The present Editor of these Memoirs has felt it necessary to say thus much in explanation of their origin, in order to establish beyond doubt the unquestionable authenticity of the memoirs they contain.

His own share in them is stated in a few words. Being much struck by several incidents in the manuscript—such as the description of Grimaldi's infancy, the burglary, the brother's return from sea under the extraordinary circumstances detailed, the adventure of the man with the two fingers on his left hand, the account of Mackintosh and his friends, and many other passages,—and thinking that they might be related in a more attractive manner, (they were at that time told in the first person, as if by Grimaldi himself, although they had necessarily lost any original manner which his recital might have imparted to them;) he accepted a proposal from the publisher to edit the book, and has edited it to the best of his ability, altering its form throughout, and making such other alterations as he conceived would improve the narration of the facts, without any departure from the facts themselves.

He has merely to add, that there has been no book-making in this case. He has not swelled the quantity of matter, but materially abridged it. The account of Grimaldi's first courtship may appear lengthy in its present form; but it has undergone a double and most comprehensive process of abridgment. The old man was garrulous upon a subject on which the youth had felt so keenly; and as the feeling did him honour in both stages of life, the Editor has not had the heart to reduce it further.

Here is the book, then, at last. After so much pains from so many hands—including the good right hand of George Cruikshank, which has seldom been better exercised,—he humbly hopes it may find favour with the public.

Doughty Street,
February, 1838.

CONTENTS.

[Introductory Chapter]page [v]
[CHAPTER I.]
His Grandfather and Father—His Birth and first appearance at Drury Lane Theatre and at Sadler's Wells—His Father's severity—Miss Farren—The Earl of Derby and the Wig—the Fortune-box and Charity's reward—His Father's pretended Death, and the behaviour of himself and his brother thereupon[1]
[CHAPTER II.]
1788 to 1794.
The Father's real Death—His Will, and failure of the Executor—Generous conduct of Grimaldi's Schoolmaster, and of Mr. Wroughton the Comedian—Smart running against time—Kindness of Sheridan—Grimaldi's industry and amusements—Fly-catching—Expedition in search of the "Dartford Blues"—Mrs. Jordan—Adventure on Clapham Common: the piece of Tin—His first love and its consequences[17]
[CHAPTER III.]
1794 to 1797.
Grimaldi falls in Love—His success—He meets with an accident which brings the Reader acquainted with that invaluable specific "Grimaldi's Embrocation"—He rises gradually in his Profession—The Pentonville Gang of Burglars[28]
[CHAPTER IV.]
1797 to 1798.
The Thieves make a second attempt; alarmed by their perseverance, Grimaldi repairs to Hatton Garden—Interview with Mr. Trott; ingenious device of that gentleman, and its result on the third visit of the Burglars—Comparative attractions of Pantomime and Spectacle—Trip to Gravesend and Chatham—Disagreeable recognition of a good-humoured friend, and an agreeable mode of journeying recommended to all Travellers[40]