"It was by writing a small 'Poem' in Fun that I first won a little journalistic recognition. It was called 'A Dumpty Captain....' It was in November, of 1874, that I first joined the staff of Fun and made my bow to the British public as an anonymous journalist. Tom Hood had just been laid to rest. It was in those days that I commenced my life-long friendship with Henry Sampson, the new editor. Though for me it was a time of struggle, I would give a good deal for the light heart with which I braved the slings and arrows in those dear old days."
Again, Sims writes:
"Although I left Fun in 1877, my association with the Brothers Dalziel was never severed, and right up to the last issue (October, 1893) I was a contributor to 'Hood's Comic Annual,' of which they were the proprietors and editors. I have nothing but pleasant memories of the cheery, generous-hearted brothers and their clever sons; and I am delighted to hear that this year the honoured name will still be on the front page of 'Hood's Annual,' for it is to appear as usual under the editorship of Mr. Charles Dalziel.[21]"
Later, in January, 1894, he kindly wrote in the same paper:
"For nearly half a century the firm of Dalziel Brothers carried on the business of newspaper proprietors and engravers with credit to themselves and advantage to the public, and they gathered around them the best of young men, many of whom have become shining lights in the world of art and letters. To those who had the honour and pleasure of working under them, their friendship and their hospitality were always freely extended, and I have nothing but pleasant memories of the days when I was allowed to be one of their working staff.
"The Brothers Dalziel paid me the first money I ever received for verse. Tom Hood, the editor of Fun, had gone to Paris for a holiday, and Henry Sampson edited the journal in his absence, and gave me half a column to fill, and I plunged into poetry at once; and when I left Fun, in 1876, the Brothers wrote me a charming letter, which I still possess. Though my connection with Fun ended then, I remained one of the contributors to 'Hood's Annual' until last year; and so our business relations continued uninterruptedly and pleasantly for nearly twenty years—yes, for quite twenty years, for it was in 1874 that I did my first work for them. Had there been no Dalziels there might have been no 'Dagonet.'"
Mistress and Maid. By A. Boyd Houghton, R.W.S. From Fun.
Mistress. "Biddy, how is it you did not answer the bell when I rang?'