil is material only—and that that future state wh. we all look for when our bodies are dead (as for the resurrection of the body that can't be—our bodies crawl away into worms, or bud into daisies & buttercups, or explode into Gas all wh. again undergo modifications)—our bodies then being dead, our souls if they live cannot but be happy." [Ray 1:403]

31

Isabella, writing to Mrs. Carmichael-Smyth, mentions that Thackeray will review TurnbulTs Austria for The Times, and that she thinks "the book will appear this Spring." [Harden 1: 60] "Barber Cox and the Cutting of his Comb." The Comic Almanack for 1840, With Twelve Illustrations of the Months, by Geo. Cruikshank. London: Charles Tilt, [1839], pp. 4-5. 8-9, 12-13, 16-17, 20-21, 24-25, 2829, 32-33, 36-37, 40-41, 44-45, 48. Four illustrations to John Barrow. The Exquisites: A Farce in Two Acts. (For private circulation only.) London: privately printed, 1839. [Van Duzer 46] 1840

January "Epistles to the Literati. No. XIII. Ch s Y-11-wpl-sh, Esq. to Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer, Bart." Fraser's Magazine, 21 (Jan.): 71-80. "Catherine: A Story [Chaps. XI-XIII]. By Ikey Solomons, Esq. Junior." Fraser's Magazine, 21 (Jan.): 106-15. "The Bedford-Row Conspiracy. In Two Parts." The New Monthly Magazine, 108 (Jan.): 99-111. Writing to Kemble, Thackeray mentions having halffinished "one of the most amusing spicy articles on Willis that ever was seen" [Ray 1: 406]. The material developed into two parodies of Willis that did not

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Thackeray sends some sheets of The Paris Sketch Book to Wright [Harden 1: 64] Penny postage begins. Thackeray sends Fraser the conclusion of Catherine and a paper by John Hamilton Reynolds critical of Ainsworth's criminal romancing, which appeared in the February 1840 issue of Fraser's Magazine as "William Ainsworth and Jack Sheppard." Thackeray also comments that "Yellowplush has been so well received—I looked for abuse in the Spectator & found extraordinary praise—that I think we might have one or 2 more papers by him." [Harden 1:66] Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "I have finished Catherine and now am casting about for some other subject it is not generally liked and I think people are quite right. A new Yellowplush addressed to Bulwer has made a great noise and has hit the Baronet pretty smartly. [I]t is very good natured however: but you won't like . . . such grotesque humour.. . . We have been on a sweet trip to Clapham to see my friend Cattermole who has married a charming little wife and has a beautiful place, and on another to Chelsea to see Carlyle and Mrs. C— pleasanter more high-minded people I don't know. If you were here and could be intimate with John Allen my how you would respect him—the man is just a perfect Saint nor more nor less: & not the least dogmatical or presumptuous: but working striving yearning, day & night in the most intense efforts to gain Christian perfection—and yet this world would not be so good a world as it is were all men like him: it would be but a timid ascetic place in wh. many of the finest faculties of the soul would not dare to exercise themselves—no man however can escape from his influence wh. is perfectly magnetic" [Ray 1: 412-13]

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appear in The British and Foreign Review, but in the September and October 1841 issues of Fraser's Magazine. He also proposes an article on Socialist and Chartist publications, but it does not seem to have been written.

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February

"The Fashionable Authoress. By William Thackeray." Heads of the People or Portraits of the English. [With an illustration by Kenny Meadows.] New Series. No. Ill (Feb.): 73-84. 10 (Mon)

Marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of SaxeCoburg-Gotha.

15

Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "To day . . . I have seen Blackwood a civil man, with plenty of room for me in his Magazine . . . but the deuce is the wear & tear of it: and the wear and tear of London—there has not been five minute's cessation of knocks & bellringing this blessed day: and between times my wife comes in with the prettiest excuses in the world." Thackeray, however, never published in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine. He also tells his mother of his intention not to write anything more for The British and Foreign Review: "Jacky Kemble gives himself such airs that he may go to the deuce his own way. . . . Carlyle says Catherine is wonderful, and many more laud it highly, b[ut it is] a disgusting subject & no mistake." [Ray 1: 419-21]

March "Epistles to the Literati. No. XIV. On French Criticism of the English, and Notably in the Affair of the Vengeur." Fraser's Magazine, 21 (Mar.): 332-45. [Ray I: cvii] "The Bedford-Row Conspiracy. Part Two. Chap. I." The New Mon thly Magazine, 108 (Mar.): 416-2 5. 2 (Mon)-3 Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "two friends of mine Martin Thackeray and Sir Henry Webb, have put my name up at the Reform Club: now I gave them no sort of authority: but certainly said I should like to belong to the Club, never contemplating it however not having twenty guineas to spare [for the entrance fee].

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"Catherine: A Story [Chaps. (XIV)-(XV)]. By Ikey Solomons, Esq. Junior." Fraser's Magazine, 21 (Feb.): 200-12.

Now that the deed is done however I shall not withdraw, for the Club will bring me into connexion with liberal men, and what is more keep me out of temptation to write for Tory papers, of wh. the pay and the number is by far the greatest." He also tells her "I have had a reconciliation with the Times: old Barnes is excessively kind and the delay has been my fault. I am working for them a little now, and hope to get a sweet little sum of money ready by the dear 25th. —bless the Quarter-days. . . . I have £21 in my pocket, and am owed 30 more: besides the book 50 whenever that is ready, 1/2 of Vol 1 is at the Printer's. . . . I think of bringing out a collection of Comic Tales, as soon as the Paris Book is finished." [Harden 1: 73-74] "Krasinski's Sketch of the Reformation in Poland.—Vol. II." The Times, 5 Mar., p. 5. [Ray 1: 424-25] "Turnbull's Austria." [Harden 1: 60]

The Times,

16 Mar., p. 3.

Writing to his mother, Thackeray responds to her praise of Catherine by saying: "it . . . was a mistake all through—it was not made disgusting enough that i s the fact, and the triumph of it would have been to make readers so horribly horrified as to cause them to give up or rather throw up the book and all of it's kind, whereas you see the author had a sneaking kindness for his heroine, and did not like to make her utterly worthless." Speaking of "The Bedford-Row Conspiracy," he says with some exaggeration: "The B.R.C. is stolen from the French"—i.e. from Charles de Bernard's nouvelle, l e Pied d'argile. [Ray 1: 432-33]

"The Bedford-Row Conspiracy. Part Two. Chap. II." The New Monthly Magazine, 108 (Apr.): 547-57. Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "My book has not got on much since I wrote last nor indeed have I done much, but I am in a ceaseless whirl and whizz from morning to night, now with the book, now with the drawings, now with articles for Times, Fraser, here and there: . . . the days pass away to me like half-

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

53

hours, or rather like no time at all, clean forgotten as soon as spent; one being exactly like the other and passed in a kind of delirium. . . . I have just done a huge article on G. Cruikshank for the L & W. wh. I will send you when it appears. And furthermore am bringing out on my own account a weekly paper called the Foolscap Library." Speaking of Dickens's Master Humphrey's Clock, he says: "The new Boz is dull but somehow gives one a very pleasing impression of the man: a noble tender-hearted creature, who sympathizes with all the human race. . . . I fail by sneering too much: but I think Foolscap will succeed it begins with the adventures of Dionysius Diddler all in pictures like M. Vieuxbois—quite fabulous: but a good likeness of Lardner & Bulwer introduced" [Ray 1: 43738]. The Foolscap Library did not come into being, and "The History of Dionysius Diddler" appeared only after Thackeray's death, in The Autographic Mirror, between 20 February and 1 June 1864. [Works 1: 599608] 30 (Thu)

Writing to Mrs. Carmichael-Smyth, Isabella says: "William is full of his Dionisius, . . . The Engravers spoil his designs in the most cruel manner They are something in the style of M. Vieuxbois, and he proposes bringing out 12 for sixpence.... It is a kind of pastime for W. for you know it gives him no trouble to sketch." play 1: 441]

May "The Artists. By Michael Angelo Titmarsh." Heads of the People or Portraits of the English. [With two illustrations by Kenny Meadows.] New Series. No. VI (May): 161-76. Writing to his mother, Thackeray refers to "the Foolscap library wh. after 3 weeks botheration I fear is going to nothing—not from any fault of mine I believe but from the blundering of printers. . . . I have been rejoicing in the [Royal Academy and Water Colour Society] Exhibitions this week wh. always set me in a fever for a certain number of days, and set me buying painting-boxes and thinking that I have missed my vocation. . . . We have spent £200 since Xmas: wh. is

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27 (Wed) Thackeray's daughter, Harriet Marian, is born. [Ray 5: 251] June "A Shabby Genteel Story [Chaps. MI]." Magazine, 21 (June): 677-89.

Fraser's

"A Pictorial Rhapsody by Michael Angelo Titmarsh." Fraser's Magazine, 21 (June): 720-32. "George Cruikshank," Signed "0." The Westminster Review, 34 (June): 1-60. 1 (Mon)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "The two small patients are getting on very well. . . . The horrible book is at last done—all but the last page: this page has taken me 3 days I have such an unnatural slowness upon me. And think of my pleasure with 7/6 in my pocket when I sent to Cunningham [successor to Macrone] for the £50 to find that I was not to have it until the book was published wh. mayn't be for months. What was I to do? to curse to stamp to rage to meditate pawning my watch but blessed be fate. Celestial Fraser owes me £20 or near it and so I shall perhaps be all the better for the delay of the 50 being obliged to make a dreadful scuffle of work all next month instead of idling. The . . . little baby is very like the dear little one we lost—strangely like in voice. . . . The immortal Paris Sketch Book is this instant concluded: after unheard of throes and pangs of labour." [Ray 1: 446-48]

10

"Ranke's 'History of the Popes.'" The Times, 10 June, p. 3. [Ray 1: 460-61]

July "A Shabby Genteel Story [Chaps. III-IV]." Fraser's Magazine, 22 (July): 90-101.

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not much although a great deal, but with wages 2 houserents & &cs we can't do it much under.... I have lots of work on hand . . . but am going to do wonders directly. . . . Dickens is sadly flat, with his Old Clock: but still sells 50000." [Ray 1: 442-44]

55

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells her: "The greatest poet in the House of Commons [Richard Monckton Milnes] came here yesterday morning at half past three, and we drove together in his famous fly . . . to Newgate to see Courvoisier killed. It was a horrible sight indeed, and I can't help mentioning it for the poor wretch's face will keep itself before my eyes, and the scene mixes itself up with all my occupations." [Ray 1: 454] "A Pictorial Rhapsody: Concluded." Magazine, 22 (July): 112-26.

Fraser's

Writing to his mother on his 29 th birthday, Thackeray announces the "commemoration of the immortal 18 July. I send you an Examiner by wh. you will perceive that Forster though he has tried to praise Titmarsh, does not care for it much: and abuses the drawings. [T]he Times is very good natured to it yesterday, but in small print, wh. is a great difference in the Publisher's view. I wonder if the pictures are very bad? Morton and FitzGerald say they are, but I am always pleased with my most unsuccessful productions. I have been to see Courvoisier hanged & am miserable ever since I can't do my work and yet work must be done for the poor babbies' sake. It is most curious the effect his death has had on me, and I am trying to work' it off in a paper on the subject [M]eanwhile it weighs upon the mind, like cold plum pudding on the stomach, & as soon as I begin to write, I get melancholy." [Ray 1: 453] The Paris Sketch Book, by "Mr. Titmarsh," is published in two volumes with illustrations under the imprint of the recently-deceased John Macrone. It is dedicated to M. Aretz, a Parisian tailor who lent Thackeray 1,000 francs, and it has a prefatory note dated 1 July. [Ray 1: 455-56, Ray 5: 477] Writing to Bryan Procter, Thackeray thanks him for the gift of a dozen bottles of Bordeaux, and jokingly refers to himself, author of the newly-published Paris Sketch Book, as "author of the most popular work that

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has appeared in the present day." Citing a review of the book in The Athenaeum by a mutual friend, Henry Chorley, Thackeray remarks that "Chorley quarrels with the book in question on account of its' lack of gentility," and facetiously promises Procter "to curb in future that laissez-aller wh. appears to have offended him, & to write only in the genteel style." More seriously, he calls Chorley's review "a capital notice I think, and the sly reproach for ungentility a compliment. I'm afraid Forster is right about the badness of the drawings; every one agrees with him but the Spectator & The Author." [Harden 1: 82] Illustration entitled "Give Us Our Daily Bread." The Anti-Corn Law Circular, No. 39 (30 July): [Hi]. [Harden 1: 50-51] Writing to his mother regarding the reception of The Paris Sketch Book, Thackeray tells her "It has been very much puffed—eight or nine good puffs at least, and is selling very well about 400 have been got off already. Enough to pay ail the expenses of authorship printing &c and to leave 500£ profit to the publisher if the rest are sold. Longman the great publisher and Chapman & Hall Dickens's publishers with whom I have opened negociations seem to be very willing to enter into treaty with me: & I hope that something good will come out of it all—something better than that odious magazine-work wh. wd. kill any writer in 6 years. What do you think of Titmarsh in Ireland that is my next plan—I could make a good thing of it I think; and get 300£ for my 3 months work instead of 120 wh. the Magazines wd. pay me. . . . I make fine Alnaschar visions on the subject. . . . I will break from the Magazines that's flat" [Ray 1: 459]. Negotiations with Longman were unsuccessful, but Chapman and Hall did publish his work, beginning with The Irish Sketch Book in 1843. In the same letter Thackeray tells her that rather than attempt to work in the busy family rooms, "I write generally at the Reform Club." Finally, he reports having "read Ranke's 'History of the Popesf] (in the way of business) with much pleasure. It is a great book, and may be read with profit by some

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31

Writing to his friend, Henry Cole, Thackeray discusses republishing his essay on Cruikshank, which had appeared in the June 1840 issue of The Westminster Review: "If the Cruikshank article is to be published in the shape of a pamphlet, I would humbly suggest to you—that the author who was paid 1/2 price in the first instance, should be paid something for his name and his permission to use his writing. I have spoken with him on the subject & he says, by Jove, he will not otherwise consent to the appearance of the publication" [Harden 1: 84]. The essay was in fact republished in the form of an anonymous pamphlet later in the year by Henry Hooper.

August "Going to See A Man Hanged." Signed "W. M. T." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 22 (Aug.): 150-58. "A Shabby Genteel Story [Chaps. V-VI]." Fraser's Magazine, 22 (Aug.): 226-37. 4 (Tue)

Isabella, writing to Mrs. Carmichael-Smyth, tells her that Thackeray has gone to Belgium in order to do "a series of articles for Blackwood" and he "is sure that Titmarsh in Belgium will take as Titmarsh in Paris." [Ray 1: 462]

11

"Ranke's 'History of the Popes.'" The Times, 11 Aug., p. 6.

16

Thackeray returns to London. [Ray 1: 464]

18

"Ranke's 'History of the Popes.'" The Times, 18 Aug., p. 6. Writing to his mother from Margate, Thackeray tells her that on his recent return from Belgium he found Isabella "in such an extraordinary state of languor and depression" that after dealing with Chapman and Hall

20-21

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persons [like his mother] who wonder how other persons can talk about the 'beautiful Roman Catholic church in whose bosom repose so many saints & sages.'" [Ray 1: 460-61]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology he has brought her to the seaside. "I sold my mss. to Chapman & Hall for 70—that is a little book on Belgium & the Rhine to come out as a guide-book next year." This intention was never carried out, but a second proposal to them was ultimately fulfilled: "I have made an agreement with them for Ireland. £100 down, £100 on publication £100 more by degrees up to 1200 copies the end of the edition." [Ray 1: 463]

late August-1 September Writing to his mother from Margate, Thackeray tells her that Isabella is still "so low," and that he cannot "get much work done with the pitiful looks always fixed on me—and I am so unused to . . . keeping back perforce a great fund of animal spirits that want to break out in the shape of argument or jollification that the bottling of them in is annoying to me. Without my favorite talk about pictures or books I am good for nothing." He asks "the only Capitalist of our family," Mary Graham, to be his guarantor. "Chapman & Hall before they give me the £100 want the security of some solvent person that their money should be reimbursed in case of my death or non-fulfillment of my contract." An appropriate document from her "will get me 100£ in a jiffy, and please God Mary's money will not be wanted. . . . As soon as I see myself decently in the way of making money & have had my [urethral] stricture cured I will insure my life." In the same letter, a few days later, at the end of August, he reports having "managed to do about £20 worth of work for the Times this fortnight, and am now deep in a Shabby Genteel Story for Fraser." [Ray 1: 467-69] September 2 (Wed) "Fielding's Works. In One Volume. With a Memoir by Thomas Roscoe." The Times, 2 Sept., p. 6. 8

Thackeray writes to Chapman and Hall proposing two illustrated volumes to be called "Titmarsh in Ireland, of the size and somewhat of the nature of my Paris Book." A memorandum of agreement signed on this date provides for the immediate payment of £120, to be followed by £50 on the delivery of the manuscript, £40 on the sale of the first 250 copies, and £35 on the sale

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of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth 250 copies. Hence, if the entire edition of 1500 copies is sold, Thackeray will receive a total of £385. In case a second edition is required, the profits will be divided equally [Ray 1: 470-71], Thackeray also proposed a book on Italy, but Chapman and Hall did not express interest. As additional security, Thackeray left his plate chest with them. [Ray 1: 473] Thackeray writes to his aunt, Mrs. John Ritchie, that although "the sea-air seemed to do my dear little invalid a great deal of good," they "have been in London only 3 days, and now she is just as bad as ever she has been This being the case, we are all going off in a body to Mrs. Shawe at Cork: there I shall leave the little part of the family and go wandering about as best I may." [Ray 1: 471] Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "Poor Isabella's lowness of spirits came back directly on returning to London: I think it would drive me mad to be much longer alone with it, and I am sure female companionship wd. be the best thing for her. . . . We were not 3 weeks at Margate, & it cost £32—O Titmarsh Titmarsh why did you marry?—why for better or for worse. Let us pray God to enable us to bear either." [Ray 1:473] Thackeray and his family embark for Ireland. [Ray 5: 255] Writing to his mother, Thackeray reports that he and his family arrived at Cork on the 15th "after a long horrible journey . . . that I can't think of now without shuddering. My dear wife's melancholy augmented to absolute insanity during the voyage, and I had to watch her for 3 nights (when she was positively making attempts to destroy herself,) and brought her here quite demented. She is better—a little better—just now, and the Doctor a very eminent & experienced man of these parts gives me the strongest hopes of her. . . . Jane [Shawe] & her mother have done my poor patient a great deal of g o o d . . . . Indeed . . . n o w . . . I can see . . . that she has been deranged for several weeks past. On

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology the day I went to Belgium she began to laugh as I went away,—she has been in this mood more or less since her confinement" Since he cannot travel about the country for his book on Ireland, he seeks to distract himself by being "busy making a play wh. Charles Mathews promises to give particular attention to for Covent Garden." [Ray 1: 474-75]

19-20

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her: "Thank Heaven my little woman is prospering, and is, not quite restored again, but astonishingly better, as well as she was at Margate certainly for now I see more clearly than I did then—much better than she has been since our horrible steam-boat journey." He then reveals a formidable problem: "What we shall have to contend with after her return to health will be the most difficult malady of all—the profound abattement and disgust of life under wh. she labors. She does not care in the least for me or her children as yet: and if not most carefully watched would I am confident make another attempt on her life. This day week was the last—O blessed God that prevented the committing of the crime, and saved her as he did." Speaking of the nursemaid, Jessie Brodie, Thackeray says: "I never saw anything more beautiful than that woman's attention to the children on board the steamer. She was sick almost every 1/4 of an hour, but up again immediately staggering after the little ones feeding one & fondling another. Indeed a woman's heart is the most beautiful thing that God has created and I feel I can't tell you what respect for her." [Ray 1: 475-77]

30

Writing to his mother, Thackeray mentions a play in which Charles Mathews has expressed interest, and reports progress, having "done near 3 acts of the 5." [Ray 1: 482]

October "A Shabby Genteel Story [Chaps. VII-IX]." Fraser's Magazine, 22 (Oct.): 399-414. 4-5 (Sun) Writing to his mother, Thackeray provides details about Isabella's suicide attempts: "on board the boat, the poor thing flung herself into the water (from the

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water-closet) & was twenty minutes floating in the sea, before the ship's boat even saw her. 0 my God what a dream it is! I hardly believe it now I write. She was found floating on her back, paddling with her hands, and had never sunk at all. . . . In the next night she made fresh attempts at destruction and the first week here was always attempting to quit the bed: You may fancy what rest I had. I had a riband round her waist, & to my waist, and this always woke me if she moved." He also mentions having "nearly done the 4th. act of my play," but he does not appear to have completed it [Ray 1: 483-84] Disgusted with the overbearing Mrs. Shawe, Thackeray embarks for England with his family [Ray 1: 486]. She served as a model for intolerable mothers-in-law in Thackeray's fiction. Writing to his mother from Clifton, near Bristol, Thackeray tells her of having spent £58 on the Irish trip, of having £20 left, and anticipating having only £5 on arriving in London. He asks for financial help, proposes "a second series of the Sketch-Book: wh. I could easily sell I presume," and is undecided about coming to Paris or staying in London. He says that if she were to come to London, he could give the children into her care and place Isabella in an asylum near the city. "Brodie is going to leave me soon, she is to be married to a man very well to do in the world: but she won't go until something can be done with the children & their poor mother" [Harden 1; 87]. Indeed, "she gave up her engagement rather than leave his children unattended at such a time." [Ray 5: 258] Napoleon's body is exhumed on St. Helena for reburial in Paris. A "second edition" [in actuality a second printing] of The Paris Sketch Book is published in two volumes with illustrations under the Macrone imprint. Since Thackeray's mother could not come to London, he takes his family to Paris to be near her, his stepfather, and Mary Graham. [Ray 5: 259-60]

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December 3 (Thu) Writing to James Fraser, Thackeray says: "I left purposely the Shabby Genteel Story in such a state that it might be continued in the Magazine or not as you and I liked best. Would you like it to be continued? In that case I should like to write the whole story off, and of course be paid for it on delivering over the MSS. Some 4 sheets I think would complete the affair. Please let me know whether I shall proceed with it, for though I can't afford to begin any new articles at your prices this one had better be gone through with if you think fit." Fraser, however, did not take up Thackeray's proposal. Thackeray also mentioned having "got a very decent price from Cunningham for a republication of my comic miscellanies" [Ray 1: 48889]. Remembrance of "A Shabby Genteel Story" prompted Thackeray to write The Adventures of Philip twenty years later. 15

Napoleon's body is interred at the Hotel des Invalides in Paris.

20

Cunningham announces that Michael Angelo Titmarsh is in Paris preparing an account of the Funeral of Napoleon. 1841

January 10 (Sun) Writing to FitzGerald, Thackeray says: "I saw my dear little woman yesterday for the first time for six weeks, since wh. time she has been at Esquirol's 'famous Maison de Sante.'. . . [A]t first she was in a fever and violent, then she was indifferent, now she is melancholy & silent. . . . She kissed me at first very warmly and with tears in her eyes, then she went away from me, as if she felt she was unworthy of having such a God of a husband. God help her." He also mentions that "My father mother and cousin are all going off to Italy . . . to meet a brother of the governor's [Colonel

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late November Thackeray places Isabella in Esquirol's Maison de Sante at Ivry. [Ray 5: 260]

63

Charles Carmichael (who dropped "Smyth")] who has just come after 20 years from India—a noble fellow who adores my mother, and thinks my father the best man in the world, and has fallen in love with my cousin whom he knew when she was 4 years old, and who has fallen in love with him too as young ladies will do who are five and twenty and love letter writing. . . . My poor mother is going though it breaks her heart to part with the children—and my Grandmother & I are to keep house: that is she keeps house & I live in i t Since my calamity, I have learned to love all these people a great deal more—my mother especially God bless her who has such a tender yearning big heart that I begin to cry when I think of her: and when I see her with the children, cleaving to them, am obliged to walk off for the sight is too much for me. When you read Titmarsh's letters to Miss Smith wh. I trust you will buy, as 7 l/2d out of the 2/6 will come to me—you will read a pretty incident about her and the children apropos of the Napoleon procession [Works 3: 424-27], I don't know what the rest of the book is scarcely for I saw no proofs and wrote as hard as I could." Finally, he says: "I intend to flare up and write a novel—about something, I don't know what yet but have a fancy for the reign of Henry V" [Ray 2: 3-5]. The result was an unfinished romance set in the fifteenth century, "The Knights of Borsellen." [Cen. Works 25: 3-42] The Second Funeral of Napoleon, by "M. A. Titmarsh," with illustrations, together with "The Chronicle of the Drum," is published by Hugh Cunningham. Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells her that "100 copies have already been sold: So that you see my fortune is very clear. . . . Please to read the account of the family procession: my dear old mother is the heroine of it." [Harden 1: 90-91] Writing to James Fraser, Thackeray says: "When I left London I was so puffed up with the success of Titmarsh, and the fine agreement I had made with Chapman & Hall [for The Irish Sketch Book], as to scorn all minor pay & thought of nothing but writing books & if I occasionally wrote for a magazine, having some

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immense reward for my labours. I find however that the publishers can do without me much better than I without them." Telling Fraser of Isabella's condition and of his hopes for her recovery, he explains that "in the meantime I cannot quit the neighbourhood of the place where she is, and am obliged to pay monthly very heavy sums for her care." After three months of being with her constantly and not completing any work, he has "done something during the last 2 months, & am anxious to dispose of what I have done." Since his "first venture" was "a very unsuccessful one in the shape of the Napoleon Funeral, wh. every body has praised but nobody has bought, . . . I must go back to my old trade again." Accordingly, he offers Fraser "2 articles of mine for next month—they are both I believe very good—One on gormandizing already advertized, and another on the memoirs of Gisquet—a history of Conspiracies in France during the last 10 years," acknowledging that The Times rejected the first part of "Gisquet's Memoirs," though he labored mightily on it He asks Fraser to "think of my dear little wife so wretched yonder," and explains that he needs "£20 (500 francs the price of her board) by . . . April. I am just going to pay my last 20£ note for her board during the month of March" [Harden 1: 93]. Fraser accepted both articles. Writing to Mrs. Carlyle, Thackeray asks her to post three enclosed letters, one to Fraser and one to The Times, and to use her influence with common friends "to get me a great puff of the reprint of the YPlush in the Times" and in The Examiner. "2 vols. are fast coming out with illustrations." He also asks Carlyle to use his influence with Fraser, and mentions sending a manuscript to Bentley ["The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond"] (who unfortunately published nothing by Thackeray during 1841). He concludes: "Dear Mrs. Carlyle, Ponder over these things in your heart, and pardon me for sending you so much about Ego: but you can do great good to Ego just now, and will I know." [Harden 1: 94-95] Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells of working on the "etchings for the new edition of Yellowplush."

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Discouraged by the fact that The Second Funeral of Napoleon has sold only 140 copies, he speaks of "getting dreadfully bitten with my old painting mania; and as soon as I have written that famous book you know of, & made a few hundred pounds make a vow to the great Gods that I will try the thing once more. Meanwhile I have put the novel aside . . . , to get if poss: something ready agst April for Mrs. T." [Ray 2: 9-10] March 4 (Thu)

Mary Graham and Col. Charles Carmichael are married. [Ray 2:9]

15

Writing to Mary Carmichael in Rome, Thackeray thanks her for the money she has sent him. "I had your first 25£ safe enough, and paid the Doctor with a share of it, and spent the rest like a man: as for the other it has come to me just in the most opportune manner possible for my pocket was empty, though I have just let off work enough to pay my rent just due, and two months more of Isabella's pension. Only last night I was thinking to myself how shall I fight on? and see here comes your 619 francs that set my heart at ease, and will enable me to get to work upon my novel directly." He also mentions Brodie's affectionateness, and of his having "written a long story—six articles of a series for a newspaper [Britannia], and made 17 engravings—that is 1 of the reasons I wish to continue here for a while to learn the mechanical part of that profitable pleasant art" [Harden 1: 96-98]

19

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray mentions working on "a wonderful romance ["The Knights of Borsellen"], and oh I long for the day when the 3 volumes shall be completed." [Harden 1: 100]

20

Writing to Mrs. Carlyle, Thackeray tells her that "my dear little wife is only very very little better. . . . She is not near bad enough for me to suppose that cure i s impossible nor well enough that I may have her with the children." He also says: "Fraser wrote me a most kind affectionate letter in reply to the 1 I sent through you: and I have furnished him & Bentley with stuff

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology enough to keep my dear little woman where she is for 3 months to come. Meanwhile I am working at something that I hope will turn out better than poor Napoleon a sad failure; and live in clover royally with a good old grand mother who keeps me & the children. What a blessing it is in these distresses to find how many friends one has! , . . Good bye dear Mrs. Carlyle. It is very pleasant to me to think of such good friends as you and your husband are to me." [Harden 1:102]

April 5 (Mon)

Writing to Mrs. Procter, who has invited him to visit them, Thackeray says: "instead of going to London, I went to see my dear little patient at Ivry, and as the Doctors there honestly confessed that they could do nothing for her, determined to try—what? the medicine that is administered in the Opera of the Elisire d'Amore: and off I took the little woman a pleasant walk across the fields to a pleasant little gudgeon house on the river, where we had a dinner and she took 2 glasses of the Elixir wh. I devoted myself to finish. It did her a great deal of good & made her eyes sparkle, and actually for the first time these 6 months the poor little woman, flung herself into my arms with all her heart and gave me a kiss. . . . Only let her get well, and I shall be the happiest man in the world. Ye Gods how I will venerate Champagne—I always did." [Harden 1: 104-05] Because the doctors could do no more for Isabella, because Thackeray was disturbed by the presence of "wild fierce women rambling about" the sanitorium at Ivry, and because Isabella did not wish to return there, he removed her from the institution and took care of her himself for the next six weeks, [Ray 2: 1823]

May "Gisquet's Memoirs." Fraser's Magazine, 584-93. [Stokes 281-82] 1 (Sat)

23 (May):

"Loose Sketches. By Mr. Michael Angelo Titmarsh. [Reading a Poem.] In Two Parts.—Part I." Britannia, 1 May, pp. 283-84.

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8

"Loose Sketches. By Mr. Michael Angelo Titmarsh. Reading a Poem. In Two Parts.—Part II." Britannia, 8 May, pp. 299-300.

9

Comic Tales and Sketches , 2 vols. with illustrations and a Preface dated 1 April 1841, is published by Hugh Cunningham. It contains "The Yellowplush Papers," "Some Passages in the Life of Major Gahagan," "The Professor," "The Bedford-Row Conspiracy," and "Stubbs's Calendar." [Ray 2: 9]

15

"Loose Sketches. By Mr. Michael Angelo Titmarsh. A St Philip's Day at Paris." Britannia, 15 May, pp. 31516.

22

"Loose Sketches. By Mr. Michael Angelo Titmarsh. St Philip's Day at Paris." Britannia, 22 May, p. 330.

28ff.

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells her that for about "six weeks I was my wife's sole attendant, and almost broke down under the slavery:—well, a vsroman whom I have hired to do that work, does it with the utmost cheerfulness for 10 francs a week, and never thinks about being miserable at all. . . . My wife will get well I hope and believe. . . . There is nothing the matter with her except perfect indifference silence & sluggishness. She cares for nothing except for me a little. . . . She is not unhappy, and looks fresh, smiling and about 16 years old. [T]o day is her little baby's birth-day. She kissed the child when I told her of the circumstance, but does not care for it." [Harden 1: 106-07]

June "Memorials of Gormandising. In a Letter to Oliver Yorke, Esq. by M. A. Titmarsh." Fraser's Magazine, 23 (June): 710-25. 1 (Tue)

Writing to Richard Bentley, Thackeray says: "Have the goodness to give my MS. of the Diamond to my friend Mr. Cunningham—I can't get any answer about it from you good bad or indifferent, & next time your obedient Servant sends you an article you may set him down without fail to be you understand what [drawing of a

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5

"Loose Sketches. By Mr. Michael Angelo Titmarsh. Shrove Tuesday in Paris." Britannia, 5 June, p. 363.

19

"Loose Sketches. By Mr* Michael Angelo Titmarsh. Rolandseck." Britannia, 19 June, p. 394. Thackeray returns to London.

25

Thackeray arrives at Streatlam Castle, the country residence in Durham of John Bowes, who is standing for Parliament as a Whig. Thackeray accompanied his friend during Bowes's public appearances and wrote a supporting broadside consisting of three "Firebrand" letters dated 18 June, 30 June, and 1 July, "Printed at the Office of the Durham Chronicle" [Harden 2: 137381]. The poll was on 9-10 July, and Bowes was reelected [Ray 2; 28]. During his stay with Bowes, Thackeray conceived the idea for a burlesque of Nathaniel Parker Willis set in the context of an election, which appeared during September and October in Fraser's Magazine. He also learned about his host's ancestor, George Stoney Bowes, whose history ultimately prompted the writing of Barry Lyndon.

July "On Men and Pictures." Fraser's Magazine, 24 (July): 98-111. "The Firebrand Correspondence." [A broadside.] [Harden 2: 843] 13 (Tue)

Thackeray leaves Streatlam Castle to visit Richard Monckton Milnes at Fryston Hall in Yorkshire, the country seat of Milnes's father, Robert Pemberton Milnes. [Ray 2: 28]

17

The first number of Punch appears. 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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donkey]" [Harden 1: 110-11]. Neither Bentley nor Cunningham published "The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond"; it appeared in the September-December issues of Fraser's Magazine.

69

24

Writing to James Fraser on Saturday, Thackeray sends his regrets that he cannot accept Fraser's invitation to visit him at Streatly, near Reading, because "I am bound to be back with my poor wife on Wednesday at Paris." He also says: "I think on the 1st August the magazine will owe me some 17 or 18£. . . . I want to make up £17" 10. for my landlord whose rent was due 1 July." Finally, he tells of having "in my trip to the country, found materials (rather a character) for a story, that I'm sure must be amusing. I want to write & illustrate it" Referring to it as "BARRY-LYNN," he asks Fraser to "give a sheet & a half per month that sheet and a half could be stretched into two sheets for the shilling number by transposing (or whatever you call it) the type: and the book would thus make a handsome saleable volume at the end of the year. My subject 1 am sure is a good one, and I have made a vow to chasten and otherwise popularize my style. Thus I could have 20 guineas a month from you and a farther chance of profit from the sale of the single numbers. Were we to come to a bargain I would not of course begin until 3 numbers of the tale were in hand: with the plates &c." [Ray 2: 29-30]

27

Thackeray arrives back in Paris. At the urging of his mother, writing from Germany, Thackeray arranges hydropathic treatment for Isabella in Paris and then plans a trip with her to Germany for further treatment [Ray 2: 31-33]

August "Men and Coats." Fraser's Magazine, 24 (Aug.): 20817. 6 (Fri)

Thackeray writes in a diary: "sent off today Friday the article on the S. D. Election. The Morning Post very flattering to Men & Coats." He also learns of the death in India of his father's illegitimate daughter, Mrs. James Blechynden, the former Sarah Redfield, who has been supported by an annuity established by Richmond Thackeray. [Ray 2: 32-33]

7

Writing to George Nickisson, apparently the editor of Fraser's Magazine, Thackeray tells him that he has just

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology sent the election burlesque, and asks that Nickisson send "the proofs of it and the Hoggarty Diamond to my friend Charles Cole . . . , and beg him to correct the proofs, for my sake," explaining that "My wife is in a shocking state of health, and I am going in a sort of desperation to a German Quack on the Rhine, who says he thinks he can help her. My father & mother are there and will give me some comfort.—God knows I want it." He also says: "I have just received Fraser's letter— wh. has very much affected me. Send my kindest remembrances to him. I do heartily hope and pray to see the kind-hearted fellow once again, and trust that he may yet rally" [Harden 1: 112-13]. Fraser, however, died in October.

19

Writing to his aunt Ritchie from a sanatorium in the former Convent of Marienburg near Boppard on the Rhine, Thackeray says: "You will see by this address to what an out of the way place I have brought my poor little patient. It is however one of the most beautiful places in the world, a fine air, and a kind of genteel hospital set up for the cure of almost all complaints by means of sweating & cold water." After describing the melting and plunging, beginning at 4 AM, he says: "I have a strong hope that under this strange regimen my dear little patient will recover her reason. My mother is here whose presence is the greatest possible comfort to me, and with her for a short time my cousin with her husband Charles Smyth. They are 2 of the noblest people God ever made: and are as generous as I ever knew people—they have given me 500£, wh. with 500£ more that just falls into me through the death of poor Mrs. Blechynden, puts me out of the reach of fortune for some years to come, and removes the horrible care and fear of want wh. has been hanging over me in the past year since my wife's affliction." [Ray 2: 34]

September "The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond [Chaps. I-V]." Fraser's Magazine, 24 (Sept.): 324-43. "Notes on the North What-d'ye-callem Election [Letters MI]." Fraser's Magazine, 24 (Sept.): 352-58.

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71

13ff. (Mon)

Writing to FitzGerald exactly a year after Isabella's "malady declared itself first," Thackeray describes the elaborate procedures that seem to have made her "extraordinarily better," and he recounts the comical beginning of "the sweating, & bathing.. . . The first days she would not stand the immense sluicing of the water-pipe, and I was obliged to go in with her. It would have made a fine picture—Mrs. Thack in the condition of our first parins, before they took to eating apples, and the great Titmarsh with nothing on but a petticoat lent him by his mother, and far too scanty to cover that immense posterior protuberance with wh. nature has furnished him. I'm the contrary of a cherubim that's the fact." Concluding the letter in October, he reports that Isabella is "not so well," being "excessively violent & passionate." He thinks of going back to Paris for the winter, having "a famous good plan" for a novel, apparently Barry Lyndon, and mentions having "written the first act of—a tragedy, of all things in the world: and in blank verse too for Macready [to] spout," but nothing ever developed out of this beginning. He also mentions having seen some work of the German "Nazarines," but says: "What I have seen of the German illuminated school is donkeyism—poorprecieuse stuff, with a sickening sanctified air." [Ray 2: 36-38]

ca. 14

Writing to George Cruikshank, Thackeray explains that he is "nailed to a village on the Rhine, for 2 months more . . . and am occupied all day in tending a sick wife." He asks about "the fate of the 2 former papers I sent you" and encloses another "in wh. perhaps you will find something for your pencil" [Harden 1: 11314]. One of these papers was evidently "Little Spitz," which appeared in the October issue of Cruikshank's periodical with an illustration by Cruikshank.

October "The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond [Chaps. VI-VII]." Fraser's Magazine, 24 (Oct.): 389-99. "Notes on the North What-d'ye-callem Election [Letters IIMV]." Fraser's Magazine, 24 (Oct.): 413-27.

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Thackeray returns with his wife to Paris. [Ray 2: 3940] November "The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond [Chaps. VII1-X]." Fraser's Magazine, 24 (Nov.): 594-611. December "The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond [Chaps. XI-XIII]." Fraser's Magazine, 24 (Dec): 717-34. "The King of Brentford's Testament. By Michael Angelo Titmarsh." George Cruikshank's Omnibus, 1 (Dec): 244-46. 27 (Mon)

Writing to James Worthington, editor of The Foreign Quarterly Review, which had recently been purchased by Chapman and Hall, Thackeray thanks him for his kind note and promises to furnish him "with the articles at the time stated—at abt the beginning of March." The articles to which he alludes were "The German in England" and "The Last Fifteen Years of the Bourbons," which appeared in the July issue of the journal, by which time John Forster had succeeded Worthington as editor. [Harden 1: 114-15] 1842

February "Sultan Stork. Being the One Thousand and Second Night. Translated from the Persian, by Major G. O'Gahagan, H. E. I. C. S. Part the First—The Magic Powder." [With an illustration by George Cruikshank.] Ainsworth's Magazine, 1 (Feb.): 33-38. 10 (Thu)

Thackeray places Isabella in the care of a Dr. Puzin at Chaillot [Ray 2: 41]

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"Little Spitz. A Lenten Anecdote, from the German of Professor Spass. By Michael Angelo Titmarsh." [With an illustration by George Cruikshank.] George Cruikshank's Omnibus, 1 (Oct): 167-72.

73

Writing to Chapman and Hall, Thackeray tells them: " A friend carries to London to day the article wh. I promised you—1/2 that is: for I have only been able to get down to the Revolution of July; & must keep L. P. for another number." "The Last Fifteen Years of the Bourbons" appeared in the July issue of The Foreign Quarterly Review, but the projected sequel on Louis Philippe was apparently not written. He also proposes "an article on Victor Hugo's Rhine," which appeared in the April issue, and mentions looking "forward with pleasure to the Irish trip in Spring" to gather material for The Irish Sketch Book. [Ray 2: 42-43]

"Dickens in France." With two illustrations. Fraser's Magazine, 25 (Mar.): 342-52. (Ray 2: 45] Writing to FitzGerald, Thackeray tells him that placing Isabella with Dr. Puzin was something that he "was obliged to do . . . for she was past my management She is close by at Chaillot, perfectly happy, obedient and reasonable. I see her of course continually—but it makes my heart sick to be parted from her; and every now and then turns up something, some reminiscence of old times or some simple thing wh. she says, & wh. knocks me quite down, and makes me cry like a child. I get melancholy too being with the children, they are not half the children without their mother." He also says: "It is a great comfort to be able to like the theatre once again," and mentions having gone the day before to hear Rossini's "very beautiful" "Stabat Mater," and having enjoyed the "especially admirable" performance of Antonio Tamburini. Referring to Hugo's new book on the Rhine, Thackeray amusedly comments: "He is very great, and writes like a God Almighty." [Ray 2: 43-44] Thackeray sends off to Chapman and Hall his article on Hugo's The Rhine. [Ray 2: 830] Following a rupture between Chapman and Hall and the editor of The Foreign Quarterly Review, James Worthington, Thackeray applies for the post but is unsuccessful. [Harden 1: 117-18]

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April

April/May Thackeray moves to London, establishing residence at 13 Great Coram Street, near Russell Square, with Charles and Mary Carmichael and their infant son, Charles Henry Edward. [Ray 1: 46, Ray 5: 279] May "Sultan Stork. Being the One Thousand and Second Night. Translated from the Persian, by Major G. O'Gahagan, H. E. I. C. S. Part the Second.— The Enchanted Princess." [With an illustration by George Cruikshank.] Ainsworth's Magazine, 1 (May): 23337. 16 (Mon)

Writing to William Edward Hickson, editor of The Westminster Review, Thackeray proposes an article on "Modern English Comedies," but the project came to nothing. [Ray 2: 48]

17

Writing to Richard Bentley, Thackeray says: "I have brought with me from France two vols of a novel (translated) wh. is really so extraordinarily interesting that it can't fail I shd. think to make a hit: strange to say it is not all indecent" He proposes that it "would answer for 3 volumes or for the Miscellany if your audacious spirit thought fit to venture upon a continuous translated story in that periodical," and says, "It might most advantageously be illustrated by cuts in the text wh. would be executed on the block" [Harden 1: 120]. Bentley, however, did not take up Thackeray's proposal regarding the unidentified novel.

June "Fitz-Boodle's Confessions. George Fitz-Boodle, Esquire, to Oliver Yorke, Esquire." Fraser's Magazine, 25 (June): 707-21. "An Exhibition Gossip. By Michael Angelo Titmarsh."Ainsworth's Magazine, 1 (June): 319-22. [Ray 2: 54]

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"The Rhine [by Victor Hugo]." The Foreign Quarterly Review, 29 (Apr.): 139-67.

ff.

75

Writing to his mother from Southborough, Thackeray speaks of having revisited Tunbridge Wells for the first time since 1823, when he vacationed there with his mother and step-father, and also of having seen Penshurst, and of treasuring his escape from the bustle of Coram Street He mentions that "Fitz-Boodle's Confessions" "has made a sort of hit: and I've been writing for the F. Q. and a very low paper called Punch, but that's a secret—only its good pay, and a great opportunity for unrestrained laughing sneering kicking and gambadoing. Likewise I've done for Ainsworth 2 little articles for Fraser 3 long ones, so that I've not been idle since I've been away— . • . here there is so much stir, bustle and blood flowing, that the work is done in 1/2 the time. Fraser has paid my wife's last month & has enough for the 2 next, and it will be a great pleasure to me if I can go to Ireland with my own earnings, and without touching Mary's money." [Ray 2: 52, 54-55] Writing to John Forster, the new editor of The Foreign Quarterly Review, Thackeray submits material relating to his article, "Travelling Romancers: Dumas on the Rhine," which appeared in the October issue. [Harden 1: 121-22] "The Legend of Jawbrahim-Heraudee." With four illustrations. Punch, 2 (18 June): 254-56, Thackeray's first contribution to that magazine. [Spielmann 16-17, 319] Thackeray leaves London for Ireland by way of Wales. [Ray 2: 56] Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "I wish I had a companion . . . to share the pleasure, FitzGerald or [Saville] Morton or Tennyson: who is a growler but a man of genius." He still hopes that God will bring Isabella back to him, but meanwhile resolves "not to think of the matter at all, but to try & write a good book, and see if I can put myself in some way to earn a secure & decent living." The following day he travels westward, stopping at Tintern Abbey on the way. [Ray 2: 56-58]

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July "Professions by George Fitz-Boodle. Being Appeals to the Unemployed Younger Sons of the Nobility." Fraser's Magazine, 26 (July): 43-60. Quarterly

"The Last Fifteen Years of the Bourbons." The Foreign Quarterly Review, 29 (July): 384-420. 2 (Sat)

"Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. A Character, (To Introduce Another Character)." With two illustrations. Punch, 3 (2 July): 8-9.

4

Thackeray arrives in Dublin. Writing to Chapman and Hall, he says: "I have been only here 6 hours, and see quite enough for a good long chapter already, and have bought a fine new blank book." He mentions that he still plans to do "the Louis Philippe article" on his return to London; though it "will take much time,... I want to do it, for reputation's sake." He concludes by saying: "Present my cordial homages to Dickens. I was at Liverpool when he was there, & knew nothing of that news, until he was on his way to London" [Ray 2: 6465]. Dickens had just returned from his first visit to America. Thackeray meets Charles Lever, who entertains him at Templeogue, his home just outside of Dublin. [Ray 5: 293] After a few days in Dublin, Thackeray sets off for southern Ireland, part of the time travelling with Fitzgerald's uncle, Peter Purcell and his family.

9

"Miss Tickletoby's Lecture." With an illustration. Punch, 3 (9 July): 12-13.

16

"Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. Miss Tickletoby's Second Lecture. The Picts, the Scots, the Danes; Gregory the Satirist, The Conversion of the Britons, The Character of Alfred." With two illustrations. Punch, 3 (16 July): 28-30.

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"The German in England." The Foreign Review, 29 (July): 370-83. [Ray 2: 70]

1811-63

After passing through Rathcoole, Naas, Kilcullen, Carlow, and Waterford, Thackeray arrives in Cork, where he has unhappy memories of bringing Isabella there in September 1840 after her suicide attempts. [Ray 2: 65, 68-69] After about a week in Cork, Thackeray sets off for western Ireland.

August 6 (Sat)

"Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. Lecture III.—The Sea-Kings in England." With two illustrations. Punch, 3 (6 Aug.): 58-59.

13

"Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. Lecture IV.—Edward the Confessor.—Harold.—William the Conqueror." With two illustrations. Punch, 3 (13 Aug.): 70-72.

15

After passing through Bandon, Skibbereen, Bantry, Glengariff, and Kenmore, Thackeray arrives in Killarney. [Ray 2: 65]

20

"Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. Lecture V.—William Rufus." With two illustrations. Punch, 3 (20 Aug.): 84-85.

27

"Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. Lecture VI.—Henry I.—Maude.— Stephen.—Henry II." With an illustration. Punch, 3 (27 Aug.): 91-92.

31

After passing through Tralee, Tarbert, Limerick, Gort, Galway, Clifden, Westport, Tuam, Ballinasloe, and Maynooth, Thackeray arrives back in Dublin, where he passes the month of September [Ray 2: 65]. Describing his travels to his mother, Thackeray responds to Maginn's death on 21 August "You will have seen poor Maginn's death in the papers. I thought he could not live a week when I saw him in prison before leaving town, and his wife and children are of course without a p e n n y . . . . He died of sheer drink I fear. By the way, I have kept clear of the whiskey, wh. I found very unwholesome and not very pleasant." Thackeray also speaks of his intention to journey "through the north

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ca. 22

77

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology of Ireland and complete the book at home—I have a volume written within a score of pages: and material for some more. . . . Yesterday a man on the coach, quoted by heart a passage out of Titmarsh! . . . It was all I could do not to embrace him, and say the Great Titmarsh is at this moment by your side." [Ray 2: 7476]

September 10 (Sat) "Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. Richard the First." With three illustrations. Punch, 3 (10 Sept): 116-17. 17

"Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. [John.—Henry III.-Edward I.]" With two illustrations. Punch, 3 (17 Sept. ): 121-22.

19

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray tells them of the failure of Ebenezer Landells, the engraver of Punch, and of Mark Lemon, its editor, to reply to his letters, and duns them for money owed him ("at the rate of 2 guineas a page"). [Harden 1: 122-23]

24

"Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. Edward I.—The Scots and Their Claims." With three illustrations. Punch, 3 (24 Sept): 131-33.

25-30

Writing to his mother from Dublin, Thackeray mentions having "been on a tour of a couple of days to Wicklow," and having been in touch with Isabella's uncle, Lt. Col. Merrick Shawe, and her aunt Mary. [Ray 2: 77-78, Ray 5: 295]

27

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray acknowledges receipt of £25 and also of a letter from Landells telling him that Bradbury and Evans "were dissatisfied with my contributions to 'Punch.'" Accordingly, he "shall gladly cease Mrs. Tickletoby's lectures," and wait until winter before making "another attempt upon 'Punch.'" The last of "Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History" appeared in Punch on 1 October, and Thackeray's next contribution, "The Sick Child," was published in the 14 January 1843 issue. [Harden 1: 123-24]

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October Fraser's

"Travelling Romancers: Dumas on the Rhine." The Foreign Quarterly Review, 30 (Oct.): 105-24. [Harden 2: 121-22] l(Mon)

"Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History. Edward III." With three illustrations. Punch, 3 (1 Oct.): 142-43.

mid-October Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells of having visited FitzGerald's brother, Peter, "in the County Meath—the honestest creature that ever was born," and his own cousin, the Reverend Elias Thackeray, in Dundalk, as well as having seen the "Giants' Causeway." [Ray 2: 83-85] late

October After having journeyed further north to Belfast, Glenarm, and Ballycastle, Thackeray returns to Dublin t h r o u g h C o l e r a i n e , L o n d o n d e r r y , Strabane, Enniskillen, and Virginia. [Ray 2: 65]

28 (Fri)

Thackeray has dinner with Charles Lever. Writing to his mother, he says: "I've been hard at work . . . , and the book is very near done. . . I think Dickens's new book [American Notes for General Circulation] wh. all the world is talking about will in so far help me, as people who have read that & liked it will like more reading of the same sort." [Ray 2: 88]

November 1 (Tue) Thackeray leaves Dublin for London. [Ray 2: 65, 88] December Thackeray joins his family in Paris. 1843 January 2 (Mon)

Thackeray embarks at Le Havre for London. [Ray 2: 90]

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"Fitz-Boodle's Confessions. Miss Lowe." Magazine, 26 (Oct.): 395-405.

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14

"The Sick Child. By the Honourable Wilhelmina Skeggs." (With an illustration by John Leech.) Punch, 4 (14 Jan.): 30. [Spielmann 34, 320]

19

Writing to Chapman and Hall from Paris, Thackeray encloses a page from a French set of illustrations to fairy tales, and suggests an English version to be called "FAIRY BALLADS by W. Thackeray," with "humourous-pathetic verse, to suit the size of the plates." He also says that a "good article might be done for the F. Q.. R" to be called "The Paris Almanacks," but Chapman and Hall accepted neither proposal. He also urges that "Eugene Sues last novel Les Mysteres de Paris must be done with some such title as 'Thieve's Literature in France'"—an idea that resulted in an article for the April issue of The Foreign Quarterly Review. He concludes by suggesting a title for his forthcoming book: "I can think of nothing better than 'Irish Sketches' by Wm. T (M. A. T.) Author of &c—with many designs by the author." [Ray 2: 92-93]

31

Writing to Mark Lemon from London, Thackeray encloses the tragedy for Macready that he had begun in September 1841 [Ray 2: 38, 93]. Nothing further is known of it.

February "Confessions of George Fitz-Boodle. Ottilia." Fraser's Magazine, 27 (Feb.): 214-24. 11 (Sat)

"Mr. Spec's Remonstrance." With two illustrations. Punch, 4 ( 1 1 Feb.): 69-70.

16-20

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that "The printers of the book are abominably slow[.] I cant get the stuff out of their hands, and am still at my first 2 sheets." He rejoices, however, in the company of FitzGerald, who stays with him from February until May. Thackeray also tells her that his landlord will not agree to let him extend the lease, which expires in May, for only one year, "and moreover proposes to

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"Confessions of George Fitz-Boodle. Dorothea." Fraser's Magazine, 27 (Jan.): 76-84.

1811-63

81

March "Confessions of George Fitz-Boodle. Men's Wives. [No. I.] Mr. and Mrs. Frank Berry." With an illustration. Fraser's Magazine, 27 (Mar.): 349-61. Writing to his mother, Thackeray reports leading a very active social life: "I had 5 invitations for last Saturday; and a dinner every day in the week, the same this week," and finds "that this racket agrees better with me than a quieter life and I have managed to write a good deal." Thackeray also mentions for the first time sending an article to The Calcutta Star, a daily newspaper owned by his former associate on The National Standard, James Hume. [Ray 2:97] 11 (Sat)

Writing to Chapman and Hall, Thackeray indicates that Landells has not been sufficiently accurate in engraving Thackeray's drawings on wood blocks, and that the book's type is smaller than what he "bargained for." [Ray 2: 98; Harden 1: 127]

14

Thackeray receives from John Forster a review copy of poems by George Herweg, which leads to Thackeray's article in the April Foreign Quarterly Review. [Harden 1: 127-28]

18

"Letters on the Fine Arts. No. 1. The Art Unions. From M. A. Titmarsh, Esq., to Sanders McGilp, Esq." The Pictorial Times, 1 (18 Mar.): 13-14.

25

Signed illustration to "The Cabinet and Colonel Sibthorp." Punch, 4 (25 Mar.): 126. Writing to his mother, Thackeray regrets having broken into the "childrens' nest egg" of £500 to cover his expenses since July 1842 of over £370, including £110 for the Irish trip, but he hopes for "about 200 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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raise the rent." Accordingly, he has begun househunting. Finally, he indicates that Chapman and Hall have made him revise his first chapter by "withdrawing] some personalities, agst the Catholics wh. might certainly have been dangerous." [Ray 2: 94, 96, Ray 5: 283]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology coming in from the book and unpaid articles" that he can add to the remaining £ 125. "The book must be out in another month; they have called it Rambles in Ireland wh. I think is a foolish name." He also mentions having written " 2 articles . . . this month" for The Foreign Quarterly Review—the Herweg review and "Thieves' Literature of France," which appeared in the April issue. [Ray 2: 99-101] "Confessions of George Fitz-Boodle. Men's Wives. No. II. The Ravenswing [Chap. I]." Fraser's Magazine, 27 (Apr.): 465-75. "George Herwegh's Poems." The Foreign Quarterly Review, 31 (Apr.): 58-72. [Harden 2: 127-28] "Thieves' Literature of France." The Foreign Quarterly Review, 31 (Apr.): 231-49. [Ray 2: 92]

1 (Sat)

"Letters on the Fine Arts. No. 2. The Objections Against Art Unions. M. A. Titmarsh, Esq., to Sanders McGilp, Esq." The Pictorial Times, 1 (1 Apr.): 43.

1

"Mr. Macaulay's Essays." The Pictorial Times, Apr.): 43.

8

"Letters on the Fine Arts. No. 2. The Objections Against Art Unions. M. A. Titmarsh, Esq., to Sanders McGilp, Esq." The Pictorial Times, 1 (8 Apr.): 61-62.

8

Writing to George Nickisson, Thackeray protests that he has "been grossly insulted in your Magazine"— referring to a passage of personal abuse in "Illustrations of Discount," an article by an old acquaintance, David Deady Keane, that had appeared in the April Fraser's Magazine. Thackeray threatens to cease writing for the magazine unless Keane is dropped as a contributor. Apparently Nickisson agreed, for Thackeray continued to publish in the magazine. [Ray 2: 103-05]

20

Writing to a colleague, Percival Leigh, Thackeray requests that Leigh review The Irish Sketch Book: "A 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

1(1

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82

83

notice of half a dozen pages for Fraser will be accepted and acceptable. Not a puff you understand—hit as hard as you like but in a good natured way and so as not to break bones." In response, Leigh wrote a review, "Titmarsh's Travels in Ireland," that appeared in the June issue of Fraser's Magazine (pp. 678-86). [Ray 2: 105, Ray 5: 315, 483] 21

Writing to a colleague, Laman Blanchard, Thackeray requests that Blanchard review The Irish Sketch Book. [Ray 2: 106]

29

Signed illustration to "The Astley-Napoleon Museum." Punch, 4 (29 Apr.): 176.

29

Signed illustration to "To Persons in Want of a Brougham." Punch, 4 (29 Apr.): 182.

May "Men's Wives. By George Fitz-Boodle. No. II. The Ravenswing [Chaps. II-III]." Fraser's Magazine, 27 (May): 597-608. 3 (Wed)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that Blanchard has "puffed me very handsomely already." He did so in the May issue of Ainsworth's Magazine (pp. 435-38). [Ray 2: 107, Ray 5: 315, 483]

3?

Writing to his wife, Thackeray tells hen "I have at last finished the Irish book, wh. is to be out tomorrow, and has already been famously reviewed by Blanchard in Ainsworth's Magazine. I have written to the Times people who have promised me a kind review [apparently unfulfilled], and shall get plenty of puffing elsewhere." He mentions suffering "from my old complaint," the urethral stricture, but also how much he enjoys the company of FitzGerald, who is staying with him at Coram Street. He also jokingly says: "I don't think I have fallen in love with any body of late, except pretty Mrs. Brookfield," the wife of his college friend, William Henry Brookfield. Asking Isabella whether he wrote to her "about Mrs. Procter's grand ball," he tells her "how splendid Mrs. Dickens was in pink satin and Mr. Dickens in geranium &

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84

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

4?

The Irish Sketch-Book, by "M. A. Titmarsh," is published in two volumes by Chapman and Hall, with illustrations and with a dedication to Charles Lever dated 27 April and signed "W. M. Thackeray."

4

Writing to the Royal literary Fund, Thackeray seeks aid for his friend, Arnout O'Donnel. [Harden 1: 12930]

6

"The Water Colour Exhibitions." Signed "Michael Angelo Titmarsh." The Pictorial Times, 1 (6 May): 125.

13

"Letters on the Fine Arts. No. 3. The Royal Academy." Signed "M. A. Titmarsh." The Pictorial Times, 1 (13 May): 136-37.

13

"A Turkish Letter concerning the Divertissement 'Les Houris.'" With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 4 (13 May): 199. [Spielmann 320]

13

"Daddy, I'm Hungry. A Scene in an Irish Coachmaker's Family, Designed by Lord Lowther, July, 1843." With an illustration. The Nation (Dublin), 13 May, p. 492. ["Melville" 2: 186]

15

Writing to Chapman and Hall from Brighton on Monday, Thackeray tells them that he has been promised "a second notice in the L. G" by its editor, William Jerdan, and that he has seen "the Athenaeum no wonder: Forster." Notices of The Irish Sketch Book appeared in The Literary Gazette on 13 May (pp. 31516), 20 May (pp. 334-35), and 27 May (pp. 350-51), and in The Athenaeum on 13 May (pp. 455-57). He also explains that "I came down here to be alone, & avoid good dinners and do some magazine work. If the papers have anything agreeable between this & Thursday, perhaps you will send them. I saw in the Tablet, an article of wh. the first paragraph struck me as abusive

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ringlets." Since his lease is expiring, "[e]very day I have been house hunting with all my might & main, and have found nothing at all so large & cheap as poor old glum Coram Street" [Ray 2:109-10]

1811-63

85

20

Illustration to "Assumption of Aristocracy." Punch, 4 (20 May): 204. [Spielmann 320]

20

"Second Turkish Letter concerning the Divertissement 'Les Houris.'" With an illustration. Punch, 4 (20 May): 209. [Spielmann 320]

20

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that he is no longer bothered by "the old complaint," which troubled him "for 6 weeks." He reports that "Coram St. is dismantled," and "the House-Agent says he will take in my furniture.... I am still about 100 ahead of the world, & may have 100 more from the book." He then takes a bedroom at the Hummums Hotel, Covent Garden, and plans to visit France. [Ray 2: 112-13, 115]

24

Writing to Andrew Doyle, editor of The Morning Chronicle, Thackeray thanks him for a review of The Irish Sketch Book that had appeared in that journal on 23 May (p. 5).

27

"Letters on the Fine Arts.—No. IV. The Royal Academy— (Second Notice)." Signed "M. A. Titmarsh." The Pictorial Times, 1 (27 May): 169-70.

June "Men's Wives. By George Fitz-Boodle. No. II. The Ravenswing [Chap. (IV)]." Fraser's Magazine, 27 (June): 723-33. July 8 (Sat)

Signed illustration to "Sale of Miscellaneous Furniture." Punch, 5 (8 July): 20.

August "Men's Wives. By George Fitz-Boodle. No. II. The Ravenswing [Chaps. V-VI]." Fraser's Magazine, 28 (Aug.): 188-205.

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so I did not proceed. It is a Catholic journal: & Titmarsh pitches into the priests so a return may be expected." A notice of The Irish Sketch Book was published in The Tablet on 13 May (p. 292). [Ray 2: 111, Ray 5: 483]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Writing to Chapman and Hall, Thackeray expresses disappointment at not seeing his article, "Death and Dying in France," in the August Foreign Quarterly Review. [It appeared in October.] He asks for £30 as payment or as an advance, and proposes a German sketch book: "I wish I could persuade you to [accept] Titmarsh in Germany devoting himself to the consideration of the fine arts there, and with a score or two of ballads to decorate the volumes, and plenty of etchings and a great deal of fantastical humour and much nurture of the poetical and the ludicrous. . . . I am also in 'the interesting situation' with respect to a novel [Barry Lyndon]: but I want to produce a very good one and a good work of art, and such a w[ork] demands a deal of time and thinking." [Harden 1: 131-32] Thackeray and Stevens leave Paris. [Ray 2: 115] Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her of visiting Cambrai, Valenciennes, Quievrain, Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and the Hague—his present location. He says he has seen "at the Public Gallery . . . some half dozen of the finest pictures possible." At Antwerp, however, his pocket was picked of £20. [Ray 2: 115-16, 118] Writing to his mother, Thackeray expresses disappointment at the trip and at the omnipresence of his friend Stevens: "I think I have not gained twopence worth of ideas in the course of the journey—I am coupled to an excellent fellow . . . but I . . . am never free from him, and am looking at everything without the leisure to reflect on it: or indeed the time to see it" Having lost the £20, he asks for a loan of £10 and says that he has written "to Chapman & Hall for money." He also tells her that he has "money at Fraser's for Isabella, for wh. Dr. Puzin must wait until my return." [Ray 2: 120-21] Thackeray sets out alone for Paris, but is stranded for more than a week in Lille—a circumstance that prompts

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Thackeray is in Paris, preparing for a trip to the Low Countries with Augustus Stevens, an English friend who is resident in Paris. [Ray 1: 317, Ray 2: 115]

87

him to write: "I have no money, I lie in pawn, / A stranger in the town of Lille" ["Titmarsh's Carmen Lilliense," Works 7: 3 0 ] . He appeals to his grandmother in Paris, and Mrs. Butler sends him £10, which proves "barely sufficient to get Thackeray to Paris, where he [is] ransomed from a coachman clamoring for his fare by Pauline, the CarmichaelSmyth's cook." [Ray 2: 121-22] September "Men's Wives. By George Fitz-Boodle. No. II. The Ravenswing [Chaps. VII-VIII]." Fraser's Magazine, 28 (Sept): 321-37. "Jerome Paturot With Considerations on Novels in General—In a Letter from M. A. Titmarsh." Fraser's Magazine, 28 (Sept.): 349-62. October "Bluebeard's Ghost. By M. A. Titmarsh." Fraser's Magazine, 28 (Oct.): 413-25. "Men's Wives. By George Fitz-Boodle. No. III. Dennis Haggarty's Wife." Fraser's Magazine, 28 (Oct): 494504. "Death and Dying in France." The Foreign Quarterly Review, 32 (Oct): 76-89. [Harden 2: 132] "French Romancers on England." The Foreign Quarterly Review, 32 (Oct.): 226-46. [Ray 5: 485; Wellesley 2:166] Writing from Paris to Paul Forgues regarding his review of The Irish Sketch Book in the October jRevue des Deux Mondes (pp. 294-307), Thackeray jokingly says that poor Titmarsh is treated severely ("Le pauvre Titmarsh y est assez rudement traite"), and extensively defends his satire, saying, for example, that Catholic asceticism is a mockery of God-given human abilities, and that the image of a mother of a family is more sublime than that of a saint in ecstasy ("qu'une bonne mere de famille . . . est . . . plus sublime qu'une Sainte en extase"). [Harden 1: 136-38]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

13 (Fri)

Writing to his aunt, Mrs. John Ritchie, from Paris, Thackeray tells her that except for day-trips to Montmorency, where his family has been staying for the past month, he has been "obliged to remain at home . . . working or pretending to work. I believe I am writing a novel: and shall be delighted when the day arrives when you shall be able to read that remarkable production in print" [Ray 2: 125]

14

Daniel O'Connell is arrested on charges of conspiracy, sedition, and unlawful assembly for his behavior in opposing the Corn Laws.

28

Signed illustration to "Recollections of the Opera." Punch, 5 (28 Oct): 184.

November "Men's Wives. By George Fitz-Boodle. No. IV. The 's Wife." Fraser's Magazine, 28 (Nov.): 58192. 10 (Fri)

Writing to Chapman and Hall from London, where he had come "to have his eyes doctored" [Wright 1: 172], Thackeray proposes an article for The Foreign Quarterly Review that will be devoted to Heinrich Rellstab's Paris im Friihjahr, Mme. Delphine de Girardin's Lettres Parisiennes, and James Grant's Paris and its People. The article, "New Accounts of Paris," appeared in the January 1844 issue. He also encloses "a letter for Mr. Delane with wh. if you send a copy of the Sketch Book you will perhaps do no harm." John Thaddeus Delane was editor of The Times, but no review of Thackeray's book appeared in that paper. [Ray 2: 126]

11

Two illustrations, one signed, to "The Flying Duke." Punch, 5(11 Nov.): 207. Thackeray takes lodgings at 27 Jermyn Street, where FitzGerald visits him during November and December. [Ray 5: 283]

24

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her: "I never was better in interior health, and my eyes is

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88

89

wonderfully improved—one quite well, the other all but restored. . . . It took me 10 days to get into working habits, but now I am hard at it and with my hands for the moment awfully full. . . . [T]he world wags pleasantly enough. Breakfast with Fitz. Write at the Club dine with my friends and so on [E]very one is full of the Corn-Law League wh. is bidding fair to master the country. It will be a great and magnificent peaceful Revolution—the government of the country will fall naturally into the hands of the middle classes as it should do: and the Lords and country gentlemen will—only have their due share. They have had all till now. but I think Dicky Cobden has rung their knell, and 1 shouldn't wonder to see him Prime Minister of England." [Ray 2: 128-29] December "Grant in Paris. By G. S. F. B." Fraser's Magazine, 28 (Dec): 702-12. 9 (Sat)

Two illustrations, one signed, to "Punch's Condensed Magazine." Punch, 5 (9 Dec): 254.

9

Dickens gives a dinner for Ainsworth, Cruikshank, Forster, Maclise, and Thackeray. [Dexter 1: 549]

16

"Singular Letter from the Regent of Spain." With three illustrations, one signed. Punch, 5 (16 Dec): 267-68. [Spielmann 320]

17-18

Writing to his family, Thackeray says: "I fear after all it will be New Year's day before I am back for my hands are very full of business, and I can't comfortably dispose of it until then. . . . [My] life . . . is a very jolly one—plenty of work . . . and plenty of fun. . . . I have begun with a story wh. is to last through the year in Fraser, and am to have my own way with the worthy Mr. Punch, whose pay is more than double of that I get anywhere else. Dickens has just published a charming Christmas book [A Christmas Carol] . . . . I have made much friends with him and think your tirade against good dinners a monstrous piece of superstition. Why not be merry when one can?" [Ray 2: 134-35]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

21

Writing to his cousin, Richard Bedingfield, Thackeray praises his new novel, The Miser's Son, and promises to give him "a notice in Fraser in the February number" ["A Box of Novels"], but warns him that "A laudatory paragraph here and there will do you no earthly good, unless the name of your book is perpetually before the public." Emphasizing the difficulty of gaining success as an author, he says: "It is . . . a bad trade at the best. The prizes in it are fewer and worse than in any other professional lottery; but I know . . . men are doomed, as it were, to the calling." Speaking of his own experience, he cites the failure of The Second Funeral of Napoleon, calling it "The best book 1 ever wrote," but one that came out "with an unknown publisher" and that sold only "two hundred and fifty copies." [Ray 2: 136-37]

25

Writing to Peter Purcell, and alluding to hostile Irish reviews of his Sketch Book, Thackeray says: "As an agriculturist I would wish that the Humbug-crop should not be quite so plenteous in Ireland in 1844 as it has been in '43." [Harden 1: 135] 1844

January "The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century [Chaps. MI]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (Jan.): 35-51. "New Accounts of Paris." The Foreign Review, 32 (Jan.): 470-90. [Ray 2: 126]

Quarterly

1 (Mon)

Thackeray arrives in Paris, where he finds himself "in the midst of all sorts of jollity." [Ray 2: 139]

4

Reading Baron de la Mothe-Langon's L'Empire, Thackeray discovers the basis for what will become Chapters 10-12 of Barry Lyndon: "a good story about the first K of Wurtemberg's wife: killed by her husband for adultery." [Ray 2: 139]

6

"Important Promotions! Merit Rewarded!" With an illustration. Punch, 6 (6 Jan.): 15. [Spielmann 320]

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90

91

6

In his diary Thackeray mentions working on a translation of Eugene Sue's Les Mysteres de Paris, but he did not complete it—apparently because he was not promptly paid for his installments by his French publisher, Giraldon. The translation was continued by others, and was published by Chapman and Hall in weekly numbers during 1844. [Ray 2: 139-40, 159]

7

Thackeray records in his diary that he is "Unwell with irritation of the [urethra]." [Ray 2: 140]

13

"The Ducal Hat for Jenkins." With three illustrations. Punch, 6 (13 Jan.): 32. [Spielmann 320]

20

"Leaves from the Lives of the Lords of Literature." With a Notice and two illustrations. f*unch, 6 (20 Jan.): 42. [Spielmann 320]

27

"Lady L's Journal of a Visit to Foreign Courts." [With two illustrations probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (27 Jan.): 52-54. [Spielmann 320]

28

Writing to Henry Wikoff in London, Thackeray agrees to serve as Paris correspondent for WikofPs New York newspaper, sending "a couple of foreign letters and articles monthly." Asking for confirmation by return post, he promises to "send back by the same day's post a letter and article for your paper, to be followed by 2 more by the Havre packet" [Ray 2: 158]. Wikoff apparently agreed, and since Thackeray records in his account book for 1844 three payments for an American letter, one in January and two in February, it appears that he contibuted three articles to the Republic, a newspaper that had just been established by Wikoff and his American partner, Duff Green. Issues of the Republic for January and February 1844 do not survive, but the issue for 16 March contains a dispatch from its Paris correspondent dated February, that may have been written by Thackeray. [Pacey 606-11]

February "A Box of Novels." Signed "M. A. T." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (Feb.): 153-69.

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray encloses an "astonishing tale" for Punch about the next French Revolution, and unsuccessfully proposes that it be republished as a separate book. [Harden 1: 143] Writing to George Nickisson, Thackeray encloses "a robbery from the French—a burlesque of a serious romance [Othon VArcher by Alexandre Dumas]." Entitled "The Childe of Godesberg" when offered to Fraser's Magazine, it was not published until 1845, when it appeared as "A Legend of the Rhine" in George Cruikshank's Table-Book. [Ray 2: 141, 160] "The History of the Next French Revolution! From a forthcoming History of Europe. Chapter I." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (24 Feb.): 90, 93. Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray corrects some printer's errors in "The History of the Next French Revolution," and proposes that they reprint his stories: "as I have got a public now, I should be glad to bring out a good stout book full of tales—reprints from Fraser—literary articles &c. with illustrations by myself. . . . Or will you bring me to London and put me at the head of a slashing brilliant, gentlemanlike, sixpenny, aristocratic, literary paper?—containing each week good reviews of a book or two, not notices: good novels in series: good theatrical articles &c—a paper that should not look for a large but a gentlemanlike circulation: and have a decided air of white-kid gloves. I have begged and implored my friends Chapman & Hall on th[e] subject. I am sure it would succeed: Have the papers signed and by good men—Buller, Carlyle, Forster, Milnes, Jerrold, and a University man or two. I would take the Fine Arts the light literature and the theatres under my charge with the dinner-giving (all except the paying part)" [Harden 1: 143-45]. Unfortunately, the journal never came into existence.

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"The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century [Chaps. IIMV]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (Feb.): 187-202.

1811-63

93

March

"Titmarsh's Carmen Lilliense." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (Mar.): 361-63. [Miscellanies] 2 (Sat)

"The History of the Next French Revolution. From a forthcoming History of Europe. Chap. II.—Henry V and Napoleon III." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (2 Mar.): 98-99.

9

"The History of the Next French Revolution. From a forthcoming History of Europe. Chap. III.—The Advance of the Pretenders—Historical Review." [With two illustrations probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (9 Mar.): 113-14.

11

Writing to his wife, Thackeray explains that he has returned to London "to look after my money-matters wh. were going on very badly in my absence. . . . I think I see a couple of good posts worth 300£ a year each before me . . . —one is at the Morning Chronicle where my friends Doyle & Crowe are working anxiously in my favor. If I get it: I shall take a house, bring you to London, and the young women soon after please God." He also mentions that "I have been greatly annoyed at losing the friendship of a man for whom I had a very warm regard—Harry Lorrequer by name, who instead of being delighted as I expected he would have been by an article of mine on his works [in "A Box of Novels"], has broken off with me in a fury, and vows that I have treated him most basely & cruelly. On the other hand Boz writes that my notice of him [also in "A Box of Novels"] has touched him to the quick encouraged him and done him good—... But they are hard people to deal with these literary men." Finally, Thackeray reports that "I saw Dan O'Connell yesterday at the Reform Club, all the world is mad about him here and I find myself in a minority of one regarding him and his conduct. The old rogue gave me a fierce look . . . —for he has no love for Titmarsh as I am told." [Ray 2: 164-65]

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"The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century [Chaps. V-VI]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (Mar.): 318-30.

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

16

"The History of the Next French Revolution. From a forthcoming History of Europe. Chap. IV.—The Battle of Rheims." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (16 Mar): 117.

16

"Ireland. By J. Venedey." The Morning Chronicle, 16 Mar., p. 6. [Ray 2: 143] This is the first of 35 known contributions to this newspaper made over the next four years. ["Chronicle"]

20

"(Madden's) Ireland and its Rulers, since 1829," The Morning Chronicle, 20 Mar., p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

23

"The History of the Next French Revolution. From a forthcoming History of Europe. Chap. V.—The Battle of Tours." [With two illustrations probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (23 Mar.): 127-28.

23

"Biographical and Literary Riddles." Punch, 6 (23 Mar.): 129. [Spielmann 320]

23

"'The Author of Pelham.'" Punch, 6 (23 Mar.): 130. [Spielmann 320]

30

"The History of the Next French Revolution. From a forthcoming History of Europe. Chap. VI.—The English Under Jenkins." [With two illustrations probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (30 Mar.): 137-39. "The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century [Chaps. VII-IX]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (Apr.): 391-410.

2 (Tue)

"A New Spirit of the Age, edited by R. H. Home." The Morning Chronicle, 2 Apr., p. 6. ["Chronicle"]

4

"The Three Kingdoms, By the Vicomte D'Arlincourt." The Morning Chronicle, 4 Apr., p, 3. ["Chronicle"]

6

"The History of the Next French Revolution. From a forthcoming History of Europe. Chap. VIL—The Leaguer of Paris." [With two illustrations probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (6 Apr.): 147-48.

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94

95

6

"Gems from Jenkins." Punch, 6 (6 Apr.): 153. [Spielmann 321]

6

"What Should Irish Members Do in Regard to the Ten Hours' Bill?" Punch, 6 (6 Apr.): 155- [Spielmann 321]

13

"The History of the Next French Revolution. From a forthcoming History of Europe. Chap. VIII.—The Battle of the Forts." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (13 Apr.): 157.

13

"An Eligible Investment" With an illustration. Punch, 6 (13 Apr.): 164. [Spielmann 321]

20

"The History of the Next French Revolution. From a forthcoming History of Europe. Chap. IX.—Louis XVII." [With two illustrations probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (20 Apr.): 167-68.

27

"Les Premieres Armes de Montpensier; or, Munchausen Out-done." With two illustrations. Punch, 6 (27 Apr.): 184. [Spielmann 321]

29

"Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Colours." The Morning Chronicle, 29 Apr., p. 6. ["Chronicle"]

May "Little Travels and Road-side Sketches. By Titmarsh. [No. I.] From Richmond in Surrey to Brussels in Belgium." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (May): 517-28. "The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century [Chaps. X-XI]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (May): 548-63. "The Partie Fine. By Lancelot Wagstaff, Esq." The New Monthly Magazine, 71 (May): 22-28. 4 (Sat)

"Great News! Wonderful News!" With an illustration. Punch, 6 (4 May): 189. [Spielmann 321]

6

"The Life of George Brummell, Esq., By Captain Jesse." The Morning Chronicle, 6 May, p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

11

"Academy Exhibition." [With an illustration by H. C. Hine.] Punch, 6(11 May): 200. [Spielmann 321]

11

"A Rare New Ballad of Malbrook, To a New Tune. To be Sung at Woodstock, at the Election Dinners There." Punch, 6(11 May): 207. [Spielmann 321]

13

"Coningsby; or, the New Generation." The Morning Chronicle, 13 May, p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

13

Writing to Richard Bedingfield, and expressing his disagreement with Bedingfield's criticism of Carlyle, Thackeray says he is "living at Richmond for a few days very busy with some work I have on hand." He also announces plans "to bring my wife and children to London directly: when 1 can get a house: and get money to get into the house: for both of wh. objects 1 am engaged at this moment in looking. I am at work on 20 different things and so flurried and bothered all day that I can't make visits." [Ray 2: 167-68]

25

"Coningsby; or the New Generation. By B. D'Israeli, Esq., M. P." The Pictorial Times, 3 (25 May): 331.

25

"The Clocks Again." Punch, 6 (25 May): 227. [Spielmann 321]

25

"Latest from America. Animated Discussion of the Pork and Molasses Bill.—Glorious Discomfiture of Jer. Diddler's Party." With an illustration. Punch, 6 (25 May): 228. [Spielmann 321]

June "May Gambols; or, Titmarsh in the Picture-Galleries." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (June): 700-16. "The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century [Chaps. XII-XIII]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 29 (June): 723-38. "Arabella; or, The Moral of 'The Partie Fine.1" Signed "Titmarsh." The New Monthly Magazine, 71 (June): 169-72.

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96

97

1 (Sat)

"The Prince of Joinville's Amateur-Invasion of England." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (1 June): 234, 237. [Spielmann 321]

I

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that "Fraser & the Chronicle and the mighty Punch above all wl. tie me here for many days to come—I can take my papers out to Richmond but not farther being obliged to be in constant communication with the people here." [Ray 2: 169]

3

"Stanley's Life of Dr. Arnold." The Morning Chronicle, 3 June, p. 3. ["Chronicle"]

8

"Rules To be observed by the English People on occasion of the Visit of his Imperial Majesty, Nicholas, Emperor of all the Russias." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (8 June): 243. [Spielmann 321]

8

"Strange Insult to the King of Saxony." Punch, 6 (8 June): 243. [Spielmann 321]

8

"To Daniel O'Connell, Esq. Circular Road, Dublin." Punch, 6 (8 June): 248. [Spielmann 321]

II

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her of arrangements he is making to bring Isabella to England and have her placed under care at Twickenham, where she "is to have 3 little rooms and a maid." He also says: "I dont do above 20£ a month for the Chronicle instead of 40— . . . I cant write the politics and the literary part is badly paid. Mr. Punch is the great card: and I have made some great hits there." Finally, he mentions being "engaged to write a Life of Talleyrand in one small volume for wh. Im to have two hundred guineas" from Chapman and Hall—another project that was never fulfilled. [Ray 2: 171-72]

15

"The Dream of Joinville." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 6 (15 June): 252. [Spielmann 321]

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98 29

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology "Punch to the Public. Private and Confidential." Punch, 7 (29 June): 4. [Spielmann 321] "The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century [Chaps. XIV-XV]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 30 (July): 93-108. "Angleterre. Par Alfred Michiels." The Foreign Quarterly Review, 33 (July): 433-42. [Ray 5: 485; Wellesley 2: 168] "Greenwich—Whitebait. By Mr. Wagstaff." The New Monthly Magazine, 71 (July): 416-21.

6 (Sat)

"A Hint for Moses." With two illustrations. Punch, 7 (6 July): 19. [Spielmann 321]

6

"A Nut for the Paris Charivari." Punch, 7 (6 July): 19. [Spielmann 321]

6

"Interesting Meeting." Punch, [Spielmann 322]

13

"Running Rein Morality." Punch, 7 (13 July): 23. [Spielmann 322]

13

"Punch's Fine Art Exhibition." With an illustration [and ten by John Leech]. Punch, 7 (13 July): 26. [Spielmann 322]

13

"A Case of Real Distress." Punch, 7 (13 July): 32. With an illustration. [Spielmann 322]

13

"Moorish Designs." Punch, 7 (13 July): 32. [Spielmann 322]

20

"Punch to Daniel in Prison." [With an illustration by John Leech.] Punch, 7 (20 July): 38. [Spielmann 322]

20

"Literary Intelligence." Punch, 7 (20 July): 42. [Spielmann 322]

20

"Irish Razors." Punch, 7 (20 July): 44. [Spielmann 322]

7

(6 July): 22.

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July

1811-63

99

August

"Historic Fancies. By the Hon. George Sidney Smythe, M. P. " The Morning Chronicle, 2 Aug., p. 5. [Ray 2: 145] 3 (Sat)

"Wanderings of Our Fat Contributor." With two illustrations [and one probably not by Thackeray]. Punch, 7 (3 Aug.): 61-62.

10

"Travelling Notes. By Our Fat Contributor. The Sea." Punch, 7 (10 Aug.): 66-67.

17

"Travelling Notes. By Our Fat Contributor. The Sea." With three illustrations. Punch, 7 (17 Aug.): 83-84.

17

"A Chance Lost." Punch, 7 (17 Aug.): 85. [Spielmann 322]

19

Attending a farewell dinner given at the Reform Club by William Bevan for James Emerson Tennent, who was about to sail for the Near East, Thackeray is offered a free berth by Tennent, through friends who are Directors of the Peninsular and Oriental Company. Inevitably, a book was to come out of the experience, and in its Preface* Thackeray explained that the P. and O. Company "had arranged an excursion in the Mediterranean, by which, in the space of a couple of months, as many men and cities were to be seen as Ulysses surveyed and noted in ten years. Malta, Athens, Smyrna, Constantinople, Jerusalem, Cairo were to be visited, and everybody was to be back in London by Lord Mayor's Day" [Notes of a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo, Works 9: 81].

20

Writing to George Nickisson, Thackeray gives him the news: "The most wonderful thing has happened. I am going to Egypt & everywhere on Thursday—but not before I send you Barry Lyndon complete for this month. I shall take the necessary books with me to complete it during the voyage and you shan't be left at

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"The LucJt of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century [Chaps. XVI-XVH]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 30 (Aug.): 227-42.

100

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

21

Writing to his mother, Thackeray gives her the news as well and explains that "I thought the chance so great that Ive accepted—its very hard for I intended to come placidly across the water on Saturday to see my dear little people, and I'm sure I shall be miserable for the main part of this grand voyage. But it offers such a chance as I may never get again—a book of course is ordered and go I do, tomorrow. . . . I hardly believe in it myself yet—The offer was made to me on Monday night only and accepted yesterday." For the book he will receive £200 from Chapman and Hall [Ray 2: 17677]. Writing in his diary that day, Thackeray records the following: "Wrote Barry—made farewell arrangements, dined with Bevan at the G [Garrick Club] and took leave of the good fellows there. Left behind at Lubbocks [his bankers] a balance of 95£." [Ray 2: 150]

22

Writing in his diary, Thackeray records having travelled to Southampton, "writing for Punch the whole way, & finished my article just as we got in. Went on board The Lady Mary Wood," which was bound for the Bay of Biscay and later Gibraltar. [Ray 2: 150-51]

24

"To the Napoleon of Peace." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 7 (24 Aug.): 90. [Spielmann 322]

24

"Fashionable Removals." Punch, 7 (24 Aug.): 94. [Spielmann 322]

24

"Revolution in France." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 7 (24 Aug.): 95. [Spielmann 322]

24

"The Last Insult to Poor Old Ireland." Punch, 7 (24 Aug.): 95. [Spielmann 322]

24

"Jenny Wren's Remonstrance." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 7 (24 Aug.): 96. [Spielmann 322]

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fault." He also asks for "25 sovereigns tomorrow Wednesday—that will abt. make up our account inclusive of next month." [Ray 2: 176]

101

29

Writing in his diary and in his travel book, Thackeray records arriving at Gibraltar after visits to Vigo, Lisbon, and Cadiz. [Ray 2: 151]

31

Writing to Chapman and Hall from Gibraltar, Thackeray tells them a sudden warning that his new ship, the Tagus, will be leaving shortly allows him to write just a short note. "There is not 1 word of news to be had here to. make a letter for the F. Q. R. All my news is about heat musquitoes and the 1000 inconveniences of this filthy place." He does enclose, however, a letter to his mother and most of chapter 3 of Cornhill to Grand Cairo. [Ray 2: 178-80]

September "The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century. Part II [Chap. I]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 30 (Sept): 353-64. 4

After having enjoyed the sight of the Rock of Gibraltar, the Spanish coast, and "Algiers rising very stately from the sea," Thackeray experiences trying local conditions: "All attempts at dining very fruitless. Basins in requisition. . . . Writing or thinking impossible—dawdled over Hajji Baba." [Ray 2:151-52]

5 (Thu)

Thackeray arrives at Malta after having been plagued with bedbugs as well as sea-sickness. Accordingly, he puts up at an inn and has "great comfort in a large bugless bed; and a dinner unaccompanied by nausea." [Ray 2: 151-52]

7

"The Wooden-Shoe and the Buffalo-Indians." With an illustration. Punch, 7 (7 Sept): 110. [Spielmann 322]

7

"Shameful Case of Letter Opening. A Tale of the British and Foreign Institute." With two illustrations. Punch, 7 (7 Sept.): 117. [Spielmann 322]

9-10

In Athens, Thackeray passes his time "leisurely in looking through the town, the temple of Jupiter &c. making here & there a sketch or two," and then "Up early to the Acropolis, and . . . further sketching & strolling in the town." [Ray 2: 152]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

11-12

After leaving Athens, the Tagus stops at Smyrna, giving Thackeray his first sense of being in the East, and then sets off for Constantinople. [Ray 2: 152]

13

In his diary, Thackeray writes: Off the coast of Troy in the morning.. . . Drew and wrote a little. [Ray 2: 152]

14

The Tagus arrives in Constantinople. [Ray 2: 152-53]

16

In his diary, Thackeray writes: "Wrote a little for Punch—then drew. Went on board the old Tagus, & took a delightful row down the most beautiful waters in the world." [Ray 2: 153]

17

Writing to his mother from Constantinople, Thackeray speaks of being puzzled by what to do next, having "Punch & Barry Lyndon hanging round my neck, and so much to do and to see that I hardly know where to turn. For the first fortnight there was scarce anything to see; then comes such a heap of sights all at once as should take a man 2 months to visit properly, and I dont know how long to describe. As for this it is the most beautiful place in the world—So odd and beautiful that sometimes I think I couldn't do better than make my journey end here. . . . But then there is the Holy Land and Egypt to see, and the sight is to last one for life, and to occupy only a month in the seeing—I don't know what to do or how it will turn." [Ray 2: 180-81]

19

Writing to Bradbury and Evans from Constantinople, Thackeray encloses new sketches and contributions "of our fat friend"—three of which had appeared in Punch during August, and were to resume on 30 November—all of them based upon experiences that he has had on the Eastern trip. "I have been . . . exceedingly delighted." He also says "I am now going to write the Novr. number of Barry Lyndon. I have had a Turkish bath. [T]hey took strange liberties with my person. . . . Athens is a mistake—a most lousy & beggarly hole. Smyrna is a wonder. Malta a noble place. Cadiz charming. [B]ut all this will be explained in the book." Ramadan has interfered with sight-seeing, "but to day I am going to the howling Dervishes who I expect will gratify the mind considerably." [Harden 1: 150-51]

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102

103

21

"Letters from a Club Arm-Chair." Signed "Squab." The Calcutta Star, 21 Sept. This is the first of only six known contributions to the Star, which survives merely in one incomplete file. [Summerfield 43]

21

Thackeray leaves Constantinople on the Iberia for Smyrna, Rhodes, and Beirut. [Ray 2: 153-54]

23

Thackeray completes "about 12 pages" of Barry Lyndon, and lands at Smyrna just in time to dispatch his manuscript via the departing Tagus. [Ray 2: 15354]

28

Two days before arriving at Beirut, the Iberia encounters a brief, violent windstorm accompanied by thunder and lightning, which prompts the writing of Thackeray's humorous poem, "The White Squall." [Ray 2: 154]

October "Little Travels and Road-Side Sketches. By Titmarsh. No.II.—Ghent—Bruges." Fraser's Magazine, 30 (Oct.): 465-71. 1 (Tue)

Thackeray leaves Beirut for Jaffa, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jaffa again, Alexandria, and Cairo. [Ray 2: 154-55]

16 ff.

Thackeray visits his painter friend, John Frederick Lewis, who is living in Cairo, and who appears in Cornhill to Grand Cairo as "J " [Works 9: 245-50]. [Ray 2: 155]

19

Thackeray records in his diary: "To the pyramids, & 3 cheers for Punch on the top." [Ray 2: 155]

22

Thackeray leaves Cairo for Alexandria and Malta, arriving on the 27th and being placed in quarantine, like all travellers from the East. [Ray 2: 156]

28

Writing to Chapman and Hall from Malta, Thackeray tells them "I have seen Jaffa, Jerusalem and Cairo—I have communed with forty centuries on the summit of the pyramids but I can't stand the infernal sea-

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November "The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century. Part II [Chap. II]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 30 (Nov.): 584-97. 3 (Sun)

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Finished Barry after great throes late at night" [Ray 2: 156]

15-16

Leaving Malta on the Iberia after having been in quarantine for seventeen days, Thackeray makes "a beautiful passage skirting Sicily through the straits of Messina by Stromboli." [Ray 2: 157]

17

Thackeray arrives at Naples, seeing, he writes in his diary, "the most magnificent sea landscape in the world lighted up by a sunset such as we dont see in England in August." During the next few days he visits Herculaneum and Pompeii. [Ray 2: 157]

26

Thackeray arrives in Rome. [Ray 2: 157]

30

"Travelling Notes by Our Fat Contributor." With two illustrations. Punch, 7 (30 Nov.): 237.

December "The Luck of Barry Lyndon; A Romance of the Last Century. Part II [Chap. III]. By Fitz-Boodle." Fraser's Magazine, 30 (Dec): 666-83. 6 (Fri)

Writing to Bradbury and Evans from Rome, which he calls "splendid" but where he is without funds, Thackeray asks for money, describing himself as "a man alone, unhappy, in the hot bed of Popery and in pawn." [Harden 1: 152-53]

7

"Travelling Notes by Our Fat Contributor. II.—The Ship at Sea.—Dolores!" With three illustrations. Punch, 7 (7 Dec): 256-57.

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sickness any longer and have come into quarantine here." Planning a trip to Rome, Naples, and Florence, he asks that they send £50 to him "poste restante Rome," and concludes by saying "We must have drawings in the book." [Harden 1: 151-52]

105

9

Thackeray writes in his diary: "In these days I've been advancing slowly with [Cornhill to Grand Cairo] but pretty regularly in the afternoon walking . . . about the town: and spending the night smoking with the Artist banditti." [Ray 2: 157]

14

"Travelling Notes by Our Fat Contributor. III. From my Log-book at Sea." With four illustrations. Punch, 7 (14 Dec): 265-66.

23

Writing from Rome to George Bell, a friend whom he had met in Constantinople, Thackeray describes himself as someone "hand in glove with the Jolly Artists with broad hats & long beards & we commit huge twopenny debauches at the Lepre [a trattoria in the Via Condotti]." [Harden 1: 153-54] 1845

January "Little Travels and Road-Side Sketches. By Titmarsh. Waterloo. No. III." Fraser's Magazine, 31 (Jan.): 9496. 10 (Fri)

Writing to Chapman and Hall from Rome, Thackeray explains that after going to the post office for 35 days, he discovered that the letters with monetary enclosures from England had been kept under the name of Jackeray instead of Thackeray. He also tells them that "the Eastern Book . . . is all but done," and that he still intends to do the Talleyrand biography. [Ray 2: 185-86]

11

"Punch in the East From Our Fat Contributor." With two illustrations. Punch, 8 (11 Jan.): 31-32.

18

"Punch in the East. From Our Fat Contributor. II.—On the Prospects of Punch in the East." With two illustrations. Punch, 8 (18 Jan.): 35-36.

25

"Punch in the East. From Our Fat Contributor. III. Athens." With three illustrations. Punch, 8 (25 Jan.): 45.

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6

Writing to his mother from Livorno, Thackeray tells her: "I have been at Florence 15 days . . . where the pictures delighted me:—for the last 4 days here, & be hanged to them waiting for the Marseilles steamer . . . in the dismallest town in Italy. Pisa the finest I think. The Cathedral beats St Peter's hollow." He promises to stop in Paris on the way to London, but says: "I mustnt stay long with you when I come: but I hadn't the heart to take the German road and forego seeing the dear little things & their Granny." [Ray 2: 186-87]

8

"Punch in the East By Our Fat Contributor. V.—Punch at the Pyramids—(Concluded)." With an illustration. Punch, 8 (8 Feb.): 75. Thackeray returns to London.

March 22 (Sat)

"The Honour of the Bar." Punch, 8 (22 March): 129. [Spielmann 322]

27

"Egypt Under Mehemet Ali. By Prince Puckler Muskau." The Morning Chronicle, 27 Mar., p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

28

Writing to his mother from 27 Jermyn Street, Thackeray tells her that he is "in treaty for a suite of rooms in St James's Street looking down Pall Mall—for 30£ a year on the 4 floor." He says he has been "near 3 weeks doing the Examiner . . . scissoring"—apparently serving as a sub-editor, as Philip Firmin was to do, "snipping and pasting paragraphs" [Works 16: 463]. He also mentions writing an article regarding President Polk, and doing a review, both of which appeared in the 29 March issue of The Examiner. In addition, he says: "The Talleyrand is put off sine die." Finally, he alludes to a book, presumably Vanity Fair, "wh. is projected and of prodigious importance." [Ray 2: 189-90]

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February 1 (Sat) "Punch in the East By Our Fat Contributor. IV.—Punch at the Pyramids." With two illustrations. Punch, 8 (1 Feb.): 61.

1811-63

107

"Polk's First Address." The Examiner, 194. [Ray 2:190]

29 Mar., p.

29

"Mount Sorel; or the Heiress of the De Veres." The Examiner, 29 Mar., pp. 196-97. [Ray 2: 190-91]

29

"Disgusting Violation of the Rights of Property." Punch, 8 (29 March): 142. [Spielmann 322]

29

"Historical Parallel." Punch, 8 (29 Mar.): 149. [Spielmann 322] Thackeray moves from 27 Jermyn Street to 88 St James's Street, where he lives until June 1846.

3 (Thu)

"Lever's St. Patrick's Eve—Comic Politics." The Morning Chronicle, 3 Apr., pp. 5-6. ["Chronicle"]

5

"Liberal Reward." With an illustration. Punch, 8 (5 Apr.): 151. [Spielmann 323]

5

"Mr. Smith's Reasons for Not Sending His Pictures to the Exhibition. [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 8 (5 Apr.): 152. [Spielmann 323)

5

"Genteel Christianity." Punch, 8 (5 Apr.): 153. [Spielmann 3 23]

5

"A Painter's Wish." Signed "Paul Pindar." Punch, 8 (5 Apr.): 154. [Spielmann 323]

5

"Dog Annexation." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 8 (5 Apr.): 159. [Spielmann 323]

5

"The '82 Club Uniform." Punch, 8 (5 April): 159. [Spielmann 323]

6

Writing to Thomas Longman, proprietor of The Edinburgh Review, Thackeray describes himself as someone who could write on "light matters connected with Art, Humorous reviews, critiques of n o v e l s French subjects memoirs, poetry, history from Louis XV downwards and of an earlier period—that of

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29

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

12

"For the Court Circular." Punch, 8 (12 Apr.): 167. [Spielmann 323]

12

"Royal Patronage of Art" Punch, 8 (12 Apr.): 167. [Spielmann 323]

12

"The Irish Martyrs." Punch, 8 (12 Apr.): 168. [Spielmann 323]

12

"Erratum." Punch, 8 (12 Apr.): 170. [Spielmann 323]

12

"Gross Insult to the Court." Punch, 8 (12 Apr.): 170. [Spielmann 323] "The Commission of Fine Arts." Punch, 8 (19 Apr.): 172. [Spielmann 323]

19 26

"Literary News." Punch, 8 (26 Apr.): 184. [Spielmann 323)]

26

"Ode to Sibthorpe, by the Poet Laureate." With an illustration. Punch, 8 (26 Apr.): 188. [Spielmann 323]

26

"Humours of the House of Commons." Punch, 8 (26 Apr.): 190. [Spielmann 323]

26

"You're Another." Punch, [Spielmann 323]

May 3 (Sat)

8

(26

April):

190.

"The Excellent New Ballad of Mr. Peel at Toledo." Punch, 8, (3 May): 195. [Spielmann 323]

7

"Letters from a Club Arm-Chair." Signed "Squab." The Calcutta Star, 7 May. [Summerfield 43]

8

Writing to Henry Colburn, publisher of The New Monthly Magazine, Thackeray asks for the return of

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Froissart and Monstrelet.—German light literature and poetry . . . —finally subjects relating to Society in general where a writer may be allowed to display the humourous ego, or a victim is to be gently immolated." [Harden 1: 155-56]

1811-63

109

10

"Delightful Novelty." Punch, 8 (10 May): 205. [Spielmann 323]

10

"New Portrait of H. R. H. Prince Albert." With two illustrations. Punch, 8 (10 May): 211. [Spielmann 323]

13

"Sibyl. By Mr. Disraeli, M. P." The Morning Chronicle, 13 May, pp. 5-6. [Ray 2: 149]

17

"The Queen's Bal Costume, or, Powder and Ball." With an illustration. Punch, 8 (17 May): 219. [Spielmann 323]

17

"Peel at Toledo." Punch, 8 (17 May): 220. [Spielmann 323]

22

"Letters from a Club Arm-Chair." Signed "Squab." The Calcutta Star, 22 May. [Summerfield 43]

24

"Mr. Punch on the Fine Arts." [With an illustration by Richard Doyle.] Punch, 8 (24 May): 224. [Spielmann 323]

24

"Father Mathew's Debts." Punch, 8 (24 May): 232. [Spielmann 323],

31

"Split in Conciliation Hall." Punch, 8 (31 May): 243. [Spielmann 323]

31

"Preparations for War." Punch, 8 (31 May): 243. [Spielmann 323]

31

"The Allegory of the Fountains." Punch, 8 (31 May): 243. [Spielmann 323]

31

"Railroad Speculators." Signed "Spec." With an illustration. Punch, 8 (31 May): 244. [Spielman 323]

June "Picture Gossip: In a Letter from Michael Angelo Titmarsh." Fraser's Magazine, 31 (June): 713-24.

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"the commencement of a novel [Vanity Fair] wh. I gave into your hands." [Ray 2:198]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

1 (Sun)

Writing to Richard Bedingfield, Thackeray says that the two manuscript stories Bedingfield has submitted to him will be unsaleable, and speaks of his own difficulty in finding a wider audience: "I can suit the magazines (but I can't hit the public, be hanged to them)." [Ray 2: 192-93] Thackeray's mother and children visit him in London, leaving for France on 12 June. [Ray 2: 193-96]

7

"Her Majesty's Bal Poudre." Punch, 8 (7 June): 251. [Spielmann 323]

9

"Letters from a Club Arm-Chair." Signed "Squab." The Calcutta Star, 9 June. [Summerfield 43]

12

Writing to Frederick Tennyson, Edward FitzGerald characterizes Thackeray's life in London: "old Thackeray... goes on in his own way; writing hard for half a dozen Reviews and Newspapers all the morning; dining, drinking, and talking of a night; managing to preserve a fresh colour and perpetual flow of spirits under a wear-and-tear of thinking and feeding that would have knocked up any other man I know two years ago, at least" [Wright 1: 222-23; Ray 2: 192]

14

"Young Ireland." With an illustration. Punch, 8 (14 June): 262. [Spielmann 323]

21

Signed illustration to "Debate on the Navy." Punch, 8 (21 June): 266. [Spielmann 323]

21

"Letters from a Club Arm-Chair." Signed "Squab." The Calcutta Star, 21 June. [Summerfield 43]

28

"The Ascot Cup Day." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 9 (28 June): 3. [Spielmann 323]

28

"Stiggins in New Zealand." [Spielmann 323]

Punch, 9 (28 June): 3.

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"A Legend of the Rhine [Chaps. I-II]." [With three illustrations by Cruikshank.] George Cruikshank's Table-Book, No. 6 (June): 119-25.

1811-63

111

July

"The Chest of Cigars. By Lancelot Wagstaff." The New Monthly Magazine, 74 (July): 381-85. 5 (Sat)

"Immense Opportunity." Punch, 9 (5 July): 14. [Spielmann 324]

5

"'Appeal to Rome!'" Punch, 9 (5 July): 15. [Spielmann 324]

5

"Where are the Hackney-Coaches Gone to?" Punch, 9 (5 July): 15. [Spielmann 324]

5

"Most Noble Festivities." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 9 (5 July): 16. [Spielmann 324]

5

"The Eureka." Punch, 9 (5 July): 20. [Spielmann 324]

9

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray asks for £100. [Harden 1:156]

9

Writing to Edward Chapman, Thackeray returns a loan of £55 and requests better terms for "the Eastern Book." [Ray 2: 201]

12

"The Abdication of Don Carlos." Signed "Launcelot Greaves." [With two illustrations probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 9 (12 July): 24-25. [Spielmann 324]

12

"British Honour." Punch, 9 (12 July): 26. [Spielmann 324]

12

"Tremendous Sufferings of the Household Brigade." Punch, 9 (12 July): 32. [Spielmann 324]

16

Writing to Macvey Napier, editor of The Edinburgh Review, Thackeray proposes an article on Nathaniel Parker Willis's Dashes at Life, which has just been

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"A Legend of the Rhine [Chaps. III-VI]." [With four illustrations by Cruikshank.] George Cruikshank's Table-Book, No. 7 (July): 144-52.

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

19

"Reasons Why I Shall Not Send My Son, Gustavus Frederic, to Trinity College, Cambridge." Punch, 9 (19 July): 35. [Spielmann 324]

19

"Military Intelligence." Punch, 9 (19 July): 40. [Spielmann 324]

19

Signed illustration to "The Gomersal Museum." Punch, 9 (19 July): 41.

26

"Soldiering." Punch, 9 (26 July): 49. [Spielmann 324]

26

Writing to his mother regarding his sub-editorship, Thackeray says: "The Examiner and I have parted company in the best humour possible: for it took more time than I could afford to give for four sovereigns: and I was much too clever a fellow to do it well." He tells her also that he has come to "an Inn at Chelsea" in order "to finish my book. . . . But I am gravelled with Jerusalem, not wishing to offend the public by a needless exhibition of heterodoxy: nor daring to be a hypocrite [by concealing his disgust at violence sanctioned by the Old Testament]. . . . When I get the book out of hand, please God I shall see the dear little and big faces again—I have fond visions of double cottages in the Hammersmith or Hampstead districts, where we could be all together, and yet each independent: what a blessing it would be to have a home once more." Finally, he says: "The admirers of Mr. Titmarsh are a small clique but a good and increasing one if I may gather from the daily offers that are made me: and the increased sums bid for my writings." [Ray 2: 203-04]

August "Bob Robinson's First Love. By Lancelot Wagstaff, Esq." The New Monthly Magazine, 74 (Aug.): 519-25. "A Legend of the Rhine [Chaps. VII-VIII]." [With two illustrations by Cruikshank.] George Cruikshank's Table-Bookf No. 8 (Aug.): 167-75.

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announced for publication [Ray 2: 201-02]. It appeared in the October 1845 issue.

113

2 (Sat)

"Scholastic" Punch, 9 (2 Aug.): 53. [Spielmann 324]

2

"A House at the West End." Signed "Wilhelmina Amelia Skeggs." Punch, 9 (2 Aug.): 55. [Spielmann 324]

2

Signed illustration to "The Lowly Bard to His Lady Love." Punch, 9 (2 Aug.): 56.

2

"A Lucky Speculator." [With an illustration by John Leech.] Punch, 9 (2 Aug.): 59. [Spielmann 324]

2

"Jeames of Buckley Square. A Heligy." Punch, 9 (2 Aug.): 59. [Miscellanies]

2

Writing to his mother, who was unhappy with his letter of 26 July, Thackeray asks her with firm but tender admonition: "What right have you . . . to think of being unhappy about the state of my opinions? What right have you to say that I aim without God because I can't believe that God ordered Abraham to kill Isaac or that he ordered the bears to eat the little children who laughed at Elisha for being bald. You don't believe it yourself. You fancy you do: you search out explanations to reconcile these awful things to your mind—the Belief is gone, directly the explanation is necessary. What did the Saviour mean by searching the Scriptures—that a man was to read them to the best of his own reason or to take his neighbours? ^.. Why do I love the Saviour? . . . Because He is all Goodness Truth Purity—I dislike the Old Testament because it is the very contrary: because it contains no Gentleness no Humility no forgiveness—nothing but exclusiveness and pride curses and arrogance— . . . why is my dear old Mother to w e e p . . . because my conclusions & her's don't tally? . . . And now I'll stop scolding my dearest old Mother about that favorite propensity of hers to be miserable. God bless all." [Ray 2: 205-07]

9

"War between the Press and the Bar." Punch, 9 (9 Aug.): 64-65. [Spielmann 324]

9

"The Pimlico Pavilion. By the Mulligan (of Kilballymulligan)." Punch, 9 (9 Aug.): 66. [Spielmann 324]

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16

"A Letter from 'Jeames of Buckley Square."1 Signed "Fitz-James de la Pluche." Punch, 9 (16 Aug.): 76.

21

"Letters from a Club Arm-Chair." Signed "Squab." The Calcutta Star, 21 Aug. [Summerfield 43]

23

"Punch's Regency." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 9 (23 Aug.): 94. [Spielmann 324]

30

"The Stags. A Drama of To-day." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 9 (30 Aug.): 104. [Spielmann 324]

30

"Bar Touting." Punch, 9 (30 Aug.): 104. [Spielmann 324]

September "A Legend of the Rhine [Chaps. IX-X]." [With an illustration by Cruikshank.] George Cruikshank's Table-Book, No. 9 (Sept): 193-200. Writing to Macvey Napier, Thackeray thanks him for his "kind opinion of the Willisian article," and promises to make a brief change "to prepare the reader for Willis in the character of Sly or Bottom introduced to splendors quite unknown to him," as the American visits a monarchical country for the first time. "I am told . . . that some of the adventures did almost happen . . . an<4 he has now garbled his amours and republished them. . . . The stories have a sort of truth a penny worth say to an intolerable deal of fiction—and I should think that certain persons here and a great number in America will relish a joke at poor N. P's expense." [Harden 1: 160] 6 (Sat)

"Serenade." Punch, 9 (6 Sept): 106. [Spielmann 324]

6

"New Version of God Save the Queen." Punch, 9 (6 Sept.): 107. [Spielmann 324]

6

"Interesting Relic at Rosenau." Punch, 9 (6 Sept): 113. [Spielmann 324]

6

"Oysters in Your Own Basins." Punch, 9 (6 Sept): 114. [Spielmann 324]

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114

115

7

Writing to his mother from Brighton, Thackeray tells her "the book doesn't get on—that remonstrance of yours caused me to cancel a chapten and since then my engagements have been so incessant that I've never been able to get back to work on i t I hope to clear them however in 4 or 5 days, and then to get to work and the book finished to come to you. I wish I had a house and all of you here. It is the merriest place. . . . [T]he sun is not too hot; and the sea looks almost as blue as the Mediterranean. The Steamer going daily to Dieppe tempts one hugely: but I am obliged to be within reach of London: having incessant small business to transact there & with a multiplicity of small labours publishers &c" [Ray 2: 212]

13

"Meditations on Solitude. By Our Stout Commissioner." With an illustration. Punch, 9 (13 Sept): 123.

20

"Sonnick Sejested by Prince Halbert Gratiously Killing the Staggs at Sacks-Cobug-Gothy." Punch, 9 (20 Sept): 133. [Spielmann 324]

27

"Beulah Spa. By 'Punch's' Commissioner." With two illustrations. Punch, 9 (27 Sept.): 137-38.

October "A Legend of the Rhine [Chap. XI]." [With two illustrations by Cruikshank.] George Cruikshank's Table-Book, No. 10 (Oct): 224-28. "Dashes at Life with a Free Pencil. By N. P. F. Willis." The Edinburgh Review, 82 (Oct): 470-80. 4 (Sat)

"A Seasonable Word on Railways. By Mr. Punch." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 9 (4 Oct): 149. [Spielmann 324]

11

"Brighton. By 'Punch's' Commissioner." With three illustrations. Punch, 9 (11 Oct.): 158.

11

"The Georges." Punch, 9(11 October): 159.

11

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

16

Writing to Macvey Napier, Thackeray thanks him for the payment of £21 for the article on Willis, and playfully characterizes its liberality as a "reward . . . not only for laboring but for being mutilated in your service—I assure you I suffered cruelly by the amputation wh. you were obliged to inflict upon my poor dear paper. I mourn still as what father can help doing for his children?, for several lovely jokes and promising facetiae wh. were born and might have lived but for your scissors urged by ruthless necessity." [Harden 2:161]

18

"A Brighton Night Entertainment By 'Punch's' Commissioner." With four illustrations. Punch, 9 ( 1 8 Oct): 168.

18

Writing to his mother from Camberwell, Thackeray tells her that he has made arrangements to bring Isabella from Ivry to Boulogne, where he will meet her and bring her to Camberwell, to be placed under care. He also mentions knowing "lots of railroad directors"— thereby revealing his participation in the "Railway Mania" of 1845-46, where he and most other investors lost heavily, like "C. Jeames de la Pluche, Esq.," whose unlucky speculations were soon to be recounted in Punch. [Ray 2: 215]

25

"Meditations over Brighton. By ' P u n c h ' s ' Commissioner." With an illustration. Punch, 9 (25 Oct): 187.

November "A Legend of the Rhine [Chap. XII]." [With an illustration by Cruikshank.] George Cruikshank's Table-Book, No. 11 (Nov.): 241-45. "Barmecide Banquets, with Joseph Bregion and Anne Miller. George Savage Fitz-Boodle, Esquire, to the Rev. Lionel Gaster." Fraser's Magazine, 32 (Nov.): 584-93. 1 (Sat)

"A Doe in the City." Signed "Frederick Haltamont de Montmorency." With a signed illustration. Punch, 9 (1 Nov.): 191.

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116

117

1

"Jeames on Time Bargings." With an illustration. Punch, 9 ( 1 Nov.): 195.

8

"Jeames's Diary." With an illustration. Punch, 9 (8 Nov.): 207-08.

15

"Jeames's Diary." With a signed illustration. Punch, 9 (15 Nov.): 210.

15

"Punch's Tribute to O'Connell." With an illustration. Punch, 9(15 Nov.): 215. [Spielmann 325]

22

"Jeames's Diary." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 9 (22 Nov.): 227.

28

Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "I thrive with the work thank God: and plunge about from one thing to another with an activity surprising in one of my age size and corpulence. The Chronicle articles are very well liked—they relieve the dullness of the estimable paper." He informs her that Isabella "is wonderfully well. . . . Mrs. Bakewell is to all seeming an excellent worthy woman. The difference in the poor little woman's appearance is remarkable now that she has some one to look after her and keep her clean. . . . My visits please her exceedingly. God bless her so I go almost every other day." Finally, he acknowledges that "My railroad matters are very bad: but I have bought the [recommended] share and am holding in hopes of better times. . . . But the till has been swept quite clean." [Ray 2: 216-17]

29

"Jeames's Diary." With two signed illustrations. Punch, 9 (29 Nov.): 233.

29

"Miss Malony and Father Luke." Signed "Biddy Malony." With an illustration. Punch, 9 (29 Nov.): 237. [Spielmann 325]

December "A Legend of the Rhine [Chap. XIII]." [With an illustration by Cruikshank.] George Cruikshank's Table-Book, No. 12 (Dec): 267-70.

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6 (Sat)

"Jeames's Diary." With two signed illustrations. Punch, 9 (6 Dec): 242-43.

13

"Jeames's Diary." With two signed illustrations. Punch, 9 (13 Dec): 251.

20

"John Jones's Remonstrance About the Buckingham Business." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 9 (20 Dec): 261. [Spielmann 325]

20

"The Old Duke." With an illustration. Punch, 9 (20 Dec): 263. [Spielmann 325]

22

Writing to Edward Chapman, Thackeray tells him of the accompanying "dedication & preface & title to the Cornhill & Cairo." [Ray 2: 219]

25

"Christmas Books.—No. 1." The Morning Chronicle, 25 Dec, pp. 5-6.] ["Chronicle"]

26

"Christmas Books.—No. 2." The Morning Chronicle, 26 Dec, p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

27

"Jeames's Diary." With two signed illustrations. Punch, 10 (27 Dec): 10-11.

30

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that a house he was seeking to rent "has slipped through my fingers and all I have got is 2 servants to keep & nothing for them to do. A place however I will have and I'll have it big enough for every one of you." [Ray 2: 221]

30

Writing to his daughter, Anne, Thackeray tells her that he shall see her "before very long, I hope in a week from this day" at Paris, and says: "On Christmas day I dined with Mamma and she was very well and happy, only she grew very grave when we talked about you; and there were tears in her eyes the meaning of which I knew quite well." [Ray 2: 222-23]

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"About a Christmas Book. In a Letter from Michael Angelo Titmarsh to Oliver Yorke, Esq." Fraser's Magazine, 32 (Dec): 744-48.

1811-63 31

119

"Christmas Books.—No. III." The Morning Chronicle, 31 Dec, p. 5. ["Chronicle"] 1846 "Ronsard to His Mistress." Signed "Michael Angelo Titmarsh." Fraser's Magazine, 33 (Jan.): 120. Writing to his step-father, Thackeray explains that he lost the house, which was in Chester St., because his bankers doubted his solvency. Mentioning that he owes a debt of £200 in addition to the remaining £450 of the £500 that Charles and Mary Carmichael had lent him in August 1841, he expresses, with an understandable qualification, his hope to pay the two debts within three years: "My position is now to all appearances so good, that I may calculate on laying by at least 500 next year." In addition, he alludes to Vanity Fair: "I am engaged to write a monthly story at 60£ a number—I have besides 700£ between Punch & the Chronicle," but these calculations soon subside, though he claims "there will be enough and to spare." [Ray 2: 225]

3 (Sat)

"Jeames's Diary." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 10 (3 Jan.): 13.

10

"Extract of a Letter on the Late Crisis." Signed "T. B. MacPunch." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 10 (10 Jan.): 23. [Spielmann 325]

10

"Jeames's Diary." With two illustrations. Punch, 10 (10 Jan.): 30-31.

17

"Jeames's Diary." With two illustrations. Punch, 10 (17 Jan.): 35.

17

Signed illustration to "The Two Incapables." Punch, 10 (17 Jan.): 41.

17

Publication is announced by Chapman and Hall of Notes of a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo, with

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January

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

31

"Jeames's Diary." With an illustration. Punch, 10 (31 Jan.): 54-55.

31

"Promotion for Brougham." Punch, 10 (31 Jan.): 61. [Spielmann 325]

February 7 (Sat) "Jeames's Diary." With a signed illustration. Punch, 10 (7 Feb.): 72-73. 10

Writing to Peter Purcell, Thackeray acknowledges having "lost 500 by the infamous railroads on particularly fine 'information.'" [Harden 1: 166]

16

Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "The book is not only praised but also sells very well. They have already got rid of 1000 more than the Irish book sold altogether.... I am making a failure at the Chronicle all my articles miss fire: except the literary ones. I shall be kicked out at the end of the year." For the first time he speaks of the possibility of a reprint "let us offer up prayers for a second edition." He also tells of having "been house-hunting like a maniac." [Ray 2: 229-30]

28

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Prefatory Remarks." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 10 (28 Feb.): 101.

March "A Brother of the Press on the History of a Literary Man, Laman Blanchard, and the Chances of the Literary Profession. In a Letter to the Reverend Francis Sylvester at Rome, from Michael Angelo Titmarsh, Esq." Fraser's Magazine, 33 (Mar.): 332-42. 6 (Fri)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray speaks of his continuing dissatisfaction with writing for The Morning Chronicle, and says that he and they "must part or I must cut down half the salary. They are most provokingly friendly all the time, and insist that I

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illustrations, and with a dedication dated 24 December 1845 to Captain Daniel Lewis, of the Iberia.

121

should neither resign nor disgorge—but how can one but act honorably by people who are so good-natured?" Except for two articles in March 1848, the last of his contributions appeared on 5 October. He also expresses his attraction to Jane Brookfield: "Mrs. Brookfield is my beau-ideal. I have been in love with her these four years—not so as to endanger peace or appetite but she always seems to me to speak and do and think as a woman should." In addition, he mentions having seen Lord Fitzroy Somerset "absolutely crying. He had just quarreled with his son about a marriage before receiving the news of the poor fellow's death" in battle at Ferozeshah in Indiar-a possible suggestion for the quarrel between Osborne and his son shortly before George's death at Waterloo. [Ray 2: 231-32] 7

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter I.—The Snob Socially Considered." With an illustration. Punch, 10 (7 Mar.): 111-12.

14

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. II.—The Snob Royal." With an illustration. Punch, 10 (14 Mar.): 115.

14

"Titmarsh v. Tait." Signed "Michael-Angelo Titmarsh." With an illustration. Punch, 10 (14 Mar.): 124.

16

"Carus's Travels in England." The Morning Chronicle, 16 Mar., p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

21

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter III.—The Influence of the Aristocracy on Snobs." With two illustrations. Punch, 10 (21 Mar.): 125-26.

23

"[Burton's] Life and Correspondence of David Hume." The Morning Chronicle, 23 Mar., p. 6. [Ray 2: 234]

28

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter IV. The Court Circular,' and Its Influence on Snobs." With two illustrations. Punch, 10 (28 Mar.): 137-38.

28

Signed illustration to "Naval Operations." Punch, 10 (28 Mar.): 145.

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4 (Sat)

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. V.—What Snobs Admire." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 10 (4 Apr.): 147.

6

"Travels in the Punjab. By Mohan Lai, Esq." The Morning Chronicle, 6 Apr., p. 6. ["Chronicle"]

11

"The Novitiate; or, a Year among the English Jesuits. By Andrew Steinmetz." The Morning Chronicle, 11 Apr., p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

11

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter VI.—OnSome Respectable Snobs." With an illustration. Punch, 10 (11 Apr.): 157-58.

18

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. VIL—On Some Respectable Snobs." With a signed illustration. Punch, 10 (18 Apr.): 167.

18

"The Irish Curfew Bill." Punch, 10 (18 Apr.): 174. [Spielmann 326]

21

"(Bulwer-Lytton's) The New Timon." Chronicle, 21 Apr., p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

25

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter VIII.—Great City Snobs." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 10 (25 Apr.): 177-78.

27

"The Exhibitions of the Societies of Water Colour Painters." The Morning Chronicle, 27 Apr., p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

May 2 (Sat)

The Morning

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. IX.—On Some Military Snobs." With an illustration. Punch, 10 (2 May): 197.

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"On Some Illustrated Children's Books. By Michael Angelo Titmarsh." Fraser's Magazine, 33 (Apr.): 495-502.

123

4

"Sketches of English Character. By Mrs. Gore." The Morning Chronicle, 4 May, p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

5

"The Exhibition of the Royal Academy." The Morning Chronicle, 5 May, p. 6. ["Chronicle"]

7

"The Exhibition of the Royal Academy. (Second Notice.)" The Morning Chronicle, 7 May, p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

9

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter X.—Military Snobs." With two illustrations. Punch, 10 (9 May): 207.

9

"Royal Academy." Signed "Modest Merit." With six illustrations, two signed. Punch, 10 (9 May): 214. [Spielmann 326]

11

"Royal Academy. (Third Notice.)" Chronicle, 11 May, p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

16

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. XI.—On Clerical Snobs." With an illustration. Punch, 10 (16 May): 217.

16

"Jeames on the Gauge Question." With an illustration. Punch, 10 (16 May): 223.

23

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XII.—On Clerical Snobs and Snobbishness." With an illustration. Punch, 10 (23 May): 227-28.

30

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. XIII.—On Clerical Snobs." With an illustration accompanied by letterpress. Punch, 10 (30 May): 23839.

The

Morning

June Leaving 88 St. James's Street, Thackeray makes his home at 13 Young Street, Kensington, which is large enough for his entire family, and where he resides for eight years.

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

6 (Sat)

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XIV.—On University Snobs." With two signed illustrations. Punch, 10 (6 June): 250-51.

13

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. XV.—On University Snobs." With a signed illustration. Punch, 10 (13 June): 261.

13

"Mr. Jeames Again." With a signed illustration. Punch, 10 (13 June): 267.

19

"Haydon's Lectures on Painting and Design." The Morning Chronicle, 19 June, p. 6. ["Chronicle"]

20

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XVI.—On Literary Snobs." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 10 (20 June): 271.

26

Repeal of the Corn laws.

27

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. XVIL—On Literary Snobs. In a Letter from 'One of Themselves' to Mr. Smith, the celebrated Penny-aLiner." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 10 (27 June): 281.

July 2 (Thu)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray describes his Young St house as having "2 capital bed-rooms & a little sitting room for you & GP—a famous bed room for G. M. on the first floor—2 rooms for the children on second very airy & comfortable; a couple of rooms big enough for Servants, & 2 little ones quite large enough for me— There's a good study for me down stairs & a dining room & drawing room, and a little court yard or garden and a little green house: and Kensington Gardens at the gate, and omnibuses every 2 minutes[.] What can mortal want more?—If I ask my friends I can ask them to my own quarters—We may all be independent & together. . . . 500£ a year will go a very great way to keep it: I'm sure. . . . I ask . . . that the Experiment should be tried. . . . I find the greatest comfort and enjoyment in the quiet of this place after the racket of St. James's St." In a similar mood, he speaks of

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125

Writing to his sister-in-law, Jane Shawe, Thackeray tells her he has taken a house, "but I cannot get Major Smyth to come to England." Accordingly, "I am childsick, and when I see in Kensington Gardens or my friends' houses a pair of little girls at all resembling my own, become quite maudlin over them." Speaking of his work, he comments: "In my trade I am getting on very well: and doing everything but saving money." [Ray 2: 240-41] 4

"Alexis Soyer, The Gastronomic Regenerator." Morning Chronicle, 4 July, p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

4

"A New Naval Drama." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 11 (4 July): 2. [Spielmann 326]

4

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XVIIL—On Some Political Snobs." Punch, 11 (4 July): 4.

4

"Black Monday." Punch, 11 (4 July): 12. [Spielmann 326]

4

"Signs of the Times." Punch, 11 (4 July): 12. [Spielmann 3 26]

11

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. XIX.—On Whig Snobs." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 11 (11 July): 19.

18

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XX. On Conservative or Country-Party Snobs." With two illustrations. Punch, 11 (18 July): 23.

18

Writing to his mother on his thirty-fifth birthday, Thackeray says: "Sackcloth and ashes would be the best wear for this kind of holiday and all sorts of sorrow and humiliation for sins follies shortcomings.— money and talents wasted and the long chapter of faults and errors... Well, I am thankful though for the blessing of my dearest old Mother's affection: & that my children should have found parents when God

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The

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intending "to quit the Chronicle very likely but if I do it will be for something better." [Ray 2: 238-40]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

25

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. XXI.—Are There Any Whig Snobs?" With an illustration. Punch, 11 (25 July): 39.

25

Writing to Jane Carlyle about possible governesses for his daughters when they come to England, Thackeray pleads: "For God's sake stop Mile. Boelte. I have governidges calling at all hours with High Dutch accents and reams of testimonials. One to day, one yesterday & a letter . . . the day before, and on going to dine at Punch by Heavens there was a letter from a German lady on my plate. And I don't want a Gerwoman; and all our plans are uncertain." [Harden 1: 175]

August "Proposals for a Continuation of Ivanhoe, In a Letter to Monsieur Alexandre Dumas, by Monsieur Michael Angelo Titmarsh. [Vol. I]." Fraser's Magazine, 34 (Aug.): 237-45. 1 (Sat)

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXII.—On the Snob Civilian." Punch, 11(1 Aug.): 43.

1

"One 'Who can Administer to a Mind Diseased.'" [A signed drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 1 1 ( 1 Aug.): 50. [Spielmann 327]

1

"May Difference of Opinion Never Alter Friendship!" [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 11(1 Aug.): 52. [Spielmann 327]

6

Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "I am beginning to count the days now till you come: and have got the rooms ready in the rough." He hopes for "800£ a y e a r . . . till the novel begins—and there's not much to be saved out of that. . . . All the London gaieties are over. I've dined 3 days running at my own expense strange to say, and enjoyed that relaxation amazingly." [Ray 2: 243-44]

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deprived them of their own. . . . My house is very comfortable and I like the quiet and the walk into town and the homely air it has." [Ray 2: 242]

127

8

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chap. XXIII.—On Radical Snobs." With an illustration. Punch, 11 (8 Aug.): 59.

8

Signed illustration to "White-bait Dinner to Sir Robert Peel." Punch, 11 (8 Aug.): 61.

15

Writing in his diary, Thackeray records a return from a wild water excursion with many drunken Punch colleagues on Saturday the 15th: "many instances of Bacchic fury occurred. Young Bradbury was rolling about on the box of the fly, so helplessly bespattering himself—Evans by his side—but only cheerfully drunk. I took home Leigh who had been utterly stupid & speechless for several hours past, & had to conduct him 4 miles nearly beyond my own door to Bedford St." [Ray 2: 247]

15

"A Tea-Table Tragedy." [A signed drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 11 (15 Aug.): 63.

15

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXIV—A Little More About Irish Snobs." Punch, 11 (15 Aug.): 63.

15

"The Meeting between the Sultan and Mehemet Ali." With an illustration. Punch, 11 (15 Aug.): 72. [Spielmann 3 2 7]

15

"The Heavies. Captain Ragg and Cornet Famish." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 11 (15 Aug.): 72. [Spielmann 327]

20

"Moore's History of Ireland; from the earliest Kings of that Realm down to its last Chief." The Morning Chronicle, 20 Aug., p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

22

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXV.—Party-Giving Snobs." With a signed illustration. Punch, 11 (22 Aug.): 81-82.

22

"The Speaking Machine." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 11 (22 Aug.): 83. [Spielmann 327]

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"(Cooper's) Ravensnest; or the Red Skins. By the Author of 'The Pilot,' &c" The Morning Chronicle, 27 Aug., p. 6. ["Chronicle"]

29

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXVI.—Dining-out Snobs." With a signed illustration. Punch, 11 (29 Aug.): 91-92.

29

"Half an Hour Before Dinner. Niminy and Piminy Staring at the Ladies Seated in a Circle in the Drawingroom." [A signed drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 11 (29 Aug.): 92.

September "Proposals for a Continuation of Ivanhoe. In a Letter to Monsieur Alexandre Dumas, by Monsieur Michael Angelo Titmarsh. Vols. II. and III." Fraser's Magazine, 34 (Sept.): 359-67. 1 (Tue)

"(Lane's) Life at the Water Cure." Chronicle, 1 Sept, p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

The Morning

5

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXVIL—Dinner-Giving Snobs Further Considered." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 11 (5 Sept): 95-96.

5

"The Heavies. Captain Rag Dictating to Cornet Famish." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 11 (5 Sept): 103. [Spielmann 327]

5

Publication of Notes of a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo in a new and cheaper edition is announced by Chapman and Hall. Its postscript is dated 1 August

5

Publication of The Irish Sketch Book in two volumes in a "new edition" [probably a reissue] is announced by Chapman and Hall.

9

Writing to a friend, William Darley, who is seeking information for a biographical account of Carlyle, Thackeray speaks of having tried to contact Carlyle, but having found that he is out of town. Accordingly,

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Thackeray provides a brief summary of Carlyle's publications and then offers his own testimony of the man: "He lives very humbly & reputably in Chelsea: where a little court of admirers assemble pretty frequently round him. There in his study or on a barrel in his garden smoking tobacco wh. he imports from Scotland, he delights his audience by conversing on history on earnestness of purpose on canning kenning or koning on the general imbecillity of the world and the especial folly & ignorance of most authors—he designates such as dreary phantoms, carrion, burst bladders drivelling dancing-masters and by similar polite epithets. But deficient perhaps in charity his conversation is by no means so in brilliancy—and his life is an honest rugged upright life, such as is led by few literary men. . . . [A]s soon as the Carlyles return I will ask . . . more regarding this odd rugged brave prejudiced but great man." [Harden 1:177] "The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXVIII.—Some Continental Snobs." With an illustration. Punch, 11 (12 Sept.): 105-06. Writing to the wood-engraver and publisher, Henry Vizetelly, regarding the work of an employee who was working on the illustrations to Mrs. Perkins's Ball, Thackeray says: "I return the drawings after making a few alterations in them. Present Mr. Titmarsh's compliments to your talented young man, and say M. A. T. would take it as a favour if he would kindly confine his improvements to the Mulligans' and Mrs. Perkins's other guests' extremities. In your young gentleman's otherwise praiseworthy corrections of my vile drawing, a certain je ne sais quoi, which I flatter myself exists in the original sketches, seems to have given him the slip, and I have tried in vain to recapture it. Somehow I prefer my own Nuremburg dolls to Mr. Thwaits's super-fine wax models." [Ray 2: 249] "The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXIX.—Continental Snobbery Continued." With three illustrations. Punch, 11 (19 Sept): 115.

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"What's Come to the Clubs?" Signed "Alured Mogyns de Mogyns." With three illustrations. Punch, 11 (19 Sept): 123. [Spielmann 327]

21

"The Poetical Works of Horace Smith." Chronicle, 21 Sept., p. 6. [Ray 2: 249]

21

Writing to Horace Smith, Thackeray acknowledges having written the Morning Chronicle review of Smith's Poetical Works, and says: "The best of your poems instead of making me laugh had the other effect, & the notice is written in the dolorous strain. Do you consider this an insult? All the best comic stuff so affects me, Sancho, Falstaff even. Fielding in Amelia &c" He also recalls "reading some of the verses in 'Gaieties & Gravities' eighteen years ago: and in imitation of them and after the manner of the Greeks began a classical drama 'Ariadne in Naxos', wh. would do for Punch if I could find it" [Harden 1: 178]. Thackeray evidently did not find it, but he had Pendennis allude to a favorite youthful poem of his own with the same title, thereby provoking Warrington's satirical laughter. [Works 12: 395]

25

"Diary and Letters of Madame d'Arblay." The Morning Chronicle, 25 Sept, p. 6. ["Chronicle"]

26

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXX.—English Snobs on the Continent." With an illustration. Punch, 11 (26 Sept.): 125.

26

Signed illustration to "Matrimonial Dictionary." Punch, 11 (26 Sept): 135.

The Morning

October 1 (Thu)-3 Writing to Sir James Emerson Tennent, Thackeray, after expressing regret that Peel is "such a dem Humbug," tells of having gotten "a capital big house at Kensington for 65£ and my mother & children with me. . . . —I am doing well, but lost 500£ in the sanguinary railroads and have not paid all off yet. But there is good income being made—£12 or 1500 next year I should think or perhaps more." Looking back on his almost concluded association with The Morning

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Chronicle, he says: ""I never have been able to get within the guard of the Chronicle—they don't bring me into their confidence." In speaking of numerous friends he says, "Forster is the greatest man I know. Great and Beneficent like a Superior Power—He is the Chief of the Daily News and conducts it with great ability I think. . . . He is omniscient and works miracles. . . . We are going to have him in a statue at Madame Tussauds." Speaking of himself, he says: "I am I believe a small lion now." [Ray 2: 251-53] 3

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXXI.—On Some Country Snobs." With a signed illustration. Punch, 11 (3 Oct): 141.

3

Supporting a younger writer, as was his wont, Thackeray writes to George Nickisson, of Fraser's Magazine, asking him to "pay a special attention to the accompanying paper by young Patmore the poet—he is himself a most deserving and clever young fellow who will be a genius some day; and his paper is so odd, humourous and amusing that I hope you will secure it and its author as a future contributor." [Ray 2: 254]

5

"Royal Palaces. F. W. Trench." The Morning Chronicle, 5 Oct, p. 5. ["Chronicle"]

10

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXXII.—A Visit to Some Country Snobs." With a signed illustration. Punch, 11 (10 Oct.): 148-49.

17

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXXIII.—On Some Country Snobs." With three illustrations, one signed. Punch, 11 (17 Oct.): 157-58.

24

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXXIV.—A Visit to Some Country Snobs." With an illustration. Punch, 11 (24 Oct): 167.

24

Signed illustration to "A Perilous Precedent." Punch, I I (24 Oct): 169.

24

"The Household Brigade." With three illustrations. Punch, 11 (24 Oct.): 174. [Spielmann 328]

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"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXXV.—On Some Country Snobs." With am illustration. Punch, 11 (31 Oct.): 177-78.

31

"A Scene in St James's Park." [A signed drawing.] Punch, 11 (31 Oct): 180.

November 7 (Sat) "The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXXVI—A Visit to Some Country Snobs." With a signed illustration. Punch, 11 (7 Nov.): 187. 7

Signed illustration to "Tales for the Marines. Tale the Eighth." Punch, 11 (7 Nov.): 189.

7

Signed illustration to "Treatment of Pictures in the National Gallery." Punch, 11 (7 Nov.): 193.

14

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXXVII.—On Some Country Snobs." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 11 (14 Nov.): 197.

21

Signed illustration to "Good News for Anglers." Punch, 11(21 Nov.): 209.

21

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXXVIII.—A Visit to Some Country Snobs." With an illustration. Punch, 11 (21 Nov.): 215.

28

Signed illustration to "The Court Apollo." Punch, 11 (28 Nov.): 220.

28

"Kitchen Melodies.—Curry." With an illustration. Punch, 11 (28 Nov.): 221. [Spielmann 328]

28

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XXXIX.—Snobbium Gatherum." With a signed illustration. Punch, 11 (28 Nov.): 225-26.

December 4 (Fri) Writing to his mother, Thackeray tries to console her about his having his daughters in London instead of with her in Paris: "Now they are with me I am getting so fond of them that I can understand the pangs of the

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dear old mother who loses them: and who by instinct is 100 times fonder of them than ever a man could be. But . . . [t]here can't be two first principles in a house. We should secretly be jealous of one another: or I should resign the parental place altogether to you, and be a bachelor still. Whereas now God Almighty grant I may be a father to my children. Continual thoughts of them chase I don't know how many wickednesses out of my mind: Their society makes many of my old amusements seem trivial & shameful. . . . I write so far to give my dearest old Mother a consolation in her bereavement. Remember the children are in their natural place." [Ray 2: 255-56] 5

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XL.—Snobs and Marriage." With two illustrations. Punch, 11 (5 Dec): 229.

12

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XU.—Snobs and Marriage." Punch, 11 (12 Dec): 24748. Mrs. Perkins's Ball, by "M. A. Titmarsh," with an illustrated frontispiece and title page, and 20 other illustrations, is published by Chapman and Hall.

19

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XLIL—Snobs and Marriage." With an illustration. Punch, 11 (19 Dec): 251-52. "An Eastern Adventure of the Fat Contributor." [With an illustration by John Leech.] Punch's Pocket Book for 1847. London: Punch, [1846], pp. 148-56.

22

Writing to John Forster, Thackeray thanks him for his review of Mrs. Perkins's Ball in the 19 December issue of The Examiner, and tells him: "She's doing very well as you will be glad to hear." [Harden 1: 182]

23

Writing to his mother, Thackeray wishes her a merry Christmas and says: "My prospects are very much improved and Vanity Fair may make me—The thought thereof makes me very humble & frightened: not elated. God Almighty keep me to my duty. . . . Mrs.

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"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XLJII.—Snobs and Marriage." With a signed illustration. Punch, 11 (26 Dec): 261-62. *

26

Signed illustration to "Music in Ebony." Punch, 11 (26 Dec): 263. Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray offers a suggestion about the title page of Vanity Fair and tells them: "I should like some mention to be made of the novel without a hero." Having "corrected the last corrections," he says: "Amen & good luck to Vanity Fair—May the public relish it may the publishers profit may the author be always honest & kindhearted." [Harden 1: 181] 1847

January "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 1 [Chaps. I-IV]." With an illustrated title page and fourteen other illustrations. (Jam.), pp. 1-32. "A Grumble About The Christmas Books. By Michael Angelo Titmarsh." Fraser's Magazine, 35 (Jan.): 11126. 2 (Sat)

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XLIV.—Club Snobs." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 12 (2 Jan.): 7-8.

2

Writing to William Edmondstoune Aytoun, Thackeray asks for his assistance in securing work from Blackwood, saying: "if the world will once take to admiring Titmarsh all his guineas will be multiplied by 10, Guineas are good—I have got children—only 10 years more to the fore say, &c, [']now is the time my

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Perkins is a great success—the greatest I have had— very nearly as great as Dickens. [T]hat is Perkins 500 Dickens 25000 only that difference! but we are selling out our edition very fast near 1500 are gone out of 2000 already—and this is a great success for the likes of me." [Ray 2: 257-58]

135

lad to make your A when the sun at length has begun to shine."' He then asks: "Why won't Blackwood give me an article? Because he refused the best story I ever wrote? ["The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond"]—Colburn refused this present 'Novel without a Hero'— . . . I am going to meet the Times at supper to night, and intend to put the matters solemnly to them also. And if I can but save a little money: by the Lord I'll try & keep it.. . . Heaven bless . . . the best friends I have these hard times." Mentioning a negative review of Dickens's Christmas book, The Battle of Life, he says "I love Pickwick and Crummies too well to abuse this great man." Finally he speaks of Hans Christian Andersen: "I am wild about him having only just discovered that delightful delicate fanciful creature." [Harden 1: 186-88] 5

Writing to Caroline Norton, Thackeray reports that he is "no longer a writer in the Chronicle but author on my own account" [Ray 2: 264]

9

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XLV.—Club Snobs." With three illustrations. Punch, 12 (9 Jan.): 11-12.

9

"The Mahogany Tree." [With an illustration by Richard Doyle.] Punch, 12 (9 Jan.): 13.

11

Writing again to Aytoun, Thackeray has further thoughts about his previous request "Puffs are good and the testimony of good men. But I don't think these will make a success for a man, and he ought to stand as the public chooses to put him. . . . So let all puffings alone: though, as you know, I am glad if I can have & deserve your private good opinion." Finally, he reports that "the publishers are quite in good spirits regarding [Vanity Fair]." [Harden 1: 189]

16

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XLVL—Club Snobs." With two illustrations. Punch, 12 (16 Jan.): 23-24.

16

A "Second Edition" [actually a second printing] of Mrs. Perkins's Ball is announced by Chapman and Hall.

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23

Signed illustration to "Piratical Expeditions." Punch, 12 (23 Jan.): 34.

23

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XLVII. Club Snobs." With an illustration. Punch, 12 (23 Jan.): 34-35.

25

A memorandum of agreement signed on this date between Thackeray and Bradbury and Evans for Vanity Fair provides that Thackeray shall undertake "to furnish by the 15th of every month sufficient matter for at least Two printed Sheets with two Etchings on Steel, and as many drawings on Wood as may be thought necessary." Upon the publication of each monthly number, Thackeray and the publishers shall each receive £60, and further profits shall be equally divided, as shall copyright ownership. [Ray 5: 433-34]

27

Writing to Albany Fonblanque, Thackeray regretfully declines an invitation to a dinner at which Bulwer will be one of the guests: "I am going to do a series of novels by the most popular authors for Punch and Bulwer's is actually done, the blocks designed and the Story in progress it is George Barnwell He will quote Plato speak in Big Phrases, . . . &c—numbers of others are to follow Cooper, James, Dickens, Lever &c but they will all be good natured—and I cant: afford to give up my plan. It is my bread indeed for the next year. I am bound to tell you this . . . lest . . . after having had my legs sub iisdem trabibus [under the same table] with Bulwer I shd. seem to betray him—I can't leave him out of the caricatures—all that I promise is to be friendly and meek." Only Dickens was not included among "Punch's Prize Novelists. [Ray 2: 270-71]

30

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XLVIII.—Club Snobs." With three illustrations. Punch, 12 (30 Jan.): 43-44.

30

Signed illustration to "The Value of Health at Liverpool." Punch, 12 (30 Jan.): 44.

30

Signed illustration to "New Grand Junction Line." Punch, 12 (30 Jan.): 46.

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February

Number 5 (Chapters XIV-XVI) of Dickens's Dombeyand Son prompts Thackeray's enthusiastic response, as George Hodder recalled years laten "Putting No. 5 of 'Dombey and Son' in his pocket, he hastened down to Mr. Punch's printing-office, and entering the editor's room . . . he dashed it on to the table with startling vehemence, and exclaimed, 'There's no writing against such power as this—one has no chance! Read that chapter describing young Paul's death: it is unsurpassed—it is stupendous!'" [Hodder 277; Ray 2: 266-67] 3 (Wed)

Writing to the Rev. W. H. Brookfield in Southampton from a railway train returning to London, Thackeray apologizes for his outburst of praise regarding Brookfield's wife the day before, while he was under the influence of ether, probably administered by Dr. William Bullar, her physician, who was experimenting with it as a medicine for her [Ray 2: 479]. Responding to some evidently angry "words [Brookfield had] let drop" that morning about Thackeray's behavior, he explains that "Her innocence, looks, angelical sweetness & kindness charm and ravish me to the highest degree: and every now & then in contemplating them I burst out into uncouth raptures. They are not the least dangerous—it is a sort of artistical delight (a spiritual sensuality so to speak)—other beautiful objects in Nature so affect me, children, landscapes, harmonies of colour, music, &c—Little Minnie & the Person most of all. . . . The misfortune is incautious speaking about her. Such a person ought not to be praised in public and in my fits of enthusiasm I can not refrain. I shall try & correct this, & beg your pardon for it." [Harden 1: 192]

6

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter XUX.—Club Snobs." With a signed illustration. Punch, 12 (6 Feb.): 53.

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"Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 2 [Chaps. V-VII]." With an illustrated title page and seventeen other illustrations. (Feb.), pp. 3364.

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

6

"Horrid Tragedy in Private Life!" [A signed drawing.] Punch, 12 (6 Feb.): 59.

6

Two illustrations, one signed, to "Union is Strength." Punch, 12 (6 Feb.): 61.

13

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter L—Club Snobs," With an illustration. Punch, 12 (13 Feb.): 72-73.

18

Writing to another old Cambridge friend, the Rev. John Allen, who has expressed reservations about Brookfield's suitability to be an Inspector of Schools, for which he has just submitted an application, Thackeray says: "Perhaps I am not a fair man to judge of him: for I have received from him the greatest obligations and benefits: and have for him and his wife (who is a sort of angel in my eyes) the most cordial & tender feelings. . . . I have been constantly with him for hours during the last 2 years. . . . I am grateful for his friendship, as one of the greatest benefits ever awarded to me. . . . The good he has done me, there is no need to brag about—I dont mean the 100£ wh. he brought me last year when I was in a strait through some railway folly—but of another sort— . . . Brookfield has converted Punch!.. . Two years ago I used only to make a passive opposition agst the Anti-church and Bishop sneers—last year I made an active one (Jerrold & I had a sort of war & I came off conquerer) and it was through his influence." Thackeray's active opposition took oral form during the Punch dinner table conversations, but also expressed itself in his first Snob paper, "On Clerical Snobs,," which had appeared in the 16 May 1846 issue of Punch. [Ray 2: 274-75].

20

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter LI.—Club Snobs." With two signed illustrations. Punch, 12 (20 Feb.): 81-82.

24

Writing to the editor of Punch, Mark Lemon, Thackeray elaborates upon the paragraph he had written as a conclusion to the final Snob paper, which was to appear on 27 February: "What I mean applies to my

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own case & that of all of us—who set up as SatiricalMoralists—and having such a vast multitude of readers whom we not only amuse but teach. And indeed, a solemn prayer to God Almighty was in my thoughts that we may never forget truth & Justice and kindness as the great ends of our profession. There's something of the same strain in Vanity Fair" [alluding to the end of Chapter VIII]. He continues: "A few years ago I should have sneered at the idea of setting up as a teacher at all, and perhaps at this pompous and pious way of talking about a few papers of jokes in Punch— but I have got to believe in the business, and in many other things since then. And our profession seems to me to be as serious as the Parson's own." [Ray 2: 282] 27

"The Snobs of England. By One of Themselves. Chapter Last." With an illustration. Punch, 12 (27 Feb.): 8586.

March "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 3 [Chaps. VIII-XI]." With an illustrated title page and ten other illustrations. (Mar.), pp. 6596. 1 (Mon)

Writing to George Nickisson regarding Peter Cunningham's "Chronicles of Charter House," which had appeared in the March issue of Fraser's Magazine, Thackeray expresses gratitude for Cunningham's kind reference to him as an ornament of the school who has recently received due recognition of his talents. Acknowledging that he was "a very bad scholar," and still "bitterly regrets" having been sent there, Thackeray says: "I think the chief good I got out of Charterhouse was to learn to hate bullying & tyranny and to love kind hearted simple children. And I hope my own get the benefit of that sad experience I had there, and so escape rough words & brutal treatment." [Harden 1: 194]

6

"Love Songs Made Easy. What Makes My Heart to Thrill and Glow? Song by Fitzroy Clarence." With an Introduction and an illustration. Punch, 12 (6 Mar.): 101.

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"Mr. Jeames's Sentiments on the Cambridge Election." Signed "Jeames de la Pluche." Punch, 12 (6 Mar.): 102.

6

Signed illustration to "'The Least Said, the Soonest Mended.'" Punch, 12 (6 Mar.): 104.

13

"The Cambridge Address to Prince Albert." With an illustration. Punch, 12 (13 Mar.): 106. [Spielmann 329]

13

"Literature at a Stand." [A signed drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 12 (13 Mar.): 113.

13

Signed illustration to "Revolution at Munich.—Beauty's Bull-dog." Punch, 12 (13 Mar.): 114.

16

Writing to his mother, Thackeray recalls the death of his daughter in 1839: "Last Sunday was March 14—my dear little Jane died on that day—Annie and I went to church in the morning." More immediately, he tells of being "in treaty for a Paragon-Governess to all accounts—a Miss Drury—clergyman's daughter—all her relations gentlefolks—a miracle of sweet temper & gentleness and beloved by every body—not pretty & 27." [Ray 2: 286-87]

27

"Love Songs by the Fat Contributor. The Domestic Love Song. Ye Cane-bottomed Chair." With an Introduction and two illustrations. Punch, 12 (27 Mar.): 125. "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 4 [Chaps. XII-XIV]." With an illustrated title page and ten other illustrations. (Apr.), pp. 97128.

3 (Sat)

"Punch's Prize Novelists. [With an Introduction.] George de Barnwell. [By] E. L B. L B. B. L L. B. B. B. L. L. L." With a signed illustration. Punch, 12 (3 Apr.): 136-37.

6

Writing to his mother, Thackeray comments on the physical weakness of Mrs. Butler ["G M"], who is staying with him and the girls: "She is very . . . feeble, and in my belief so near her last days." He also tells

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10

"Punch's Prize Novelists. George de Barnwell.—Vol. II. By Sir E. L B. L. B. B. L. L. B. B. B. L. L. L." With a signed illustration. Punch, 12 (10 Apr.): 146-47.

15

Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "I am in a state of distraction with No V—I lost a whole week last week with our domestic perplexities, doubts about G M, . . . &c—and must fly the house I see to get quiet." He also tells her that the governess is "just the thing—and I feel easy in my mind that I shan't fall in love with her." [Ray 2: 289]

17

"Punch's Prize Novelists. George de Barnwell.—Vol. III. By Sir E. L. B. L. B. B. L. L. B. B. B. L. L L." With a signed illustration. Punch, 12 (17 Apr.): 155.

24

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Codlingsby. By B. de Shrewsbury, Esq." With an illustration. Punch, 12 (24 Apr.): 166.

24

Signed illustration to "Peter the Putter-Down Preacheth a Newe Crusade." Punch, 12 (24 Apr.): 173.

May "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 5 [Chaps. XV-XVIII]." With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations. (May), pp. 12960. 1 (Sat)

Signed illustration to "English Tendencies." Punch, 12 (IMay): 186.

15

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Codlingsby. By B. de Shrewsbury." With an illustration. Punch, 12 (15 May): 198-99.

15

"A Disputed Genealogy." Signed "Brian Tuggles Tuggles." Punch, 12(15 May): 204-05. [Spielmann 329]

22

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Codlingsby." With an illustration. Punch, 12 (22 May): 213-14. 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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that Miss Drury has accepted employment and begun her duties. ." [Ray 2: 287-88]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

26

Thackeray attends a performance of Macready in King Lear, taking Anne "& Mrs. Brookfield and Eugenie [Crowe] and Miss Drury—we all found the play a bore and Annie shut her ears when old Lear began cursing his children." [Ray 2: 292]

29

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Codlingsby. By B. de Shrewsbury." With an illustration. Punch, 12 (29 May): 223.

29

Writing to Edward Chapman, Thackeray explains a new financial perplexity: "Coming home last night I found a lawyers letter from an Irish Railroad of wh. I've the good luck to be a registered proprietor, and of wh. the shares wh. I sold for some twopenny premium have been thrown back upon my hands. I have to pay 150£ between today & Monday." Therefore he asks: "Can I realize on the 2nd. Edition of Mrs. Perkins? I am horribly pressed or I should not think of dunning you; but please to consider the necessity of the case, & see what can be done for me." [Ray 2: 290]

29

Writing to his mother, Thackeray reports: "I have just got my months work done (all but one days work more and I ought to be about that now)—and with Tuesday the next month begins, & the next work &c—was ever such martyrdom! on the best of victuals to be sure. . . . You see I am always thinking about Vanity Fair." [Ray 2: 291]

June "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 6 [Chaps. XIX-XXH]." With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations. (June), pp. 161-92. 3 (Thu)

Writing to the publisher, John Murray, Thackeray requests a copy of George Robert Gleig's The Story of the Battle of Waterloo, which Murray has announced for publication on 18 June: "Three of the heroes of a story wh. I am writing are going to be present this very next month at the bade of Waterloo, whereof you announce a new history by Mr. Gleig." [Harden 1: 196]

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142

143

5

"Love-Songs of the Fat Contributor. The Ghazul, or Oriental Love-Song. The Rocks. The Merry Bard. The Caique." With two illustrations. Punch, 12 (5 June): 227.

11

Thackeray writes to Dickens seeking to end a controversy that had arisen when Tom Taylor told Thackeray that John Forster, to whom Dickens was closer than Thackeray, had called Thackeray "as false as hell," causing Thackeray to cut Forster socially. After further consideration, Thackeray writes: "Forster ought not to have used the words: Taylor ought not to have told them: and I ought not to have taken them up* And I for my part am sorry I did: and I beg you to use your good offices to prevent any breach between Forster & Taylor" [Ray 2: 295, 300]. Dickens helped to mollify Forster's feelings.

12

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Lords and Liveries. By the Authoress of 'Dukes and Dejeuners,' 'Hearts and Diamonds,' 'Marchionesses and Milliners,' etc., etc." With two illustrations. Punch, 12 (12 June): 237-38,

12

Signed illustration to "The Thames Derby." Punch, 12 (12 June): 240.

19

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Lords and Liveries. By the Authoress of 'Dukes and Dejeuners,' 'Hearts and Diamonds,' 'Marchionesses and Milliners,' etc., etc." With an illustration. Punch, 12 (19 June): 247.

21

Writing to his brother-in-law, Arthur Shawe, Thackeray reports that "Vanity Fair does decently well, but I've not paid my debts yet and here the 21 I've not sent a word in of No VII." [Ray 2: 305]

21

Dickens hosts a reconciliation dinner for Forster and Thackeray. [Ray 2: 304]

26

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Lords and Liveries. By the Authoress of 'Dukes and Dejeuners,' 'Hearts and Diamonds,' 'Marchionesses and Milliners,' etc., etc." With an illustration. Punch, 12 (26 June): 257-58.

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July

2 (Fri)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her of feeling recent personal hostility "in this wicked Vanity Fair, and my feet are perpetually in hot water," explaining that "Jerrold hates me, Ainsworth hates me, Dickens mistrusts me, Forster says I am false as hell, and Bulwer curses me—he is the only one who has any reason—yes the others have a good one too as times go. I was the most popular man in the craft until within abt. 12 months—and behold I've begun to succeed. It makes me very sad at heart though, this envy and meanness." Responding to his mother's comments on his novel, he says: "Of course you are quite right about Vanity Fair and Amelia being selfish—it is mentioned in this very number [Works 11: 293]. My object is not to make a perfect character or anything like i t Dont you see how odious all the people are in the book (with exception of Dobbin)—behind whom all there lies a dark moral I hope. What I want is to make a set of people living without God in the world (only that is a cant phrase) greedy pompous mean perfectly selfsatisfied for the most part and at ease about their superior virtue. Dobbin & poor Briggs are the only 2 people with real humility as yet. Amelia's is to come, when her scoundrel of a husband is well dead with a ball in his odious bowels; when she has had sufferings, a child, and a religion—But she has at present a quality above most people whizz: LOVE—by wh. she shall be saved. Save me, save me too O my God and Father, cleanse my heart and teach me my duty." Commenting on Mary Carmichael, he says: "She fancies herself endowed with every virtue. I sicken as I see her hand-writing." He also reports that "Miss Drury continues to be a very jolly honest young lady I think. . . . Towards the end of the month I get so nervous that I don't speak to anybody scarcely, and once actually got up in the middle of the night and came down & wrote in my night-shimee: but that don't happen often." [Ray 2: 308-11] 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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"Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 7 [Chaps. XXIII-XXV]." With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations. (July), pp. 193-224.

145

10

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Barbazure. By G. P. R. Jeames, Esq., etc." With an illustration. Punch, 13 (10 July): 2.

10

"Professor Byles's Opinion of the Westminster Hall Exhibition." Signed "Growley Byles." With six illustrations. Punch, 13 (10 July): 8-9. [Spielmann 330]

17

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Barbazure. By G. P. R. Jeames, Esq., etc." With two illustrations. Punch, 13 (17 July): 12-13.

24

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Barbazure. By G. P. R. Jeames, Esq., etc." With two illustrations. Punch, 13 (24 July): 21-22.

August "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 8 [Chaps. XXVI-XXIX]." With an illustrated title page and eleven other illustrations. (Aug.), pp. 225-56. 7 (Sat)

Signed illustration to "The Finsbury Letters. Out-ofTown Friends." Punch, 13(7 Aug.): 42.

7

Signed illustration to "A Song for Sibthorp." Punch, 13 (7 Aug.): 47.

7

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Phil. Fogarty—A Tale of the Fighting Onety-Oneth. By Harry Rollicker." With an illustration. Punch, 13 (7 Aug.): 49-50.

14

Signed illustration to "The House of Shakspeare and The House of Coburg." Punch, 13 (14 Aug.): 52.

14

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Phil. Fogarty—A Tale of the Fighting Onety-Oneth. By Harry Rollicker." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 13 (14 Aug.): 56-57.

21

Signed illustration to "Petty Bribery and Corruption." Punch, 13 (21 Aug.): 61.

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

21

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Phil. Fogarty—A Tale of the Fighting Onety-Oneth. By Harry Rollicker." With two illustrations. Punch, 13 (21 Aug.): 67-68. Writing to the Count d'Orsay after an absence from London, and thanking him for a gift, Thackeray tells of having just returned from "a small tour on the Rhine and in Belgium"—where he presumably visited Waterloo, about which he was writing in "No IX of Vanity Fair," which appeared at the end of August [Harden 1: 200]

28

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Crinoline. By Je-mes Pl-$h, Esq." With two Illustrations. Punch, 13 (28 Aug.): 7273.

September "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 9 [Chaps. XXX-XXXII]." With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations. (Sept.), pp. 257-88. 4 (Sat)

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Crinoline. By Je-mes Pl-sh, Esq." With two illustrations. Punch, 13 (4 Sept.): 8283.

11

"Punch's Prize Novelists. Crinoline. By Je-mes Pl-sh, Esq. Chap. Ill—The Castle of the Island of Fogo." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 13 (11 Sept): 9798.

18

"Punch to the Queen of Spain." [With an illustration by Richard Doyle.] Punch, 13 (18 Sept.): 101. [Spielmann 330]

25

"Punch's Prize Novelists. The Stars and Stripes. By the Author of 'The Last of the Mulligans,' 'Pilot,' &c." With an illustration. Punch, 13 (25 Sept.): 117-18.

October "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 10 [Chaps. XXXIII-XXXV]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (Oct), pp. 289-320.

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146

147

9 (Sat)

"Punch's Prize Novelists. The Stars and Stripes. By the Author of 'The Last of the Mulligans,' 'Pilot,' &c." With an illustration. Punch, 13 (9 Oct): 137.

9

Signed illustration to "Young Israel to Punch." Punch, 13 (9 Oct.): 140.

16

"Signs of a Move." Punch, 13 (16 Oct.): 143. [Spielmann 330]

16

"X. Y. Z." [With an illustration by Richard Doyle.] Punch, 13 (16 Oct): 147. [Spielmann 330]

16

"Caution to Tradesmen." Punch, 13 (16 Oct.): 150. [Spielmann 330]

21

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells of returning "from Brighton where I found kind friends fresh air and a little renovation of health & spirits." He also reports that "The last numbers of V F you'll like the best I think. It does everything but sell; and appears really immensely to increase my reputation if not my income." [Ray 2: 317-18]

23

"Brighton in 1847. By the F. C." With an illustration. Punch, 13 (23 Oct.): 153.

23

Writing to William Smith Williams, a literary assistant at Smith, Elder, and Co., which had just published Jane Eyre anonymously, he jokingly says: "I wish you had not sent me Jane Eyre. It interested me so much that I have lost (or won if you like) a whole day in reading it at the busiest period, with the printers I know waiting for copy. Who the author can be I can't guess—if a woman she knows her language better than most ladies do, or has had a 'classical' education. . . . It is a fine book though—the man & woman capital—the style very generous and upright so to speak. . . . The plot of the story is one with wh. I am familiar. Some of the love passages made me cry—to the astonishment of John who came in with the coals. St. John the Missionary is a failure I think but a good failure there are parts excellent I dont know why I tell you this but that I have been exceedingly moved &

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25

Writing to James Justinian Morier, Thackeray encloses a packet which he wants "to lay at Hajji Baba's feet," and says: "To day is my first free day," having "this minute done no XI of Vanity Fair." [Ray 2: 320-21]

30

"Brighton in 1847. By the F. C." With two illustrations. Punch, 13 (30 Oct.): 167-68.

30

"Oxford Public Oratory." Punch, 13 (30 Oct.): 170. [Spielmann 330]

November "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 11 [Chaps. XXXVI-XXXVIII]." With an illustrated title page and ten other illustrations. (Nov.), pp. 321-52. 1 (Mon)

Mrs. Butler dies in Paris [Ray 2: 323], leaving Thackeray sole executor. [Harden 1: 201] Writing to his mother without knowing of Mrs. Butler's death, Thackeray tells her of his affairs: he has "just engaged with a very nice plain kind-looking governess," a Miss Alexander, and has just bought a horse, which he rides "2 or 3 hours every day with great enjoyment to myself & good to my health." [Ray 2: 321-22] "The New Peers Spiritual." Punch, 13 (6 Nov.): 172. [Spielmann 330] "Latest from Mexico." Punch, 13 (6 Nov.): 179. [Spielmann 330]

15

Writing to his brother-in-law, Arthur Shawe, Thackeray tells him "I have had to send over 50£ for the old G Mother's funeral expenses &c—the poor old Governor at the other side of the water having no

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pleased by Jane Eyre. It is a womans writing, but whose? Give my respects and thanks to the author— whose novel is the first English one (& the French are only romances now) that I've been able to read for many a day." [Ray 2: 318-19]

1811-63

149

Writing to Edward Chapman, Thackeray says: "I wanted to call and pay back the 40£ you kindly advanced me—I have just been obliged to pay however that & more for the burial of my poor old GMother who died at Paris at the beginning of the month and by the time her estate repays me it will be too late to refund to you for Our Street will be ready I trust" He also advocates a price of 5 shillings for Our Street and "some little cuts introduced into the text as well." Our Street had fullpage illustrations but no small illustrations within the text except for an end-piece that concluded the chapter devoted to "The Bumpshers." It sold for 5s. with plain illustrations or 7s. 6d. with colored. [Harden 1: 201-02] 20

"Travels in London." Signed "Spec." With an illustration. Punch, 13 (20 Nov.): 193.

27

"Travels in London. The Curate's Walk." Signed "Spec." With two illustrations. Punch, 13 (27 Nov.); 201-02.

December "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 12 [Chaps. XXXIX-XLII]." With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations. (Dec), pp. 353-84. 4 (Sat)

"Travels in London. A Walk with the Curate." Signed "Spec." With two illustrations. Punch, 13 (4 Dec): 211-12.

11

"Travels in London. A Dinner in the City." Signed "Spec" With two illustrations. Punch, 13 (11 Dec): 223-224. "Punch and the Influenza." With four illustrations. Punch, 13 (18 Dec): 238. [Spielmann 330]

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money, & the bankers here refusing to advance even to bury her." He mentions that Isabella has recovered from an illness, and also says: "I have bought a hoss and ride in the Park with great elegance. Strange to say, not knowing a horse from a cow everybody says I have got a most wonderful bargain." [Ray 2: 324-25]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

20

Publication of Our Street, by "M. A. Titmarsh," with an illustrated frontispiece and title page, and 15 other illustrations, is announced by Chapman and Hall,

25

"Travels in London. A Dinner in the City." Signed "Spec." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 13 (25 Dec): 247-48.

28

Writing to Edward Chapman, Thackeray asks him to send "the remaining 60£ by the bearer if you please. Indeed I'm very sorry for everybody's delays and misfortunes." [Ray 2: 326]

28

Writing to a Major Compton, who has served in India, Thackeray asks him to read over the proofs of Chapter XLIII of Vanity Fair: "I have a chapter about Madras in V F and dont want to make any blunders." [Ray 2: 327}

29

Writing to Abraham Hayward, whose article, "Thackeray's Writings," had just appeared in The Edinburgh Review for January 1848, Thackeray tells him "My head is only this minute above water and out of the months whirlpool of work—1 thought 1 was going down in it once or twice and should never come up again and your article in the R. blazed out so cheerfully as to make me almost frantic. . . . I mean that after reading the Review the day before Xmas I got into such a panic lest I shouldn't finish my work that I didn't dare write and thank you, before the number was out. . . . Everybody is talking to me and congratulating me about it. I have met 2 fellows this day with E. R's under their arms, who came up and shook hands as if some great good luck had happened to me—And so it has." [Ray 2: 327-28] "The Anglers. By W. M. Thackeray, Esq." With an illustration. In Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap-Book. Ed. The Hon. Mrs. Norton. London: Fisher, 1847, pp. 3839. 1848

January "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 13 [Chaps. XLIII-XLVI]." With an

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150

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151

illustrated title page and nine other illustrations. (Jan.), pp. 385-416.

Writing to Leigh Hunt, Thackeray thanks him for a copy of Hunt's recently-published A Jar of Honey from MountHybla, lamenting that he has "not even tasted any of it; nor of Tennyson's Medley [The Princess]— having been so consumedly occupied with business, and with Jollification subsequently in these latter days[.] We have had supper parties singing parties dinner-parties headaches rather in the morning &c— but the week must not pass over without saying Hail to Leigh Hunt" [Ray 2: 332] Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her: "I am become a sort of great man in my way—all but at the top of the tree: indeed there if the truth were known and having a great fight up there with Dickens. I get such a deal of praise wherever I go that it is rather wearisome to hear. I don't think my head is a bit turned please God: for I've always got my own opinion, and when men and newspapers say Our Street is the finest &c I know a devilish deal better. . . . I have been idle and very much the better for it during all the week, having been awfully behindhand . . . with no XIII. The book doesn't pay yet with all its unquestionable success. . . . I always fall in love with Mrs. Brookfield when I see her—though I suspect she is rather too like Amelia: and there are 3 or 4 more very nice indeed—with whom that Adonis of a Titmarsh is very much smitten." [Ray 2: 333-35] "Travels in London. A Night's Pleasure." Signed "Spec" With two illustrations. Punch, 14 (8 Jan.): 11. "Travels in London. A Night's Pleasure." Signed "Spec." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (15 Jan.): 19. "Travels in London. A Night's Pleasure." Signed "Spec." With three illustrations. Punch, 14 (22 Jan.): 29-30.

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"Travels in London. A Dinner in the City." Signed "Spec." With an illustration. Punch, 13 (1 Jan.): 251.

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology Writing to William Smith Williams, whose firm, Smith, Elder, was just bringing out the second edition of Jane Eyre, which was dedicated to Thackeray, he thanks Williams for the three volumes and calls "Currer Bell's" dedication "the greatest compliment I have ever reed, in my life." His enclosed letter of thanks to Charlotte Bronte has apparently not survived. [Harden 1: 206]

26

Writing to a Miss Wedderburn, Thackeray mentions having done "2 or 3 drawings" for Richard Doyle's recently-published Selections from the Rejected Cartoons. [Ray 2:345]

28

Writing to Mark Lemon, Thackeray says: "I lost all yesterday owing to the headache after Dickens's ball. And yet I didn't debauch. Ask Leech whom I refused to join in an unholy project of topping up with segars and brandyanwater. i cant be ready till tomorrow at 12 though for I have the last 1/2 sheet of V. F to finish today." [Ray 2: 346]

29

"Travels in London. A Night's Pleasure." Signed "Spec." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (29 Jan.): 3536.

31

Writing to Mrs. Edward Marlborough FitzGerald, Thackeray postpones a visit to her, saying: "At the end of the month I always have a life-&-death struggle to get out my number of Vanity Fair—I am always engaged for a week before hand My life is passed in dining and pennyalining I have only 1 free day this week and that I must give to the children." [Ray 2: 346-47]

February "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 14 [Chaps. XLVII-L]." With an illustrated title page and ten other illustrations. (Feb.), pp. 41748. Writing to Leigh Hunt, Thackeray asks him: "I should like you to tell me if there isn't a little delicate fiddle-playing in the last chapter of the present No XIV." [Ray 2: 347]

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152

153

12 (Sat)

"Travels in London. A Night's Pleasure." Signed "Spec." With two illustrations, one signed. Punch, 14 (12 Feb.): 61-62.

18

Writing to Mark Lemon, Thackeray promises him "Mr. Punch for Repeal" on the following morning, and jokingly concludes: "I am by some accident a little in arrears with V. F." [Ray 2: 352]

19

"Travels in London. A Night's Pleasure." Signed "Spec." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (19 Feb.): 6566.

24

Louis Philippe abdicates as King of the French, and the Second Republic is proclaimed.

26

"Mr. Punch for Repeal." With two illustrations. Punch, 14 (26 Feb.): 81. [Spielmann 331]

March "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 15 [Chaps. LI-LIII]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Mar.), pp. 449-80. Writing after Thackeray's death, James Hannay recalls the ending of Chapter LIII: "When we congratulated him . . . on the touch in Vanity Fair in which Becky 'admires' her husband when he is giving Lord Steyne the chastisement which ruins her for life, 'Well,' he said,—'when I wrote the sentence, I slapped my fist on the table, and said 'that is a touch of genius!'" [Hannay 20-21] 6 (Mon)

Writing to the anonymous author (who turned out to be George Henry Lewes) of a sympathetic article on Thackeray's writings that had appeared in The Morning Chronicle of that date, Thackeray thanked him but felt that he had over-reacted in criticizing a passage in Chapter XLI of Vanity Fair where the narrator had commented on Becky's remarks about having £5,000 a year [Works 11: 532-33]: "That passage wh. you quote bears very hardly upon the poor alderman certainly: but I don't mean that the man

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology deprived of turtle would as a consequence steal bread: only that he in the possession of luxuries and riding through life respectably in a gig, should be very chary of despising poor Lazarus on foot, & look very humbly and leniently upon the faults of his less fortunate brethren—If Becky had had 5000 a year I have no doubt in my mind that she would have been respectable; increased her fortune advanced her family in the world: laid up treasures for herself in the shape of 3 per cents, social position, reputation
6

A riot takes place in Trafalgar Square as the result of a demonstration for the rights of labor and against the government

10

Writing to his mother in response to Parisian and London violence, Thackeray tells her that in spite of occasional riots, "We won't have an armied or violent revolution here, please God—and if we do every man of orderly feelings and peaceful notions in the country would be on the Govt side. Republicans and all. I am for a social republic not communism." Finally, he says: "I think the collision of poverty agst property is begun in France, but not here as yet" [Ray 2: 357]

11

"Travels in London. A Club in an Uproar." Signed "Spec." With two illustrations. Punch, 14 (11 Mar.): 95-96.

11

"Heroic Sacrifice." Punch, 14 (11 Mar.): 96. [Spielmann 331]

11

"What Has Happened to the Morning Chronicle?" Punch, 14 (11 Mar.): 100. [Spielmann 331]

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154

155

11

"The Worst Cut of All." Punch, 14 (11 Mar.): 100. [Spielmann 331]

11

"Old England for Ever!" Punch, 14 (11 Mar.): 105. [Spielmann 331]

13

A public demonstration of Chartists takes place on Kennington Common, at which Thackeray is present.

14

"Meeting on Kennington Common." The Morning Chronicle, 14 Mar., p. 7. [Ray 2: 364]

14

A public meeting of Chartists occurs in the Literary Institution, John Street, Tottenham Court Road, at which Thackeray is present

15

Thackeray records in his diary a story told him by Sir George Aston "of the first gentleman in Europe: when he was P. R and staying at Brighton Sir George Aston was on a visit at the Pavillion, and Gillrays Duke of Norfolk was invited from Arundel. A conspiracy was arranged to make the old nobleman drunk: the Duke of Clarence bustled round the table at each toast and saw that the butler filled every man's glass—The old Duke though infirm & aware of the plot laid agst him determined not to flinch and drank with the strongest and youngest there, seeing many under the table. At last the First Gentleman proposed bumpers of pale brandy wh. was brought in great glasses. Jocky of Norfolk stood up drank off his—and then called for his carriage and said he would go home to Arundel But by the time the chariot. . , arrived, the old man was quite drunk and tumbling about. When put into his carriage he . . . sank down from the cushions, still hicupping out that he would go home to Arundel[.] The greatest gentleman in Europe . . . bade the coachman drive for 1/2 an hour up & down the gravel walks, by wh. time Norfolk was perfectly done and was put to bed fancying that he was in his room at Arundel" [Ray 2: 363-64]. Thackeray later recounted the incident in his lecture on George IV [Works 13: 797-98].

15

"Chartist Meeting." The Morning Chronicle, 15 Mar., p. 7. [Ray 2: 365]

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18

"A Dream of the Future." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (18 Mar.): 107. [Spielmann 331]

25

"Travels in London. A Roundabout Ride." Signed "Spec." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (25 Mar.): 119.

25

"Mr. Smith and Moses." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (25 Mar.): 127. [Spielmann 331]

25

"The Ex-King at Madame Tussaud's." Punch, 14 (25 Mar.): 128. [Spielmann 331] "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 16 [Chaps. UV-LVl]." With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations. (Apr,), pp. 481-512.

1 (Sat)

"The Persecution of British Footmen. By Mr. Jeames." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (1 Apr.):: 131.

8

"The Persecution of British Footmen. By Mr. Jeames." With two Ulustrations. Punch, 14 (8 Apr.): 143-44.

14

Writing to John Forster regarding his just-published The Life and Adventures of Oliver Goldsmith, which Forster has given him, Thackeray says: "although 1 wanted to write a life of him myself (after Fielding which has long been a favourite biographical project of mine)—what cam I say, but that your book is delightful? I have read it with the greatest interest and pleasure, got a capital notion of Goldsmith out of it, and quite sympathise with your love for the dear simple kindly creature. I was in his chambers in Brick Court the other day. Davidson has them n o w . . . —the bedroom is a closet without any light in it. It quite pains me to think of the kind old fellow dying off there. . . . How prettily Horneck comes in, and lights up the story with a little smile of sentiment. I think both of them must have been in love with him. . . . He is our personal friend" [Ray 2: 370-71]. Thackeray, of course, espresses similar thoughts and feelings when he later writes about Goldsmith in The English Humourists of the Eighteenth Century.

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156

157

14

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells hen "I have the pleasure of paying 70£ for a railroad next week and 100 in a year more—so much money flung down the sea owing to the fatal folly of that abominable rail-roadmania year.. . . My own expences are something very severe—and with debts keep me always paying & poor. I . . . am writing a little for the Chronicle and getting good pay. . . . And am clearly a roaring lion in the genteel world. The Duke of Devonshire called on me the other day if you please. . . . I am in love with my old flames: but there's no danger with any of them. Poor Mrs. Brookfield is ill on a sofa repeatedly: & I have no less than 3 others Eugenie [Crowe], Virginia Pattle & Miss Perry—a new one" [Ray 2: 372-74]. These and subsequent contributions to The Morning Chronicle have not been identified.

15

"Irish Gems. From the 'Benighted Irishman.*" With an illustration. Punch, 14 (15 Apr.): 153. [Spielmann 331]

22

"French Sympathisers." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (22 Apr.): 171. [Spielmann 331]

29

"An After-Dinner Conversation." Punch, 14 (29 Apr.): 182. [Spielmann 331)

May "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 17 [Chaps. LVII-LX]." With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations. (May), pp. 51344. Writing to Edward FitzGerald, Thackeray says: "Gurlyle is immensely grand and savage now. He has a Cromwellian letter against the Irish in this weeks Examiner ["Repeal of the Union"]. I declare it seems like insanity almost his contempt for all mankind, and the way in wh. he shirks from the argument when called upon to preciser his own remedies for the state of things. . . . And I am in a great funk. I have not got a shilling Isn't it wonderful? I make a great deal of money and it goes pouring and pouring out." [Ray 2: 366-67]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

10 (Wed)

Thackeray attends the annual dinner of the Royal Literary Fund, and speaks in response to the toast, "The Novelists of Great Britain," by John Leycester Adolphus, who singles out Thackeray for praise. ["Melville" 2: 65-67]

11

Writing to Adolphus, Thackeray tells him that in replying to the toast on the previous evening, "I was frightened . . . by the compliments wh. you paid me: and am so unused to speaking that I lose myself entirely, plunge about wildly catching at words, and trying to keep above water." He continues, he says, to "wonder whether what you said about Vanity Fair is correct—(regarding the drawings I know you are wrong, for they are tenth or twentieth rate performances having a meaning perhaps but a ludicrous badness of execution—-) but about the writing?. The publishers are at this minute several hundred pounds out of pocket by me, that I know for certain—and I try to keep down any elation wh. my friends1 praises may cause to me, by keeping this fact steadily before my eyes*" [Harden 1: 214-15]

13

"The Battle of Limerick." Punch, 14 (13 May): 195. [Miscellanies]

13

"The Portfolio." With two illustrations. Punch, 14 (13 May): 205-06. [Spielmann 331]

15-16

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her "I am afraid my dear Mrs. Brookfield will die. She sinks and sinks and gets gradually worse. She lies on a sofa now and the Doctor says she must confine herself to a floor of the house. . . . She never says a word but I know the cause of a great part of her malady well enough—a husband whom she has loved with the most fanatical fondness and who—and who is my friend too—a good fellow upright generous kind to all the world except her." He reports having been at the Literary Fund dinner, where "I made as I am told an excellent funny speech. It is very curious I was in such a panic that I didn't know what I said & dont know now. And this I think is my Chronicle of Vanity Fair. I finish it D. V. next month how glad I shall be: for I dislike everybody

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159

20

"On the New Forward Movement A Letter from our old friend, Mr. Snob, to Mr, Joseph Hume." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (20 May): 207-08. [Spielmann 331]

27

"Mr. Snob's Remonstrance with Mr. Smith." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (27 May): 217. [Spielmann 331]

27

M

A Little Dinner at Timmins's." With three illustrations. Punch, 14 (27 May): 219-20, 223.

June "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. No. 18 [Chaps. LXI-LXIII]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (June), pp. 545-76. 5 (Mon)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that the gas company to which Major Carmichael-Smyth is in debt [Ray 1: 448] "will take 5 / in the £ on the 114£ that is to say 30£ will settle the whole affair, and i am expecting every day money wh. will enable me to pay t h a t . . . Sampayo my old creditor to whom I paid 50 in Feb has sent to me for his last 50 and thats what keeps the 30 unpaid—but it is as good as paid—£300 of debts of one sort or another have been paid out of my earnings of the last 6 months thank God—no wonder that my balance is low. But I am to have 100£ for the reprint of the Hoggarty Diamond, perhaps to day, (but I don't like to dun) and that will pay Gas andSampayo— Now, I owe another 100 for being called to the Bar 5 friends volunteered to lend it to me think of that!— There's always something, isn't there? Well, I am to have 1000 a year for my next story and with Punch & what not can do very like 700 or 750 more it is a good income; but when shall I have fairly turned the corner?" Asking her to come for a visit he says: "This month I have a double number to do, and shall be awfully busy: and when the book is done I want a month of utter idleness somewhere You come and command in Kensington whilst I take that." 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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in the book except Dob: & poor Amelia." [Ray 2: 37981]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology Telling her of the death of Charles Buller, Sr., he says: "The dear old Buller was snuffed out very calmly: after a very noble upright generous life. I went to see the widow who has always been very fond of me— and wrote her a letter wh. she said consoled her more than any she had. She bears up very v/ell, but is most heartily a widow and loves and cherishes her husbands memory. She is going to live with Charles." He also mentions having gone with two friends to hear Jenny Lind in Donizetti's Lucia da Lammermoon "I think we all fell asleep during the ballet in wh. I dont see the least charm any more. One or 2 people have found out how careless the last no of V. F is, but the cue is to admire it and consider the author a prodigy. O you donkies!" [Ray 2: 381-83]- Evans postponed republishing The Great Hoggarty Diamond, however, until early 1849.

10

"Yesterday; A Tale of the Polish Ball. By a Lady of Fashion." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (10 June): 237. [Spielmann 331]

16

Count d'Orsay completes a pencil sketch of Thackeray, [opp. Ray 2:386] Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray reports that Anny said of the Count d'Orsay's sketch: "Papa, . . . I think its uglier than you are," and that Minnie replied: "I don't think you're ugly at all." [Ray 2: 387]

17

"A Little Dinner at Timmins's." With an illustration. Punch, 14 (17 June): 247.

23-26

Insurrection in Paris.

24

"A Dilemma." Punch, 14 (24 June): 257. [Spielmann 331]

24

"A Little Dinner at Timmins's." Punch, 14 (24 June): 258. Eyre Crowe later recalled a luncheon in June 1848 where one of the guests said to Thackeray, "Well, I see you are going to shut up your puppets in their box!" 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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29

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray says: "Here's the slip of the dedication [to Vanity Fair] just put in my hands, you see it is very simple. ["To B. W. Procter this story is affectionately dedicated."] I should have liked to put down you too but suppose mustn't say of a lady that I am affectionately yours." [Ray 2: 393]

29

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that "Vanity Fair is this instant done and i have been worked so hard that I can hardly hold a pen. . . . I had not time even to listen to the awful cannonading in your town: Thank God you are going to leave it. Here are the children come in a fly to fetch me, we are going to have a little holiday and see the Rivals to night." [Ray 2: 392-93]

30

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield about jokingly giving Amelia in Chapter LXVII of Vanity Fair a maid with the same name as Mrs. Brookfield's maid, Thackeray says: "I laughed when 1 wrote it and thought it was good fun: but now who knows whether you & Payne & everybody won't be angry." Asking forgiveness if he has offended, he tells her: "You know you are only a piece of Amelia—My Mother is another half: my poor little wife y est pour beaucoup" [Ray 2: 394]. Mrs. Brookfield was amused.

July "Vanity Fair. Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society. Nos. 19-20 [Chaps. LXIV-LXVII]." With an illustrated title page, twelve other illustrations, and an additional illustrated title page for the bound volume. (July), pp. 577-624. 1 (Sat)

Signed illustration to "The Brummagem French Emperor." Punch, 15 (1 July): 3.

1

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and he replied: "Yes; and, with your permission, I'll work up that simile," which he did in the last part of Vanity Fair to be written: "Before the Curtain." [Crowe 2: 55-56]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

8

"A Little Dinner at Timmins's." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (8 July): 13.

10

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells her that Mrs. Procter has offered him "a seat in her box at Drury Lane Theatre this evening, when Her Majesty honors the play-house with a visit for the benefit of Mr. Macready," who will appear in Shakespeare's Henry VIII as his farewell performance before leaving for an American tour. [Ray 2: 396]

15

"The Hampstead Road. A Comedy in Four Tableaux." [Four drawings, with letterpress.] Punch, 15 (15 July): 30. [Spielmann 332]

18

The book edition of Vanity Fair is published by Bradbury and Evans under Thackeray's own name, with a dedication to B. W. Procter, and a preface dated 28 June.

18

Writing to Edward Chapman asking for "50£ in advance now of the Kickleburys abroad" in order to settle "a claim against my old step-father the only one agst the old gentleman: and this is my birthday and I shd. like to clear it off and be able to write to my mother to that effect." [Ray 2: 399]

18

Writing to Major Carmichael-Smyth's solicitor, Thackeray pays off the last of the debt. [Ray 2: 399]

18

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that "the volume comes out to day. It has sold 1000 already. . . . I shall try and go for a fortnight to Spa when I can arrange matters so as to get myself free. And if I like it perhaps I'll stop for six weeks there: and compose that book wh. is coming out [Pendennis]." He also tells her that he has sent final payment to the solicitor for Major Carmichael-Smyth's debt, thus freeing Major Carmichael-Smyth from arrest in England for debt—and so "my dear old GP is no longer a Robin Hood." [Ray 2: 400-01]

21

Thackeray sends a copy of Vanity Fair to Macready, "wh. I hope may serve to amuse an hour or two whilst

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163

you are crossing the ingens aequor [vast sea]." [Ray 2: 401]

Thackeray stops at Canterbury and Dover on the way to Ostend and Brussels. [Ray 2: 404-06] Writing from Brussels to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray speaks of having "passed an hour in the [Canterbury] Cathedral wh. seemed all beautiful to me—the fifteenth century part, the thirteenth century part and the crypt above all: wh. they say is older than the Conquest The most charming harmonious powerful combination of shafts and arches—beautiful wh. ever way you saw them developed like a fine music or the figures in a kaleidoscope rolling out mysteriously. A beautiful foundation for a beautiful building." He goes on, however, to say. "we look queer and out of place in that grand soaring artificial building. . . . We ought to go to Church in a very strong elegant beautifully neat room. Crosiers and banners, incense and gim-cracks, grand processions of priests and monks (with an Inquisition in the distance, and Lies, Avarice tyranny, torture, all sorts of horrible and unnatural oppressions & falsehoods kept out of sight)—such a place as this ought to belong to the old religion." [Ray 2: 405-06] Writing to his mother from Brussels, Thackeray recalls being at Dover, "where I had a long dismal rainy day utterly to myself and the blue devils—that is to an extreme languor melancholy and unwillingness to work. V. F being over it is as if the back bone of your stays were out." The trip to Belgium restores his spirits, however, and he uses the metaphor of "the water is already flowing into the basin again" to express the resurgence of his creative energies. "It is pleasant to go about and see the people happy in the Cafes, the second rate dandies in the promenades, the actresses capering and singing at the theatre: & to think theres no printer's devil waiting no dinner for the evening. I went to see Dejazet the night before last

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"A Little Dinner at Timmins's." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (22 July): 33-34.

164

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

29

"A Little Dinner at Timmins's." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (29 July): 43.

29

Signed illustration to "The Model Mother." Punch, 15 (29 July): 51.

August 1 (Tue)-5 Writing to Mrs. Brookfield from Spa, Thackeray tells her that he has "finished writing page 7 of PENDENNIS." He also mentions having borrowed two Fielding novels from the local library and comments: "The one is Amelia the most delightful portrait of a woman that surely ever was painted; the other is Joseph Andrews wh. gives me no particular pleasure for it is both coarse and careless, and the author makes an absurd brag of his twopenn}^ learning upon wh. he values himself evidently more than upon the best of his own qualities." [Ray 2: 414, 416] 4

Writing to his mother from Spa, Thackeray tells her that "The blue devils walked away after a very few days of rest and idleness, and the cheerful solitude and indolence of this pretty gay tranquil place have done me the greatest good in the world." He also speaks of having "opened my fire yesterday with the first chapter of Pendennis, and have had another good spell this morning before breakfast: such a good one as authorized 2 mutton chops along with my coffee." In the evenings, "I go to the gambling shop and watch the people at play with a good deal of interest. . . . Sometimes I have a shy myself but without any passion, and I dont lose or win 20 francs." Urging her to come in October to Brighton, where he and the children could visit, he says: "You might for 60 have the upper part of a house and the use of a cook for the wittles: as for the dignity I dont believe it matters a pinch of snuff. Tom Carlyle lives in perfect dignity in a little 40 house at Chelsea with a snuffy Scotch maid to open the door, and the best company in England ringing at it. It is only the second and third chop great folks who care about Show." [Ray 2: 418-19]

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in the most delightful absurd wicked little comedy." [Ray 2: 408-09]

165

5

"Military Correspondence." With six illustrations. Punch, 15 (5 Aug.): 62-63. [Spielmann 332]

19

Thackeray returns to London after visiting Bad Homburg and Cologne. [Ray 2:420]

20

Writing to Lady Blessington, Thackeray thanks her for her praise of Vanity Fair and says it "is doing very well commercially I'm happy to say at last They have sold 1500 of the volumes wh. is very well in these times of revolution and dismay." He also acknowledges having gambled when he was away: "O for shame! I lost 5£ at the horrid rouge et noir & roulette. But I intend to make it pay me in my Xmas book wh. is to be called Lady Kicklebury abroad." Gratefully mentioning her kindnesses to him and alluding to the yellow covers of Vanity Fair's serial part-issues, he says: "The world is a much kinder and better world than some biliouscovered satirists have painted it—I must give up the yellow cover I think and come out in a fresher tone" [Ray 2: 420-21]. He retained the yellow covers, however. The Kickleburys on the Rhine was deferred until 1850.

26

"Latest from the Continent" With an illustration. Punch, 15 (26 Aug.): 87. [Spielmann 332]

26

"A Simile." Punch, 15 (26 Aug.): 93. [Spielmann 332]

September 2 (Sat) "Letters to a Nobleman Visiting Ireland." Signed "Hibernis Hibernior." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (2 Sept): 95-96. [Spielmann 332] 2 "Authors' Miseries. No. 1." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 15 (2 Sept): 105. 3

Writing to Robert Bell concerning his review of Vanity Fair in the September issue of Fraser's Magazine, Thackeray says: "It seems to me very just in most points as regards the author: some he questions as usual—If I had put in more fresh air as you call it my object wd. have been defeated—It is to indicate, in cheerful terms, that we are for the most part an

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology abominably foolish and selfish people 'desperately wicked' and all eager after vanities. Everybody you see is in that book—for instance if I had made Amelia a higher order of woman there would have been no vanity in Dobbins falling in love with her, whereas the impression at present is that he is a fool for his pains that he has married a silly little thing and in fact has found out his error. . . . I want to leave every body dissatisfied and unhappy at the end of the story—we ought all to be with [our] own and all other stories. Good God dont I see (in that may-be cracked & warped looking glass in wh. I am always looking) my own weaknesses wickednesses lusts follies shortcomings?— in company let us hope with better qualities about wh. we will pretermit discourse. We must lift up our voices about these and howl to a congregation of fools: so much at least has been my endeavour." In a review of Vanity Fair by John Forster in The Examiner of 22 July, Forster had called for a more refreshing air, saying that a hearty laugh from Tom Jones clears the air of Blifil, but Thackeray tells Bell of his disagreement: "Tom Jones in my holding is as big a rogue as Blifil. Before God he is—I mean the man is selfish according to his nature as Blifil according to his." Turning to another form of relief he says to Bell: "Pathos I hold should be very occasional indeed in humourous works and indicated rather than expressed or expressed very rarely. In the passage where Amelia is represented as trying to separate her self from the boy—She goes up stairs and leaves him with his aunt 'as that poor Lady Jane Grey tried the axe wh. was to separate her slender life' I say that is a fine image whoever wrote it (& I came on it quite by surprize in a review the other day) that is greatly pathetic I think: it leaves you to make your own sad picture—We shouldn't do much more than that I think in comic books." [Harden 1: 227-29]

9

"Letters to a Nobleman Visiting Ireland." Signed "Hibernis Hibernior." With a signed illustration. Punch, 15 (9 Sept): 107. [Spielmann 332]

9

"Authors' Miseries. No. II." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 15 (9 Sept.): 115.

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166

167

Writing to Lady Blessington, Thackeray encloses a requested contribution for The Keepsake, which she is editing—evidently "An Interesting Event. By Mr. Titmarsh," which was published in the volume for 1849. He also tells her of his intention to apply for a vacant position of Assistant Secretary in the Post Office, but he was unsuccessful. [Ray 2: 426-27, 432] 13

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray speaks of wishing to take his family to Brighton but being financially unable to do so, having "a pile of bills before me now that . . . are perfectly ludicrous. . . . I have a leg of mutton and live at the rate of a coach and six. . . . My mother is coming soon thank Heaven to take the command over me, and I shall be solvent some day let us hope. I think it is impossible for literary men to write natural letters any more: I was just going to say something, but thinks I in future ages when this letter comes to be &c—they will say 'he was in embarrassed circumstances he was reckless and laughed at his prodigality he was &c['] . . . Tomorrow it will be eight years since my poor dear little wife jumped into the great calm sunshiny sea off the Isle of Wight: and she has been dead or worse ever since. Good God what a year of pain and hope the first one was and bitter bitter tears—that's all o v e r . . . . All I remember is that some people were very kind to me. You among the first my dear good friends." [Harden 1: 230-31]

16

"The Balmoral Gazette." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (16 Sept.): 119. [Spielmann 332]

23

"Authors' Miseries. No. III." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 15 (23 Sept.): 127.

23

"Sanitarianism and Insanitarianism." Punch, 15 (23 Sept.): 127-28. [Spielmann 332]

30

"Hemigration made Heasy. To Lord Hashley." Signed "Ninethowsndninunderdanninetynine." Punch, 15 (30 Sept): 143. [Spielmann 332]

30

"Authors' Miseries. No. IV." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 15 (30 Sept.): 144.

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

30

"'Is There Anything in the Paper?™ With an illustration. Punch, 15 (30 Sept.): 144-45. [Spielmann 332]

30

"Emigration to America." Punch, 15 (30 Sept.): 145. [Spielmann 332]

October 4 (Wed)

Writing to Lady Cullum, Thackeray tells of missing the train for Bury St. Edmunds, where she and her husband had invited him to stay, and then of going to see his publishers, "who told me what I knew very well that I had no business to leave my work & go pleasuring, that I must & ought to see my new ship launched before I took recreation of any kind—finally they worked upon my feelings so that (having taken leave already of my family) I am going I don't know actually whither, but to to some solitary place for a week where I can work undisturbed." Begging her pardon, he alludes to the "combat between duty & pleasure (as you will see on the frontispiece of the please God forthcoming story of Pendennis)," and reluctantly "am yielding to the former." [Harden 1: 233-34]

4

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray mentions having "just opened my desk There are all the papers I had at Spa—Pendennis unread since." After missing the train for Bury St. Edmunds, he tells her of having gone to see Bradbury and Evans "who begged and implored me so, not to go out pleasuring, &c, that I am going to Brighton instead of Bury." [Ray 2: 434-35]

7

"Authors' Miseries. No. V." [A drawing, letterpress.] Punch, 15 (7 Oct.): 154.

7

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield from Brighton, Thackeray says: "A change, a fine air, a wonderful sunshine and moonlight, and a great spectacle of happy people perpetually rolling by has done me all the good in the world and then one of the Miss Smiths told me a story wh. is the very thing for the beginning of Pendennis wh. is actually begun and in progress—This is a comical beginning rather; the other, wh. I did not like,

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169

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells her that "all yesterday" he was "entirely occupied with my 2 new friends Mrs. Pendennis & her son Mr. Arthur Pendennis. I got up very early again this morning and was with them for more than two hours before breakfast. He is a very good natured generous young fellow and I begin to like him considerably. I wonder whether he is interesting to me from selfish reasons and because I fancy we resemble each other in many points, & whether I can get the public to like him too?" Anticipating the arrival of his mother and step-father on 12 October, he plans a return to London, and says: "My heart melts as I think of her constant constant affection. . . . I look at her character, and go down on my knees as it were with wonder and pity. It is Mater Dolorosa, with a heart bleeding with love. Is not that a pretty phrase? I wrote it yesterday in a book [Works 12: 25], whilst I was thinking about her—and have no shame somehow now in writing thus sentimentally to all the public; though there are very few people in the world to whom I would have the face to talk in this way tete-a-tete—To you I can because you are made of the same soft stuff." [Harden 1: 236-37] Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray mentions that he has "been rereading the Hoggarty Diamond this morning—upon my word and honour if it does not make you cry I shall have a mean opinion of you. It was written at a time of great affliction, when my heart was very soft and humble. . . . I see on reading over my books, that the woman I have been perpetually describing is not you nor my mother but that poor little wife of mine, who now does not care 2d. for anything but her dinner and her glass of porter." [Ray 2: 440] Writing from the Reform Club to the Rev. W. H. Brookfield, Thackeray says: "I have passed the day reading & trying to alter Pendennis wh. is without any manner of doubt awfully stupid—the very best passages

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was sentimental; and will yet come in very well after the startling comical business has been played off." [Harden 1: 235]

wh. pleased the author only last week, looking hideously dull by the dull fog of this day. I pray I pray that it may be the weather: will you say something for it at Church next Sunday. My old parents arrived last night. It was quite a sight to see the poor old Mother with the children. And Bradbury the printer coming to dun me for Pendennis this morning, I slunk away from home where working is an utter impossibility and have been operating on it here." He also tells Brookfield that he has "been to the Cyder Cellars since again to hear the man sing about going to be hanged," which prompted the creation of Hodgen and "The Body Snatcher" in Chapter XXX of Pendennis [Ray 2: 441-42]. The Cider Cellars also reappeared as the "Cave of Harmony" in Chapter I of TheJViewcomes. Writing to Williams and Norgate, British agents for Tauchnitz, Thackeray thanks them for their check and the letter from Tauchnitz, saying that "Messrs. Bradbury & Evans will send you proofs of my little story The Great Hoggarty Diamond' wh. I shall be glad to see published by Mr. Tauchnitz, and shall trust to him for the terms." Tauchnitz was to publish it in 1849 together with The Boole of Snobs. Thackeray also says: "My story of Pendennis now commences, I hope it will turn out as well as its predecessor" [Ray 2: 444]. Tauchnitz published both titles. Writing from the Bradbury and Evans printing office to Mrs. Thomas Milner Gibson, daughter of Sir Thomas and Lady Cullum, Thackeray tells her about his inability to visit her parents because of his publishers' anxieties about his incomplete serial number, and his decision to go to Brighton alone and work. Accordingly, he asks for her help in making peace with Sir Thomas and Lady Cullum, saying: "I'm sure I should never have finished Pendennis No 1, but for that rudeness." [Harden 1: 238] Writing from the Bradbury and Evans printing office to Mrs. Arthur Hallam Elton, Thackeray tells her that he will arrive "tomorrow morning" at. Clevedon Court in Somersetshire. [Harden 1: 239]

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25-30

Thackeray visits the Eltons at Clevedon Court, together with the Brookfields, and spends much time with Jane as they establish a closer relationship.

25

Writing from Clevedon Court to Edward Chapman, Thackeray proposes postponing The Kickleburys on the Rhine because political disturbances in Germany make it "much too serious." Instead, he proposes "Doctor Birch and his young friends or some such title" [Ray 2: 444-45}. Dr. Birch was published by Chapman and Hall as Thackeray's Christmas book for 1848, while The Kickleburys was published in late 1849 by Smith, Elder, and by Tauchnitz in 1851.

31

Writing to Mrs. Elton, Thackeray thanks her for "5 of the happiest days I ever spent." He also tells her of escorting Mrs. Brookfield to London and then coming to Oxford [Harden 1: 239-40], apparently to find material for his novel.

November "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 1 [Chaps. I-III]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Nov.), pp. 1-32. 1 (Wed)

Writing from London to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray mentions the days at Clevedon and says: "I think I've never known any happier ones: and intend to love that dear old Clevedon for all the days of my life. . . . Yesterday . . . a party of us drove . . . to Blenheim: where we saw some noble pictures—a portrait by Raphael—one of the great Raphaels of the world . . . a series of magnificent Rubens,—one of wh. representing himself walking in a garden with Mrs. Rubens and the Babby, did one good to look at and remember, and some very questionable Titians indeed (I mean on the score of authenticity not of morals though the subjects are taken from the loves of those extraordinary Gods & Goddesses mentioned in Lempriere's Dictionary). . . . What you would have liked best was the Chapel dedicated to God & the Duke of Marlborough—the monument to the latter occupies the whole place almost so that the Former is quite secondary." [Ray 2: 445-46]

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4

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology "Authors' Miseries. No. VI." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 15 (4 Nov.): 198. Writing in French to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray expresses his love for her. Thanking her for a letter, he says: "II venoit me surprendre dans ma solitude, comme cette chere voix qui m'appeloit dans la nuit a Clevedon Ah, que j'etois heureux aloirs! Je I'aimerai toujours ce bon chateau.... Vous savez ce jour ou nous avons cause de la mort—Je me suis figure damne et vous un ange me prenant en pitie. Vous paxviendrez ainsi jusqu'a moi j'en suis sur—vous me donnerez un de vos doux sourires. Benis moi o Madame, o mon ange—lime semble qui j'ai quelque chose du Ciel, quand jfai un regard ou une pense^e de v o u s . . . . Hier j'ai ete voir mon cher vieux FitzGerald que j'aime depuis vingt ans tendrement et noblement . . . Quand notre amitie a commence, je n'avais pas encor appris a aimer une femme II faut que je dise a quelqu'un que je vous aime. Pourquois pas? a vous, a William, a qui m'ecoutera. II faut parler quand on a le coeur si plein, et pourquoi rougirai je de i'amitie que je vous porte? elle est bien tendre, et bien pure, allez." [It came upon me unexpectedly in my solitude, like that dear voice which called me at night at Clevedon. Ah, how happy I was then! I will always love it, that gracious house. . . . You know the day when we spoke of death—I represented myself as damned and you as an angel full of pity. You will come to me in that way, I am sure—You will give me one of your sweet smiles. Bless me o Madam, o my angel—It seems to me that I have something of Heaven, when I have a look or a thought from you. . . . Yesterday I went to see my dear old FitzGerald whom I have loved for twenty years tenderly and nobly. . . . When our friendship began I had not yet learned to love a woman. . . . I must say to someone that I love you. Why not? to you, to William, to any one who will listen to me. One must speak when one has a heart so full, any why should I be ashamed of the friendship that I feel for you? It is tender and very pure, believe me.]

9

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells her of coming home the previous evening to find "a notice

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173

from a dimgoodnatured friend," together with a lampoon of himself in a novel—"Elias Howie" in Chapter XXII of Lever's Roland Cashel, which had just appeared in No. 7 for November. "Harry Lorrequer has paid me off for jokes upon him. He is very savage & evidently hurt. This is rather good coming 2 days after the announcement in the Chronicle [7 November] that I [am] a 'Satirist without an enemy.' I'll send that to Lever I think. Well, it only made me laugh." [Harden 1: 243] 11

"Science at Cambridge." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (11 Nov.): 201. ["Punch"]

14

Writing to the artist David Roberts, Thackeray recommends a "French artist-engraver," his friend, Louis Marvy, who is currently in London, having been "engaged to supply 20 sketch-engravings (etching aquatint soft-point &c mixed) of so many landscapes and I want to know will you let him do one from you?" [Ray 2: 454]. The work came to fruition in 1850 as Sketches After English Landscape Painters, for which Thackeray wrote a preface and short notices.

18

"A Side-Box Talk." [A signed drawing, letterpress.] Punch, 15 (18 Nov.): 218.

18

"Traitors to the British Government." Signed "Hibernis Hibernior." Punch, 15 (18 Nov.): 218-19. ["Punch"]

22

Writing to Edward Chapman, who was publishing Lever's Roland Cashel, Thackeray says: "The Elias Howie affair will make a good Author's Misery for Punch—It didn't annoy me a bit farther than to think that a man who was once very kind to me and I believe fond of me, should have committed himself so far. To make remarks about my person, the honesty or dishonesty of my appearance can't injure me—I have pushed the caricaturing of myself almost to affectation—but it wont profit Lever to gibbet a rival in that way. 'Snooks in the Holy land' is quite fair that is to say my sort of writing carried to the absurd—that is what I was trying to do in those parodies in Punch one of wh. I suppose has got me the Howie rejoinder. . . . I cant make it a condition of my liking for a man that I

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should like his books or praise them not liking them. I never could bring myself to consider Lever seriously as an author, but thought him one of the most charming and agreeable men I ever met in my life. . . . Out of those Punch parodies I left his bad French wh. is one of the great points a caricaturist would not fail to seize—in fact it was with the gloves I was sparringf.] I am very sorry he has taken them off." Thackeray concludes by saying: "you as my publisher my friend and a gentleman are not called upon to have your house made the office for publishing this dreary personality. Make fun of my books, my style, my public works—but of me a gentleman—O for shame." [Ray 2:455-56] Writing to Mark Lemon, Thackeray encloses an illustration for a ballad and says: "I'll send tomorrow the patter for the Authors Misery—Its a good natured friend showing an Author a book in wh. he is cut up. You were the g. n. f. in Mr. Howie's instance—of course I dont intend to allude to that and am rather pleased than otherwise because I was never attacked before and find what I have often hoped that I dont care a single tupnc" [Harden 1: 247]. The ballad, with its illustrated initial letter, appeared on 25 November and the "Author's Misery" piece on 2 December. "A Bow-Street Ballad; By a Gentleman of the Force." Signed "Pleaceman X. 54." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (25 Nov.): 229. Writing to Arthur Hugh Clough, Thackeray thanks him for The Bothie of Tober-na-Vuolich, which had just been published. He says he has especially enjoyed "Your description of the Sky & the landscape—and that figure of the young fellow bathing shapely with shining limbs and the blue blue sky for a backgroundare delightful to me—I can imagine to myself the Goddess of bathing in a sort of shimmer under the water—Was it as clear as Rosamond's Well?—I have been going over some of the same ground (of youth) in this present number of Pendennis: wh. I fear will be considered rather warm by the puritans: but I think you'll understand it—that is if you care for such trivialities, or take the trouble to look under the

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175

Writing to Lady Castlereagh, Thackeray regrets that he cannot accept her invitation, " b u t . . . I am tied here by 100 petty little obligations to printers engravers artists publishers & the like. Sometimes I have a mind to leave the fire with all the irons in it and fly altogether. But what will those anxious folks who come with little accounts at Xmas say? . . . I'm sure that you and Lord Castlereagh will be glad to hear t h a t . . . Mr. Pendennis makes me much richer than Mr. Vanity Fair." Alluding to No. 2 of Pendennis, the one-volume edition of The Book of Snobs, and his Christmas book, Dr. Birch, Thackeray says he has had "3 books to launch & make the pictures for, 2 papers to write in constantly, an Irish Railway call to meet, my parents staying with me . . . —and a sprained ankle" [Ray 2: 458-59]. The papers were Punch and The Morning Chronicle, his contributions to the latter after 15 March 1848 being unidentified. Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray responds to the death that day of his friend, Charles Buller, at the age of 42: "I am very much pained and shocked at the news brought at dinner to day that poor dear Charles Buller is gone. Good God think about the poor Mother surviving and what an anguish that must be! If I were to die I can't bear to think of my Mother living beyond me, as I daresay she will: but isn't it an awful awful sudden summons? There go wit fame friendship ambition high repute. Ah aimons nous bien [let us love each other well], it seems to me that is the only thing we can carry away. When we go let us have some who love us wherever we are" [Ray 2: 461]. Mrs. Carmichael-Smyth survived her son by a year.

"The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 2 [Chaps. IV-VI]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (Dec), pp. 33-64.

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stream of the story." He concludes by saying: "When you come to London I hope you will come and see me. Mrs. Pendennis is living with me (She is my mother)." [Ray 2: 456-57]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

2 (Sat)

"Death of the Earl of Robinson. (In the manner of a popular Necrographer)." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (2 Dec): 231. ["Punch"]

2

"Authors' Miseries. No. VII." [A drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 15 (2 Dec): 240. Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray says: "As I am waiting to see Mrs. Buller I find an old review . . . containing a great part of an article I wrote about Fielding in 1840, in the Times. . . . My wife was just sickening at that moment. I wrote it at Margate where I had taken her and used to walk out 3 miles to a little bowling green and write there in an arbour—coming home and wondering what was the melancholy oppressing the poor little woman. The Times gave me 5 guineas for the article. I recollect I thought it rather shabby pay. [A]nd 12 days after it appeared in the paper, my poor little wife's malady showed itself by an attempt at suicide." Rereading it, he thinks that "the apology for Fielding read[s] like an apology for somebody else too." [Ray 2: 462]

9

"Bow Street Ballads.—No. II. Jacob Omnium's Hoss. A New Pallice Court Chaunt." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (9 Dec): 251.

12

Writing to Lady Blessington, Thackeray regrets that he has to break an engagement with her: "I forgot that it was 12 December—a day sacred to all old Charterhouse men who meet at the old school and dine together afterwards making each other speeches suitable to the occasion. To day is to be a grand field day, Peel is to be in the chair at the dinner, the Archbishop of C preaches: everybody will be there" [Ray 2: 465]. Peel, in fact, concluded his speech with a tribute to Thackeray. [Harden 1: 270]

16

"The Great Squattleborough Soiree." Signed "Leontius Androcles Hugglestone." With a signed illustration. Punch, 15 (16 Dec): 253-54. ["Punch"]

18

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield from Brighton, where he is working on No. 3 of Pendennis, Thackeray alludes to

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177

the advice of a physician attending her, Dr. Joseph Bullar, who advocates suppressing the affections. In response, he says: "No dear lady we will do better: we will love each other while we may here and afterwards if you go first you will kneel for me in heaven and bring me there—if I, I swear the best thought I have is to remember that I shall have your love surviving me and with a constant tenderness blessing my memory. I cant all perish living in your heart. That in itself is a sort of seal and assurance of heaven" [Harden 1: 252]. Esmond expresses himself similarly on being reunited with Lady Castlewood [WbrJts 13: 214]. 20

Louis Napoleon is elected President of the French Republic.

23

"The Three Christmas Waits." With an illustration. Punch, 15 (23 Dec): 265. ["Punch"]

23

Dr. Birch and His Young Friends, by "M. A. Titmarsh," with an illustrated title page and 15 other illustrations, is published by Chapman and Hall.

ca. 23

Vanity Fair is published by Bradbury and Evans in one volume.

24

Writing to Richard Monckton Milnes, Thackeray says that he has come from Brighton to London "to see what the papers said of Dr. Birch. . . . I put in a line about dear old CBuller in a ballad at the end of Dr. B. I go now to see his old mother, and think about the dear high-souled gentle-hearted fellow constantly." [Harden 1: 258]

25

The last mention of the Carmichael-Smyths still being in London. [Ray 2: 480] Writing to Sir Henry Bulwer, Thackeray says: "I intend to send a Copy of Vanity Fair to a gentleman whom I have been admiring & making fun of all my life" [Harden 1: 264]—Bulwer's brother, Sir Edward BulwerLytton, whose "big words" and "premeditated fine writing" repeatedly prompted Thackeray's satire. [Ray 2: 485]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology 1849 "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 3 [Chaps. VII-X]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (Jan.), pp. 65-96.

3 (Wed)

Writing to John Murray, publisher of The Quarterly Review, Thackeray tells him: "I . . . am uncommonly delighted with the Quarterly Reviewer. He pays me the very highest compliments and they are the sweeter because they reach me in the exact right place and because the Critic understands my meaning wh. has been quite hidden to many of his brethren." The review of Vanity Fair and Jane Eyre, which had appeared in the December 1848 issue of the Quarterly, was written by Elizabeth Rig by, later (1849) Lady Eastlake. [Harden 1: 271-72]

3

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield in response to Henry Hallam's negative comments that evening about Thackeray's many visits to her, Thackeray says: "I claim to be as one of your brothers, or the closest and dearest of your friends. As for William, I am bound to him by benefits by the most generous confidence and repeated proofs of friendship; and to you dear lady by an affection wh. I hope wont finish with my life of wh. you have formed for a long time past one of the greatest and I hope the purest pleasures. . . . God bless you and us all dear Sister and Friend." [Ray 2: 493]

6

Signed illustration to "Pantomimic Distress." Punch, 16 (6 Jan.): 3.

13

"Child's Parties: and a Remonstrance Concerning Them." Signed "Spec." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (13 Jan.): 13-14.

27

"Child's Parties: and a Remonstrance Concerning Them." Signed "Spec" With an illustration. Punch, 16 (27 Jan.): 35-36.

31

Thackeray leaves for Paris. [Harden 1: 274-75]

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January

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179

1 (Thu)

Writing from Paris to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray says: "I am glad I came. It will give me a subject for at least 6 months in Punch: of wh. I was getting so weary that I thought I must have done with it" [Ray 2: 494]

3

"England in 1869." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (3 Feb.): 51. ["Punch"]

4-5

Writing from Paris to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray mentions having had a long talk with Mary Carmichael and coming away in a "state of wonderment wh. I can't describe. . . . The way in wh. she fascinates some people is quite extraordinary. . . . Her husband adores her—He is an old Cavalry Colonel of 60 and the poor fellow away now in India and yearning after her writes her yards & yards of the most tender submissive frantic letters—Five or six other men are crazy about her. She trotted them all out one after another before me last night—not humourously I mean or making fun of them, but complacently describing their adoration for her and acquiescing in their opinion of herself— Friends lovers husbands she coaxes them all and no more cares for them than worthy Miss Fotheringay did. O Becky is a trifle to her: and I am sure I might draw her picture and she never wd. know in the least that it was herself. I suppose I did not fall in love with her myself because we were brought up together—She was a very simple generous creature then." He also reports: "I went to see my old haunts when I came to Paris thirteen [actually fifteen] years ago and made believe to be a painter—just after I was ruined and before I fell in love and took to marriage & writing. It was a very jolly time. I was as poor as Job: and sketched away most abominably, but pretty contented: and we used to meet in each others little rooms and talk about Art and smoke pipes and drink bad brandy & water. That awful habit still remains; but where is Art that dear Mistress whom I loved

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"The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 4 [Chaps. XI-XIV]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Feb.), pp. 97-128.

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology though in a very indolent capricious manner but with a real sincerity?" He also, he tells her, went to the Louvre, "and took a feast with the statues and pictures. The Venus of Milo is the grandest figure of figures. The wave of the lines of the figure wherever seen fills my senses with pleasure. What is it that so charms and satisfies one in certain lines? O the man who atchieved that statue was a beautiful genius—I have been sitting thinking of it these 10 minutes in a delightful sensuous rumination. The colours of the Titian pictures comfort one's eyes similarly and . . . I went and looked at a picture I usedn't to care much for in old days, an Angel saluting a Virgin & Child by Pietro of Cortona—a secret smiling angel with a lily in her hand looking so tender and gentle—I wished that instant to make a copy of it." Reverting to Mary Carmichael, he says: "I drove about with my cousin and wondered at her more and more. She . . . showed me a letter in wh. every word was true and wh. was a fib from beginning to end—a miracle of deception . . .—O she was worth coming to Paris f o r . . . . Pray God to keep us simple." [Ray 2: 501-05]

10

"Paris Revisited. By An Old Paris Man." Signed "Folkestone Canterbury." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (10 Feb.): 55-56. ["Punch"]

10

The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond with illustrations is published by Bradbury and Evans. Thackeray's name appears on the title page and at the end of a Preface dated 25 January.

14

Thackeray returns to London. [Ray 2: 507]

17

"The Ballad of Bouillabaisse. From the Contributor at Paris." Punch, 16 (17 Feb.): 67.

24

"Two or Three Theatres at Paris." [With an illustration by Richard Doyle.] Punch, 16 (24 Feb.): 75. ["Punch"]

March "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No.

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181

5 [Chaps. XV-XVII]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Mar.), pp. 129-60. "On Some Dinners at Paris." Signed "Folkestone Canterbury." [With an illustration by Richard Doyle.] Punch, 16 (3 Mar.): 92-93. ["Punch"] Writing to John Kenyon, he asks to be released from an engagement "I want to go to Cambridge on Sunday [11 March] & stop for the last three days before I set to work perforce on the VI No of Pendennis." [Harden 1: 278] 14

Writing to Dr. Frederic Thackeray, a cousin who is a medical practitioner in Cambridge, the novelist says: "You will see by the date that it is all over. The young men wouldn't talk to me, the Dons thought I had come to put them into a book, everybody suspected me: and I felt myself so miserable, that I thought the best course was to f l y . . . . But I am glad to have been in Cambridge . . . and seeing you look so well." [Ray 2: 512]

17

"The Story of Koompanee Jehan." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (17 Mar.): 105-06. ["Punch"]

24

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. [Introductory Letter.]" With an illustration. Punch, 16 (24 Mar.): 115.

31

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. On Tailoring—And Toilettes in General." Signed "Brown the Elder." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (31 Mar.): 125. "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 6 [Chaps. XVIII-XX]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (Apr.), pp. 161-92.

7 (Sat)

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. The Influence of Lovely Woman Upon Society." [With an illustration by Richard Doyle.] Punch, 16 (7 Apr.): 135-36.

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3 (Sat)

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

9

Writing from an attorney's office to the Rev. Brookfield and Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells of having received "a letter from an Attorney demanding instantly 112£ for that abominable Irish railway. . . . I have been to the bankers to see how much money I have got I have got 120£ I owe 112£—from 120 take 112— leave 8 for the rest of the month—Isn't that pleasant?— Well, but I know how to raise some—the bankers say I may overdraw. Things isn't so bad." [Ray 2: 513-14]

10-17

Thackeray journeys on a working holiday to Taunton, Exeter, and Clifton, where he sees the Brookfields. [Ray 2: 516; Harden 1:281]

14

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. Some More Words About the Ladies." Signed "Brown the Elder." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (14 Apr.): 145-46.

19

Writing to Sophia Kinglake, whom he had visited at Taunton, Thackeray speaks of having spent the day after his return to London "at work from 8 o'clock until 8," when he went out to dinner and was "tossing again on the great swelling London Sea." [Harden 1: 283]

26?

The Carmichael-Smyths arrive in London. [Ray 2: 52324]

27

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray speaks of never laughing "at home—I cant before those solemn old people—I think the dear old Mater Dolorosa gloomifies me more than the old gentleman—I would die rather than make a joke to her." [Ray 2: 525]

28

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. On Friendship." Signed "Brown the Elder." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (28 Apr.): 165-66.

May "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 7 [Chaps. XXI-XXIII]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (May), pp. 193-224.

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182

183

3 (Thu)

Writing to F. M. Evans, Thackeray tells him that he has purchased an old silver bowl as the memento that Bradbury and Evans wished to give him in celebration of his recent major novelistic achievements, and of the relationship between publishers and a u t h o r . Accordingly, he says: "It will cost B & E 25£ one day, and I shall have engraved on it 'From the Publishers to the Author of Vanity Fair & Pendennis' with the dates of those remarkable works." In conclusion, he invites them to "come and hansel the bowl"—i.e. use it for the first time. [Harden 1: 289]

4

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray calls the first number of David Copperfield "charming. Bravo Dickens. It has some of his very prettiest touches— those inimitable Dickens touches wh. make such a great man of him. And the reading of the book has done another author a great deal of good. In the first place it pleases the other Author to see that Dickens . . . has been copying the 0 A, and greatly simplifying his style and foregoing the use of fine words. By this the public will be the gainer and David Copperfield will be improved by taking a lesson from Vanity Fair. Secondly, it has put me upon my mettle—for ah Madam all the mettle was out of me, and Ive been dreadfully & curiously cast down this month past" Part of the reason for his being cast down has been "my own sort of oversensitiveness and impatience with people who have no sense of humour"—notably his mother and step-father—causing him to have suggested "her going to Paris with the children." He also tells of "a dismal sight—Gore House full of Snobs looking at the furniture," which has been placed on sale by Lady Blessington because the Count d'Orsay's indebtedness has forced him to retire to Paris, where she has joined him. The house had just been opened prior to the auction, and Thackeray had seen "one of the servants there... . My heart melted towards him & I gave him a pound—Ah it was a strange sad picture of Wanaty Fair." Lady Blessington's valet, writing to her four days later, tells of Thackeray's having been there and having had tears in his eyes upon leaving, and says that Thackeray was the only person present truly affected by her departure. [Ray 2: 531-32]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Writing to Lady Blessington, Thackeray mentions his visit to Gore House and tells her "it wasn't the beautiful ornaments and furnitures that made the house but the kind people in it—its nothing now you are gone; and I vow and declare my belief that you can talk just as pleasantly from a mahogany chair, as from one whereof the legs were covered with the most precious gold." Memories of pleasant dinners at Gore House with her, Count d'Orsay, and her nieces, Marguerite and Ellen Power, then prompt him to remark: "Every day I get more ashamed of my yellow cover & former misanthropical turn. The world is a great deal better than some satirists have painted it— and I am forced to say so when folks speak about you," for he hears "nothing but sympathy and regard, and of course a little natural selfish regret that we shd. have lost a house where so many people were made so happy." He tells her that he has been "for the last month the glummest & most melancholy author who ever cracked a joke with a sad heart." He speaks of having found compensation in a very pleasant social life—"I reel from dinner party to dinner-party—I wallow in turtle and swim in claret and Shampang—" but tells her "I would like a cozy dinner with you very much better," and looks forward to seeing her and the Count in Paris. [Ray 2: 534-35] Writing to Mark Lemon, Thackeray declines to contribute to a proposed extra number of Punch: "This news is very heart-breaking. Why here is Mr. Brown opening with a club, his next is to be about a ball, a dinner a fashionable assembly & so forth; [Richard Doyle's] 'The manners & customs of the English' the great attraction of Punch are on the self-same subjects: it appears to me you will cut the throats of those 2 series by your projected Extra number—but I can't commit suicide and slit my own artery: so that you must put the Fashionable part into the hands of another writer." The proposed number was not issued. In a postscript he announces that "The Punch boy has

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"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. On Friendship." Signed "Brown the Elder." Punch, 16 (5 May): 184-85.

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185

Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray thanks him for the statue, which has Punch holding a pen as his weapon: "The arms and the man arrived in safety . . . and I am glad to know the names of two of the eighty Edinburgh friends who have taken such a kind method of showing their good will towards m e . . . . Such tokens of regard & sympathy are very precious to a writer like myself who have some difficulty still in making people understand what you have been good enough to find out in Edinburgh that under the mask satirical there walks about a sentimental gentleman who means not unkindly to any mortal person. . . . I assure you these tokens of what I can't help acknowledging as popularity—make me humble as well as grateful—and make me feel an almost awful sense of the responsibility wh. falls upon a man in such a station— Is it deserved or undeserved? Who is this that sets up to preach to mankind, and to laugh at many things wh. men reverence?—I hope I may be able to tell the truth always, & to see it aright, according to the eyes wh. God Almighty gives me. And if in the exercise of my calling I get friends and find encouragement and sympathy, I need not tell you how very much I feel and am thankful for this kind of support." [Harden 1: 290] "Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. Brown the Elder Takes Mr. Brown the Younger to a Club." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (12 May): 18788. Thackeray attends the annual dinner of the Royal Literary Fund, and speaks in response to the toast, "The Novelists," by Kenneth Macaulay, who singles out Vanity Fair for praise. ["Melville" 2: 68-70] Writing to the Rev. and Mrs. Brookfield at midnight from the Garrick Club, Thackeray says that he "made an awful smash" at the dinner because of the incoherency of his remarks. "I am talking quite out

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just brought me a box from Edinburgh containing a silver statue of Punch and a compliment from 80 Edinenses—with polite remarks about the Snob, Jeames &c" [Ray 2: 537-38]

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17-19

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray speaks of "the Literary Fund disaster," and even in his cab driving home from the Garrick Club, "letting off madly parts of the speech wh. wouldn't explode at the proper time," only to find "the house lighted up, and the poor old mother waiting to hear the result of the day—so I told her that I was utterly beaten & had made a fool of myself, upon wh. with a sort of cry she says 'No you didn't old man'—and it appears that she had been behind a pillar in the gallery all the time and heard the speeches—and as for mine she thinks it was beautiful." He mentions having visited Jane Elliot and her sister, Kate Perry, calling them "quite like sisters to me," and proposes introducing Mrs. Brookfield to Lady Castlereagh, to whom he has identified her as the "lady mentioned in the Punch article [of 14 April] as mending her husband's chest of drawers—but I said waistcoat" [Works 8: 278]. [Ray 2: 540-43]

19

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. Mr. Brown the Elder Takes Mr. Brown the Younger to a Club." Punch, 16 (19 May): 197-98.

26

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. Mr. Brown the Elder Takes Mr. Brown the Younger to a Club." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (26 May): 20708.

26

Writing to Lady Castlereagh, Thackeray tells her that he has been prevented from writing to her until "my work was concluded for the month. It is this moment over." Accordingly, he invites her to dinner to meet the lady mentioned in the Punch article, Mrs. Brookfield. [Ray 2: 544]

27

Writing to Arthur Shawe on Harriet's birthday, Thackeray provides news "about the children—Minnie is 9. Anny will be 12 on the 9 June—and is a great sensible clever girl, with a very homely face, and a very good heart and a very good head and an uncommonly good opinion of herself as such clever

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loud to myself at the G sentences I intended to have uttered: but they wouldnt come in time." [Ray 2: 540]

187

people will sometimes have. Minny is very well for cleverness too as children go: and both have a great deal of spoiling and fondness from my mother, who supplies to them the place of their own—now nearly nine years removed from them." He also reports that Isabella is very well under the care of Mrs. Bakewell. "So you see there are pretty good accounts of all this family, including your brother-in-law the writer of the present; who is become quite a lion within the last 2 years, dines with a lord almost every day, and is rather prosperous as times go. But though I am at the top of the tree in my business and making a good income now (near upon £2000 let us say)—yet it is only within the last few months that 1 have got to this point, and was abominably hit by an unfortunate railroad speculation of wh. I have still not discharged the obligation—so that I am in debt" [Ray 2: 544-45] Writing to Robert Smith Surtees, who has asked him to illustrate "Mr* Sponge's Sporting Tour," an unillustrated version of which had appeared in issues of The New Monthly Magazine, Thackeray begs off on the grounds that "I only draw for my own books, and indeed am not strong enough as an artist to make designs for anybody else's stories." Instead he recommends John Leech, who did in fact illustrate the work in 1852 and 1853. Thackeray also tells him that "Mr. Jorrocks has long been a dear and intimate friend of mine," and, in referring to the March chapter of "Barber Cox" in The Comic Almanack for 1840, confesses that he "stole from [Jorrocks] years ago, having to describe a hunting scene with which I was quite unfamiliar, and I lived in Great Coram Street once too" [the residence of Jorrocks]. [Harden 1: 292]

"The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 8 [Chaps. XXIV-XXVI]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (June), pp. 225-56. "Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. A Word About Balls in Season." Signed "Brown the Elder." Punch, 16 (9 June): 229-30.

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

16

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. A Word About Dinners." Signed "Brown the Elder." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (16 June): 239-40.

23

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. On Some Old Customs of the Dinner-Table." Signed "Brown the Elder." With an illustration. Punch, 16 (23 June): 249-50.

29

Writing to James Hannay regarding his new publication, King Dobbs; Sketches in Ultra-Marine, Thackeray thanks him for the book, which is dedicated to him "With the Respect and Affection Due to His Genius and Character," but which he has not yet received. "I am very much pleased indeed to have your good opinion." He says: "A naval captain told me of it the other day lauding it highly but saying the author was too savage. I suppose we all begin 5>o—I know one who did: and who is sorry now for pelting at that poor old Bulwer & others, but it was in the days of hot youth when I was scarcely older than you are now." Speaking of Hannay's living in the country, he mentions that his paternal grandfather, William Makepeace Thackeray, had a residence at Hadley Green, near Barnet in Middlesex, and says "he lies buried there. I often meditate a trip into that country to look at my fathers birth place." Having "just finished [his] number," he feels "fagged & unwell," and expects himself "to be done in 3 or 4 years and then what is to happen?" [Ray 2: 553-54]

July "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 9 [Chaps. XXVII-XXIX]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (July), pp. 257-88. 1 (Sun)

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells her of having seen a performance of Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots the night before: "it was really the finest thing in the world." He also mentions that her husband "told me that I ought to learn to eat a good breakfast: I think that was a hint that I shouldn't come so often to lunch." [Ray 2: 557]

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188

189

7

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. Great and Little Dinners." With an illustration. Punch, 17 (7 July): 1-2.

14

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. On Love, Marriage, Men and Women." Signed "Brown the Elder." With an illustration. Punch, 17 (14 July): 1314.

15-16

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield from Brighton, Thackeray confesses that upon learning from her husband of her pregnancy, "My first feeling was one of intense rage and jealousy wh. kept me awake the whole n i g h t . . . but I grew to be more wholesome in 24 hours, and to wish for this event more fiercely than anybody does except you I believe." Regarding Pendennis, he says: "I've been many hours writing 2 pages, & thinking where I might be instead of being here. Yet I like this, like the solitude: like the early waking and rising: am determined that Mr. Pendennis shant dawdle any more, and that I'll do some thing to fetch up my languishing reputation—something uncommonly spirited sarcastic pathetic humourous it must be." [Harden 1: 305-06]

18

Writing from Brighton to his mother, who is vacationing in Wales with her husband and the children, Thackeray, on his 38th birthday, speaks of preparing to do his plates for Pendennis but lagging in the writing: "the invention seems to fail." [Ray 2: 567-68]

21

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. On Love, Marriage, Men and Women." With an illustration. Punch, 17 (21 July): 23.

24

After going from Brighton to Ryde, where he spent several days with Mrs. Brookfield and with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Elton, Thackeray writes to her from London, having worked "somewhat and done my two plates, which only took two hours, and now that they're done I feel that I want so to come back to Ryde, I must get a rope or a chain to bind myself down to my desk here. . . . I'm alone, and miss you. . . . I feel here you must know, just as I used five and twenty years ago at

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology school the day after coming back from the holydays." [Ray 2: 569-70] "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 10 [Chaps. XXX-XXXII]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (Aug.), pp. 289-320.

4 (Sat)

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. On Love, Marriage, Men and Women." Signed "Brown the Elder." With an illustration. Punch, 17 (4 Aug.): 43.

5?

Writing to Adelaide Procter, Thackeray thanks her for a gift and says: "Your parents have been of the best friends I have ever had—Twelve years ago when I was a poor struggling fellow they were just as good to me as now when—when I'm apoor struggling man still: with a little additional stock of reputation and a vast deal more care and doubt . . . I cant help tracing over the ground from that distant landmark—neairly the third part and all the busiest part of my life lies within i t I've made in that time about 100000 acquaintances, and 2 sets of intimate friends besides those in your house" [the Brookfields and the Perry sisters]. He goes on to "wonder whether it is the conclusion of the Season, & everybodys being out of town, or the Lord Mayors dinner yesterday (where I drank wine & water, think of that!) or the remnants of yesterday's headache or the lassitude produced by writing all day against the will that makes me so profoundly egotistic & melancholy? . . . Excuse my lugubriousness—I can't grin when I'm melancholy: and Tom Fool at home is known to have occasional fits of depression." [Harden 1: 308-10]

11

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. Out Of Town." Signed "Brown the Elder." With an illustration. Punch, 17 (11 Aug.): 53.

11

Writing to his German publisher, Bernhard Tauchnitz, Thackeray tells him: "I have just been arranging with my publishers here that the novel of Pendennis should be continued to 24 numbers in place of 20: it

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August

191

will appear in 2 volumes in this country. . . . I thought it would be right to make the change known to you so that you may accommodate the Leipzig edition to the proposed arrangement" He also asks: "Do you propose to move in the republication of the minor stories? I shall be glad to hear from you on the subject" [Harden 1: 310-11]. Tauchnitz issued Pendennis in three volumes (Leipzig, 1849-50) and a volume of Miscellanies containing "The Great Hoggarty Diamond" and The Book of Snobs (Leipzig, 1849). A second volume of Miscellanies appeared in 1851, and six additional volumes in 1856-57. 16

Writing to Richard Monckton Milnes, Thackeray mentions a magistrate's position that he had discussed with Milnes, explaining that he is not yet eligible: "Time will qualify me however and I hope to be able to last 6 years in the literary world. . . . If I could get a place and rest, I think I could do something better than I have done: and leave a good and lasting book behind me." [Harden 1: 311]

18

"Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town. Out Of Town." Signed "Brown the Elder." With an illustration. Punch, 17(18 Aug.): 66, 69.

25

"News from the Seat of War." With an illustration. Punch, 17 (25 Aug.): 73. ["Punch"]

29

Learning that his aunt, Augusta Thackeray Halliday, is seriously ill, Thackeray journeys to Paris to see her. [Ray 2: 575]

30

Writing to his mother in Wales, Thackeray describes Mrs. Halliday's critical condition and vows to "stay on until the end comes—I may do my next months work or the best part of it here: and whilst I'm writing am thinking about an article for Punch wh. must be done too in the course of the evening & tomorrow morning. What a queer world it is." [Ray 2: 576]

September "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No.

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2 (Sun)-3 Writing from Paris to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells of a very pleasant dinner with Jules Janin, and of teasing him with comic accounts of life in London: "I told him that to see the people boxing in the streets was a constant source of amusement to us; that in November—you saw every lamp post on London Bridge with a man hanging from it who had committed suicide—and he believed everything" [Ray 2: 578-79]. Later, when Janin visited London, Thackeray continued his comic inventions, which he recounted in the Roundabout paper, "Small-Beer Chronicle" [Works 17: 512-13]. Speaking of Arthur Hugh Clough, whom Mrs. Brookfield has just met, Thackeray says: "I took a very great liking and admiration for Clough. He is a real poet and a simple affectionate creature—Last year we went to Blenheim from Oxford. . . . Subsequently he sent me his pomes wh. were rough but contain the real genuine sacred flame I think. He is very learned: he has evidently been crossed in love: he gave up his Fellowship and university prospects on religious scruples. He is one of those thinking men, who I daresay will begin to speak out before many years are over, and protest against Gothic Xtianity." Asking if she has read Francis Newman's recent book, The Soul; Her Sorrows and Her Aspirations, Thackeray characterizes Newman as "a very pious loving humble soul . . . with an ascetical continence too—and a beautiful love and reverence—I'm a publican and sinner; but I believe those men are on the true track.—and—and I won't say any more to my dear lady who is still of the Gothic believers." For the September 1850 number of Pendennis, Thackeray was to write a passage comparing Francis Newman with his brother, John Henry [Works 12: 801-02]. Here he reports having begun Number 7 of the novel "& found a picture wh. was perfectly new and a passage wh. I had as utterly forgotten as if I had never read or written. This shortness of memory frightens me and makes me have glum anticipations. Will poor Anny have to nurse an old Imbecile of a father some day—who will ramble incoherently about old days, and people whom he used

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11 [Chaps. XXXIII-XXXVI]." With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations. (Sept.), pp. 321-52.

193

to love?"—as his bed-ridden aunt, Mrs. Halliday, is now doing, whom he describes as "tossing and moaning." Finally, he tells of having seen Ainsworth: "we dined next each other at the 3 Freres yesterday, and rather fraternized. He showed a friendly disposition I thought and a desire to forgive me my literary success." [Ray 2: 578-81, 583] Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray informs her of the death of Mrs. Halliday—"in her sleep quite without pain or any knowledge of the transition"—and of his attempts to console her husband, after which he visits with his "dearest old Aunt," Charlotte Thackeray Ritchie, "such a kind tender creature." Subsequently reverting to his old habits, he tells of reading Le Vicomte de Bragelonne by Dumas, "a continuation of the famous Mousquetaires and just as interesting keeping one panting from volume to volume and longing for more," and also reading Number V of David Copperfield, "wh. I begin to believe is the very best thing the author has yet done." He also goes to the theatre with an old friend, Roger de Beauvoir, who afterwards takes him up to the dressing room of "a beautiful actress with sparkling eyes and the prettiest little retrousse nosy posy in the world. . . . She had just taken off her rouge her complexion was only a thousand times more brilliant—perhaps a peignoir of black satin wh. partially enveloped her perfect form only served to heighten &cs wh. could but partially &c. Her lips are really as red as &c, & not covered with paint at all. Her voice is delicious—her eyes O they flashed &c, upon me, & I felt my &c beat so that I could hardly speak—I pitched in (if you will permit me the phrase) 2 or 3 compliments however, very large & heavy of the good old English sort,—and Oh Mon Dieu! She has asked me to go and see her! Shall I go or shan't I?" [Ray 2: 586-89] "What Mr. Jones Saw at Paris." Punch, 17 (8 Sept.): 100-01. ["Punch")] Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray confesses having "been to see the actress—who received us in a yellow satin drawing room, and who told me she had

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1811-63

but one fault in the world that she had trop bon coeur— and I am ashamed to say that I pitched still stronger compliments than before, and I daresay she thinks the enormous old Englishman is rapturously in love with her—But she will never see him again that faithless giant—I am past the age when Fotheringays inflame." [Ray 2: 590-91] Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells her of dining with T. B. Macaulay at the Trois Freres Provencaux, and of meeting Sir George Napier, who "told me a good story wh. I'd heard & forgotten about Lady Susan Lennox the mother of these hook-beaked heroes of war [Sir George and Sir Charles Napier]. George III was in love with her early in life and as he used to go backwards & forwards from Kew she used to be making hay in Holland House meadow... & the king used to stop & admire—It was the first Lord Holland who devised the scheme, & the king was so much inflamed that he did all but propose to her—but the match went off—Dont you see a novel in 3 volumes if you please Mum out of this [Harden 1: 320-22]?" Instead of using the story as the basis for a novel, however, Thackeray retold it in his lecture on George III [Works 13: 765]. Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray mentions having gone to see "those 2 poor Miss Powers, and the poor old faded and unhappy Dorsay"—poor because they have lost Lady Blessington, who had died on 4 June. Speaking of his social engagements, he says he will be a guest of Louis Napoleon's: "a party to Fontainebleau was proposed by whom do you think? by the President himself. . . . The truth is I have made acquaintance here with Lord Douglas, who is very good natured, and I suppose has been instigating the President to these hospitalities—I am afraid I disgusted Macaulay yesterday at dinner at Sir George Napier's: we were told that an American lady was coming in the evening, whose great desire in life was to meet the Author of Wanaty Fair and Author of the Lays of A. Rome, so I proposed to Macaulay to enact me, and let me take his character—but he said solemnly that he did not approve of practical jokes, & so this sport did not come to

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195

15

Thackeray leaves Paris for Boulogne and London. [Ray 2: 593; Harden 1: 323]

18

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray explains that while dining at Lady Rodd's the previous evening, his ankle became so intensely inflamed that "I was in such hagnies at dinner that though they got me a slipper (by wh. I had the advantage of showing a neat stocking to Lady Rodd) I was obliged to go home and send for a doctor. He put me to bed, where I am to stop today & perhaps tomorrow working at Pendennis.. . . My leg is to be amputated tomorow, but I shall be well on Thursday. D. V. and shall come to see you with my leg in my hand" [Harden 1: 324-25]. Thackeray was to remain in bed for over a month, for he soon developed a very serious illness diagnosed as "bilious fever accompanied with inflammation of the liver & lungs & other parts." He was attended by Mrs. Brookfield and Harry Hallam, but after several days John Forster insisted on bringing in Dr. John Elliotson, who took charge of matters, and to whom Thackeray gratefully dedicated the book edition of Pendennis. [Ray 6: 87]

22

"Murder of Mr. Cockrobin." With an illustration. Punch, 17 (22 Sept.): 119-20. ["Punch"]

October ca. 17 (Wed) Thackeray's mother, step-father, and daughters arrive from Wales, having only just been informed of Thackeray's illness. [Ray 2: 598-99] 17

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray says: "I am pretty well. I have . . . had to take a great deal of med-i-cine, but as the Doctor said it was good for me, I took it like a good boy and am now better." He thanks her for sending him grapes and jelly and "some turtle soup wh. I would like to eat too, but the Doctor will not let me, and though I am very sorry I do not cry. Is not that being good?—Well you see that though I am not well enough to sit up much yet, I am well enough to begin to be a tomfool, and that is a great point gained. All the

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pass" [Ray 2: 592-93]. Lord Douglas's ancestor, the fourth Duke of Hamilton, appears in Henry Esmond.

196

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22

Thackeray is sufficiently recovered to visit Brighton. [Ray 2: 600]

25

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells her: "I am getting on doucement; like the change of air exceedingly, the salt water baths, & the Bath Chair Journies to the Pier, where its almost as fresh as being at Sea." [Ray 2: 602]

26

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray says: "Im easily jaded and weary. . . . But I am grown very much stronger can walk a good bit, and advance though slowly no doubt towards recovery. It will be a long time before I am my own man again . . . , and I look forward to a pretty long career of diet and sofa & so forth." He calls being on the Pier "as good as being on board ship, with the blessing of no calling for the steward." He also speaks of spending time with his close friend, Mrs. Thomas Elliot, who has come to visit him, "one of the kindest of creatures and when we are together we talk & are merry . . . [before] I relapse into my usual sombre state of mind." [Ray 2: 603] Writing to his daughter, Anne, Thackeray speaks of having been working "the whole day"—presumably on Rebecca and Rowena. [Ray 2: 604]

31

Writing to the Rev. Brookfield and Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray speaks of planning a return to London on Monday, 4 November. [Ray 2: 606-07]

November 21 (Wed) Writing to the publisher, David Bogue, Thackeray tells him that he "is working at the text for M. Marvy's engravings, & hope very shortly to deliver it to you. Nothing but illness wd, have prevented me from executing this task before now." [Ray 2: 610-11] December 1 (Sat) "The Proper Time for Public Executions." Punch, 17 (1 Dec): 214. ["Punch"]

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rest will follow in due season, and I hope to be quite strong & frisky before long." [Harden 1: 326]

197

1

"Extract from the Letter of a Gentleman in the Service of the Emperor Soulouque." Punch, 17 (1 Dec): 219. ["Punch"]

3

Invited to dinner to meet an incognita Charlotte Bronte by her publisher, George Smith, who will become his publisher, Thackeray upsets her composure by quoting a well-known passage from Jane Eyre. He was to recount the meeting in an essay written after her death, "The Last Sketch" [Works 17: 375]. [Ray 2: 61112]

20

Thackeray completes the Preface to Rebecca and Rowena, after repeatedly telling Edward Chapman in vain that the correct title is "R & R or Romance on Romance." [Ray 2: 613-14]

22

Signed illustration to "The Guards and The Line." Punch, 17 (22 Dec): 243.

22

Rebecca and Rowena, by "M. A. Titmarsh," is published by Chapman and Hall with illustrations by Richard Doyle, and a Preface dated 20 December by "M. A. Titmarsh," who explains that "passing many hours on a sofa of late, recovering from a fever, and ordered by DR. ELLIOTSON (whose skill and friendship rescued me from it) ON NO ACCOUNT to put pen to paper, I, of course, wished to write immediately,—for which I humbly ask the Doctor's pardon." Pointing out that "the humble artist who usually illustrates my works fell ill at the same time with myself, and on trial his hand shook so that it was found impossible he could work for the present volume," he had the good fortune to be able to call in "the aid of my friend MR. RICHARD DOYLE to illustrate the tale" [Works 10: 497]. The title page is dated 1850.

25

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray responds to a sermon he has heard that morning by expressing his opinion of attitudes like those articulated in The Imitation of Christ, attributed to Thomas a Kempis. To Thackeray, its advocacy of detachment from the world, which she seems to share, is appalling: "The scheme of

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198

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

27

Writing to Lady Pollock from the Punch Office, Thackeray tells her that although he began work at 6AM, he will be unable to come to dinner because "I am waiting for the Proofs of Pendennis here wh ought to have been ready for me two hours ago." He also speaks of his intention "to make a rapid run to Paris, and set off to-morrow most likely, and when I have spent £10 I shall run back again—this being the extent of my pleasure." [Harden 1: 335-36] "The Three Sailors." In Samuel Bevan, Sand and Canvas. A Narrative of Adventures in Egypt. London: Charles Gilpin, 1849, pp. 340-42. "An Interesting Event. By Mr. Titmarsh." In The Keepsake. Ed. The Countess of Blessington. London: David Bogue, 1849, pp. 207-15.

31

Volume 1 of The History of Pendennis is published by Bradbury and Evans. 1850

January

3 (Thu)

"The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 12 [Chaps. XXXVII-XXXIX]." With an illustrated title page, six other illustrations, and an additional illustrated title page for Volume 1. (Jan.), pp. 353-84. Writing to Lady Castlereagh, Thackeray teases her for saying that she was "just going to read Rebecca & Rowena! Ah Madam, do you suppose that I am not acquainted with that stratagem?" He also tells her that he has "very bad news about the trip to Paris. No money. All gone to pay bills. No Paris: no fun this month—Life is made up of disappointments and behold here is one." [Ray 2: 627]

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that book carried out would make the world the most wretched useless dreary doting place of sojourn—there would be . . . a set of selfish beings crawling about avoiding one another, and howling a perpetual miserere." [Ray 2: 615-16]

199

Writing to his old Cambridge friend, James Spedding, Thackeray reports having "got back nearly to my former flesh and strength, and rattle about London pretty much in the old way—out 4 times a week like a gay young dog. I had a severe bout of it and was very nearly transmitted to the next world: but behold there is a reprieve, and I am left to blunder on yet a little longer. I'm not satisfied with what I do." Bringing Spedding up to date about mutual acquaintances like Carlyle, Rogers, Tennyson, and the Elliots, Thackeray concludes: "My dear Inspectress of schools [Mrs. Brookfield] beautiful as ever is about very soon to become a Mamma. A comic poet once singing of an Irishwoman said 'Children if she bear blest will be their daddy[.]' And indeed I can conceive few positions more agreeable than his who is called upon to perform the part of husband to so sweet a creature." The allusion, of course, is to Thackeray's "Peg of Limavaddy." [Ray 2: 628-29] Writing to the Editor of The Morning Chronicle, Thackeray responds to its article of 3 January and to Forster's follow-up article in The Examiner of 5 January, both of which objected to what they saw as a general disparagement of literary authors in England, and both of which felt that in the September 1849 number of Pendennis Thackeray had provided further grounds for such a disparagement. In response, Thackeray denies that individual characters in his novel reflect negatively on his profession as a whole, and asserts that literary writers are as respected as men in other professions. The controversy continued, however, and its subject became identified from the title of Thackeray's letter, "The Dignity of Literature." "The Dignity of Literature. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle." The Morning Chronicle, 12 Jan., p. 4. ["Chronicle"] "Hobson's Choice. With an illustration. Punch, 18 (12 Jan.): 11-12. ["Punch"] Writing in response to a letter from an old Charterhouse friend after years of separation, the Rev.

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology James Reynolds Young, who is Rector of Whitnash, a decidedly rural location in Warwickshire [Ray 1: 28], Thackeray rhetorically asks: "what can a man more desire than a good wife a fair living a pretty country and health to enjoy all these good things? A parsons life I should take to be the best and happiest in [the] world—lucky they whose vocation it is: I wish mine were as tranquil." [Harden 1: 339]

19

"Hobson's Choice; or, The Perplexities of a Gentleman in Search of a Servant." With two illustrations. Punch, 18 (19 Jan.): 21-22. ["Punch"]

19

Signed illustration to "The New House of Commons." Punch, 18 (19 Jan.): 29.

25

Writing to Abraham Hayward, Thackeray thanks him for proposing that Thackeray be elected to the Athenaeum Club, but says "I'm not very anxious" because "I am very poor at this 'writing' and want my money to pay my bills. However if I'm elected I think I can find the 30 guineas or whatever it is in mine or somebody else's pocket: and have no right to refuse such a kind offer from such a backer." He also distances himself from the controversial language that he had used at the end of "A Dinner in the Row" in the September installment of Pendennis [Works 12: 43940]: "The words in Pendennis are untenable be hanged to them: but they were meant to apply to a particular class of literary men, my class who are the most ignorant men under the Sun, myself included I mean. But I wrote so carelessly that it appears as if I would speak of all, & even if it were true I ought never to have written what I did." [Ray 2: 635-36]

26

"Hobson's Choice, or The Perplexities of a Gentleman in Search of a Servant." [With an illustration by Richard Doyle.] Punch, 18 (26 Jan.): 32-33. ["Punch"]

February "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 13 [Chaps. Mil]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Feb.), pp. 1-32.

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200

201

1 (Fri)

Writing to Abraham Hayward, Thackeray responds to his anticipated rejection at the Athenaeum Club, saying that "I was quite prepared . . . : indeed as a satirical writer, I rather wonder that I have not made more enemies than I h a v e . . . . There must be thousands of men to whom the practice of ridicule must be very offensive: doesn't one see such in society or in one's own family?—persons whom Nature has not gifted with a sense of humour? Such a man would be wrong not to give me . . . a negatory nod of his honest respectable stupid old head. And . . . indeed I am very much pleased to have had 2 such sureties as [Henry] Hallam and [Dean] Milman." [Ray 2: 636-37]

2

"Thoughts on a New Comedy. Being a Letter from Mr. J s Plush to a Friend." Punch, 1 8 ( 2 Feb.): 49-50. ["Punch"]

9

"The Ballad of Eliza Davis." Signed "X." With an illustration. Punch, 18 (9 Feb.): 53. [Miscellanies]

16

"Mr. Punch on Church and State Education." Punch, 18 (16 Feb.): 61-62. ["Punch"]

23

"The Lamentable Ballad of the Foundling of Shoreditch." Signed "X." With an illustration. Punch, 18 (23 Feb.): 73. [Miscellanies]

26

Writing in response to the birth earlier that day of Magdalen Brookfield, Thackeray sends her a letter with his "very best love and compliments upon your appearance in this world, where I hope you will long remain, so as to make your Mamma & Papa happy. Sometimes they will talk to you perhaps, about a gentleman who was a great friend of theirs once. He was a writer of books wh. were popular in their day, but by the time you are able to read this they will be quite forgotten. . . . But what he would like you to remember is that he was very fond of your dear mother, and that he and your Papa were very good friends to one another." [Ray 2: 639]

27

Writing to David Bogue in response to a letter of his, Thackeray acknowledges that on 21 November 1849 he

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology was "preparing the MS for Mr. Man/y's plates [for Sketches After English Landscape Painters] . . . : but as I receive for it a fee wh. is scarcely more than nominal [£40] and as I had arrears of work to do I was compelled to give my attention to other subjects." Asking for his fee and Marvy's [also £40], half of which he has already forwarded to the French artist, Thackeray promises to complete the manuscript and to forward Marvy's remaining portion of the fee to him in Paris [Harden 1: 344-45]. The book finally appeared in mid-November, coinciding almost exactly with Marvy's death on the 15th, leaving a penniless wife and family, whom Thackeray helped to support [Ray 1: cl]

March "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 14 [Chaps. IV-VI]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Mar.), pp. 33-64. 4 (Mon)

Thackeray suddenly sets off for Boulogne and Paris. [Ray 2: 649-50]

5

Writing from Paris to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray explains that he "got out of bed . . . rushed to London Bridge station all within an hour yesterday: and . . . was safe delivered at Boulogne, whence I came on this morning. . . . I'm glad I came. It isn't for long; but I got sick of waiting outside a certain door in Prtm-n St [Mrs. Brookfield's]; and thought change of air would be good for me." He apparently is still writing for The Morning Chronicle, since he sends the letter via their packet. [Harden 1: 346-47]

9

"Waiting at the Station." Punch, 18 (9 Mar.): 92-93. ["Punch"]

18-20

Writing from Paris to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray says: "I had thought of setting off tomorrow, but as I have got into working trim I think I had best stop here and do a great bit of my number before I unsettle myself by another journey." At he end of the letter he tells her: "I shall go away on Saturday [23 March] probably" [Ray 2: 652-54], and he did so. [Ray 2: 655]

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202

203

23

"Mr. Finigan's Lament." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 18 (23 Mar.): 113. ["Punch"]

27

Writing from London to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells her: "I have written a wicked number of Pendennis but like it rather. It has a good moral I believe, although to some it may appear naughty." [Ray 2: 654]

28

Writing to Adelaide Kemble Sartoris, Thackeray mentions having gone to his club at 11:30PM the night before "to write the last page of Pendennis." [Ray 2: 657] "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 15 [Chaps. VII-IX]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Apr.), pp. 65-96.

3 (Wed)

Writing to John Forster a day after Forster's birthday, Thackeray offers congratulations: "it was very kind of your mother to wait for a day before she gave you birth. And I wish you many happy returns of your birthday, Dickens of his marriage-day, & both of you of the day previous." [Ray 2: 660]

6

"The Sights of London." Signed "Goliah Muff." With an illustration. Punch, 18 (6 Apr.): 132. ["Punch"]

6

Signed illustration to "The Bachelors' League." Punch, 18 (6 Apr.): 138. Mistakenly thinking that Thackeray had belittled a contemporary Irish soprano in the April number of Pendennis, Irish newspapers begin an attack on him for having alluded to "the greatest criminal, tyrant, booby, Bluebeard, Catherine Hayes, George Barnwell amongst us" [Works 12: 1003].

10

Writing to Frederick Gye, manager of the Royal Italian Opera House, Covent Garden, Thackeray thanks him for a continuing card of admission: "I am very much obliged to you for your kindness & hope often to be

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

"Capers and Anchovies. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle." The Morning Chronicle, 12 Apr., p. 5. In this letter, Thackeray explains that he was alluding to the English murderess, the mock heroine of his satirical novel, Catherine, and that his only thought in writing the passage in Pendennis was about "Mrs. Hayes, who died at Tyburn, and subsequently perished in my novel—and not in the least about an amiable and beautiful young lady, now acting at Her Majesty's Theatre." [Works 10: 590] "The Smoke Nuisance." [With an illustration by Richard Doyle.] Punch, 18 (13 Apr.): 141. ["Punch"] Writing to his friend, the Irish writer and traveller, Eliot Warburton, Thackeray mentions how "The Irish are all mad against me just now and firing into me about an unlucky slip of memory I made, in speaking about Catherine Hayes in conjunction with Barnwell & Bluebeard: meaning the English Murderess and quite forgetting the Irish singer of that name. . . . O Murther! How they have abused me: such names as they've called me!" Given his outlook, he does not create "higher and purer characters," but he wonders if "you of the ideal and imaginative school are lighter than we of the real and denying." He sems to affirm the validity of his kind of search for the truth, however, as he asks the question: "are you nearer on your knees to the Truth, than upright with your hat on . . . ?" Finally, he speaks of his preference for "a real downright black and white description . . . , wherein pokers are pokers and nothing else," rather than a "brilliant apology and eulogy." [Harden 1: 358-59] Writing to Mark Lemon, Thackeray asks that the initial "Proser" article be published, terming it the first of a series of essays which he intends to be "better and in a higher tone . . . than anything I have done." [Harden 1: 360]

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able to profit by the admission to the R. I. 0 wh. you are so good as to give me." [Harden 1: 357]

205

20

"The Proser. Essays and Discourses by Dr. Solomon Pacifico. I. On A Lady in an Opera-Box." With an illustration. Punch, 18 (20 Apr.): 151-52.

20

Apparently signed illustration to "Admiralty v. Assistant-Surgeons. To Colonel Sibthorp." Punch, 18 (20 Apr.): 157.

23

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray speaks of "an awful week of festivities, beginning that evening with "Shakspeare's birthday at the Garrick Club, dinner and speech," followed by a series of engagements with titled hosts. [Ray 2: 665]

23

Death of Wordsworth.

May "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 16 [Chaps. X-XIII]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (May), pp. 97-128. 4 (Sat.)

"The Proser. Essays and Discourses by Dr. Solomon Pacifico. II.—On the Pleasures of Being a Fogy." With an illustration. Punch, 18 (4 May): 173.

11

"Lines on a Late Hospicious Ewent By a Gentleman of the Foot-guards (Blue)." Punch, 18 (11 May): 189. ["Punch"]

18

"The Proser. Essays and Discourses by Dr. Solomon Pacifico. III.—On The Benefits of Being a Fogy." Punch, 18 (18 May): 197-98.

25

"The Wofle New Ballad of Jane Roney and Mary Brown." Punch, 18 (25 May): 209. [Spielmann 335]

June "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 17 [Chaps. XIV-XVI]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (June), pp. 129-60.

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

8 (Sat)

"The Proser. Essays and Discourses by Dr. Solomon Pacifico. IV.—On a Good-looking Young Lady." With an illustration. Punch, 18 (8 June): 223-24.

12

Charlotte Bronte, who is staying with George Smith and his mother, comes with Smith to Thackeray's house for dinner, and afterwards tea with a number of Thackeray's female friends, but her notable reticence has a severely depressing effect on the other guests. [Ray 2: 673-74]

15

"The Proser. Essays and Discourses by Dr. Solomon Pacifico. V.—On an Interesting French Exile." Punch, 18(15 June): 234-35.

29

"The Proser. Essays and Discourses by Dr. Solomon Pacifico. VI.—On an American Traveller." Punch, 19 (29 June): 7-8.

July "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 18 [Chaps. XVII-XIX]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (July), pp. 161-92. 6 (Sat)

"Mr. Seesaw's Conduct in Parliament during the Late Debates." Punch, 19 (6 July): 13. ["Punch"]

11

Writing from Newhaven to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells her: "This morning I felt so unwell that I rose and rushed away to this place, and in 10 minutes more shall be in the Dieppe steamer. So Goodbye for a week." [Harden 2: 366]

13

Writing from Dieppe to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray implies that he will visit Paris to see his parents before returning to London [Ray 2: 680]. In fact, he spent two days there. [Harden 1: 373]

18

Writing from London to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells her that he has just "sent in my resignation to Punch—there appears in next Punch an article so wicked I think by poor Jerrold, that upon my word I don't think I ought to pull any longer in the same boat

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206

207

with such a savage little Robespierre. The appearance of this incendiary article put me in such a rage that I could only cool myself by a ride in the Park." Having cooled down, he anounces his intention to work the rest of the day and to see Meyerbeer's Le Prophete in the evening [Ray 2: 680-81 (misdated)]. The article was apparently withdrawn and Thackeray remained a crew member. 26

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray tells her of working on No. 20 of Pendennis "and reading back numbers in order to get up names &c wh. I'd forgotten. I lit upon a very stupid part I'm sorry to say: and yet how well written it is. What a shame the Author dont write a complete good story." He also makes his first mention of a possible trip to America. [Ray 2: 285-86]

31

"A Prospect of Hampton Court." Punch, 19 (31 July): 4-5. [Extra number.] ["Punch"]

August "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 19 [Chaps. XX-XXII]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (Aug.), pp. 193-224. 1 (Thu)

Thackeray hosts a dinner for his Punch colleagues, including Jerrold, at the Trafalgar in Greenwich. [Harden 1: 368]

3

"Mr. Molony's Account of the Ball Given to the Nepaulese Ambassador by the Peninsular and Oriental Company." Punch, 19 (3 Aug.): 53. ["Punch"]

3

"The Proser. Essays and Discourses by Dr. Solomon Pacifico. VIL—On the Press and the Public." With an illustration. Punch, 19 (3 Aug.): 59.

5

Thackeray goes to Southampton, apparently with his daughters and their governess, Jane Trulock, who join Mrs. Brookfield. [Ray 2: 685; Harden 1: 369]

8

Writing from the Dolphin Inn, Southampton, to the Scottish painter, Alexander Christie, Thackeray

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208

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

10

Signed illustration to "Generosity to Poor Soldiers." Punch, 19 (10 Aug.): 62.

10

"Four Equerries and Three Chaplains." Punch, 19 (10 Aug.): 67. ["Punch"]

21

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield after returning from Southampton the previous day, Thackeray recalls the "happy peaceful fortnight" and tells of meeting Cecilia Gore on the train, "who says she is Blanche Amory, and I think she is Blanche Amory, amiable (at times) amusing, clever and depraved. We talked and persifflated all the way to London; and the idea of her will help me to a good chapter, in wh. 1 will make Pen and Blanche play at being in love—such a wicked false humbugging London love as two biases London prople might act and half deceive themselves that they were in earnest That will complete the cycle of Mr. Pens worldly experiences, and then we will make a try & make a good man of him." [Harden 1: 371]

22

Writing to Edward Chapman, Thackeray offers him a Christmas book—"the foreign tour before projected"— but stipulates that "the price will be 150£ for an edition of 3000," explaining that "I think I have a right to a shilling per copy of a 5/ & often 7/ book" [Ray 2: 687]. Chapman offered him only £100, however, so Thackeray declined and turned to George Smith. [Harden 1: 372]

24

"Damages, Two Hundred Pounds." Punch, 19 (24 Aug.): 88. ["Punch"]

24

"The Lion Huntress of Belgravia. Being Lady Nimrod's Journal of the past Season." [With an illustration probably not by Thackeray.] Punch, 19 (24 Aug.): 8990. ["Punch"]

27

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray acknowledges receipt of a £150 advance for 3000 copies of The Kickleburys on the Rhine, and mentions plans for

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thanks him for a picture and speculates about visiting Scotland later in the year. [Harden 1: 369]

1811-63

209

31

"The lion Huntress of Belgravia. Being Lady Nimrod's Journal of the past Season." With an illustration. Punch, 19 (31 Aug.): 91. ["Punch"]

31?

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray speaks of leaving "for Antwerp at 9 tomorrow morning," and asks whether her Southampton physician, Dr. William Bullar, who experimented with anesthetics [Ray 2: 479], is "going to work upon you with his simple mysticism? I don't know about the Unseen World, the use of the Seen World is the right thing I'm sure." [Ray 2: 690]

September "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 20 [Chaps. XXIII-XXV]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (Sept.), pp. 225-56. 1 (Sun)

Thackeray leaves for Antwerp and the Rhine. [Ray 2: 690]

14

Writing to Louis Marvy, Thackeray explains why he broke with Chapman and Hall, and that he found a new publisher immediately. He admits being very lazy, but argues that if he were not, he would not work as much as he does ["Mais nos defaults sont notre force assez souvent—n'etait ce cette grande paresse, je ne travaillerai pas tant"]. He also says that Sketches After English Landscape Painters is now finished and looks fine. [Harden 1: 372-73]

15

Writing to his daughters from Brussels on his way home, Thackeray tells them that he has spent five days at Bad Homburg, and says that "it has given me what I wanted for my Xmas book," where it reappears as Rougetnoirbourg. He again mentions going to America, this time specifying 1852. Finally, he anounces plans to work on Pendennis for the next two or three days, and to return to London on the 19th or 20th. [Ray 2: 691-93]

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going "to the Rhine on Saturday [31 August] most probably." [Harden 1: 372]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

21

"The Lion Huntress of Belgravia. Being Lady Nimrod's Journal of the past Season." Punch, 19 (21 Sept.): 12324. ["Punch"]

28

"The Real State of the Case." With an illustration. Punch, 19 (28 Sept.): 133. ["Punch"]

October "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 21 [Chaps. XXVI-XXVIII]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Oct.), pp. 257-88. 11 (Fri)

Writing to Lady Cullum, Thackeray explains that since he has "to write and draw a Christmas Book & 3 numbers of Pendennis in the course of the next six weeks," he will necessarily have to curtail his social activities. [Harden 1: 379]

12

"Murray or Mac Hale." With a signed illustration. Punch, 19 (12 Oct.): 155. ["Punch"]

19

"Melancholy Musings." Punch, 19 (19 Oct.): 170. ["Punch"]

19

"The Country in Alarm." Signed "H. Muff." Punch, 19 (19 Oct.): 172. ["Punch"]

26

"A Retired Neighbourhood." [A drawing, letterpress.] Punch, 19 (26 Oct.): 174. ["Punch"]

26

"The Church on the Continent." Punch, 19 (26 Oct.):

with

176. ["Punch"] 26

"Pontifical News." Punch, 19 (26 Oct.): 182. ["Punch"]

November

2 (Sat)

"The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. No. 22 [Chaps. XXIX-XXXII]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Nov.), pp. 289-320. "A Dream of Whitefriars." With two illustrations. Punch, 19 (2 Nov.): 184-85. ["Punch"]

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210

211

3

Writing to Adelaide Kemble Sartoris, Thackeray tells her of having gone to a farewell performance of Macready in Hamlet, and having recalled his youthful enjoyment of the theatre, "but when the play began and old Hamlet came on with a gnarled neck and a rich brown wig over his wrinkled old face—the youthful business disappeared altogether. What a bore the play was! how I wished myself away smoking a cigar! What a wretched humbug that old Hamlet seemed with an undertakers tray on his head flapping about his eternal white pocket handkerchief, and being frightened at that stupid old ghost!" After a lengthy deprecation of Shakespeare's play, he concludes: "I was immensely relieved when they were all run through the body." He also mentions a weekly Punch dinner the day before, "where the literary wags were assembled, and where Dickens, Jerrold, Forster & your humble servant sate sparring at each other—would any of us, I wonder, have liked Laertes's foil?" [Harden 1: 382-83]

4

Writing to Dr. John Elliotson, Thackeray says: "Next month (D.V.) sees the completion of my story of Pendennis, wh. would never most likely have been brought to a conclusion but for your skill and kindness to me this time last year." Hence he asks: "May I dedicate the book to you? It is but a compliment in return for a life saved but I have no more than words and affectionate gratitude to offer" [Ray 2: 704]. Elliotson happily accepted. Writing to Mrs. William Milbourne James, Thackeray refers to the death of Harry Hallam on 24 October in Siena, news of which had reached the Brookfields on 4 November: "I was talking with Brookfield last night about our dear kind gentle boy Harry Hallam who had the sweetest qualities and the most loving heart, and who when I was ill last year showed me the most kind and delicate proofs of affection & sympathy." [Ray 2: 705] Preface and short notices to the twenty engravings in Louis Marvy, Sketches After English Landscape Painters. London: David Bogue, [1850].

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

19

Tennyson is appointed Poet Laureate.

23

"Fragments from the History of Cashmere. By the Arabian Historian Karagooz. Chap. 222." With an illustration. Punch, 19 (23 Nov.): 221. ["Punch"]

25

Writing to Lady Cullum, Thackeray regretfully declines her invitation to come for a visit because of his work-load: "here is the 25th my (double) number not quite done; and the instant it is finished I must fall to work on a Xmas book the writing of wh. will take me 10 days more at the very least" [Harden 1: 385]

26-28

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells of finishing Pendennis on the 26th, and of his plans for the future: "lectures in spring" and "a better subject for a novel than any I've yet had." [Ray 2: 707-08]

30

"Mr. Punch's Appeal to an Eminent Appealer." Punch, 19 (30 Nov.): 223-24. ["Punch"]

December "The History of Pendennis. His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy. Nos. 23-24 [Chaps. XXXIII-XXXVII]." With an illustrated title page, ten other illustrations, and an additional illustrated title page for Volume 2. (Dec), pp. 321-72. 14 (Sat)

"Domestic Scenes—Served with a Writ." With a signed illustration. Punch, 19 (14 Dec): 243. ["Punch"]

14

The Kickleburys on the Rhine by "Mr. M. A. Titmarsh," with an illustrated title page and 14 other illustrations, is published by Smith, Elder.

14

The book edition of Pendennis, with illustrations, is published in two volumes by Bradbury and Evans under Thackeray's name, with a dedication to Dr. John Elliotson for his "constant watchfulness and skill," and for his "great goodness and kindness." A preface dated 26 November 1850 explains that: "Many ladies have remonstrated and subscribers left me because, in the course of the story, I described a young man resisting and affected by temptation." In response,

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212

213

Thackeray comments that "Since the author of Tan Jones was buried, no writer of fiction among us has been permitted to depict to his utmost power a MAN. We must drape him. . . . Society will not tolerate the Natural in our Art." He concludes by asserting that "If truth is not always pleasant, at any rate truth is best." [Works 10: xxxiii, xxxvi-xxxvii] 21

Signed illustration to "Police Regulations for the Publication of Punch's Almanack." Punch, 19 (21 Dec): 254.

21

"Voltigeur. By W. M. Thackeray, Esq." In The Keepsake. Ed. Miss Power. London: David Bogue, 1851, pp. 238-50.

23

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield from Bristol, Thackeray tells her: "I went to Cleveden & saw the last rites performed for poor dear Harry. . . . Those ceremonies over a corpse . . . always appear to me shocking rather than solemn, and the horses and the plumes give me pain—The awful moment was when the dear old father the coffin being lowered into the vault where so much of his affection and tenderest love lies buried went down into the cave, and gave the coffin a last kiss. There was no standing that last most affecting touch of Nature." [Ray 2:714]

24-2 8

Thackeray stays at the estate of Sir John Cam Hobhouse in Wiltshire. Years later Hobhouse recalled that Thackeray spoke of his plan to go "to America to give lectures on English literature or to write a book." [Hobhouse 6: 266; Ray 2: 717-18]

28

"Mr. Punch's Address to the Great City of Castlebar." With a signed illustration. Punch, 19 (28 Dec): 263. ["Punch"]

29

Writing to William Edmondstoune Aytoun, Thackeray characterises The Kickleburys on the Rhine as "small beer," but adds: "my belief is that the public is not averse to swipes [small beer], and I wait with some curiosity the result of this little experiment." [Harden 1:388]

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214

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

January 3 (Fri)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that high winds and a sore throat have made him defer for a few days his departure for Paris with his daughters, and he projects a stay of "2 or 3 weeks. Then you'll come to us in May, won't you, for the lectures? and when I'm gone to America, you'll have a long spell of them." [Ray 2: 725]

4

"The Yankee Volunteers." Punch, 20 (4 Jan.): 2. ["Punch"]

4

"The Excitement in Belgravia. I. Mr. Butcher and Master Butcher-Boy." [A signed drawing, with letterpress.] Punch, 20 (4 Jan.): 8. [Spielmann 336]

5

Thackeray responds to a disparaging review of The Kickleburys on the Rhine in The Times of 3 January (p. 3) by writing a preface to the second edition of "The Kickleburys, "Thunder and Strong Beer" [Works 10: 219-27], in which he replies to "The Thunderer's" critic by quoting the review and thoroughly mocking it—among other ways, by citing a letter of the same date from his publisher announcing the sale of all copies and proposing a second edition.

6

Writing to Abraham Hayward, Thackeray refers to the "little controversy with the Times but I couldn't forego the chance: and the whole story is strictly true strange to say & the publishers of the Xmas book did actually sell the last copy (& send me a 50£ note too) on the day when the Times article appeared. Be hanged to them! I send out a strong man and they leave him alone: but I send out a poor little boy and they rush out on him and thump him." [Ray 2:728]

7

Writing to Lady Eastlake, the former Elizabeth Rigby, who had reviewed Vanity Fair in 1848, Thackeray encloses a copy of Pendennis for her husband, "his friend and brother Carthusian," Sir Charles, who had recently become President of the Royal Academy, and says: "I should have liked to send a Xmas book too to

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1851

215

take a day or two's place on your table but the wood cuts were spoiled and the writing not first rate: and, Madam, I dont like to try you with second rate articles. The public has been delighted." By contrast, "a rogue in the Times has found me out and assaulted me: hence has arisen a controversy wh. is very pretty controversy for any body who likes mischief." [Harden 1: 393] Thackeray leaves for Paris with his daughters. [Harden 1: 393] Signed illustration to "Punch's Sermons to Tradesmen. To the Baker." Punch, 20 (11 Jan.): 13. A second edition of The Kickleburys on the Rhine by "Mr. M. A. Titmarsh," with an illustrated title page and 14 other illustrations, and with a preface, "Thunder and Small Beer," dated 5 January, is published by Smith, Elder. Writing to Mrs. Brookfield from Paris, Thackeray alludes to the reading he is doing for his planned lectures: "I have got a very amusing book, The Tatler newspaper of 1709." He is also "advancing in Bluebeard but must give it up: its too dreadfully cynical and wicked. Its in blank verse & all a diabolical sneer." On Wednesday, the 15th, "I was gambling until 2 o'clock this morning, playing a game called lansquenet wh. is very good gambling and I left off as I had begun very thankful not to carry away anybody's money or leave behind any of my own. But it was curious to watch the temperaments of the various players." He writes Bluebeard all day, "very sardonic and amusing to do, but I doubt whether it will be pleasant to read or hear, or even whether it is right to go on with this wicked vein." More promisingly, he mentions that "a story is biling up in my interior, in wh. there shall appear some very good lofty and generous people. Perhaps a story without any villain in it would be good." [Ray 2: 735-36] "Contract for Muffins." Punch, 20 (18 Jan.): 21. ["Punch"]

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

18

"Why Can't They Leave Us Alone in the Holydays?" Signed "Under Petty." Punch, 20 (18 Jan.): 23. ["Punch"]

18

"Potage a la Cardinal." Punch, 20 (18 Jan.): 28. ["Punch"]

18

"Religious Persecution." Punch, 20 (18 Jan.): 30. ["Punch"]

18

"Limerick Butter." Punch, 20 (18 Jan.): 30. ["Punch"]

18 25

"Clerical Joke." Punch, 20 (18 Jan.): 30. ["Punch"] "The Excitement in Belgravia. Jeames and the Butler." (A drawing, with letterpress.) Punch, 20 (25 Jan.): 38. [Spielmann 336]

25

"A Case of Conscience." Punch, 20 (25 Jan.): 38. ["Punch"]

February 1 (Sat) "A Police Case (In the manner of Mr. L H.)." Punch, 20 (1 Feb.): 44. ["Punch"] 1

"Viscount Whiggington's Recal from the Government of Barataria." Punch, 20 (1 Feb.): 52. ["Punch"]

1

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray says: "If some folks letters were published as some folks dread after my & some folks' death—I think Posterity would smile rather. I would if I were Posterity." [Ray 2: 748]

7

Thackeray returns to London from Paris. [Ray 2: 751]

8

"No News from Paris. By a Cynical Correspondent." With an illustration. Punch, 20 (8 Feb.): 53. ["Punch"]

15

"From the Diario Oltramano." Punch, 20 (15 Feb.): 64. ["Punch"]

22

"A Plan for a Prize Novel. In a Letter from the eminent Dramatist Brown to the eminent Novelist Snooks." Punch, 20 (22 Feb.): 75. ["Punch"]

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216

1811-63

March l(Sat)

Thackeray becomes a member of the Athenaeum Club. [Ray 2: 754] "Hurrah for Austria!" Punch, 20 (1 Mar.): 86. ["Punch"]

1

"A Delicate Case." Signed "Robert Muff." Punch, 20 (1 Mar.): 89. ["Punch"]

1

At a farewell dinner for Macready, Thackeray makes a speech and proposes a toast [Ray 2: 755]

8

"From The Own Correspondent of the Moniteur des Boulevards." Signed "Gobemouche." With an illustration. Punch, 20 (8 Mar.): 93. ["Punch"]

15

"A Woeful New Ballad of the Protestant Conspiracy to take the Pope's Life. By a Gentleman who has been on the Spot" Punch, 20 (15 Mar.): 113- ["Punch"]

22

"John Bull Beaten." With an illustration. Punch, 20 (22 Mar.): 115-16. ["Punch"]

26

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her: "I am in hopes of making a very pretty little sum by the lectures, and meanwhile haven't spent through the overplus of last year. I have been living in the last century for weeks past—all day that is—going at night as usual into the present age; until I get to fancy myself almost as familiar with one as the other; and Oxford and Bolingbroke interest me as much as Russell & Palmerston—more very likely. The present politics are behind the world: and not fit for the intelligence of the nation. The great revolution's a coming a coming." He concludes with generalizations about several of his lecture subjects, and for the first time projects a date: "I do think I like other people to succeed in the world and am pleased with the fortune of those nearly akin to me by blood or friendship or circumstance. Addison wasn't though and Pope was an envious little devil: Swift liked his friends to succeed though he was a bad man, and scorned all the world except his own set and Dicky Steele wasn't envious, though he was a sad loose

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25

217

218

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology/

29

"No Business of Ours." Signed "An Oppressed Hindu." With a signed illustration. Punch, 20 (29 Mar.): 12526. ["Punch"]

5 (Sat)

"If Not: Why Not?" Signed "Hibernis Hibernior." With an illustration. Punch, 20 (5 Apr.): 135. ["Punch"]

12

"The French Conspiration." Signed "Gobemouche." Punch, 20 (12 Apr.): 146-47. ["Punch"]

19

"A Strange Man Just Discovered in Germany." With an illustration. Punch, 20 (19 Apr.): 155. ["Punch"]

19

"World's Fair Offer." Punch, 20 (19 Apr.): 157. ["Punch"]

19

"No Exhibition Rabble." Punch, 20 (19 Apr.): 157. ["Punch"]

19

"To Families Quitting Pimlico." Punch, 20 (19 Apr.): 157. ["Punch"]

23

Thackeray makes a speech at the Garrick Club's annual Shakespeare dinner. [Ray 2: 766]

26

"Mr. Molony's Account of the Crystal Palace." Punch, 20 (26 Apr.): 171. ["Punch"]

29

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray speaks of composing his "May Day Ode" in celebration of the opening of the Great Exhibition: "I dont wonder at poets being selfish, such as Wordsworth and Alfred— I've been for 5 days a poet, and have thought or remembered nothing else but my self and my rhymes and my measure— . . . and now though the work is just done (I'm just returned from taking it to the Times Office) I hardly see the paper before me, so utterly beat, nervous, bilious & overcome I feel." He also tells of having been to Willis's Rooms, King St., St. James's, where he is to deliver his lectures: "I tried the great

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fish—for wh. see lectures to be delivered—where? when?—about 20 May let us hope." [Ray 2: 761-63]

219

room at Willis's yesterday, and recited a part of the multiplication table to a waiter at the opposite end so as to try the woice. He said he could hear perfectly: and I daresay he could but the thoughts somehow swell and amplify with that high-pitched voice and elaborate distinctness—as I perceive how poets become selfish I see how orators become humbugs and selfish in their way too: absorbed in that selfish pursuit and turning of periods." Finally, he tells her of having achieved recent success in spite of his usual tremulous behavior as a public speaker: "The gentlemen of the G tell me, and another auditor from the Macready dinner, that my style of horatory was conspicuous for consummate ease and impudence, I all the while feeling in so terrible a panic that I scarcely knew at the time what I was uttering, & didn't know at all when I sat down." [Ray 2: 765-66] "May Day Ode." The Times, 30 April, p. 5. Inaugural ceremonies are held at the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition. Writing to Mrs. Brookfield after having attended the ceremonies, Thackeray tells her that "the Ode has had a great success.... I got a good place by good luck, and saw the whole affair of wh. no particular item is wonderful but the general effect the multitude the riches the peace the splendour the security the sunshine great to see—much grander than a coronation— the vastest & sublimest popular festival that the world has ever witnessed." Less than sublime moments also occurred: "There was a Chinese with a face like a pantomime mask... who went up and kissed the Duke of Wellington much to the old boys surprise, . . . —and while the Archbishop was saying his . . . Paternoster (wh. sounded in that wonderful throng inexpressibly sweet and aweful) 3 Romish priests were staring about with opera glasses: wh. made me feel as angry as the Jews who stoned Stephen." [Ray 2: 768] Signed illustration to "The Original Agapemone in Danger." Punch, 20 (3 May): 184.

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1811-63

Writing to David Masson, who had sent him his article, "Pendennis and Copperfield: Thackeray and Dickens," which had appeared in the May issue of The North British Review (pp. 57-89), Thackeray thanks him for having "spoken so kindly in my favor." He also explains his disagreement with Masson, who had characterized Dickens as a writer of the ideal school and defended his un-lifelike characters by quoting Goethe's dictum that "Art is called Art . . . precisely because it is not Nature" [p. 75]. Thackeray responds by saying: "I think Mr. Dickens has in many things quite a divine genius so to speak, and certain notes in his song are so delightful and admirable, that I should never think of trying to imitate him, only hold my tongue and admire him[.] I quarrel with his Art in many respects: wh. I don't think represents nature duly; for instance Micawber appears to me an exaggeration of a man, as his name is of a name. It is delightful and makes me laugh: but it is no more a real man than my friend Punch is; and in so far I protest against him—and against the doctrine quoted by my Reviewer from Goethe too—holding that the Art of Novels is to represent Nature: to convey as strongly as possible the sentiment of reality—In a tragedy or a poem or a lofty drama you aim at producing different emotions; the figures moving, and their words sounding, heroically: but in a drawing room drama a coat is a coat and a poker a poker; and must be nothing else according to my ethics, not an embroidered tunic, nor a great red-hot instrument like the Pantomime weapon." He concludes by again praising Dickens's writing, especially for its charm, which he characterizes as "wonderful sweetness & freshness." [Harden 1:410-11] "What I Remarked at the Exhibition." Punch, 20 (10 May): 189. ["Punch"] "M. Gobemouche's Authentic Account of the Grand Exhibition." Signed "Gobemouche." Punch, 20 (10 May): 198. ["Punch"] Thackeray attends the annual dinner of the Royal Literary Fund, and speaks in response to the toast,

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

1811-63

221

"Festivities at the Middle Temple." Punch, 20 (17 May): 200. ["Punch"] Writing to Richard Doyle, Thackeray sends him a card of admission to what he calls "the tight rope exhibition to-morrow:" the first of his lectures. [Ray 2: 773] Before giving his opening lecture, as Fanny Kemble recalled years later, Thackeray was "standing like a forlorn disconsolate giant in the middle of the room, gazing about him. 'Oh, Lord,' he exclaimed, as he shook hands with me, 'I'm sick at my stomach with fright' I spoke some words of encouragement to him, and was going away, but he held my hand, like a scared child, crying, 'Oh, don't leave me!' 'But,' said I, 'Thackeray, you mustn't stand here. Your audience are beginning to come in,' and I drew him from the middle of his chairs and benches, which were beginning to be occupied, into the retiring-room adjoining the lecture-room, my own readings having made me perfectly familiar with both. Here he began pacing up and down, literally wringing his hands in nervous distress. . . . 'Oh,' he said, 'if I could only get at that confounded thing' (his lecture), 'to have a last look at it!' 'Where is it?' said I. 'Oh in the next room on the reading-desk.'" She went in to get it but scattered the leaves and returned them to him in dismay at their disorder. "'My dear soul,' said he, 'you couldn't have done better for me. I have just a quarter of an hour to wait here, and it will take me about that to page this again, and it's the best thing in the world that could have happened.'" [Kemble 3: 360-62] Thackeray delivers the first of his lectures on "The English Humourists of the Eighteenth Century:" "Swift." Like the succeeding lectures, it is delivered

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"Mr. Thackeray and the Novelists," by Knight Bruce. In his speech, Thackeray again asserts the dignity of the literary profession and denies that authors are looked down upon—terming "the oppressed literary man" an outmoded stereotype, not a reality. ["Melville" 2: 7175]

222

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

23

Writing to the Carlyles after they had attended the opening lecture, Thackeray thanks his "kind old friends" and signs himself: "Equilibrist and Tightrope dance[r] in ordinary to the nobility & the Literati." [Ray 2: 775]

23

Writing to Abraham Hayward, Thackeray reaffirms his belief that Swift's words on seeing a lock of the deceased Stella's hair—"Only a woman's hair"—which he had cited in his lecture [Works 13: 504-05], are "the most affecting words I ever heard, indicating the truest passion, love, and remorse." Thackeray feels uncertain about whether the success of the lecture has been earned, but feels gratified by the heart-warming sight of friends such as Hayward "and Kinglake and Venables, Higgins, Rawlinson, Carlyle, Ashburton and Hallam, Milman, Macaulay, Wilberforce looking on kindly." [Ray 2: 776-77]

24

"The Charles the Second Ball." [With an illustration by John Tenniel.] Punch, 20 (24 May): 221. ["Punch"]

27?

Writing to Fanny Kemble, Thackeray thanks her for her "kind wishes about the lectures and your kind shake of the hand on the first awful occasion." [Ray 2: 778]

27?

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray refers to hostile personal behavior of John Forster, as well as the hostile professional behavior in Forster's review of the Swift lecture in The Examiner of 24 May: Forster, "whose conduct—not his article—gave me a great deal of pain—He didn't say a sentence of praise without qualifying it: he who can praise so if he is let. And it grieves me to think that there should be that sort of rivalry and injustice among men, that a man whom I want to like and who has done me kindness, is bound by party-faction so"—which Thackeray identifies later in the letter as the Dickens and Bulwer faction. "Suppose Dickens or Bulwer had written and read that

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in Willis's Rooms at 3PM. His manager is John Mitchell, who had published Flore et Zephyr. [Ray 2: 773]

1811-63

223

Thackeray delivers his second lecture: "Congreve and Addison." Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray speaks of having gone "to the dinner at Forster's.... He was very angry and hurt, told me I was trying to please the women and coax the Bishops, that we should see how long these reputations would last wh. some folks made, that in my lecture there wasn't a word of wit or humour—on wh. I lost my temper, for the attack was a very rude one. . . . He's angry with me for succeeding it personally chafes him: he's hurt at my getting on in Society, & knowing fine people; (poor old boy, I saw his one card to a great house, stuck in his old Chimney-glass)." And yet, Thackeray retains his personal affection for Forster, calling him "my good kind old Forster," and tellingly asks: "Why the dickens should he like my writings . . . [Harden 1: 414]?" The pugnacious Forster appears in the first edition of Esmond as Tom Boxer, who writes in the Observator and is Mr. Congreve's [Dickens's] man, but who once brought to a feverishly ill Steele a doctor who cured him [Esmond 2: 308-09]. In revising the novel for republication in 1858, Thackeray removed the passage. [Works 13: 307] Writing to Leigh Hunt, Thackeray thanks him for his warm review of the Swift lecture in The Spectator of 24 May, and contrasts it with Forster's telling him "at his own table last night flatly that . . . my lecture didnt contain one single word of wit or humour." Although always uncomfortable with praise, Thackeray was especially touched by Hunt's "last word that I'm honest" [Harden 1:415-16] Writing to Thomas Washbourne Gibbs, Thackeray thanks him for the loan of Sterne manuscripts, including the unpublished Journal to Eliza. [Ray 2: 783]

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Swift-paper fancy F's article about them!—And it's I, that these fellows accuse of beng artful and false." He also mentions that he has "promised to go & dine with him: and I can't tell him I'm satisfied with his conduct to me." [Harden 1: 413]

224

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology Writing to Forster, Thackeray forcefully challenges his rudeness, sneers, and innuendoes—private and public. Beginning with a reference to Forster's article, "Encouragement of Literature by the State," in the 5 January 1850 issue of The Examiner, in which Forster had charged that Thackeray was frequently willing "to pay court to the non-literary class by disparaging his literary fellow-labourers" (p. 2), Thackeray asks: "Was ever such a charge made against a man, as that wh. you my benefactor of a few months before, made against m e . . . [ ? ] It was my honour that you attacked, & when I rebutted the charge as absurd (not touching on it's unkindness) you dont publish my answer, but say I have lost my temper, and end with a sneer at a man who dines with lords." In the letter, he seeks to forgive Forster, and tells him that he tries "to be friends with you and your friends, I always hold out my hand and mean it too. I go & dine with you . . . and what do I get at your table?" Quoting Forster's rude, inhospitable dinner-table language—"I lecture on wit & humour & there's not a word of wit or humour in my lecture"—Thackeray espresses his appalled dismay. Thackeray acknowledges that "we're on different sides of the house," but he insists on having the same right to unimpugned honesty that Forster would claim for himself. Finally, he seeks a continuance of their friendship, asking Forster to "get out of your head that I am a sneak and a schemer: & to think that I have a little heart. I know I have, & that there's a great deal of kindness in it for you my dear old Forster." [Harden 1: 418]

5 (Thu)

Thackeray's third lecture is postponed in response to requests that he allow the attendance of members of his audience at the Ascot races on this day.

12

Thackeray delivers his third lecture: "Steele."

19

Thackeray delivers his fourth lecture: "Prior, Gay, and Pope."

21

Signed illustration to "Odalisques in the West." Punch, 20(21 June): 255.

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June

1811-63

225

Thackeray delivers his fifth Smollett, and Fielding."

27

A memorandum of agreement signed on this date between Thackeray and George Smith provides that Thackeray write a continuous narrative in three volumes of at least a thousand pages and submit it to Smith before 1 December 1851. In return, Thackeray is to receive immediate payment of £400, to be followed by £400 upon delivery of the manuscript, and £400 upon publication. [Shillingsburg 233-34]

July 2 (Wed)

lecture: "Hogarth,

Writing to a Mr. Moffatt, Thackeray regretfully withdraws from a dinner engagement, saying: "I am not content with my last lecture, wh. is to be given tomorrow; and I must do my best and devote the night to study instead of feasting." [Ray 2: 785]

3

Thackeray delivers his sixth lecture: "Sterne and Goldsmith."

4

Writing to Lord Stanley of Alderley, Thackeray thanks him for making Thackeray the bearer of a letter from Lord John Russell to Mrs. Robert Jameson granting her a pension of £100, saying: "That was a lucky day when I met you at the Exhibition and interested you in her case: and I am glad to think that I have been the means ever so humble of helping this good woman to a quiet old age." [Ray 2: 786]

6

Writing to Mrs. Joseph Locke, Thackeray acknowledges having completed his lecture on Sterne and Goldsmith at "2 1/2 o'clk" before delivering it at 3PM. [Harden 1: 420]

7

Writing to a Mr. Hawkins, Thackeray recalls his compositional agonies for the "May Day Ode": "The verses flow easily enough, but they took 5 days of the hardest labour I ever endured in my life—clearing a primeval forest is nothing to it." [Ray 2: 787]

8?

Writing to the publisher, John Murray, Thackeray tells him: "I am going to the Rhine, Switzerland Como

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26

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

9

Writing to Mrs. Carlyle, Thackeray mocks the "Guild of Literature and Art" established by Bulwer and Dickens as "chronic beggary" undermining the dignity of the literary profession. He also characterizes Forster's behavior as "2 years of treason envy and foul play," and sees little chance of a "reconciliation between the poor old quack and myself." [Harden 1: 421-22]

10

Thackeray and his children leave for the Continent [Ray 2: 788]

13-15

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray reports having been sightseeing in Antwerp, Cologne, Mainz, Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg. He also tells of having been reading several of his recent works "with immense pleasure . . . & R & R not only made me laugh but the other thing." [Ray 2: 788-90]

15

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that the journey "has been very pleasant indeed . . . & my dearest Nanny enjoys it delightfully—not quite so much Minnie who is scarce old enough—but she is very pleased in her way, and to see them makes me pleased, and we rush on very gaily together. It is not quite so dear as I thought. About 1£ a day for each will do it travelling & all: but there's no time as yet for reading or thinking or writing or anything but seeing sights." Mentioning Forster, he says: "I cant ever be friends with him again. He is what he tries to fancy I am but he knows better, a traitor and a sneak." Mailing the letter together with scraps from the girls, he tells her that she will probably receive them "on Friday about: when I shall be 40 years old." [Ray 2: 791-92]

17-21

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray relates that he and the girls left Baden Baden on the Basle railroad for his first trip in Switzerland: "the most delightful

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Milan Venice Trieste Vienna Prag Dresden &c. Can I bring you back any useful notes for your Hand books think you? and ought I to ask for them or to buy them[?]" [Harden 1: 419]. Murray sent them. [Harden 1: 423]

227

Journey through the deliciousest landscape of plain & mountains." He speaks of how "the sight of the young ones' happiness is an immense pleasure to me; and these calm sweet landscapes bring me calm and delight too—the bright green pastures, and the swift flowing river (under my window now) and the purple pine covered mountains with the clouds flickering round them. O Lord how much better it is than riding in the Park and going to dinner at 8 o'clock!" He also mentions a most beautiful trip to Berne, which all three love especially, and then to Lucerne, going first class and thinking "10 years back" when he was "a poor devil, looking wistfully at the few Napoleons in his gousset... I was a boy, 10 years ago, bleating out my simple griefs in the Great Hoggarty Diamond." [Ray 2: 792-95] Writing from Milan to his mother, Thackeray speaks of having "come to about the middle of our pilgrimage now, and shall stop at Venice, Vienna . . . Prague, Dresden Leipzig and so with a rush home: when I must get to work again instantly preparatory to the great North American invasion." Thinking back over the time in Switzerland, he says: "I think Berne was the most charming; but the whole of the Swiss week was a series of wonderful sights and golden days." [Ray 2: 797] August 4 (Mon)

22?

Writing to his mother from Vienna, Thackeray speaks enthusiastically of Graz, but is unsure about "whether we shall go home by Dresden or Munich. I rather want to see the Danube, and the field of Blenheim of all things in the world—for a plan I have [Esmond]." [Harden 1: 424] Thackeray returns with the girls to London, having stopped on his return journey in Weimar and renewed his acquaintance with Dr. Weissenborn and Frau von Goethe. [Chapters 109-17]

September 6 (Sat) Writing to Robert Browning, who had recently arrived from the Continent with his wife, Thackeray explains

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology that he has been in Brighton "hiding from mankind and trying to work and get well—or I should have bidden you welcome to England ere this, and asked to be introduced to Mrs. Browning," but that his absence from London is only temporary: "I dont think I'm going to leave Kensington for where can I get a house cheaper than 65£ a year?" [Harden 1: 427]

13

"Why did the 'America' Beat Us?" Punch, 21 (13 Sept.): 118. ["Punch"]

13

"Annexation." Punch, 21 (13 Sept.): 118. ["Punch"]

13

"A Case of Ingratitude." Punch, 21 (13 Sept.): 122-23. ["Punch"] Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, who has evidently been unfairly berated by her husband for her excessive familiarity with Thackeray, and instructed to keep herself at a great distance from him, Thackeray objects to the forced hypocrisy—the pretense of Jane's and his of not sharing with one another the awareness of their mutual sorrow, and of not acknowledging her husband's "cruel tyranny." Thackeray did not send her the letter, however, but instead forwarded it to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry with a postscript saying: "I didnt send because I thought I should only bring more tears to her eyes," and hoping, one presumes, for informal communication between them and Jane. [Harden 1: 436-38]

13? ff.

Writing to Kate Perry, Thackeray speaks of being puzzled by Jane's subdued behavior—"I dont see how any woman should not love a man who had loved her as I did J."—but he laments the whole situation and tells her that "I see nothing but time to heal this wound of amputation wh. it is: we must all suffer and limp for the rest of our lives." He concludes by saying: "I wish it was my novel Id been writing on all these pages"—his first recorded mention to them of composing Esmond. [Harden 1: 428-30] 20

"A Challenge from Bell's Life." Punch, 21 (20 Sept.): 134. ["Punch"] 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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228

229

20

"Lines (Not Quite New) Written in a Copy of The Discourses of The Miraculous Doctor." Punch, 21 (20 Sept.): 134. ["Punch"]

20

"The Miraculous Cabbage." Punch, 21 (20 Sept.): 134. ["Punch"]

20

"The Cabbage Rose, Tamisier." Punch, 21 (20 Sept.): 135. ["Punch"]

20

"A Bid for the New Austrian Loan." Punch, 21 (20 Sept): 136. ["Punch"]

21

Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray mentions his "projected invasion of your town, where I propose to mount my tub and send round my hat in November or December next, if the good folk of Edinburgh will hear me," and asks for Brown's advice about such matters as "what public room I can take, what prices I should charge; whether Glasgow could be also favored with a visit &c. The lectures were very much liked in London: indeed I believe I had the best audience that ever was assembled to hear a man." He concludes by saying: "The great point is not to fail better not to try at all than that Across the ingens aequor [vast sea] a failure anywhere here might injure me, and I hope out of this harmless little scheme to turn a pretty penny for my children here & in America." [Ray 2: 801]

23?

The friendship between the Rev. W. H. Brookfield and Thackeray ends with a major rupture. They exchange "very high words," as Thackeray evidently criticises Brookfield's unfeeling treatment of his wife, and Brookfield takes decided offense, presumably ordering Thackeray to have no further contact with him or his wife. [Harden 1: 432]

23?

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray tells them: "The affair is at an end and the rupture complete—Monsieur has spoken and like a man. There is nothing more to be said or done." He senses that "they'll probably leave London & the affair will end. I am going out of town and I dont know where." [Harden 1: 432-33]

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

24

Thackeray leaves London for the country, visiting Matlock Bath, Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House, and Bakewell. [Ray 2: 802]

26

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry from Chatsworth, Thackeray tells them of his pleasant reception by the Duke of Devonshire and by Joseph Paxton, the superintendent of gardens at Chatsworth and the designer of the Crystal Palace. He also mentions that his continuing misery is reflecting itself in his novel: "If I write my book in this frame of mind it will be diabolical—I wrote a bit yesterday that was quite Satanic, and raged about with a dreadful gaiety." [Harden 1: 433]

27

"Palmer's Legs." With a signed illustration. Punch, 21 (27 Sept): 137. ["Punch"]

27

"Panorama of the Inglese—An Inglese Family." Punch, 21 (27 Sept): 138. ["Punch"]

October 4 (Sat)

"An Ingleez Family." With an illustration. Punch, 21 (4 Oct.): 147-48. ["Punch"]

9

Having returned to London, Thackeray writes to an unidentified correspondent discussing lecture arrangements for Liverpool, Manchester, "and London perhaps again." [Ray 2: 802-03]

9

Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray tells him that he does not yet know whether he will be in Edinburgh in December or January. Mentioning that the "gates of L'pool and Manchester are also open to me," he says that in making his lecture arrangements he will be "bolder than I should be otherwise in the business," since he does not "intend to touch the proceeds of the lectures myself (beyond actual travelling charges) and resolutely invest all the winnings for my two girls and their poor mother." He also explains that he is "under stringent engagements to write a novel which will come out as 1 sail for America. Now to do this I must have my own way, my own lodgings, factotum, liberty, cigar after breakfast, etc., without all of which I can't work;

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11

"The Knight of Garron Tower." Punch, 21 (11 Oct.): 157-58. ["Punch"]

18

"Poor Puggy." Signed "Swellmore." With illustration. Punch, 21 (18 Oct): 167. ["Punch"]

25

Writing to Williams and Norgate, Thackeray asks them "to communicate with Mr. Tauchnitz regarding my forthcoming novel. It will be published in February complete in 3 vols: and sheets as printed can be forwarded to Leipzig. But though not so large as Pendennis, I shall expect the same price wh. I received from Mr. Tauchnitz for the foreign copyright of that work; as it will be published all at once, and as soon (within a few days) on the continent as in London." [Ray 2: 806]

28?

Writing to Lady Henrietta Stanley, Thackeray mentions having had for her daughter "a nice copy of Vanity Fair, the Tauchnitz Edition much prettier than the English," but the binder to whom he sent it produced such ugly work that he could not give it to her. In addition, he speaks of "writing a book of cutthroat melancholy suitable to my state, and have no news of myself or any body to give to you that shouldn't be written on black-edged paper and sealed with a hatchment." He also tells her that in response to Lady Ashburton's invitation, he is "going to the Grange for 2 or 3 days at the end of the week, & then to Oxford & Cambridge barking about with my lecture thence to the modern Awthens." [Ray 2: 807]

30

Writing to Kate Perry from The Grange, Thackeray tells her that Lady Ashburton's invitation to the Brookfields and to him has had mixed results: "We have had not a reconciliation but a conciliation. Lady Ashburton was nobly kind about it really, & has taken a great liking to our poor dear lady. The morning was spent in parlays and the Inspector and I shook hands

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an

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and the forenoon being spent in study, the afternoon in healthful exercise, then comes the evening when we will trouble Dr. Brown to go down to the cellar for that etc., etc." [Ray 2: 804-05]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

November 1 (Sat) "Portraits from the Late Exhibition." With three illustrations. Punch, 21 (1 Nov.): 190-91. ["Punch"] 1

"The Life of John Sterling by Thomas Carlyle," The Times (1 Nov.): p. 7. [Daughter 160]

8

"County Court Poetry." Punch, 21 (8 Nov.): 199. ["Punch"]

8

"Beat It If You Can." Punch, 21 (8 Nov.): 208. ["Punch"]

10

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that the Brookfields are "finally off for Madeira and we met at the Grange and parted not friends, but not enemies— and so there's an end of it. And now the Oxford & Cambridge business begins, at Oxford Monday & Tuesday: at Cambridge Friday & Saturday, at home between days. . . . Then in December for 3 weeks to Scotland. Then in January at the Portman Square Rooms London, where they make me an offer of 150£ wh. is pretty well, for 6 hours I think, and by the end of January my novel please God will be finished and I can go to America. . . . It is curious isn't it to be arrived actually at the day when some money will be put by for the young ones?—they will probably be worth 30£ apiece to night." He lectured in Oxford on 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25 November, and in Cambridge on 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29 November. He also reports that his novel "is getting on pretty well & gaily 1 mean—What I wrote a month ago is frightfully glum. And I shall write it better now that the fierceness of a certain pain is over." [Ray 2: 809-11]

15

"Mr. Molony on the Position of the Bar and Attorneys." Signed "Thaddeus Molony." With an illustration. Punch, 21 (15 Nov.): 212. ["Punch"]

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at the end and I'm very thankful that her dear little heart is made tranquil on the score of our enmity at least Friends of course we're not but bear each other: and in 6 months things may be better." He speaks of feeling a pang at taking Jane's hand, but of being glad to have done so. [Harden 1: 439]

233

17-18?

Writing to his mother, Thackeray lightly mocks "the griefs of my elderly heart," but again uses the metaphor of amputation to express the pain of his loss of the Brookfields: "As a man's leg hurts just as much after it's off they say: so you suffer after certain amputations. . . . Very likely it's a woman I want more than any particular one. . . . It is written that a man should have a mate above all things. The want of this natural outlet plays the deuce with me[.J" He then tells her that he has ceased to write for Punch: "It was a general scorn and sadness wh. made me give up Punch I think more than any thing else." Recurring to Mrs. Brookfield, he says: "The fact is I think about that poor woman constantly still—I don't write to her: and don't want. I've nothing to say." He also mentions that "Poor Forster & I met the other day, & shook shamhands—Elliotson was at dinner who would scarcely speak to him He has been elected at the Athenaeum wh. has pleased him very much: and I am glad too, for I like him though I despise him. None of the men of my time Tennyson Fitz & the rest would stoop to a meanness or a cabal 1 am sure—These little folks are always scheming and suspecting." Finally, he says: "I wish the new novel wasn't so grand and melancholy—the hero is as stately as Sir Charles Grandison—something like Warrington—a handsome likeness of an ugly son of yours." [Ray 2: 812-15]

18

Writing to Sydney Williams, of Williams and Norgate, Thackeray says: "I had been told that it was Mr. Tauchnitz's custom to give as much for an ordinary novel as for the larger works pubd. in numbers. If the terms wh. he offers to me are those wh. he pays to Mr. Dickens & Sir L Bulwer, of course I can't ask higher— and agree to the proposal wh. he is good enough to make through you." [Harden 1: 442]

22

Signed illustration to "Fagots for Freemasons." Punch, 21 (22 Nov.): 221.

22

"The Last Irish Grievance." [With an illustration by H. R. Howard.] Punch, 21 (22 Nov.): 223. ["Punch"] [The last of Thackeray's contributions to Punch until October 1853] 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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1811-63

30

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray thanks him for making arrangements regarding the forthcoming Edinburgh lectures, where his manager will be George Wood. Reporting on his recent lectures, he says: "We have achieved not pecuniary so much as literary success at Oxford and Cambridge." [Harden 1: 443]

December 2 (Tue) Louis Napoleon's coup d'etat 6

Writing to Lady Stanley, Thackeray, after telling her of his forthcoming lecture engagements in Scotland, remarks that all political parties in Britain seem happy "at least about one point in the new French Revolution that Thiers is locked up." He mentions his annoyance at the Punch cartoon of Lord Palmerston as "The Judicious Bottleholder," and the accompanying article, "Old Pam," which had appeared in that day's issue: "I am in a fury with Punch for writing the 'Old Pam' article agst. the Chief of Foreign Affairs. His [supportive] conduct in the Kossuth affair just suited my radical propensities." [Ray 2: 816]

8

Thackeray leaves London for Edinburgh. [Ray 2: 817]

10?

Writing to Anne, Thackeray tells her: "Your dear Pa had 100 subscribers and about 200 more people at the 1st lecture—wh. was very successful on the whole. And he begins to think America is farther off than it was: and that it will be a pity to leave England until some more money is taken out of it." Finally, he says his girls are "a hundred pound richer today than they were yesterday." [Ray 2: 819] Writing to Harriet, Thackeray tells her that he plans to be "home on Xmas eve," Regarding attendance, he says: "there were a great number every night and last night more than ever—near seven hundred. And I get so much compliments and praise and dinners luncheons & suppers that I wish I was home again: and wish the visit to the Grange was over. But it will be very pleasant when we are there: and you will see a great house with kind people in it and a beautiful park and fine gardens." [Ray 2: 820]

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235

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray says: "I have not advanced 5 pages whilst I was in Edinburgh[.] It was impossible to write. And if it doesn't interfere with your plans much I am glad of the delay—Every month is of importance towards effecting a cure of a complaint wh. would have made the book dismal & a failure. And I'm immensely better & have brought back a hat full of money and all over Edinburgh laurels." [Harden 1: 448] Thackeray resigns from Punch because of its political caricature, "A Beggar on Horseback: Or, the Brummagem Bonaparte out for a Ride," which had appeared in that day's issue (p. 275). [Ray 2: 823] Writing from The Grange to Lady Stanley, Thackeray reports seeing her daughter, Lady Airlie, in Scotland, and says: "The business is so good and yields such hatfulls of money that I shall go on pursuing it in England, and wait for a while before I try our only ally." Speculating over possible political developments in England, he vows to serve "the Liberal advance side," and expresses his continuing support for the leader of the French republic, Louis Napoleon. Recalling his disgust at the Punch caricature of Lord Palmerston as "The Judicious Bottleholder," Thackeray tells her that he "remonstrated with all my force at the indecency and injustice of attacking the only man who was bottleholding the liberal cause in Europe and received an answer promising better behavior and . . . that matter was left to drop. But on coming to London the first thing I see is that iniquitous cut against Louis Napoleon wh. enraged me so that I went in and resigned at once saying that I couldn't and wouldn't pull any longer in a boat where there was such a crew and such a steersman." He concludes by speaking of his time at The Grange: "My children & I are on a little visit here and the young ones enjoy their first visit to a great house, where everybody is as kind as kind can be—Only the Carlyles & Lady Sandwich here." [Ray 2: 822-24]

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Thackeray delivers his final lecture in Edinburgh and returns to London on the following day. [Ray 2: 816]

236

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology 1852

12-28

Thackeray delivers his second London series of lectures on the English Humourists at the Marylebone Literary and Scientific Institution, Edwards St., on January 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, and 28 at 8PM. Writing to Lady Pollock, Thackeray says: "It gave me very great pleasure the other night to see your two friendly faces in the audience. . . . Now I am doubly pleased to think you are pleased with tile lecture—and though the scheme has not yielded a fortune as yet, it has brought me the first £500 I have ever saved, and I think there are a score more of hundred pounds in the country." [Harden 1: 454]

February Thackeray gives the first volume of the Esmond manuscript to George Smith, who sends it to Charlotte Bronte for her opinion. 4 (Wed)

Writing to Mrs. Tennyson, Thackeraiy accepts her dinner invitation and says: "tho' I dont see Alfred a very great deal yet there are no friends like youthful friends and though we are 40, we were young once and though I've seen you but once I consider you a friend too." [Harden 1: 456-57]

ca. 14

Charlotte Bronte returns the manuscript of the first volume of Esmond to George Smith, together with her comments. [Ray 3: 15]

25

Writing to Mary Holmes, whom he had known in Devon but not seen in twenty years, Thackeray continues their recent correspondence by bringing her up to date about his mother: "It gives the keenest tortures of jealousy and disappointed yearning to my dearest old mother (who's as beautiful now as ever) that she can't be all in all to me, mother sister wife everything but it

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January 2 (Fri)?-10 Thackeray visits Erlestoke, the country house of John Cam Hobhouse, Lord Broughton, in North Wiltshire. [Ray 2: 824; Harden 1: 453]

237

mayn't be—There's hardly a subject on wh. we don't differ. And she lives away at Paris with her husband a noble simple old gentleman who loves nothing but her in the world, and a jealousy after me tears & rends her. , . . When I was a boy at Larkbeare, I thought her an Angel & worshipped her. I see but a woman now, O so tender so loving so cruel. My daughter Anny says O how like Granny is to Mrs. Pendennis Papa—andGranny is mighty angry that I should think no better of her than that" Having recently sent her a letter of Charlotte Bronte's to him, he asks: "You see by Jane Eyre's letter dont you why we can't be very great friends? We had a correspondence—a little one; and met, very eagerly on her part But there's a fire and fury raging in that little woman a rage scorching her heart wh. doesn't suit me." [Ray 3: 12-13] Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells hen "my book has got into a more cheerful vein thats a comfort, and I'm relieved from the lugubrious doubts I had about i t Miss Bronte has seen the first volume and pronounces it admirable and odious—well I think it is very well done and very melancholy too—but the melancholy part ends pretty well with Vol I. and everybody begins to move and be cheerful. It occupies me to the exclusion of the 19th. century pretty well/' [Ray 3: 15] Writing to Mary Holmes, Thackeray outlines arrangements for her coming to London and being music teacher of his daughters. [Ray 3: 20-22] Writing to his mother, Thackeray approves of her suggestion that Armand de Wailly translate Esmond, "but is it possible he can give as much as 4000 francs to me?—there must be some mistake I fear. Nevertheless I empower you to act, and get what you can for me. I have given up & only had for a day or two the notion of the book in numbers. Its much too grave & sad for that & the incident not sufficient. You will dislike it very much." Speaking of "the great folks," he says: "I find a great deal of kindness for me and mine. My dearest Nan is very popular and Minny too of course: & as they must have some friends, when they go into the world

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology why not good ones? How much kindness haven't I had from people eager to serve me? It's we who make the haughtiness of the grandees—not they. They're never thinking of it at least my experience goes so far: and coming to know people whom I have thought insolent & air-giving, such as Lord & Lady John [Russell] for instance I find 2 as simple folks as you & G P—and no more gene [discomfort] at their tea-table than your's. What can I do but speak of the world as I find it?" He tells her that Eyre Crowe the younger is now "Professor of drawing to the young ladies," and his secretary as well, to whom he likes dictating. He also informs her that Mary Holmes has arrived: "1 shall be glad if the gals can be taught music by an artist who has the brains and heart as well as the fingers of her art." [Ray 3: 23-25]

18

D. Appleton of New York announces publication in their newly-inaugurated "Popular Library" of The Yellowplush Papers, the first of five volumes that they will pirate. Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray tells him of his progress with Esmond: "I've not come to the end of the 2nd volume yet, but am not far off—Think of getting 4000 francs for permission to translate it!" [Harden 1: 463] Writing to Mrs. Catherine Gore, Thackeray regretfully declines an invitation to visit, explaining that he will be lecturing in Glasgow on the 14th, and during the interval has to work on Esmond: "I am bound to give in that book I have so long been enceint [pregnant] with by the First of May. . . . It has taken me as much trouble as 10 volumes, and for no particular good for most of my care and antiquarianism is labor thrown away, and there must be a blunder or two or perhaps 20 wh. the critics will spy out." [Ray 3: 27]

9 (Fri)

Writing to Mary Holmes from Brighton, Thackeray tells her of his need to leave London. "Here I do very well, and worked all day till 7 o'clock yesterday." [Ray 3: 28]

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239

13

Thackeray leaves London for Glasgow. [Harden 1; 464]

14

Writing to Dr. John Brown "before the commencement of the campaign," Thackeray tells of his arrival and his expectation of "a stay of 15 days here." He also reports continuing progress with Esmond: "I am well into Vol III—and did my 6 sides of paper before sallying out like a man." [Harden 1: 464]

14

Writing to William Stirling, Thackeray comments on the appalling industrially polluted atmosphere of Glasgow, and says: "in such a great mercantile society I feel quite stupified." [Harden 1: 466] Thackeray lectures on the English Humourists at Glasgow on 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, and 27 April at the Merchants' Hall at 8:30PM.

16-17

Writing to Harriet, Thackeray tells her of having written "all night" on the 15th "and all day today until it was time to . . . lecture the people here. There are not so many as at Edinburgh—only about 300 and I dont think they understand what I say; but they seem to like it very well and are very attentive and if they are pleased, y, I am content. I'm glad you young ladies are not here: the smoke is horrid to those accustomed to the pure London air. It spreads for miles and miles, there are kilns and factory chimnies everywhere, and all the landscape is blackened." Asking her to present his "respects to Miss Trulock," he says: "I read her lecture last night it is capitally written [i.e. her transcription]." [Ray 3: 33-34]

17

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray sends them a printed anouncement of the lectures, and says: "We do a very good business considering. About 250 each night, and 150 of the first and genteelest class. They don't seem to understand 1/2." [Ray 3: 35-37]

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Writing to Thackeray, Edward FitzGerald speaks of the death of "poor old Sedley"—his father, who has been engaged in speculative schemes. In addition, he tells Thackeray of his intention to bequeath £1000 to his daughters. [Ray 3: 29-30]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

17-19

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her of his progress with Esmond: "I have had a working fit on me for the last many days; and I have slaved away without a days intermission at home at Brighton and regularly since I have been here too. I wish I had 6 months more to put into the novel: now it's nearly done it's scarce more than a sketch and it might have been a durable history: complete in it's parts and its whole. But at the end of 6 months it would want other 6: it takes as much trouble as Macaulays History almost and he has the vast advantage of remembering everything he has read, whilst everything but impressions I mean facts dates & so forth slip out of my head." [Ray 3: 38]

22

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray reports being "very busy quill-driving—That's what is going on at present, and I've nothing to say except that the book is getting on and occupying me almost all day, and at nights I go out a lecturing or a dining and so the day passes quickly off. I finish here on Tuesday, but Monday & Wednesday I go to Grenock and perform a couple of lectures there.... I have found . . . a score of kind people. . . . And as usual I get too many good dinners and don't take exercise enough. It's my lot ici bas [here below]: and eating & drinking a part of your poor dear Fathers business in this world. I may go to Edinburgh Saturday, Sunday—no steamers are allowed to run, no railroads to carry passengers on Sunday: and 400000 people that might have fresh air are kept from it, because the Parsons say that travelling or amusement on Sunday are contrary to the word of God— And if they think so, why shouldn't they . . . stay at home?" [Ray 3: 40-41]

ca. 30

Thackeray returns to London.

May 1 (Sat) 5

Thackeray attends the annual dinner of the Royal Academy. [Ray 3: 44] Writing to George Smith, Thackeray says: "I think we should begin to publish without delay—The 3d volume is all but done; and I should be very glad to see the first in type." [Harden 1: 468-69]

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241

Writing to F. M. Evans, Thackeray thanks him for a royalty check and says: "1 am glad to think that B & E have made 3000£ by W M T: and I am sure . . . they have been very kind friends to him." He also tells him: "I often think about old Punch and having left him: but I'm sure its best for my own reputation and the comfort of some of that crew that I should be out of it I fancied myself too big to pull in the boat; and it wasn't in the nature of things that Lemon & Jerrold should like me." [Harden 1: 469] Thackeray attends the annual dinner of the Royal Literary Fund, and speaks in response to the toast, "Thackeray," by the Hon. W. F. Campbell. ["Melville" 2: 76-80] Writing to Mary Holmes, Thackeray speaks of "the incessancy of a public man's occupations such as mine are" and characterizes his daily life: "I write all day at my book—I go into the world then wh. is a part of my vocation, and takes up a woful quantity of my time. Many a day I find my only resource is to stay up in my bed-room, in bed, and go on working there with an amanuensis—and when quite tired and fagged have commonly 8 or 10 letters to write many of them upon business not my own. Hence I correspond with scarce any body." [Harden 1: 470] Writing to Willard L. Felt, chairman of the lecture commitee of the New York Mercantile Library Association, Thackeray thanks him for the "kind letter and proposal" that has been forwarded to him by Abbot Lawrence, American Minister to Great Britain, and speaks of his wish to deliver in New York City "and elsewhere in the United States the six lectures that have been received with great favour in this country." [Ray 3: 45-46] Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray says: "The book seems as if it never would end though I am daily at work on it. I'm pretty well satisfied. . . . My days pass with Vol 3. and my nights pretty much as usual in the world, though that has begun to have enough of me and vice-versa." [Harden 1: 472-73]

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June 3 (Thu)

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology Writing to the Rev. W. H. Brookfield, who has just returned from Madeira and Spain, Thackeray tells him: "I finished my book yesterday; and, having promised the Infants a tour when it was done, we shall be off pretty soon—and travel very likely over our ground of last year. Then I leave 'em at Paris—then ingens aequor [the vast sea] and America. God bless you all." [Ray 3: 47-48] Thackeray signs a contract with Smith, Elder for a book describing his forthcoming summer tour on the Continent, for which he receives an advance of £200.

ca. 7

Thackeray and his daughters leave London for the Continent, where they meet his mother and stepfather.

14

At Frankfurt the Carmichael-Smyths take Anne and Harriet with them, journeying to Switzerland and then France. Thackeray continues through Germany, visiting Wiirzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Augsburg. [Ray 3: 48]

18

Thackeray visits Blenheim.

18-20

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray tells them he was "pleased . . . to find that Blenheim was just exactly the place I had figured to myself except that the village is larger, but I fancy I had actually been there—so like the aspect of it was to what I looked for—and who knows perhaps one does go to places in the spirit—I saw the brook wh. H. Esmond crossed, and almost the spot where he fell wounded [Book II, Chapter 9] and walked down to the Danube and mused mighty thoughts over it." [Ray 3: 49-50]

19-30

Thackeray journeys to Munich and then through Austria to Salzburg, which he reaches on the 30th. [Ray 3: 48]

30

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray describes his trip and tells them that he has finished his poem, "The Pen and the Album," for Marguerite Power's The Keepsake. [Ray 3: 55-58]

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July

5 (Mon)-6 Writing to his mother from Vienna, Thackeray tells of losing his "pocket-book with 80£ of circular notes and 70 florins on board!" He also mentions for the first time that he has "a notion of lectures on the 4 Georges and going to Hannover to look at the place whence that race came." [Ray 3: 58-60] August 5 (Thu)

Thackeray arrives in London. [Harden 1: 475]

6

Writing to his daughters, who are still in France with his parents, Thackeray tells them of his immediate plans for a new lecture series: "I am going to try in the next 6 weeks to write 4 lectures for the great North American Republic, and deliver them after they are tired of the stale old Humourists. . . . I have begun with the 4 Georges to day." [Ray 3: 63-64]

8

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray reports having "returned but without a word of MS. of the projected Book of Travels. I .found the scheme was quite impracticable and that I had nothing to say about the places I visited wh. would be likely to advance my reputation or your interests—and we must think of some other little book in place of that one wh. I owe you. And I had the luck to lose my pocket-book with near 100£ in it of your advance. . . . Let me have the proofs of Esmond as soon as possible please. My present plan is to prepare 4 or 5 extra lectures previous to the American Campaign—and, I think, when in the States to make a book not funny but &c &c—and worthy of a good publisher." [Harden 1: 477]

10

Writing to Mary Holmes, Thackeray mentions Charlotte Bronte and says: "I think Miss Bronte is unhappy and that makes her unjust. Novel writers should not be in a passion with their characters as I imagine, but describe them, good or bad, with a like calm." [Ray 3: 67]

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Thackeray travels through Austria to Vienna, and then to Berlin and Hanover on the way to Brussels. [Ray 3: 48]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

16

Writing to his family, Thackeray tells them: "I think I have begun writing a new novel in numbers, giving up the idea of the lectures which I had last week." Any new lectures, he feels, "had best be for London hearers first." He also mentions having "sent away the first sheets of Esmond yesterday. It reads better in print, it is clever but it is also stupid and no mistake. Other parts will be more amusing 1 hope and think, and the new story I am thinking of opening with something like Fareham and the old people there. The hero will be born in India and have a half-brother and sister." [Harden 1: 478-79]

28

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray says: "Esmond looks very stately & handsome in print: and, bore as he is, I think will do me credit but the printers only send me 100 pages a week and at this rate will be 3 months getting through the novel" [Ray 3: 72]. Eyre Crowe explains that the process of producing proof was slower than normal "owing to a comparatively small supply of the not-much-used type of the reign of Queen Anne." [Crowe 1: 7]

September 10 (Fri) Writing to Harriet, Thackeray tells her. "Last week I was away at Manchester: and I thought what a state my dear little women would have been in when I broke down in a speech before 3000 ladies and gentlemen—I felt very foolish but . . . as there's nothing more wicked in breaking down in a speech than in slipping on a piece of orange p e e l . . . I got up again—and made another speech at night without breaking down." He also speaks of plans for further lecturing in England: "I believe I am going to Birmingham next week with the lectures and then to Manchester & Liverpool and then Steward! bring a basin!" [Harden 1: 481] Writing to Eyre Crowe, Thackeray asks that Crowe accompany him to America: "I dont think you'd make the best and cutest Secretary that a man could find anywhere: yet to me you would be valuable as you know from old affection and entire confidence wh. I couldn't give to a stranger who might be a hundred times more spry than you. And there are very few to whom I could

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Writing to George Smith, Thackeray tells him that the "Paris publisher who made that fabulous offer of 4000 francs has declared off as I expected: and I shall now be very glad to take what ever the Gods will send me. Will your acquaintance still give 50£? it is 110£ worse than 4000 francs: but it is 1250 francs better than nothing." He also suggests that Galignani might be contacted about an "English reprint in France." Regarding his lectures, since Smith wishes to publish them with notes, "in order to make the volume of more presentable size" [Huxley 71], Thackeray tells him that Peter Cunningham has promised to help him with the notes, but that he does not wish to have the book illustrated: "I am very much disinclined to the drawings. They seem infra dig [beneath one's dignity]: somehow, and I dont think I could do them well enough wh. is more." [Harden 1: 483] Writing to the Rev. Alexander Scott, Thackeray announces his impending lecture series in the Midlands, and his intention of bringing with him Eyre Crowe, who has agreed to "go with me to America as amanuensis &c." [Ray 3: 83] Writing to Anne, Thackeray says: "tell my dearest Mother, that I of all people have a right to speak to you on religious subjects: that I must tell you the truth as I believe it in opposition to what I consider erroneous" [Ray 3: 82]. He and his mother disagree about his mother's evangelical interpretation of Biblical language, she being literal and he figurative. Mrs. Carmichael-Smyth writes to Thackeray defending her religious teaching of his daughters, and hoping that they will be "brought to recognise the truth of GOD'S word—poor Nanny's is a stiff heart of unbelief, & it came upon me like a thunderbolt when I heard her declare that she 'did not care for the old Testament & considered the New only historical.'" [Ray 3: 85-86]

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have the face to dictate as I could to you—I don't know such a person at all except, my dear Nanny:—and then consider your powers of silence. These are invaluable." [Ray 3: 79-80]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

28

Thackeray begins his lectures in the Manchester Athenaeum, which continue on 30 September, and on 5, 7,12, and 14 October. [Crowe 1: 9]

29

Thackeray begins his lectures in the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, which continue, as he shuttles back and forth between Manchester and Liverpool, on 1, 6, 8, 13, and 15 October. The opening lecture at Manchester was well attended, but not so at Liverpool. "The subsequent lectures, however, made amends; and the whole course, in both places, went off with great eclat" [Crowe 1:9]

29

Writing to Lady Stanley, Thackeray tells her that "a Boston boat sails on the 30 October and I think that will be the Steamer will carry Titmarsh and his Lectures." [Ray 3: 88]

October 6 (Wed)

Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray tells him that he has secured transatlantic tickets for Crowe and himself, and that he hopes to send Brown a copy of Esmond before he sails: "if not it will follow me as a legacy[.] I doubt whether it will be popular although it has cost me so much trouble: but it has been written as you know with a weight of griefs and cares on my back, wh. diminish daily however, and now are all but cured." Recalling his summer travelling alone on the Continent, he speaks of it as "a dreary lonely journey. My mother wanted the children so much that I gave them up nor was it possible that we could travel together, and the girls have two powers over them. So I had a dismal holyday alone in place of a pleasant one with them: and I think the poor old mother though she had them wasn't half satisfiedf.] She would have had me too—and she would like to do for us all and that we shd. read the Washerwoman of Finchley Common [Works 11: 415] together at her old knees—Ah me what a deal of misery and division that (so called) religion has caused in the world!" [Harden 1: 486-87] Writing to Anne, he says: "I should read all the books that Granny wishes, . . . [but] you must: come to your own deductions about them as every honest man and

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247

woman must and does. When I was of your age I was accustomed to hear and read a great deal of the Evangelical (so called) doctrine and got an extreme distaste for that sort of composition." He goes on at length to dismiss "dogmatic belief' such as the idea of the Bible as a product of "complete inspiration," and urges her to "read the Hebrew scriptures rationally," rather than "literally." [Ray 3: 93-96] 13

Thackeray finishes correcting the final proof-sheets of Esmond, completing the ten week process, and provides a new half-title listing him as the author, and removes his name from the title page, so as to read: "The History of Henry Esmond, Esq. A Colonel in the Service of Her Majesty Q, Anne. Written by Himself." He also says: "I have put a motto on the title in the old fashioned way" [Harden 1: 490]. Taken from Horace's Ars Poetica, it articulates Esmond's consistent development: "Servitur ad imum/ Qualis ab incepto processerit, et sibi constet" [Let his development proceed from his initial character, and remain selfconsistent].

13

Writing to Mrs. Brookfield, Thackeray says: "1 cannot come to London till Sunday, when my dear dear Sister will be gone: for dear and sister she is to me however she may think it her duty to style me; and I love and bless her always whether I am far away or near." Mrs. Brookfield inscribed on the letter: "Not to be burnt at my death. J O B." [Harden 1: 490]

17

Thackeray returns to London. [Ray 3: 98]

18

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray tells them that he has "just sent off positively the last sentence of Esmond dedication. . . . Now I am going to work for 3 hours and reread Vanity Fair for a cheap edition." [Ray 3:98]

21

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray says: "Whatever the notes may be to the Lectures; the Text may be printed at once & in a large type say, to wh. the notes could be afterwards subjoined. I write to Mr. Hannay by this day's post, who knows the Lectures, & is

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Writing to James Hannay, Thackeray asks him to write notes for the Humourists in Thackeray's absence and explains: "My Lectures are to be printed for fear of American pirates; the text alone would make but a meagre volume, & the book might be made much more entertaining by notes, personal, illustrative, & tant soit peu [ever so little] antiquarian to accompany the text A few such notes I have got together, but had not time to complete them before going away. 30 or 40£., I believe, would be all that we could spare, but half as many days pleasant reading in the British Museum would enable you to do the work" [Harden 1: 493]. Hannay agreed to do so and came to London the following week to receive a manuscript of the lectures from Thackeray. [Hannay 25] Thackeray visits the Ashburtons at The Grange. [Harden 1: 491] Writing to Fitzgerald shortly before his departure for America, Thackeray says "I mustn't go away without shaking your hand and saying Farewell and God bless you—If anything happens to me you . . . must get ready the Book of Ballads wh. you like and wh. I had not time to prepare before embarking on this voyage. And I should like my daughters to remember that you are the best and oldest friend their Father ever had; and that you would act as such: as my literary executor and so forth—My books would yield a something as copyright— and should anything occur I have commissioned friends in good place to get a pension for my poor little wife—I should have insured my life but for my complaint (a stricture) wh. I am told increases the annual payment so much that it is not worth the premium." He promises to send a copy of Esmond and takes great comfort in the "recollection of our youth when we loved each other as I do now while I write

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conversant with the literature of the period; & I should be very glad if he could help me. . . . If we had the Lectures in Print I know two or three literary friends who would help me with notes, & have, as I have told you, some few of my own wh. I will send." [Harden 1: 492]

1811-63

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27

Writing to Lady Pollock, Thackeray says: "This peripatetic lecturing doesnt at all suit me, and it's only for the money's sake that I pursue it But it is more profitable than book-writing and serves even to aid that—let us hope I shall bring back something amusing from America." [Ray 3:100]

29

Thackeray and Crowe leave London for Liverpool. [Crowe 1:12]

29

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray acknowledges receipt of a life-belt that his fearful mother has sent [Ray 3: 106]

30

While Thackeray and Crowe are "waiting for the tender at the end of the landing-stage," a messenger brings a parcel containing several copies of Esmond. [Crowe 1: 13]

30

Thackeray and Crowe embark on the Canada for Boston. Fellow passengers include the James Russell Lowells and Arthur Hugh Clough. [Ray 3: 107]

November Esmond is published in three volumes by Smith, Elder, with a dedication "To the Right Honourable William Bingham, Lord Ashburton . . . for the sake of the great kindness and friendship which I owe to you and yours." 6 (Sat)

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray tells them that the ship is now 1100 miles out on a calm sea, and says: "In that horrid little cabin below where we are tumbling & rolling and bumping and creaking in the roaring black midnight you may be sure I'm often thinking of you. . . . Poor Eyre has been very puky he is the worst secretary and the best creature." [Ray 3: 107]

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Farewell." He also mentions that the artist, Samuel Laurence, "has done a capital head of me ordered by Smith the Publisher and I have ordered a copy & Lord Ashburton another—If Smith gives me this one: I shall send the copy to you." [Ray 3: 98-99]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

12

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her of the previous evening's celebratory dinner: "last night being the last dinner of the voyage we had speeches and songs: and I gave the Captain's health with small eloquence and great applause: and somebody else gave mine and we were all very hearty kindly and friendly." [Ray 3: 109-11]

12

The Canada arrives in Boston. Thackeray and Crowe go to the Tremont House where the publisher, James T, Fields, has engaged rooms for them and arranged a dinner with a special surprise: gigantic oysters* Fields had recalled that in London Thackeray had been curious about American oysters, so, at the dinner, following an apology for the smallness of the oysters, "Six bloated Falstaffian oysters lay before him in their shells. I noticed that he gazed at them anxiously with fork upraised; then he whispered to me, with a look of anguish, 'How shall I do it?'.. . He . . . selected the smallest one in the half-dozen (rejecting a large one, 'because,' he said, 'it resembled the High Priest's servant's ear that Peter cut off), and then bowed his head as if he were saying grace. All eyes were upon him Opening his mouth very wide, he struggled for a moment, and then all was over. I shall never forget the comic look of despair he cast upon the other five over-occupied shells. I broke the perfect stillness by asking him how he felt. 'Profoundly grateful,' he gasped, 'and as if I had swallowed a little baby.'" [Yesterdays 20-21]

13

Mudie's Library announces that since "Three hundred copies of Esmond" have failed to meet the d e m a n d . . . , a fourth hundred is this day added."

13

Henry James, Senior, writing in The New-York Daily Tribune, welcomes Thackeray to America and soon to New York as "the most thoughtful critic of manners and society, the subtlest humorist, and the most effective, because the most genial, satirist the age has known." [Crowe 1: 44]

13

Thackeray and Crowe go with Fields to hear Madame Son tag sing at the Melodeon, where Thackeray "took

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Thackeray dines at the home of the historian, William Hickling Prescott. On his way to Prescott's, Thackeray encounters Fields in Beacon St. and holds up a copy of Esmond, saying: "Here is the very best I can do, and I am carrying it to Prescott as a reward of merit for having given me my first dinner in America. I stand by this book, and am willing to leave it, when I go, as my card" [Yesterdays 17]. On the wall of Prescott's library Thackeray sees two crossed swords, one of which had belonged to Prescott's grandfather, and the other to his wife's grandfather, who had fought on opposite sides during the American Revolutionary War. Five years later, Thackeray refers to them in opening The Virginians. Thackeray and Crowe leave Boston for New York, where they stay at the Clarendon Hotel. On the train Thackeray buys a copy of Appleton's pirated Shabby Genteel Story and Other Tales "from a rosy-cheeked little peripatetic book merchant, who called out 'Thackeray's Works:'—in such a kind, gay voice as gave me a feeling of friendship and welcome" [Preface, p. x]. At the Clarendon, George Bancroft calls upon Thackeray, one of many literary and historical writers to welcome him to New York. [Crowe 1: 37-38] Thackeray and Crowe are met by Willard Felt of the New York Mercantile Library Association, Thackeray's sponsors, who takes them to the Unitarian church on Broadway where Thackeray is to lecture. "I shall not easily forget the author's expression of wonder when he looked athwart the long, dark, wainscoted benches, and saw the pillared nave and the oak pulpit. He seemed fascinated by the idea of his lay-sermonising in this place." [Crowe 1: 45] Thackeray begins his lectures at 8PM in the Church of the Unity, which continue on 22, 26, and 29 November, and on 3 and 6 December at the price of $3 for the course of six.

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note of the acoustic capabilities of the hall, and ascertained the proper voice-pitch needed." He was to lecture there five weeks later. [Crowe 1: 24-26]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray announces himself as "comfortably settled, with a hundred kind people to make your Papa welcome, and 2000 every night to come and hear his lectures." This popularity prompts him to think of coming back to America to deliver more lectures. He terms the transatlantic voyage "as easy and certain as any voyage can be: you are sick on board the boat more or less: and can't walk well on the rolling deck but you are as safe to all intents and purposes as at Kensington or the Boulevard." He also expresses his gratitude for Crowe: "He is the kindest fondest best-humoured affectionate fellow." Finally, he mentions that the publisher, William Henry Appleton, whom he knew in Paris as a young man, has given him "100£ to edit a couple of volumes out of Punch of my contributions." [Ray 3: 118-121] Writing to an unidentified correspondent regarding possible lectures at New Haven, Thackeray asks for $250 per lecture. [Ray 3: 128-29] Writing to George Smith, Thackeray tells him that Harper has just offered $1000 for publishing his lectures, and that Appleton will give him "one or perhaps two hundred pounds" for reprints of other works. In addition, "I am going to repeat the Lectures here; & affairs really look more prosperous for me than they have ever before done these twenty years." Informing Smith that "friends sent me out the Spectator, Leader, & Athenaeum; & the first did for me, what no review has ever done before, brought tears into my eyes. I trust in God that what the critic says is true; & then though the book we have published together, may not be very greatly popular, it will be a credit to both of us. I hope it will be successful enough to enable me to publish the American continuation some-day"—the first recorded mention of a plan for The Virginians, though he had evidently spoken of it to Smith. He reports that the New York newspapers have

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"The Pen and the Album. By W. M. Thackeray." In The Keepsake. Ed. Miss Power. London: David Bogue, 1853, pp. 48-50.

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Writing to Harper, Thackeray accepts their offer for the Humourists, "to be published simultaneously with the London Edition—The sum of one thousand dollars offered by you to be paid to my order, on my sending to you the last sheets of the English edition of the work." [Harden 1:499] Writing to the publisher, George Putnam, Thackeray informs him that Harper Brothers, "who have published my larger books and have paid my London publisher for my last work, have offered me a sum of money for the republication of my lectures; and all things considered, I think it is best that I should accept their liberal proposal. I thank you very much for your very generous offer, and for my own sake, as well as that of my literary brethren in England, I am sincerely rejoiced to find how very kindly the American publishers are disposed towards us" [Ray 3: 131]. When Thackeray called on James Harper at his office, which conspicuously contained reprints of Thackeray's works, the publisher introduced his little daughter, with whom Thackeray shook hands and of whom he said: "So this is a 'pirate's' daughter, is it?"— much to Harper's amusement [Crowe 1: 65-66] Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray says that he is "making a good hit with the lectures. . . . I shall carry away near 1000£ from here alone 70£ a year think of that! If you have any money to put away remember it. The rate of interest on the best security is 7 per cent here.. . . You see I am beginning to think and tremble like a money-saver already. The sensation is so new to m e i . . . I know you will be glad to hear of my good luck present & prospective. . . . Even the publishers are liberal. . . . It is a little rain of dollars." [Ray 3: 132] Writing to James T. Fields, Thackeray reports that he is about to begin a second series of lectures in New

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only given synopses of the lectures, and expresses his hope to give them "over again on my return to London before publishing them. At any rate there is no hurry about it." [Harden 1: 497-98]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology York, and proposes beginning in Boston on 20 or 21 December. "Could I engage the Hall, where we heard Madme. Sontag sing & will you kindly undertake the business for me & advise me from time to time?" He also mentions hearing from George Smith "that the whole of the first edition of Esmond is disposed of, an edition of three thousand at a guinea & a half!" [Harden 1: 499-500]

29

Writing to an unidentified correspondent regarding possible lectures in New Haven, Thackeray informs him that tentative arrangements to lecture in Brooklyn have filled up the vacuum in his schedule. [Ray 3: 136]

30

Writing to Edward Whitehouse and his associates, Thackeray accepts their invitation to lecture in Brooklyn but tells them that he has "only four disengaged evenings before my departure for Boston on the 20 December." Accordingly, he proposes his free dates and they accept. [Harden 1: 500]

December Thackeray writes an "Author's Preface" for a volume in the Appleton series of reprints of his works, Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town with The Proser and Other Papers, in which he explains that the earlier Appleton volumes were published without his knowledge, and that he regrets the reappearance of some of his early writings, but that he is thankful for his new relationship with the publisher. ["Preface" ix-xiii] 1 (Wed)

Thackeray begins his second series of lectures in New York, continuing on 7, 10, 13, 15, and 17 December. [Crowe 1:46]

2

Writing to Phineas Taylor Barnum, who has asked Thackeray to contribute to a newspaper that he is establishing, Thackeray says: "I have withdrawn from all periodical writing at home, & declined in this country some applications similar to that: with wh. you favor me." Hence he feels obliged to decline Barnum's offer. The newspaper came to be known as The Illustrated News. [Harden 1: 501-02]

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Writing to his daughters, Thackeray mentions the possibility of paying another visit from England to New York, and describes life in New York City as a continual "whirl;" on a typical day "I go to dinner before the lecture, to parties afterwards, am receiving visitors or writing notes all day, and the pace of London is nothing to the racketting life of New York. I have found some very very kind and pleasant women—a Mrs. Baxter specially whom I've got quite a love for, a tender kind Soul with a kind honest husband and such a jolly pretty girl for a daughter! and this pretty one she is 19 years old and already considers herself quite an old & passee young person has a sister of Anny's age." He tells them that the "2d. course of lectures is not so well attended as the first—not above 1000 people I should think & the first 1500—but I get more money.. . and now I really feel inclined to save and not to spend i t . . . . As for writing a book about the country, its humppossable—the goose lays much too good eggs for that—and theres no time for writing or seeing." [Ray 3: 141-44] Writing to George Smith, Thackeray announces that he will be sending twelve brace of canvas-back ducks for Lord Stanley of Alderley, M. J. Higgins, Lady Molesworth, Sir Jonathan Pollock, Bradbury and Evans, Lady Talfourd, Mrs. Elliot, and Smith. Thackeray advises: "Eat em hot, a lee tie underdone, with currant jelly." He requests some copies of Esmond to give to friends in New York and asks: "Dont you think we may do the Warringtons of Virginia?" Finally, not knowing that the second edition of Esmond has already been published, he asks: "If you are not gone to press I should like the first title to be Esmond or LOVE & HONOUR a story of Q. . by &c: but it dont matter & is left to you." [Harden 1: 504-05] Thackeray delivers "Swift" at the Female Academy in Brooklyn, continuing on the 11th with "Congreve and Addison," on the 14th with "Steele," and on the 16th with "Prior, Gay, and Pope." [Ray 3: 662]

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Publication of a "second edition" of Esmond [actually a reissue] is annnounced by Smith, Elder.

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

19

Writing to Edward Wells, a boy who had requested his autograph, Thackeray warmly responds, and recalls that as he "got into the railroad car to come hither from Boston there came up a boy with a basket of books to sell, and he offered me one and called out my own name: and I bought the book, pleased by his kind face and friendly voice wh. seemed as it were to welcome me & my own children to this country. And as you are the first American boy who has written to me I thank you and shake you by the hand, & hope Heaven may prosper you." [Ray 3: 145-46]

20

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her he "shall probably come back again next winter if all things gD well with another stock of lectures. . . . I'm sorry to leave New York. I have met very pleasant & kind people. I have been actually in love for 3 days with a pretty wild girl of 19 (and was never more delighted in my life than by discovering that I could have this malady over again) . . . and the end of my flirtation with Miss Sally Baxter here is that I have got a new character for a novel—though to be sure she is astoundingly like Beatrix." [Ray 3: 148-49]

20

Thackeray and Crowe leave for Boston and the Tremont House. [Ray 3: 662]

21

Thackeray begins his lectures at 7:30PM in the Melodeon, which continue on 24, 28, and 31 December, and on 4 and 7 January. [Ray 3: 150-51]

22

Writing to Sally Baxter, Thackeray testifies to his "love and gratitude for your welcome of me," and quotes Ronsard's verses of fond remembrance, "Quand vous serez bien vieille" [When you are old]. Mentioning a visit from Oliver Wendell Holmes, he says: "a dear little fellow a true poet I told him how much I liked his verses and what do you think he did? His eyes began to water. Well, it's a comfort to have given pleasure to that kind soul." [Ray 3: 151-52]

22

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray jokingly says, "I have found Beatrix Esmond and lost my heart to her," but also, presumably thinking of Dickens's American

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257

Notes for General Circulation, repudiates the idea of writing any such book. Referring to "the friends I have found here and who are helping me to procure independence for my children," he says: "if I cut jokes against them may I choke on the instant—If I can say anything to show that my name is really Makepeace and to increase the sense of Love between the two countries then please God I w i l l . . . . I begin to think of the responsibilities of this here pen . . . with a feeling of no small awe. The first name I heard in the railroad going hence to New York was my own by a pretty child selling books, and 1 was touched somehow by his fresh voice and kind face, and should have liked to take him by the hand—So—here it is after 15 years thinks I here's the fame they talk about—my impression though was one of awe and humility rather then exultation and to pray God I might keep honest and tell truth always. He concludes by saying that the "success of Esmond has quite surprized me." [Harden 1: 508-09] Thackeray begins his lectures at Providence with "Swift," which continue on the 3rd of January with "Steele," and on the 6th with "Hogarth, Smollett, and Fielding." [Ray 3: 166] Writing to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Thackeray accepts his invitation for "meeting the Wednesday Club" on the following day. [Harden 1: 511] 1853 "Mr. Thackeray in the United States. John Small to the Editor of Fraser's Magazine." Fraser's Magazine, 47 (Jan.) 100-03. Writing to the Rev. Theodore Parker, who had just spoken at a memorial service for Amos Lawrence, Thackeray tells him how moved he was by the music, which sounded like Haydn's, but especially by the eloquence of his language in evoking the qualities of Lawrence, whom Thackeray had last seen on the day of his death, and giving Thackeray "one of the greatest pleasures I have had in my life." [Harden 1: 512]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

4

Writing to his mother, Thackeray characterizes Boston society as that of "a rich Cathedral town in England grave and decorous & very pleasant and well-read. Providence has proved rather a failure after the first lecture. There are not above 500 auditors, and I must return half the money they agreed for—Nobody must lose money by me in America, where I have had such a welcome & hospitality. 1 go to Philadelphia (Eyre is gone thither before me) to Baltimore & Washington, then to Charleston & N. Orleans and make a good big circuit if my health lasts till after May." [Ray 3: 170]

14

Thackeray leaves Boston for New York. [Ray 3:664]

14

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray asks him not to publish the Humourists just y e t "1 should not like the Lectures to go to press without reviewing, & here and there altering them; there's no danger now of their being pirated in this country, the Harper's being the chief buccaneers, & the perfect terror of all their brethren in these seas." He reports having had "a capital time at Boston & put away 500.,£ after paying all expenses there." Finally, he dismisses reports he has received of the negative reviews of Esmond by The Times and The Examiner, presuming them to have been written by hostile critics like Samuel Phillips and John Forster. [Harden 1: 514-15]

15

Thackeray leaves New York for Philadelphia, where he delivers "Congreve and Addison," continuing on the 18th with "Steele," on the 25th with "Hogarth, Smollett, and Fielding," and on the 28th with "Sterne and Goldsmith." [Ray 3:664]

17

Writing to Harriet, Thackeray speaks of the overwhelming experience of repeatedly meeting so many new people: "the handshakings, visits &c bore my soul and body out of all patience; and as I walk the streets I look at every one with apprehension lest I should have met him and forgotten him the night before." He explains that "the fashion is to have great suppers of m e n . . . . I was introjuiced to about eighty of them the night before last—they are all of the topping people of the city grave, wealthy kind old fogies, and

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258

259

are pleased Lord how they are pleased!—but / can't get up enthusiasm for 80 gentlemen I never heard of before: and the very hand-shakings & ceremonial of introductions are a sort of acting—So is the lecturing acting too" [Ray 3: 172-73]. An American friend later mentioned this stiff dinner, but also described a subsequent gathering for dinner at Prosser's, a cellar restaurant specializing in roast oysters and terrapin, which was a joyful occasion climaxed by Thackeray's animated singing of his song, "Little Billee." [Ray 3: 173] 26

Writing to his mother after having returned to New York, Thackeray reports on his "week of awful Philadelphia hospitality. They dine at 4 and sup at 10 They're offended if you don't come and God help the man whom nature has endowed with a good appetite." He also tells her that he has been working all day on a charity lecture [Ray 3: 187], lying in bed, Crowe tells us, and dictating it with great fluency [Crowe 1: 11011]. He also speaks to her of plans to visit Baltimore, Washington, New Orleans, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Montreal. [Ray 3: 187-88]

31

Thackeray delivers his new lecture, "Charity and Humour," at the Church of the Messiah in Broadway at 3PM for the benefit of the Ladies' Society for the Employment and Relief of the Poor, having been requested to do so by Mrs. Baxter and Mrs. Felt. [Crowe 1: 111; Ray 3: 176]

February 1 (Tue) Prints of Samuel Laurence's portrait of Thackeray are announced by Smith, Elder as "ready," price £1/1. 1

Writing to Anne, Thackeray tells her that he was "in bed 2 days making a lecture: it came off last night with considerable eclat, is very good-natured & pleasant, & has been the means of putting 1500 dollars at the disposal of the lady-managers of a very good charitable Institution. . . . The lecture was about the good done by works of humour: and Minny made her appearance in the sermon with her fondness for Nicholas Nickleby." [Ray 3: 189-90]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

7

Thackeray leaves New York for Baltimore. Beginning a letter to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry before giving his opening lecture in Baltimore, Thackeray says: "in another hour that dreary business of 'In speaking of the English humourous writers of the last &c' will begin—and the wonder to me is that the speaker once in the desk (to day it is to be a right-down pulpit in a 'Universalist' Church & no mistake) gets interested in the work makes the points thrills with emotion and indignation at the right place, & has a little sensation whilst the work is going on—but I cant go on much longer: my conscience revolts at the quackery." [Harden 1: 525-26]

7

Thackeray begins his lectures at the Universalist Church on North Calvert St. in Baltimore, which continue on 11, 14, 18, 21, and 25 February. [Ray 3: 193]

8

Thackeray journeys from Baltimore to Washington. [Ray 3: 194, 201]

9

Thackeray begins his lectures in Carusi's Rooms in Washington, which continue on 12, 16, 19, 23, and 26 February, as he shuttles back and forth between Washington and Baltimore. [Crowe 1: 116; Ray 3: 195]

10

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray tells them that since his arrival in Washington "my time has been spent in seeing & calling upon lions." He finds the British Minister, John Crampton, to be "very jolly & good-natured," and speaks of dinning with Crampton and being about to dine with the American Secretary of State, Edward Everett. [Harden 1: 526]

14

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray reports "doing a good business at Baltimore and a small select one here—The big wigs all come & are pleased, all the Legations, & old Scott [Gen. Winfield Scott] the unsuccessful Candidate for the Presidency &c—It is well to have come. I shall go hence to Richmond & Charleston, & then who knows whither?— not to N. Orleans I think. The distance is too great I

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16

Writing to John Crampton, Thackeray asks: "Will you kindly present me to the President on Tuesday? I should like very much to make my bow with Your Excellency's introduction." [Harden 1: 529]

17

Senator Hamilton Fish, of New York, gives "a grand entertainment 'to meet Mr. Thackeray.'" [Ray 3: 664; Harden 1: 537]

19

A cheap edition of Vanity Fair is issued by Bradbury and Evans.

19

Writing to Henry M. Brackenridge, Thackeray thanks him for his letter expressing admiration for Esmond: "I am glad you like the book best wh. has cost me the most pains, and wh. I wrote more for credit's sake than popularity's though I am pleased to think it has acquired some of this too. Several of the London Critics deal very hardly with it; and when those who know the times of wh. I write & the noble language I wished to reproduce, better than some of the above-named literary gentlemen, praise my labor; you may be sure their good words are welcome." [Harden 1: 533-34]

19

Writing to Lucy Baxter, Thackeray tells her that he probably "shall not go farther than Charleston and Savannah." [Ray 3: 208]

24

Thackeray dines at the White House with President Millard Fillmore. [Ray 3: 210]

27

Writing to Lucy Baxter, Thackeray tells her that "Yesterday . . . the 2 Presidents [President Fillmore and President-Elect Franklin Pierce] came together to my lecture" [Ray 3: 215]. Prompted by a remark made to him by Washington Irving, who was also in attendance, Thackeray "compared them, to their amusement, to 'the two Kings of Brentford smelling at one rose™ [Works 17: 360; Crowe 1: 116]. He also tells Lucy that "Tomorrow I shall pass down the Potomac on wh. Mrs. Esmond-Warrington used to sail with her 2

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cant go 1000 miles fishing for half as many pounds." [Harden 1: 527]

262

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

28 March 2 (Wed)

Thackeray leaves Washington for Richmond. [Ray 3: 665] Thackeray delivers "Swift" at the Athenaeum, continuing on the 3rd with "Congreve and Addison," and then, when he returns to Richmond later in the month, the last three lectures on 28, 29, and 31 March. [Ray 3: 222, 665-66]

3

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray calls Richmond "the merriest little place, and the most picturesque I have seen in America." He estimates that he will make £2500 from the American lectures. [Harden 1: 540-41]

5

Thackeray leaves Richmond for Charleston, arriving on the 7th. [Ray 3: 665]

8

Thackeray begins a course of three lectures at 7:30PM in the Hibernian Hall, continuing on 10 and 11 March. [Crowe 1: 146]

11

Writing to Lucy Baxter, who has been reading Villette, Thackeray says: "The good of Villette . . . is a very fine style; and a remarkable happy way (wh. few female authors possess) of carrying a metaphor logically through to it's conclusion—And it amuses me to read the author's naive confession of being in love with 2 men at the same time; and her readiness to fall in love at any time. The poor little woman of genius! the fiery little eager brave tremulous homely-faced creature! I can read a great deal of her life as I fancy in her book, and see that rather than have fame rather than any other earthly good or mayhap heavenly one she wants some Tomkins or another to love her and be in love with. But you see she is a little bit of a creature without a penny worth of good looks, thirty years old I should think buried in the country, and eating up her

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sons when they went to visit their friend Mr. Washington. I wonder will anything ever come out of that preface, and will that story ever be born?" [Ray 3: 216]

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12

Writing to Mrs. Baxter, Thackeray encloses a letter of Anne's to him and says: "I am sure your kind mother's-heart will understand my pleasure, at having such a dear noble girl. . . . Why, in 5 or 6 years, she will be able to do the writing business; and I can sit on the sofa as easy as the Professor of Deportment in Bleak House." He also reports receiving $665 for his three lectures in Charleston. [Harden 1: 550]

13

Thackeray leaves Charleston for Savannah. [Ray 3: 665]

14

Thackeray and Crowe are rescued from a buggy hotel by the British Consul, Andrew Low, who takes them into his house. [Crowe 1: 160-61; Ray 3: 240; 665]

14

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray recalls the death of their sister, Jane, fourteen years before on this date: "My impression of her is of angelic sweetness and affection. Her voice though she hadn't learned to speak and smile are quite present to me." [Ray 3: 239]

15

Thackeray begins his lectures at Savannah with "Swift," which continue with "Congreve and Addison" on the 17th, both at St. Andrew's Hall, and with "Steele" on the 18th and "Prior, Gay, and Pope" apparently on the 19th, both given in a theatre. He receives a fee of $343. [Ray 3: 240, 243-44]

21

Thackeray leaves Savannah for Charleston. [Ray 3: 665]

23

Thackeray begins his final lectures at Charleston, continuing on 24 and apparently 25 March. [Ray 3: 666]

25

Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray says: "I have no time to write letters scarcely, much more a book. I eat as usual 7 dinners a week, at other folk's charges—the

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own heart there, and no Tomkins will come. You girls with the pretty faces and red-boots (and what not) will get dozens of young fellows fluttering about you— whereas here is one a genius, a noble heart longing to mate itself and destined to wither away into old maidenhood." [Harden 1: 547]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology lectures do pretty well, & I have laid by but at 8 per cent that is the common interest here 200£ a year. . . . The idleness of the life is dreary and demoralizing though: and the bore & humiliation of delivering these stale old lectures is growing intolerable. Why, what a superior heroism is Albert Smith's who has ascended Mont Blanc [in his lecture] 400 times!" [Harden 1: 553]

26

Thackeray leaves Charleston for Richmond, arriving at 6AM on the 28th. [Ray 3: 247, 666]

28

Thackeray begins his final lectures at Richmond, continuing on 29 and 31 March. [Ray 3: 222]

30

Thackeray lectures at Petersburg to his smallest American audience. [Crowe 1: 140-41]

I (Fri)

Thackeray leaves Richmond for New York by ship, arriving on 2 April. [Ray 3: 249]

5

Writing to Mrs. William Bayne, Thackeray tells her: "The luxury of this city is prodigious: and surely Solomon in all his glory or the Queen of Sheba when she came to visit him in state was not arayed so magnificently as these New York damsels." He expresses a longing to return home, but also says: "I have made many very kind & pleasant friends, some whom I hope to like and remember all my life." [Harden 1: 558]

II

Thackeray leaves New York for Albany, where he delivers a lecture, followed by a second on the 12 th, when he returns to New York. [Crowe 1: 168-70]

15

Writing to Lucy Baxter on her seventeenth birthday, Thackeray sends his poem, "Lucy's Birthday," and flowers. [Ray 3: 256-58; Harden 1: 561-62]

16

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray tells him: "The box by the Andes only arrived yesterday; & I have not had leisure to look carefully through the Lectures; but am sorry to say I have seen faults enough already in glancing through the pages to make me wish that they

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had not been printed without my supervision. . . . I shall send you a list of errata by the next packet." Instead, as it turned out, he sent himself. He also mentions that the print of the Laurence portrait of him "is very much liked here by every body but poor Appleton who has got a hundred of them on his hands, wh. nobody will purchase at that awful price Messrs. Smith & Elder have fixed on them [£1/1]." [Harden 1: 562] Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "But for one or two buts I would be off tomorrow by the Europa. . . . I am home-sick and longing to see my women. I think I shall lecture no more My conscience revolts . . . and I have given up St. Louis & the West, and declined Montreal." [Harden 1: 563] Thackeray suddenly buys passage on the Europa and writes hasty farewell notes to American friends from the departing ship. Writing to George Baxter, Thackeray thanks him and mentions his discomfort with farewells: "I mustn't let the pilot go on shore without shaking you by the hand, and saying a last God bless you to you and all yours who have been so kind to me. . . . I shall always have for you the most grateful feelings of regard. Now that we are really under way, it is best . . . —partings are the dreariest events of life and were always best done quickly. God bless your kind wife and all her young ones. . . . My heart is quite full as I think of your kindness." [Ray 3: 259] Writing to Mrs. George Bancroft, Thackeray tells her: "I am actually on board the Europa and on my way home—It was all thought of and done in a couple of hours—and the Pilot will bear my adieux to you and I shall carry to England a great deal of gratitude for your kindness to me—In September (if the Fates let me) I shall come back again, and find you all at Newport and see my native place of Boston again, and my friends to whom I ought to have gone to bid farewell. I am not recovered from the surprize of finding myself gone." [Harden 1: 563-64]

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

May 1 (Sun)

Thackeray arrives in Liverpool, and reaches London on the 2nd. [Ray 3: 260] Writing to George Smith, Thackeray expresses his unhappiness with the edition of the Humourists: "It is heart-breaking to read the blunders through the volume: and I am sure it would be more creditable to cancel it all than to let it go forth with all these errors." Telling Smith t h a t if he insists on publication, "the errors marked on the next page must be amended and we must leave the rest to the just indignation of the public." Finally, he offers a compromise: "1 will pay half the expenses of a new edition if they are anything reasonable—And in that case you'll send me proofs wont you to 19 Rue d'Angouleme St. Honore Paris." [Harden 1: 565]

12

Thackeray leaves London for Paris, rejoining his family. [Ray 3: 667]

16

Thackeray sends George Smith his final corrections for the Humourists. [Harden 1: 568]

18

Writing to the Baxters, Thackeray speaks of being immersed in the "whirl and jangle" of Paris—including the sound of his daughters "whirring away on the piano" one hour before breakfast—but he is delighted that they "have made immense progress," and that they love to play for him. They "know what tunes I l i k e solemn old fashioned airs of Haydn and Mozart." [Ray 3: 268]

June "Charity and Humour." Harper's Magazine, 7 (June): 82-88. 1 (Wed)

Thackeray arrives in London from Paris, [Ray 3: 667]

3

Writing to Mrs. Baxter, Thackeray tells her of meeting Harriet Beecher Stowe on the previous day, "with whom I was very agreeably disappointed. In place of the woman I had imagined to myself after the hideous daguerreotype I found a gentle almost: pretty person

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4

Publication of The English Humourists of the Eighteenth Century is announced by Smith, Elder.

4

Writing to Mrs. Charles Fanshawe, Thackeray tells her: "I've left my Savings behind in America" [Harden 1: 572]. He invested the equivalent of several thousand pounds in bonds of two railroads: the Michigan Central and the New York Central. [Ray 3: 275]

9

Writing to Anne, Thackeray mentions "a project I have sometimes of uttering a lecture about the United States; wh. no doubt people would crowd to hear." He never did so, however. He also tells her that the "edition of the Lectures is nearly all sold and a new one ordered." play 3: 276]

16

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray tells him that out of loyalty to Bradbury and Evans, on his return from America he offered them his next novel, and therefore cannot offer it to Smith. "I hope you & I however will have many other dealings." Finally, he mentions two future projects: "with . . . the Warringtons of Virginia & the 4 Georges I see a tolerable amount of work before both of us." [Harden 2: 574]

21

Writing to Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Thackeray quotes from the "Author's Preface" that he wrote in December for Appleton's reprint of Mr. Brown's Letters . . . and Other Papers, where he apologized for several Yellowplush papers in which he had mocked Bulwer-Lytton's writing, which Appleton had earlier published in pirated form. [Harden 1: 575-76]

24

Thackeray leaves London for Calais, Amiens, and Paris, which he reaches on the 26th. [Ray 3: 667-68]

25

Writing to the Baxters, Thackeray says: "I have signed and sealed with Bradbury and Evans for a new book [The Newcomes] in 24 numbers like Pendennis—Price 3600£ + 500£ from Harper and Tauchnitz. It's coining money isn't it?" He tells them that George Curtis's

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with a very great sweetness in her eyes and smile." [Ray 3: 273]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology article in the June issue of Putnam's Monthly Magazine ("Thackeray in America," pp. 638-42) "touched me very much. I hope that is the right view of [my] character." He also informs them that he is writing "at Dessein's Hotel in Sterne's Room!" and that "Sterne's picture is looking down on me from the chimney piece at wh. he warmed his lean old shanks ninety years ago." [Ray 3: 280-81]

July 4 (Mon)

Writing to Sarah Baxter on the "4th of July. Hip Hip Hurra," Thackeray tells her of his plans to set off with his daughters in two days for Germany, "where I shall try and do some of my new book. . . . It torments me incessantly, and I wander about with it: in my interior, lonely & gloomy as if a secret remorse was haunting me. I saw a pretty American girl in a carriage in the Rue Vivienne to day[.] She was like you . . . —a great gush of feelings came tumbling o u t . . . . I declare I saw nothing of the crowded city for a minute or two so completely did the revenans [ghosts] hem me in— Nothing is forgotten. We bury 'em but they pop out of their graves now and again." [Harden 1: 578]

6

Thackeray and his daughters leave Paris for Nancy, Mannheim, and Baden-Baden with Thackeray's new servant, Charles Pearman. [Ray 3: 284, 668]

9

At Baden-Baden, Thackeray writes in his diary: "Began preface of Newcomes." [Ray 3: 668]

11

Thackeray writes Chapter I and continues to write almost daily. [Ray 3: 668]

13-15

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray tells of "the happiness of the girls, and their artless goodness and affection," which "works upon me with I don't know what happiness: I dont remember the day these 10 years when I have felt so much at ease. And this helps me to write too." Mentioning plans to go to Switzerland, and to continue their easy-going pace of travel and sight-seeing, he says: "It's a great comfort to want no books [as he had needed when writing

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269

16

Smith, Elder announce publication of a "Second edition, revised by the author," of the Humourists, though in actuality it is a second printing of the first edition.

18

Thackeray writes to his mother on the day on which "two and forty years ago she performed the famous feat of producing the undersigned wonder to the world," and tells her of having had "a hard week's work," having enjoyed Baden-Baden, and having lost only "3 or 4 naps at the Rouge et Noir." [Ray 3: 287-89]

18

Thackeray leaves Baden-Baden for Basle, Neuchatel, Lausanne, and Vevey, arriving on the 25th. [Ray 3: 668]

18

Writing from Basle to a cousin and neighbor of the Baxter girls, Elizabeth Strong, on her seventeenth birthday, which coincides with his, Thackeray tells her of "very jolly days" spent at Baden-Baden, and apologizes for not having "made you some verses: but, Miss, I was better employed spinning prose for my family, and getting on at a fine rate." [Ray 3: 289]

26

Writing to Sarah Baxter, Thackeray mentions that The Newcomes has been "advancing very pleasantly. I am not to be the Author of it. Mr. Pendennis is to be the writer of his friend's memoirs: and by the help of this little mask (wh. I borrowed from Pisistratus [Caxton], Bulwer I suppose) I shall be able to talk more at ease than in my own person. I only thought of the plan last night and am immensely relieved by adopting it." [Harden 1: 586]

28

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray says: "The novel is getting on apace: and I shall have done a couple of numbers by the end of the month. Anny is amused who writes a good deal of it to dictation—a good sign. Mr. Pendennis is the author of the book: and has taken a great weight off my mind for under that mask and acting as it were 1 can afford to say & think many things that I couldn't venture on in my own person now

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Esmond and the Humourists] & nothing but fresh ink and a good pen & paper." [Harden 1: 581-82]

270

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology that is it is a person, and I know the public are staring at it" [Harden 1: 589]

August 4 (Thu)

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Finished Newcomes II." [Ray 3: 668] Thackeray leaves Vevey for Bulle, Fribourg, and Berne, arriving on the 6th, when he records that he "tried to write III." [Ray 3: 669]

ca. 11

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray asks for money due to him from "the 6/ Edition of Vanity Fair," and says: "I have written 2 numbers of the Newcomes and am well into the middle of no 3. I trust to have 4 nos by September 1. and (D V) to write the whole book in the course of the year." He then suggests Richard Doyle as illustrator. [Harden 1: 591-92]

12

Thackeray leaves Berne for Thun. [Ray 3: 669]

15

Thackeray records in his diary: "Wrote 10 pages & finished III." [Ray 3: 669]

16

Thackeray leaves Thun for Lucerne and Zurich, arriving on the 19th. [Ray 3: 669]

20

Thackeray begins Number 4 of The Newcomes. [Ray 3: 669]

21

Thackeray leaves Zurich for Basle, Heidelberg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Ostend, and Dover, arriving in London with his daughters on the the 31st. [Ray 3: 669-70]

September 1 (Thu) Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray tells them that he has "come back with 4 numbers" and wants to talk with them about illustrations for the novel. He also says that he has been offered "10£ a no. from Harpers provided they could get my number 6 weeks before it was printed here—so unless we put off till Novr. I lose 240£." Bradbury and Evans did not agree to the postponement. [Harden 1: 592]

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30

271

Writing to his mother, Thackeray informs her that he has just arranged with Doyle "to do the pictures for my new book" but responds ambiguously to the agreement, feeling "almost sorry I am not to do them myself: but it will be a great weight off my mind and I can now move about Whithersumever I will"—a welcome freedom, since he has been thinking of spending the winter in Rome with his daughters. [Ray 3: 301-02] Writing to Brian Procter after briefly taking his physical "complaints to the Brighton club, where I often have left them before," Thackeray tells him of plans for Paris and Rome, and recalls reading Don Quixote "nearly through when I was away. What a vitality in those 2 characters! What gentlemen they both are! I wish Don Q. was not thrashed so very often. There are sweet pastoralities through the book; and that piping of shepherds and pretty sylvan ballet wh. dances always round the principal figures is delightfully pleasant to me—it would kill any book now to make it so long, and introduce all those long fantastic processions interludes & the like. Also I read in Tacitus leisurely with an uncommonly good French translation and began to read Monte Cristo at 6 one morning and never stopped till 11 at night!" [Harden 1: 594-95] Thackeray dines with his Punch colleagues and evidently agrees to become a contributor again. [Ray 3: 670] Thackeray writes "The Organ Boy's Appeal" for Punch. [Ray 3: 670] Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "I only got last night the last proof-sheets of No I of the Newcomes: Doyle has been 3 weeks doing the engravings and they are not so good as mine now they are done. And . . . this mg. comes a letter wh. may defer the Roman trip altogether a proposal from a publisher to edit Horace Walpoles letters wh. is just the sort of work I should like—such as would keep me at home pleasantly employed some evenings and pottering over old volumes— . . . of old biographies & histories. When

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24

Writing to the Rev. W. H. Brookfield, Thackeray thanks him for his invitation and tells him: "I have promised Punch to dine to day, and want to see B & E, and have a ballad waiting there of wh. I must correct the proofs, that's why I could not come but I liked your asking me." As further testimony of attempted reconciliation, he says: "When I was ill the other day [the 14th] I made a sort of will in wh. I begged you & FitzGerald to act as a sort of guardians to the children, and that you'd have them every year to stay with you and your dear wife. God bless you both now after 2 years asunder." [Harden 1: 596-97; Ray 3: 670]

October "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 1 [Chaps. I-III]." [With an illustrated title page and ten other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Oct.), pp. 1-32. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 7 [Nov.]: 815-30.) 1 (Sat)

Signed illustration to "The Age of Compliments." Punch, 25 ( l O c t ) : 138.

1

"The Organ Boy's Appeal." Punch, 25 (1 Oct.): 141. ["Punch"]

4

Thackeray and his daughters leave London for Paris. [Ray 3: 670] Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray speaks of having "a very nice roomy apartment in the Champs Elysees—Our presence is a comfort to the old folks." Referring to Mrs. Brookfield, who has given birth to a son, and whom he has recently seen in London, "but always with the children or in the company of the poor Inspector," he alludes to a passage in Esmond, "wh. says when Mr. E. thought of the splendor & purity of his dear mistress's love, the thought of it smote him on to his knees &c. I behold that beautiful constancy with wonder & thanks to God—

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the Imaginative work is over, that is the kind of occupation I often propose to myself for my old age." He also implies owning two houses and having lodgers. [Ray 3: 305-06]

273

with such a feeling as one looks at the Alps or the stars in Heaven. I admire human nature in thinking of her. I think I am nearer her, when away than when sitting by her, talking of things we don't feel—with poor Tomkins's restless eye ever & again trying not to look at us." He concludes by telling them that he has "bought a pretty house 36 Onslow Square Brompton . . . & am to pay for it in 3 years £700 a year or thereabouts. . . . I had some talk with another publisher about doing another kind of work editing Walpole & writing a life of him. It rains money with me. I may make 5000£ in the next year think of that!" [Harden 1: 597-99] 8

Signed illustration to "Manners and Customs." Punch, 25 (8 Oct): 146.

8

Signed illustration to "Signs Made Symbols." Punch, 25 (8 Oct.): 148.

11

Writing to Richard Bentley, Thackeray regretfully declines his proposal that Thackeray write a Walpole biography: "I could not possibly write a life of Walpole in time to commence your Series. I ought to have eighteen months at the very least before me, to read and digest the correspondence itself, & the immense mass of memoirs letters history wh. must be mastered before I could write a fair biography. And under these circumstances I must give up all idea of a task wh. I should have been very glad to undertake." [Harden 1: 599]

30

Thackeray finishes Number 5 of The Newcomes. [Ray 3: 670]

November "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 2 [Chaps. IV-VI]." [With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Nov.), pp. 33-64. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 8 [Dec.]: 10418.) "Sorrows of Werther." Signed "W. M. Thackeray." The Southern Literary Messenger, 19 (Nov.): 709.

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

3 (Thu)

Writing to Mrs. Baxter, Thackeray recalls his many travels: "What a number of places and agitation of life! I begin to feel most tranquillity of mind in a railway carriage now, and retirement in an inn. Certainly here the place doesn't favor industry—Anny & I have been only able to compose one number of the Newcomes all this month." [Harden 1: 603]

11

Thackeray leaves Paris for London. [Ray 3: 670]

18

Writing to John Crampton in Washington, whom he calls "the most hospitable and kind of all Ministers," Thackeray recommends to him Samuel Laurence, "who I think can draw a head as finely as any man since Vandyke," and who is about to travel to the United States. He also tells Crampton: "I am writing a book with an Artist for a hero, and am going to take him and myself to Rome for the winter" [Harden 1: 609-10]. On this date Thackeray also writes seven additional letters for Laurence to take with him, and two more on the following day. [Ray 3: 317-19; Harden 1: 608-14]

22

Writing to John Delane, editor of The Times, Thackeray responds to "a strange charge which has been brought against me in the United States, and which your New York correspondent has made public in this country"— alleging that Thackeray had made a disrespectful comment on George Washington at the beginning of Chapter II of The Newcomes: "When pigtails still grew on the backs of the British gentry . . . : when ministers went in their stars and orders to the House of Commons . . . : when Mr. Washington was heading the American rebels with a courage, it must be confessed, worthy of a better cause: there came up to London . . . Mr. Thomas Newcome" [Works 14: 14-17]. Thackeray points out that he is conveying the attitude of the British in 1776 towards American rebels and their military leader, not an attitude of 1853. [Ray 3: 319-21]

23

"Mr. Washington. To the Editor of The Times." The Times, 23 Nov., p. 9.

24

Thackeray leaves London for Paris, arriving on the 25th. [Ray 3: 670]

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274

275

26

"Lucy's Birthday. By W. M. Thackeray." In The Keepsake. Ed. Miss Power. London: David Bogue, 1854, p. 18.

27

Thackeray and his daughters leave Paris for Chalon, Lyons, Avignon, and Marseilles, arriving on the 29th. [Ray 3: 670-71]

30

Thackeray and his daughters leave Marseilles for Genoa, Livorno, Pisa, and Rome, ariving on 3 December. [Ray 3: 671]

December "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 3 [Chaps. VII-IX]." [With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Dec), pp. 65-96. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 8 [Jan. 1854]: 178-94.) 5 (Mon)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her: "We went to St. Peters yesterday and Miss Anny & I agreed Pisa is the best the other is a huge Heathen parade: all the Statues represent lies almost: & the founder of the religion utterly disappears] under the enormous pile of fiction and ceremony that has been built round him. . . . The front is positively ugly that's certain: but nevertheless the city is glorious—we had a famous walk on the Pincio, and the sun set for us with a splendor quite imperial." [Ray 3: 326] Thackeray and his daughters escape from a buggy hotel and, acting on Robert Browning's advice, take a large "apartment just over the pastry-cook's in the Palazzo Poniatowski, in the Via Delia Croce." [Chapters 187]

17

Writing to Mrs. Baxter and Sarah Baxter, Thackeray tells them that since arriving in Rome, "Not one word of writing have I done as yet, and to be sure have been ill for the last 4 days. . . . I have been ill once a month for the last 5 months. I who was never ill in our country." Mentioning the recent Washington controversy, he fears it may have done him "a world of mischief in the States" and that "the other 10000 dollars I counted upon" may be "knocked into

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology nothing." After talking about Roman matters, he returns again to the Washington affair: "I feel myself shocked and pained by it as if some dear friend had turned round to abuse me; I . . . who have praised the States so outrageously since I came home . . . —How dare people think I could be guilty of such stupid abuse as that they attribute to me? I who love and honor Washington as I love & honor no other man [Ray 3: 327-28, 331]?" Thackeray silently testified to his allegiance by obtaining a plaster copy, which is now in the Grolier Club, New York, of Houdon's bust of Washington.

31

Signed illustration to "A Trumpet with a Cold." Punch, 25(31 Dec): 267.

31

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that the girls are progressing in their Italian, and that "Mrs. Sartoris, Mrs. Browning, Mrs. Story & others are as kind as may be to the children." Mentioning recent illnesses and time spent in domestic arrangements, he fears that his art may be "dying in the midst . . . of trivial duties. . . . O . . . the Newcomes wont get on; and their author is in a dismal way." [Ray 3: 333-34] 1854

January "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 4 [Chaps. X-XII]." [With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Jan.), pp. 97-128. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 8 [Feb.]: 35165.) Thackeray draws Twelfth Night characters for a party of children at his quarters. Anne later recalled that "It was for this particular children's party that the pictures of the 'Rose and the Ring' were drawn. It was just after the New Year. We wanted Twelfth Night characters, and we asked my father to draw them. The pictures were to be shaken up in a lottery. . . . My father drew the King for us, the Queen, Prince Giglio, the Prime Minister, Madam Gruffanuff. The little painted pictures remained lying on the table after the

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277

children were gone, and as he came up and looked at them, he began placing them in order and making a story to fit them. . . . My father's friends, Mr. and Mrs. Story, were very anxious at that time about their little girl, who was just recovering from a dangerous fever, and as the pictures were finished, they used to be sent over to the invalid to amuse her on her sick-bed" [Biog. Edn. 9: lv-lvii]. Thackeray also went over himself and read the tale to her, for Edith Story recalled listening, "as the great author sat on the edge of her bed." [Story 1: 286] Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray speaks of having sent "No VII. by a private hand and pray it may go safe as I have no copy thereof.... I'm getting better of my illnesses & the weather is just heavenly. If I can do good work next month here we shall go to Naples." [Harden 1: 619] Writing to his mother, Thackeray says: "I have worked a good deal this last month, every morning regularly for near three weeks: and in consequence I am not so glum as at those unlucky times when the paper won't fill." He speaks of having "seen splendid sunsets, and magnificent aspects of nature," but of having been disappointed in the art: "There are only about 6 pictures and statues of all I have seen here that I care to see again. Eh! where are the joyful eyes and bright perceptions of youth?" [Ray 3: 336-37] Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells her that he is "hard at work. Then out for a pretty long walk. Then comes dinner at home most days: and tea parties enough when I am inclined. I go and look at the pictures statues churches and so forth," but without much pleasure. Mentioning a Catholic friend of Richard Doyle's who has been introduced to him, John Hungerford Pollen, Thackeray reports that "Pollen says [John Henry] Newman read the two first numbers and thought the style the right sort of thing. The Colonel is going to India the day after tomorrow. You'll be glad to hear that I know—He is a dear old boy but confess you think he is rather a twaddler?" [Harden 1: 620-21]

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February

4 (Sat)

Finishing his letter of late January to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells of finding it "in the midst of a heap of No VIII, wh. has been completed thank the Stars: and now since 7 o'clock this morning am at work at No IX. Seven o'clock in the morning That is your true secret. Early to bed. Away with tea-parties." [Harden 1: 622]

8

Thackeray and his daughters leave Rome for Terracina and Naples, arriving on the 9th and staying at the Hotel Vittoria. Thackeray writes in his diary: "Very sorry to go away from R. though I have never been well there and thankful for the kindness of very many good people." [Ray 3: 672-73]

10

Thackeray makes drawings for The Rose and the Ring. [Ray 3: 673]

24

"Author's Preface," Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town; With The Proser and Other Papers. New York: Appleton, 185 [4] pp. ix-xiii.

25

Writing to Percival Leigh, a Punch colleague, who is overseeing publication of The Newcomes, Thackeray thanks him "for your letters & the pains you have taken with my numbers." Responding to the publishers' concerns about the novel's lack of vigorous plot development, he says: "No IX wh. I have done is a stunning number for incident and there's plenty of action & passion too from that stage of the story to the end of the XXIV numbers." He expresses concern that the proofs from Bradbury and Evans have been very belated and imperfect, and hopes that Leigh has remedied the matter. Speaking of Number 8 for May, he says: "the Colonel goes back to India. The story seems to breathe freely after the departure of the dear old boy—Tell B & E not to lose heart about it.. . . In IX and X the people are all moving very friskily and in Vol II.

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"The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 5 [Chaps. XIII-XVI]." [With an illustrated title page and nine other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Feb.), pp. 129-60. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 8 [Apr.]: 63754.)

279

there will be some lively business." He also mentions having had significant health problems: "At Rome 2 were attacks of spasms and stomach complaint with bleeding blistering purging & the Devil to pay: a week's illness each time followed by a fortnights weakness and languor and depression always.— [A]nother attack since I have been here . . . has kept me in the house for a week." He regrets not having been able while in Rome to see "the jolly artist-life wh. I went expressly to look for . . . but, having to dine with my little women at home, I couldn't go to Bohemia." Finally, he tells Leigh that he has "June & July in my desk at this writing," and that the painter, David Roberts, "takes No VIII with him to London today." [Ray 3: 349-51] 28

In his diary Thackeray mentions having gone to Pompeii [Ray 3:673]—an experience that reflects itself in The Newcomes [Works 14: 358].

28

Anne falls ill with scarlatina. [Ray 3: 673]

March "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 6 [Chaps. XVII-XX]." [With an illustrated title page and eleven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Mar.), pp. 161-92. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 8 [May]: 780-96.) 2 (Thu)

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Wrote these days in the Fairy tale, and amused Anny with it." [Ray 3: 673]

6

Harriet catches scarlatina from Anne. [Ray 3: 673]

7-8

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her of the girls' illnesses and of his having previously "had a week of illness myself—old stomach complaint. . . . And isn't it lucky that I have 4 months in advance with the Newcomes?" Fortunately, he also has "jolly rooms," the wonderfully beautiful landscape, which he draws in several letters to friends_" Capri out of my window looks like an Amethyst Island"—and the fun of writing and drawing for his "nonsensical Fairy Tale." [Ray 3: 352-53]

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17

Thackeray writes in his diary: "Began to work again having made various futile attempts these last days." [Ray 3: 673]

28

France and England declare war on Russia.

30

Thackeray and his daughters leave Naples, have "a bright passage" between Corsica and Sardinia, and arrive in Marseilles on 1 April. [Ray 3: 673]

April "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 7 [Chaps. XXI-XXIII]." [With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Apr.), pp. 193-224. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 9 [June]: 57-73.) 2 (Sun)

Thackeray and his daughters leave Marseilles for Avignon, Valence, Lyons, and Paris, arriving on the 7th. [Ray 3: 673-74]

12

Writing to Percival Leigh, Thackeray announces his arrival in Paris, but says he has been "forced to physic myself after my arrival: I hope for the last time, and that I am rid now of the confounded Italian Malaria." He also speaks of his pleasure at seeing Richard Doyle's illustrations for The Newcomes: "There are capital bits in almost all the etchings. Some of the wood-blox have been awfully mangled in the engraving, but Gandish and young Moss (in 2 places) are admirable. I hear the artists are consumedly angry, I dont know for y (one man is confidentiously mentioned as Mr. Smee who never, selpmy, entered into my mind)—My impression was that they appeared as rather good fellows, and in future numbers some of them will come out as uncommonly good fellows." [Ray 3: 362-63]

20

Leaving his daughters in Paris, Thackeray sets out for England, staying at Folkstone, and arriving in London on the 21st [Ray 3: 674]

22

Thackeray delivers a speech at the Garrick Club's annual Shakespeare dinner. [Cen. Works 26: xx-xxii]

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280

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May

10 (Wed)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray reports being in very good health, but very busy getting his Brompton home ready: "Not one stitch of work have I done or am I likely to do for some time: until the house-business is settled." He proposes renting a house at Boulogne and bringing the family there for the summer. [Ray 3: 365]

18

Thackeray moves into 36 Onslow Square. [Ray 3: 367]

21

Thackeray meets his daughters in Boulogne and brings them to London. [Ray 3: 368]

29

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray tells them that he wrote to Richard Doyle the previous week, "after hearing that the plates for No IX of the Newcomes were again delayed through his dilatoriness, & finding that the number cd. but contain two small vignettes. . . . These constant delays & remissness are perfectly insupportable and however much I may regard Doyle as a friend it is clear that as men of business we canot allow our property to suffer by his continual procrastination." Since Doyle's agreement with Bradbury and Evans and with Thackeray specified that the woodblocks and plates be supplied by the 15th of the month, Thackeray told him "that if by the 15 June the plates & blocks of No 10 of the Newcomes are not in your hands," Thackeray will henceforth illustrate the book himself. He asks that Bradbury and Evans "write to him and convey this as an ultimatum." [Harden 1: 638-39]

June "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 9 [Chaps. XXVII-XXIX]." [With an illustrated title page and four other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (June), pp. 257-88. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 9 [Aug.]: 348-66.)

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"The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 8 [Chaps. XXIV-XXVI]." [With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (May), pp. 225-56. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 9 Duly]: 201-18.)

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

3 (Sat)

Writing to Bradbury and Evans for money, Thackeray says: "The carpet-man & the looking glass man are knocking at the gate. Their terms is ready money and they can't afford to wait." [Harden 1: 640]

5

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells her that he has rented "a house at Brecquerecque (the Chateau de B with a pretty little parklet) and so your account of the place comes wery encouraging indeed thank you." [Harden 1: 640]

11

Writing to the painter, Edward Ward, Thackeray agrees to sit for him on the 14th: "I will try to look as pretty as I can on Wednesday morning." [Harden 1: 642]

12?

Writing to his mother, Thackeray reports that "Only since the last 4 days I have got into full work again: it was impossible before with the racket of moving & the hammering and ringing of bells incessantly going on— but now the stream is beginning to flow again & the old mill-wheel to turn. I have begun a piece of buffoonery for Punch [the Bashi-Bozouk letters], wh. will pay the rent of the Chateau at Boulogne: & have done a month's number of it already." He also mentions a new governess, Miss Hughes, and a new amanuensis, Thomas Sleap. Finally, he says: "Anny & I have done a couple pages of Newcomes upstairs already—and now I've only 5 more notes to write before going out. 0 what a row & a racket it is! But it is pleasant enough." [Ray 3: 37475]

19

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray tells them Doyle has acknowledged "that he has been constantly late, that he has had many warnings . . . and . . . that on his very first delay hereafter he puts himself out of our undertaking." [Harden 1: 643]

24

"Important from the Seat of War! Letters from the East by Our Own Bashi-Bozouk." With a signed illustration. Punch, 26 (24 June): 257-58.

26

Thackeray and his daughters leave London for the Chateau Brecquerecque in Boulogne, where they are joined by his parents on the 28th. [Ray 3: 675]

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282

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283

July

1 (Sat)

"Important from the Seat of War! Letters from the East by Our Own Bashi-Bozouk." With an illustration. Punch, 2 6 ( 1 July): 267-68.

2

Thackeray completes Number 12 of The Newcomes. [Ray 3: 675]

3-6

Thackeray records in his diary that he has been working on Number 13 of The Newcomes, and reading the Memoires of Baron Karl Ludwig von Pollnitz, which he later draws upon for his lecture on George I. [Ray 3: 675]

7

Thackeray leaves Boulogne for Amiens and Paris, arriving on the 8th, when he finishes Number 13 of The Newcomes. [Ray 3: 675]

8

"Important from the Seat of War! Letters from the East by Our Own Bashi-Bozouk." Punch, 27 (8 July): 1-2.

13

Thackeray writes three "Bashi-Bozouk" papers. [Ray 3: 676]

15

"Important from the Seat of War! Letters from the East by Our Own Bashi-Bozouk." With an illustration. Punch, 27 (15 July): 11-12.

15

Thackeray leaves Paris for Boulogne. [Ray 3: 676]

18

Writing to Elizabeth Strong on his 43rd and her 18th birthday, Thackeray sends good wishes and says: "I was a very venerable old bird when I was in America, but I am fifty years older now at least; think decidedly I'm not for this world very long—dont care much to stay." He tells her that he has been seeing a good bit of Dickens and his family, since they too have come to Boulogne for the summer. Commenting on the recent

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"The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 10 [Chaps. XXX-XXXII]." [With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (July), pp. 289-320. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 9 [Sept. ]: 492-509.)

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology death of Mme. Sontag, he recalls "what an angel" he thought her to be "just twenty five years ago and seven years before Miss Libby Strong was born!" Finally he mentions that a friend of his, Henry Glynn, "is coming out to N Y, to whom I shall give a letter. He is a queer fellow the original of the Chevalier Strong in Pendennis." [Ray 3: 378-80]

19

Thackeray leaves Boulogne for Ghent and Brussels, arriving on the 21st [Ray 3: 676]

22

"Important from the Seat of War! Journal of the Siege of Silistria. By Our Own Bashi-Bozouk." With a signed illustration. Punch, 27 (22 July): 21-22.

22

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray asks that Doyle make "a frontispiece and title for Vol I." He also tells them that he is going to Spa and possibly the Rhine, but "Loramussy only knows." [Harden 1: 645]

23

Thackeray leaves Brussels for Spa. [Ray 3: 676]

24

Thackeray finishes Number 14 of The Newcomes. [Ray 3: 676]

29

"Important from the Seat of War! Journal of the Siege of Silistria. By Our Own Bashi-Bozouk." With two signed illustrations. Punch, 27 (29 July): 31-32.

31

Thackeray finishes Number 15 of The Newcomes. [Ray 3: 677]

August "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 11 [Chaps. XXXIII-XXXV]." [With an illustrated title page and five other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Aug.), pp. 321-52. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 9 [Oct.]: 618-34.) 1 (Tue)

After "a very pleasant time at Spa," Thackeray leaves for Aix la Chapelle. [Ray 3: 677]

2-3

Thackeray is "ill in bed with the old spasms." [Ray 3: 677]

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284

285

5

"Important from the Seat of War! Journal of the Siege of Silistria. By our own Bashi-Bozouk." With an illustration. Punch, 27 (5 Aug.): 41.

7

Thackeray leaves Aix la Chapelle for Valenciennes, Amiens, and Boulogne, arriving on the 8th. [Ray 3: 677]

9

Thackeray begins Number 16 of The Newcomes. [Ray 3: 677]

15

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells her that he has arrived in London "this minute. . . . My house is desolate: my family at Boulogne: my number as usual not written." [Harden 1: 645]

16

Writing to James Hannay, Thackeray thanks him for the new edition of Sketches in Ultra-Marine, and for its dedication to him. [Harden 1: 646]

18

Writing to a Mr. Ballard of the New York Mercantile Library Association, Thackeray thanks him for the invitation to lecture, but explains his inability to do so at present: "repeated attacks of illness have delayed the completion of a task wh. I must do before any other; and, until the periodical tale wh. I am at present publishing, is written I cannot leave it or Europe. Under these circumstances I am obliged to decline considering the proposals wh. you are good enough to make me and must give up my hopes of visiting America until next year." [Ray 3: 382]

28

Writing to Anne, Thackeray tells her that he has been writing for five hours at the Athenaeum Club, that he has bought a horse, and that when riding him several days before, "my stirrup leather broke and I came off in Rotten Row on the part wh. Cherubim haven't got and was bruised and hurt and in bed for 4 days: but am walking about again and nearly all right now." He also reports having done "wood-blocks . . . for Giglio & Bulbo," and having etched some comic playing cards. [Ray 3: 385]

28

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray says the Christmas book will have 60 or 70 illustrations and that "14 or

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray speaks of etching illustrations for a pack of playing cards that could be "sold at all railway stations," and he asks them to consider other possible uses for the illustrations, but these plans were never fulfilled. [Ray 3: 386] September "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 12 [Chaps. XXXVI-XXXVIII]." [With an illustrated title page, four other illustrations, and an additional illustrated title page for Volume 1 by Richard Doyle.] (Sept.), pp. 353-80. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 9 [Nov.]: 782-96.) 3 (Sun)

Thackeray leaves London for Boulogne. [Ray 3: 677]

6

Thackeray records in his diary being "ill for the 4th time here." [Ray 3: 677]

10

Thackeray leaves Boulogne for Folkestone and London, arriving on the 13th. [Ray 3: 677]

13

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray tells him that he has "returned from Boulogne where I have passed a cheerful week in bed." [Harden 1: 650]

14

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray informs him that he has just seen the wood-engraver, Joseph Swain, who is willing to "contract to do 70 blocks great and small for 100£: and it is of importance to have plenty of them as the Story such as it is is written to the drawings; wh. should be engraved before any of the letter press is printed." [Harden 1: 650]

16

"Mr. Punch to an Eminent Personage." With two illustrations. Punch, 27 (16 Sept.): 110-11. ["Punch"]

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15 of them are now waiting on the wood-blocks for the engravers hand." Mentioning the "200£ I owe you"—the June 1852 advance for his never-written "Tour on the Continent"—Thackeray expresses his hope that Smith will agree to receive payment in literary merchandise rather than in cash. [Harden 1: 647-48]

287

16

Writing to Paul Forgues, who had published an article, "W. M. Thackeray et ses romans," in the 1 September issue of the Revue des Deux Mondes [pp. 1001-32], Thackeray thanks him, offers reasons for his opposition to "'the Guild of Literature' set," and explains the meaning of the dedication to Esmond: "If you look at the Dedications of Addison's time you will understand why I called Lord Ashburton 'Right Honorable'—th[ose] bows and ceremonies were a part of the costume: and I am indebted to Lord & Lady Ashburton for the very greatest kindness at a period of the deepest grief and calamity. They knew very well the meaning of that dedication. I have said somewhere it is the unwritten part of books that wd. be the most interesting." [Harden 1: 651-53]

23

"A Second Letter to an Eminent Personage." With a signed illustration. Punch, 27 (23 Sept.): 113-14. ["Punch"] This is Thackeray's final contribution to Punch.

25

Thackeray records in his diary being ill again. [Ray 3: 677]

27

Writing to Amy Crowe, Thackeray emphatically welcomes her willingness to come and live with them as a companion to his daughters, "and take care of them & my house for me," telling her: 'Tour coming will be of the very greatest comfort & service to all of us." [Harden 1: 653]

29

Writing to Anne and Harriet, Thackeray explains that he has come on a visit to Brighton, where he has "a delightful sitting room on the ground floor," but a buggy bed. [Ray 3: 391]

October "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 13 [Chaps. I-III]." [With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Oct.), pp. 1-32. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 10 [Dec.]: 6178.) ca. 10 (Tue)

Thackeray returns to London. [Harden 1: 657]

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

17

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray says he "had the cholera at Brighton." [Harden 1: 658]

31

Thackeray records in his diary being "Not well for the most part of the month. Wrote part of 16, and all of 17 of Newcomes, & drew blocks for Xmas book." [Ray 3: 677]

November "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 14 [Chaps. IV-VI]." [With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Nov.), pp. 33-64. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 10 [Jan. 1855]: 222-39.) 3 (Fri)

Thackeray completes The Rose and The Ring. [Ray 3: 396]

7-8

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that after completing his Christmas book at midnight on the 3rd and planning to leave for Paris on the following morning, he suffered "a fine spasmodic attack wh. might have been cured that day but the Dr. wouldnt give me calomel enough at first. So as usual the aggravated symptoms vomiting &c came on, and in fine I have had 3 days of the business comme a l'ordinaire; and have been cut, and am almost right now very comfortable with a cup of tea in b e d . . . & not one word of Newcomes done. . . . If I go any where I shall go to Dr. Brighton." [Ray 3: 396-97]

12

Thackeray leaves London for Paris. [Ray 3: 677]

29

Thackeray returns from Paris to London. [Ray 3: 677]

December "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 15 [Chaps. VII-IX]." [With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Dec), pp. 65-96. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 10 [Feb.]: 353-71.) "Pictures of Life and Character. By John Leech." The Quarterly Review, 96 (Dec): 75-86.

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288

289

6 (Wed)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray says: "I am very sorry to hear that the Xmas book will produce such small results: and of course take whatever share my publisher can afford me. Will you kindly put 150£ as a set off against my debt to you; and if we sell the American edition or another here I shall be able to wipe off all but the kindness of that obligation." He also reminds Smith of "another subject on wh. we talked," and indicates that "in spite of the war and the badness of literary times I feel as if we could make a success" of it—a newspaper edited by Thackeray, presumably in the manner of Addison and Steele. He concludes: "FAIRPLAY is the name I have long thought of." [Harden 1: 660]

9

The Rose and the Ring; or, The History of Prince Giglio and Prince Bulbo. A Fire-Side Pantomime for Great and Small Children, with an illustrated title page and 55 other illustrations, is published by Smith, Elder.

12

Thackeray attends the annual Founder's Day oration and dinner at Charterhouse, and makes an after-dinner speech. The occasion reflects itself in Chapter LXXV of The Newcomes, "Founder's Day at Grey Friars." [Ray 3: 406]

23

A reprint of The Rose and the Ring, termed a second edition, is published by Smith, Elder.

30

Writing from Brighton to John Blackwood, Thackeray tells him that he has "only written 18 numbers of the Story instead of the 24 wh. I had been in hopes to complete at this time," but he reports that "The Newcomes do very well in spite of the war." [Ray 3: 407-08] 1855

January "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 16 [Chaps. X-XIII]." [With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Jan.), pp. 97-128. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 10 [Mar.]: 511-27.)

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ca. 10 (Wed)

Thackeray leaves London for Paris. [Harden 1: 669]

"The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 17 [Chaps. XIV-XVI]." [With an illustrated title page and five other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Feb.), pp. 129-60. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 10 [Apr.]: 653-70.) 1 (Thu)

Thackeray returns to London with his daughters. [Ray 3:413]

2

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray apologizes for an utterance in his Quarterly Review article on Leech: "Fancy a number of Punch without Leech's pictures! What would you give for it? The learned gentlemen who write the work must feel that, without him, it were as well left alone." He admits "that I think lightly of the present writing in Punch," but feels shame for publishing "such an opinion and I do not at all wonder that you are hurt and angry at such a speech from an old comrade and friend." Lamenting the "incautious words" and his failure to detect them in proof stage, he regrets having "given pain where I wanted to speak kindly." [Harden 1: 668-69]

2

Writing to his mother, Thackeray alludes to his plan to start a newspaper, but expresses doubts because of the turmoil caused by the passage in the Leech article. [Ray 3: 415]

4

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray says he wishes to give up the idea of a newspaper: "If in writing, once in 5 years or so, a literary criticism intended to be goodnatured, I manage to anger a body of old friends, to cause myself pain and regret, to put my foot into a nest of hornets wh. sting & have their annoyance too, to lose rest and quiet, hadn't I better give up that game of Fair Play wh. I thought of, stick to my old pursuits, and keep my health and temper?" [Harden 1: 670]

March "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 18 [Chaps. XVII-XIX]." [With an illustrated title

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February

1811-63

291

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells her that the two-act comedy he has written since his return from Paris, "The Wolves and the Lamb," has been looked at by a theatrical manager and "Rrrejected!—o tarture!" [Harden 1: 674] Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells of having written "2 speeches for 2 dinners: both most triumphant orations . . . for they went off quite glibly on both occasions and were received with huge applause"—one of the occasions being the Lord Mayor's dinner. He also criticizes what he calls the "Pococurantism of the Whigs . . . : the way they wont & cant see the state of the country: and one Lord turned out fill his place with another Lord. . . . I've been trying to be a Whig & a Quietist for a long time—I cant bear it no longer and am growing horribly Radical." [Ray 3: 427-29] Writing to an unknown correspondent, Thackeray sends him the manuscript of "The Wolves and the Lamb," suggesting that the servant's role might be suitable for John Baldwin Buckstone. The play was again rejected, however. [Ray 3: 429-30] Thackeray delivers "Charity and Humour" at the Marylebone Institution. Dickens, reading an account of it, with its generous reference to him, in the next day's Times, responded with a thankful letter. [Ray 3: 431] Writing to F. M. Evans, Thackeray expresses his wish that a proposed volume, "The Poetry of Punch,' will not be published before my collected Ballads.—You remember (you wrote to me a letter expressly on the subject) that the Copy right of all articles in Punch were mine by stipulation—and my book would be very much hurt by the appearance of another containing 3/4 of its contents." Accordingly, the proposed volume was apparently not published. [Harden 1: 675]

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page and seven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Mar.), pp. 161-92. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 10 [May]: 799-816.)

292

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

26

Writing to the Rev. Whitwell Elwin, Thackeray mentions the forthcoming Miscellanies: "the reprinted edition of my works . . . (it is to follow after the close of the Newcomes)." [Harden 1: 677] "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 19 [Chaps. XX-XXIII]." [With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (Apr.), pp. 193-224. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 11 Dune]: 47-64.)

ca. 3 (Tue)

Thackeray revisits Charterhouse and chats with a Poor Brother living there as a charitable pensioner—in p r e p a r a t i o n for depicting Colonel Newcome's retirement at Grey Friars in similar circumstances. [Ray 3: 435-36]

22

Writing to his mother, Thackeray refers to his "disorganized liver" and "defective water-works" as well as a "hanging on intermittent fever" and the possibility of a visit to Vichy for the waters, "or some other Jordan for a cure." He also mentions having been at Folkestone for "3 days with one step on the boat as it were," but could not go because of his commitment to lecture at Coventry and Birmingham. [Ray 3: 437]

23

Thackeray leaves London for Coventry and delivers "Charity and Humour." [Harden 1: 680]

24

Thackeray leaves Coventry for Birmingham and delivers "Charity and Humour." [Ray 3: 438]

26

Thackeray returns to London. [Ray 3: 441]

28

Writing to George Henry Lewes, who was preparing a biography of Goethe and had asked Thackeray for his reminiscences of Weimar, Thackeray recalls his experiences there, which Lewes printed in his book. [Ray 3: 442-45]

May "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 20 [Chaps. XXIV-XXVII]." [With an illustrated title

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April

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293

2 (Wed)

Writing to S. N. Rowland, Thackeray responds to an inquiry about Gen. John Richmond Webb, whose descendant he had thought he was when depicting Webb in Esmond, but now has learned that "We branch from a common-ancestor in Charles IPs time 2 generations off." [Harden 1: 682]

16

Writing to Patrick Kennedy, Thackeray speaks of a "Balaklava of letters wh. pour in from all quarters every day." [Harden 1: 684]

June "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 21 [Chaps. XXVIII-XXXI]." [With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (June), pp. 257-88. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 11 [Aug.]: 335-52.) 13 (Wed)

Writing to his friend, the Crimean War correspondent, William Howard Russell, Thackeray tells him of having attended the inaugural meeting of the Administrative Reform Association, which he has joined because of his support for its attempts to make Palmerston's Whig government less dominated by aristocrats and more responsive to middle-class interests. [Ray 2: 455-56]

16

Thackeray and his daughters leave London for Paris. [Ray 3: 457]

July "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family. No. 22 [Chaps. XXXII-XXXV]." [With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (July), pp. 289-320. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 11 [Sept.]: 479-95.) 2 (Mon)

Writing from Paris to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray tells them: "Last Thursday the 28th. at 7 o'clock in the evening I wrote the last line of the poor Old Newcomes with a very sad heart. . . . That finis at

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page and five other illustrations by Richard Doyle.] (May), pp. 225-56. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 11 [July]: 205-21.)

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology the end of a book is a solemn word. One need not be Mr. Gibbon of Lausanne to write it. There go 2 years more of my life spent over those pages. I was quite sorry to part with a number of kind people with whom I had been living & talking these 20 months past, & to draw alineso onasheet of paper, beyond wh. their honest figures couldn't pass, and that melancholy leave taken I went out to dine by myself, and to see a Pantomime over wh. I fell into a sweet roseate slumber." [Harden 1: 685]

llff.

Thackeray journeys on the Continent, visiting Strasburg [Ray 3: 461], Bad Homburg [Harden 1: 687], and Baden-Baden [Harden 1: 689].

27

Thackeray returns to London. [Harden 1: 691]

August "The Newcomes. Memoirs of a Most Resp>ectable Family. No. 23-24 [Chaps. XXXVI-XLII]." [With an illustrated title page, ten other illustrations, and an additional illustrated title page for Volume 2 by Richard Doyle.] (Aug.), pp. 321-75. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 11 [Oct.]: 622-49.) Reminiscences of Weimar and Goethe. A letter, 28 April. In George Henry Lewes, The Life and Works of Goethe. 2 vols. (London: David Nutt, 1855), 2: 442-46. 3 (Fri)

Writing to Mrs. Baxter, Thackeray tells her that his "passage is taken for the 13th." [Ray 3: 464]

September 6 (Thu) Writing to the Rev. Whitwell Elwin, editor of The Quarterly Review, Thackeray recommends James Hannay, "a worthy and clever fellow," as a possible contributor to the journal, and, speaking of himself, says: "I am plunging about in the last Century history and hope to fish up materials for 4 lectures. . . . I go to America 13 October very loath to leave home and my young ones." He also tells Elwin "We have done very well with the Newcomes. After the Times article [of 29 August] the enthusiastic Mudie ordered 100 copies more for his library." [Ray 3: 465-66]

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294

295

6

Writing to George Hodder, who has requested employment assistance, Thackeray asks him to do some secretarial work, "arranging papers—copying at the B. M. &c" [Harden 1: 693]

22

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray recommends that he support George Sala's proposed book on Hogarth, and on his own behalf offers "to sell you an edition of 'the Georges. Sketches of courts, manners, and town life,' and if I do a book of travels I shall bring it to you but this is hardly likely. I shall more likely do the Esmonds of Virginia, and it will depend on the size to wh. that book goes whether it shall appear in 3 vols or 20 numbers." Sala's Hogarth appeared in the Cornhill during 1860 and as a book in 1866. [Harden 1: 695-96]

October 5 (Fri)

Writing to the Baxters, Thackeray tells them that he has "done George I. II. III. and can afford a day or two at Niagara. . . . I wish I was taking my own dear women along with me but we have debated the matter many a time, & they agree it is best to remain with their Granny." [Ray 3: 474]

5

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray speaks of needing to finish his lecture on George IV, and after having been invited to dinner by some Garrick friends, naming "Thursday 11, expressly so as to avoid the farewell dinner at home—the last glass of wine—the last talk—the wistful faces of the girls. And now we are to have speeches &c wh. I don't like—but am surprized and indeed touched to find how many kind folks there are who wish to shake me by the hand & say a God speed you." [Harden 1: 699]

11

A farewell dinner is given to Thackeray at the London Tavern by sixty friends. [Ray 3: 476; "Melville" 2: 8184]

12

Thackeray leaves London for Liverpool with servant and amanuensis, Charles Pearman.

13

Thackeray and Pearman leave Liverpool for Boston on the Africa. [Ray 3: 479]

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25

Thackeray arrives in Boston, where he is met by the Baxters and other friends. [Ray 3: 483]

27

Thackeray leaves Boston for New York, where he stays at the Clarendon in the same rooms as before. [Ray 3: 483]

30-31

Writing to his family, Thackeray tells them how busy he has been "all day until late at night getting lectures ready"-especially the one on George IV—and having Pearman copy them "in the most beautiful handwriting as clear as print." He also informs them of meeting the Arctic explorer, Elisha Kane, who "has just come back—and says that he saw one of his seamen in one of the eternal nights crouched over a book for hours and hours and behold it was Pendennis." [Ray 3: 483-84]

30-31

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray tells them he knows they "will be pleased to hear . . . that all the seats are taken for the lectures—and that we shall repeat them D V. about 4 times in and about New York in the month of November." He mentions the kindness of Mrs. Baxter, who at dinner brought out "a bottle of brandy peaches wh. I had liked and eaten on the last day I was here—& she put them away and kept them till my return—they choked me somehow." He speaks of the invigorating air of New York, where he "never can sleep more than 6 hours," and indicates plans to go "to Boston in Deer, —then westward ho, for a little—then I hope South." He also reports having had "such a narrow escape from awful danger! I tremble now when I tell you—I live on the 3d floor—came in late from a remarkably good dinner at Delmonico's, took my key and went to my sitting room, pulled off my boots and began to undress—When lo and behold—a voice from the bedroom within sweetly cried out Georgy!—I had got into the second floor room by mistake—I dashed out of the place gathering my garments together." [Harden 1: 705-07]

November 1 (Thu) Thackeray begins his lectures at the Rev. Mr. Chapin's Church of the Unity, 548 Broadway, under the

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297

7

Thackeray lectures at Williamsburg, N. Y., under the sponsorship of the Young Men's Christian Association, continuing on 14, 21, and 28 November. [Ray 3: 49192]

13

Thackeray lectures at Henry Ward Beecher's Plymouth Church in Brooklyn under the sponsorship of the Y. M. C. A., continuing on 20 and 27 November, and on 4 December. [Ray 3: 492]

13-14

Writing to his family, Thackeray tells them how relieved he is to have completed "that confounded night-mare of a George IV," which he finished only on the day of its delivery—the day previous. "George III is the lecture they have liked best on account of the pathetic business. G. I. the least. . . . Here, after paying my expenses, I shall probably make 700£ in the month if my health stands." [Ray 3: 491-92]

14

Writing to Frank Fladgate, Thackeray reports: "The people didn't know what to make of George I and his strumpets—morality was staggered but they liked better & better with each lecture and now they're done and the success of the affair beyond a question. Last night at Brooklyn there were 2500 persons at the lecture—I'm to repeat them here again beginning Thursday and in Deer, go to Boston." [Ray 3: 493]

15

Writing to J. T. Fields regarding a preface to his Ballads, which Fields is preparing to publish, Thackeray says: "Im so busy that I cant write a preface for 4 days. Compose one yourself you r o g u e say any thing you like and I'll stand to you." [Harden 1:710]

15

Thackeray begins his second course of lectures under the sponsorship of the Mercantile Library Association, continuing on 19, 22, and 26 November. [Ray 3: 493]

17

Vol. I of Miscellanies is published by Bradbury and Evans, it contains "Ballads," "The Book of Snobs," "The

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sponsorship of the Mercantile Library Association, continuing on 5, 8, and 12 November. [Ray 3: 488]

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20

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray tells of "hoping to give up the ugly circuit through the West in the snow—and go Southward in the winter: not making so much money quite but very plenty; and having quiet cities to rest in and the society of people that I like & know before." [Harden 1: 711]

23

Thackeray leaves New York for Troy, where he lectures, returning to New York the following day. [Ray 3: 504]

25-28

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray mentions having "been on a very pretty and pleasant little excursion to Troy." After "a five hours' journey of 150 miles skirting a river more picturesque than the Rhine I found myself in a great cheerful handsome city." He also tells them of having had a shivering fit at the beginning of a dinner in New York with the Press Club on the 24th: "How kind the people were at the Astor House where I was taken with the shivers! how they put me to bed and blanketted me." He also reports having made £500 from his two courses of New York lectures. [Ray 3: 504-05]

27

Writing to William Wetmore Story, Thackeray tells him of his engagements at Boston, Providence, and Troy, and proposes dates for Salem. He suggests that he stay at a hotel rather than at their house because of personal health problems: "besides chill & fever wh. I carry about: an irritation of the bladder wh. causes me great inconvenience, & is sometimes very awkward in lady's society." [Ray 3: 506-07]

27

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray explains his difficulty in writing letters: "never 10 minutes leisure [in his hotel] . . . —the room is never clear of visitors. I have [been] lecturing every night except 2 in the week, and in the intervals fever & ague. Isn't it good fun. Four attacks this month; and yet mussifully I have never missed a lecture." He mentions

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Fatal Boots," "Cox's Diary," and "The Tremendous Adventures of Major Gahagan." The contents are also published individually.

299

having "preached to a multitude" at Troy, having stayed with English friends "at a pretty country house between Troy and Albany, having "pocketted 200 dollarsf,]" and having "agreed to go back again the day after Christmas—spending that anniversary with my English friends." He calls "that country the prettiest I have seen in the States.. . . This gay world of New York I have not seen this time. . . . The Baxters I go to once a week." [Harden 1: 712-13] 30

Thackeray leaves New York for Yonkers. His host, Frederick Cozzens, takes him to nearby "Sunnyside," Washington Irving's home, where they have a pleasant visit Irving returns with them to Yonkers for a dinner in Thackeray's honor hosted by Cozzens before the lecture, "Charity and Humour," at the Lyceum. Thackeray returns to New York the following day. [Wilson 1: 41; Ray 3: 510-11]

December 3 (Mon) Writing to the doctor who had attended him at the Press Club dinner, Dr. William Dexter, Thackeray thanks him, explaining that he is "on his way to New Haven without discharging my duty of gratitude," and reporting that he has "been taking quinine fiercely ever since" and has "had no return of the chills." [Ray 3: 509] 3

Writing to Frederick Cozzens, Thackeray thanks him for "the jolliest day I have had for a long long time." [Ray 3: 510-11]

3-4

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray tells them of having repelled chills and fever with quinine, and of having spent "the pleasantest day I have had in the States," with his visit with "good old Washington Irving" and his time at Yonkers. He also mentions being about to give a lecture in New Haven, and being engaged to lecture at Boston when "Sally Baxter is to be married." On the 4th he reports having come back from New Haven to New York. [Ray 3: 511-13]

5

Thackeray leaves New York for Springfield, where he delivers a lecture. [Ray 3: 514]

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6

Thackeray leaves Springfield for Boston and the Tremont House. [Ray 3: 514]

7

Thackeray begins his lectures in Boston. He is scheduled to continue on 11, 14, and 18 December, but illness interferes with the schedule.

9-11

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray tells them of having earned £780 in New York after paying his expenses—"100£—as much as we three spent when we went that jolly Italian Swiss Austrian Venetian tour"— and that he has "been 15 days without a chill; the quinine agrees with me." He wishes that he "had 2 stomachs—for it is the habit here to dine and sup too, and parties are made for one meal & the other." He remarks that the people attending his opening lecture understand "what I am at a great deal better than the New Yorkers," and also mentions having "had a very pleasant little partykin last night at Cambridge at Longfellows, where there was a madcap fiddler Ole Bull who played most wonderfully on his instrument, and charmed me still more by his oddities & character—quite a character for a book[J Longfellow lives in the house wh. Mr. Washington occupied when he was in command outside of Boston—a fine old solemn stately house. He is a kindly pleasant gentleman." [Ray 3: 513-15]

10

Thackeray begins his lectures in Providence, Rhode Island. He is scheduled to continue on 13, 17, and 20 December, but illness interferes with the schedule.

14

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray says: "Here at Boston undreds of people are turned away from the lecture room (its a fact and to night I have taken a great theatre capable of holding thousands . . . ) . . . . I am overworked overdined oversupped overvisited— three days ago I fell ill and have passed 2 since in great pain and comfort in my bed room with my faithful Charles watching over me and a Yankee Doctor." [Harden 1: 718-20]

15

Vol. II of Miscellanies is published by Bradbury and Evans. It contains "The Memoirs of Mr. C. J.

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15

Writing to Mrs. Baxter, Thackeray says in reference to Sally Baxter's wedding day, "on the Wednesday [12 December] I got a fine attack of spasms, . . . they came on much worse in the night, & . . . I was in bed all yesterday in considerable pain having to put off my lecture at Providence." [Harden 1: 721]

15

Thackeray lectures at the Tremont Temple in Boston on "Charity and Humour." [Ray 3: 519]

18

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray tells her that he has "just returned from Providence where I performed— dance to night again." [Harden 1: 720]

18

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray regrets "very much that I cant send you corrected proofs of B. Lyndon, Shabby Genteel & Catherine: but I cannot find time to write a letter much more to do any careful & continuous work: & the publication of these must be delayed until my return, or till quieter times." He tells them that the "ballads are published by Ticknor & Fields here in a much prettier book & dearer than our's—& they are to give me 10 per Ct on the sales." He also reports that the "money-making here goes on most prosperously, better than before; in spite of the set made against me by the New York papers most of wh. were uncommonly savage—and all the articles against me were written by Irish or Englishmen Harpers tell me who have made it their business to find out about these matters. By the 1 January I shall have netted 1200£ or more." [Harden 1: 723-24]

21

Thackeray lectures at the Tremont Temple on George III. [Ray 3: 519]

28

Writing to Mrs. Elliot from Buffalo, Thackeray reports pleased Boston audiences and "At Buffalo they came two nights running, 3,000 of them! They are really surprizingly almost touchingly friendly." He recalls

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Yellowplush," "Diary of C. Jeames de la Pluche, Esq.," "Sketches and Travels in London," "Novels by Eminent Hands," and "Character Sketches." The contents are also published individually.

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology pleasant visits with W. H. Prescott and George Ticknor: "Both have comfortable old houses, handsome large libraries and famous Burgundy and Claret in their cellars. So has Longfellow at Cambridge." His special personal pleasure, however, was his meeting with Bayard Taylor, "one of the most interesting men I have ever seen in my life." He found Providence to be "as jolly a place as Boston almost. There is always a knot of pleasant folks, fogeyfied, respectable, fond of literature with whom it is jolly to consort." [Ray 3: 529-30]

29ff.

Writing to his mother from Buffalo, Thackeray tells of travelling on 25 December from Boston to Albany, where he stayed with his English friends, the Dunlops, "and rested on the 26th. reached [Buffalo] on the 27th. at midnight—had a jolly sleigh drive yesterday & saw the Niagara river & the Canadian Shore—lectured to 3000 people—and wd. have gone to the Cataracts this morning but for the snow falling." On 1 January he reports having arrived in New York "last night from Buffalo." [Ray 3: 527-29] 1856

January 1 (Tue)

Writing to Mrs. Elliot, Thackeray says: "I have put my holiday clothes on and am going a-visiting." [Ray 3: 532]

2

Thackeray leaves New York for Philadelphia [Harden 1: 726]. He lectures at the Concert Hall, continuing on 4, 5, and 7 January. [Ray 3: 535]

5

Writing to Henry Becher, Thackeray speaks of having "looked at Canada across the water," but of not entertaining the idea "at present of lecturing in Canada. You see my opinion about the Georges & my disrespectful way of speaking about some of them might be taken in bad part by stout old loyalists resident among you, and I have no mind to an unquiet life." He also says: "My health is a good deal hit—since I made a journey to Rome 2 years ago I have never been well from one ailment or another." [Ray 3: 533-34]

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303

Thackeray lectures in Baltimore at the Universalist Church under the sponsorship of the Mercantile Library Association, continuing on 10, 14, and 16 January. [Ray 3: 538] Writing to his daughters, Thackeray mentions reading volume III of Macaulay's History of England: "He is not so fiery strong and picturesque as the other Macaulays. I dont think I have read it with so much pleasure as Prescotts history. When we have made a little fortune—it will be pleasant some day to write a nice little History-book—but where is the memory of the astounding Macaulay [Ray 3: 538]?" Later, in the Roundabout paper, "Nil Nisi Bonum," a valedictory essay honoring Macaulay, Thackeray spoke of "the prodigious memory and vast learning of this master" [Works 17: 363]. Writing to his daughters, Thackeray tells of having come on the day previous to Washington, and having had "dinner with jolly Mr. Crampton our Minister. . . . What a comfort it was to dine with an Englishman again! to be treated civilly by servants, and hear the talk one has been accustomed to speak! It seems to me I am not near so much in love with the country this time as before." [Ray 3: 539] Writing to Mrs. George Ticknor, Thackeray speaks of the pleasure of reading her husband's History of the Reign of Philip the Second, the first two volumes of which had just been published, and jokingly laments the "shame of these historians taking the bread out of the mouths of us other romancers. Give me [Henry] Hallam—he does not degrade history by making her amusing. He is an author that should be in every library as the critics say—and never taken down. Dear kind old Mr. Hallam!" Recalling the mellow red Burgundies of Boston, he regrets that "They give us too much white wine here," preferring, as he does, "old

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Writing to his daughters, Thackeray alludes to "those volumes of Georgies wh. I talked about," and of having "Parliament and Ambition flit out of my head for the present." [Ray 3: 537]

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17

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray announces his arrival in Washington from Baltimore that day, and speaks of having been given "Emersons Essays wh. I had never read. . . . They are very wise and benevolent—They come to very like conclusions to those wh. the Worldling who writes . . . to you reaches sometimes." [Ray 3: 547-49]

18

Thackeray leaves Washington for Richmond, where he lectures at the Athenaeum, continuing on 21, 23, and 26 January. [Ray 3: 549]

26

Thackeray lectures at the University of Virginia. [Ray 3:551]

28

Writing to the Rev. Whitwell Elwin, Thackeray reports being "in a tavern in a swamp in South Carolina, where we have been detained these 6 hours and are to stay as many more and our enjine broke down . . . the day before yesterday Sir in Virginia as I was coming from Virginia University where I had been to lecture in o such wicked frost & snow! They haven't had such a winter these 60 years." [Ray 3: 551]

29

Thackeray arrives in Charleston, where he is ill for two days. [Ray 3: 554; Harden 1: 731]

31

Writing to the secretary of the Georgia Historical Society, Thackeray says: "My lectures will conclude here on Friday Feb 9th. and I shall gladly proceed hence to Savannah, and lecture under the auspices of your society." [Ray 3: 553-54]

February 1 (Fri) Thackeray begins a course of lectures that ends on the 9th. [Ray 3: 553] 2

Writing from Charleston to his daughters, Thackeray tells of his miserable journey from Richmond that took 48 hours because of ice and snow, but "with the help of some good Champagne," he delivered a lecture on the

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ways and good old Boston houses—with good old cellars and old talk afterwards." [Harden 1: 729-30]

1811-63

305

Writing to Eyre Crowe, his secretary on the previous trip to America, Thackeray speaks of looking ahead to "Low's comfortable quarters in Savannah next week," and tells him that "Miss Sally Baxter that was is here with her sister & husband. He is a fine fellow. . . . His wife is very much improved by her marriage." [Ray 3: 561] Thackeray lectures in Savannah at St. Andrew's Hall, continuing on 14, 16, and 18 February. [Ray 3: 553] Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry from Savannah, where he is staying with his friend Andrew Low, Thackeray speaks of his haven: "the most comfortable quarters I have ever had in the United States—in a tranquil old city . . . —no row, no tearing Northern bustle no ceaseless hotel racket, no spitting in the hall, no crowds drinking at the bar—a snug little languid audience of 3 or 400 people far too lazy to laugh or applaud; a famous good dinner breakfast &c— and leisure all the morning to think and do and sleep and read as I like." He also says: "When I had finished at Charleston I went off to a queer little rustic city called Augusta. . . . It lies 135 miles from Charleston. You take 8 1/2 hours to get there by the railway—about the same time and distance to come here over endless plains of swampy pine-lands—a village or 2 here & there in a clearing—I brought away a snug little purse from snug little Augusta—though I had a rival a wild man lecturing in the very same hall. I tell you it is not a dignified metier that wh. I pursue." Mentioning his revised travel plans, he tells them: "My course is for Macon Montgomery & New Orleans No Havannah, the dollars forbid. From N O. I shall go up Mississippi D V. to St. Louis & Cincinnati." As he travels, he tells them, he remembers "other thoughts scattered along the journey 3 years ago; & griefs wh. used to make me wild and fierce, and wh. are now sweet and bearable. We get out of the stormy region of longing passion unfulfilled." [Harden 1: 732-34]

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1st—"and who do you think is here? Can your beating heart tell you? Sally the mum-mum-married and her jolly husband." [Ray 3: 554-55]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

22

Thackeray lectures in the Concert Hall at Macon, delivering "George HI," and concluding with "George IV" on the 23rd. [Ray 3: 571]

29ff.

Writing to his daughters from Mobile, Thackeray tells of having left Macon and gone through endless pineflats to Columbus and Montgomery, "and from Montgomery down the Alabama River to this place." [Ray 3: 574-75]

March "The Idler." Signed "Essel." The Idler, 1 (March): 17273. [Works 7: 204-06] 4 (Tue)

Thackeray leaves Mobile by steamer for New Orleans. [Ray 3: 576]

6

Thackeray lectures at the Odd Fellows' Hall, continuing on 8, 11, 15, and 17 March with the last three Georges and "Charity and Humour." [Ray 3: 577]

7

Writing to his daughters, Thackeray says: "What little I have seen of this I like perhaps better than any town in the Union. There are pictures on the Quays: there are old French houses: there are streets that look for all the world like Havre—the sweet kind French tongue is spoken in the shops" [Ray 3: 577]. He also responds very appreciatively to to the accessibility of French wines and to a notable bouillabaisse that is superior even to what he has enjoyed at Marseilles. Later, in the Roundabout paper, "A Mississippi Bubble," he recounted his experience of New Orleans in early springtime, calling it "the city of the world where you can eat and drink the most and suffer the least" [Works 17:538]

15

Writing to Mrs. Procter, Thackeray confesses being "by this time utterly sick of the House of Hanover. . . . How much longer is this quackery to continue?" He also reports being "invariably blackguarded by one paper in every town perhaps 2, with a curious brutal malignity & ignorance that makes me more sad than angry. They are almost all Irish who do it." [Harden 1: 737-39]

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306

307

22-23

Writing to the Rev. Whitwell Elwin from confinement on a Mississippi steamboat well north of New Orleans, Thackeray recounts his recent unpleasant experiences as a traveller in the southern United States: "The journey, the incidents on it, the people I see along the road, the business I am on are all as disagreeable as can be.. . . [T]hese remarks were begun off the city of Memphis and tomorow we shall reach Cairo D. V. and in my life have seen nothing more dreary & funereal than these streams. The nature & the people oppress me and are repugnant to me. . . . Within what a company bon Dieu!. . . every man with his knife down his throat . . . every woman. . . down her's too. I vow every one. Men constantly do without pocket handkerchiefs (there's one elegant way of operating with one forefinger applied to one nostril wh. I'll show any company of ladies when I get home)—After the ladies had done the giantess (who's . . . very likely going to perform at the same fair with myself) had her dinner and she swallowed her victuals with the help of her knife too it looked quite small in her hand. She is with the Bearded Lady who has a little boy of 3 who has also got very handsome whiskers and a little girl of 6 who seems to me rather pensive because her chin is quite smooth (I think the late Mr. Addison wd. have made something out of that incident, dont you?) the Bearded Lady the Giantess & the English Lecturer all rowing in the same boat" [Ray 3: 587-90]

24-26

Writing to Mrs. Elliot from Cairo and St. Louis, Thackeray tells her of being warmly entertained in New Orleans, and of receiving splendid gifts on his steamship's departure: "3 distinct bottles of brandy sent me for my voyage up the Mississippi and a dozen of claret." In spite of reported stories of disaster, "we didnt blow up and we only took fire twice and burnt down our upper cook house." Generalizing about his experiences, he comments on "how this country whiggifies me. The rabble supremacy turns my gorge. The gentlemen stand aloof from public affairs, and count no more than yonder Irish bog trotter who is driving a pig before the window or those two illiterate blaspheming ruffians who were cutting their gums with their penknives in the bar—I couldn't bear to live

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26

Thackeray lectures on George III in St. Louis at the Mercantile Library Association Hall, continuing with George IV on the 27th. [Ray 3: 594-95]

26

Writing to his friend, William D. Robinson, Thackeray speaks of hoping to be in "New York next week," and to stay with him at 604 Houston Street. [Ray 3: 597]

29

Thackeray lectures on George III in Cincinnati at Smith and Nixon's Hall under the auspices of the Young Men's Mercantile Library Association, continuing with George IV on the 31st [Ray 3: 594-95]

April 8 (Tue)

Writing to his mother from New York, Thackeray tells her of his plans to deliver four of the old Humourist lectures in Philadelphia and New York. [Ray 3: 598-99]

9

Thackeray begins his Humourists lectures in Philadelphia, continuing on the 11th and 14th, followed by "Charity and Humour" on the 16th, but attendance is low. Hence he abandons plans to deliver them in New York. [Ray 3: 598-99]

25

With his usual impetuous avoidance of taking leave, Thackeray buys a transatlantic ticket and with Pearman leaves New York for Liverpool on the Baltic. [Ray 3: 601]

May 7 (Wed)

About to arrive in Liverpool, Thackeray writes to Mrs. Baxter and tells her that he wants "to wish you all a farewell and God bless you for wh. I hadn't time or heart as I was leaving New York. The process of saying Goodbye you know is horrible to me. . . . So . . . I . . . was off . . . before I knew I was gone. . . . We had a dinner at Houston St. the last evening—what forced jokes, what dreary songs what deadly-lively jollification!" But he acknowledges having had the satisfaction of buying a teapot at Tiffany's for Sally. [Ray 3: 603]

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in a country at this stage in its political existence." [Ray 3: 590-93]

309

7-9

Writing from on board the Baltic to William D. Robinson, Thackeray recalls his visit at Houston Street with great pleasure, thanks him for recommending medical assistance that has lasted him through the voyage, and vows to "get my water pipes cistern &c in complete order." Having arrived at home, he tells of a postponed annual Skakespeare dinner that he has attended at the Garrick Club, "and didn't I make a Yankee Speech, and oh lor Robison! havnt I got a headache this morning?" [Ray 3: 605-06]

16

Writing to Tauchnitz, Thackeray acknowledges the receipt of £50 for his Miscellanies, which Tauchnitz is in the processs of publishing. [Harden 1: 741]

June 11 (Wed)

Writing to Francis Russell, Thackeray agrees to lecture in Edinburgh during November for the Philosophical Institution. [Harden 1: 742]

July 12 (Sat)-13

Writing from his sick-bed to Sally Baxter Hampton, Thackefay tells her: "Have been ill ever since I came home. . . . I have been 2 1 / 2 months in London now without doing the littlest bit of work except doctoring myself." Responding to hostile newspaper attacks that he had encountered in America, he says he will never come back "as a public performer. I won't go through the degrading ordeal of press-abuse again." He reaffirms his continuing affection for his American friends—"I like my dear old friends just as well as ever—" but continues to be appalled by the public abuse: "Those scoundrels managed last time to offend and insult the most friendly stranger that ever entered your country or quitted it." Finally, he mentions having read three of the lectures to friends at his home. "I should . . . have given them in public but that I was not sure of my health." [Harden 1: 746-48]

26

Vol. Ill of Miscellanies, with illustrations, is published by Bradbury and Evans. It contains "The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq., "A Legend of the Rhine," "Rebecca and Rowena," "A Little Dinner at

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29

Writing from his sick-bed to the painter, William Leitch, Thackeray regrets being unable to take watercolor lessons from him, because "I have settled about a new story. I have got the subject in my head & must begin it immediately, &c &c &c so must leave town." [Ray 3: 615]

30

Writing to Eliza Craigie, Thackery says: "I have agreed for a New Story and must forthwith set about it, and to do so I think that travelling about is the most favorable condition. Almost all my best work has been done at inns and on journeys." [Harden 1: 751-52]

August 14 (Thu) 16ff.

Thackeray and his daughters leave London for Calais. [Ray 3: 686] Thackeray and his daughters journey on the Continent, visiting Ghent, Brussels, Spa, Dusseldorf, Cologne, and Aix la Chapelle. [Ray 3: 686]

September 4 (Thurs) Thackeray and his daughters leave Aix la Chapelle for Paris. [Ray 3: 686] 10

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray tells them of being "haunted by No. 1 of Mr. Thackeray's new serial, wh. won't leave me alone wh. follows me about in all my walks, wakes me up at night, prevents me from hearing what is said at the play, and yet seems farther off than ever. It seems to me as if I had said my say; as if anything I write must be repetition. . . . But 6000£ is a great bribe isn't it?" [Ray 3: 616]

October 6 (Mon)-7 Thackeray and his daughters return to Folkestone and London. [Ray 3: 686] 10

Thackeray tells Whitwell Elwin that he "began a story, was dissatisfied with it, and burnt it. I can't jump further than I did in the Newcomes, but I want to jump

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Timmins's," and "The Bedford Row Conspiracy." The contents are also published individually.

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311

14

Writing to William Macready, Thackeray discusses lecture arrangements in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and mentions difficulties with "my 'forthcoming Serial'—as yet I have found nothing and have burned 2 or 3 beginnings, during our little jaunt to Spa & Aix la Chapelle." [Ray 3: 620]

17

Writing to Henry Bowie, Secretary of the Edinburgh Philosophical Institution, Thackeray indicates that he intends "to publish afterwards not these lectures but a much larger work containing the Lectures and a great deal more wh. cannot be included in them." [Ray 3: 623]

17

Writing to John Blackwood, Thackeray sends thanks for inviting him and his daughters to stay with the Blackwoods in Edinburgh during the forthcoming lecture tour. [Harden 1: 753-54]

19

Writing to Alfred Radcliffe, Thackeray says: "I wont lecture for less than 25£ and behold Birmingham Newcastle I forget what other great hulking places can not muster such a sum." Accordingly, he asks Radcliffe to contact people at the Liverpool Institution and "ascertain whether they mean business that is 120£ or so." [Harden 1: 754]

21

Responding to a telegraph message informing him that his mother is ill, Thackeray and his daughters leave London for Paris. [Ray 3: 686; Harden 1: 755]

28

Thackeray returns alone from Paris to London. [Ray 3: 625]

November 2 (Sun) Writing from his sick-bed to Mrs. Baxter, Thackeray tells her: "Not a word of that book is written though I have spent hours & weeks of pains on it." [Ray 3: 629]

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as far." Developing an idea that he had expressed at the end of The Newcomes [Works 14: 1008], Thackeray had taken J. J. Ridley's history as his subject, "but it was commenced in too melancholy a strain." [Elwin 1: 156-57]

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

3

Thackeray leaves London for Edinburgh.. [Ray 3: 627]

4

Thackeray lectures under the sponsorship of the Edinburgh Philosophical Institution, continuing on 7, 11, and 14 November. [Ray 3: 686-87; Harden 1: 742] Writing to Mrs. Fanshawe, Thackeray tells her that his mother, under the care of his daughters, is recovering, and that he "was famously hissed for speaking disrespectfully of Mary Queen of Scots [in "George I"] but it was good fun and made the evening more amusing." [Ray 3: 630]

18

Thackeray lectures at Glasgow under the sponsorship of the Athenaeum, continuing on 21, 25, and 28 November. [Ray 3: 687-89]

20

Thackeray begins his second course of lectures in Edinburgh, continuing on 22, 24, and 26 November. [Ray 3: 687-88]

22

Writing to F. M. Evans, Thackeray confesses having "just gone and done one of those confounded sudden things wh. I do—I've a took 1000£ share in the Transatlantic Electric Cable—I must lecture 2 or 3 months to pay up those shares." [Harden 1: 759]

24

Writing to William Ritchie, Thackeray reports getting £500 or 600 a month from lecturing, and "6000£ for my next book. Cockadoodledoo!" [Ray 3: 635-36]

ca. 25

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray reports that "the Lectures are a great success[.] They have been repeated here to 3 per cent of the whole population—If I could but get 3 per cent of the population of London! At Glasgow 3000 people come and feed nightly." [Harden 1: 761]

27

Writing to Mrs. Fanshawe, Thackeray says: "The performances are much better liked than they were in America. I must defer the novel yet awhile and take in this golden harvest as it stands." [Ray 3: 640]

27

Thackeray lectures at Paisley. [Ray 3: 688]

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312

29

Thackeray lectures at Dumfries. [Ray 3: 689]

30

Thackeray lectures at Carlisle. [Ray 3: 689]

313

December 1 (Mon) Thackeray lectures at Hull under the sponsorship of the Literary and Philosophical Institution, continuing on 3 and 5 December. [Ray 3: 689; Harden 1: 767] 2

Writing to Mrs. Elliot and Kate Perry, Thackeray summarizes his recent lecturing travels and says: "It agrees with me wonderfully the ceaseless racket. . . . Let this go on, and one more novel, and we absolutely shall be INDEPENDENT. Hip Hip Huzzay. . . . All the time at Edinburgh was spent at J. Blackwood's house— the most hospitable and magnificent inn I ever put up in—the company . . . sitting jovially together night after night over bottle after bottle of the most prodigious Good Claret." [Harden 1: 769]

7

Thackeray is scheduled to lecture at Bradford under the sponsorship of the Mechanics Institute, continuing on 8, 9, and 13 December, but illness interferes. [Ray 3: 689-90; Harden 1: 780]

10

Thackeray is scheduled to lecture at Manchester, continuing on 12, 17, and 19 December, but illness interferes. [Ray 3: 690; Harden 1: 780]

10

Writing to Sally Baxter Hampton, Thackeray reports that the lectures "are a much greater success here than in America—as great even pecuniarily. People knowing the subject better more familiar with the allusions &c like the stuff." Telling her of his mother's having "been very unwell and even more frightened than hurt," he also mentions his own condition: "My spirits are very much better—though I get those fierce attacks of illness still—am just out of bed from one of them wh. prevented my lecturing last night & to night. Think that at the end of next year if I work I shall be worth 20,000£!—Its as much as I want— . . . and then when I am independent what shall we do? Hush—perhaps have a shy at politics. . . . I have taken share in the Transatlantic Telegraph—I felt glad somehow to

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

Thackeray lectures at Liverpool, continuing on 16, 18, and 20 December. [Ray 3: 690] Writing to Mrs. John Blackwood, Thackeray characterizes the hurly-burly of his life as a touring lecturer: after writing a dozen business letters, "it is dinner at Mr. Jones after wh. comes lecture after wh. comes supper at Mr. Browns—sleep—soda water, breakfast railway, more letters, dinner at Mr. Hobbs, lecture, supper at Mr. Dobbs's—EXPLOSION Doctor 10 grains bl—k D—se—2 days lie for it—Up again, l e c t u r e railway—letters—dinner at Mr. Jobbs's, lecture, supper at Mr. Snobbs & so on & so on—And I can't avoid my fate as you know Could I avoid it in Randolph Crescent? Didn't I dodge up stairs? plead illness? sneak out of the way? Was it my fault that I smoked and drank brandy & water superimposed on claret & Madeira? I am a Victim—Write over my bloated corpse that I am MURDERED. That is what people are doing to me, and I have 3 months more of the agony to go through." After a teasing remark about having had port superior to that in Edinburgh, he accepts "that there is nothing for me but to do my duty and perish at my post—My last severe attack was all Port—a gentleman at Hull had some '20 and I say cheerfully I will dine with him. . . . Well, when the time for Port comes he gives me a glass of excellent wine—that is 1840 says he—O 40! Says I. The bottle is finished[.] Now try this says he—Capital I say winking at glass 1 of Bottle 2. That is 1826 says my host, and we finish the bottle. Then we have the '20—and very good twenty it is.. But dont you see that I am obliged to do this every day, and my host only once in a month—6 months—a year? . . . I protest I could go on covering reams of paper with my griefs." [Harden 1: 783-85] Thackeray lectures on George III at Derby under the sponsorship of the Mechanics Institution. [Ray 3: 690]

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contribute to a thread that shall tie our two countries together—for though I don't love America I love Americans with all my heart—And I daresay you know what family taught me to love them." [Harden 1: 78081]

315

ca. 18

Thackeray's daughters return to London. [Ray 3: 648]

20

Christmas Books, a one-volume cheap edition with illustrations, is published by Chapman and Hall. It contains "Mrs. Perkins's Ball," "Our Street," and "Dr. Birch."

24

Writing to Francis Finlay, who is trying to arrange lectures in Ireland, Thackeray responds sceptically, suggesting the likelihood of "a hot reception . . . from Mulligan's & Costigan's many relatives in Ireland. Bon Dieu, how they did abuse me in the U. States!" [Harden 1: 790] 1857

January 1 (Thu)

Writing to his mother and step-father, Thackeray reports having been sounded out by William Hayter, M. P., as a possible Whig Parliamentary candidate. He tells them that he declined because of his lecture engagements and because he prefers being an independent candidate. [Ray 4: 3-4]

8

Thackeray begins a course of lectures at Bath [Ray 4: 7], followed by lectures elsewhere. The documentation is sparse, but the cities included London, Reading, Brighton, Halifax, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Glasgow, Carlisle, Kirkcaldy, Dundee, and Aberdeen. [Ray 4: 8-9, 13, 19, 21-23, 25, 26; Harden 2: 796-97]

28

Thackeray lectures in the Music-hall at the Royal Surrey Gardens, continuing on 30 January, and on 2 and 3 February. [Ray 4: 13]

February 8 (Sun) Writing to the Rev. Whitwell Elwin, Thackeray tells of plans to leave on the 10th for "a 2 months Northern Tour." [Ray 4: 15] 8

Writing to Frederick Cozzens, Thackeray recalls pleasant times in New York: "all the fellows are present in my mind, I hear their laughter & talk, and taste that 44 Chateau Margaux—and that Champagne."

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1811-63

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology He says: "I feel as if I was back again in New York." He tells him of the popularity of his lectures on the Georges, of his forthcoming northern tour, and of his having "found a Barnum who pays me an awful sum for April & May and let us hope June"—Thomas Beale, an impressario who paid 50 guineas a lecture for 50 lectures. [Ray 4: 10, 17]

13

Thackeray is in Halifax to lecture. [Ray 4: 19]

16

Thackeray is in Sheffield to lecture, and speaks of going to Leeds and York. [Harden 2: 805-08]

16

Writing to Bradbury and Evans, Thackeray sends corrections of proofs for Volume IV of Miscellanies, and reiterates his insistence on the removal of the final portion of "Fitz-Boodle's Confessions," which had introduced Minne Lowe, and also of "Miss Lowe," "Dorothea," and "Ottilia," which derived from three young women he had known in Weimar. Finally, he insisted on the removal of "The [Exeutioner's] Wife," the last story in "Men's Wives." [Harden 2: 804-05]

16

Writing to George Smith regarding possible publication of the lectures, Thackeray asks: "Is the delusion about these Lectures sufficiently great to enable us to sell them as they actually stand at a good profitf?] And having read them through the Country for a few months more Shall we kill the wretched goose & have done with it? or shall we bring out not 2 but haply 6 great volumes in future ages about the Georges with a success that might be something like Stricklands?"—who had published 12 volumes of Lives of the Queens of England. He also tells him that the "Serial for B & E is . . . the continuation of Esmond. . . . In the Summer I tried 3 or 4 months in vain at a Modern Story [Harden 2: 805-06]"—of which J. J. Ridley was to be the protagonist. [Elwin 1: 157]

22

Thackeray is in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to lecture. [Harden 2: 811]

March 2 (Mon)

Thackeray is in Glasgow to lecture. [Ray 4: 26]

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316

317

16

Thackeray is in Aberdeen to lecture. [Ray 4: 26]

24

Thackeray is in Inverness to lecture. [Ray 4: 32]

25

Thackeray is in Banff to lecture. [Ray 4: 34]

30

Writing from Edinburgh to Lady Jane Ogilvy, Thackeray says: "I had a delightful tourkin in the North, was charmed with Inverness, and fell in love with old Aberdeen, an elderly decayed mouldering old beauty. I found . . . kindness everywhere. . . . But the pace and incessant travelling and lecture-spouting and dining were too much for me. 1 broke down on Friday night on my arrival in Edinburgh leaving 50 gentlemen & the landlord of this hotel aghast who were to give me a dinner on Saturday." He also tells her of having been sounded out as a possible Parliamentary candidate for Edinburgh, but having declined, feeling that he could not be elected in Scotland because of his liberal views, like "opening the Crystal Palace on Sunday." [Ray 4: 37-38]

April 2

The postponed dinner in honor of Thackeray takes place [Ray 4: 40]. In the course of his speech, he says: "As far as I know my political opinions, I belong to the class that I see around me here—the class of lawyers, and merchants, and scholars, and men who are striving on in the world, of men of the educated middle classes of this country. . . . They are men in whom lie, as I believe, the safety, the hope, and the main part of the intelligence of our country." ["Melville" 2: 86-87]

3 (Fri)

Thackeray leaves Edinburgh for London, where he joins his daughters and mother. [Ray 4: 40]

16-17

Writing to Mrs. John Blackwood, Thackeray says: "How comfortable you made me all of you!—I am very softhearted about that Scotland. . . . I hadn't the heart to take leave." He also tells her that on "the 27th a little lecturing tour begins [Harden 2: 818]." It included Exeter, Plymouth, Clifton, Birmingham, Oxford, Leamington, Cambridge, Norwich, and Bury St. Edmonds. [Ray 4: 42-44; Harden 2: 819]

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May 14 (Thu)

Writing from Norwich to William Reed, Thackeray tells him that the "lecturing business is very nearly come to an end. I have made as much more by it as I made in America, And am straightway going to a book," whose title he now identifies as "The Virginians." [Ray 4: 4445]

19

Thackeray attends the annual dinner of the Royal Literary Fund, and speaks in response to a toast by offering his enthusiastic support for the Fund's prosperity. ["Melville" 2: 90-92]

29

Writing to Alfred Tennyson, Thackeray introduces Bayard Taylor as "one of the noblest young men I ever knew, & the most interesting—a pote, a traveller, a writer of no ordinary distinction, and a devotee of A. T." he also announces: "I've done lecturing." [Harden 2: 822]

June 22 (Mon)

Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray tells him that he is "getting up a new sermon" on behalf of the family of Douglas Jerrold, who had died on 8 June. [Ray 4: 48]

July An election is announced for a Parliamentary seat representing Oxford. Thackeray's friend, Charles Neate, persuades him to be an independent candidate. Thackeray's opponent will be Edward Cardwell, a Whig. [Ray 6: 268-69] 9 (Thu)

Thackeray issues a broadside, "To the Electors of the City of Oxford," in which he advocates enlarging the body of eligible voters, introducing the ballot, and popularizing the country's government with more middle-class administrators and fewer aristocratic ones. [Ray 4: 382-83]

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Vol. IV of Miscellanies is published by Bradbury and Evans. It contains a preface dated 10 April, "The FitzBoodle Papers," "Men's Wives," "A Shabby Genteel Story," and "The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond." The contents were also published individually.

319

16

Writing to William Hepworth Dixon, Thackeray tells him that "the new lecture . . . is more than 1/2 done, but this election has stopped me and occupies every hour of my time till Tuesday when my fate will be decided. He proposes "Saturday . . . , when I shd. have had plenty of time to finish Week Day Preachers," a revision of "Charity and Humour." [Ray 4: 50]

18

Chapman and Hall announce publication of The Irish Sketch-Book, with illustrations, in a cheap edition.

18

Thackeray issues a broadside, "The Sabbath Question. To the Electors of the City of Oxford," in which he advocates opening picture galleries, museums, scientific collections, and places like the Crystal Palace on Sundays in order to benefit people who have only one day of rest. [Ray 4: opposite p. 383]

21

Declaration of the Poll: Cardwell 1070 votes, Thackeray 1005. Thackeray concludes his concession speech by saying: "I will retire, and take my place with my pen and ink at my desk, and leave to Mr. Cardwell a business which I am sure he understands better than I do." [Ray 4: 382, 388-89]

25?

Thackeray delivers "Week Day Preachers" for the benefit of the family of Douglas Jerrold. [Ray 4: 50]

August 3 (Mon)

23

Writing to Thomas Read, Thackeray mentions having "been ill since my return" from electioneering: "So busy that the muse has had to sit in the antechamber, all this while. Tomorrow we go to Brighton," where he remains until at least the 16th. [Ray 4: 51-52] Writing to a Mr. Lewis, Thackeray anounces that he is "On the Rhine." [Harden 2: 826]

September 13 (Sun) Writing to William Macready, Thackeray says he "is only just home from [Bad] Hombourg, have no lectures to give but the one I owe you and will pay it on any day that shall be fixed by you & your Institution"—a school at Sherborne. [Ray 4: 53, 72]

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October

10 (Sat)

Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray sends him a drawing of the serial cover for The Virginians, saying: "this is the best part . . . which is done as yet. I have been working hard and don't like what I have done." [Harden 2: 830]

3Iff.

Writing to the Baxters, Thackeray says he has been "thinking of [them] all the time of this panic," feeling the effects of the financial turmoil in the United States, and wondering whether "all the American savings were gone to smash, including the 500£ from Harper Brothers for the Virginians." Brighter news reports have lessened his anxiety, though he continues to wonder whether Bradbury and Evans will be able to afford the promised £300 a number. As for the novel itself, "I dont think the Virginians is good yet though it has taken me an immense deal of trouble but I know it will be good at the end." He mentions having "had the parents with me for the last 3 months: or with the girls rather my visits being only occasional." Because his Oxford election expenses were so great, he reports having sold his transatlantic cable shares. His "summer trip," he says, "was confined to a house at Brighton and a little excursion to Hombourg & Paris." As for his health, "I have not had a touch [of illness] since the 4 of July when I was sitting quite happy and unprepared, after a good dinner . . . , and lo! I felt the enemy creeping down my back. Mysterious chill & fever!" [Ray 4: 55-56]

November "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 1 [Chaps. I-IV]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Nov.), pp. 1-32. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 16 [Dec.]: 92-108.) 7 (Sat)

The History of Henry Esmond, Esq. is published in one volume by Smith, Elder. A true second edition.

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News of many bank failures in the United States helps to cause a certain amount of panic and some ensuing financial failures in England and Scotland. [Annual Register, 1857]

321

ca. 21

Notes of a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo with a colored frontispiece is published by Chapman and Hall as a second edition.

27

Continuing his letter to the Baxters, Thackeray tells them that his "parents are gone away after a good long visit—The old Major grows grows to be more and more like Colonel Newcome every day. My mothers health has greatly improved." Difficult economic times, however, have helped to drain his purse: "times are so bad and every man so hard pressed that 1, 2, 3, 4 up to 14 people have been to me for gold and silver in the course of the month, and I couldnt refuse them in their distress." [Ray 4: 57]

December "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 2 [Chaps. V-VIII]." With an illustrated title page and five other illustrations. (Dec), pp. 33-64. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 16 Dan. 1855]: 240-57.) 21 (Mon)

Writing to John Blackwood, Thackeray reports having nervously completed his serial installment, and says: "We dont sell 20000 of the Virginians as we hoped, but more than 16000 and should have done better but for the confounded times. I have thought proper to knock 50£ a month off my pay from Bradbury & Evans till we get up to a higher number." [Harden 2: 835]

24

Thackeray joins Dickens and Forster in a letter to "twenty old friends of Lady Blessington and Count D'Orsay," asking them to contribute £10 each for a private subscription to be given to her niece, Marguerite Power. [Ray 4: 61]

26

Thackeray gives a speech at the Commercial Travellers' Dinner. ["Melville" 2: 106-09] 1858

January "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 3 [Chaps. IX-XII]." With an illustrated title page and

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2 (Sat)

Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray hopes that Brown had no shares in the failed Western Bank of Scotland, which had very large liabilities. He reports reading "no new books, only newspapers and Magazines of 1756," and getting "out my number with extraordinary throes and difficulty." Acknowledging the heavy financial cost of the Oxford election, he terms it: "a cowardly robbery of a poor innocent rightly-served man. And if I had won—that is the beauty of it—I should have been turned out—my agents, in spite of express promises to me having done acts wh. would have ousted me." [Harden 2: 838]

23

Writing to William D. Robinson, Thackeray says: "I have just paid the last of the Oxford Election bills, and got how much do you think out of 900£—13£ is the modest figure returned." He expresses concern about unpaid dividends from the Michigan Central and the New York Central railroads, yet nevertheless plans "in a few days to pay 100£ for 18 dozen of '48 Claret that is not to be drunk for 4 years." He also says: "I fondly talk of going to America in the autumn and finishing my story sur les lieux [on the spot]. I want to know what was the colour of Washingtons livery—Where the deuce was George Warrington carried after he was knocked down at Braddock's defeat. Was he taken by Indians into a French fort? I want him to be away for a year and a half, or until the siege of Quebec. If you see Fred. Cozzens or George Curtis, ask them to . . . send me a little line." [Ray 4: 65-66]

27

Continuing his letter to Robinson, Thackeray tells him that on the previous day he gave "one of the old 51 lectures in a suburb of London" [Ray 4: 67]. No further details are known.

February "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 4 [Chaps. XIII-XVI]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Feb.), pp. 97-128. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 16 [Mar.]: 525-41.)

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eight other illustrations. (Jan.), pp. 65-96. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 16 [Feb.]: 381-98.)

323

22 (Mon)

Writing to W. C. Macready, Thackeray agrees to lecture "at Sherborne under your auspices" on 9 March. [Ray 4: 69; Harden 2: 841]

25

Writing to John R. Thompson, living in Virginia, Thackeray says: "I have been much in Virginia . . . as you know who have followed my books. . . . These Virginians take me as much time as if I was writing a History. I often hope that I may come over and finish it on the ground itself, and certainly mean to do so if health & circumstance will let me." [Ray 4: 69-70]

March "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 5 [Chaps. XVII-XX]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (Mar.), pp. 129-60. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 16 [Apr.]: 670-87.) 2 (Tue)

Thackeray delivers "Week Day Preachers" at Eyre Arms. [Ray 4: 391]

9

Thackeray delivers a lecture at Sherborne, apparently "Week Day Preachers." [Ray 4: 72, 391]

11

Writing to Lady Stanley, Thackeray tells her that he returned "home last night from a very pleasant excursion to Sherborne. Handsome old house of Queen Anne's time—Wonderful good old wine. Macready the man—even better than Macready the actor. . . . His hobby is education and he has a school of 150 young rustics whom he teaches himself 3 times a week. Honest country families with gig lamps came into the lecture: got 25£ for the benefit of the Institution." [Ray 4: 72]

21

Writing to Thackeray, Frederick Cozzens answers questions raised in Thackeray's letter to William D. Robinson, telling him that Washington's livery was scarlet and white, and that Thackeray cannot make Warrington "a prisoner in the hands of the Indians. The Indian does not know anything of prisoners of war, except to roast them afterwards. There have been some few instances, where prisoners have been kept for a short time by the red men as menials, but in the end they were either tomahawked or served up in the usual

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology style, or escaped" [Wilson 1: 358]. The latter was to be George's fate. Thackeray chairs the annual dinner of the Royal Theatrical Fund. ["Melville" 2: 110-14] "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 6 [Chaps. XXI-XXIV]." With an illustrated title page and five other illustrations. (Apr.), pp. 161-92. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 16 [May]: 813-30.)

2 (Fri)

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her that Pearman is leaving his service, that Scottish banks are failing, that he has invested more in New York Central stocks, "believing the Railway to be as good as anything in Europe." He also says that "though I am writing to you I am thinking about No VII—can't help myself—and am very happy thinking about No VII after all—only silent and solitary." [Ray 4: 75-77]

9

Writing to his mother, Thackeray explains that he cannot come to Paris: "Have to lecture on the 20th. (Mind the proceeds of the lecture are for your ivories) have promised Lord Palmerston to dine at the Literary Fund on the 25 th. & am rather anxious to repair my defeat at the Dramatic dinner. [W]ant to show on the 1 of May at the Royal Academy dinner, and to get time to go into hospital with [Dr. Henry] Thompson, being a good bit bothered at present by my old [urethral] enemy." [Ray 4: 78]

20

Thackeray lectures on George HI at Eyre Arms. [Ray 4: 391]

23

Writing to Mrs. Baxter, Thackeray tells her of having finished his number "just in time to send it by post to Liverpool & America. The book's clever but stupid thats the fact. I hate story-making incidents, surprises, love-making, &c more and more every day: and here is a third of a great story done equal to two thirds of an ordinary novel—and nothing actually has happened except that a young gentleman has come from America to England." Speaking of his daughters, he

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29

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says: "I am afraid the 2 Lambert girls in the Virginians are very like them." [Ray 4: 80-81] "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 7 [Chaps. XXV-XXVIII]." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (May), pp. 193-224. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 17 [June]: 95-112.) 1 (Sat)

Thackeray speaks at the Royal Academy Dinner. ["Melville" 2: 115-16]

5

Thackeray attends the Royal Literary Fund Dinner. [Ray 4: 392]

9

Thackeray has dinner at home with Elliot, Synge, Dickens, Maclise, Landseer, Lord Broughton, Lord Stanley, and Ivan Turgeniev. [Ray 4: 392] Writing to his mother, Thackeray mentions having hired Samuel Langley as his secretary, "to whom I give 1£ a week for a sham job! . . . May we always have one to spare for a poor fellow!" He also tells her of the "sad news" of Dickens separating from his wife. [Ray 4: 86]

June "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 8 [Chaps. XXIX-XXXII." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (June), pp. 225-56. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 17 [July]: 239-56.) 13 (Sun)

Writing in response to reports of his conversation and to a personal attack in a gossip newspaper, Town Talk, by a fellow member of the Garrick Club, Edmund Yates, Thackeray says: "Allow me to inform you that the talk, wh. you may have heard there, is not intended for newspaper remark; and to beg, as I have a right to do, that you will refrain from printing comments upon my private conversations,—that you will forego discussions, however blundering, on my private affairs; and that you will henceforth please to consider any question of my personal truth and sincerity, as quite out of the province of your criticism." [Harden 2: 850]

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May

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

16

Thackeray has dinner with the Stationers' Company. [Ray 4: 393]

19

Writing to the Committee of the Garrick Club, Thackeray submits the offensive article and copies of the correspondence he has had with Yates concerning it, says that publishing such articles is "fatal to the comfort of the Club," and asks them to take action. [Harden 1: 851]

26

The Committee unanimously finds Thackeray's complaints well-founded and calls upon Yates to apologize or resign. Yates, in consultation with Dickens, refuses to do either. [Ray 4: 96-100]

July "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 9 [Chaps. XXXIII-XXXVI]." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (July), pp,. 257-88. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 17 [Aug.]: 384-401.) 10 (Sat)

A Special General Meeting of the Garrick Club endorses the Committee decision. [Ray 4: 105-06]

12

Accompanied by his daughters, Thackeray leaves London for the Continent. [Ray 4: 393]

13-23

Thackeray journeys through Ghent, Cologne, Rolandseck, Biberich, Heidelberg, and Wolfsbrunn, to Berne, from where he sends two chapters of Number 11 to London. [Ray 4: 393]

20

The Committee of the Garrick Club removes Yates's name from the Club's list of members. [Ray 4: 105]

25

Thackeray sends drawings for Number 11 to the engravers in London. [Ray 4: 107]

27

Thackeray leaves Berne for Lucerne. [Ray 4: 393]

August "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 10 [Chaps. XXXVII-XL]." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (Aug.), pp. 289-320. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 17 [Sept.]: 525-42.)

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8-17

T h a c k e r a y leaves Zurich for Schaffhausen, Friedrichshafen, Augsburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Cologne, Ghent, Bruges, Ostende, Dover, and London. [Ray 4: 394]

25

Writing to the Baxters, Thackeray tells them that the girls at least had a jolly tour, but that he is "constantly unwell now" with repeated fits of spasms. [Ray 4: 108-09] September "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 11 [Chaps. XLI-XLIV]." With an illustrated title page and five other illustrations. (Sept.), pp. 321-52. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 17 [Oct.]: 669-87.) 13 (Mon)

Thackeray arrives in Paris from Folkestone. [Ray 4: 394]

20

Writing to Lady Pollock, Thackeray congratulates her on the marriage of her daughter, Clara. He also tells her that he has had "2 or 3 attacks of illness in the last few weeks," but that he has just that morning been able to complete Number 12, where "Mr. George Warrington of Castlewood Va came to life again." [Harden 2: 855]

21-25

Writing to Lady Stanley, Thackeray speaks of having been ill most of the time in London, but having found the Paris air to be "like perpetual Champagne." Nevertheless, he succumbs again and, worse still, his mother, on her way "to see her son in his illness and walking for the first time these many months, was knocked down by some gamins close to her own door, has broken a bone in the hip somewhere and is to be lame for life." [Ray 4: 110-13]

October "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 12 [Chaps. XLV-XLVIII]." With an illustrated title page, six other illustrations, and an additional illustrated

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3 (Tue)-5 Thackeray leaves Lucerne for Olten and Zurich, from where he sends the rest of Number 11 to London. [Ray 4: 393]

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A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

18 (Mon)

Thackeray has returned to London. [Ray 4: 114]

20

Writing to Eliza Craigie, Thackeray tells her that he is "here for a few days to get out my number," that his mother has been injured, that his girls are still in Paris, and that he shall return there "as soon as ever my business here is done." [Harden 2: 856-57]

November "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 13 [Chaps. I-IV]." With an illustrated title page and seven other illustrations. (Nov.), pp. 1-32. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 18 [Dec.]: 95-113.) 4 (Thu)

Writing from Paris to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray says: "I . . . dont like the Virginians 1/2 as much as you do. Very good writing, but it ought to have been at its present stage of the story at no X—I dawdled fatally between V & X—those spasms were knocking me about; or I am old, or I am tired, or some other reason." Asking what is left in life, he feels that "at 47 Venus may rise from the sea and I for one shd. hardly put my spectacles on to have a look." Finally he reports that his mother is getting on "so well that I think I may soon go home." [Harden 2: 858-59]

26

Thackeray has returned to London. [Ray 4: 118]

December "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 14 [Chaps. V-VIII]." With an illustrated title page and five other illustrations. (Dec), pp. 33-64. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 18 [Jan. 1859]: 237-54.) 2 (Thu)

Writing to John Blackwood, Thackeray reports having a new doctor who warns him to beware of brandy and water. "But CLARET AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE." Accordingly, he has "just ordered in 10 dozen Laffitte." [Harden 2: 865]

27

Thackeray has returned to Paris. [Ray 4; 124]

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title page for Volume 1. (Oct.), pp. 353-82. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 17 [Nov.]: 813-29.)

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1859 "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 15 [Chaps. IX-XII]." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (Jan.), pp. 65-96. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 18 [Feb.]: 381-99.) 7 (Fri)

Thackeray has returned to London. [Harden 2: 872]

26

Writing to Dr. John Brown, Anne Thackeray tells him that her father "finished his No. last night about 2 1/2 o'clock," and that except for an "attack on Xmas day he has not been ill for nearly six weeks" [Ray 4: 127]

February "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 16 [Chaps. XIII-XV]." With an illustrated title page and five other illustrations. (Feb.), pp. 97-128. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 18 [Mar.]: 525-43.) 19 (Sat)

George Smith, proposing to establish a new monthly magazine beginning publication on 1 January 1860, offers Thackeray £350 for each monthly installment of one or two new novels to be published in the magazine, and for the right to republish each novel in separate form. [Ray 4: 130]

March "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 17 [Chaps. XVI-XIX]." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (Mar.), pp. 129-60. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 18 [Apr.]: 670-86.) Yates publishes a sixteen-page pamphlet written with the help of Dickens, "Mr. Thackeray, Mr. Yates, and the Garrick Club: The Correspondence and Facts," another unprincipled attack on Thackeray. [Ray 6: 290, 478] 12 (Sat)

Writing to Charles Kingsley, who has told him of his personal support, Thackeray thanks him and expresses his pain at Dickens's support of Yates, who seems "hardly aware of the nature of his own offence, and doesnt even now understand" the grossness of his

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January

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12

Writing to Lady Hardinge, Thackeray thanks her for the loan of papers relating to Gen. James Wolfe: "They are, I think, very characteristic of the man who drew his sword and swaggered so oddly in Pitt's dining room. I like the Quixotism in his character, wh. helped him perhaps to be a hero; and fancy a lot of gasconading and military strut not in the least unbecoming a good and brave man. But I daren't draw the character quite as I fancy i t for I may be utterly in the wrong, and have no right to take liberties with such great names." [Harden 2: 877]

29

Writing to William D. Robinson, Tha.ckeray says he plans to hold his tongue about the Garrick Club affair, "and let the pennyaliners fire away their abuse till the subject dies out." Speaking of The Virginians, Thackeray tells him that "the Americain part wh. was to have been in 12 numbers now has dwindled to 6—the construction [of] the story must perforce be altered, and a study of it sur les lieux is impossible." He also reports having reached agreement "to write a story in 16 numbers." Reporting on his health, he mentions having "had my water-works retinkered and the cisterns & pipes put in good working order." Finally, he rejoices at having "300 bottles of '41, & 48 claret paid for," and asks Robinson to come over for a visit. [Ray 4: 135-36]

"The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 18 [Chaps. XX-XXIII]." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (Apr.), pp. 161-92. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 18 [May]: 816-33.) 9 (Sat)

Thackeray signs an agreement with Smith, Elder to write two novels for a soon-to-be-established periodical, later to be named The Cornhill Magazine, and not to publish "any other writing of his either in a

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insult. He mentions that many "of the pennyaline fraternity have written on his side," failing "to understand that to be accused of hypocrisy of base motives for public & private conduct. . . are the points wh. make me angry." [Ray 4: 133-35]

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Writing to Samuel Lucas, editor of Bradbury and Evans's new periodical, Once a Week, Thackeray regretfully explains that though he would have liked to contribute a few papers to it, Smith, Elder have made reasonable objections, based on the contract that he has signed with them. [Harden 2: 884-85] Smith offers Thackeray the editorship of Smith, Elder's new periodical at a monthly salary of £1,000, and persuades him to accept by agreeing to assume business management of the magazine himself. [Smith 6; Ray 6: 294] "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 19 [Chaps. XXIV-XXVII]." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (May), pp. 193-224. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 19 [June]: 101-18.) Writing to Mrs. Theresa Hatch, Thackeray expresses gratitude for her appreciative letter regarding The Virginians, especially Number 19, with its touching depiction of Theo's ordeal, and says: "I have been called misanthrope and cynic so long and so often, that I can't help being pleased when people find out that my heart is not altogether stone. The truth is I think in art as in life that Sentiment should be most carefully and sacredly used: and mistrust the man who is always crying in his books or in his daily dealings. That I can give my readers comfort or pleasure is a sincere pleasure and comfort to me: and the thought of being able sometimes to do so, is one of the most precious rewards wh. my profession brings me." [Ray 4: 140-41] Writing to Mrs. John Blackwood, Thackeray tells her of his narrow escape that month: "Twice ill. 4 days each time. Obliged to/ come out without my plates./ What a national calamity!/ only done at 6/ Yesterday/ evg.!/ Hip Hip/ Huzzay." [Harden 2: 887]

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periodical, or in a separate form until after the completion of the publication of the . . . two novels." [Harden 2: 885]

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June

22 (Wed)

Thackeray speaks at the Royal Literary Fund Dinner. ["Melville" 2: 117-20] Writing to Sir Jonathan Pollock towards the end of the month, Thackeray regretfully declines an invitation. Having been "in the throes and agonies of my travail," which he has apparently just concluded, he plans to go off "to a secret place on Saturday to make a desperate plunge at my work: for I have only 2 months more and the story to wind up the heroes and —ines to kill and marry and the whole American war to polish off." [Harden 2: 890-91]

July "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 21 [Chaps. XXXII-XXXV]." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (July), pp. 257-88. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 19 [Aug.]: 381-98.) 24 (Sun)

Writing to Lady Molesworth, Thackeray expresses his hope to begin his visit on 22 August after completing his "last (double) number" by that date, but he failed to complete a double number by the specified time. [Ray 4: 146]

August "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 22 [Chaps. XXXVI-XXXVIII]." With an illustrated title page and three other illustrations. (Aug.), pp. 289-320. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 19 [Sept.]: 537-54.) 23 (Tue)

Writing to his daughters, who are visiting the de Bathes, Thackeray tells them that for the new magazine he is going to turn "The Wolves and the Lamb" into "a story in 6 numbers to be followed by the 4 Georges in 4 numbers—and not begin the long story until July." He also says that he has "still 12 pages to do" of the forthcoming number of The Virginians. [Ray 4: 148-49]

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"The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 20 [Chaps. XXVIII-XXXI]." With an illustrated title page and six other illustrations. (June), pp« 225-56. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 19 Duly]: 240-55.)

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7 (Wed)

Writing from Folkestone to George Smith, Thackeray announces that he finished The Virginians "at 2 o'clock this mg. and now D. V. propose to do nothing till the end of the month," except travel to Bordeaux. "O what a load is off my mind!" Considering possible topics and contributors, he says: "As I think of the editing business I like it." [Ray 4: 149-50] Writing from Folkestone to Alfred Tennyson, Thackeray tells of his landlord's having treated him to several bottles of claret, which have enabled him to speak of his joy in reading "Idylls of the King," and to recall "The Princess," and "the lines, wh. only one man in the world could write," evoking the "horns of Elfland blowing in full strength, and Arthur in gold armour and Guenevere with gold hair, and all those knights & heroes and beauties and purple landscapes and misty grey lakes in wh. you have made me live. They seem like facts to me. . . . You have made me as happy as I was as a child with the Arabian nights: every step I have walked in Elfland has been a sort of Paradise to me." [Harden 2: 896]

21

Writing from Genoa to Mrs. Baxter, Thackeray tells her of having taken the last pages of The Virginians to London on the 7th, "and returned straight to Folkestone, and we crossed to Boulogne," after which he and his daughters went to Tours, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseilles, and Nice before coming to Genoa. He speaks of his struggles with ill-health and with his novel, which he calls "a failure" instead of what he had hoped for: "a great victory." As a consequence, "seeing how my health had failed, and my style was languid, I had determined to rest and fortify both and was going not to put pen to paper for 6 months—but—BUT it is arranged otherwise. We begin a new magazine on the first January, of wh. I am to be conductor." [Harden 2: 898-99]

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September "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 23 [Chaps. XXXIX-XLII]." With an illustrated title page and eight other illustrations. (Sept.), pp. 321-52. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 19 [Oct.]: 677-94.)

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

29

Writing to George Smith at 65 Cornhill from Chur, Switzerland, where he and his daughters are being detained by Anne's illness, dysentery, Thackeray asks: "Have you found a title?" and mentions that "St. Lucius 'who founded the Church of Saint Peter Cornhill' is buried here." [Harden 2: 902-03]

October "The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century. No. 24 [Chaps. XLIII-XLIV]." With an illustrated title page, three other illustrations, and an additional illustrated title page for Volume 2. (Oct.), pp. 353-76. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 19 [Nov.]: 818-30.) 4 (Tue)

Writing to George Smith from Zurich after his stay at Chur, Thackeray speaks of plans to stop briefly in Paris and then to be in London on the 10th or shortly thereafter. He also proposes a title for their new journal: "the Cornhill Magazine. It has a sound of jollity & abundance about it" [Harden 2: 903-04]

10

Writing to George Smith from Paris, Thackeray promises to meet him in London on the morning of the 12th, after bringing his daughters and parents with him. [Harden 2: 904-05]

16

Writing to Thomas Carlyle, Thackeray solicits a contribution for the magazine: "Can you help an old friend? Have you never an unedited chapterkin, or a subject on wh. you wish to speak to the public [Harden 2: 905]?" Replying on the 20th, however, Carlyle speaks of being immersed in "Prussian rubbish"—his history of Frederick the Great—and "can yet bethink me of nothing in the least likely." [Ray 4: 157] Writing to Mrs. John Blackwood, Thackeray tells her that his wine hoard has grown: "I have 40 dozen of 41, 44, & 48 paid for." [Harden 2: 907]

28

Writing to Anthony Trollope, Thackeray requests a magazine contribution [Harden 2: 907-08]. Trollope obliged with Framley Parsonage, which appeared in The Cornhill Magazine from January 1860 through April 1861.

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"To a Friend and Contributor." 1 November 1859. [A circular laid into copies of the January 1860 number of The Cornhill Magazine.] Thackeray explains that the Magazine naturally seeks fiction as part of the entertainment that it hopes to offer, but also, "on the other hand, as much reality as possible—discussion and narrative of events interesting to the public, personal adventures and observations, familiar reports of scientific discovery, description of Social Institutions . . . —there is hardly any subject we don't want to hear about." Speaking of the Magazine as a hospitable table of fare, he says: "If our friends have good manners, a good education, and write in good English, the company, I am sure, will be all the better pleased; and the guests, whatever their rank, age, sex be, will be glad to be addressed by well-educated gentlemen and women." [Ray 4:159-61] Thackeray writes many personal letters soliciting contributions from writers, including friends like Longfellow, Tennyson, and the Brownings. [Ray 4: 164, 168; Harden 2: 915-16] 21 (Mon)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray says: "I should rather like to make Mr. Pendennis the author of my story; and let him walk through it. He can talk more freely than Mr. Thackeray" [Harden 2: 916]. Ultimately, however, he created a different narrator: Charles Batchelor.

December 23 The first number of The Cornhill Magazine is published and Thackeray leaves for Paris [Harden 2: 931]. 110,000 copies were sold. [Ray 4: 168] ca. 29

Thackeray leaves Paris for London. [Harden 2: 931] 1860

January "Lovel the Widower [Chap. I]." With two illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (Jan.): 44-60. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 20 [Feb.]: 383-92.)

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November

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6 (Fri)

Writing to Sir John Burgoyne, Thackeray thanks him for his article, "Our Volunteers," which had appeared in the January issue, and had attracted the notice of The Times that morning. "The article has been of the greatest service to us." He also speaks of the "immense success" of the magazine: "such a sale has never been known in England before." [Harden 2: 934-35]

19

Writing to Richard Monckton Milnes, Thackeray tells him that the magazine is going "to press to day with the sheet containing your poem, for wh. Millais has made an illustration," and with poems by Tennyson and Hood [Harden 2: 935]. The February issue contained Milnes's "Unspoken Dialogue," Tennyson's "Tithonus," and Hood's "To Goldenhair."

February "Nil Nisi Bonum." The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (Feb.): 129-34. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 20 [Mar.]: 54245.) "Lovel the Widower [Chap. II]." With two illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (Feb.): 233-47. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 20 [Mar.]: 525-34.) 22 (Wed)

Thackeray speaks at the Dramatic, Equestrian, and Mutual Sick Fund festival. [Harden 2: 948-49]

March "Lovel the Widower [Chap. III]." With two illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (Mar.): 330-45. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 20 [Apr.]: 680-88.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. II. On Two Children in Black." The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (Mar.): 380-84. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 20 [Apr.], 670-72.) 8 (Thu)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray says: "I have taken at last the House on Kensington Palace Green in which

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"RoundaboutPapers.—No. I. On A Lazy Idle Boy." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (Jan.): 12428.

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"Lovel the Widower [Chap. IV]." With two illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (Apr.): 385-402. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 20 [May]: 813-24.) "The Last Sketch." Signed "W. M. T." The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (Apr.): 485-87. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 20 [May], 824-25.) 9 (Mon)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray encloses "Little Scholars," written by Anne, "wh. moistened my paternal spectacles. It is the article I talked of sending to Blackwood; but why should CornHill lose such a sweet paper, because it was my dear girl who wrote it? Papas, however, are bad judges—you decide whether we shall have it or not" [Harden 2: 964]. Smith accepted "Little Scholars," which appeared in the May Cornhill.

May "Lovel the Widower [Chap. V]." With two illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (May): 583-97. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 21 [June]: 99-107.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. III. On Ribbons." With an illustration [and another illustration engraved from a photograph].The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (May): 631-40. 4 (Fri)

Writing to Sir Henry Davison, Thackeray asks him to read "the Cornhill Magazine for May the article little Scholars is by my dear old fat Anny." He anticipates earning £10,000 in the next year, and is "going to spend 4000 in building a new house on Palace Green Kensington." He also says he has "brought Granny & G P to live at Brompton Crescent close by us." [Harden 2: 968-69]

June "Lovel the Widower [Chap. VI]." With two illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (June): 652-68. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 21 [July]: 238-47.) 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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I hope the History of Queen Anne will be written." [Harden 2: 955]

338

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology "Roundabout Papers—No. IV. On Some Late Great Victories." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 1 (June): 755-60.

"The Four Georges. Sketches of Manners, Morals, Court and Town Life. I.—George the First." With three illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (July): 1-20. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 21 [Aug.]: 395-405.) "Vanitas Vanitatum." The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (July): 59-60. "Roundabout Papers—No. V. Thorns in the Cushion." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (July): 122-28. 20 (Fri) ff.

Thackeray and his family are in Tunbridge Wells, where they spend the summer (though Thackeray makes day-trips to London), and where he writes "Tunbridge Toys." [Bio. Works 12:xvi; Ray 4: 195-97; Harden 2: 982-83]

August "The Four Georges. Sketches of Manners, Morals, Court, and Town Life. II.—George the Second." With three illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (Aug.): 175-91. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 21 [Sept.]: 525-35.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. VI. On Screens in Diningrooms." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (Aug.): 252-56. 3 (Fri)

Writing from Folkestone to George Smith, Thackeray tells him that he intends to go to Paris by himself and hopes that Smith can spare him for two or three weeks. [Harden 2: 984]

27

Writing from Tunbridge Wells to Catherine Gore, Thackeray explains that Colonel Newcome did not derive from one of her characters, as she seems to think: "Half of Colonel Newcome is down stairs now— the other half is in London"—i.e. Henry CarmichaelSmyth and his brother Charles. Speaking of the

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July

339

painter, Charles Leslie, Thackeray tells her that he "loved and admired" Leslie's genius, "and was glad when I heard from the good mans family that they were pleased with my little say about him" in "The Last Sketch" [Works 17: 373-74]. He also mentions the Memorials of Thomas Hood: "I may speak about that some day, having read few books wh. have touched me more. All those wonderful puns and jokes & all that sickness and misery—all that genius and that very very scanty reward—I feel ashamed almost of my own luck when I think of his small earnings." [Ray 4: 195-96] September "The Four Georges. Sketches of Manners, Morals, Court, and Town Life. III.—George the Third." With four illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (Sept.): 25777. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 21 [Oct.]: 671-82.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. VII. Tunbridge Toys." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (Sept.): 38084. ca. 18 (Tue) Having "100£ in my pocket burning to be spent," Thackeray and his daughters leave for the Continent, where they spend a week's holiday visiting Antwerp, Rotterdam, the Hague, and Amsterdam, returning to London on 25 September. [Harden 2: 991-92] 28

Writing to William D. Robinson, Thackeray epitomizes his current life: "I have a Magazine once a month, a fever attack once a month, the charge of old folks and young folks whom I have to take to the country or arrange for at home—a great deal of business & bad health, and very little order. . . . I am making and spending a deal of money have outlived my health, popularity, and inventive faculties as I r a t h e r suspect—am building a fine house and wonder whether I shall ever be able to live in it." [Ray 4: 202-03]

October "The Four Georges. Sketches of Manners, Morals, Court, and Town Life. IV.—George the Fourth." With two illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (Oct.): 385406. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 21 [Nov.]: 823-34.)

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15 (Mon)

Writing to Charles Lever who has been having difficulties with Chapman and Hall because limited sales of his latest book have caused them to lose money, Thackeray says: "Bradbury & Evans lost money by the author of the Virginians—But as the authors of Harry Lorrequer & Vanity Fair have put plenty of money into their publishers' pockets—nobody can afford to lose with a better grace than those publishers. . . . This last 'Days Ride' has not hit the public . . . —'Lovel the Widower' didn't hit them either. . . . I begin a Serial in January in the Cornhill Magazine: and must make it as strong as I can to fetch up the ground wh. I have—not lost, I trust, but only barely kept I sang purposely small: wishing to keep my strongest for a later day, and give Trollope all the honors of violino primo. Now I must go to work and with a vengeance." [Harden 2: 996]

November "A Roundabout Journey. Notes of a Week's Holiday. With three illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (Nov.): 623-40. 20 (Tue)

Abraham Lincoln is elected President of the United States.

27

Thackeray sends George Smith the manuscript for the January number of The Adventures of Philip. [Harden 2: 1002]

December "Roundabout Papers.—No. IX. On a Joke I Once Heard From The Late Thomas Hood." With two illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (Dec): 752-60. 17 (Mon)

Writing to John Ruskin, Thackeray regrets that he cannot give "lectures on behalf of charitable institutions," as he has been requested to do by a clergyman friend of Ruskin's: "There would be no end of such oratory. I keep my charity lecture for poor

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"Roundabout Papers.—No. VIII. De Juventute." With three illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 2 (Oct.): 500-12.

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20

South Carolina adopts an Ordinance of Secession.

25

Writing to the Baxters, Thackeray expresses alarm at the Secession, since their daughter, Sally, is living in South Carolina: "Is Sally going to be a Countrywoman of your's no longer, and will her children in arms fight Libby's? It's a horrible thing to me to read of." He hopes that they will be able to visit "next year when my fine new house will be built—at Palace Green, Kensington—opposite the old palace. If I live, please God, I shall write the history of Queen Anne there. My dear relations are furious at my arrogance extravagance & presumption in building a handsome new house, and one of them [Charles Carmichael] who never made a joke in his life said yesterday to me 'You ought to call it Vanity Fair.'" [Harden 2: 1010; Ray 4: 241] 1861

January "The Adventures of Philip on his way through the World; Shewing Who Robbed Him, Who Helped Him, and Who Passed Him By [Chaps. I-III]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (Jan.): 1-24. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 22 [Feb.]: 381-93.) 11 (Fri)

Writing to Frederick Elliot, Thackeray laments the death of his beloved Mrs. Elliot on 9 January: "I have lost the best friend left me in the world. I write a line to Kate... . God bless you, my dear friend. Since I have known you and her I have had nothing but kindness and sympathy and tenderness from both of you." [Harden 2: 1014]

February "Philip [Chaps. IV-V]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (Feb.): 166-89. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 22 [Mar.]: 52942.)

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families, and cant afford to take any more clients." [Harden 2:1008]

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11 (Mon)

Writing to Frederick Walker, Thackeray tells him: "The Blocks you have executed for 'The Cornhill Magazine' have given so much satisfaction that I hope we may look for more from the same hand. . . . Pray let me know if I may count upon you for my large cut for March." [Harden 2: 1020]

28

Writing to his Philadelphia friend, William Reed, Thackeray introduces the foreign correspondent, William Howard Russell, who is being sent to the United States by The Times. [Harden 2: 1022]

March "Philip [Chaps. VI-VII]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (Mar.): 270-93. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 22 [Apr.]: 669-82.) 6 (Wed)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray tells him: "I spent five precious days last week in a vain endeavour to do a large woodblock for 'Philip'. I am ill with one of my attacks, cant think of any work for three days, have only 8 or 9 pages of 'Philip' done, room must be left for me, and the moment I have strength enough I will set to work." [Harden 2: 1023] "Philip [Chaps. VIII-X]." With three illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (Apr.): 385-408. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 22 [May]: 815-27.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XI. On a Chalk Mark on the Door." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (Apr.): 504-12.

11 (Thu)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray says: "I am prostrated with one of my attacks, and five pages of 'Philip1 remain to be done. It was the lawyers delayed me this time. Let me know the latest day I can have."

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"Roundabout Papers.—No. X. Round About The Christmas Tree." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (Feb): 250-56.

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The delay involved consultations regarding legal technicalities relevant to the plot of Philip. [Harden 2: 1029-31] Southern rebels fire on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, beginning the American Civil War.

May "Philip [Chaps. XI-XII]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (May): 556-83. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 23 [June]: 90-105.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XII. On Being Found Out." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (May): 636-40. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 23 [June]: 11214.) Writing to George Smith, Thackeray tells him: "I shall have done the number please goodness tomorrow night, and shall go on straightway with another. Couldn't go to Paris—my hydraulics were too much out of order." He concludes by proposing that Lovel be published in book form: "I believe . . . people would like it. It amused me when I read it: and others—a few others have spoken well of it." [Harden 2: 1038] 15 (Wed)

Thackeray speaks at the Royal Literary Fund Dinner. [Harden 2: 1041]

24

Writing to Mrs. Baxter, Thackeray says: "If Wylly [her son] doesn't come till December or so we shall most likely be able to house him in Vanity Fair House. . . . But the house is very dear. It costs 6000£ and 100£ a year ground rent. Where we are now only costs 3000— But its a famous situation & will be a little competency to the girl who inherits it." Under the heading, "Awful Reprisals," he writes: "Thackeray invested the money wh. he received for his lectures in America, in American railway stocks. If they cease to pay dividends, he threatens to come back to America, and give more lectures"—thereby testifying to the financial uncertainty that the war has caused him. [Ray 4: 235-36]

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12-13

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

27

Writing to Anthony Trollope, Thackeray tells him that "since the sad end of Framley Parsonage our Magazine has dropped a thousand or more [Harden 2: 1042]." Hence he asks for another serial. Trollope responded with The Struggles of Brown, Jones, and Robinson, which appeared in the Cornhill from August 1861 through March 1862. Writing to the Rev. Whitwell Elwin, Thackeray speaks of his response to the works of George Eliot: "I admire but cant read Adam Bede and the books of that author." As for his house, he says: "It's all built out of CornHill money and I shall put 2 wheat-sheaves on the doors." [Harden 2: 1040]

June "Philip [Chaps. XIII-XIV]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (June): 641-65. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 23 Duly]: 233-46.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XIII. On a Hundred Years Hence." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 3 (June): 755-60. 21 (Fri)

Writing to Henry Manisty, the Treasurer of Gray's Inn, Thackeray proposes to give up his chambers there. [Harden 2: 1044-45]

July "Philip [Chaps. XV-XVI]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (July): 1-24. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 23 [Aug.]: 381-94.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XIV. Small Beer Chronicle." With two illustrations. The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (July): 122-28. 9 (Tue)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray calls Trollope's serial "very pleasant reading." Speaking of his own novel, he says: "Philip is unfortunately going into poverty & struggle but this cant be helped; and as he will entre nous, take pretty much the career of W M T

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17ff.

Thackeray is in Folkestone with his daughters. [Harden 2: 1051]

31

Writing from Folkestone to George Smith, Thackeray reports: "My muse has been very costive in these latter days[.] She has been upon the chair for hours and hours and nothing would come. I have a Roundabout done however and 13 pages of Philip. I hope the other 11 will be done on Saturday." [Harden 2: 1057]

August "Philip [Chaps. XVII-XVIII]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (Aug.): 129-52. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 23 [Sept.]: 524-37.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XV. Ogres." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (Aug.): 251-56. ca. 27 (Tue)

Thackeray goes to Paris. [Ray 4: 398]

September "Philip [Chaps. XIX-XX]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (Sept.): 257-80. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 23 [Oct.]: 689-702.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XVI. On Two Roundabout Papers Which I Intended To Write." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (Sept.): 377-84. 30 (Mon)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray summarizes his last two years: "I have lived comfortably helped the old folks lent a good bit to friends and paid 4000£ on the house." [Harden 2: 1060]

October "Philip [Chaps. XXI-XXII]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 4

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in the first years of his ruin and absurdly imprudent marriage at least the portrait will be faithful." [Harden 2: 1049]

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1 (Tue)

Writing to John Boyes, Thackeray reports having "just come back from Scotland where I have been burying my good old step-father; who had but a few hours illness, and was quite well and cheerful the night before he was sent for. So they pass away. And now comes the turn of our generation: and Amen." [Ray 4: 247]

November "Philip [Chaps. XXIII-XXIV]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (Nov.): 513-36. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 24 [Dec.]: 90-103.) 2 (Sat)

Writing to Frank Fladgate, his advisor regarding legal details in the narrative of Philip, Thackeray thanks him for the story of the Lowther inheritance, which served as a model for Philip's inheritance: "I have been very ungrateful in not thanking you sooner for the Wicked Earl. We shall be able to reward Virtue and confound Vice famously at the end of Vol III. How I wish I had got so far!" [Ray 4: 251]

December "Philip [Chaps. XXV-XXVI]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (Dec): 641-64. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 24 [Jan. 1862]: 233-45.) "RoundaboutPapers.—No.XVIL A Mississippi Bubble." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (Dec): 754-60. "A Leaf out of a Sketch-Book. By W. M. Thackeray." With two illustrations. The Victoria Regia: A Volume of Original Contributions in Poetry and Prose. Ed. Adelaide A. Procter. London: Emily Faithfull, 1861, pp. 118-25. 13 (Fri)

Writing to the London bookseller and publisher, George Virtue, who had apparently requested a contribution for a gravestone for William Maginn, who

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(Oct.): 385-408. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 23 [Nov.]: 819-32.)

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had died in 1842, Thackeray says: "I lent Maginn 500£ in his life time and he paid me 20£ back. I think I have done enough in giving him bread—let other philanthropists give him a stone." [Ray 4: 252]

January "Philip [Chaps. XXVII-XXVIII]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (Jan.): 1-24. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 24 [Feb.]: 379-92.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XVIII. On Lett's Diary." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (Jan.): 12228. Writing to George Smith, Thackeray asks him: "Will you have the Wolves & the Lamb printed for us? The girls are wild to act it." The printing was done to save the trouble of copying. [Harden 2: 1074, 1077] February "Philip [Chaps. XXIX-XXX]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (Feb.): 129-52. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 24 [Mar.]: 522-35.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XIX. On Half A Loaf. A Letter to Messrs. Broadway, Battery & Co., of New York, Bankers." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (Feb.): 250-56. 8 (Sat)

The first rehearsal of The Wolves and the Lamb takes place. [Ray 6: 396, 496]

March "Philip [Chaps. XXXI-XXXII]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (Mar.): 257-80. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 24 [Apr.]: 684-96.) 4 (Tue)

Writing to George Smith after having had a conversation with him about the subject of the letter,

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1862

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6

Writing to George Smith after a further conversation, Thackeray encloses his letter of the 4th, reaffirms his decision, and asks Smith for his continuing friendship. [Ray 4: 257]

24, 25

Two performances of The Wolves and the Lamb given at 2 Palace Green. [Ray 6: 396]

25

In a printed letter of this date addressed to Contributors and Correspondents of The Cornhill Magazine that was laid into copies of the April 1862 number, Thackeray announces his retirement as editor, but also his intention to continue as a contributor. [Ray 4: 258-60]

31

Thackeray, his daughters, and Amy Crowe move into 2 Palace Green. [Ray 6: 397]

are

"Philip [Chaps. XXXIII-XXXIV]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. 5 (Apr.): 385-408. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 24 [May]: 823-35.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XX. The Notch on the Axe.—A Story a la Mode. Part I." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (Apr.): 508-12. Writing to Dr. John Brown, Thackeray tells him that he and Smith "part perfectly good friends. He is most generous about money matters. I know I was a bad Editor and o what a comfort it is to be Editor no more." [Harden 2: 1085] 21 (Mon)

Thackeray arrives in Paris, having travelled alone. [Ray 4: 261]

May "Philip [Chaps. XXXV-XXXVI]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker], The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (May): 513-36. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 25 [June]: 99-112.)

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Thackeray regretfully announces his decision to withdraw as editor of the Cornhill. [Ray 4: 256]

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1 (Thu)

Thackeray has returned to London. [Harden 2: 1088]

6?-9

Writing to the Baxters, Thackeray expresses sympathy with "that grief wh. I know must be in your house: what to say or to do? . . . loyal Northerns . . . with the daughter and grandchildren in the S o u t h . . . . I know & feel that trying times are come on you all"—economic as well as emotional—and he offers them a loan of £500 if they need it. He speaks of being "constantly ill," but of finding solace in his new home: "there is an old green and an old palace and magnificent trees before the windows at wh. I write. I have the most delightful study, bedroom, and so forth; can get 10£ for as much writing as there is on these 4 little sides." [Ray 4: 263-64] Writing to George Smith, Thackeray expresses his regret for the lateness of his manuscript for the June installment of Philip. "I began early enough at Paris where I was forced to go and fell ill—came home & fell ill again and after these attacks cant write for 2 days forget the sentence I put down on paper grow awfully nervous." As a further complication, their employee, Mr. Chester, "was misled about computing the MS. I thought all was done when I went down to the printing office yesterdayf.] My stars what a state I was in when I found there were 3 pages wanting!" Somehow he provided them, and now, at 7AM the next morning, vows to "go to work on July as soon as I have had a cup of tea." [Harden 2: 1091]

June "Philip [Chaps. XXXVII-XXXVIII]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (June): 641-64. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 25 [July]: 237-49.) "Roundabout Papers.—No. XXII. The Notch on the Axe.— A Story a la Mode. Part III." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (June): 754-60.

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"Roundabout Papers.—No. XXI. The Notch on the Axe.—A Story a la Mode. Part II." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 5 (May): 634-40.

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

2 (Mon)

"Mr. Leech's Sketches in Oil." The Times, 2 June, p. 5.

16

Writing to an employee of Smith, Elder, Thackeray asks that "the proof of the last chapter" be sent to him. [Harden 2: 1095]

July "Philip [Chaps. XXXIX-XL]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 6 (July): 121-44. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 25 [Aug.]: 404-16.) 1 (Tue)

Writing to George Smith regarding book publication of Philip, Thackeray says: "I think 'Philip' tout court is better than the Adventures of &c and that a running title on every other page as in Esmond will give a little freshness to the reprint. I shall have done D. V. to day or tomorrow." After a pause, he expresses the gratitude he feels: "Sitting in this beautiful room, surrounded by ease and comfort and finishing the story, I stop writing for a minute or two, with rather a full heart." Finally, he asks that Smith sit for a portrait by Samuel Laurence: "I should like to hang it here." [Harden 2: 1096]

5

Writing to his mother, Thackeray tells her: "On Thursday [the 3rd] at 6.15 p.m after working all day I wrote Finis to Philip: rather a lame ending. Yesterday I spent all day in great delectation & rest of mind." Expressing gratitude for "all the blessings of this life," he says: "Think of the beginning of the story of the Little Sister in the Shabby genteel Story twenty years ago, and the wife crazy, and the Publisher refusing me 15£ who owes me £13.. 10 and the Times to wh. I apply for a little more than 5 guineas for a weeks work, refusing to give me more—and all that moneydifficulty ended—God be praised—and an old gentleman sitting in a fine house, like the hero at the end of a Story!—The actual increase of health and comfort since we got into the Palazzo is quite curious—I am certainly much better in body." [Harden 2: 1096]

21

The Adventures of Philip published by Smith, Elder.

in three volumes is

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August

"Roundabout Papers.—No. XXIII. De Finibus." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 6 (Aug.): 282-88. September "Roundabout Papers—No. XXIV. On a Peal of Bells." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 6 (Sept): 425-32. 10 (Wed)

The death of Sally Baxter Hampton from tuberculosis [Ray 6: 319]. Henry Adams, in The Education, tells of unexpectedly meeting Thackeray, who "spoke of his— and Adams's—friend, Mrs. Frank Hampton, of South Carolina, whom he had loved as Sally Baxter and painted as Ethel Newcome." Thackeray referred to the refusal of the Confederates to allow her family to cross the lines and visit her shortly before her death, and Adams commented how, "In speaking of it, Thackeray's voice trembled and his eyes filled with tears." [Adams 131]

November "Roundabout Papers.—No. XXV. On a Pear Tree." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 6 (Nov.): 71520. December "Roundabout Papers.—No. XXVI. Dessein's." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 6 (Dec): 771-79. 6 (Sat)

Amy Crowe, who has lived in Thackeray's household as a companion to his daughters since September 1854, marries Edward Thackeray. [Ray 6: 401]

25

Writing to the Baxters, Thackeray tells them: "The sad letter has been here for many days[.] I had the news before from Mr. John Dillon, who has friends in the South[.] I have not had the courage to write to you about it. I know there's no consolation. I lost a child myself

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"Philip [Chaps. XLI-XLII]." With two illustrations [and one by Frederick Walker]. The Cornhill Magazine, 6 (Aug.): 217-40. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 25 [Sept.]: 533-45.)

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology once. That journey of Lucy and her father is the saddest thing I have read of for many a long day. I look at Sarah's face in the photograph book and then at a print wh. I have had for many years because it was like her when I first saw her. . . . What a bright creature! What a laugh, a life, a happiness! And it is all gone: and you dear people sit bewailing your darling. . . . God bless you all." [Harden 2: 1106-08] 1863

January "Roundabout Papers.-No. XXVII. On Some Carp at Sans Souci." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 7 (Jan.): 126-31. February "Roundabout Papers.—No. XXVIII. Autour de mon Chapeau." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 7 (Feb.): 260-67. "On Alexandrines. A Letter to Some Country Cousins." With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 7 (Apr.): 546-52. 6 (Mon)-13

Thackeray and his daughters are guests of Richard Monckton Milnes at Fryston Hall, Yorkshire, where they meet Swinburne. [Ray 4: 285, 410]

25

Thackeray speaks at the Shakespeare dinner of "Our Club." [Ray 4: 410]

May 15 (Fri)

"Cruikshank's Gallery." The Times, 15 May, p. 6. Thackeray begins Denis Duval. [Ray 4: 287]

June 7(Sun)

Writing to Sir Henry Holland, Thackeray says: "For three weeks I have been in labour myself, undergoing throes of most painful gestation; at such times I dont attend to any business of life, forget letters, invitations, kindnesses; skulk away from my family,

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352

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July 1 (Wed)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray tells him that "Number 1 of Denis Duval is done, and part of No 2." [Harden 2:1122]

29

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray asks for proofs of "a complete No 2." [Harden 2: 1123]

August "On a Medal of George the Fourth." The Cornhill Magazine, 8 (Aug.): 250-56. 16 (Sun)

Thackeray leaves London for Dover, Calais, Brussels, Namur, Dinant, Rheims, and Paris, travelling alone. [Ray 4: 413-14]

28

Thackeray returns to London. [Ray 4: 414]

September 23 (Wed) Writing to Dr. John Brown, with whom Harriet is staying, Thackeray speaks of having "led such a happy life" with her and her sister, and asks that after a month she be sent "back to her Papa & sister. We three get on so comfortably together, that the house is not the house, when one is away." Mentioning the expenses of the house and its contents, he alludes to Walter Scott "If I dont mistake there was a man who lived at Abbotsford overhoused himself." [Harden 2: 1126] Writing to Albany Fonblanque, Thackeray outlines the youth of Denis Duval and, "as I dont know the difference between a marlingspike and a binnacle I must get information from somebody as does," he asks Fonblanque for some suggestions "about sailing smuggling & so forth—how we went out at night what we did how we came back." [Harden 2: 1127-28] October 7 (Wed)

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray tells him that he has begun Number 4. [Harden 2: 1128]

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(bearing my uncomfortable burden about with me) and this goes on until my literary baby gives signs of life." [Harden 2:1120]

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November

December 7 (Mon) John Cordy Jeaffreson and William Hepworth Dixon of The Athenaeum persuade a majority of the National Shakespeare Tercentenary Celebration Committee, which they have organized, to reject a proposal to have Thackeray appointed a Vice-President—although Bulwer-Lytton, Dickens, and Tennyson have been so honored. [Ray 6:407] 17

Writing to George Smith, Thackeray speaks of being "in bed, and have been so for 4 days past (with the exception of yesterday for a few hours) with an instrument of torture inserted in my urethra. . . . I was just going to be taken prisoner by Paul Jones when I had to come to bed. If I could get a month's ease I could finish the eight numbers handsomely with the marriage of Denis and Agnes after the capture of Toulon by the English." [Harden 2: 1135]

24

The death of Thackeray is discovered and is diagnosed as having apparently occurred between 2 and 3AM from a "cerebral effusion" following 10 days of disordered digestion and 24 hours of vomiting. [Ray 6: 416]

30

Thackeray is buried in the cemetery of All Souls', Kensal Green, near the grave of his daughter, Jane. [Ray 6: 417] 1864

March "Denis Duval [Chaps. Mil]." [With two illustrations by Frederick Walker.] The Cornhill Magazine, 9 (Mar.): 257-91. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 28 [Apr.]: 67592.)

"Denis Duval [Chaps. IV-V]." [With two illustrations by Frederick Walker.] The Cornhill Magazine, 9 (Apr.): 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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"'Strange to Say, on Club Paper.'" With an illustration. The Cornhill Magazine, 8 (Nov.): 636-40.

1811-63

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385-409. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 28 [May]: 81528.) "Denis Duval [Chaps. VI-VII]." [With two illustrations by Frederick Walker.] The Cornhill Magazine, 9 (May): 513-36. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 29 [June]: 21326.) June "Denis Duval [Chap. VIII]." [With two illustrations by Frederick Walker and a "Note by the Editor."] The Cornhill Magazine, 9 (June): 641-65. (Also in Harper's Magazine, 29 Duly]: 358-71.)

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May

Thackeray was friendly with so vastly many people, from Prime Ministers to needy pensioners, that a listing such as this must inevitably be very limited, focusing on close friends and literary associates. ALLEN, John (1810-86), clergyman, ultimately Archdeacon, became friends with Thackeray at Cambridge, where they were members of a debating society. Later they associated in London, especially as Great Coram St. neighbors. Allen may well have been a model for Dobbin because of his fundamental goodness, innocence, and integrity. Thackeray referred to him as "a perfect Saint," but understood the limitations of sainthood. ASHBURTON, Lord and Lady [William Bingham Baring (17991864), 2nd Lord, and the former Lady Harriet Mary Montagu (1805-57)]. Married in 1823, they lived and entertained in Bath House, Piccadilly, and The Grange, Alresford, Hampshire. They were warm hosts to Thackeray, and were notably kind in arranging a reconciliation with W. H. Brookfield, as a result of which Thackeray dedicated Esmond to Lord Ashburton, and implicitly to her as well. BAXTER, Mr. and Mrs. George, together with their daughters Sally (1833-61) [later Mrs. Frank Hampton] and Lucy (b. 1836), two sons, Wyllys and George, and Mrs. Baxter's niece, Libby Strong, were Thackeray's closest friends in America. He was especially fond of Mrs. Baxter, whom he called Lady Castlewood, and of Sally, who inspired the creation of Ethel Newcome. As Lucy Baxter was to write in an introduction to a volume of Thackeray's letters to the Baxters, "from the first visit to the 'Brown House,' as he later always called it, he evidently felt at home among us. . . . He came to us whenever he could, with perfect freedom and informality. He 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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begged to dine with us before the lectures. . . . He became greatly attached to my mother, whose quiet sympathy soothed him, and his place at her right hand, with the claret-pitcher ready for him, was an established arrangement before a lecture. . . . His purse was constantly at the service of his friends, or often mere acquaintances, much to his own pecuniary detriment, and his glasses were dimmed when he spoke of the sorrows which day after day came to his knowledge" [Baxter 3-4, 11]. The friendship of the Baxters also extended to Thackeray's mother and daughters. BEDINGFIELD, Richard (dates unknown), a cousin who beame a writer, and to whom Thackeray gave professional advice and encouragement. He published recollections of Thackeray for Cassell's Magazine (1870). Mentioning Thackeray's regard for people with "a natural and an easy manner," Bedingfield remarks that calling someone "natural" was "the highest compliment that he could utter. . . . He almost always felt disposed to ridicule anything pretentious"—like Carlyle. Speaking of Thackeray as a "patient, industrious, true worker," he relates that when Thackeray "found that his pen would not serve him well, he informed me that he was in the habit of sketching those little illustrations which we find in his books. 'They are a great relief to my mind,' he said; 'I can always do them.' . . . Few men, indeed, could wield pen and pencil as he did." [Bedingfield 12-13, 29, 134-35] BLACKWOOD, John (1818-79), publisher, who met Thackeray In 1839 when he was in London serving as a representative of the Blackwood firm. He returned to Scotland on becoming editor of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine in 1845, and was a generous host when Thackeray visited Edinburgh to lecture, notably in late 1856, when Thackeray stayed with him and his wife, Julia, for the better part of two months. BLANCHARD, Laman (1804-45), journalist. When the Constitutional was established in 1836, Blanchard was appointed editor and Thackeray its Paris correspondent. Later (1841-45) he worked with The Examiner. Thackeray wrote a warm memorial tribute, "A Brother of the Press on the History of Literary Men, Laman Blanchard, and the Chances of the Literary Profession," which appeared in the March 1846 issue of Fraser's Magazine. BOWES, John Bowes (1811-85), who became friends with Thackeray at Cambridge, associated with him in Paris, and

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BOYES, John Frederick (1811-79), a friend from Charterhouse days. After graduating from Oxford he became a classical scholar and headmaster of Walthamstowe School. He had a wide circle of friends attracted by the range of his literary knowledge. Boyes later published "A Memorial of Thackeray's School-Days" in the January 1865 issue of The Cornhill Magazine. BRADBURY AND EVANS, a publishing firm conducted by William Bradbury (dates unknown) and Frederick Mullett Evans (d. 1870). They published Punch, Vanity Fair, The Book of Snobs, Pendennis, The Great Hoggarty Diamond, The Newcomes, Miscellanies, and The Virginians. BRONTE, Charlotte (1816-55) [later Mrs. Arthur Nicholls], whose Jane Eyre, published in 1847 by George Smith during the serial run of Vanity Fair, attracted Thackeray's enthusiastic response. She, in turn, greatly admired his writings and dedicated the second edition of Jane Eyre to him, which he called the greatest compliment he had ever received. His memorial tribute, "The Last Sketch," was published in the April 1860 Cornhill [Works 17: 373-76]. BROOKFIELD, the Rev. William H. (1809-74) and his wife, the former Jane Octavia Elton (1821-96), were intimate friends of Thackeray, but ultimately they became estranged. Thackeray and Brookfield formed a friendship at Cambridge, but Brookfield's ecclesiastical postings kept him out of London until 1842, when he and his wife took up residence there. Thackeray greatly enjoyed Brookfield's company and gradually became closer and closer to Jane, whom he increasingly visited and to whom he wrote. Brookfield's sense of the loss of closeness to his wife, and his resentment of his wife's increasing fondness for Thackeray's company, and of Thackeray's need for frequent visits to her, prompted an outburst of criticism of them both in September 1851, to which Thackeray responded with similarly forceful language. The result was a decided separation from Thackeray. In spite of efforts by the Ashburtons and others, Brookfield remained aggrieved and Jane distant. Thackeray and Brookfield

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subsidized the publication of Flore et Zephyr. In 1841, when Bowes was standing for Parliament as a Whig, Thackeray visited him at Streatham Castle, Durham, and learned about a family ancestor, Andrew Robinson Stoney Bowes, who inspired the creation of Barry Lyndon.

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BROWN, Dr. John (1810-82), helped to organize a tribute from a group of fellow Edinburgh admirers of Thackeray's work: an inscribed silver statuette of Punch sent to him in May 1849. Brown and Thackeray became close friends, especially after Thackeray's visit to Edinburgh while delivering lectures in December 1851, when Brown was a warm host. Brown spoke of him as a man who "makes no figure in company, except as very goodhumoured, and by saying now and then a quietly strong thing," and liked him for being "so natural and unforced in his ways and talk" [Brown 2: 51-52]. Brown later recalled walking with Thackeray and another friend outside Edinburgh on an evening with a beautiful sunset, and seeing a wooden crane silhouetted against the sky, "so placed as to assume the figure of a cross; there it was, unmistakable, lifted up against the crystalline sky. All three gazed at it silently. As they gazed, he gave utterance in a tremulous, gentle, and rapid voice, to what all were feeling, in the word 'CALVARY!' . . . All that evening he was very gentle and serious, speaking, as he seldom did, of divine things,—of death, of sin, of eternity, of salvation; expressing his simple faith in God and in his Saviour" [Brown 1: 263]. Brown published a lengthy appreciation of Thackeray and his works in the February 1864 issue of The North British Review. BROWNING, Robert (1812-89). Thackeray became acquainted with him and his wife, the former Elizabeth Barrett (1806-61), in London, but especially during a visit to Rome with his daughters in December 1853-February 1854, when Browning helped them find a place to stay—above a pastry-cook's shop, to the delight of the girls. During the winter, Thackeray and his daughters became good friends with the Brownings and their son, Pen. Later, after agreeing to be editor of the Cornhill, Thackeray requested poems from them. Browning said that a poem of his would probably embarrass a magazine editor, but promised that his wife would try to send something appropriate. After contributing "A Musical Instrument" to the July 1860 issue of the magazine, and "A Forced Recruit at Solferino" to the October 1860 issue, she sent Thackeray "Lord Walter's Wife." He replied with respect and regards, but declined the poem with great embarrassment because he felt its articulation of a man's passion for a married woman would produce an outcry from readers. With affection and good

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exchanged minor civilities thereafter, but the basic alienation persisted.

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humor she accepted his decision, and sent him "Little Mattie," which appeared in the June 1861 Cornhill.

BULLER, Charles [Jr.] (1806-48), had been tutored by Carlyle, had preceded Thackeray at Trinity College, Cambridge, and soon after had begun his career as a member of the bar and as a politician. While engaged in legal studies, Thackeray became a frequent visitor of the Bullers, and often associated with Charles, whom he admired and whose success in writing for magazines Thackeray wished to emulate. Buller attracted Thackeray's support during Buller's successful 1832 election campaign for the parliamentary seat of Liskeard. A promising public figure of liberal views, he died tragically early. BULWER, Sir Edward George Earle Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton, was the author of what Thackeray saw as pompous writings, full of eloquent clap-trap. His parade of learning and his artificial style prompted Thackeray's mockery in "Mr. Yellowplush's Ajew" and "Epistles to the Literati. No. XIII" in Fraser's Magazine, and in "George de Barnwell," one of "Punch's Prize Novels." Thackeray liked him personally, however, as Bedingfield testifies: "I have heard him express much admiration of Lord Lytton, saying, 'He is a splendid fellow;' though he objected to his pedantry and affectation." [Bedingfield 14] CARLYLE, Thomas (1795-1891), memorably spoke of Thackeray in August 1837, after Thackeray had admiringly reviewed The French Revolution in The Times, as "writing for his life in London" [Carlyle 86]. Thackeray also wrote supportively in Fraser's Magazine of Carlyle in 1840, when Carlyle exposed the falsity of French accounts of the sinking of the Vengeur by the British in 1794. In a private letter of that year Thackeray warmly praised the nobility of Carlyle's Critical and Miscellaneous Essays, especially in their freedom from party politics, and expressed his admiration for Carlyle's leadership in the endeavor to liberate the critical appreciation of art from imposed ideological obsessions. Exposure of human folly was a shared instinct. They continued as friends until 1846, when Carlyle mocked Thackeray's acceptance of free passage to the Near East on a Peninsular and Oriental steamship, but were gradually

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BULLER, Charles [Sr.] (1774-1848), and his wife Barbara (d. 1849), were friends of Thackeray's parents in India and of his in London.

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reconciled by Carlyle's wife, the former Jane Welsh (1801-66), of whom Thackeray was very fond, and who was a kind hostess to Thackeray's daughters. He said of the Carlyles in 1840: "pleasanter more high-minded people I don't know" [Ray 1; 413]. After encountering Thackeray riding in Hyde Park a few days before his death, Carlyle recalled receiving "a shower of salutations," and spoke of the "beautiful vein of genius struggling about in him. Nobody in our day wrote, I should say, with such perfection of style." [Reid 2: 113] CARMICHAEL, Col. Charles (1790-1870), was the younger brother of Thackeray's step-father. In 1841 he married the much younger Mary "Polly" Graham (1815-71), Thackeray's cousin, but the difference in age became more and more of a barrier, and her increasing distance from her husband and the growing admiration from other men prompted changes in her attitude and behavior that alienated Thackeray, prompting him to term her "Beckyfied." CARMICHAEL-SMYTH, Maj. Henry (1780-1861) and his wife, the former Anne Becher Thackeray (1792-1864). See "Ancestry and Family." CHAPMAN, Edward (1804-80), a partner of Chapman and Hall, published Thackeray's articles in The Foreign Quarterly Review, as well as The Irish Sketch-Book, Cornhill to Grand Cairo, Mrs. Perkins's Ball, Our Street, Dr. Birch, and Rebecca and Rowena COLE, Sir Henry (1808-82), asked Thackeray to provide two illustrations for The Anti-Corn-Law Circular in 1839. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Great Exhibition of 1851, and Secretary of the School of Design in South Kensington. At Thackeray's request, Cole encouraged a young art student, Godfrey Sykes, to design an illustration for the cover of the Cornhill, one that Thackeray enthusiastically accepted. The Coles were close friends of Thackeray and his daughters, and Cole was an advisor to the Thackeray girls after their father's death. CROWE, Eyre Evans [Sr.] (1799-1868), in 1830 became Paris Correspondent for The Morning Chronicle. There he and his wife, the former Margaret Archer (d. 1853), warmly entertained Thackeray. Removing to England in 1843-44, he helped Thackeray to become a reviewer for the Chronicle. In 1846 he joined the staff of the newly-established Daily News, and became editor in 1849, but lost his job in 1851 and had to return to France. 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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CROWE, Eyre Evans [Jr.] (b. 1824), was the artist son of his journalist father. He accompanied Thackeray on the first trip to America as his secretary. He was a genial companion but not altogether orderly in making arrangements. He later wrote With Thackeray in America (1893), and Thackeray's Haunts and Homes (1897), both illustrated with his own drawings. CRUIKSHANK, George (1792-1878), artist, whose comic drawings greatly attracted Thackeray at school and thereafter. Thackeray wrote an essay on the works of George Cruikshank (1840), as well as "Cruikshank's Gallery" (1863), and also contributed prose works to Cruikshank's Comic Almanac for 1839 and 1840, George Cruikshank's Omnibus (1841), and George Cruikshank's TableBook (1845). CUNNINGHAM, Hugh (dates unknown), published Comic Tales and Sketches and The Second Funeral of Napoleon. DICKENS, Charles (1812-70). Thackeray was a great admirer of Dickens's genius, but regretted Dickens's withdrawal of friendship on various occasions, as public recognition of Thackeray's achievements grew. Thackeray also felt alienated by Dickens's tendency to side with hostile attitudes towards him personally, like those of John Forster and especially Edmund Yates. Thackeray nevertheless expressed a feeling of reconciliation towards Dickens during an unexpected encounter shortly before Thackeray's death, and Dickens wrote a memorial tribute for the February 1864 issue of the Cornhill. DOYLE, Richard (1824-83), artist and Punch colleague, 1843-50, who designed the magazine's cover and regularly contributed drawings to it, illustrated Thackeray's Rebecca and Rowena and The Newcomes. He also contributed a series of 16 comical drawings, "Bird's-Eye Views of Society," to the Cornhill between April 1861 and October 1862. ELLIOT, Thomas Frederick (1808-80), government administrator. His wife, the former Jane Perry (d. 1859), and his sister-in-law, Kate Perry (dates unknown), were two of Thackeray's closest 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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Thackeray gave his son, Eyre Jr., employment in 1851, helped Crowe to secure a position with The Illustrated London News in 1853, and took his daughter, Amy, into his house in 1854 as companion to his daughters.

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ELWIN, the Rev. Whitwell (1816-1900), after attending Cambridge, became a country rector in Norfolk. He was also a contributor to The Quarterly Review, becoming editor in 1853 and making quarterly trips to London at publication time. A great admirer of Thackeray's, he invited him to contribute an article on John Leech, which appeared in the December 1854 issue of the Quarterly, after which their friendship developed greatly. FIELDS, James Thomas (1817-81), was a partner in the Boston publishing firm of Ticknor, Reed, and Fields. Meeting Thackeray in London during 1852, Fields urged him to deliver his lectures in America, not just in England and Scotland. Fields was his chief host in Boston and helped in making American lecture arrangements. He also published an edition of Thackeray's Ballads. FITZGERALD, Edward (1809-83), translator of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, was Thackeray's oldest and warmest friend, beginning at Cambridge and lasting till his death. They associated closely for over twenty years and then continued their friendship, even though FitzGerald became more and more withdrawn from the world. Anne Thackeray Ritchie wrote: "In reading over the two published volumes of the 'FitzGerald Letters,' I am not surprised to find how constantly my father's name appears in them, for I know how Mr. FitzGerald's name was always an integral part of our home life, though we so rarely saw h i m . . . . In the autumn of 1863 some impulse one day made me ask my father which of his old friends he cared for m o s t . . . . He paused a moment, then he said in a gentle sort of way, that of all his friends he had best loved 'Old Fitz'" [Bio. Works 9: xliv]. Before leaving on his first trip to America, Thackeray asked FitzGerald to be his literary executor in case he met with a fatal acident at sea. Writing on 7 January 1864 to the artist, Samuel Laurence, about a portrait of Thackeray, FitzGerald said: "I keep reading his Newcomes of nights, and as it were hearing him saying so much in it; and it seems to me as if he might be coming up my Stairs, and about to come (singing) into my Room, as in old Charlotte Street, etc., thirty years ago." He later told Anne that Laurence had done for him a full-size oil copy of his last chalk portrait of Thackeray [FitzGerald 2: 504-05, 522-23].

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friends, and were close friends of the Brookfields. After his separation from the Brookfields in 1851, they became his chief means of communication with Jane.

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FORSTER, John (1812-76), journalist, was literary critic for The Examiner. Arrogant, irascible, and overbearing, he was also an intermittent friend. Thackeray was always grateful to him for bringing Dr. John Elliotson to his bedside during his severe illness of 1849. Forster's repeated private and public criticism of him and his writings, however, seemed unjust and inappropriate, and their series of reconciliations ended with the Garrick Club affair of 1858, when Forster sided with Dickens and Edmund Yates. HIGGINS, Matthew James (1810-68), journalist friend, met Thackeray when they were contributors to The New Monthly Magazine in 1845. His tale, "Jacob Omnium, M.P.. The Merchant Prince," prompted Thackeray's Bow Street ballad, "Jacob Omnium's Hoss." In 1850 Higgins offered Thackeray financial support: "If, says he, you are tired & want to lie fallow for a year come to me for the money" [Ray 2: 654-55]. Thackeray was grateful but did not accept the offer. Higgins later contributed three letters of "Paterfamilias to the Editor of 'The Cornhill Magazine'" for the May 1860, December 1860, and March 1861 issues. Thackeray dedicated Philip to Higgins, "in grateful remembrance of old friendship and kindness." HOUGHTON, Richard Monckton Milnes (1809-85), 1st Baron, was a friend from Cambridge days and a frequent host, both in London and at his estate, Fryston Hall, in Yorkshire. He contributed the poems, "Unspoken Dialogue" and "Stangers Yet!", to the February and April 1860 issues of the Cornhill, and a memorial tribute to the February 1864 issue of the magazine. KEMBLE, John Mitchell (1807-57), was a philologist and journalist. Thackeray's friendship with him began in 1829 at Cambridge, and continued after Thackeray's return from Weimar in 1831, and from Paris in 1837. Thackeray published several articles in The British and Foreign Review, of which Kemble was editor from 1835 until 1844. He greatly admired Kemble's sister, the actress, Fanny Kemble (1809-93), but was especially fond of another sister, the singer, Adelaide Kemble (18147-79). LEECH, John (1817-64), artist and Punch colleague, joined the magazine shortly after its founding, and was a major pictorial contributor. He was a friend from Charterhouse days. Thackeray wrote appreciatively about him in the December 1854 issue of The Quarterly Review and in the 21 June 1862 issue of The Times. 10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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LEIGH, Percival (1813-89), was a lasting Punch contributor from its early days. He was often allied with Leech, Doyle, and Thackeray during discussions at the weekly Punch dinners. He was noted for contributing "Ye Manners and Customs of ye Englyshe" and "Mr. Pips hys Diary," both illustrated by Richard Doyle. Leigh oversaw publication of The Newcomes during Thackeray's absence in Italy. LETTSOM, William Garrow (1804-87), diplomat, was a friend from Cambridge days who was associated with Thackeray on The Snob, and who was a fellow resident in Weimar. LEVER, Charles (1806-72), an Irish novelist, befriended Thackeray during Thackeray's tour to gather material for The Irish Sketch Book, which is dedicated to him. When Thackeray published "A Box of Novels" in the February 1844 issue of Fraser's Magazine, however, Lever took offense at Thackeray's even-tempered remarks about his fiction. He angrily responded to Thackeray's parody of his style, "Phil Fogarty," in "Punch's Prize Novelists," and caricatured Thackeray as Elias Howie in Roland Cashel, but became reconciled with him in the mid-1850s, and contributed a piece to the December 1860 Cornhill. MACLISE, Daniel (1806-70), a painter, had established his reputation with a series of eighty engraved portraits that appeared in Fraser's Magazine (1830-38), including "The Fraserians" of January 1835, that depicted Thackeray among his magazine colleagues. His friendly association with Thackeray continued for many years. MAGINN, William (1793-1842), was a journalist. After graduating from Trinity College, Dublin, he taught and then began to contribute to Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine and The Literary Gazette. Four years after receiving an LL. D. from Trinity, Dr. Maginn moved to London and achieved considerable success in his journalistic career as a learned, witty, and forceful writer. In 1830 he participated in the founding of Fraser's Magazine and became one of its leading writers. He significantly helped introduce Thackeray into the world of journalism, beginning in 1832, when they often associated. After Thackeray returned to London following the collapse of The Constitutional, he began his own contributions to Fraser's Magazine with the December 1837 issue, working closely with Maginn over the next few years. Maginn inspired the creation of Captain Shandon in Pendennis.

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MAHONY, Francis Sylvester (1804-66), "Father Prout," was a journalist. He had been a Catholic priest, but turned to periodical writing, notably "Reliques of Father Prout," which had appeared in Fraser's Magazine (1834-36), and in two volumes (1836) illustrated by Maclise, which had established his reputation for learning and wit. He lived in Paris after 1848, where Thackeray visited him. When Thackeray became editor of the Cornhill, Mahony contributed "Father Prout's Inaugurative Ode to the Author of 'Vanity Fair'" to the first issue. MARVY, Louis (1815-50), was a French etcher, whom Thackeray met in Paris during 1841, whose cheerful engagement in work and acceptance of extreme poverty prompted Thackeray's admiration. In 1848 political conditions forced him into exile in London, where Thackeray arranged for David Bogue to publish Marvy's volume, Sketches After English Landscape Painters, and took Marvy into his home during the winter of 1848-49. MITCHELL, John (1806-74), was a bookseller, publisher, librarian, and a theatrical and musical agent. He published Flore et Zephyr, and was London manager for Thackeray's first series of lectures in that city. PROCTER, Bryan Waller (1787-1874), was an attorney and poet who wrote under the name of "Barry Cornwall," and contributed many poems to The Literary Gazette. Thackeray dedicated Vanity Fair to him. His wife, the former Anne Skepper (1799-1888), was a prominent hostess for literary figures in London, from the Romantics to writers like Henry James, but in mid-century to Carlyle, Dickens, Milnes, Forster, and Thackeray, aitnong others. REED, William Bradford (1806-76), lawyer, politician, and author, was probably Thackeray's closest friend in Philadelphia and warm host. He wrote a memorial essay on Thackeray, Haud Immemor (1864). SMITH, George (1824-1901), was proprietor of Smith, Elder, and Company, who published The Kickleburys on the Rhine, Esmond, The English Humourists, and The Rose and the Ring before founding The Cornhill Magazine, making Thackeray its first editor, and having Thackeray publish exclusively with him thereafter. He generously bought Thackeray's copyrights from his daughters and served as their advisor. Later he established and published The Dictionary of National Biography.

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STANLEY, Lord and Lady [Edward Stanley (1802-69), 2nd Baron, and the former Henrietta Dillon-Lee (1808-96)]. Married in 1826, they lived on Grosvenor Crescent, London, and Alderley Park, Cheshire, and were warm hosts to Thackeray, especially Lady Stanley. STERUNG, Edward (1773-1847), a journalist on the staff of The Times since 1812, was a warm host to Thackeray and his wife, and helped Thackeray to become a book reviewer for The Times, 183840. TENNYSON, Alfred (1809-92), was an old Cambridge friend whom Thackeray later characterized as "a growler but a man of genius," who has "the cachet of a great man. His conversation is often delightful, . . . full of breadth, manliness, and humour: he reads all sorts of things, swallows them and digests them like a great poetical boa-constrictor as he is" (Ray 2: 26, 57). When Tennyson lived near London, intermittently between 1837 and 1853, before he moved to the Isle of Wight, he saw a good deal of Thackeray and other Cambridge friends. After becoming editor of the Cornhill, Thackeray wrote to Tennyson expressing passionate admiration for Idylls of the King, and requesting a poem for the magazine. Tennyson replied with "Tithonus," which appeared in the February 1860 issue. Soon after Thackeray's death, Tennyson and his wife went to London to express their sympathy to Thackeray's daughters. The connection with Anne, especially, actively persisted for years. TROLLOPE, Anthony (1815-82). Shortly after meeting him, and expressing admiration for his writings, Thackeray asked that he write a novel for the Cornhill. The result was Framley Parsonage, to which Thackeray gave the place of honor as the first work in the opening issue (January 1860), and which achieved great popularity. Thackeray became a good friend, and Trollope wrote a memorial article for him in the February 1864 issue of the Cornhill, and in 1879 published a book on him as part of the English Men of Letters series.

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SPEDDING, James (1808-81), was a friend from Cambridge days, extending into London as well. Having an independent income, he devoted himself to the study of Francis Bacon, producing with two fellow scholars a definitive edition of the Works in 14 volumes (1857-74), which include The Letters and The Life in 7 volumes by Spedding himself.

A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology

VENABLES, George Stovin (1810-88), was a fellow Charterhouse pupil who broke Thackeray's nose during a fist-fight in 1822, an event which apparently prompted Thackeray to chose the pseudonym of "Michaelangelo Titmarsh." Later he was a close friend who seems to have been the inspriration for George Warrington in Pendennis. He became a lawyer and journalist, regularly contributing articles to The Saturday Review, and an annual chronicle of the year's events to The Times.

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Adams, Henry Education, 351 Addison, Charles G., Damascus and Palmyra, 44 Addison, Joseph, 217, 223, 255, 287, 289, 307 Administrative Reform Assn., 293 Adolphus, John Leycester, 158 Ainsworth, William Harrison, 36, 47, 50, 75, 89, 144, 193 Crichton, 36 Jack Sheppard, 47 Ainsworth's Magazine, 72, 74, 83 Air lie, Lady (nee Henrietta Stanley), 235 Alexander, Miss, 148 Allen, John, 16, 50, 138, 356 Andersen, Hans Christian, 135 Anne I, 323, 337, 341 Anti-Corn-Law Circular, 361 Appleton, D., 238, 251-52, 254, 267, 278 Appleton, William Henry, 252, 265 Arabian Nights' Entertainments, 56, 333 Aretz, M., 55 Arthur, Mr., 10 Arthur, Mrs., 10-11 Ashburton, William Baring, 2nd Baron, 222, 248-49, 287, 356, 358 Ashburton, Lady (nee Harriet Montagu), 1st wife of 2nd Baron, 231,248,287,356, 358

Aston, Sir George, 155 Athenaeum, 56, 84, 233, 252, 354 Athenaeum Club, 200-01, 217, 233, 285 Aytoun, William Edmondstoune, 134-35, 213 Bakewell, Mrs., 117, 187 Ballard, Mr., 285 Bancroft, George, 251 Bancroft, Mrs. George, 265 Barnes, Thomas, 52 Barnum, Phineas Taylor, 254, 316 Barrow, John, The Exquisites, 49 Bathe, Sir William de, 332 Baxter, George, Sr., 255, 265, 351-52, 356 Baxter, George, Sr., family, 265-67, 295-96, 299, 314, 320-21, 327,341, 349, 351, 356 Baxter, Mrs. George, 255, 259, 263, 266, 274-75, 294, 296,301,308,311,324, 333, 343, 356 Baxter, Lucy, 261-62, 264, 269, 351-52, 356 Baxter, Sally, see Hampton, Mrs. Frank Baxter, Wyllys, 343, 356 Bayne, Mrs. William, 264 Beale, Thomas, 316 Beauvoir, Roger de, 193 Becher, Charles, 10 Becher, Henry, 302

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Index

Index

Becher, Capt. John, 3-4 Becher, Mrs. John (nee Anne Fleyeham), 3-4 Becher, John Harman, 3, 7 Becher, Mrs. John Harman (nee Harriet Cowper), 4, 7-8 Bedingfield, Richard, 90, 96, 110,357 Miser's Son, 90 "Recollections of Thackeray," 357 Beecher, Henry Ward, 297 Beethoven, Ludwig van Fidelio, 19 Schlacht bei Vittoria 19 Bell, George, 105 Bell, Robert, 165 Bellini, Vincenzo Pirata, 24 Bentley, Richard, 44, 64-65, 67-68, 74, 273 Bentley's Miscellany, 39, 74 Bernard, Charles de Pied d'argile, 52 Bevan, Samuel Sand and Canvas, 198 Bevan, William, 99-100 Bible, 30, 113, 219, 245-47, 250, 264 Blackwood, John, 289, 311, 313,321,328,357 Blackwood, Mrs. John, 311, 314,317,331, 334,357 Blackwood, Robert, 51, 134-35 Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 13, 51, 57, 337, 357, 365 Blanchard, Laman, 32, 83 Blechynden, Mrs. James (nee Sarah Redfield), 69-70 Blessington, Lady (nee Marguerite Power), 165, 167, 176, 183-84, 194, 198, 321

Bogue, David, 196, 198, 201, 366 Bolingbroke, Henry St. John, 1st Viscount, 217 Bolte, Miss, 126 Bowes, Andrew Robinson Stoney, 68, 358 Bowes, John Bowes, 32, 68, 357-58 Bowie, Henry, 311 Boyes, Benjamin, 12 Boyes, Mrs. Benjamin, 12 Boyes, John Frederick, 12, 346, 358 "A Memorial of Thackeray's School-Days," 358 Brackenridge, Henry, 261 Braddock, Gen. Edward, 322 Bradbury and Evans, 78, 92, 102, 104, 111, 134, 136, 158, 162, 168, 170, 177, 180, 183, 198, 212, 261, 267, 270, 272, 277-78, 281-82, 284, 286, 290, 297, 300-01, 309, 316, 318, 320-21, 331, 340, 358 Bradbury, Henry, 127 Bradbury, William, 170, 255, 358 British and Foreign Review, 44-46,49,51,364 British Museum, 260, 309 Brodie, Jessie, 62-63, 68 Bronte, Charlotte, 147-48, 152, 197, 206, 236-37, 243, 262, 358 Jane Eyre, 147-48, 152, 178, 197, 237, 262-63, 358 Villette, 262 Brookfield, Arthur, 272 Brookfield, Magdalen, 201 Brookfield, Rev. William Henry, 83, 137-38, 16972, 178, 182, 185-86, 188-

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Index Butler, Mrs. Edward ("G M," nee Harriet Cowper), 3-4, 7-8, 10, 29-30, 63, 87, 140, 148-49

Calcutta Star, 81 Campbell, W. R, 241 Cardwell, Edward, 318-19 Carlyle, Thomas, 39, 42, 47, 50-51, 64, 66, 92, 96, 12829, 157, 164, 199, 222, 232, 235, 334, 357, 36061, 366 Critical and Miscellaneous Essays, 47, 360 Frederick the Great, 334 French Revolution, 360 "Repeal of the Union," 157 Carlyle, Mrs. Thomas (nee Jane Welsh), 50, 64-66, 126, 129, 222, 226, 235, 361 Carmichael, Col. Charles, 63, 65,74,77, 119, 179,338, 341, 361 Carmichael, Mrs. Charles (nee Mary Graham), 9, 11, 43, 58,61,65,74, 119, 144, 179-80, 361 Carmichael, Charles Henry Edward, 74 Carmichael-Smyth, Maj. Henry, 4, 7-8, 10-12, 18, 20, 28, 31,38,40,61-62, 70, 8889, 119, 124, 148, 159, 162, 169-70, 175, 177, 182-83, 189, 195, 206, 237-38, 242-43, 266, 282, 285, 296, 315, 320-21, 334, 337-39, 345-46, 361 Carmichael-Smyth, Mrs. Henry (the former Mrs. Richmond Makepeace Thackeray), 34, 7-12, 18-20, 26-29, 32, 38, 40, 47-64, 69-70, 75,

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89, 196, 199, 201-02, 211, 228-29, 231-33, 242, 272, 358, 363 Brookfield, Mrs. W. H. (nee Jane Elton), 83, 121, 137, 142, 151, 157-58, 161-64, 168-69, 171-72, 175-76, 178-79, 182-83, 185-86, 188-89, 192-97, 199, 20103, 205-09, 211, 213, 21516, 218-19, 226, 228-29, 231-33, 247, 272-73, 358, 363 Broughton, Lord, see Hobhouse Brown, Dr. John, 185, 229-31, 234, 238-39, 241, 246, 263, 318, 320, 322, 32829, 348, 353, 359 "Thackeray," 359 Browning, Robert, 227-28, 275, 335, 359 Browning, Mrs. Robert (nee Elizabeth Barrett), 227-28, 276, 335, 359 Browning, Robert Barrett, 359 Bruce, Knight, 221 Buckstone, John Baldwin, 291 Bull, Ole, 300 Bullar, Dr. Joseph, 177 Bullar, Dr. William, 137, 209 Buller, Arthur, 22 Buller, Charles, Sr., 39, 160 Buller, Mrs. Charles, Sr. (nee Barbara Kirkpatrick), 39, 160, 175-77, 359 Buller, Charles, Jr., 22, 92, 160, 175, 177 Bulwer, Sir Henry, 177 Bulwer (see Lytton, Edward George Earle Lytton, 1st Earl) Burgoyne, Sir John, 336 "Our Volunteers," 336

371

Index

77-81, 83, 85-86, 88, 97, 100, 102, 106, 110, 11213, 115-18, 120, 124-26, 132-33, 140-42, 144, 14748, 151, 154, 157-59, 16164, 169-70, 175, 177, 182, 186, 189, 191, 195, 206, 212, 214, 217, 226-27, 232-33, 236-37, 240, 24243, 245-46, 250, 256, 25859, 265, 269, 271, 276-77, 279, 281-82, 288, 290-92, 302,308,311-13,315, 317, 320-21, 324-25, 328, 334, 337, 339, 345, 350, 357, 361 Castlereagh see Londonderry Catholic Relief Bill, 13 Cattermole, George, 30, 50 Cervantes, Miguel de Don Quixote, 130, 271, 330 Chapin, Rev., 296 Chapman and Hall, 56-59, 63, 72-73, 76, 80-81, 84, 86, 88, 91-92, 97, 100-01, 103, 105, 119, 128, 133, 150, 171, 177, 197, 209, 315,319,321,340 Chapman, Edward, 111, 118, 142, 149-50, 162, 171, 173, 197, 208, 361 Charles II, 293 Charterhouse School, 4, 12-13, 139, 176, 200, 289, 292, 364 Chester, Mr. 349 Chorley, Henry, 56 Christie, Alexander, 207 Clarence, William Henry, Duke of (afterwards William IV), 155 Clough, Arthur Hugh, 174, 192, 249 Bothie, 174

Cobden, Richard, 89 Colburn, Henry, 108, 135 Cole, Sir Henry, 57 Cole, Charles, 70 Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 13 Collier, John Payne, 30 Comic Almanack, 42, 187 Compton, Maj., 150 Congreve, William, 223 Constitutional, 31, 38-40 Cornhill Magazine, 330-337, 339-40, 342, 344, 348, 359, 361-62, 364-67 Corn Laws, Repeal of, 124 Cortona, Pietro da, 180 Coulon, M., 15 Courvoisier, Francois Benjamin, 55 Cousin, Victor Philosophie, 23 Cozzens, Frederick, 299, 315, 322-23 Craigie, Eliza, 310, 328 Crampton, Sir John, 260-61, 274, 303 Crowe, Amy, see Thackeray, Mrs. Edward Crowe, Eugenie, see Wynne, Mrs. Robert Crowe, Eyre Evans, Sr., 29, 93, 361 Crowe, Mrs. Eyre Evans, Sr. (nee Margaret Archer), 361 Crowe, Eyre Evans, Jr., 160, 238, 244-46, 249-52, 256, 258-59, 263, 305, 362 Thackeray's Haunts and Homes, 362 With Thackeray in America, 362 Cruikshank, George, 13, 42-43, 53, 57, 71-72, 74, 89, 11012, 114-17, 362 Comic Almanack, 42-43, 362

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Omnibus, 72, 362 Table-Book, 92, 362 Cullum, Rev. Sir Thomas, 168, 170 Cullum, Lady (wife of Rev. Sir Thomas Cullum), 168, 170, 210, 212 Cunningham, Hugh, 54, 62-63, 67-68, 362 Cunningham, Peter, 139, 245 "Chronicles," 139 Curtis, George, 322 "Thackeray in America," 267-68 Daily News, 131, 361 Darley, William, 128 David, Jacques Louis, 16 Davison, Sir Henry, 156, 337 Dejazet, Pauline, 163 Delane, John, 88, 274 Devonshire, William Cavendish, 6th Duke of, 157, 230 Devrient, Ludwig, 19 Dexter, Dr. William, 299 Dickens, Charles, 53-54, 56, 76, 79, 83, 89, 134-37, 143-44, 151-52, 183, 203, 211, 220, 222-23, 226, 233, 256, 283, 291, 321, 325-26, 329, 354, 362, 364, 366 American Notes, 79, 256-57 Battle of Life, 135 Bleak House, 263 Christmas Carol, 89 David Copperfield, 183,193, 220 Dom bey and Son, 137 "In Memoriam," 362 Master Humphrey's Clock, 53-54 Nicholas Nickleby, 135, 259

373

Pickwick Papers, 32, 135 Dickens, Mrs. Charles (nee Catherine Hogarth), 83, 283, 325 Dictionary of National Biography, 366 Didelot, Charles, 32 Dillon, John, 351 Dixon, William Hepworth, 319, 354 Donizetti, Gaetano Elisiri d'Amore, 66 Lucia da Lammermoor, 160 Doyle, Andrew, 85 Doyle, Richard, 93, 109, 135, 146-47, 152, 180-81, 184, 197, 200, 204 221, 270-73, 275-84, 286-89, 291-94, 365 Bird's Eye Views of Society, 362 Manners and Customs of the English, 184 Selections from the Rejected Cartoons, 152 Drury, Miss, 140-42, 144 Dumas, Alexandre, Comte de Monte-Cristo, 271 Othon I'Archer, 92 Vicomte de Bragelonne, 193 Dunlop family, 302 Duprez, Gilbert-Louis, 41 Duvernay, Marie-Louise, 27 Eastlake, Sir Charles, 214 Eastlake, Lady (nee Elizabeth Rigby), 178, 214-15 Edinburgh Review, 107,111, 150 Eliot, George (Mary Ann Evans Cross), 344 Adam Bede, 344 Elliot, Thomas Frederick, 199, 325, 341, 362-63

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Index

Index

Elliot, Mrs. Thomas Frederick (nee Jane Perry), 186, 190, 196, 199, 202, 228-30, 239, 253, 255, 260, 262, 268-69, 272, 293, 296, 298, 301-02, 304-05, 307, 310, 312-13, 341, 362-63 Elliotson, Dr. John, 195, 197, 211-12, 233,364 Elton, Arthur Hallam, 171, 189 Elton, Mrs. Arthur Hallam, (nee Rhoda Willis), 17071, 189 Elwin, Rev. Whitwell, 292, 294, 304,307,310-11,315, 344, 363 Emerson, Ralph Waldo, Essays, 304 English, Miss, 10 Esquirol, Jean, 62 Evans, Frederick Mullett, 127, 160, 183, 241, 291, 312, 358 Everett, Edward, 260 Examiner, 55, 64, 106, 112, 133, 157, 166, 199, 222, 224, 258, 357, 364 Fanshawe, Mrs. Charles, 267, 312 Fay, Leontine, 15 Felt, Willard L, 241, 251 Felt, Mrs. Willard L., 259 Fielding, Henry, 130, 156, 164, 176, 213 Amelia, 130, 164 Joseph Andrews, 164 Tom Jones, 166, 213 Fields, James T., 250-51, 253, 297, 363 Fillmore, Millard, 261 Finlay, Francis, 315 Fish, Hamilton, 261

FitzGerald, Edward, 16, 18, 20, 30, 33, 48, 55, 62, 71, 73, 75, 79-80, 83, 88-89, 110, 157, 172, 233, 239, 248, 272, 363 FitzGerald, Mrs. Edward Marlborough, 152 FitzGerald, John, 239 FitzGerald, Peter, 79 Fladgate, Frank, 297, 346 Fonblanque, Albany, 353 Foreign Quarterly Review, 7273, 75, 80-82, 86, 88, 101, 361 Forgues, Paul, 87, 287 Forster, John, 55-56, 72, 75, 81,84,89,92, 131, 133, 143-44, 156,, 166, 195, 199,203, 211, 222-24, 226,233,258,321,362, 364, 366 Life of Goldsmith, 156 Fraser, James, 22, 41, 54, 6265, 69, 71-73 Fraser's Magazine, 22, 28, 39, 50, 52, 58, 62, 68-70, 75, 82-83, 89-90, 92, 97, 165, 365-66 Froissart, Jean, 108 Galignani's Messenger, 41, 245 Garrick Club, 26, 30, 100, 185-86, 205, 218, 280, 295, 309 Garrick Club Affair, 325-26, 329-30, 364 Gay, John Beggar's Opera, 20 George III, 11, 194 George IV, 11, 18, 155 Georgia Historical Society, 304 Gibbon, Edward Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 294

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Gibbs, Thomas, 223 Gibson, Mrs. Thomas Milner (nee Susanna Cullum), 170 Gillray, James, 155 Giraldon, M., 91 Girardin, Mme. Delphine de Lettres Parisiennes, 88 Gleig, George Story of Waterloo, 142 Gluck, Christoph Willibald Orpheus, 41 Glynn, Henry, 284 Goethe, Frau August von (nee Ottilie von Pogwisch), 20, 227 Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 19, 220, 292, 294 Goldsmith, Oliver, 156 Gore, Cecilia [later Lady Thynne], 208 Gore, Mrs. Charles (nee Catherine Moody), 238, 338 Graham, Capt. Allan, 4, 9 Graham, Mrs. Alan (nee Harriet Becher), 4, 9, 11 Grant, James Paris and its People, 88 Great Exhibition of 1851, 21819, 225, 361 Green, Duff, 91 Grey, Lady Jane, 166 Grisi, Mme. Giulia, 27 Gye, Frederick, 204 Hallam, Henry, 178, 201, 213, 222, 303 Hallam, Henry Fitzmaurice, 195, 211,213 Halliday, Dr. 193 Halliday, Mrs. (nee Augusta Thackeray), 191, 193 Hamilton, James Douglas, 4th Duke of, 194-95

375

Hamilton, William Douglas, 11th Duke of, 194 Hampton, Frank, 305 Hampton, Mrs. Frank (nee Sarah Baxter), 255-56, 268-69, 275, 299, 301, 305, 308-09, 313, 341, 349, 351-52, 356 Hannay, James, 153, 188, 24748, 285, 294 KingDobbs, 188,285 Hardinge, Lady (nee Lady Emily Stewart), 330 Harper Brothers, 252-53, 258, 261, 267, 270, 301, 320 Harper, James, 253 Hatch, Mrs. Theresa, 331 Hawkins, Mr., 225 Haydn, Franz Joseph, 257, 266 Hayes, Catherine, 203-04 Hayter, William, 315 Hayward, Abraham, 150, 20001, 214, 222 Hazlitt, William, 13 Heath, Charles, 30 Herweg, Georg, Gedichte, 81 Hickson, William Edward, 74 Higgins, Matthew James, 222, 255, 364 Jacob Omnium, M. P., 364 Hobhouse, John Cam [Lord Broughton], 213, 236, 325 Hodder, George, 137, 295 Hogarth, William, 295 Holland, Sir Henry, 352 Holmes, Mary, 236-38, 241, 243 Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 256 Hood, Thomas, 336 Memorials, 339 "To Goldenhair," 336 Hooper, Henry, 57

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Index

Horace [Quintus Horatius Flaccus], Ars Poetica, 247 Horneck, Catherine and Mary, 156 Houghton, Lord, see Milnes Howard, H. R., 233 Hughes, Miss, 282 Hugo, Victor Notre Dame de Paris, 23 Rhine, 73 Hume, James, 24, 81 Hunt, Leigh, 151-52, 223 A Jar of Honey, 151 Illustrated London News, 362 Illustrated News [New York] 254 Irving, Washington, 261, 299 James, Henry, Sr., 250 James, Henry, Jr., 366 James, Mrs. William Milbourne (nee Maria Otter), 211 Jameson, Mrs. Robert (nee Anna Murphy), 225 Janin, Jules, 192 Jeaffreson, John Cordy, 354 Jerdan, William, 32, 84 Jerrold, Douglas, 32, 92, 138, 144, 206-07, 211, 241, 318-19 Men of Character, 44 Johnson, Esther ("Stella"), 222 Jones, John Paul, 354 Kane, Elisha, 296 Keane, David Deady, 82 Keepsake, 167, 198, 213, 242, 252, 275 Kemble, Frances Ann, 16, 22122, 364 Kemble, John Mitchell, 16, 33, 35,46,48-49, 51, 364

Kempis, Thomas a Imitation of Christ (attrib.), 197 Kennedy, Patrick, 293 Kenyon, John, 181 Kerrich, John, 48 Kinglake, Alexander, 222 Kinglake, Sophia, 182 Kingsley, Charles, 329 Kossuth, Louis, 234 Lamb, Charles, 13 Landells, Ebenezer, 78, 81 Landor, Walter Savage Andrea of Hungary, 48 Giovanna of Naples, 48 Landseer, Sir Edwin, 325 Langley, Samuel, 325 Lardner, Dr. Dionysius, 53 Laurence, Samuel, 249, 259, 265, 274, 350, 363 Lawrence, Abbott, 241 Lawrence, Amos, 257 Leader, 252 Leech, John, 80, 98, 113, 133, 152, 187, 290, 363-65 Leigh, Percival, 82-83, 127, 278-80, 365 "Mr. Pips hys Diary," 365 "Ye Manners and Customs of ye Englishe," 365 Leitch, William, 310 Lemon, Mark, 78, 80, 138, 15253, 174, 184, 205, 241 Lempriere, John Bibliotheca Classica, 171 Leslie, Charles, 339 Lettsom, William Garrow, 18, 365 Lever, Charles, 76 79, 84, 136, 173-74, 340 Day's Ride, 340 Roland Cashel, 173-74,365 Lewes, George Henry, 153, 292

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Goethe, 292, 294 Lewis, Capt. Daniel, 120 Lewis, Mr. 319 Lewis, John Frederick, 30, 103 Lilo, George George Barnwell, 136, 204 Lincoln, Abraham, 340 Lind, Jenny, 160 Literary Gazette, 13, 32, 84, 365-66 Locke, Mrs. Joseph (nee Phoebe McCreery), 225 Londonderry, Frederick Stewart, 4th Marquess of, 175 Londonderry, Lady (nee Lady Elizabeth Powerscourt), wife of 4th Marquess, 175, 186, 198 Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth, 257, 300, 302, 335 Longman, Thomas, 56,107 Louis XV, 107 Louis Napoleon [Napoleon III], 177, 194, 234-35 Louis Philippe, 73, 76, 153-54 Low, Andrew, 263, 305 Lowell, James Russell, 249 Lowell, Mrs. James Russell (nee Maria White), 249 Lubbock, Forster, and Co., 22, 100 Lucas, Samuel, 331 Luscombe, Bishop Michael, 3233 Lytton, Edward George Earle, Lytton, 1st Earl, 47, 50, 53, 136, 144, 177, 188, 222, 226, 233, 267, 354 Caxtons, 269 Eugene Aram, 21 Pelham, 23 Sea Captain, 47

377

Macaulay, Kenneth, 185 Macaulay, Thomas Babington, 1st Baron, 194, 222, 240, 303 History of England, 240, 303 Lays of Ancient Rome, 194 Maceroni, Col. Francis, 39 Maclise, Daniel, 29-30, 89, 325, 365-66 Macready, William Charles, 71, 80, 142, 162,211,217, 219,311,319,323 Macrone, John, 36, 39, 54-55 Maginn, William, 21-22, 24, 39, 77, 346, 365 Mahony, Francis Sylvester ("Father Prout"), 366 "Father Prout's Inaugurative Ode to the Author of 'Vanity Fair,1" 366 "Reliques of Father Prout," 366 Manisty, Henry, 344 Marlborough, John Churchill, 1st Duke of, 171 Mars, Mile. (Anne Frangoise Hippolyte Boutet), 15 Martin, Theodore, 17 Marvy, Louis, 173, 196, 202, 209, 366 Sketches After English Landscape Painters, 173, 196, 202, 209, 211,366 Mary, Queen of Scots, 312 Masson, David, 220 Mathews, Charles, 60 Meadows, Kenny, Heads of the People, 46, 5253 Mercantile Library Assn., 241, 251,285,297,303,308 Meyerbeer, Giacomo Huguenots, 188 Prophete, 207

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Index

Index

Millais, John Everett, 336 Milman, Henry Hart [Dean of St. Paul's], 201, 222 Milnes, Richard Monckton [Lord Houghton], 55, 68, 92, 177, 191, 336, 352, 366 "Historical Contrast," 364 "Strangers Yet," 364 "Unspoken Dialogue," 336, 364 Milnes, Robert Pemberton, 68 Mitchell, John, 16, 32, 222, 366 Moffatt, Mr., 225 Molesworth, Lady (nee Andalusia Grant), 255, 332 Monstrelet, Enguerrand de, 108 Morier, James Justinian, 148 HajjiBaba, 148 Morning Advertiser, 41 Morning Chronicle, 29-30, 85, 93,97, 117, 119-20, 12425, 130-31, 135, 153, 157, 173, 175, 199, 202, 204, 361, 366 Morning Post, 69 Morton, Saville, 55, 75 Mothe-Langon, Baron de la L'Empire, 90 Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus, 41, 266 Mudie's Library, 250, 294 Murray, John, 142, 178, 225 Napier, Gen. Sir Charles, 194 Napier, Lt.-Gen. Sir George, 194 Napier, Macvey, 111, 114, 116 Napoleon I [Bonaparte], 8, 12, 46, 48, 61-63 National Standard, 24, 26-28, 81

"Nazarines," 71 Neate, Charles, 318 Newman, Francis, 192 Soul, 192 Newman, John Henry, Cardinal, 192, 277 New Monthly Magazine, 187, 364 New-York Daily Tribune, 250 Nickisson, George, 69-70, 82, 92, 99, 131, 139 Norfolk, Charles Howard, 11th Duke of, 155 North British Review, 220 Norton, Hon. Mrs, Caroline, 135, 150 O'Connell, Daniel, 88, 93 O'Donnel, Arnout, 84 Ogilvy, Lady (nee Lady Jane Howard), 317 Once a Week, 331 Orsay, Alfred Guillaume, Count df, 146, 160, 183-84, 194, 321 Oxford, Robert Harley, 1st Earl, 217 Palmerston, Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount, 217, 234-35, 293, 324 Pappenheim, Jenny von, 19 Parker, Rev. Theodore, 257 Patmore, Coventry, 131 Pattle, Virginia, 157 Paul, M., 15 "Pauline, Mile." [a grisette], 18 Pauline [a servant], 87 Paxton, Joseph 230 Payne [a servant], 161 Pearman, Charles, 268, 29596, 300, 308, 324 Peel, Sir Robert, 130, 176 Perrault, Charles

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Index Putnam's Monthly Magazine, 267 Puzin, Dr., 72-73, 86 Quarterly Review, 178,290, 294, 363

Radcliffe, Alfred, 311 Raglan, FitzRoy Somerset, 1st Baron, 121 Raphael [Rafaello Santi], 171 Rawlinson, Sir Henry, 222 Reed, Thomas, 319 Reed, William Bradford, 318, 342, 366 Haudlmmemor, 366 Reform Bill, 22 Reform Club, 51, 56, 93, 99, 169 Rellstab, Heinrich Paris im Fruhjahr, 88 Republic, 91 Revue des Deux Mondes, 87, 287 Reynolds, John Hamilton, 50 Richardson, Samuel Sir Charles Grandison, 233 Ritchie, John, 4, 10 Ritchie, Mrs. John (nee Charlotte Thackeray), 4, 10, 33, 59, 70, 88, 193 Ritchie, William, 30, 312 Rittner et Goupil, 32 Roberts, David, 173, 279 Robespierre, Maximilien de, 207 Robinson, William Duer, 30809, 322-23, 330, 339 Rodd, Lady (nee Jane Rennell), 195 Rogers, Samuel, 199 Ronsard, Pierre de "Quand vous serez bien vieille," 256

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Bluebeard, 204 Perry, Kate, 157, 186, 190, 202, 228-31, 239, 253, 260, 262, 268-69, 272, 293, 296, 298, 304-05, 310, 312-13, 341, 362-63 Phillips, Samuel, 258 Pierce, Franklin, 261 Pitt, William [Lord Chatham], 330 Polk, James K., 106 Pollen, John Hungerford, 277 Pollnitz, Baron Karl von Memoires, 283 Pollock, Sir Jonathan, 236, 255, 332 Pollock, Lady (nee Sarah Langslow), 198, 236, 249, 327 Pope, Alexander, 217 Power, Ellen, 184, 194 Power, Marguerite, 184, 194, 213, 242,275,321 Prescott, William Hickling, 251, 302-03 Procter, Adelaide, 190, 346 Procter, Bryan Waller, 55-56, 161-62, 167, 190, 271, 366 Procter, Mrs. Bryan Waller (nee Anne Skepper), 48, 55, 63, 65-67, 83, 160-62, 167, 190, 195-96, 206, 222-23, 256, 277-78, 282, 285, 288, 291, 295, 30001, 306, 366 Punch, 68, 75, 78, 89, 92, 97, 102-03, 119, 126, 130, 137-39, 159, 173, 175, 179, 184-86, 191, 198, 206-07, 211, 220, 233-35, 241, 252, 271-72, 278, 282, 290-91, 358, 364-65 Purcell, Peter, 76, 90, 120 Putnam, George, 253

379

Index

Rossini, Gioacchino Stabat Mater, 73 Rowland, S. N., 293 Royal Academy, 214, 240, 32425 Royal literary Fund, 158, 18586, 220-21, 241, 318, 32425, 332, 343 Royal Theatrical Fund, 324 Rubens, Peter Paul, 171 Rubini, Giovanni Batista, 41 Ruskin, John, 340 Russell, Francis, 309 Russell, John, 1st Earl, 217, 225, 238 Russell, Lady (nee Lady Frances Elliot), 238 Russell, William Howard, 293, 342 Sala, George Augustus, 295 Hogarth, 295 Sampayo, Mr., 159 Sandwich, Lady (nee Lady Mary Paget), 235 Sartoris, Mrs. Edward (nee Adelaide Kemble), 203, 211,276,364 Saturday Review, 368 Schiller, Friedrich von 19 Rauber, 19 Schroder-Devrient, Wilhelmine, 19 Scott, Rev. Alexander, 245 Scott, Sir Walter, 13, 353 Scott, Gen. Winfield, 260 Seymour, Robert, 32 Shakespear, Richmond, 9-10 Shakespeare, William, 211, 218, 280,352,354 Hamlet, 19, 211 Henry IV, 19, 130 Henry VIII, 162

King Lear, 142 Merchant of Venice, 19 Midsummer Night's Dream, 114 Romeo and Juliet, 16 Taming of the Shrew, 114 Shawe, Arthur, 143, 148, 186 Shawe, Jane, 59, 125 Shawe, Mary, 78 Shawe, Lt. Col. Matthew, 9 Shawe, Mrs. Matthew (nee Isabella Creagh), 9, 31, 33, 59,61 Shawe, Lt. Col. Merrick, 39, 78 Sheridan, Richard Brinsley Rivals, 161 Sleap, Thomas, 282 Smith, Albert, 264 Smith, Elder, 147, 152, 171, 212, 214-15, 242, 249, 255, 259-60, 265, 267, 269, 289, 320, 330-31, 350, 366 Smith, George, 197, 206, 208, 225, 235-36, 240, 242-43, 245, 247, 249, 252, 25455, 258, 264, 266-67, 28586, 289-90,295,316,329, 331, 333-36, 337-38, 340, 342-45, 347-50, 353-54, 366 Smith, Horace, 130 Poetical Works, 130 Smith, Misses (daughters of Horace Smith), 168 Somerset, Lord Fitzroy, see Raglan Sontag, Gertrude [Countess de Rossi], 250, 254, 284 Spectator, 50, 223, 252 Spedding, James, 16, 30, 199, 367 Bacon, 367 Spiegel, Hof Marshall von, 18

10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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380

Spiegel, Melanievon, 19 Standard, 21, 24 Stanley, Edward John, 2nd Baron, 225, 255, 325, 367 Stanley, Lady (nee Henrietta Dillon-Lee), 231, 234-35, 246, 323, 327, 367 Steele, Richard, 217, 223, 289 Sterling, Edward, 39, 367 Sterne, Laurence, 223, 268 Journal to Eliza, 223 Stevens, Augustus, 86 Stirling, William, 239 Stirling-Maxwell, Sir William, 239 Stone, Frank, 29 Stoney-Bowes, George, 68 Story, Edith, 277 Story, William Wetmore, 277, 298 Story, Mrs. William Wetmore, (nee Emelyn Eldredge), 276-77 Stowe, Harriet Beecher, 266-67 Strickland, Agnes and Elizabeth, 316 Lives of the Queens of England, 316 Strong, Elizabeth ("Libby"), 269, 283-84, 341, 356 Sue, Eugene Afysteres de Paris, 80, 91 Sumner, John [Archbishop of Canterbury], 219 Surtees, Robert Smith, 187 Jorrocks 'Jaunts, 187 Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour, 187 Swain, Joseph, 286 Swift, Jonathan, 217, 222 Swinburne, Algernon, 352 Sykes, Godfrey, 361 Synge, William Webb, 325

381

Tablet, 84 Tacitus, Cornelius, 271 Taglioni, Marie, 15 Talfourd, Lady (nee Rachel Rutt), 255 Talleyrand-Perigord, Charles Maurice de, 97, 105-06 Tamburini, Antonio, 73 Taprell, William, 20-21 Tatler, 215 Tauchnitz, Bernhard, 170-71, 190-91, 231, 233, 267, 309 Taylor, Bayard, 302, 318 Taylor, Tom, 143 Tennent, James Emerson, 99, 130 Tennyson, Alfred, 1st Baron, 16,30,75, 151, 199,212, 218, 233, 236, 318, 333, 335-36, 354, 367 "Idylls," 333, 367 "Princess," 151, 333 "Tithonus," 336, 367 Tennyson, Lady (nee Emily Sellwood), 236, 367 Tennyson, Frederick, 110 Thackeray, Anne Isabella, 38, 55, 59-61, 63, 65-66, 73, 81, 88-89,96, 110, 118, 124-26, 132-33, 140, 142, 152, 164, 167, 170, 183, 186-87, 189, 192, 195, 207, 209, 214-15, 226-27, 229-30, 232, 234-35, 23740, 242-49, 252, 255, 257, 259, 263, 265-72, 274-76, 278-82, 285, 287, 293, 295-300, 303-04, 306, 310-12, 317, 320, 324-29, 332-34, 337-39, 345, 34748, 352-53, 357, 359, 361, 363, 366-67 "Little Scholars," 337 Thackeray, Edward, 351

10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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Index

Index

Thackeray, Mrs. Edward (nee Amy Crowe), 287, 348, 351,362 Thackeray, Elias, 3, 79 Thackeray, Dr. Frederick, 181 Thackeray, Harriet Marian, 5455, 59-61, 63, 65-67, 73, 81, 88-89,96, 110, 12426, 132-33, 140, 152, 164, 167, 170, 183, 186-87, 189, 195, 207, 209, 21415, 226-27, 229-30, 232, 234-35, 237- 40, 242-49, 252, 255, 257-59, 263, 265-66, 268-72, 275-76, 278-82, 287, 293, 295300, 303-04, 306, 310-12, 317,320,324-26, 328, 332-34, 337-39, 345, 34748, 352-53, 357, 359, 361, 366-67 Thackeray, Jane, 42, 44, 54, 140, 263, 352, 354 Thackeray, Martin, 51 Thackeray, Richmond Makepeace, 3-4, 7-9, 69 Thackeray, Mrs. Richmond Makepeace (nee Anne Becher), 4, 7-8 Thackeray, Thomas, 3, 7 Thackeray, Mrs. Thomas (nee Ann Woodward), 3, 7 Thackeray, William Makepeace (grandfather), 3, 7, 188 Thackeray, Mrs. William Makepeace (nee Amelia Richmond Webb), 3, 7 Thackeray, William Makepeace works "A Bid for the New Austrian Loan," 229

"A Bow-Street Ballad; By a Gentleman of the Force," 174 "A Box of Novels," 90-91, 93, 365 "A Brighton Night Entertainment," 116 "A Brother of the Press on the History of a Literary Man," 120, 357 "A. Bunn," 25 "A Case of Conscience," 216 "A Case of Ingratitude," 228 "A Case of Real Distress," 98 "A Challenge from Bell's Life," 228 "A Chance Lost," 99 "A Delicate Case," 217 "A Dilemma," 160 "A Disputed Genealogy," 141 "A Doe in the City," 116 "A Dream of the Future," 156 "A Dream of Whitefriars," 210 "A Grumble About The Christmas Books," 134 "A Hint for Moses," 98 "A House at the West End," 113 "A Leaf out of a Sketch-Book," 346 "A Legend of the Rhine," 92, 110-12, 114-17, 309 "A Letter from 'Jeames of Buckley Square,'" 113 "A Little Dinner at Timmins's," 159-64, 30910 "A Lucky Speculator," 113 "A Mississippi Bubble," 306, 346 "A New Naval Drama," 125 "A New Spirit of the Age," 94 "A Nut for the Paris Charivari," 98

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382

"A Painter's Wish," 107 "A Pictorial Rhapsody," 54-55 "A Plan for a Prize Novel," 216 "A Police Case," 216 "A Prospect of Hampton Court," 207 "A Rare New Ballad of Malbrook," 96 "A Retired Neighbourhood," 210 "A Roundabout Journey," 340 "A Scene in St. James's Park," 132 "A Seasonable Word on Railways," 115 "A Second Lecture on the Fine Arts," 45 "A Second Letter to an Eminent Personage," 286 "A Shabby Genteel Story," 54, 57-58,60,62,251,301, 318, 350 "A Side-Box Talk," 173 "A Simile," 165 "A Statement of Fax Relative to the Late Murder," 14 "A Strange Man Just Discovered in Germany," 218 "A Tea-Table Tragedy," 127 "A Translation of the First Ode of Anacreon," 13 "A Turkish Letter," 84 "A Woeful New Ballad of the Protestant Conspiracy to take the Pope's Life," 217 "A Word on the Annuals," 39 "About a Christmas Book," 118 "Academy Exhibition," 96 "Address." (The National Standard), 24, 28 "Advertisement," 14

383

"Alexis Soyer, The Gastronomic Regenerator," 125 "An After-Dinner Conversation," 157 "An Eastern Adventure of the Fat Contributor," 133 "An Eligible Investment," 95 "An Exhibition Gossip," 74 "An Ingleez Family," 230 "An Interesting Event," 167, 198 "Angleterre. Par Alfred Michiels," 98 "Annexation," 228 "'Appeal to Rome!'" I l l "Arabella; or, The Moral of 'The Partie Fine,'" 96 "Authors' Miseries," 165-68, 172, 174, 176 "Author's Preface" (Appleton), 254, 267, 278 "Autour de mon Chapeau," 352 "Ballads," 248, 291, 297, 301, 363 "Bar Touting," 114 "Barber Cox and the Cutting of his Comb," 49, 187,298, 362 "Barmecide Banquets," 116 "Beat It If You Can," 232 "BeulahSpa," 115 "Biographical and Literary Riddles," 94 "Black Monday," 125 "Bluebeard's Ghost," 87 "Bob Robinson's First Love," 112 "Bow Street Ballads," 176, 364 "Brighton," 115 "Brighton in 1847," 147-48 "British Honour," 111

10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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Index

Index

"[Bulwer-Lytton's] The New Timon," 122 "[Burton's] Life and Correspondence of David Hume," 121 "Capers and Anchovies," 204 "Captain Rook and Mr. Pigeon," 45-46 "Carus's Travels in England," 121 "Catherine: A Story," 45, 47, 49-52, 204, 301 "Caution to Tradesmen," 147 "Charity and Humour," 259, 266, 291-92, 299, 301, 306, 308, 319 "Chartist Meeting," 155 "Child's Parties: and a Remonstrance Concerning Them," 178 "Christmas Books," 118-19, 315 "City of the Czar," 43 "Clerical Joke," 216 Comic Tales and Sketches, 52, 62, 67, 362 " Coningsby; or, the New Generation" [Morning Chronicle], 96 " Coningsby; or the New Generation" [Pictorial Times], 96 "Contract for Muffins," 215 " [Cooper's] Ravensnest; or the Red Skins," 128 "Count Valerian Krasinski's History of the Reformation," 43 "County Court Poetry," 232 "Cruikshank's Gallery," 352, 362 "Daddy, I'm Hungry," 84

"Damages, Two Hundred Pounds," 208 "Dangerous Passage," 115 "Dashes at Life with a Free Pencil," 111-12, 115 "Death and Dying in France," 86-87 "Death of the Earl of Robinson," 176 "Dedication" (TheGownsman), 18 "De Finibus," 351 "De Juventute," 340 "Delightful Novelty," 109 "Denis Duval" 352-54 "Dessein's," 18, 351 " Diary and Letters of Madame d'Arblay," 130 "Diary of C. Jeames de la Pluche, Esq.," 301 "Dickens in France," 73 "Dimond Cut Dimond," 40 "Disgusting Violation of the Rights of Property," 107 "Dog Annexation," 107 "Domestic Scenes—Served with a Writ," 210 "Drama. Covent Garden," 25 "Drama. King's Theatre," 24 "Drama. Plays and Play-Bills," 28 Dr. Birch, 171, 175, 177, 315, 361 "Duchess of Marlborough's Private Correspondence," 40 Dunlop family, 299, 302 " Egypt Under Mehemet Ali. By Prince Puckler Muskau," 106 "Emigration to America," 168 "England," 31 "England in 1869," 179

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384

"Epistles to the Literati," 4951,360 "Eros and Anteros," 40 "Erratum," 108 "Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Colours," 95 "Extract from the Letter of a Gentleman," 197 "Extract of a Letter on the Late Crisis," 119 "Fashionable Removals," 100 "Fashnable Fax and Polite Annygoats," 39 "Father Gahagan's Exhortation," 28 "Father Mathew's Debts," 109 "Festivities at the Middle Temple," 221 "Fielding's Works," 58, 176 "Fitz-Boodle's Confessions," 19, 74-75, 79-83, 85, 8788, 316, 318 "Fitz-Boodle's Professions," 76 Flore et Zephyr, 32, 222, 358, 366 "For the Court Circular," 107 "Foreign Correspondence," 2526 "Foring Parts," 41 "Four Equerries and Three Chaplains," 208 "Four German Ditties," 42 "Fragments from the History of Cashmere," 212 "Fraser's Winter Journey to Persia," 43 "French Romancers on England," 87 "French Sympathisers," 157 "From a Private Correspondent," 33 "From Anacreon," 16

385

"From Our Own Correspondent," 33-38 "From the Diario Oltramano," 216 "From The Own Correspondent of the Moniteur des Boulevards," 217 "Gems from Jenkins," 95 "Genteel Christianity," 107 "George Cruikshank," 53-54, 57, 362 "George Herwegh's Poems," 8182 "German Songs," 31 "Gisquet's Memoirs," 64, 66 "Going to See A Man Hanged," 55,57 "Grant in Paris," 89 "Great News! Wonderful News!" 95 "Greenwich—Whitebait," 98 "Gross Insult to the Court," 108 "Half-a-Crown's Worth of Cheap Knowledge," 40 "Half an Hour Before Dinner," 128 "Haydon's Lectures on Painting and Design," 124 "Hemigration made Heasy," 167 "Her Majesty's Bal Poudre," 110 "Heroic Sacrifice," 154 "Historic Fancies. By the Hon. George Sidney Smythe, M. P.," 99 "Historical Parallel," 107 "Historical Recollections by Major Gahagan," 41 "Hobson's Choice," 199-200 "Horae Catnachianae," 45

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Index

Index

"Horrid Tragedy in Private Life!" 138 "Humours of the House of Commons," 108 "Hurrah for Austria!" 217 "If Not: Why Not?" 218 "II etait un Roi d'Yvetot," 28 Illustration to "A Perilous Precedent," 131 Illustration to "A Song for Sibthorp," 145 Illustration to "A Trumpet with a Cold," 276 Illustration to "Admiralty v. Assistant-Surgeons," 205 Illustration to "Assumption of Aristocracy," 84 Illustration to "Debate on the Navy," 110 Illustration to "English Tendencies," 141 Illustration to "Fagots for Freemasons," 233 Illustration to "Generosity to Poor Soldiers," 208 Illustration to "Good News for Anglers," 132 Illustration to "Manners and Customs," 273 Illustration to "Matrimonial Dictionary" 130 Illustration to "Music in Ebony," 134 Illustration to "Naval Operations," 121 Illustration to "NewGrand Junction Line," 136 Illustration to "Odalisques in the West," 224 Illustration to "Pantomimic Distress," 178

Illustration to "Peter the Putter-Down Preacheth a Newe Crusade," 141 Illustration to "Petty Bribery and Corruption," 145 Illustration to "Piratical Expeditions," 136 Illustration to "Police Regulations for the Publication of Punch's Almanack," 213 Illustration to "Punch's Sermons to Tradesmen," 215 Illustration to "Recollections of the Opera" 88 Illustration to "Revolution at Munich.—Beauty's Bulldog," 140 Illustration to "Sale of Miscellaneous Furniture," 85 Illustration to "Signs Made Symbols," 273 Illustration to "Tales for the Marines," 132 Illustration to "The Age of Compliments," 272 Illustration ("Give Us Our Daily Bread") to The AntiCorn Law Circular, 56, 361 Illustration to "The AstleyNapoleon Museum," 83 Illustration to "The Bachelors' League," 203 Illustration to "The Brummagem French Emperor," 161 Illustration to "The Cabinet and Colonel Sibthorp," 81 Illustration to "The Court Apollo," 132 Illustration to "The Finsbury Letters," 145

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386

Illustration to "The Gomersal Museum," 112 Illustration to "The Guards and The Line," 197 Illustration to "The House of Shakspeare and The House of Coburg," 145 Illustration to "The Least Said, the Soonest Mended,'" 140 Illustration to "The Lowly Bard to His Lady Love," 113 Illustration to "The Model Mother," 164 Illustration to "The New House of Commons," 200 Illustration to "The Original Agapemone in Danger," 219 Illustration to "The Thames Derby," 143 Illustration to "The Two Incapables," 119 Illustration to "The Value of Health at Liverpool," 136 Illustration to "To Persons in Want of a Brougham," 83 Illustration to "Treatment of Pictures in the National Gallery," 132 Illustration to "White-bait Dinner to Sir Robert Peel," 127 Illustration to "Young Israel to Punch," 147 "Illustrations of the Rent Laws," 45, 48 Illustrations to Addison, Damascus and Palmyra, 44 Illustrations to Barrow, King Glumpus, 39 Illustrations to Barrow, The Exquisites, 49 Illustrations to Jerrold, Men of Character, 44

387

Illustrations to "Punch's Condensed Magazine," 89 Illustrations to "The Flying Duke," 88 Illustrations to "Union is Strength," 138 "Immense Opportunity," 111 "Important from the Seat of War!" 282-85 "Important Promotions! Merit Rewarded!" 90 "Interesting Meeting," 98 "Interesting Relic at Rosenau," 114 "Ireland. By J. Venedey," 94 "Irish Gems. From the 'Benighted Irishman,'" 157 "Irish Melody," 13 "Irish Razors," 98 "'Is There Anything in the Paper?'" 168 "Jeames of Buckley Square," 113 "Jeames on the Gauge Question," 123 "Jeames on Time Bargings," 117 "Jeames's Diary," 117-20 "Jenny Wren's Remonstrance," 100 "Jerome Paturot," 87 "John Bull Beaten," 217 "John Jones's Remonstrance About the Buckingham Business," 118 "Kitchen Melodies.—Curry," 132 "Krasinski's Sketch of the Reformation.—Vol. II," 52 "La verite sur les Cent Jours," 31

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Index

Index

"Lady L.'s Journal of a Visit to Foreign Courts," 91 "[Lane's] Life at the Water Cure," 128 "Latest from America," 96 "Latest from Mexico," 148 "Latest from the Continent," 165 "Le Due de Normandie," 44 "Leaves from the Lives of the Lords of Literature," 91 "Les Premieres Armes de Montpensier," 95 "Letter from D. J. Ramsbottom," 16 "Letters from a Club ArmChair," 103, 108-10, 114 "Letters from London, Paris, Pekin, Petersburgh, &c," 46-47 "Letters on the Fine Arts," 8182, 84-85 "Letters to a Nobleman Visiting Ireland," 165-66 "Lever's St. Patrick's Eve," 107 "Liberal Reward," 107 "Limerick Butter," 216 "Ones (Not Quite New)," 229 "Lines on a Late Hospicious Ewent," 205 "Literary Intelligence," 98 "Literary News," 108 "Literature at a Stand," 140 "Little Billee," 259 "Little Spitz," 71-72 "Little Travels and Road-Side Sketches," 95, 103, 105 "London Characters," 25 "Loose Sketches," 65-68 "Louis Philippe," 24 "Love in Fetters," 25 "Love Songs by the Fat Contributor," 140

"Love Songs of the Fat Contributor," 143 "Love Songs Made Easy," 139 "Lovel the Widower" 24, 33537, 340, 343 "Lucy's Birthday," 264, 275 "M. Gobemouche's Authentic Account of the Grand Exhibition," 220 "[Madden's] Ireland and its Rulers, since 1829," 94 "Major Gahagan's Historical Reminiscences," 43-44, 67, 298 "Manners and Society in St. Petersburg," 44 "May Day Ode," 218-19, 225 "May Difference of Opinion Never Alter Friendship!" 126 "May Gambols," 96 "Meditations on Solitude," 115 "Meditations over Brighton," 116 "Meeting on Kennington Common," 155 "Melancholy Musings," 210 "Memoirs of Holt, The Irish Rebel," 40 "Memorials of Gormandising," 67 "Men and Coats," 69 "Men's Wives," 81-83, 85, 8788,316,318 "Military Correspondence," 165 "Military Intelligence," 112 Miscellanies (Bradbury and Evans), 292, 297-98, 30001, 309,316,318,358 Miscellanies (Tauchnitz), 191, 309

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388

"Miss Malony and Father Luke," 117 "Miss Shum's Husband," 40 "Miss Tickletoby's Lectures on English History," 76-79 "Modern Songs," 16 "Moore's History of Ireland," 127 "Moorish Designs," 98 "Most Noble Festivities," 111 "Mount Sorel," 107 "Mr. Braham," 25 "Mr. Brown's Letters to a Young Man About Town," 181-82, 184-91, 254, 267 "Mr. Carlyle's Lectures," 42 "Mr. Deuceace at Paris," 42 "Mr. Finigan's Lament," 203 "Mr. Jeames Again," 124 "Mr. Jeames's Sentiments on the Cambridge Election," 140 "Mr. Leech's Sketches in Oil," 350, 364 "Mr. Macaulay's Essays," 82 "Mr. Molony on the Position of the Bar and Attorneys," 232 "Mr. Molony's Account of the Ball," 207 "Mr. Molony's Account of the Crystal Palace," 218 "Mr. Punch for Repeal," 153 "Mr. Punch on Church and State Education," 201 "Mr. Punch on the Fine Arts," 109 "Mr. Punch to an Eminent Personage," 286 "Mr. Punch's Address to the Great City of Castlebar," 213 "Mr. Punch's Appeal to an Eminent Appealer," 212

389

"Mr. Seesaw's Conduct in Parliament during the Late Debates," 206 "Mr. Smith and Moses," 156 "Mr. Smith's Reasons for Not Sending His Pictures to the Exhibition," 107 "Mr. Snob's Remonstrance with Mr. Smith," 159 "Mr. Spec's Remonstrance," 80 "Mr. Thackeray in the United States," 257 "Mr. Washington," 274 "Mr. Yellowplush's Ajew," 43 Mrs. Perkins's Ball, 129, 13335, 142, 148, 315, 361 "Mrs. Ramsbottom in Cambridge," 14 "Murder of Mr. Cockrobin," 195 "Murray or Mac Hale," 210 "N. M. Rothschild, Esq.," 25 "New Accounts of Paris," 88, 90 "New Portrait of H. R. H. Prince Albert," 109 "New Version of God Save the Queen," 114 "News from the Seat of War," 191 "Nil Nisi Bonum," 303, 336 "No Business of Ours," 218 "No Exhibition Rabble," 218 "No News from Paris," 216 Notes of a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo, 99, 101, 105, 118-19, 128, 321,361 "Notes on the North Whatd'ye-callem Election," 4950, 68-71

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Index

Index

"Ode to Sibthorpe, by the Poet Laureate," 108 "Ogres," 345 "Old England for Ever!" 155 "On a Chalk Mark on the Door," 342 "On a Hundred Years Hence," 344 "On a Joke I Once Heard From The Late Thomas Hood," 340 "On a Lazy Idle Boy," 336 "On a Medal of George the Fourth," 353 "On a Peal of Bells," 351 "On a Pear Tree," 351 "On Alexandrines," 352 "On Being Found Out," 343 "On Half a Loaf," 347 "On Lett's Diary," 10, 347 "On Men and Pictures," 68 "On Ribbons," 337 "On Screens in Dining-rooms," 338 "On Some Carp at Sans Souci," 352 "On Some Dinners at Paris," 181 "On Some Illustrated Children's Books," 122 "On Some Late Great Victories," 338 "On the French School of Painting," 47 "On the New Forward Movement," 159 "On Two Children in Black," 336 "On Two Roundabout Papers Which I Intended To Write," 345 "One 'Who can Administer to a Mind Diseased,'" 126 "Original Papers," 27-28

"Our Annual Execution," 44 "Our Batch of Novels for Christmas, 1837," 40 "Our Leader" (The National Standard), 27 Our Street, 149-51, 315, 361 "Oxford Public Oratory," 148 "Oysters in Your Own Basins," 114 "Palmer's Legs," 230 "Panorama of the Inglese," 230 "Paris Revisited," 180 "Parisian Caricatures," 45 "Peel at Toledo," 109 "PegofLimavaddy," 199 "Picture Gossip," 109 "Pictures of life and Character. By John Leech," 288-90, 364 "Polk's First Address," 107 "Pontifical News," 210 "PoorPuggy," 231 "Portraits from the Late Exhibition," 232 "Potage a la Cardinal," 216 Preface and short notices to Louis Marvy, Sketches After English Landscape Painters, 211 "Preparations for War," 109 "Professor Byles's Opinion of the Westminster Hall Exhibition," 145 "Promotion for Brougham," 120 "Proposals for a Continuation oflvanhoe," 126, 128 "Punch and the Influenza," 149 "Punch in the East," 105-06 "Punch to Daniel in Prison," 98 "Punch to the Public," 98 "Punch to the Queen of Spain," 146

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390

"Punch's Fine Art Exhibition," 98 "Punch's Prize Novelists," 140-43, 145-47, 301, 365 "Punch's Regency," 114 "Punch's Tribute to O'Connell," 117 "Railroad Speculators," 109 "Ranke's 'History of the Popes,'" 54, 56-57 "Reasons Why I Shall Not Send My Son, Gustavus Frederic, to Trinity College, Cambridge," 112 Rebecca and Rowena, 196-98, 226, 309, 361-62 "Religious Persecution," 216 [Reminiscences of Weimar and Goethe], 292, 294 "Revolution in France," 100 "Ronsard to His Mistress," 119 "Roundabout Papers" 303, 306, 336-40, 342-49, 351-52 "Round About The Christmas Tree," 342 "Royal Academy," 123 " Royal Palaces. F. W. Trench," 131 "Royal Patronage of Art," 108 "Rules To be observed by the English People," 97 "Running Rein Morality," 98 "Sanitarianism and Insanitarianism," 167 "Scholastic," 113 "Science at Cambridge," 173 "Second Turkish Letter," 85 "Serenade," 114 "Servitude et Grandeur Militaires," 31 "Shameful Case of Letter Opening," 101

391

"Sibyl. By Mr. Disraeli, M. P.," 109 "Signs of a Move," 147 "Signs of the Times," 125 "Singular Letter from the Regent of Spain," 89 "Sketches and Travels in London," 301 "Sketches of English Character. By Mrs. Gore," 123 "Skimmings from The Dairy of George IV,'" 40 "Small Beer Chronicle," 192, 344 "Soldiering," 112 "Some Passages in the Life of Major Gahagan," 40 "Sonnick Sejested by Prince Halbert Gratiously Killing the Staggs at Sacks-CobugGothy,"115 "Sorrows of Werther," 273 "Souvenirs d'Antony," 31 "Speeches of Lord Brougham," 45 "Split in Conciliation Hall," 109 "Stanley's Life of Dr. Arnold," 97 "Steam Navigation in the Pacific," 43 "Stiggins in New Zealand," 110 "Strange Insult to the King of Saxony," 97 "'Strange to Say, on Club Paper,'" 354 "Strictures on Pictures," 42 "Stubbs's Calendar," 43-44, 67, 297-98, 362 "Sultan Stork," 72, 74 "The '82 Club Uniform," 107 "The Abdication of Don Carlos," 111

10.1057/9780230598577 - A William Makepeace Thackeray Chronology, Edgar F. Harden

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Index

Index

"The Adventures of Philip," 62, 340-51 "The Allegory of the Fountains," 109 "The Anglers," 150 "The Annuals," 43 "The Artists," 53 "The Ascot Cup Day," 110 "The Author of Pelham,'" 94 "The Ballad of Bouillabaisse," 180 "The Ballad of Eliza Davis," 201 "The Balmoral Gazette," 167 "The Battle of Limerick," 158 "The Bedford-Row Conspiracy," 49, 51-52, 67, 310 "The Blood-Stained Murderer," 14 The Book of Snobs, see "The Snobs of England" "The Cabbage Rose, Tamisier," 229 "The Cambridge Address to Prince Albert," 140 "The Charles the Second Ball," 222 "The Chest of Cigars," 111 "The Chronicle of the Drum," 63 "The Church on the Continent," 210 "The City of the Czar," 43 "The Clocks Again," 96 "The Commission of Fine Arts," 108 "The Country in Alarm," 210 "The Devil's Wager," 26 "The Dignity of Literature," 199 "The Dream of Joinville," 97 "The Ducal Hat for Jenkins," 91

"The End of Mr. Deuceace's History," 42 The English Humourists of the Eighteenth Century, 156, 213, 217-19, 221-25, 22932, 234-35, 239-49, 25167, 269, 308, 322, 359, 363, 366 "The Eureka," 111 "The Ex-King at Madame Tussaud's," 156 "The Excellent New Ballad of Mr. Peel at Toledo," 108 "The Excitement in Belgravia," 214, 216 "The Exhibition at Paris," 41 "The Exhibition of the Royal Academy," 123 "The Exhibitions of the Societies of Water Colour Painters," 122 "The Fashionable Authoress," 51 "The Firebrand Correspondence," 68 The Four Georges, 9-10, 46, 155, 194, 243, 267, 283, 294-306, 308-09, 311-18, 324, 332, 338-39 "The French Conspiration," 218 "The French Plutarch," 46 "The French Revolution," 39, 360 "The Georges," 115 "The German in England," 72, 76 "The Great Cossack Epic of Demetrius Rigmarolovicz," 47 "The Great Squattleborough Soiree," 176 "The Hampstead Road," 162

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"The Heavies. Captain Ragg and Comet Famish," 127 "The Heavies. Captain Rag Dictating to Cornet Famish," 128 The History of Henry Esmond, 177, 195, 223, 225, 22728, 230-33, 235-58, 261, 269, 272, 287, 293, 316, 320, 350, 356, 366 The History of Pendennis, 13, 15, 162, 164, 168-71, 17476, 178-83, 186-92, 195, 198-200, 202-14, 220, 231, 233, 237, 267, 269, 284, 296, 335, 358, 365, 368 "The History of Queen Anne," 337, 341 "The History of Samuel Titmarsh and the Great Hoggarty Diamond," 44, 64, 67-68, 70-72, 159-60, 169-70, 180, 227, 318, 358 "The History of the Next French Revolution!" 92-95 "The Honour of the Bar," 106 "The Household Brigade," 131 "The Idler," 306 "The Irish Curfew Bill," 122 "The Irish Martyrs," 108 The Irish Sketch Book, 56, 5859, 63, 73, 76, 78-79, 8182, 83-85, 87,90,319, 361, 365 The Kickleburys on the Rhine, 162, 165, 171, 208-10, 212-15, 366 "The King of Brentford's Testament," 72 "The Knight of Garron Tower," 231 "The Knights of Borsellen," 63, 65

393

"The Lamentable Ballad of the Foundling of Shoreditch," 201 "The Last Fifteen Years of the Bourbons," 72-73, 76 "The Last Insult to Poor Old Ireland," 100 "The Last Irish Grievance," 233 "The Last Sketch," 197, 337, 358 "The Legend of JawbrahimHeraudee," 75 "The Legend of St. Sophia of Kioff," 47 " The Life of George Brummell, Esq.," 95 "The Life of John Sterling," 232 "The Lion Huntress of Belgravia," 208-10 The Luck of Barry Lyndon, 6869, 71, 86, 90, 92-96, 9899, 101-02, 104, 301, 309, 358 "The Mahogany Tree," 135 "The Meeting between the Sultan and Mehemet Ali," 127 "The Miraculous Cabbage," 229 "The New Peers Spiritual," 148 The Newcomes, 9, 170, 26794, 310-11, 316, 321, 338, 351, 356, 358, 362-63, 365 "The Notch on the Axe," 34849 " The Novitiate; or, a Year among the English Jesuits," 122 "The Old Duke," 119 "The Organ Boy's Appeal," 271-72 "The Painter's Bargain," 44

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Index

Index

The Paris Sketch Book, 48-49, 50, 52, 54-57, 61 "The Partie Fine," 95 "The Pen and the Album," 242, 252 "The Persecution of British Footmen," 156 "The Pimlico Pavilion," 113 "The Poetical Works of Dr. Southey," 41 " The Poetical Works of Horace Smith/' 130 "The Portfolio," 158 "The Prince of Joinville's Amateur-Invasion of England," 97 "The Professor," 39 "The Proper Time for Public Executions," 196 "The Proser," 184, 204-07, 254 "The Queen's Bal Costume, or, Powder and Ball," 109 "The Real State of the Case," 210 "The Rhine [by Victor Hugo]," 73-74 The Rose and the Ring, 276-79, 285, 288-89, 366 "The Sabbath Question. To the Electors of the City of Oxford," 319 The Second Funeral of Napoleon, 62-66, 90, 362 "The Sick Child," 78, 80 "The Sights of London," 203 "The Smoke Nuisance," 204 "The Snobs of England," 12039, 170, 175, 191, 297, 358 "The Speaking Machine," 127 "The Stags," 114 "The Stars," 20

"The Story of Koompanee Jehan," 181 "The Story of Mary Ancel," 43 "The Tear," 13 "The Three Christmas Waits," 177 "The Three Kingdoms," 94 "The Three Sailors," 198 The Virginians, 251-52, 255, 262,267,295,316,318, 320-34, 340, 358 "The Water Colour Exhibitions," 84 "The Wofle New Ballad of Jane Roney and Mary Brown," 205 "The Wolves and the Lamb," 291, 332, 347-48 "The Wooden-Shoe and the Buffalo-Indians," 101 "The Worst Cut of All," 155 "The Yankee Volunteers," 214 "The Yellowplush Correspondence," 18, 3943, 64, 67, 238, 267, 300 "Thieves1 Literature of France," 80, 82 "Thorns in the Cushion," 338 "Thoughts on a New Comedy," 201 "Thunder and Small Beer," 214-15 "Timbuctoo," 14 "Titmarsh v. Tait," 121 "Titmarshfs Carmen Lilliense," 87,93 "To a Friend and Contributor," 335 " [To] Contributors and Correspondents," 348 "To Daniel O'Connell, Esq.," 97 "To Families Quitting Pimlico," 218 "To Genevieve," 14

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"To the Chairmen and Members of the Local Committees" 319 "To the Electors of the City of Oxford," 318 "To the Free and Independent Snobs of Cambridge!" 14 "To the Napoleon of Peace," 100 "To the Readers of The Constitutional," 39 "Traitors to the British Government," 173 "Travelling Notes," 99, 104-05 "Travelling Romancers: Dumas on the Rhine," 75, 79 "Travels in London," 149-54, 156 " Travels in the Punjab. By Mohan Lai, Esq.," 122 "Tremendous Sufferings of the Household Brigade," 111 "Tunbridge Toys," 12, 339 "Turnbuirs Austria," 49, 52 "Two or Three Theatres at Paris," 180 "Tyler's Life of Henry V," 43 "Vanitas Vanitatum," 338 Vanity Fair, 18-19, 107, 109, 119, 126, 133-37, 139-54, 156-63, 165-66, 175, 17778, 183, 185, 214, 231, 239, 246-47, 261, 270, 340, 343, 356, 358, 361, 366 "Viscount Whiggington's Recal from the Government of Barataria," 216 "Voltigeur," 213 "Waiting at the Station," 202 "Wanderings of Our Fat Contributor," 99

395

"War between the Press and the Bar," 113 "Week Day Preachers," 31819, 323, 334-35 "What Has Happened to the Morning Chronicle?" 154 "What I Remarked at the Exhibition," 220 "What Mr. Jones Saw at Paris," 193 "What Should Irish Members Do in Regard to the Ten Hours' Bill?" 95 "What's Come to the Clubs?" 130 "Where are the HackneyCoaches Gone to?" I l l "Why Can't They Leave Us Alone in the Holidays?" 216 "Why did the 'America' Beat Us?" 228 " Woman: The Angel of Life," 25 "World's Fair Offer," 218 "X. Y. Z.," 147 "Yesterday; A Tale of the Polish Ball," 160 "You're Another," 108 "Young Ireland," 110 Thackeray, Mrs. William (nee Isabella Creagh), 4, 9, 3034, 36, 38, 41-43, 45, 47, 49, 53-54, 57-73, 75, 7778,83, 86, 93,96-97, 11618, 161, 167, 169, 179, 187, 230, 248, 350 Thiers, Louis Adolphe, 234 Thompson, Dr. Henry, 324 Thompson, John R., 323 Thresher, Mr. and Mrs., 10

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Index

Index

Thwaits, Mr., 129 Ticknor and Fields, 301, 363 Ticknor, George, 302 Philip the Second, 303 Ticknor, Mrs. George [nee Anna Eliot], 303 Tilt, Charles, 42 Times, 39, 49, 52, 55, 58, 64, 83, 88, 135, 176, 214-15, 218, 258, 274, 291, 294, 336, 342, 350, 367-68 Titian [Tiziano Vecelli], 171, 180 Town Talk, 325 Trollope, Anthony, 334, 340, 344, 367 Brown, Jones, and Robinson, 344 Framley Parsonage, 334, 344, 367 Thackeray, 367 "W. M. Thackeray," 367 Trulock, Jane, 207, 239 Turgeniev, Ivan, 325 Turnbull, Peter Austria, 49 Turner, Rev. John, 11 Turner, Mrs. John, 11 Tussaud, Mme. 131 Van Dyck, Sir Anthony, 274 Venables, George Stovin, 222, 368 Victoria I, 38, 51, 162 Victoria Regia, 364 Vieuxbois, M., 53 Virtue, George, 346 Vizetelly, Henry, 129 Wailly, Armand de, 237 Walker, Frederick, 341-51, 354-55 Walpole, Horace, 271, 273 Letters, 271

Warburton, Eliot, 204 Ward, Edward, 282 Washington, George, 262, 27476, 300, 322-23 Webb, Capt. John Richmond, 293 Webb, Sir Henry, 51 Webb, Lt. Col. Richmond, 7 Wedderburn, Miss, 152 Weissenborn, Dr. Friedrich, 17, 227 Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of, 219 Wells, Edward, 256 Westminster Review; 57,74 Whitehouse, Edward, 254 Wikoff, Henry, 91 Wilberforce, Samuel [Bishop of Oxford], 222 William IV, 18, 38 Williams and Norgate, 170, 231, 233 Williams, Sydney, 233 Williams, William, 14, 16 Williams, William Smith, 147, 152 Willis, Nathaniel Parker, 49, 68, 111, 114, 116 Dashes at Life, 111 Wolfe, Gen. James, 330 Wood, George, 234 Worthington, James, 72 Wordsworth, William, 13, 205, 218 Wright, George, 42, 50 Wynne, Mrs. Robert (nee Eugenie Crowe), 142, 157 Yates, Edmund, 325-26, 329, 362, 364 Young, Rev. James Reynolds, 200 Young Men's Christian Assn., 297, 308

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