After two years of failing health and much acute suffering, George Cattermole closed an anxious and laborious life on the 24th of July, 1868, the end being undoubtedly hastened by the almost simultaneous deaths, in 1862, of a much-loved son and daughter. Dickens, who sincerely lamented the loss of this cherished friend, actively interested himself on behalf of his widow and young children (who were left in a very distressed condition) by starting a fund for their relief.
It needs but an examination of the correspondence that passed between Charles Dickens and George Cattermole (in which, during later years, the novelist playfully addressed his friend as "My dear Kittenmoles") to prove how deep was their mutual affection. The artist's natural vivacity and good-fellowship caused him to be a great favourite, and those of his family who survive recall with delight the "red-letter" days when Dickens, Thackeray, Landseer, and other kindred spirits foregathered at the Cattermole residence in Clapham Rise, on which occasions the genial company retired after dinner to brew punch in the studio—a picturesque apartment adorned with armour and tapestry and carved furniture, indicative of the artist's tastes, and strongly reminiscent of his most characteristic pictures.
FOOTNOTES:
[29] "Mr. Pickwick's Tale," in the first chapter.
[30] See headpiece to "First Night of the Giant Chronicles."
[31] See illustration in "The Old Curiosity Shop," chap, xxvii.
[32] Macready, upon whom the death of Little Nell had a painful effect, was much impressed by this illustration, as an entry in his diary testifies: "Found at home ... an onward number of 'Master Humphrey's Clock.' I saw one print in it of the dear dead child that gave a dead chill through my blood. I dread to read it, but must get it over."
[33] A modern public-house still stands upon the site, in Cromer Street, Gray's Inn Road. It retains the original sign.
[34] See Plate. Both sketch and letter are in the collection of Mr. Augustin Daly, of New York, to whom I am indebted for the opportunity of reproducing them.