"My Dear Dickens,—I cannot hope you will make much out of the accompanying sketch.[34] I suppose the spectator to be placed upon the roof of one of the wings of the Warren House, and towards him are rushing ... [Rudge] and Mr. Haredale as they issue from a small door in the tower, whereunto is attached (as part and parcel of the same) the bell-turret. A small closet through which they pass to the roof has been dismantled, or rather thrown down and carried by the fire and the other spoilers; on the grass below is rooted Solomon Daisy in an ecstasy of wonder, &c., &c.; beyond are clouds of smoke a-passing over and amongst many tall trees, and all about are heard the tenants, frightened rooks, flying and cawing like mad.—In haste, my dear Charles,
G. Cattermole."
Clapham, Aug. 12 [1841].
Plate XLI
"THE NIGHT WATCHMAN" AND "THE 'MAYPOLE' INN"
Facsimiles of Original Sketches for "Barnaby Rudge" by GEORGE CATTERMOLE
Lent by Mr. S. J. Davey.
It will be observed that the incident depicted in this illustration takes place in utter darkness, while the published woodcut represents a daylight scene. This remark also applies to the subject of the next letter (dated August 19, 1841), which was treated by the artist in a similar manner; the effect of torchlight being entirely absent from the picture necessarily deprives it of much dramatic character:—
"When Hugh and a small body of the rioters cut off from the Warren beckoned to their pals, they forced into a very remarkable postchaise Dolly Varden and Emma Haredale, and bore them away with all possible rapidity; one of their company driving, and the rest running beside the chaise, climbing up behind, sitting on the top, lighting the way with their torches, &c., &c. If you can express the women inside without showing them—as by a fluttering veil, a delicate arm, or so forth, appearing at the half-closed window—so much the better. Mr. Tappertit stands on the steps, which are partly down, and, hanging on to the window with one hand and extending the other with great majesty, addresses a few words of encouragement to the driver and attendants. Hugh sits upon the bar in front; the driver sitting postilion-wise, and turns round to look through the window behind him at the little doves within. The gentlemen behind are also anxious to catch a glimpse of the ladies. One of those who are running at the side may be gently rebuked for his curiosity by the cudgel of Hugh. So they cut away, sir, as fast as they can.
"P.S.—John Willet's bar is noble."
There were yet a few more illustrations required for the closing chapters of "Barnaby Rudge," concerning which the artist received very precise instructions from the author. For example, on September 14, 1841, Dickens forwarded to his illustrator the following "business letter, written in a scramble just before post-time," the directions having reference to incidents in chapters lxxiii., lxxxi., and lxxxii.:—