[Illustration: PHINEAS T. BARNUM.]
STRUGGLES AND TRIUMPHS:
OR,
FORTY YEARS’ RECOLLECTIONS
OF
P. T. BARNUM.
WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.
AUTHOR’S EDITION.
[BIOGRAPHY COMPLETE TO APRIL, 1872.]
“----a map of busy life,
Its fluctuations, and its vast concerns.”
BUFFALO, N. Y.
WARREN, JOHNSON & CO.
1872.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by
P. T. BARNUM,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
Entered also at Stationer’s Hall, London, England.
TO
MY WIFE AND FAMILY
I DEDICATE
THIS STORY OF A LIFE WHICH HAS BEEN LARGELY
DEVOTED TO THEIR
INTERESTS AND SERVICE.
CARD INTRODUCTORY.
_To the Public_:--Although the large octavo edition of STRUGGLES AND
TRIUMPHS, upon fine paper, has enjoyed an unprecedented large sale at
$3.50 and upwards, according to styles of binding; yet determined to
supply the popular demand for a cheaper edition, and thus in a measure
render to the great American people, who have lavished upon me so many
favors, a due recognition of their claims upon my gratitude and
esteem,--I have purchased, of the original publishers, the electrotype
plates of text and engravings together with the copyright of the work;
and, now enabled to control the publication myself, I give the same
precise text with the original, (together with an additional chapter
bringing the biography down to April 2d, 1872,) at the low price of
$1.50.
Copies of the cheap edition can be had on application to the American
News Company, New York, Warren, Johnson & Co., Buffalo, and elsewhere.
Your obedient humble servant,
PHINEAS T. BARNUM.
No. 438 Fifth Avenue, New York City, April 2d, 1872.
PREFACE.
This book is my Recollections of Forty Busy Years. Few men in civil life
have had a career more crowded with incident, enterprise, and various
intercourse with the world than mine. With the alternations of success
and defeat, extensive travel in this and foreign lands; a large
acquaintance with the humble and honored; having held the preëminent
place among all who have sought to furnish healthful entertainment to
the American people, and, therefore, having had opportunities for
garnering an ample storehouse of incident and anecdote, while, at the
same time, needing a sagacity, energy, foresight and fortitude rarely
required or exhibited in financial affairs, my struggles and experiences
(it is not altogether vanity in me to think) can not be without interest
to my fellow countrymen.
Various leading publishers have solicited me to place at their disposal
my Recollections of what I have been, and seen, and done. These
proposals, together with the partiality of friends and kindred, have
constrained me, now that I have retired from all active participation in
business, to put in a permanent form what, it seems to me, may be
instructive, entertaining and profitable.
Fifteen years since, for the purpose, principally, of advancing my
interests as proprietor of the American Museum, I gave to the press
some personal reminiscences and sketches. Having an extensive sale, they
were, however, very hastily, and, therefore, imperfectly, prepared.
These are not only out of print, but the plates have been destroyed.
Though including, necessarily, in common with them, some of the facts of
my early life, in order to make this autobiography a complete and
continuous narrative, yet, as the latter part of my life has been the
more eventful, and my recollections so various and abundant, this book
is new and independent of the former. It is the matured and leisurely
review of almost half a century of work and struggle, and final success,
in spite of fraud and fire--the story of which is blended with amusing
anecdotes, funny passages, felicitous jokes, captivating narratives,
novel experiences, and remarkable interviews--the sunny and sombre so
intermingled as not only to entertain, but convey useful lessons to all
classes of readers.
These Recollections are dedicated to those who are nearest and dearest
to me, with the feeling that they are a record which I am willing to
leave in their hands, as a legacy which they will value.
And above and beyond this personal satisfaction, I have thought that the
review of a life, with the wide contrasts of humble origin and high and
honorable success; of most formidable obstacles overcome by courage and
constancy; of affluence that had been patiently won, suddenly wrenched
away, and triumphantly regained--would be a help and incentive to the
young man, struggling, it may be, with adverse fortune, or, at the
start, looking into the future with doubt or despair.
All autobiographies are necessarily egotistical. If my pages are as
plentifully sprinkled with “I’s” as was the chief ornament of Hood’s
peacock, “who thought he had the eyes of Europe on his tail,” I can only
say, that the “I’s” are essential to the story I have told. It has been
my purpose to narrate, not the life of another, but that career in which
I was the principal actor.
There is an almost universal, and not unworthy curiosity to learn the
methods and measures, the ups and downs, the strifes and victories, the
mental and moral _personnel_ of those who have taken an active and
prominent part in human affairs. But an autobiography has attractions
and merits superior to those of a “Life” written by another, who,
however intimate with its subject, cannot know all that helps to give
interest and accuracy to the narrative, or completeness to the
character. The story from the actor’s own lips has always a charm it can
never have when told by another.
That my narrative is interspersed with amusing incidents, and even the
recital of some very practical jokes, is simply because my natural
disposition impels me to look upon the brighter side of life, and I hope
my humorous experiences will entertain my readers as much as they were
enjoyed by myself. And if this record of trials and triumphs, struggles
and successes, shall stimulate any to the exercise of that energy,
industry, and courage in their callings, which will surely lead to
happiness and prosperity, one main object I have in yielding to the
solicitations of my friends and my publishers will have been
accomplished.
P. T. BARNUM.
WALDEMERE, BRIDGEPORT, }
Connecticut, July 5, 1869. }
[Illustration: LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
BY
FAY & COX
105 NASSAU ST.
N.Y.]
PAGE.
1. PORTRAIT OF P. T. BARNUM, _Frontispiece_
2. MY PROPERTY AND MY TENANT, 32
3. MY DELIVERY FROM IMPRISONMENT, 65
4. BARNUM ON A RAIL, 84
5. THE COWARD AND THE “BRAVE,” 100
6. VICTORY OVER VESTRYMEN, 138
7. SQUALLS AND BREEZES, 146
8. BATTLE OF THE GIANTS, 162
9. THE GREAT DUKE AND THE LITTLE GENERAL, 184
10. ROYAL HONORS TO THE GENERAL, 192
11. MANURE CART EXPRESS, 217
12. PUT ME IN IRONS, 243
13. IRANISTAN, 263
14. WELCOME TO JENNY LIND, 288
15. J. G. BENNETT AND HIS MONKEY, 327
16. ELEPHANTINE AGRICULTURE, 358
17. MOUNTAIN GROVE CEMETERY, 369
18. THE “CUSTOMS” OF THE COUNTRY, 432
19. “THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT,” 510
20. GRIZZLY ADAMS AND HIS FAMILY, 530
21. THE PRINCE IN THE MUSEUM, 543
22. EAST BRIDGEPORT, 549
23. CAPTURING WHITE WHALES, 562
24. TROUBLE IN A TURKISH HAREM, 580
25. MARRIAGE IN MINIATURE, 603
26. ALARM AT LINDENCROFT, 616
27. THE GREAT UNKNOWN, 680
28. AFTER THE FIRE, 702
29. BARNUM FIVE SECONDS AHEAD, 705
30. A GROTESQUE FIRE COMPANY, 720
31. HALF-SHAVED, 726
32. SEA SIDE PARK, 758
33. WALDEMERE, 768
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.--EARLY LIFE.
MY BIRTH--FIRST PROPERTY--FARMER BOY LIFE--GOING TO SCHOOL--EARLY
ACQUISITIVENESS--A HOLIDAY PEDDLER--FIRST VISIT TO NEW YORK--LEARNING TO
“SWAP”--MISERIES FROM MOLASSES CANDY--“IVY ISLAND”--ENTERING UPON MY
ESTATE--CLERKSHIP IN A COUNTRY STORE--TRADING MORALS--THE BETHEL
MEETING-HOUSE--STOVE QUESTION--SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASS--MY
COMPOSITION--THE ONE THING NEEDFUL,......25
CHAP. II.--INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.
DEATH OF MY GRANDMOTHER--MY FATHER--HIS CHARACTER--HIS DEATH--BEGINNING
THE WORLD BAREFOOTED--GOING TO GRASSY PLAINS--THE TIN WARE AND GREEN
BOTTLE LOTTERY--“CHARITY” HALLETT--OUR FIRST MEETING--EVENING RIDE TO
BETHEL--A NOVEL FUR TRADE--OLD “RUSHIA” AND YOUNG “RUSHIA”--THE BUYER
SOLD--COUNTRY STORE EXPERIENCES--OLD “UNCLE BIBBINS”--A TERRIBLE DUEL
BETWEEN BENTON AND BIBBINS--FALL OF BENTON--FLIGHT OF BIBBINS,......38
CHAP. III.--IN BUSINESS FOR MYSELF.
MY CLERKSHIP IN BROOKLYN--UNEASINESS AND DISSATISFACTION--THE SMALL
POX--GOING HOME TO RECRUIT--“CHARITY” HALLETT AGAIN--BACK TO
BROOKLYN--OPENING A PORTER-HOUSE--SELLING OUT--MY CLERKSHIP IN NEW
YORK--MY HABITS--OBSERVANCE OF SUNDAY--IN BETHEL ONCE MORE--BEGINNING
BUSINESS ON MY OWN ACCOUNT--OPENING DAY--LARGE SALES AND GREAT
PROFITS--THE LOTTERY BUSINESS--VIEWS THEREON--ABOUT A POCKET-BOOK--WITS
AND WAGS--SWEARING OUT A FINE--FIRST APPEARANCE AT THE BAR--SECURING
“ARABIAN”--A MODEL LOVE-LETTER,......48
CHAP. IV.--STRUGGLES FOR A LIVELIHOOD.
PLEASURE VISIT TO PHILADELPHIA--LIVING IN GRAND STYLE--THE BOTTOM OF THE
PILE--BORROWING MONEY--MY MARRIAGE--RETURN TO BETHEL--EARLY
MARRIAGES--MORE PRACTICAL JOKING--SECOND APPEARANCE AS COUNSEL--GOING TO
HOUSEKEEPING--SELLING BOOKS AT AUCTION--THE “YELLOW STORE”--A NEW
FIELD--“THE HERALD OF FREEDOM”--MY EDITORIAL CAREER--LIBEL SUITS--FINED
AND IMPRISONED--LIFE IN THE DANBURY JAIL--CELEBRATION OF MY
LIBERATION--POOR BUSINESS AND BAD DEBTS--REMOVAL TO NEW YORK--SEEKING MY
FORTUNE--“WANTS” IN THE “SUN”--WM. NIBLO--KEEPING A BOARDING-HOUSE--A
WHOLE SHIRT ON MY BACK,......59
CHAP. V.--MY START AS A SHOWMAN.
THE AMUSEMENT BUSINESS--DIFFERENT GRADES--CATERING FOR THE PUBLIC--MY
CLAIMS, AIMS AND EFFORTS--JOICE HETH--APPARENT GENUINENESS OF HER
VOUCHERS--BEGINNING LIFE AS A SHOWMAN--SUCCESS OF MY FIRST
EXHIBITION--SECOND STEP IN THE SHOW LINE--SIGNOR VIVALLA--MY FIRST
APPEARANCE ON ANY STAGE--AT WASHINGTON--ANNE ROYALL STIMULATING THE
PUBLIC--CONTESTS BETWEEN VIVALLA AND ROBERTS--EXCITEMENT AT FEVER
HEAT--CONNECTING MYSELF WITH A CIRCUS--BREAD AND BUTTER DINNER FOR THE
WHOLE COMPANY--NARROW ESCAPE FROM SUFFOCATION--LECTURING AN ABUSIVE
CLERGYMAN--AARON TURNER--A TERRIBLE PRACTICAL JOKE--I AM REPRESENTED TO
BE A MURDERER--RAILS AND LYNCH LAW--NOVEL MEANS FOR SECURING
NOTORIETY,......71
CHAP. VI.--MY FIRST TRAVELING COMPANY.
THREE MEALS AND LODGING IN ONE HOUR--TURNING THE TABLES ON TURNER--A SON
AS OLD AS HIS FATHER--LEAVING THE CIRCUS WITH TWELVE HUNDRED DOLLARS--MY
FIRST TRAVELLING COMPANY--PREACHING TO THE PEOPLE--APPEARING AS A NEGRO
MINSTREL--THREATENED WITH ASSASSINATION--ESCAPES FROM
DANGER--TEMPERANCE--REPORT OF MY ARREST FOR MURDER--RE-ENFORCING MY
COMPANY--“BARNUM’S GRAND SCIENTIFIC AND MUSICAL THEATRE”--OUTWITTING A
SHERIFF--“LADY HAYES’S” MANSION AND PLANTATION--A BRILLIANT
AUDIENCE--BASS DRUM SOLO--CROSSING THE INDIAN NATION--JOE PENTLAND AS A
SAVAGE--TERROR AND FLIGHT OF VIVALLA--A NONPLUSSED LEGERDEMAIN
PERFORMER--A MALE EGG-LAYER--DISBANDING MY COMPANY--A NEW
PARTNERSHIP--PUBLIC LECTURING--DIFFICULTY WITH A DROVER--THE STEAMBOAT
“CERES”--SUDDEN MARRIAGE ON BOARD--MOBBED IN LOUISIANA--ARRIVAL AT NEW
ORLEANS,......86
CHAP. VII.--AT THE FOOT OF THE LADDER.
DISGUST AT THE TRAVELLING BUSINESS--ADVERTISING FOR AN ASSOCIATE--RUSH
OF THE MILLION-MAKERS--COUNTERFEITERS, CHEATS AND QUACKS--A NEW
BUSINESS--SWINDLED BY MY PARTNER--DIAMOND THE DANCER--A NEW
COMPANY--DESERTIONS--SUCCESSES AT NEW ORLEANS--TYRONE POWER AND FANNY
ELLSLER--IN JAIL AGAIN--BACK TO NEW YORK--ACTING AS A BOOK
AGENT--LEASING VAUXHALL--FROM HAND TO MOUTH--DETERMINATION TO MAKE
MONEY--FORTUNE OPENING HER DOOR--THE AMERICAN MUSEUM FOR
SALE--NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE--HOPES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS--THE
TRAIN LAID--SMASHING A RIVAL COMPANY,......104
CHAP. VIII.--THE AMERICAN MUSEUM.
A TRAP SET FOR ME--I CATCH THE TRAPPERS--I BECOME PROPRIETOR OF THE
AMERICAN MUSEUM--HISTORY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT--HARD WORK AND COLD
DINNERS--ADDITIONS TO THE MUSEUM--EXTRAORDINARY ADVERTISING--BARNUM’S
BRICK-MAN--EXCITING PUBLIC CURIOSITY--INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES--A DRUNKEN
ACTOR--IMITATIONS OF THE ELDER BOOTH--PLEASING MY PATRONS--SECURING
TRANSIENT NOVELTIES--LIVING CURIOSITIES--MAKING PEOPLE TALK--A
WILDERNESS OF WONDERS--NIAGARA FALLS WITH REAL WATER--THE CLUB THAT
KILLED COOK--SELLING LOUIS GAYLORD CLARK--THE FISH WITH LEGS--THE FEJEE
MERMAID--HOW IT CAME INTO MY POSSESSION--THE TRUE STORY OF THAT
CURIOSITY--JAPANESE MANUFACTURE OF FABULOUS ANIMALS--THE USE I MADE OF
THE MERMAID--WHOLESALE ADVERTISING AGAIN--THE BALCONY BAND--DRUMMOND
LIGHTS,......116
CHAP. IX.--THE ROAD TO RICHES.
THE MOST POPULAR PLACE OF AMUSEMENT IN THE WORLD--THE MORAL
DRAMA--REFORMING THE ABUSES OF THE STAGE--FAMOUS ACTORS AND ACTRESSES AT
THE MUSEUM--ADDING TO THE SALOONS--AFTERNOON AND HOLIDAY
PERFORMANCES--FOURTH OF JULY FLAGS--THE MUSEUM CONNECTED WITH ST.
PAUL’S--VICTORY OVER THE VESTRYMEN--THE EGRESS--ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN THE
MORNING--A WONDERFUL ANIMAL, THE “AIGRESS”--INPOURING OF
MONEY--ZOOLOGICAL ERUPTION--THE CITY ASTOUNDED--BABY SHOWS, AND THEIR
OBJECT--FLOWER, BIRD, DOG AND POULTRY SHOWS--GRAND FREE BUFFALO HUNT IN
HOBOKEN--N. P. WILLIS--THE WOOLLY HORSE--WHERE HE CAME FROM--COLONEL
BENTON BEATEN--PURPOSE OF THE EXHIBITION--AMERICAN INDIANS--P. T. BARNUM
EXHIBITED--A CURIOUS SPINSTER--THE TOUCHING STORY OF CHARLOTTE
TEMPLE--SERVICES IN THE LECTURE ROOM--A FINANCIAL VIEW OF THE MUSEUM--AN
“AWFUL RICH MAN,”......133
CHAP. X.--ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SPECULATION.
PEALE’S MUSEUM--MYSTERIOUS MESMERISM--YANKEE HILL--HENRY BENNETT--THE
RIVAL MUSEUMS--THE ORPHEAN AND ORPHAN FAMILIES--THE FUDGEE
MERMAID--BUYING OUT MY RIVAL--RUNNING OPPOSITION TO MYSELF--ABOLISHING
THEATRICAL NUISANCES--NO CHECKS AND NO BAR--THE MUSEUM--MY MANIA--MY
FIRST INTERVIEW WITH CHARLES S. STRATTON--GENERAL TOM THUMB IN NEW
YORK--RE-ENGAGEMENT--AN APT PUPIL--FREE FROM DEBT--THE PROFITS OF TWO
YEARS--IN SEARCH OF A NEW FIELD--STARTING FOR LIVERPOOL--THE GOOD SHIP
“YORKSHIRE”--MY PARTY--ESCORT TO SANDY HOOK--THE VOYAGE--A TOBACCO
TRICK--A BRAGGING JOHN BULL OUTWITTED--ARRIVAL AT LIVERPOOL--A GENTLEMAN
BEGGAR--MADAME CELESTE--CHEAP DWARFS--TWO-PENNY SHOWS--EXHIBITION OF
GENERAL TOM THUMB IN LIVERPOOL--FIRST-CLASS ENGAGEMENT FOR
LONDON,......156
CHAP. XI.--GENERAL TOM THUMB IN ENGLAND.
ARRIVAL IN LONDON--THE GENERAL’S DEBUT IN THE PRINCESS’S
THEATRE--ENORMOUS SUCCESS--MY MANSION AT THE WEST END--DAILY LEVEES FOR
THE NOBILITY AND GENTRY--HON. EDWARD EVERETT--HIS INTEREST IN THE
GENERAL--VISIT TO THE BARONESS ROTHSCHILD--OPENING IN EGYPTIAN HALL,
PICCADILLY--MR. CHARLES MURRAY, MASTER OF THE QUEEN’S HOUSEHOLD--AT
BUCKINGHAM PALACE BY COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY--A ROYAL RECEPTION--THE
FAVORABLE IMPRESSION MADE BY THE GENERAL--AMUSING INCIDENTS OF THE
VISIT--BACKING OUT--FIGHT WITH A POODLE--COURT JOURNAL NOTICE--SECOND
VISIT TO THE QUEEN--THE PRINCE OF WALES AND PRINCESS ROYAL--THE QUEEN OF
THE BELGIANS--THIRD VISIT TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE--KING LEOPOLD, OF
BELGIUM--ASSURED SUCCESS--THE BRITISH PUBLIC EXCITED--EGYPTIAN HALL
CROWDED--QUEEN DOWAGER ADELAIDE--THE GENERAL’S WATCH--NAPOLEON AND THE
DUKE OF WELLINGTON--DISTINGUISHED FRIENDS,......173
CHAP. XII.--IN FRANCE.
GOING OVER TO ARRANGE PRELIMINARIES--PREVIOUS VISIT TO PARIS--ROBERT
HOUDIN--WONDERFUL MECHANICAL TOYS--THE AUTOMATON LETTER-WRITER--DION
BOUCICAULT--TAX ON NATURAL CURIOSITIES--HOW I COMPROMISED--THE GENERAL
AND PARTY IN PARIS--FIRST VISIT TO KING LOUIS PHILIPPE--A SPLENDID
PRESENT--DIPLOMACY--I ASK A FAVOR AND GET IT--LONG CHAMPS--THE GENERAL’S
EQUIPAGE--THE FINEST ADVERTISEMENT EVER KNOWN--ALL PARIS IN A
FUROR--OPENING OF THE LEVEES--“TOM POUCE” EVERYWHERE--THE GENERAL AS AN
ACTOR--“PETIT POUCET”--SECOND AND THIRD VISITS AT THE
TUILERIES--INVITATION TO ST. CLOUD--THE GENERAL PERSONATING NAPOLEON
BONAPARTE--ST. DENIS--THE INVALIDES--REGNIER--ANECDOTE OF
FRANKLIN--LEAVING PARIS--TOUR THROUGH FRANCE--DEPARTURE FOR
BRUSSELS,......186
CHAP. XIII.--IN BELGIUM.
CROSSING THE FRONTIER--PROFESSOR PINTE--QUALIFICATIONS OF A GOOD
SHOWMAN--“SOFT SUP”--GENEROUS DISTRIBUTION OF MEDALS--PRINCE CHARLES
STRATTON--AT BRUSSELS--PRESENTATION TO KING LEOPOLD AND HIS QUEEN--THE
GENERAL’S JEWELS STOLEN--THE THIEF CAUGHT--RECOVERY OF THE PROPERTY--THE
FIELD OF WATERLOO--MIRACULOUSLY MULTIPLIED RELICS--CAPTAIN
TIPPITIWITCHET OF THE CONNECTICUT FUSILEERS--AN ACCIDENT--GETTING BACK
TO BRUSSELS IN A CART--STRATTON SWINDLED--LOSING AN EXHIBITION--TWO
HOURS IN THE RAIN ON THE ROAD--THE CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY--A STRICT
CONSTRUCTIONIST--STRATTON’S HEAD SHAVED--“BRUMMAGEM” RELICS--HOW THEY
ARE PLANTED AT WATERLOO--WHAT LYONS SAUSAGES ARE MADE OF--FROM BRUSSELS
TO LONDON,......208
CHAP. XIV.--IN ENGLAND AGAIN.
LEVEES IN EGYPTIAN HALL--UNDIMINISHED SUCCESS--OTHER ENGAGEMENTS--“UP IN
A BALLOON”--PROVINCIAL TOUR--TRAVELLING BY POST--GOING TO AMERICA--A. T.
STEWART--SAMUEL ROGERS--AN EXTRA TRAIN--AN ASTONISHED RAILWAY
SUPERINTENDENT--LEFT BEHIND AND LOCKED UP--SUNDAYS IN LONDON--BUSINESS
AND PLEASURE--ALBERT SMITH--A DAY WITH HIM AT WARWICK--STRATFORD ON
AVON--A POETICAL BARBER--WARWICK CASTLE--OLD GUY’S TRAPS--OFFER TO BUY
THE LOT--THREAT TO BURST THE SHOW--ALBERT SMITH AS A SHOWMAN--LEARNING
THE BUSINESS FROM BARNUM--THE WARWICK RACE’S RIVAL DWARFS--MANUFACTURED
GIANTESSES--THE HAPPY FAMILY--THE ROAD FROM WARWICK TO COVENTRY--PEEPING
TOM--THE YANKEE GO-AHEAD PRINCIPLE--ALBERT SMITH’S ACCOUNT OF A DAY WITH
BARNUM,......223
CHAP. XV.--RETURN TO AMERICA.
THE WIZARD OF THE NORTH--A JUGGLER BEATEN AT HIS OWN TRICKS--SECOND
VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES--REVEREND DOCTOR ROBERT BAIRD--CAPTAIN
JUDKINS THREATENS TO PUT ME IN IRONS--VIEWS WITH REGARD TO SECTS--A
WICKED WOMAN--THE SIMPSONS IN EUROPE--REMINISCENCES OF TRAVEL--SAUCE AND
“SASS”--TEA TOO SWEET--A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE--ROAST DUCK--SNOW IN
AUGUST--TALES OF TRAVELLERS--SIMPSON NOT TO BE TAKEN IN--HOLLANDERS IN
BRUSSELS--WHERE ALL THE DUTCHMEN COME FROM--THREE YEARS IN EUROPE--WARM
PERSONAL FRIENDS--DOCTOR C. S. BREWSTER--HENRY SUMNER--GEORGE S. AND
LORENZO DRAPER--GEORGE P. PUTNAM--OUR LAST PERFORMANCE IN DUBLIN--DANIEL
O’CONNELL--END OF OUR TOUR--DEPARTURE FOR AMERICA--ARRIVAL IN NEW
YORK,......239
CHAP. XVI.--AT HOME.
RENEWING THE LEASE OF THE MUSEUM BUILDING--TOM THUMB IN AMERICA--TOUR
THROUGH THE COUNTRY--JOURNEY TO CUBA--BARNUM A CURIOSITY--RAISING
TURKEYS--CEASING TO BE A TRAVELLING SHOWMAN--RETURN TO
BRIDGEPORT--ADVANTAGES AND CAPABILITIES OF THAT CITY--SEARCH FOR A
HOME--THE FINDING--BUILDING AND COMPLETION OF IRANISTAN--GRAND
HOUSE-WARMING--BUYING THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM--OPENING THE PHILADELPHIA
MUSEUM--CATERING FOR QUAKERS--THE TEMPERANCE PLEDGE AT THE
THEATRE--PURCHASING PEALE’S PHILADELPHIA COLLECTION--MY AGRICULTURAL AND
ARBORCULTURAL DOINGS--“GERSY BLEW” CHICKENS--HOW I SOLD MY POTATOES--HOW
I BOUGHT OTHER PEOPLES’ POTATOES--CUTTING OFF GRAFTS--MY DEER PARK--MY
GAME-KEEPER--FRANK LESLIE--PLEASURES OF HOME,......255
CHAP. XVII.--THE JENNY LIND ENTERPRISE.
GRAND SCHEME--CONGRESS OF ALL NATIONS--A BOLD AND BRILLIANT
ENTERPRISE--THE JENNY LIND ENGAGEMENT--MY AGENT IN EUROPE--HIS
INSTRUCTIONS--CORRESPONDENCE WITH MISS LIND--BENEDICT AND
BELLETTI--JOSHUA BATES--CHEVALIER WYCKOFF--THE CONTRACT SIGNED--MY
RECEPTION OF THE NEWS--THE ENTIRE SUM OF MONEY FOR THE ENGAGEMENT SENT
TO LONDON--MY FIRST LIND LETTER TO THE PUBLIC--A POOR PORTRAIT--MUSICAL
NOTES IN WALL STREET--A FRIEND IN NEED,......270
CHAP. XVIII.--THE NIGHTINGALE IN NEW YORK.
FINAL CONCERTS IN LIVERPOOL--DEPARTURE FOR AMERICA--ARRIVAL OFF STATEN
ISLAND--MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH JENNY LIND--THE TREMENDOUS THRONG AT THE
WHARF--TRIUMPHAL ARCH--“WELCOME TO AMERICA”--EXCITEMENT IN THE
CITY--SERENADE AT THE IRVING HOUSE--THE PRIZE ODE--BAYARD TAYLOR THE
PRIZEMAN--“BARNUM’S PARNASSUS”--“BARNUMOPSIS”--FIRST CONCERT IN CASTLE
GARDEN--A NEW AGREEMENT--RECEPTION OF JENNY LIND--UNBOUNDED
ENTHUSIASM--BARNUM CALLED OUT--JULIUS BENEDICT--THE SUCCESS OF THE
ENTERPRISE ESTABLISHED--TWO GRAND CHARITY CONCERTS IN NEW YORK--DATE OF
THE FIRST
REGULAR CONCERT,......286
CHAP. XIX.--SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT.
HEAD-WORK AND HAND-WORK--MANAGING PUBLIC OPINION--CREATING A FUROR--THE
NEW YORK HERALD--JENNY LIND’S EVIL ADVISERS--JOHN JAY--MISS LIND’S
CHARITIES--A POOR GIRL IN BOSTON--THE NIGHTINGALE AT IRANISTAN--RUMOR OF
HER MARRIAGE TO P. T. BARNUM--THE STORY BASED ON OUR “ENGAGEMENT”--WHAT
IRANISTAN DID FOR ME--AVOIDING CROWDS--IN PHILADELPHIA AND BALTIMORE--A
SUBSTITUTE FOR MISS LIND--OUR ORCHESTRA--PRESIDENT FILLMORE, CLAY,
FOOTE, BENTON, SCOTT, CASS, AND WEBSTER--VISIT TO MT. VERNON--CHRISTMAS
PRESENTS--NEW YEAR’S EVE--WE GO TO HAVANA--PLAYING BALL--FREDERIKA
BREMER--A HAPPY MONTH IN CUBA,......301
CHAP. XX.--INCIDENTS OF THE TOUR.
PROTEST AGAINST PRICES IN HAVANA--THE CUBANS SUCCUMB--JENNY LIND TAKES
THE CITY BY STORM--A MAGNIFICENT TRIUMPH--COUNT PENALVER--A SPLENDID
OFFER--MR. BRINCKERHOFF--BENEFIT FOR THE HOSPITALS--REFUSING TO RECEIVE
THANKS--VIVALLA AND HIS DOG--HENRY BENNETT--HIS PARTIAL INSANITY--OUR
VOYAGE TO NEW ORLEANS--THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD ON BOARD--I
SAVE THE LIFE OF JAMES GORDON BENNETT--ARRIVAL AT THE CRESCENT
CITY--CHEATING THE CROWD--A DUPLICATE MISS LIND--A BOY IN RAPTURES--A
MAMMOTH HOG--UP THE MISSISSIPPI--AMUSEMENTS ON BOARD--IN LEAGUE WITH THE
EVIL ONE--AN AMAZED MULATTO,......319
CHAP. XXI.--JENNY LIND.
ARRIVAL AT ST. LOUIS--SURPRISING PROPOSITION OF MISS LIND’S
SECRETARY--HOW THE MANAGER MANAGED--READINESS TO CANCEL THE
CONTRACT--CONSULTATION WITH “UNCLE SOL.”--BARNUM NOT TO BE HIRED--A
“JOKE”--TEMPERANCE LECTURE IN THE THEATRE--SOL. SMITH--A COMEDIAN,
AUTHOR, AND LAWYER--UNIQUE DEDICATION--JENNY LIND’S CHARACTER AND
CHARITIES--SHARP WORDS FROM THE WEST--SELFISH ADVISERS--MISS LIND’S
GENEROUS IMPULSES--HER SIMPLE AND CHILDLIKE CHARACTER--CONFESSIONS OF A
MANAGER--PRIVATE REPUTATION AND PUBLIC RENOWN--CHARACTER AS A STOCK IN
TRADE--LE GRAND SMITH--MR. DOLBY--THE ANGELIC SIDE KEPT OUTSIDE--MY OWN
SHARE IN THE PUBLIC BENEFITS--JUSTICE TO MISS LIND AND MYSELF,......334
CHAP. XXII.--CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN.
PENITENT TICKET PURCHASERS--VISIT TO THE “HERMITAGE”--“APRIL-FOOL”
FUN--THE MAMMOTH CAVE--SIGNOR SALVI--GEORGE D. PRENTICE--PERFORMANCE IN
A PORK HOUSE--RUSE AT CINCINNATI--ANNOYANCES AT PITTSBURGH--LE GRAND
SMITH’S GRAND JOKE--RETURN TO NEW YORK--THE FINAL CONCERTS IN CASTLE
GARDEN AND METROPOLITAN HALL--THE ADVISERS APPEAR--THE NINETY-THIRD
CONCERT--MY OFFER TO CLOSE THE ENGAGEMENT--MISS LIND’S LETTER ACCEPTING
MY PROPOSITION--STORY ABOUT AN “IMPROPER PLACE”--JENNY’S CONCERTS ON HER
OWN ACCOUNT--HER MARRIAGE TO MR. OTTO GOLDSCHMIDT--CORDIAL RELATIONS
BETWEEN MRS. LIND GOLDSCHMIDT AND MYSELF--AT HOME AGAIN--STATEMENT OF
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF THE CONCERTS,......344
CHAP. XXIII.--OTHER ENTERPRISES.
ANOTHER VENTURE--“BARNUM’S GREAT ASIATIC CARAVAN, MUSEUM, AND
MENAGERIE”--HUNTING ELEPHANTS--GENERAL TOM THUMB--ELEPHANT PLOWING IN
CONNECTICUT--CURIOUS QUESTIONS FROM ALL QUARTERS--THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN
MY NOVEL FARMING--HOW MUCH AN ELEPHANT CAN REALLY “DRAW”--SIDE-SHOWS AND
VARIOUS ENTERPRISES--OBSEQUIES OF NAPOLEON--THE CRYSTAL
PALACE--CAMPANALOGIANS--AMERICAN INDIANS IN LONDON--AUTOMATON
SPEAKER--THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON--ATTEMPT TO BUY SHAKESPEARE’S
HOUSE--DISSOLVING VIEWS--THE CHINESE COLLECTION--WONDERFUL SCOTCH
BOYS--SOLVING THE MYSTERY OF DOUBLE SIGHT--THE BATEMAN
CHILDREN--CATHERINE HAYES--IRANISTAN ON FIRE--MY ELDEST DAUGHTER’S
MARRIAGE--BENEFITS FOR THE BRIDGEPORT LIBRARY AND THE MOUNTAIN GROVE
CEMETERY,......358
CHAP. XXIV.--WORK AND PLAY.
ALFRED BUNN, OF DRURY LANE THEATRE--AMUSING INTERVIEW--MR. LEVY, OF THE
LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH--VACATIONS AT HOME--MY PRESIDENCY OF THE
FAIRFIELD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY--EXHIBITING A
PICKPOCKET--PHILOSOPHY OF HUMBUG--A CHOP-FALLEN TICKET-SELLER--A PROMPT
PAYMASTER--BARNUM IN BOSTON--A DELUDED HACK-DRIVER--PHILLIPS’S FIRE
ANNIHILATOR--HONORABLE ELISHA WHITTLESEY--TRIAL OF THE ANNIHILATOR IN
NEW YORK--PEQUONNOCK BANK OF BRIDGEPORT--THE ILLUSTRATED NEWS--THE
WORLD’S FAIR IN NEW YORK--MY PRESIDENCY OF THE ASSOCIATION--ATTEMPT TO
EXCITE PUBLIC INTEREST--MONSTER JULLIEN CONCERTS--RESIGNATION OF THE
CRYSTAL PALACE PRESIDENCY--FAILUREOF THE CONCERN,......371
CHAP. XXV.--THE JEROME CLOCK COMPANY ENTANGLEMENT.
THE EAST BRIDGEPORT ENTERPRISE--W. H. NOBLE--PLANS FOR A NEW CITY--DR.
TIMOTHY DWIGHT’S TESTIMONY--INVESTING A FORTUNE--SELLING CITY
LOTS--MONEY-MAKING A SECONDARY CONSIDERATION--CLOCK COMPANY IN
LITCHFIELD--THE “TERRY AND BARNUM MANUFACTURING COMPANY”--THE JEROME
CLOCK COMPANY--BAITING FOR BITES--FALSE REPRESENTATIONS--HOW I WAS
DELUDED--WHAT I AGREED TO DO--THE COUNTER AGREEMENT--NOTES WITH BLANK
DATES--THE LIMIT OF MY RESPONSIBILITY--HOW IT WAS EXCEEDED--STARTLING
DISCOVERIES--A RUINED MAN--PAYING MY OWN HONEST DEBTS--BARNUM DUPED--MY
FAILURE--THE BARNUM AND JEROME CLOCK BUBBLE--MORALISTS MAKING USE OF MY
MISFORTUNES--WHAT PREACHERS, PAPERS, AND PEOPLE SAID ABOUT ME--DOWN IN
THE DEPTHS,......384
CHAP. XXVI.--CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE.
FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE--MONEY OFFERS REFUSED--BENEFITS
DECLINED--MAGNIFICENT OFFER OF PROMINENT NEW YORK CITIZENS--WILLIAM E.
BURTON--LAURA KEENE--WILLIAM NIBLO--GENERAL TOM THUMB--EDITORIAL
SYMPATHY--“A WORD FOR BARNUM” IN BOSTON--LETTER FROM “MRS.
PARTINGTON”--CITIZENS’ MEETING IN BRIDGEPORT--RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT AND
CONDOLENCE--MY LETTER ON THE SITUATION--TENDER OF FIFTY THOUSAND
DOLLARS--MAGNITUDE OF THE DECEPTION PRACTICED UPON ME--PROPOSITION OF
COMPROMISE WITH MY CREDITORS--A TRAP LAID FOR ME IN PHILADELPHIA--THE
SILVER LINING TO THE CLOUD--THE BLOW A BENEFIT TO MY FAMILY--THE REV.
DR. E. H. CHAPIN--MY DAUGHTER HELEN--A LETTER WORTH TEN THOUSAND
DOLLARS--OUR NEW HOME IN NEW YORK,......395
CHAP. XXVII.--REST, BUT NOT RUST.
SALE OF THE MUSEUM COLLECTION--SUPPLEMENTARY PROCEEDINGS OF MY
CREDITORS--EXAMINATIONS IN COURT--BARNUM AS A BAR
TENDER--PERSECUTION--THE SUMMER SEASON ON LONG ISLAND--THE MUSEUM MAN ON
SHOW--CHARLES HOWELL--A GREAT NATURAL CURIOSITY--VALUE OF A
HONK--PROPOSING TO BUY IT--A BLACK WHALE PAYS MY SUMMER’S BOARD--A TURN
IN THE TIDE--THE WHEELER AND WILSON SEWING MACHINE COMPANY--THEIR
REMOVAL TO EAST BRIDGEPORT--THE TERRY AND BARNUM CLOCK FACTORY
OCCUPIED--NEW CITY PROPERTY LOOKING UP--A LOAN OF $5,000--THE CAUSE OF
MY RUIN PROMISES TO BE MY REDEMPTION--SETTING SAIL FOR ENGLAND--GENERAL
TOM THUMB--LITTLE CORDELIA HOWARD,......406
CHAP. XXVIII.--ABROAD AGAIN.
OLD FRIENDS IN OLD ENGLAND--ALBERT SMITH AS A SHOWMAN--HIS ASCENT OF
MONT BLANC--POPULARITY OF THE ENTERTAINMENT--THE GARRICK CLUB--“PHINEAS
CUTECRAFT”--THE ELEVEN THOUSAND VIRGINS OF COLOGNE--UTILIZING
INCIDENTS--SUBTERRANEAN TERRORS--A PANIC--EGYPTIAN DARKNESS IN EGYPTIAN
HALL--WILLIAM M. THACKERAY--HIS TWO VISITS TO AMERICA--FRIENDLY
RELATIONS WITH THE NOVELIST--I LOSE HIS SYMPATHY--HIS WARM REGARD FOR
HIS AMERICAN FRIENDS--OTTO GOLDSCHMIDT AND JENNY LIND
GOLDSCHMIDT--TENDER OF THEIR AID--THE FORGED LIND LETTER--BENEDICT AND
BELLETTI--GEORGE AUGUSTUS SALA--CHARLES KEAN--EDMUND YATES--HORACE
MAYHEW--GEORGE PEABODY--MR. BUCKSTONE--MY EXHIBITIONS IN ENGLAND--S. M.
PETTINGILL--MR. LUMLEY,......419
CHAP. XXIX.--IN GERMANY.
FROM LONDON TO BADEN-BADEN--TROUBLE IN PARIS--STRASBOURG--SCENE IN A
GERMAN CUSTOM-HOUSE--A TERRIBLE BILL--SIX CENTS WORTH OF AGONY--GAMBLING
AT BADEN-BADEN--SUICIDES--GOLDEN PRICES FOR THE GENERAL--A CALL FROM THE
KING OF HOLLAND--THE GERMAN SPAS--HAMBURG, EMS AND WIESBADEN--THE BLACK
FOREST ORCHESTRION MAKER--AN OFFERED SACRIFICE--THE SEAT OF THE
ROTHSCHILDS--DIFFICULTIES IN FRANKFORT--A POMPOUS COMMISSIONER OF
POLICE--RED-TAPE--AN ALARM--HENRY J. RAYMOND--CALL ON THE
COMMISSIONER--CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURES--HALF OF AN ENTIRE FORTUNE IN AN
AMERICAN RAILWAY--ASTOUNDING REVELATIONS--DOWN THE RHINE--DEPARTURE FOR
HOLLAND,......430
CHAP. XXX.--IN HOLLAND.
THE FINEST AND FLATTEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD--SUPER-CLEANLINESS--HABITS
AND CUSTOMS--“KREMIS”--THE ALBINO FAMILY--THE HAGUE--AUGUST
BELMONT--JAPANESE MUSEUM--MANUFACTURED FABULOUS ANIMALS--A GENEROUS
OFFER--VALUABLE PICTURES--AN ASTONISHED SUPERINTENDENT--BACK TO
ENGLAND--EXHIBITIONS IN MANCHESTER--I RETURN AGAIN TO AMERICA--FUN ON
THE VOYAGE--MOCK TRIALS--BARNUM AS A PROSECUTOR AND AS A PRISONER--COLD
SHOULDERS IN NEW YORK--PREPARING TO MOVE INTO MY OLD HOME--CARELESS
PAINTERS AND CARPENTERS--IRANISTAN BURNED TO THE GROUND--NEXT TO NO
INSURANCE--SALE OF THE PROPERTY--ELIAS HOWE, JR.,......441
CHAP. XXXI.--THE ART OF MONEY GETTING.
BACK ONCE MORE TO ENGLAND--TOUR THROUGH SCOTLAND AND WALES--HOW I CAME
TO LECTURE--ADVICE OF MY FRIENDS--MY LECTURE--HOW TO MAKE MONEY AND HOW
TO KEEP IT--WHAT THE PAPERS SAID ABOUT ME--PRAISE OF THE LONDON
PRESS--LECTURING IN THE PROVINCES--PERFORMANCES AT CAMBRIDGE--CALL FOR
JOICE HETH--EXTRAORDINARY FUN AT OXFORD--THE AUDIENCE AND LECTURER
TAKING TURNS--A UNIVERSITY BREAKFAST--MAGNIFICENT OFFER FOR A
COPYRIGHT--SUCCESS OF MY ENTERPRISE--MORE MONEY FOR THE CLOCK
CREDITORS,......456
CHAP. XXXII.--AN ENTERPRISING ENGLISHMAN.
AN ENGLISH YANKEE--MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH HIM--HIS PLANS BASED ON
BARNUM’S BOOK--ADVERTISING FOR PARTNERS--HOW MY RULES MADE HIM
RICH--METHOD IN MADNESS--THE “BARNUM” OF BURY--DINNER TO TOM THUMB AND
COMMODORE NUTT--MY AGENT IN PARIS--MEASURING A MONSTER--HOW GIANTS AND
DWARFS STRETCH AND CONTRACT--AN UNWILLING FRENCHMAN--A PERSISTENT
MEASURER--A GIGANTIC HUMBUG--THE STEAM-ENGINES “BARNUM” AND
“CHARITY”--WHAT “CHARITY” DID FOR “BARNUM”--SELLING THE SAME GOODS A
THOUSAND TIMES--THE GREAT CAKES--SIMNAL SUNDAY--THE SANITARY COMMISSION
FAIR,......506
CHAP. XXXIII.--RICHARD’S HIMSELF AGAIN.
AT HOME--EXTINGUISHMENT OF THE CLOCK DEBTS--A RASCALLY
PROPOSITION--BARNUM ON HIS FEET AGAIN--RE-PURCHASE OF THE MUSEUM--A GALA
DAY--MY RECEPTION BY MY FRIENDS--THE STORY OF MY TROUBLES--HOW I WADED
ASHORE--PROMISES TO THE PUBLIC--THE PUBLIC RESPONSE--MUSEUM
VISITORS--THE RECEIPTS DOUBLED--HOW THE PRESS RECEIVED THE NEWS OF
RESTORATION--THE SYCOPHANTS--OLD AND FAST FRIENDS--ROBERT
BONNER--CONSIDERATION AND COURTESY OF CREDITORS--THE BOSTON SATURDAY
EVENING GAZETTE AGAIN--ANOTHER WORD FOR BARNUM,......516
CHAP. XXXIV.--MENAGERIE AND MUSEUM MEMORANDA.
A REMARKABLE CHARACTER--OLD GRIZZLY ADAMS--THE CALIFORNIA
MENAGERIE--TERRIBLY WOUNDED BY BEARS--MY UP-TOWN SHOW--EXTRAORDINARY
WILL AND VIGOR--A LESSON FOR MUNCHAUSEN--THE CALIFORNIA GOLDEN
PIGEONS--PIGEONS OF ALL COLORS--PROCESS OF THEIR CREATION--M.
GUILLAUDEU--A NATURALIST DECEIVED--THE MOST WONDERFUL BIRDS IN THE
WORLD--THE CURIOSITIES TRANSFERRED TO THE MENAGERIE--OLD ADAMS TAKEN
IN--A CHANGE OF COLOR--MOTLEY THE ONLY WEAR--OLD GRIZZLY
UNDECEIVED--TOUR OF THE BEAR-TAMER THROUGH THE COUNTRY--A BEAUTIFUL
HUNTING SUIT--A LIFE AND DEATH STRUGGLE FOR A WAGER--OLD ADAMS WINS--HIS
DEATH--THE LAST JOKE ON BARNUM--THE PRINCE OF WALES VISITS THE MUSEUM--I
CALL ON THE PRINCE IN BOSTON--STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS--“BEFORE AND AFTER” IN
A BARBER SHOP--HOW TOM HIGGINSON “DID” BARNUM--THE MUSEUM
FLOURISHING,......529
CHAP. XXXV.--EAST BRIDGEPORT.
ANOTHER NEW HOME--LINDENCROFT--PROGRESS OF MY PET CITY--THE CHESTNUT
WOOD FIRE--HOW IT BECAME OLD HICKORY--INDUCEMENTS TO SETTLERS--MY
OFFER--EVERY MAN HIS OWN HOUSE-OWNER--WHISKY AND TOBACCO--RISE IN
REAL-ESTATE--PEMBROKE LAKE--WASHINGTON PARK--GREAT
MANUFACTORIES--WHEELER AND WILSON--SCHUYLER, HARTLEY AND
GRAHAM--HOTCHKISS, SON AND COMPANY--STREET NAMES--MANY THOUSAND SHADE
TREES--BUSINESS IN THE NEW CITY--UNPARALLELED GROWTH AND
PROSPERITY--PROBABILITIES IN THE FUTURE--SITUATION OF BRIDGEPORT--ITS
ADVANTAGES AND PROSPECTS--THE SECOND, IF NOT THE FOREMOST CITY IN
CONNECTICUT,......549
CHAP. XXXVI.--MORE ABOUT THE MUSEUM.
ANOTHER RE-OPENING--A CHERRY-COLORED CAT--THE CAT LET OUT OF THE BAG--MY
FIRST WHALING EXPEDITION--PLANS FOR CAPTURE--SUCCESS OF THE
SCHEME--TRANSPORTING LIVING WHALES BY LAND--PUBLIC EXCITEMENT--THE GREAT
TANK--SALT WATER PUMPED FROM THE BAY TO THE MUSEUM--MORE
WHALES--EXPEDITION TO LABRADOR--THE FIRST HIPPOPOTAMUS IN
AMERICA--TROPICAL FISH--COMMODORE NUTT AND HIS FIRST “ENGAGEMENT”--THE
TWO DROMIOS--PRESIDENT LINCOLN SEES COMMODORE NUTT--WADING ASHORE--A
QUESTION OF LEGS--SELF-DECEPTION--THE GOLDEN ANGEL FISH--ANNA SWAN, THE
NOVA SCOTIA GIANTESS--THE TALLEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD--INDIAN
CHIEFS--EXPEDITION TO CYPRUS--MY AGENT IN A PASHA’S HAREM,......560
CHAP. XXXVII.--MR. AND MRS. GENERAL TOM THUMB.
MISS LAVINIA WARREN--A CHARMING LITTLE LADY--SUPPOSED TO BE THE $30,000
NUTT IN DISGUISE--HER WARDROBE AND PRESENTS--STORY OF A RING--THE LITTLE
COMMODORE IN LOVE--TOM THUMB SMITTEN--RIVALRY OF THE DWARFS--JEALOUSY OF
THE GENERAL--VISIT AT BRIDGEPORT--THE GENERAL’S STYLISH TURN-OUT--MISS
WARREN IMPRESSED--CALL OF THE GENERAL--A LILLIPUTIAN LOVE SCENE--TOM
THUMB’S INVENTORY OF HIS PROPERTY--HE PROPOSES AND IS ACCEPTED--ARRIVAL
OF THE COMMODORE--HIS GRIEF--EXCITEMENT OVER THE ENGAGEMENT--THE WEDDING
IN GRACE CHURCH--REVEREND JUNIUS WILLEY--A SPICY LETTER BY DOCTOR
TAYLOR--GRAND RECEPTION OF MR. AND MRS. STRATTON--THE COMMODORE IN
SEARCH OF A GREEN COUNTRY GIRL,......582
CHAP. XXXVIII.--POLITICAL AND PERSONAL.
MY POLITICAL PRINCIPLES--REASONS FOR MY CHANGE OF PARTIES--KANSAS AND
SECESSION--WIDE-AWAKES--GRAND ILLUMINATION OF LINDENCROFT--JOKE ON A
DEMOCRATIC NEIGHBOR--PEACE MEETINGS--THE STEPNEY EXCITEMENT--TEARING
DOWN A PEACE FLAG--A LOYAL MEETING--RECEPTION IN BRIDGEPORT--DESTRUCTION
OF THE “FARMER” OFFICE--ELIAS HOWE, JR.--SAINT PETER AND
SALTPETRE--DRAFT RIOTS--BURGLARS AT LINDENCROFT--MY ELECTION TO THE
LEGISLATURE--BEGINNING OF MY WAR ON RAILROAD
MONOPOLIES--WIRE-PULLING--THE XIV. AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES
CONSTITUTION--STRIKING THE WORD “WHITE” FROM THE CONNECTICUT
CONSTITUTION--MY SPEECH,......609
CHAP. XXXIX.--THE AMERICAN MUSEUM IN RUINS.
A TERRIBLE LOSS--HOW I RECEIVED THE NEWS--BURNING OF THE AMERICAN
MUSEUM--DETAILS OF THE DISASTER--FAITH IN HERRING’S SAFES--BAKED AND
BOILED WHALES--THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE ON THE DESTRUCTION OF THE MUSEUM--A
PUBLIC CALAMITY--SYMPATHY OF THE LEADING EDITORS--AMOUNT OF MY
LOSS--SMALL INSURANCE--MY PROPERTY--INTENTION TO RETIRE TO PRIVATE
LIFE--HORACE GREELEY ADVISES ME TO GO A-FISHING--BENEFIT TO THE MUSEUM
EMPLOYEES AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC--MY SPEECH--WHAT THE NEW YORK SUN SAID
ABOUT IT--THE NEW UP-TOWN MUSEUM--OPENING THE ESTABLISHMENT TO THE
PUBLIC,......638
CHAP. XL.--MY WAR ON THE RAILROADS.
SCENES IN THE LEGISLATURE--SHARP-SHOOTING--PROPOSITIONS FOR A NEW
CAPITAL OF CONNECTICUT--THE RIVALRY OF CITIES--CULMINATION OF THE
RAILROAD CONTROVERSY--EXCITEMENT AMONG THE LOBBYISTS--A BILL FOR THE
BENEFIT OF COMMUTERS--PEOPLE PROTECTED FROM THE PLUNDERERS--HOW SETTLERS
ARE DRAWN INTO A STATE AND THEN CHEATED BY THE RAILROAD COMPANIES--EQUAL
RIGHTS FOR COMMUTERS AND TRANSIENT PASSENGERS--WHAT COMMODORE VANDERBILT
DID--WHAT THE NEW YORK AND NEW HAVEN RAILROAD COMPANY WANTED TO
DO--EXPOSURE OF THEIR PLOT--CONSTERNATION OF THE CONSPIRATORS--MY
VICTORY--AGAIN ELECTED TO THE LEGISLATURE--UNITED STATES SENATOR
FERRY--EX-GOVERNOR W. A. BUCKINGHAM--THEODORE TILTON--GOVERNOR
HAWLEY--FRIENDS AT LINDENCROFT--NOMINATED FOR CONGRESS AND
DEFEATED,......649
CHAP. XLI.--BENNETT AND THE HERALD.
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM LEASE--ITS VALUE--BENNETT OF THE HERALD BUYS IT FOR
$200,000--HE PURCHASES THE PROPERTY--OVERESTIMATE OF ITS WORTH--MAX
MARETZEK--MISS CLARA LOUISE KELLOGG’S ESTIMATE OF CERTAIN PEOPLE--THE
POWER BEHIND THE HERALD THRONE--THE HERALD’S INFLUENCE--AND HARD
EXPERIENCE--HIS LAWYER INSISTS UPON MY TAKING BACK THE MUSEUM LEASE--I
DECLINE--BENNETT REFUSES MY ADVERTISEMENTS--INTERVIEW WITH MR.
HUDSON--WAR OF THE MANAGERS UPON THE HERALD--BENNETT HUMBLED--LOSS OF
THE HERALD’S PRESTIGE--MONEY DAMAGE TO BENNETT’S ESTABLISHMENT--THE
EDITOR SUED--PEACE BETWEEN THE HERALD AND THE MANAGERS,......665
CHAP. XLII.--PUBLIC LECTURING.
MY TOUR AT THE WEST--THE CURIOSITY EXHIBITOR HIMSELF A CURIOSITY--BUYING
A FARM IN WISCONSIN--HELPING THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES--A RIDE ON A
LOCOMOTIVE--PUNCTUALITY IN MY ENGAGEMENTS--TRICKS TO SECURE SEATS IN THE
LADIES’ CAR--I SUDDENLY BECAME FATHER TO A YOUNG MARRIED COUPLE--MY
IDENTITY DENIED--PITY AND CHARITY--REVEREND DOCTOR CHAPIN PULLS THE
BELL--TEMPERANCE--HOW I BECAME A TEETOTALER--MODERATE DRINKING AND ITS
DANGERS--DOCTOR CHAPIN’S LECTURE IN BRIDGEPORT--MY OWN EFFORTS IN THE
TEMPERANCE CAUSE--LECTURING THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY--NEWSPAPER
ARTICLES--THE STORY OF VINELAND, IN NEW JERSEY,......676
CHAP. XLIII.--THE NEW MUSEUM.
A GIGANTIC AMUSEMENT COMPANY--IMMENSE ADDITIONS TO THE NEW
COLLECTION--CURIOSITIES FROM EVERYWHERE--THE GORDON CUMMINGS’ COLLECTION
FROM AFRICA--THE GORILLA--WHAT THE PAPERS SAID ABOUT THE MONSTER--MY
PRIVATE VIEW OF THE ANIMAL--AMUSING INTERVIEW WITH PAUL DU CHAILLU--A
SUPERB MENAGERIE--THE NEW THEATRE--PROJECT FOR A FREE NATIONAL
INSTITUTION--MESSRS. E. D. MORGAN, WILLIAM C. BRYANT, HORACE GREELEY AND
OTHERS FAVOR MY PLAN--PRESIDENT JOHNSON INDORSES IT--DESTRUCTION OF MY
SECOND MUSEUM BY FIRE--THE ICE-CLAD RUINS--A SAD, YET SPLENDID
SPECTACLE--OUT OF THE BUSINESS--FOOT RACES AT THE WHITE MOUNTAINS--HOW I
WAS NOT BEATEN--OPENING OF WOOD’S MUSEUM IN NEW YORK--MY ONLY INTEREST
IN THE ENTERPRISE,......692
CHAP. XLIV.--CURIOUS COINCIDENCES.--NUMBER THIRTEEN.
POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS--UNLUCKY FRIDAY--UNFORTUNATE SATURDAY--RAINY
SUNDAYS--TERRIBLE THIRTEEN--THE BRETTELLS OF LONDON--INCIDENTS OF MY
WESTERN TRIP--SINGULAR FATALITY--NUMBER THIRTEEN IN EVERY HOTEL--NO
ESCAPE FROM THE FRIGHTFUL FIGURE--ADVICE OF A CLERICAL FRIEND--THE
THIRTEEN COLONIES--THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER OF CORINTHIANS--THIRTEEN AT MY
CHRISTMAS DINNER PARTY--THIRTEEN DOLLARS AT A FAIR--TWO DISASTROUS
DAYS--THE THIRTEENTH DAY IN TWO MONTHS--THIRTEEN PAGES OF
MANUSCRIPT,......708
CHAP. XLV.--A STORY CHAPTER.
“EVERY MAN TO HIS VOCATION” AND “NATURE WILL ASSERT HERSELF”--REST BY
THE WAYSIDE--A HALF-SHAVED PARTY--CONSTERNATION OF A CLERGYMAN--NATIVES
IN NEW YORK--DOCTORING A CORN-DOCTOR--RELIGIOUS RAILWAYS--THE BRIGHTON
BUGLE BUSINESS--CASH AND CONSCIENCE--CASTLES IN THE AIR--A DELUDED
ANTIQUARIAN--GAMBLING AND POLITICS--IRISH WIT--ABOUT CONDUCTORS--DR.
CHAPIN AS A PUNSTER--FOWL ATTEMPTS--A PAIR O’ DUCKS--CUTTING A SICK
FRIEND--REV. RICHARD VARICK DEY--HIS CRIME AND ITS
CONSEQUENCES--FOREORDINATION--PRACTICAL JOKING BY MY FATHER--A VALUABLE
RACE-HORSE--HOW HE WAS LET AND THEN KILLED--AGONY OF THE
HORSE-KILLER--THE FINAL “SELL”--FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC
FRENCH--COCKNEYISM--WICKED WORDS IN EXETER HALL,......718
CHAP. XLVI.--SEA-SIDE PARK.
INTEREST IN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS--OLD PARK PROJECTS--OPPOSITION OF OLD
FOGIES--THE SOUND SHORE AT BRIDGEPORT--INACCESSIBLE PROPERTY--THE EYE OF
FAITH--TALKING TO THE FARMERS--REACHING THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE
PAPERS--HOW THE LAND WAS SECURED FOR A GREAT PLEASURE-GROUND--GIFTS TO
THE PEOPLE--OPENING OF SEA-SIDE PARK--THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GROUND BETWEEN
NEW YORK AND BOSTON--MAGNIFICENT DRIVES--THE ADVANTAGES OF THE
LOCATION--MUSIC FOR THE MILLION--BY THE SEA-SIDE--FUTURE OF THE PARK--A
PERPETUAL BLESSING TO POSTERITY,......758
CHAP. XLVII.--WALDEMERE.
MY PRIVATE LIFE--PLANS FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT IN BRIDGEPORT--OPENING
AVENUES--PLANTING SHADE-TREES--OLD FOGIES--CONSERVATISM A CURSE TO
CITIES--BENEFITING BARNUM’s PROPERTY--SALE OF LINDENCROFT--LIVING IN A
FARM-HOUSE--BY THE SEA-SHORE--ANOTHER NEW HOME--WALDEMERE--HOW IT CAME
TO BE BUILT--MAGIC AND MONEY--WAVEWOOD AND THE PETREL’S NEST--MY
FARM--THE HOLLAND BLANKET CATTLE--MY CITY RESIDENCE--COMFORTS OF CITY
LIFE--BEGGING LETTERS--MY FAMILY--RELIGIOUS REFLECTIONS--MY FIFTY-NINTH
BIRTHDAY--THE END OF THE RECORD,......768
CHAPTER I.
EARLY LIFE.
MY BIRTH--FIRST PROPERTY--FARMER-BOY LIFE--GOING TO SCHOOL--EARLY
ACQUISITIVENESS--A HOLIDAY PEDDLER--FIRST VISIT TO NEW
YORK--LEARNING TO “SWAP”--MISERIES FROM MOLASSES CANDY--“IVY
ISLAND”--ENTERING UPON MY ESTATE--CLERKSHIP IN A COUNTRY
STORE--TRADING MORALS--THE BETHEL MEETING-HOUSE--STOVE
QUESTION--SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASS--MY COMPOSITION--THE ONE
THING NEEDFUL.
I was born in the town of Bethel, in the State of Connecticut, July 5,
1810. My name, Phineas Taylor, is derived from my maternal grandfather,
who was a great wag in his way, and who, as I was his first grandchild,
gravely handed over to my mother at my christening a gift-deed, in my
behalf, of five acres of land situated in that part of the parish of
Bethel known as the “Plum Trees.” I was thus a real estate owner almost
at my very birth; and of my property, “Ivy Island,” something shall be
said anon.
My father, Philo Barnum, was the son of Ephraim Barnum, of Bethel, who
was a captain in the revolutionary war. My father was a tailor, a
farmer, and sometimes a tavern-keeper, and my advantages and
disadvantages were such as fall to the general run of farmers’ boys. I
drove cows to and from the pasture, shelled corn, weeded the garden; as
I grew larger, I rode horse for ploughing, turned and raked hay; in due
time I handled the shovel and the hoe, and when I could do so I went to
school.
I was six years old when I began to go to school, and the first date I
remember inscribing upon my writing-book was 1818. The ferule, in those
days, was the assistant school-master; but in spite of it, I was a
willing, and, I think, a pretty apt scholar; at least, I was so
considered by my teachers and schoolmates, and as the years went on
there were never more than two or three in the school who were deemed my
superiors. In arithmetic I was unusually ready and accurate, and I
remember, at the age of twelve years, being called out of bed one night
by my teacher who had wagered with a neighbor that I could calculate the
correct number of feet in a load of wood in five minutes. The dimensions
given, I figured out the result in less than two minutes, to the great
delight of my teacher and to the equal astonishment of his neighbor.
My organ of “acquisitiveness” was manifest at an early age. Before I was
five years of age, I began to accumulate pennies and “four-pences,” and
when I was six years old my capital amounted to a sum sufficient to
exchange for a silver dollar, the possession of which made me feel far
richer and more independent than I have ever since felt in the world.
Nor did my dollar long remain alone. As I grew older I earned ten cents
a day for riding the horse which led the ox team in ploughing, and on
holidays and “training days,” instead of spending money, I earned it. I
was a small peddler of molasses candy (of home make), ginger-bread,
cookies and cherry rum, and I generally found myself a dollar or two
richer at the end of a holiday than I was at the beginning. I was always
ready for a trade, and by the time I was twelve years old, besides other
property, I was the owner of a sheep and a calf, and should soon, no
doubt, have become a small Crœsus, had not my father kindly permitted
me to purchase my own clothing, which somewhat reduced my little store.
When I was nearly twelve years old I made my first visit to the
metropolis. It happened in this wise: Late one afternoon in January,
1822, Mr. Daniel Brown, of Southbury, Connecticut, arrived at my
father’s tavern, in Bethel, with some fat cattle he was driving to New
York to sell. The cattle were put into our large barnyard, the horses
were stabled, and Mr. Brown and his assistant were provided with a warm
supper and lodging for the night. After supper I heard Mr. Brown say to
my father that he intended to buy more cattle, and that he would be glad
to hire a boy to assist in driving the cattle. I immediately besought my
father to secure the situation for me, and he did so. My mother’s
consent was also gained, and at daylight next morning, after a slight
breakfast, I started on foot in the midst of a heavy snow storm to help
drive the cattle. Before reaching Ridgefield, I was sent on horseback
after a stray ox, and, in galloping, the horse fell and my ankle was
sprained. I suffered severely, but did not complain lest my employer
should send me back. But he considerately permitted me to ride behind
him on his horse; and, indeed, did so most of the way to New York, where
we arrived in three or four days.
We put up at the Bull’s Head Tavern, where we were to stay a week while
the drover was disposing of his cattle, and we were then to return home
in a sleigh. It was an eventful week for me. Before I left home my
mother had given me a dollar which I supposed would supply every want
that heart could wish. My first outlay was for oranges which I was told
were four pence apiece, and as “four-pence” in Connecticut was six
cents, I offered ten cents for two oranges which was of course readily
taken; and thus, instead of saving two cents, as I thought, I actually
paid two cents more than the price demanded. I then bought two more
oranges, reducing my capital to eighty cents. Thirty-one cents was the
“charge” for a small gun which would “go off” and send a stick some
little distance, and this gun I bought. Amusing myself with this toy in
the bar-room of the Bull’s Head, the arrow happened to hit the
barkeeper, who forthwith came from behind the counter and shook me and
soundly boxed my ears, telling me to put that gun out of the way or he
would put it into the fire. I sneaked to my room, put my treasure under
the pillow, and went out for another visit to the toy shop.
There I invested six cents in “torpedoes,” with which I intended to
astonish my schoolmates in Bethel. I could not refrain, however, from
experimenting upon the guests of the hotel, which I did when they were
going in to dinner. I threw two of the torpedoes against the wall of the
hall through which the guests were passing, and the immediate results
were as follows: two loud reports,--astonished guests,--irate
landlord,--discovery of the culprit, and summary punishment--for the
landlord immediately floored me with a single blow with his open hand,
and said:
“There, you little greenhorn, see if that will teach you better than to
explode your infernal fire crackers in my house again.”
The lesson was sufficient if not entirely satisfactory. I deposited the
balance of the torpedoes with my gun, and as a solace for my wounded
feelings I again visited the toy shop, where I bought a watch, breastpin
and top, leaving but eleven cents of my original dollar.
The following morning found me again at the fascinating toy shop, where
I saw a beautiful knife with two blades, a gimlet, and a corkscrew,--a
whole carpenter shop in miniature, and all for thirty-one cents. But,
alas! I had only eleven cents. Have that knife I must, however, and so I
proposed to the shop woman to take back the top and breastpin at a
slight deduction, and with my eleven cents to let me have the knife. The
kind creature consented, and this makes memorable my first “swap.” Some
fine and nearly white molasses candy then caught my eye, and I proposed
to trade the watch for its equivalent in candy. The transaction was made
and the candy was so delicious that before night my gun was absorbed in
the same way. The next morning the torpedoes “went off” in the same
direction, and before night even my beloved knife was similarly
exchanged. My money and my goods all gone I traded two pocket
handkerchiefs and an extra pair of stockings I was sure I should not
want for nine more rolls of molasses candy, and then wandered about the
city disconsolate, sighing because there was no more molasses candy to
conquer.
I doubt not that in these first wanderings about the city I often passed
the corner of Broadway and Ann Street--never dreaming of the stir I was
destined at a future day to make in that locality as proprietor and
manager of the American Museum.
After wandering, gazing and wondering, for a week, Mr. Brown took me in
his sleigh and on the evening of the following day we arrived in Bethel.
I had a thousand questions to answer, and then and for a long time
afterwards I was quite a lion among my mates because I had seen the
great metropolis. My brothers and sisters, however, were much
disappointed at my not bringing them something from my dollar, and when
my mother examined my wardrobe and found two pocket handkerchiefs and
one pair of stockings missing she whipped me and sent me to bed. Thus
ingloriously terminated my first visit to New York.
Previous to my visit to New York, I think it was in 1820, when I was ten
years of age, I made my first expedition to my landed property, “Ivy
Island.” This, it will be remembered, was the gift of my grandfather,
from whom I derived my name. From the time when I was four years old I
was continually hearing of this “property.” My grandfather always spoke
of me (in my presence) to the neighbors and to strangers as the richest
child in town, since I owned the whole of “Ivy Island,” one of the most
valuable farms in the State. My father and mother frequently reminded me
of my wealth and hoped I would do something for the family when I
attained my majority. The neighbors professed to fear that I might
refuse to play with their children because I had inherited so large a
property.
These constant allusions, for several years, to “Ivy Island” excited at
once my pride and my curiosity and stimulated me to implore my father’s
permission to visit my property. At last, he promised I should do so in
a few days, as we should be getting some hay near “Ivy Island.” The
wished for day at length arrived and my father told me that as we were
to mow an adjoining meadow, I might visit my property in company with
the hired man during the “nooning.” My grandfather reminded me that it
was to his bounty I was indebted for this wealth, and that had not my
name been Phineas I might never have been proprietor of “Ivy Island.” To
this my mother added:
“Now, Taylor, don’t become so excited when you see your property as to
let your joy make you sick, for remember, rich as you are, that it will
be eleven years before you can come into possession of your fortune.”
She added much more good advice, to all of which I promised to be calm
and reasonable and not to allow my pride to prevent me from speaking to
my brothers and sisters when I returned home.
When we arrived at the meadow, which was in that part of the “Plum
Trees” known as “East Swamp,” I asked my father where “Ivy Island” was.
“Yonder, at the north end of this meadow, where you see those beautiful
trees rising in the distance.”
All the forenoon I turned grass as fast as two men could cut it, and
after a hasty repast at noon, one of our hired men, a good natured
Irishman, named Edmund, took an axe on his shoulder and announced that
he was ready to accompany me to “Ivy Island.” We started, and as we
approached the north end of the meadow we found the ground swampy and
wet and were soon obliged to leap from bog to bog on our route. A
misstep brought me up to my middle in water. To add to the dilemma a
swarm of hornets attacked me. Attaining the altitude of another bog I
was cheered by the assurance that there was only a quarter of a mile of
this kind of travel to the edge of my property. I waded on. In about
fifteen minutes more, after floundering through the morass, I found
myself half-drowned, hornet-stung, mud-covered, and out of breath, on
comparatively dry land.
“Never mind, my boy,” said Edmund, “we have only to cross this little
creek, and ye’ll be upon your own valuable property.”
We were on the margin of a stream, the banks of which were thickly
covered with alders. I now discovered the use of Edmund’s axe, for he
felled a small oak to form a temporary bridge to my “Island” property.
Crossing over, I proceeded to the centre of my domain; I saw nothing but
a few stunted ivies and straggling trees. The truth flashed upon me. I
had been the laughing-stock of the family and neighborhood for years. My
valuable “Ivy Island” was an almost inaccessible, worthless bit of
barren land, and while I stood deploring my sudden downfall, a huge
black snake (one of my tenants) approached me with upraised head. I gave
one shriek and rushed for the bridge.
This was my first, and, I need not say, my last visit to “Ivy Island.”
My father asked me “how I liked my property?” and I responded that I
would sell it pretty cheap. My grandfather congratulated me upon my
visit to my property as seriously as if it had been indeed a valuable
domain. My mother hoped its richness had fully equalled my
anticipations. The neighbors desired to know if I was not now glad I was
named Phineas, and for five years forward I was frequently reminded of
my wealth in “Ivy Island.”
As I grew older, my settled aversion to manual labor, farm or other
kind, was manifest in various ways, which were set down to the general
score of laziness. In despair of doing better with me, my father
concluded to
[Illustration: _MY PROPERTY AND MY TENANT._]
make a merchant of me. He erected a building in Bethel, and with Mr.
Hiram Weed as a partner, purchased a stock of dry goods, hardware,
groceries, and general notions and installed me as clerk in this country
store.
Of course I “felt my oats.” It was condescension on my part to talk with
boys who did out-door work. I stood behind the counter with a pen over
my ear, was polite to the ladies, and was wonderfully active in waiting
upon customers. We kept a cash, credit and barter store, and I drove
some sharp bargains with women who brought butter, eggs, beeswax and
feathers to exchange for dry goods, and with men who wanted to trade
oats, corn, buckwheat, axe-helves, hats, and other commodities for
tenpenny nails, molasses, or New England rum. But it was a drawback upon
my dignity that I was obliged to take down the shutters, sweep the
store, and make the fire. I received a small salary for my services and
the perquisite of what profit I could derive from purchasing candies on
my own account to sell to our younger customers, and, as usual, my
father stipulated that I should clothe myself.
There is a great deal to be learned in a country store, and principally
this--that sharp trades, tricks, dishonesty, and deception are by no
means confined to the city. More than once, in cutting open bundles of
rags, brought to be exchanged for goods, and warranted to be all linen
and cotton, I have discovered in the interior worthless woolen trash and
sometimes stones, gravel or ashes. Sometimes, too, when measuring loads
of oats, corn or rye, declared to contain a specified number of bushels,
say sixty, I have found them four or five bushels short. In such cases,
some one else was always to blame, but these happenings were frequent
enough to make us watchful of our customers. In the evenings and on wet
days trade was always dull, and at such times the story-telling and
joke-playing wits and wags of the village used to assemble in our store,
and from them I derived considerable amusement, if not profit. After the
store was closed at night, I frequently joined some of the village boys
at the houses of their parents, where, with story-telling and play, a
couple of hours would soon pass by, and then as late, perhaps, as eleven
o’clock, I went home and slyly crept up stairs so as not to awaken my
brother with whom I slept, and who would be sure to report my late
hours. He made every attempt, and laid all sorts of plans to catch me on
my return, but as sleep always overtook him, I managed easily to elude
his efforts.
Like most people in Connecticut in those days, I was brought up to
attend church regularly on Sunday, and long before I could read I was a
prominent scholar in the Sunday school. My good mother taught me my
lessons in the New Testament and the Catechism, and my every effort was
directed to win one of those “Rewards of Merit,” which promised to pay
the bearer one mill, so that ten of these prizes amounted to one cent,
and one hundred of them, which might be won by faithful assiduity every
Sunday for two years, would buy a Sunday school book worth ten cents.
Such were the magnificent rewards held out to the religious ambition of
youth.
There was but one church or “meeting-house” in Bethel, which all
attended, sinking all differences of creed in the Presbyterian faith.
The old meeting-house had neither steeple nor bell and was a plain
edifice, comfortable enough in summer, but my teeth chatter even now
when I think of the dreary, cold, freezing hours we passed in that place
in winter. A stove in a meeting-house in those days would have been a
sacrilegious innovation. The sermons were from an hour and one half to
two hours long, and through these the congregation would sit and shiver
till they really merited the title the profane gave them of “blue
skins.” Some of the women carried a “foot-stove” consisting of a small
square tin box in a wooden frame, the sides perforated, and in the
interior there was a small square iron dish, which contained a few live
coals covered with ashes. These stoves were usually replenished just
before meeting time at some neighbor’s near the meeting-house.
After many years of shivering and suffering, one of the brethren had the
temerity to propose that the church should be warmed with a stove. His
impious proposition was voted down by an overwhelming majority. Another
year came around, and in November the stove question was again brought
up. The excitement was immense. The subject was discussed in the village
stores and in the juvenile debating club; it was prayed over in
conference; and finally in general “society’s meeting,” in December, the
stove was carried by a majority of one and was introduced into the
meeting-house. On the first Sunday thereafter, two ancient maiden ladies
were so oppressed by the dry and heated atmosphere occasioned by the
wicked innovation, that they fainted away and were carried out into the
cool air where they speedily returned to consciousness, especially when
they were informed that owing to the lack of two lengths of pipe, no
fire had yet been made in the stove. The next Sunday was a bitter cold
day, and the stove, filled with well-seasoned hickory, was a great
gratification to the many, and displeased only a few. After the
benediction, an old deacon rose and requested the congregation to
remain, and called upon them to witness that he had from the first
raised his voice against the introduction of a stove into the house of
the Lord; but the majority had been against him and he had submitted;
now, if they _must_ have a stove, he insisted upon having a large one,
since the present one did not heat the whole house, but drove the cold
to the back outside pews, making them three times as cold as they were
before! In the course of the week, this deacon was made to comprehend
that, unless on unusually severe days, the stove was sufficient to warm
the house, and, at any rate, it did not drive all the cold in the house
into one corner.
During the Rev. Mr. Lowe’s ministrations at Bethel, he formed a Bible
class, of which I was a member. We used to draw promiscuously from a hat
a text of scripture and write a composition on the text, which
compositions were read after service in the afternoon, to such of the
congregation as remained to hear the exercises of the class. Once, I
remember, I drew the text, Luke x. 42: “But one thing is needful; and
Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.”
_Question_, “What is the one thing needful?” My answer was nearly as
follows:
“This question ‘what is the one thing needful?’ is capable of receiving
various answers, depending much upon the persons to whom it is
addressed. The merchant might answer that ‘the one thing needful’ is
plenty of customers, who buy liberally, without beating down and pay
cash for all their purchases.’ The farmer might reply, that ‘the one
thing needful is large harvests and high prices.’ The physician might
answer that ‘it is plenty of patients.’ The lawyer might be of opinion
that ‘it is an unruly community, always engaged in bickerings and
litigations.’ The clergyman might reply, ‘It is a fat salary with
multitudes of sinners seeking salvation and paying large pew rents.’ The
bachelor might exclaim, ‘It is a pretty wife who loves her husband, and
who knows how to sew on buttons.’ The maiden might answer, ‘It is a good
husband, who will love, cherish and protect me while life shall last.’
But the most proper answer, and doubtless that which applied to the case
of Mary, would be, ‘The one thing needful is to believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, follow in his footsteps, love God and obey His
commandments, love our fellow-man, and embrace every opportunity of
administering to his necessities. In short, ‘the one thing needful’ is
to live a life that we can always look back upon with satisfaction, and
be enabled ever to contemplate its termination with trust in Him who has
so kindly vouchsafed it to us, surrounding us with innumerable
blessings, if we have but the heart and wisdom to receive them in a
proper manner.”
The reading of a portion of this answer occasioned some amusement in the
congregation, in which the clergyman himself joined, and the name of
“Taylor Barnum” was whispered in connection with the composition; but at
the close of the reading I had the satisfaction of hearing Mr. Lowe say
that it was a well written and truthful answer to the question, “What is
the one thing needful?”