Before trying his hand at writing, Charles F. Briggs spent several years working as a sailor on voyages to Europe and South America. He also spent a few years as a merchant in New York City.
27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Covers the period from June 1, 1859 to the close of that year.
Shepherd is accused of plagiarizing a poem by Aldrich: "Of Clapp denouncing Shepherd in the Saturday Press as a plagiarist &c, Shepherd having forwarded a little poem which Clapp assumed to be similar to one of Aldrich's. Cahill and Arnold went and bullied Clapp about it and Daisy, writing a letter hinting at cowhiding the hideous little editor apologized openly in his next number. Fearfully superfluous, licking Clapp."
Gunn describes Brigg's beast-like nature" "I had occasion to go up in that office on Saturday afternoon, having a portrait or sketch of John Leech to dispose of, with a bit of an article. Haney, Briggs and Smith were there. I had no sooner exhibited my drawing when the second exclaimed, like the insulting beast he is: 'I don't believe that is a portrait of Leech!' adding, more of the same sort in manner and speech. Its only his 'manner', says Haney. With a spice of thought about a certain Century editorial, too. I always felt that Briggs was a beast, tried to modify my opinion, and as usual, am confirmed in first impressions" (74-75).
A newspaper clipping containing a biographical sketch of Briggs (219).
Gunn recalls that Clapp mentioned being employed by Townsend: "When a person arrived, Mrs P. being out, the old woman her mother refused to deliver the poor old boy's traps with many bitter denunciations of him, until Leslie interfered and got them rendered up. Old Townsend was a well-to-do Boston merchant once; Clapp spoke of being in his employ. His (Townsend's) son had a berth in the Tribune Office and died recently. Poor old boy!" (10).
Gunn recounts when he was walking uptown with A. F. Banks: "I overtook and walked uptown with Banks this afternoon. He was singing Jo Peans to Clapp and the Saturday Press, after his old, old, asinine manner" (32).
Gunn details an incident between Clapp and Shepherd: "Clapp denouncing Shepherd in the Saturday Press as a plagiarist &c, Shepherd having forwarded a little poem which Clapp assumed to be similar to one of Aldrich's. Cahill and Arnold went and bullied Clapp about it and 'Daisy' writing a letter hinting at cowhiding the hideous little editor apologized openly in his next number. Fearfully superfluous, licking Clapp. What would he be like if beaten?" (84).
Gunn comments on the Saturday Press: "Banks, as Bellew expresses it, has formed a 'criminal connexion' with the Saturday Press; apropos of which I learn that Clapp's little Boston indiscretion was a forgery" (89).
Clapp and the Saturday Press--as well as Vanity Fair--are mentioned when talking about a new paper: "Cahill is now a little cock-a-hoop [about] a new comic paper which he has been asked to write for. Its editor will be Frank Wood, a very young man in every sense, its artist Stephens, of Frank Leslie's paper, its capitalist and founder, the brother of this Stephens. The first name proposed was 'the Owl' – a stupid one – the second 'Vanity Fair;' which is that, at present, decided on. Clapp, O'Brien, Banks and others of that ilk are spoken of. Clapp's 'Saturday Press' still survives – how kept alive, only he knows. It is impudent, flippant, Frenchy and pretentious, principally got together on the dead-head principle. Arnold sends gratis contributions, 'Ada Clare' 'Getty Gay' and other unfortunate literary females combine to fill its columns" (160).
Men are referred to as being the "Clapp style" in connection with Ada Clare: "The first of these some years back made an attempt – several attempts – to become a tragic actress, but despite any amount of puffery on the part of fellows who knew her (or wanted to know her in a scriptural sense) failed. She had money and aspired for 'fame' only. She lived with a musician, subsequently went to Paris and returned with an illegitimate child, the result of a liason with a young Frenchman. Affecting the Bohemienne and Georges Sand business she acknowledges the maternity, and is the centre of a circle of the Clapp style of men" (161).
Gunn mentions Clapp when describing the quality of the Saturday Press: "To return to the Saturday Press. Clapp generally does an impudent, flippant, Frenchy tainted editorial in paragraphs of one sentence each, the rest is Ada Clare, Getty Gay, Banks (and brays) Arnold &c &c. Wilkin's provides a 'feulleton', brilliant, cool, impudent and amusing, reading like a translation from the French, and all the rest of the writers imitate him. The paper is a mere swindle on advertisers, principally publishers, the circulation being nominal. Clapp talks each week of his going round to borrow money to purchase paper. Frank Wood 'an evaporating dish' of a young man, as Haney characterized him, paid Clapp $25 of Stephen's money for suggesting the title of Vanity Fair. I fancy the little literary Gorilla is a good deal believed in by Wood" (162).
Gunn documents a row among the Clapp clique: "There's a good deal of a row about an epigram of Morris' on Clapp, among the Clapp clique. Here 'tis, not over decent but decidedly witty 'Clapp slept with a Mercer Street Venus Who d__nably treated the same, For she took off the head of his penis And also the tail of his name!'" (186).
Gunn identifies Ada Clare as a main contributor to the Saturday Press: "Arnold sends gratis contributions, 'Ada Clare' 'Getty Gay' and other unfortunate literary females combine to fill its columns" (160).
Gunn describes Ada Clare's failed attempt to become a famous actress: "The first of these [Ada Clare] some years back made an attempt – several attempts – to become a tragic actress, but despite any amount of puffery on the part of fellows who knew her (or wanted to know her in a scriptural sense) failed. She had money and aspired for 'fame' only. She lived with a musician, subsequently went to Paris and returned with an illegitimate child, the result of a liason [sic] with a young Frenchman. Affecting the Bohemienne and Georges Sand business she acknowledges the maternity, and is the centre of a circle of the Clapp style of men. Possessing some intellect and ability as her writings attest, she is I suppose bedeviled to all intents and purposes – self outlawed from decent womanhood. The Briggs'es of the press and others praise her on the principle that its always safe to praise a woman. I have heard of an old editor who made this a rule through life – never to write a line against a woman – and said he found it pay" (160-161).
Ada Clare is described as being a part of the Saturday Press: "To return to the Saturday Press. Clapp generally does an impudent, flippant, Frenchy tainted editorial in paragraphs of one sentence each, the rest is Ada Clare, Getty Gay, Banks (and brays) Arnold &c &c (162).
de Gurowski is described in a newspaper clipping as similar in appearance to the mythical Bluebeard and Sinbad the Sailor: "Bluebeard in traveling costume, hat, shawl and overcoat, looking like something between Count Gurowski and Sinbad the Sailor."
Gunn says that Thomson and Eytinge went to confront Watson for defaming Allie, but found Powell instead, which led to a conflict between Thomson and Powell over a misquotation in the "Illustrated News": "Apropos of Mort he with Sol Eytinge, went up in Frank Leslie's editorial room last week, the latter intent on licking Watson – not the vulturous-looking but the red-headed one, for that he, in his cups, had been defaming the chaste Allie! Cahill reports this Watson as a slimy and treacherous person and J. A. Wood says he is addicted to tattling when drunk. Of late he has consorted intimacy with his vulturous namesake. Well, Mort and Eytinge, both being intoxicated, found only old Powell in the sanctum, when the squabble devolved upon Thomson. He had penned an uncalled for personality on an actor in the Tribune, saying he looked like an insane jackass, with his mane over his eyes. That paragraph old Powell with his usual proclivity to mischief, had commented upon, charging the asininity of the critic and inquiring why "rowdies and short-boys" were permitted wield the pen &c. Mort produced the paper, demanded if he, Powell were the author. T. P. swelled, shuffled, looked oracular, refused to answer, said Mr Leslie was alone responsible for all that appeared in the paper &c &c &c. Wilkins Junior, Powell's ex-sneaky boy came to his father's rescue, when Mort who had done the extremely indignant and dramatic, ordered him off with outstretched finger, he obeying, metaphorically with his tail between his legs. Of course Mort was an ass for resenting the affair, which inevitably ended in smoke, old Powell promising to retract and apologize! Sol had a bit of a recontre with vulturous Watson some weeks back, pushing him down the steps at the entrance from the street. Not a very brave action as the fellow is known to be a coward (51-53).
Gunn recalls his conversation with Cahill about Eytinge and Allie Vernon: "Talk of Sol Eytinge, of Allie, Josey and Haney, with filling-up items and details. Cahill, I find, suspects the nature of the intimacy between Haney and Allie; asserts indeed that Haney's leaving Bleecker Street for a Broadway lodging (over Madame Malberbe's) was in order to prevent his nocturnal absences being known to Levison. Probable. Josey made advances to Haney or he to her during the early visits to Sol's Brooklyn establishment. Sol and he quarreled about it, Eytine not being unwilling that Haney should emulate his example but being decidedly averse to have the liason in progress under his roof. Haney acknowledged that would probably be the result, if his visits were to be continued; hence both agreed they should terminate. Sol, spurred on by Allie, who hates Haney as a woman of her stamp can hate, suspects him, suspects me, suspects everybody of talking of "his wife " – an error, for some among ourselves we never mention her" (70-71).
Gunn describes the Eytinge family meeting Allie Vernon: "Her recognition by the Eytinge family occured after this fashion. Mrs E. long suspecting Sol's position, at length got informed of particulars, probably by John Wood. Going over to Brooklyn, whether by Sol's connivance or not, she inquired of Al- lie, "and pray are you married to my son?" Allie confessed that she was not, but pleaded that Sol had been much more steady since his connexion with her. Sol's sisters were dead against the recognition of Allie and Clarence out-did them in belligerent declaration. Now, however, Allie (or "Maggie" as they call her) has won Young America over to her side even to disclosing what has been said to him by Cahill of Allie, whereat Sol is furiously wrath even to threatening pugilistic revenge and the personal denouncement of Cahill as a d____d fool and a liar. The text of the row was, the opinion that Allie is a "mercenary woman." (She has made up a purse of some $200, which Sol is unacquainted with. Perhaps she intended it for him, at all events for their joint use.) Josey, with her illegitimate brat, now resides in New York" (72).
Gunn says that Eytinge approached Cahill from behind at Crook and Duf's: "In the Monday's debauch, when at Crook and Duf's, Sol Eytinge, accidentally or intentionally approached Cahill from behind, looking so savage that Bob Gun stood prepared to interfere to ward off the apprehended attack. Sol has talked around promiscuously of licking Cahill and is evidently maliciously disposed towards him. Doubtless Allie blows the fire at home" (175).
Gunn provides some background on Sol Eytinge: "Sol's brother Harry, of unequivocal reputation as a gambler and a libertine went over to Brooklyn to visit his sister-in-law, in Sol's absence. From his never repeating his call it is pretty surely conjectured his object was a Phallic one. I trow that young Mosaic-looking "Clare" is bound to Allie by similar unmentionable relations. Like Rousseau's odious "maman" she would know that no other attachment could "make sicker." A nauseous business generally and individually. What a cheerful time Sol must have of it, domestically! There was a certain music master, or German tutor (for Allie must needs expend some of Sol's earnings in the affectation of learning German once) whom "Mrs Eytinge" accused of an attempt upon her fly-blown chastity. How inseperable this sort of charge is from this sort of woman! Mrs Heylyn used to find out that all the men she was brought into contact with wanted ––, that all the women were ––. Welden's wretched wife tattled ditto, lying withal. Mrs Kidder (the d____dest instance mentionable) the same, to an extreme degree. Did I ever chronicle the detail of the split between Sol and Haney? Being over at Mort Thomson's a year and a half ago, there was before talk the former of "Mrs Eytinge" being expected, to accompany the Thomson's to the theatre. Haney extemporized an excuse for leaving by saying that he and Sol were not friends, just then. Something was remarked about Allie. "Mr Haney never says anything against anybody!" commented Mrs Thomson mère. When the story; came, as of course it did, to Sol's ears, this remark was put into Haney's mouth. They met (next morning, I think) on the ferry-boat; Sol "was mad", a few words passed, they separated and have never spoken since" (175-176).
Gunn describes a walk with Watson: "Down town in the after noon and returning was accosted by and walked some blocks with Watson – Watson the long, lank vulturous ex-forger, ex-engraver, ex-dealer in jewelry and "confidence"-operator, ex-convict and present story-writer &c for Harpers Mag and Weekly. He more than hinted that his ex-mistress, now Mrs Sol Eytinge would return to him at his whistle, says she must tire of any man and will risk privation and misery for the gratification of her humor. Says furthermore that he believes a crisis is approaching in Sol's domestic arrangements. Adds that he himself has been so threatened that he is prepared to kill any man who attacks him. Talk probably; I question his courage" (178-179).
Gunn includes a pencil drawing of Sol Eytinge (247).
Gunn attends Fry's lecture on New York City: "Down town in the afternoon. Went in the evening to Clinton Hall to hear Fry's lecture on the 'City of New York.' Digressive, jerky and not very satisfactory, the man could have done much better had he cared to think over what he was going to say. Frank Wood, House and Thompson, 'publisher' for the forthcoming 'Vanity Fair,' were present. Le Jeune Homme Pauvre came eagerly splurging in, past me, to a front seat and was called back to a side one, by his companions. I heard his laugh at Fry's witticisms, it was demonstrative, aggressive, rampant, with a strong suggestion of asinine he-hawing in it. We were all together awhile at the end of the lecture. Parton was there and Fanny. I Jim spoke to me; we stood conversing, Fanny 'tother side of him until Fry came, when she seized on him, anon diverging to House."
Gunn mentions Getty Gay when describing the Saturday Press: "Clapp's 'Saturday Press' still survives – how kept alive, only he knows. It is impudent, flippant, Frenchy and pretentious, principally got together on the dead-head principle. Arnold sends gratis contributions, 'Ada Clare' 'Getty Gay' and other unfortunate literary females combine to fill its columns. Clapp's 'Saturday Press' still survives – how kept alive, only he knows. It is impudent, flippant, Frenchy and pretentious, principally got together on the dead-head principle. Arnold sends gratis contributions, 'Ada Clare' 'Getty Gay' and other unfortunate literary females combine to fill its columns" (160).
Gunn describes Getty Gay: "'Getty Gay' has still more of the core of bitch in her, as Smollet's Trunnion would say. By Arnold's account she adds direct prostitution to her 'literary' pursuits, taking rides in omnibuses of afternoons and Broadway promenades to pick up $5 with men attached. He, Arnold, visited some female of his acquaintance who resided at the same house with 'Getty' and the one strumpet tattled this of the other. Gaylor had to do with this 'Getty' in the 'Ornithorynchus' days. I think he quarreled with Wilkins of the Herald about her. She brought M.S. to the Pic once, when Cahill assumed the part of editor, Mort Thomson being out. Cahill flattered her, and I believe on Mort's condemning the article as bosh, paid for it himself. He was on the scent after carrion, too. All 'whores and rogues' like Gonzalo's kingdom" (161-162).
Gunn mentions Gay as a major contributor to the Saturday Press: "To return to the Saturday Press. Clapp generally does an impudent, flippant, Frenchy tainted editorial in paragraphs of one sentence each, the rest is Ada Clare, Getty Gay, Banks (and brays) Arnold &c &c" (162).
Gunn states that Gayler will be editor of a new magazine, which will fill its pages with "stealings" (e.g., reprints, plagiarized works, unpaid contributions): "G. Roberts is going to commence a monthly magazine, Gayler editor. All stealings" (87).
Gunn explains that Gayler gave Frank Wood the title "Le Jeune Homme Pouvre" (poor young man): "Wood, too,has figured in the Saturday Press, doing weak translations from the French and what not – gratuitously, of course. Le Jeune Homme Pouvre, as Gayler dubbed him in one of his Bohemian articles, in the Courier, taking the title from one of Woods Saturday Press translations, is just now in high feather on his present or coming editorship. He consorts a good deal with Arnold, who returned from his rustication, has retaken up his abode in the Houston Street boarding house" (163).
A newspaper engraving of Charles Gayler (223).
Matilda Heron is mentioned in connection with the Bateman Children: "O'Brien has been in town some weeks, is apparently a hanger-on of Bateman's, a theatrical man who once had a lawsuit with Barnum about the 'Bateman Children', played in by Matilda Heron. Sam Cowell the vocalist is Mrs B's brother. Cahill, Arnold, Bob Gunn and others were introduced to Cahill, one night, round at the French theatre."
Gunn talks with Nichols, who knows Howland: "The Hillards up to see me, this evening, bringing an acquaintance, one Nichols who had known both Yewel and Howland in Paris, from which he has comparatively recently returned. The two Artists work hard, have been hard-up and Howland is 'accommodated' in Bardolphia phrase with a grisette. Of Yewell's little domestic arrangement, Nichols knew nothing. I had some claret and whisky, so we drank, smoked and talked."
Gunn guesses that Lotty was playing in Laura Keene's group: "I think Lotty was in Philadelphia or Baltimore or Washington, probably playing in Laura Keene's troupe which she quitted on the approach of maternity to return to New York to her mother's house" (19).
Laura Keene is mentioned when Gunn describes the way Mrs. D speaks of Alleyne: "Mrs D speaks of Alleyne very unfavorably, says he's a fifth-rate actor, a loafer, a worthless article generally. Lotty left the stage in consequence of her getting into rows first with old Wallack, then with Laura Keene. She was late at rehearsal in the first place and restive under reproof. When the 'Veteran' objected she 'sauced back.' Indeed she has a proclivity for rows – had one at Westfarms with some fellow boarder whose side the landlady espoused – which landlady Lotty owed $20 for a months board, as she told me" (24).
Gunn provides a description of Nast: "Sunday. Chores, writing &c till the afternoon, then to 16th Street. Found little Nast with Haney. An industrious little chap, German by birth, American in speech (and exceedingly ungrammatically so) goodhumored, I think, and unsophisticated, but shrewdly intent on money making. He does a good deal of drawing now, since his quitting Frank Leslie's, but works rather from knack and industry than perception. Haney has taken him up of late.) He likes playing patron, which habit he may owe to his schoolmaster days.) After supping we turned out together and into a rain-storm, they going to Edwards', I to Chapins', joining them subsequently. Little Nast was there for the first time and in high glee. The girls noticed his assaults on Lindley Murray when he came out with 'There are some people what thinks ––!'" (25).
Gunn describes a party, saying Nast enjoyed himself: "Found little Nast with Haney. The Edwards' in half an hour. Ed. Wells, Knudsen Easton appeared presently which with the family made up a sufficient little party, manually assembled to discuss proceedings on the approaching 'fourth'. We played vingt-un for counters (cheating the bank when practicable) cross-scribbling, had two dances, singing, sandwiches, ale and music. Altogether pleasanter and more successful than the set-occasion parties where the feeling of responsibility sometimes defeats it purpose. The girls looked nice as usual, Matty exceedingly pretty. Pink muslin frock, fair, smooth hair, delicately fair skin with rose-red tinting the cheeks and kind eyes – that's Matty Edwards at 15. Sally, very pleasant looking, knows more than her sister. Little Nast enjoyed himself hugely, as did all. Wells did his fandango. Broke up about 12" (27-28).
Gunn says Nast and Honeywell were asleep in the car: "Cars at last and a horribly slow progress home. Little Nast and Honeywell asleep with their heads together, the latter snorting intermittently, oblivious of Matty also fast asleep, her head in Eliza's lap" (33).
Gun writes that Mattie Edwards sent Cahill a note through Nast: "He [Cahill] has a little bit of a note of her writing, of which he showed me the signature 'Mattie Edwards' in an odd, little, neat upright hand. She, through Nast, sent him a message to the effect that he was 'real mean' for keeping away, which evidently gratified him" (64).
Gunn believes Nast has feelings for Sally: "To further complicate matters, little Nast talks much of Sally! He is going into the country with them. Poor little Nast! You are in for a heart twinge, my boy! What an old, old story it is! How amusing and how touching!" (65-66).
Gunn writes about an upcoming trip to Grafton Fair Corner: "In the evening to 16th, again, then to Edwards'. Mr and Mrs E. away at Poughkeepsie for a day, Matty opened door to me, Haney, Knudsen, Nast, Honeywell and the two other girls being on the roof. A bit of talk with Matty anent recent presumed unfriendliness – all right. Folks descended. Much talk of the coming country sojourn. They start for Grafton fair Corners (I think the name is) on Friday next. Tis a small place, some 14 miles inland from Troy. Knudsen and Nast (and Jack) got with them, Haney proposes one weeks' visit, after the two have elapsed. I was kindly enough invited, especially by Sally, but don't think I shall go" (67).
Gunn writes about a farewell party: "A room full of folks, the girls, Haney, Nast, Wells, Honeywell, Pillow, a Californian, Knud sen &c present and a hop in progress. A farewell party for the girls, Jack, Knudsen and Nast start for Grafton Centre tomorrow" (73).
Gunn talks of a letter illustrated by Nast: "A letter from Jack describing the journey into the country, illustrated by Nast's sketches" (75).
Gunn journals about Nast's return: "Nast came in, having this day journeyed from Grafton Centre, with intent to stop two days in New York, but returns with Haney. Bellew, Cahill, Haney and presently Mr Edwards' up. (Latter shook hands with Cahill but didn't talk to him.) Haney and Nast off" (82).
Gunn recalls a sketch by Nast of Sally Edwards: "Didn't put down yesterday that Nast among other sketches exhibited a pretty elaborate one of Sally Edwards. Poor little Nast! 'Alas! regardless of his doom the little victim plays!' T'was not badly done, but the face was too solid" (84).
Gunn says Nast had a sketchbook of illustrations: "To Haney's by 7, Nast and Wells came, Nast with sketch book full of illustrations of Wells' 4th of July 'pome' and of our picnic" (102).
Gunn says that Nast told Sally about his love for her: "Together to Edwards'. Little Nast in his white vest and trousers sitting on the sofa. Dropped into talk with Matty, Haney conversed either with Mr Edward, or Jack, Sallie sat working at the table, till at my request she joined us. Both the girls were confidential tonight, Sally, having more to tell, particularly so. Little Nast 'told his love' within a day after their arrival in the country. Sally said 'she was sorry' but 'how could you help it'. Little Nast was willing to wait any time. He has no chance; the girl knows so much more than he. She thinks him good-natured, which he is. Monroe the Californian too, has said 'in fun' before her mother that he is ready to marry Sally. 'He is such a bore' she says" (105).
Gunn mentions Nast's aspirations: "He [Haney] never dreamed of the direction of little Nast's aspirations, supposing them devoted to –– Eliza!!! He has acted on that assumption all along" (107).
Gunn writes that Nast will only visit the Edwards' once a week: "Then to Edwards'. Only the family present, no visitors, for a marvel. Little Nast has declared he shall come but once a week. He and Wells have joined Ottignons and are 'going in' gymnastically. Considerable abuse of Fanny Fern this evening" (109).
Gunn describes Nast's portratis, "Out with Haney, met Nast in Union Square. Left them at Edwards', I to Chapin's, who didn't preach, his place being supplied by Starr King of Boston. Frank Hillard and his wife accosted me on quitting, walked with them as far as Edwards. Serrell and young Honeywell there in addition to Haney and Nast. Honey well near Matty, Nast adjacent to Sally. Nast's portraits of the girls on table – only Sally's done decently, Matty's very poor" (111).
Gunn says Haney and Nast have been at the Edwards' house a lot: "Talk with Sally and Eliza. Haney has been at the house every day during the past week, Nast also, almost" (114).
Gunn journals about a party and its guests: "Sally, Matty, Eliza, Jack, Wells, Nast, Honeywell, myself and Haney were the party. (Miss Ann Edwards, here on a visit from Norfolk Va. didn't show.) To Bourcicault's 'Winter Garden' to see 'Dor.' Trash! of the stage stagy. I sat 'twixt Eliza and Matty, Honeywell in front of the latter, Haney by Sally, with Wells on to'ther side of her, Nast beside Eliza" (118).
Gunn writes about Sally and Nast's relationship: "He made inquiries as to the others his rivals, Monroe, Wells and Nast She [Sally] confessed the truth of the allegation with respect to the first and last, smiled as to the middle one. Haney didn't learn from her that Nast had proposed and rejected – I told him that. Maybe my former communications had their influence in inducing him to take this step, as I half-hoped it would with the expectation of a different result" (123).
Gunn describes attending Mort's lecture: "I, Haney and Matt went together, Nast and Jack doing dead-head in another part of the hall, little Thomas' modesty deterrming him from taking a seat in the platform with the presenters" (132).
Gunn writes that Nast was influenced by Mort's lecture: "When Mort was at an appropriate juncture, Haney declares he heard a clap of approbation proceeding from the pudgy hand of little Nast. He would sit open mouthed, swallowing all Mort's teachings as gospel and resolving to act upon them" (134).
Gunn writes about Nast's wooing of Sally Edwards: "Haney's present soreness and suspicion may make him see more in these things than he would have done ordinarily. He doesn't love Nast any better and though I can study these developments coolly enough, I justify Haney. Little, chubby, ignorant, good-humored, selfish, uncultured Nast! I do by no means admire your indecent haste in 'flopping' as it were, at Sally's feet, directly you found yourself among the woods and rocks of Grafton Centre! It'll do your pudgy, approbative, short-necked soul no harm, this disappointment" (135).
Gunn wonders if Nast would have acted differently had he known Haney's liking for Sally: "Respect for Haney, if Nast was unaaware of his claims (which I doubt, for he is an intimate at the Thomsons', and they suspectted Haney's liking for Sally, long ago, and doubtless talk it over) might have taught Nast better, if there were any teaching him. But how little of generosity and fair play is shown by those wiser than Nast in the passion" (136).
Gunn says Haney has offended Nast: "Fanny, in all probability, told the lie about Haney's being a disappointed suitor of Grace's to Thomson, and he unquestionably would believe it. His coarseness must occasionally offend Grace; it has even little Nast" (163).
Gunn describes a conversation with Haney regarding Nast and Sally Edwards: "He [Haney] thinks that her mother is in favor of the match also. There has been a theatre visit of Sally's asking and little Thomas' purveying from which Haney was silently excluded. He spake of it, not to Sally, and frank Matty came out with the truth. Nast waylays them too, of afternoons in Broadway, to walk up town with them. He is at the house as much as possible. Now I know Sally rather despises his intellect, thinks he is 'a good-humored little fellow enough'; either she meditates taking him in order to rule, to do what she likes with him, or is merely amusing herself, not ranking his feelings as of importance, anyway. Sally, after the
rejection, asked him what he thought of Nast; in effect whether Thomas would 'do'. This betokened lack of feeling, not to say selfishness. On the memorable Fourth of July excursion he, Haney had strayed off alone among the trees and mountains with Sally, he 'in an absurd state of happiness' at the propinquity, when she contrived to end it by slipping off and rejoining Nast. That must have been bitter enough. Haney acknowledges ^|his| error in playing pedagogue, as I termed it, but with a strong gush of feeling anent the girls power over him, which I could well understand" (181-183).
Gunn contemplates Sally's decisions: "It might have been better and happier for her, had she married Haney. Methinks little Nast would be soon thrown over now, did a more eligible suitor appear. He is coarse-natured, though good-humored – the latter being three-fourths composed of approbativeness. He is very ignorant, but industrious and thriving. Sally knows all this, and knowing it ought to calculate consequences" (184).
Gunn describes his gift for the Edwards: "The side shelf-counter too was littered with them. Nast had anticipated me in presenting Papa Edwards with the 'Tale of Two Cities' but mine was the better edition. (I only brought that and a Rosa Bonheur 'Horse Fair: engraving for Mrs E.')" (191).
Gunn gives credit to Nast for the play: "Then the play, of the detail of which I shall write nothing here, as I've done it in print for the Courier. It was an immense success; could not have gone off better. Nast was extraordinary" (192).
Gunn writes about the Edwards Christmas party where Haney's poem was read. Nast is mentioned (203).
Gunn talks of Nast's illustrations: "Nast illustrated Welles' poem about our fourth of July picnic. His singing don't amount to much. Lines inserted subsequent to the rest, that she and party mightn't feel as if invidiously omitted. I think he is a clockmaker. A topic on which she is generally eloquent, says Haney. A very pretty girl, a school-friend of Eliza's. As they sat beside each other on the sofa during the reading this poem, I thought theirs were the most intelligent girls' faces in the party" (204).
Gunn includes a letter from the Edwards family; Nast has signed it (215-216).
Gunn includes his article about the Edwards family's Christmas party (255).
Gunn describes stories told about O'Brien: "Wood added a fresh O'Brienism. Dr Palmer (of the Tribune and Up and Down the Irawaddy') has just returned from Boston (probably from concluding arrangements pertinent to his becoming additional editor to the Atlantic) and reports O'B confined to his bed from a severe licking received at the hands of a bartender, I think of the Tremont House. The Baron of Inchiquin's patrician eyes were blacked, his aristocratic nose maltreated, etc. By the way, I don't remember putting down another anecdote, derived from Haney; relating how a shabby and unfortunate boarding-house landlady had appeared at Phillips and Sampson's (the publishers of the Atlantic) to solicit the firm's interference in her favor, with Mr O'Brien. To complete the subject, I put down Rosenberg's account of O'B's characteristic Diddlerism at a boarding house, in this city, where both of them boarded. After getting in debt to the amount of $80 or $100, O'B, in answer to the landlord's repeated applications, inform ed him impressively that he 'should have no money for him' for two weeks, when his play being produced, the debt should be discharged in full. Towards the running out of this period, he gave a supper to half a dozen fellows, actors &c (Brougham among them) as desirous of celebrating the performance of his play in advance, 'having no better' about it; inducing the landlord to further expenditure, in wands &c, ordering in champagne and liqueurs from two different wine-merchants. The party kept it up till morning, making a devil of a row, getting drunk, and when they departed O'Brien accompanied one of their number – to return no more to that boarding house!" (55-56).
Gunn writes about O'Brien's defeat: "Mort Thomson, returned from a visit to Boston, reports particulars of O'Brien's recent licking, which was infinitely more severe than has been supposed. Mort talked with his antagonist, the bartender. O'B was drunkenly insolent, again and again, till the man, provoked beyond endurance, leapt over the counter and pitched into him. O'B kept his room for three weeks – or rather the room of an acquaintance. Bar-tender was 30 lbs less than his adversary in weight. O'B has had delirum tremens twice while in Boston, and is a good deal nearer the bottom of the inclined plane he has always been descending. He insulted another man subsequent to the fight at the Tremont, and was literally carried to the door and pitched into the street!" (61-62).
Gunn describes another of O'Brien's dishonest characteristics: "Another item in illustration of the thousand scoundrelisms of O'Brien. Gun going tonight to an advertising bootmaker learns that the Baron Inchiquin has victimized said bootmaker to the amount of $70 or so. He came with a good customer, wherefore, the man gave him credit (81).
Gunn describes Alf's statement of O'Brien: "Of O'Brien Alf states only that he has seen him in company with a brother of Clapp's, 'an ass who feels honored by the position of satellite' to Fitzbouncer" (88).
Gunn assumes O'Brien has worked for Bateman: "I suppose O'Brien does puffs, correspondence, what not for Bateman. Cahill fell in with O'B one night, so helplessly drunk that he took him to his hotel" (165).
Gunn explains that Charles Bailey Seymour changed his name due to the fact that his brother, John, did some knavery in England: "John Seymour begs and spunges [sic] on his brother to the extend of his endurance. It was this John who did some knavery in England which induced his brother to change his name from that of Bailey (perhaps as too suggestive) on coming to America."
Gunn writes that "Mort Thomson is out west, doing a highly successful lecture season" (168).
Gunn includes an image of Doesticks, Thomson's alter ego (229).
Gunn writes that Lotty left the stage because of her fights with Wallack and Laura Keene: "Mrs D speaks of Alleyne very unfavorably, says he's a fifth-rate actor, a loafer, a worthless article generally. Lotty left the stage in consequence of her getting into rows first with old Wallack, then with Laura Keene. She was late at rehearsal in the first place and restive under reproof. When the 'Veteran' objected she 'sauced back'."
An electronic version of this text is available in a CONTENTdm viewer. Page images, transcriptions, and metadata of the Thomas Butler Gunn diaries have been provided by the Missouri History Museum.
Before trying his hand at writing, Charles F. Briggs spent several years working as a sailor on voyages to Europe and South America. He also spent a few years as a merchant in New York City.
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