| [CHAPTER. I.—EARLY LIFE.] | |
|---|---|
| MY BIRTH—FIRST PROPERTY—FARMER BOY LIFE—GOING TO SCHOOL—EARLYACQUISITIVENESS—A HOLIDAY PEDDLER—FIRST VISIT TO NEW YORK—LEARNINGTO “SWAP”—MISERIES FROM MOLASSES CANDY—“IVY ISLAND”—ENTERINGUPON MY ESTATE—CLERKSHIP IN A COUNTRY STORE—TRADINGMORALS—THE BETHEL MEETING-HOUSE—STOVE QUESTION—SUNDAYSCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASS—MY COMPOSITION—THE ONE THING NEEDFUL, | [25] |
| [CHAP. II.—INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.] | |
| DEATH OF MY GRANDMOTHER—MY FATHER—HIS CHARACTER—HIS DEATH—BEGINNINGTHE WORLD BAREFOOTED—GOING TO GRASSY PLAINS—THE TINWARE AND GREEN BOTTLE LOTTERY—“CHARITY” HALLETT—OUR FIRSTMEETING—EVENING RIDE TO BETHEL—A NOVEL FUR TRADE—OLD “RUSHIA”AND YOUNG “RUSHIA”—THE BUYER SOLD—COUNTRY STORE EXPERIENCES—OLD“UNCLE BIBBINS”—A TERRIBLE DUEL BETWEEN BENTON AND BIBBINS—FALLOF BENTON—FLIGHT OF BIBBINS, | [38] |
| [CHAP. III.—IN BUSINESS FOR MYSELF.] | |
| MY CLERKSHIP IN BROOKLYN—UNEASINESS AND DISSATISFACTION—THESMALL POX—GOING HOME TO RECRUIT—“CHARITY” HALLETT AGAIN—BACKTO BROOKLYN—OPENING A PORTER-HOUSE—SELLING OUT—MY CLERKSHIPIN NEW YORK—MY HABITS—OBSERVANCE OF SUNDAY—IN BETHELONCE MORE—BEGINNING BUSINESS ON MY OWN ACCOUNT—OPENING DAY—LARGESALES AND GREAT PROFITS—THE LOTTERY BUSINESS—VIEWSTHEREON—ABOUT A POCKET-BOOK—WITS AND WAGS—SWEARING OUT AFINE—FIRST APPEARANCE AT THE BAR—SECURING “ARABIAN”—A MODELLOVE-LETTER, | [48] |
| [CHAP. IV.—STRUGGLES FOR A LIVELIHOOD.] | |
| PLEASURE VISIT TO PHILADELPHIA—LIVING IN GRAND STYLE—THE BOTTOMOF THE PILE—BORROWING MONEY—MY MARRIAGE—RETURN TO BETHEL—EARLYMARRIAGES—MORE PRACTICAL JOKING—SECOND APPEARANCE ASCOUNSEL—GOING TO HOUSEKEEPING—SELLING BOOKS AT AUCTION—THE“YELLOW STORE”—A NEW FIELD—“THE HERALD OF FREEDOM”—MYEDITORIAL CAREER—LIBEL SUITS—FINED AND IMPRISONED—LIFE IN THEDANBURY JAIL—CELEBRATION OF MY LIBERATION—POOR BUSINESS ANDBAD DEBTS—REMOVAL TO NEW YORK—SEEKING MY FORTUNE—“WANTS”IN THE “SUN”—WM. NIBLO—KEEPING A BOARDING-HOUSE—A WHOLESHIRT ON MY BACK, | [59] |
| [CHAP. V.—MY START AS A SHOWMAN.] | |
| THE AMUSEMENT BUSINESS—DIFFERENT GRADES—CATERING FOR THE PUBLIC—MYCLAIMS, AIMS AND EFFORTS—JOICE HETH—APPARENT GENUINENESSOF HER VOUCHERS—BEGINNING LIFE AS A SHOWMAN—SUCCESS OF MYFIRST EXHIBITION—SECOND STEP IN THE SHOW LINE—SIGNOR VIVALLA—MYFIRST APPEARANCE ON ANY STAGE—AT WASHINGTON—ANNE ROYALLSTIMULATING THE PUBLIC—CONTESTS BETWEEN VIVALLA AND ROBERTS—EXCITEMENTAT FEVER HEAT—CONNECTING MYSELF WITH A CIRCUS—BREADAND BUTTER DINNER FOR THE WHOLE COMPANY—NARROW ESCAPE FROMSUFFOCATION—LECTURING AN ABUSIVE CLERGYMAN—AARON TURNER—ATERRIBLE PRACTICAL JOKE—I AM REPRESENTED TO BE A MURDERER—RAILSAND LYNCH LAW—NOVEL MEANS FOR SECURING NOTORIETY, | [71] |
| [CHAP. VI.—MY FIRST TRAVELING COMPANY.] | |
| THREE MEALS AND LODGING IN ONE HOUR—TURNING THE TABLES ON TURNER—ASON AS OLD AS HIS FATHER—LEAVING THE CIRCUS WITH TWELVEHUNDRED DOLLARS—MY FIRST TRAVELLING COMPANY—PREACHING TO THEPEOPLE—APPEARING AS A NEGRO MINSTREL—THREATENED WITH ASSASSINATION—ESCAPESFROM DANGER—TEMPERANCE—REPORT OF MY ARRESTFOR MURDER—RE-ENFORCING MY COMPANY—“BARNUM’S GRAND SCIENTIFICAND MUSICAL THEATRE”—OUTWITTING A SHERIFF—“LADY HAYES’S”MANSION AND PLANTATION—A BRILLIANT AUDIENCE—BASS DRUM SOLO—CROSSINGTHE INDIAN NATION—JOE PENTLAND AS A SAVAGE—TERROR ANDFLIGHT OF VIVALLA—A NONPLUSSED LEGERDEMAIN PERFORMER—A MALEEGG-LAYER—DISBANDING MY COMPANY—A NEW PARTNERSHIP—PUBLICLECTURING—DIFFICULTY WITH A DROVER—THE STEAMBOAT “CERES”—SUDDENMARRIAGE ON BOARD—MOBBED IN LOUISIANA—ARRIVAL AT NEWORLEANS, | [86] |
| [CHAP. VII.—AT THE FOOT OF THE LADDER.] | |
| DISGUST AT THE TRAVELLING BUSINESS—ADVERTISING FOR AN ASSOCIATE—RUSHOF THE MILLION-MAKERS—COUNTERFEITERS, CHEATS AND QUACKS—ANEW BUSINESS—SWINDLED BY MY PARTNER—DIAMOND THE DANCER—ANEW COMPANY—DESERTIONS—SUCCESSES AT NEW ORLEANS—TYRONEPOWER AND FANNY ELLSLER—IN JAIL AGAIN—BACK TO NEW YORK—ACTINGAS A BOOK AGENT—LEASING VAUXHALL—FROM HAND TO MOUTH—DETERMINATIONTO MAKE MONEY—FORTUNE OPENING HER DOOR—THEAMERICAN MUSEUM FOR SALE—NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE—HOPESAND DISAPPOINTMENTS—THE TRAIN LAID—SMASHING A RIVAL COMPANY, | [104] |
| [CHAP. VIII.—THE AMERICAN MUSEUM.] | |
| A TRAP SET FOR ME—I CATCH THE TRAPPERS—I BECOME PROPRIETOR OFTHE AMERICAN MUSEUM—HISTORY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT—HARD WORKAND COLD DINNERS—ADDITIONS TO THE MUSEUM—EXTRAORDINARY ADVERTISING—BARNUM’SBRICK-MAN—EXCITING PUBLIC CURIOSITY—INCIDENTSAND ANECDOTES—A DRUNKEN ACTOR—IMITATIONS OF THE ELDER BOOTH—PLEASINGMY PATRONS—SECURING TRANSIENT NOVELTIES—LIVING CURIOSITIES—MAKINGPEOPLE TALK—A WILDERNESS OF WONDERS—NIAGARAFALLS WITH REAL WATER—THE CLUB THAT KILLED COOK—SELLING LOUISGAYLORD CLARK—THE FISH WITH LEGS—THE FEJEE MERMAID—HOW ITCAME INTO MY POSSESSION—THE TRUE STORY OF THAT CURIOSITY—JAPANESEMANUFACTURE OF FABULOUS ANIMALS—THE USE I MADE OF THE MERMAID—WHOLESALEADVERTISING AGAIN—THE BALCONY BAND—DRUMMONDLIGHTS, | [116] |
| [CHAP. IX.—THE ROAD TO RICHES.] | |
| THE MOST POPULAR PLACE OF AMUSEMENT IN THE WORLD—THE MORALDRAMA—REFORMING THE ABUSES OF THE STAGE—FAMOUS ACTORS ANDACTRESSES AT THE MUSEUM—ADDING TO THE SALOONS—AFTERNOON ANDHOLIDAY PERFORMANCES—FOURTH OF JULY FLAGS—THE MUSEUM CONNECTEDWITH ST. PAUL’S—VICTORY OVER THE VESTRYMEN—THE EGRESS—ST.PATRICK’S DAY IN THE MORNING—A WONDERFUL ANIMAL, THE “AIGRESS”—INPOURINGOF MONEY—ZOOLOGICAL ERUPTION—THE CITY ASTOUNDED—BABYSHOWS, AND THEIR OBJECT—FLOWER, BIRD, DOG AND POULTRYSHOWS—GRAND FREE BUFFALO HUNT IN HOBOKEN—N. P. WILLIS—THEWOOLLY HORSE—WHERE HE CAME FROM—COLONEL BENTON BEATEN—PURPOSEOF THE EXHIBITION—AMERICAN INDIANS—P. T. BARNUM EXHIBITED—ACURIOUS SPINSTER—THE TOUCHING STORY OF CHARLOTTE TEMPLE—SERVICESIN THE LECTURE ROOM—A FINANCIAL VIEW OF THEMUSEUM—AN “AWFUL RICH MAN,” | [133] |
| [CHAP. X.—ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SPECULATION.] | |
| PEALE’S MUSEUM—MYSTERIOUS MESMERISM—YANKEE HILL—HENRY BENNETT—THERIVAL MUSEUMS—THE ORPHEAN AND ORPHAN FAMILIES—THE FUDGEEMERMAID—BUYING OUT MY RIVAL—RUNNING OPPOSITION TO MYSELF—ABOLISHINGTHEATRICAL NUISANCES—NO CHECKS AND NO BAR—THEMUSEUM—MY MANIA—MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH CHARLES S. STRATTON—GENERALTOM THUMB IN NEW YORK—RE-ENGAGEMENT—AN APT PUPIL—FREEFROM DEBT—THE PROFITS OF TWO YEARS—IN SEARCH OF A NEWFIELD—STARTING FOR LIVERPOOL—THE GOOD SHIP “YORKSHIRE”—MYPARTY—ESCORT TO SANDY HOOK—THE VOYAGE—A TOBACCO TRICK—ABRAGGING JOHN BULL OUTWITTED—ARRIVAL AT LIVERPOOL—A GENTLEMANBEGGAR—MADAME CELESTE—CHEAP DWARFS—TWO-PENNY SHOWS—EXHIBITIONOF GENERAL TOM THUMB IN LIVERPOOL—FIRST-CLASS ENGAGEMENTFOR LONDON, | [156] |
| [CHAP. XI.—GENERAL TOM THUMB IN ENGLAND.] | |
| ARRIVAL IN LONDON—THE GENERAL’S DEBUT IN THE PRINCESS’S THEATRE—ENORMOUSSUCCESS—MY MANSION AT THE WEST END—DAILY LEVEESFOR THE NOBILITY AND GENTRY—HON. EDWARD EVERETT—HIS INTERESTIN THE GENERAL—VISIT TO THE BARONESS ROTHSCHILD—OPENINGIN EGYPTIAN HALL, PICCADILLY—MR. CHARLES MURRAY, MASTER OF THEQUEEN’S HOUSEHOLD—AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE BY COMMAND OF HERMAJESTY—A ROYAL RECEPTION—THE FAVORABLE IMPRESSION MADE BYTHE GENERAL—AMUSING INCIDENTS OF THE VISIT—BACKING OUT—FIGHTWITH A POODLE—COURT JOURNAL NOTICE—SECOND VISIT TO THEQUEEN—THE PRINCE OF WALES AND PRINCESS ROYAL—THE QUEEN OFTHE BELGIANS—THIRD VISIT TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE—KING LEOPOLD,OF BELGIUM—ASSURED SUCCESS—THE BRITISH PUBLIC EXCITED—EGYPTIANHALL CROWDED—QUEEN DOWAGER ADELAIDE—THE GENERAL’SWATCH—NAPOLEON AND THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON—DISTINGUISHEDFRIENDS, | [173] |
| [CHAP. XII.—IN FRANCE.] | |
| GOING OVER TO ARRANGE PRELIMINARIES—PREVIOUS VISIT TO PARIS—ROBERTHOUDIN—WONDERFUL MECHANICAL TOYS—THE AUTOMATON LETTER-WRITER—DIONBOUCICAULT—TAX ON NATURAL CURIOSITIES—HOW I COMPROMISED—THEGENERAL AND PARTY IN PARIS—FIRST VISIT TO KINGLOUIS PHILIPPE—A SPLENDID PRESENT—DIPLOMACY—I ASK A FAVOR ANDGET IT—LONG CHAMPS—THE GENERAL’S EQUIPAGE—THE FINEST ADVERTISEMENTEVER KNOWN—ALL PARIS IN A FUROR—OPENING OF THE LEVEES—“TOMPOUCE” EVERYWHERE—THE GENERAL AS AN ACTOR—“PETITPOUCET”—SECOND AND THIRD VISITS AT THE TUILERIES—INVITATION TOST. CLOUD—THE GENERAL PERSONATING NAPOLEON BONAPARTE—ST. DENIS—THEINVALIDES—REGNIER—ANECDOTE OF FRANKLIN—LEAVING PARIS—TOURTHROUGH FRANCE—DEPARTURE FOR BRUSSELS, | [186] |
| [CHAP. XIII.—IN BELGIUM.] | |
| CROSSING THE FRONTIER—PROFESSOR PINTE—QUALIFICATIONS OF A GOODSHOWMAN—“SOFT SUP”—GENEROUS DISTRIBUTION OF MEDALS—PRINCECHARLES STRATTON—AT BRUSSELS—PRESENTATION TO KING LEOPOLD ANDHIS QUEEN—THE GENERAL’S JEWELS STOLEN—THE THIEF CAUGHT—RECOVERYOF THE PROPERTY—THE FIELD OF WATERLOO—MIRACULOUSLYMULTIPLIED RELICS—CAPTAIN TIPPITIWITCHET OF THE CONNECTICUTFUSILEERS—AN ACCIDENT—GETTING BACK TO BRUSSELS IN A CART—STRATTONSWINDLED—LOSING AN EXHIBITION—TWO HOURS IN THE RAINON THE ROAD—THE CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY—A STRICT CONSTRUCTIONIST—STRATTON’SHEAD SHAVED—“BRUMMAGEM” RELICS—HOW THEY AREPLANTED AT WATERLOO—WHAT LYONS SAUSAGES ARE MADE OF—FROMBRUSSELS TO LONDON, | [208] |
| [CHAP. XIV.—IN ENGLAND AGAIN.] | |
| LEVEES IN EGYPTIAN HALL—UNDIMINISHED SUCCESS—OTHER ENGAGEMENTS—“UPIN A BALLOON”—PROVINCIAL TOUR—TRAVELLING BY POST—GOINGTO AMERICA—A. T. STEWART—SAMUEL ROGERS—AN EXTRA TRAIN—ANASTONISHED RAILWAY SUPERINTENDENT—LEFT BEHIND AND LOCKED UP—SUNDAYSIN LONDON—BUSINESS AND PLEASURE—ALBERT SMITH—A DAYWITH HIM AT WARWICK—STRATFORD ON AVON—A POETICAL BARBER—WARWICKCASTLE—OLD GUY’S TRAPS—OFFER TO BUY THE LOT—THREATTO BURST THE SHOW—ALBERT SMITH AS A SHOWMAN—LEARNING THEBUSINESS FROM BARNUM—THE WARWICK RACE’S RIVAL DWARFS—MANUFACTUREDGIANTESSES—THE HAPPY FAMILY—THE ROAD FROM WARWICKTO COVENTRY—PEEPING TOM—THE YANKEE GO-AHEAD PRINCIPLE—ALBERTSMITH’S ACCOUNT OF A DAY WITH BARNUM, | [223] |
| [CHAP. XV.—RETURN TO AMERICA.] | |
| THE WIZARD OF THE NORTH—A JUGGLER BEATEN AT HIS OWN TRICKS—SECONDVISIT TO THE UNITED STATES—REVEREND DOCTOR ROBERT BAIRD—CAPTAINJUDKINS THREATENS TO PUT ME IN IRONS—VIEWS WITH REGARDTO SECTS—A WICKED WOMAN—THE SIMPSONS IN EUROPE—REMINISCENCESOF TRAVEL—SAUCE AND “SASS”—TEA TOO SWEET—A UNIVERSALLANGUAGE—ROAST DUCK—SNOW IN AUGUST—TALES OF TRAVELLERS—SIMPSONNOT TO BE TAKEN IN—HOLLANDERS IN BRUSSELS—WHERE ALLTHE DUTCHMEN COME FROM—THREE YEARS IN EUROPE—WARM PERSONALFRIENDS—DOCTOR C. S. BREWSTER—HENRY SUMNER—GEORGE S. AND LORENZODRAPER—GEORGE P. PUTNAM—OUR LAST PERFORMANCE IN DUBLIN—DANIELO’CONNELL—END OF OUR TOUR—DEPARTURE FOR AMERICA—ARRIVALIN NEW YORK, | [239] |
| [CHAP. XVI.—AT HOME.] | |
| RENEWING THE LEASE OF THE MUSEUM BUILDING—TOM THUMB IN AMERICA—TOURTHROUGH THE COUNTRY—JOURNEY TO CUBA—BARNUM A CURIOSITY—RAISINGTURKEYS—CEASING TO BE A TRAVELLING SHOWMAN—RETURNTO BRIDGEPORT—ADVANTAGES AND CAPABILITIES OF THAT CITY—SEARCHFOR A HOME—THE FINDING—BUILDING AND COMPLETION OF IRANISTAN—GRANDHOUSE-WARMING—BUYING THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM—OPENING THEPHILADELPHIA MUSEUM—CATERING FOR QUAKERS—THE TEMPERANCEPLEDGE AT THE THEATRE—PURCHASING PEALE’S PHILADELPHIA COLLECTION—MYAGRICULTURAL AND ARBORCULTURAL DOINGS—“GERSY BLEW”CHICKENS—HOW I SOLD MY POTATOES—HOW I BOUGHT OTHER PEOPLES’POTATOES—CUTTING OFF GRAFTS—MY DEER PARK—MY GAME-KEEPER—FRANKLESLIE—PLEASURES OF HOME, | [255] |
| [CHAP. XVII.—THE JENNY LIND ENTERPRISE.] | |
| GRAND SCHEME—CONGRESS OF ALL NATIONS—A BOLD AND BRILLIANT ENTERPRISE—THEJENNY LIND ENGAGEMENT—MY AGENT IN EUROPE—HIS INSTRUCTIONS—CORRESPONDENCEWITH MISS LIND—BENEDICT AND BELLETTI—JOSHUABATES—CHEVALIER WYCKOFF—THE CONTRACT SIGNED—MY RECEPTIONOF THE NEWS—THE ENTIRE SUM OF MONEY FOR THE ENGAGEMENTSENT TO LONDON—MY FIRST LIND LETTER TO THE PUBLIC—A POORPORTRAIT—MUSICAL NOTES IN WALL STREET—A FRIEND IN NEED, | [270] |
| [CHAP. XVIII.—THE NIGHTINGALE IN NEW YORK.] | |
| FINAL CONCERTS IN LIVERPOOL—DEPARTURE FOR AMERICA—ARRIVAL OFFSTATEN ISLAND—MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH JENNY LIND—THE TREMENDOUSTHRONG AT THE WHARF—TRIUMPHAL ARCH—“WELCOME TO AMERICA”—EXCITEMENTIN THE CITY—SERENADE AT THE IRVING HOUSE—THEPRIZE ODE—BAYARD TAYLOR THE PRIZEMAN—“BARNUM’S PARNASSUS”—“BARNUMOPSIS”—FIRSTCONCERT IN CASTLE GARDEN—A NEW AGREEMENT—RECEPTIONOF JENNY LIND—UNBOUNDED ENTHUSIASM—BARNUM CALLEDOUT—JULIUS BENEDICT—THE SUCCESS OF THE ENTERPRISE ESTABLISHED—TWOGRAND CHARITY CONCERTS IN NEW YORK—DATE OF THE FIRSTREGULAR CONCERT, | [286] |
| [CHAP. XIX.—SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT.] | |
| HEAD-WORK AND HAND-WORK—MANAGING PUBLIC OPINION—CREATING AFUROR—THE NEW YORK HERALD—JENNY LIND’S EVIL ADVISERS—JOHNJAY—MISS LIND’S CHARITIES—A POOR GIRL IN BOSTON—THE NIGHTINGALEAT IRANISTAN—RUMOR OF HER MARRIAGE TO P. T. BARNUM—THE STORYBASED ON OUR “ENGAGEMENT”—WHAT IRANISTAN DID FOR ME—AVOIDINGCROWDS—IN PHILADELPHIA AND BALTIMORE—A SUBSTITUTE FOR MISSLIND—OUR ORCHESTRA—PRESIDENT FILLMORE, CLAY, FOOTE, BENTON,SCOTT, CASS, AND WEBSTER—VISIT TO MT. VERNON—CHRISTMAS PRESENTS—NEWYEAR’S EVE—WE GO TO HAVANA—PLAYING BALL—FREDERIKABREMER—A HAPPY MONTH IN CUBA, | [301] |
| [CHAP. XX.—INCIDENTS OF THE TOUR.] | |
| PROTEST AGAINST PRICES IN HAVANA—THE CUBANS SUCCUMB—JENNY LINDTAKES THE CITY BY STORM—A MAGNIFICENT TRIUMPH—COUNT PENALVER—ASPLENDID OFFER—MR. BRINCKERHOFF—BENEFIT FOR THE HOSPITALS—REFUSINGTO RECEIVE THANKS—VIVALLA AND HIS DOG—HENRY BENNETT—HISPARTIAL INSANITY—OUR VOYAGE TO NEW ORLEANS—THEEDITOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD ON BOARD—I SAVE THE LIFE OFJAMES GORDON BENNETT—ARRIVAL AT THE CRESCENT CITY—CHEATINGTHE CROWD—A DUPLICATE MISS LIND—A BOY IN RAPTURES—A MAMMOTHHOG—UP THE MISSISSIPPI—AMUSEMENTS ON BOARD—IN LEAGUE WITHTHE EVIL ONE—AN AMAZED MULATTO, | [319] |
| [CHAP. XXI.—JENNY LIND.] | |
| ARRIVAL AT ST. LOUIS—SURPRISING PROPOSITION OF MISS LIND’S SECRETARY—HOWTHE MANAGER MANAGED—READINESS TO CANCEL THE CONTRACT—CONSULTATIONWITH “UNCLE SOL.”—BARNUM NOT TO BE HIRED—A “JOKE”—TEMPERANCELECTURE IN THE THEATRE—SOL. SMITH—A COMEDIAN,AUTHOR, AND LAWYER—UNIQUE DEDICATION—JENNY LIND’S CHARACTERAND CHARITIES—SHARP WORDS FROM THE WEST—SELFISH ADVISERS—MISSLIND’S GENEROUS IMPULSES—HER SIMPLE AND CHILDLIKE CHARACTER—CONFESSIONSOF A MANAGER—PRIVATE REPUTATION AND PUBLIC RENOWN—CHARACTERAS A STOCK IN TRADE—LE GRAND SMITH—MR. DOLBY—THEANGELIC SIDE KEPT OUTSIDE—MY OWN SHARE IN THE PUBLIC BENEFITS—JUSTICETO MISS LIND AND MYSELF, | [334] |
| [CHAP. XXII.—CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN.] | |
| PENITENT TICKET PURCHASERS—VISIT TO THE “HERMITAGE”—“APRIL-FOOL”FUN—THE MAMMOTH CAVE—SIGNOR SALVI—GEORGE D. PRENTICE—PERFORMANCEIN A PORK HOUSE—RUSE AT CINCINNATI—ANNOYANCES ATPITTSBURGH—LE GRAND SMITH’S GRAND JOKE—RETURN TO NEW YORK—THEFINAL CONCERTS IN CASTLE GARDEN AND METROPOLITAN HALL—THEADVISERS APPEAR—THE NINETY-THIRD CONCERT—MY OFFER TO CLOSETHE ENGAGEMENT—MISS LIND’S LETTER ACCEPTING MY PROPOSITION—STORYABOUT AN “IMPROPER PLACE”—JENNY’S CONCERTS ON HER OWNACCOUNT—HER MARRIAGE TO MR. OTTO GOLDSCHMIDT—CORDIAL RELATIONSBETWEEN MRS. LIND GOLDSCHMIDT AND MYSELF—AT HOME AGAIN—STATEMENTOF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF THE CONCERTS, | [344] |
| [CHAP. XXIII.—OTHER ENTERPRISES.] | |
| ANOTHER VENTURE—“BARNUM’S GREAT ASIATIC CARAVAN, MUSEUM, ANDMENAGERIE”—HUNTING ELEPHANTS—GENERAL TOM THUMB—ELEPHANTPLOWING IN CONNECTICUT—CURIOUS QUESTIONS FROM ALL QUARTERS—THEPUBLIC INTEREST IN MY NOVEL FARMING—HOW MUCH AN ELEPHANTCAN REALLY “DRAW”—SIDE-SHOWS AND VARIOUS ENTERPRISES—OBSEQUIESOF NAPOLEON—THE CRYSTAL PALACE—CAMPANALOGIANS—AMERICANINDIANS IN LONDON—AUTOMATON SPEAKER—THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON—ATTEMPTTO BUY SHAKESPEARE’S HOUSE—DISSOLVING VIEWS—THE CHINESECOLLECTION—WONDERFUL SCOTCH BOYS—SOLVING THE MYSTERY OFDOUBLE SIGHT—THE BATEMAN CHILDREN—CATHERINE HAYES—IRANISTANON FIRE—MY ELDEST DAUGHTER’S MARRIAGE—BENEFITS FOR THE BRIDGEPORTLIBRARY AND THE MOUNTAIN GROVE CEMETERY, | [358] |
| [CHAP. XXIV.—WORK AND PLAY.] | |
| ALFRED BUNN, OF DRURY LANE THEATRE—AMUSING INTERVIEW—MR. LEVY,OF THE LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH—VACATIONS AT HOME—MY PRESIDENCYOF THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY—EXHIBITING A PICKPOCKET—PHILOSOPHYOF HUMBUG—A CHOP-FALLEN TICKET-SELLER—APROMPT PAYMASTER—BARNUM IN BOSTON—A DELUDED HACK-DRIVER—PHILLIPS’SFIRE ANNIHILATOR—HONORABLE ELISHA WHITTLESEY—TRIALOF THE ANNIHILATOR IN NEW YORK—PEQUONNOCK BANK OF BRIDGEPORT—THEILLUSTRATED NEWS—THE WORLD’S FAIR IN NEW YORK—MY PRESIDENCYOF THE ASSOCIATION—ATTEMPT TO EXCITE PUBLIC INTEREST—MONSTERJULLIEN CONCERTS—RESIGNATION OF THE CRYSTAL PALACE PRESIDENCY—FAILUREOF THE CONCERN, | [371] |
| [CHAP. XXV.—THE JEROME CLOCK COMPANY ENTANGLEMENT.] | |
| THE EAST BRIDGEPORT ENTERPRISE—W. H. NOBLE—PLANS FOR A NEW CITY—DR.TIMOTHY DWIGHT’S TESTIMONY—INVESTING A FORTUNE—SELLINGCITY LOTS—MONEY-MAKING A SECONDARY CONSIDERATION—CLOCK COMPANYIN LITCHFIELD—THE “TERRY AND BARNUM MANUFACTURING COMPANY”—THEJEROME CLOCK COMPANY—BAITING FOR BITES—FALSE REPRESENTATIONS—HOWI WAS DELUDED—WHAT I AGREED TO DO—THE COUNTERAGREEMENT—NOTES WITH BLANK DATES—THE LIMIT OF MY RESPONSIBILITY—HOWIT WAS EXCEEDED—STARTLING DISCOVERIES—A RUINEDMAN—PAYING MY OWN HONEST DEBTS—BARNUM DUPED—MY FAILURE—THEBARNUM AND JEROME CLOCK BUBBLE—MORALISTS MAKING USE OF MYMISFORTUNES—WHAT PREACHERS, PAPERS, AND PEOPLE SAID ABOUT ME—DOWNIN THE DEPTHS, | [384] |
| [CHAP. XXVI.—CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE.] | |
| FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE—MONEY OFFERS REFUSED—BENEFITS DECLINED—MAGNIFICENTOFFER OF PROMINENT NEW YORK CITIZENS—WILLIAM E.BURTON—LAURA KEENE—WILLIAM NIBLO—GENERAL TOM THUMB—EDITORIALSYMPATHY—“A WORD FOR BARNUM” IN BOSTON—LETTER FROM“MRS. PARTINGTON”—CITIZENS’ MEETING IN BRIDGEPORT—RESOLUTIONSOF RESPECT AND CONDOLENCE—MY LETTER ON THE SITUATION—TENDEROF FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS—MAGNITUDE OF THE DECEPTION PRACTICEDUPON ME—PROPOSITION OF COMPROMISE WITH MY CREDITORS—A TRAPLAID FOR ME IN PHILADELPHIA—THE SILVER LINING TO THE CLOUD—THEBLOW A BENEFIT TO MY FAMILY—THE REV. DR. E. H. CHAPIN—MYDAUGHTER HELEN—A LETTER WORTH TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS—OUR NEWHOME IN NEW YORK, | [395] |
| [CHAP. XXVII.—REST, BUT NOT RUST.] | |
| SALE OF THE MUSEUM COLLECTION—SUPPLEMENTARY PROCEEDINGS OF MYCREDITORS—EXAMINATIONS IN COURT—BARNUM AS A BAR TENDER—PERSECUTION—THESUMMER SEASON ON LONG ISLAND—THE MUSEUM MAN ONSHOW—CHARLES HOWELL—A GREAT NATURAL CURIOSITY—VALUE OF AHONK—PROPOSING TO BUY IT—A BLACK WHALE PAYS MY SUMMER’SBOARD—A TURN IN THE TIDE—THE WHEELER AND WILSON SEWING MACHINECOMPANY—THEIR REMOVAL TO EAST BRIDGEPORT—THE TERRYAND BARNUM CLOCK FACTORY OCCUPIED—NEW CITY PROPERTY LOOKINGUP—A LOAN OF $5,000—THE CAUSE OF MY RUIN PROMISES TO BE MY REDEMPTION—SETTINGSAIL FOR ENGLAND—GENERAL TOM THUMB—LITTLECORDELIA HOWARD, | [406] |
| [CHAP. XXVIII.—ABROAD AGAIN.] | |
| OLD FRIENDS IN OLD ENGLAND—ALBERT SMITH AS A SHOWMAN—HIS ASCENTOF MONT BLANC—POPULARITY OF THE ENTERTAINMENT—THE GARRICKCLUB—“PHINEAS CUTECRAFT”—THE ELEVEN THOUSAND VIRGINS OF COLOGNE—UTILIZINGINCIDENTS—SUBTERRANEAN TERRORS—A PANIC—EGYPTIANDARKNESS IN EGYPTIAN HALL—WILLIAM M. THACKERAY—HIS TWOVISITS TO AMERICA—FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH THE NOVELIST—I LOSEHIS SYMPATHY—HIS WARM REGARD FOR HIS AMERICAN FRIENDS—OTTOGOLDSCHMIDT AND JENNY LIND GOLDSCHMIDT—TENDER OF THEIR AID—THEFORGED LIND LETTER—BENEDICT AND BELLETTI—GEORGE AUGUSTUSSALA—CHARLES KEAN—EDMUND YATES—HORACE MAYHEW—GEORGE PEABODY—MR.BUCKSTONE—MY EXHIBITIONS IN ENGLAND—S. M. PETTINGILL—MR.LUMLEY, | [419] |
| [CHAP. XXIX.—IN GERMANY.] | |
| FROM LONDON TO BADEN-BADEN—TROUBLE IN PARIS—STRASBOURG—SCENEIN A GERMAN CUSTOM-HOUSE—A TERRIBLE BILL—SIX CENTS WORTH OFAGONY—GAMBLING AT BADEN-BADEN—SUICIDES—GOLDEN PRICES FORTHE GENERAL—A CALL FROM THE KING OF HOLLAND—THE GERMAN SPAS—HAMBURG,EMS AND WIESBADEN—THE BLACK FOREST ORCHESTRIONMAKER—AN OFFERED SACRIFICE—THE SEAT OF THE ROTHSCHILDS—DIFFICULTIESIN FRANKFORT—A POMPOUS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE—RED-TAPE—ANALARM—HENRY J. RAYMOND—CALL ON THE COMMISSIONER—CONFIDENTIALDISCLOSURES—HALF OF AN ENTIRE FORTUNE IN AN AMERICANRAILWAY—ASTOUNDING REVELATIONS—DOWN THE RHINE—DEPARTUREFOR HOLLAND, | [430] |
| [CHAP. XXX.—IN HOLLAND.] | |
| THE FINEST AND FLATTEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD—SUPER-CLEANLINESS—HABITSAND CUSTOMS—“KREMIS”—THE ALBINO FAMILY—THE HAGUE—AUGUSTBELMONT—JAPANESE MUSEUM—MANUFACTURED FABULOUS ANIMALS—AGENEROUS OFFER—VALUABLE PICTURES—AN ASTONISHED SUPERINTENDENT—BACKTO ENGLAND—EXHIBITIONS IN MANCHESTER—I RETURNAGAIN TO AMERICA—FUN ON THE VOYAGE—MOCK TRIALS—BARNUM AS APROSECUTOR AND AS A PRISONER—COLD SHOULDERS IN NEW YORK—PREPARINGTO MOVE INTO MY OLD HOME—CARELESS PAINTERS AND CARPENTERS—IRANISTANBURNED TO THE GROUND—NEXT TO NO INSURANCE—SALEOF THE PROPERTY—ELIAS HOWE, JR., | [441] |
| [CHAP. XXXI.—THE ART OF MONEY GETTING.] | |
| BACK ONCE MORE TO ENGLAND—TOUR THROUGH SCOTLAND AND WALES—HOWI CAME TO LECTURE—ADVICE OF MY FRIENDS—MY LECTURE—HOWTO MAKE MONEY AND HOW TO KEEP IT—WHAT THE PAPERS SAID ABOUTME—PRAISE OF THE LONDON PRESS—LECTURING IN THE PROVINCES—PERFORMANCESAT CAMBRIDGE—CALL FOR JOICE HETH—EXTRAORDINARYFUN AT OXFORD—THE AUDIENCE AND LECTURER TAKING TURNS—A UNIVERSITYBREAKFAST—MAGNIFICENT OFFER FOR A COPYRIGHT—SUCCESSOF MY ENTERPRISE—MORE MONEY FOR THE CLOCK CREDITORS, | [456] |
| [CHAP. XXXII.—AN ENTERPRISING ENGLISHMAN.] | |
| AN ENGLISH YANKEE—MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH HIM—HIS PLANS BASEDON BARNUM’S BOOK—ADVERTISING FOR PARTNERS—HOW MY RULES MADEHIM RICH—METHOD IN MADNESS—THE “BARNUM” OF BURY—DINNER TOTOM THUMB AND COMMODORE NUTT—MY AGENT IN PARIS—MEASURING AMONSTER—HOW GIANTS AND DWARFS STRETCH AND CONTRACT—AN UNWILLINGFRENCHMAN—A PERSISTENT MEASURER—A GIGANTIC HUMBUG—THESTEAM-ENGINES “BARNUM” AND “CHARITY”—WHAT “CHARITY” DIDFOR “BARNUM”—SELLING THE SAME GOODS A THOUSAND TIMES—THEGREAT CAKES—SIMNAL SUNDAY—THE SANITARY COMMISSION FAIR, | [506] |
| [CHAP. XXXIII.—RICHARD’S HIMSELF AGAIN.] | |
| AT HOME—EXTINGUISHMENT OF THE CLOCK DEBTS—A RASCALLY PROPOSITION—BARNUMON HIS FEET AGAIN—RE-PURCHASE OF THE MUSEUM—AGALA DAY—MY RECEPTION BY MY FRIENDS—THE STORY OF MYTROUBLES—HOW I WADED ASHORE—PROMISES TO THE PUBLIC—THE PUBLICRESPONSE—MUSEUM VISITORS—THE RECEIPTS DOUBLED—HOW THEPRESS RECEIVED THE NEWS OF RESTORATION—THE SYCOPHANTS—OLDAND FAST FRIENDS—ROBERT BONNER—CONSIDERATION AND COURTESY OFCREDITORS—THE BOSTON SATURDAY EVENING GAZETTE AGAIN—ANOTHERWORD FOR BARNUM, | [516] |
| [CHAP. XXXIV.—MENAGERIE AND MUSEUM MEMORANDA.] | |
| A REMARKABLE CHARACTER—OLD GRIZZLY ADAMS—THE CALIFORNIA MENAGERIE—TERRIBLYWOUNDED BY BEARS—MY UP-TOWN SHOW—EXTRAORDINARYWILL AND VIGOR—A LESSON FOR MUNCHAUSEN—THE CALIFORNIAGOLDEN PIGEONS—PIGEONS OF ALL COLORS—PROCESS OF THEIR CREATION—M.GUILLAUDEU—A NATURALIST DECEIVED—THE MOST WONDERFUL BIRDSIN THE WORLD—THE CURIOSITIES TRANSFERRED TO THE MENAGERIE—OLDADAMS TAKEN IN—A CHANGE OF COLOR—MOTLEY THE ONLY WEAR—OLDGRIZZLY UNDECEIVED—TOUR OF THE BEAR-TAMER THROUGH THE COUNTRY—ABEAUTIFUL HUNTING SUIT—A LIFE AND DEATH STRUGGLE FOR AWAGER—OLD ADAMS WINS—HIS DEATH—THE LAST JOKE ON BARNUM—THEPRINCE OF WALES VISITS THE MUSEUM—I CALL ON THE PRINCE INBOSTON—STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS—“BEFORE AND AFTER” IN A BARBER SHOP—HOWTOM HIGGINSON “DID” BARNUM—THE MUSEUM FLOURISHING, | [529] |
| [CHAP. XXXV.—EAST BRIDGEPORT.] | |
| ANOTHER NEW HOME—LINDENCROFT—PROGRESS OF MY PET CITY—THECHESTNUT WOOD FIRE—HOW IT BECAME OLD HICKORY—INDUCEMENTS TOSETTLERS—MY OFFER—EVERY MAN HIS OWN HOUSE-OWNER—WHISKYAND TOBACCO—RISE IN REAL-ESTATE—PEMBROKE LAKE—WASHINGTONPARK—GREAT MANUFACTORIES—WHEELER AND WILSON—SCHUYLER, HARTLEYAND GRAHAM—HOTCHKISS, SON AND COMPANY—STREET NAMES—MANYTHOUSAND SHADE TREES—BUSINESS IN THE NEW CITY—UNPARALLELEDGROWTH AND PROSPERITY—PROBABILITIES IN THE FUTURE—SITUATIONOF BRIDGEPORT—ITS ADVANTAGES AND PROSPECTS—THE SECOND, IFNOT THE FOREMOST CITY IN CONNECTICUT, | [549] |
| [CHAP. XXXVI.—MORE ABOUT THE MUSEUM.] | |
| ANOTHER RE-OPENING—A CHERRY-COLORED CAT—THE CAT LET OUT OF THEBAG—MY FIRST WHALING EXPEDITION—PLANS FOR CAPTURE—SUCCESSOF THE SCHEME—TRANSPORTING LIVING WHALES BY LAND—PUBLIC EXCITEMENT—THEGREAT TANK—SALT WATER PUMPED FROM THE BAY TOTHE MUSEUM—MORE WHALES—EXPEDITION TO LABRADOR—THE FIRSTHIPPOPOTAMUS IN AMERICA—TROPICAL FISH—COMMODORE NUTT AND HISFIRST “ENGAGEMENT”—THE TWO DROMIOS—PRESIDENT LINCOLN SEESCOMMODORE NUTT—WADING ASHORE—A QUESTION OF LEGS—SELF-DECEPTION—THEGOLDEN ANGEL FISH—ANNA SWAN, THE NOVA SCOTIA GIANTESS—THETALLEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD—INDIAN CHIEFS—EXPEDITIONTO CYPRUS—MY AGENT IN A PASHA’S HAREM, | [560] |
| [CHAP. XXXVII.—MR. AND MRS. GENERAL TOM THUMB.] | |
| MISS LAVINIA WARREN—A CHARMING LITTLE LADY—SUPPOSED TO BE THE$30,000 NUTT IN DISGUISE—HER WARDROBE AND PRESENTS—STORY OF ARING—THE LITTLE COMMODORE IN LOVE—TOM THUMB SMITTEN—RIVALRYOF THE DWARFS—JEALOUSY OF THE GENERAL—VISIT AT BRIDGEPORT—THEGENERAL’S STYLISH TURN-OUT—MISS WARREN IMPRESSED—CALL OFTHE GENERAL—A LILLIPUTIAN LOVE SCENE—TOM THUMB’S INVENTORY OFHIS PROPERTY—HE PROPOSES AND IS ACCEPTED—ARRIVAL OF THE COMMODORE—HISGRIEF—EXCITEMENT OVER THE ENGAGEMENT—THE WEDDINGIN GRACE CHURCH—REVEREND JUNIUS WILLEY—A SPICY LETTERBY DOCTOR TAYLOR—GRAND RECEPTION OF MR. AND MRS. STRATTON—THECOMMODORE IN SEARCH OF A GREEN COUNTRY GIRL, | [582] |
| [CHAP. XXXVIII.—POLITICAL AND PERSONAL.] | |
| MY POLITICAL PRINCIPLES—REASONS FOR MY CHANGE OF PARTIES—KANSASAND SECESSION—WIDE-AWAKES—GRAND ILLUMINATION OF LINDENCROFT—JOKEON A DEMOCRATIC NEIGHBOR—PEACE MEETINGS—THE STEPNEY EXCITEMENT—TEARINGDOWN A PEACE FLAG—A LOYAL MEETING—RECEPTIONIN BRIDGEPORT—DESTRUCTION OF THE “FARMER” OFFICE—ELIASHOWE, JR.—SAINT PETER AND SALTPETRE—DRAFT RIOTS—BURGLARS ATLINDENCROFT—MY ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATURE—BEGINNING OF MYWAR ON RAILROAD MONOPOLIES—WIRE-PULLING—THE XIV. AMENDMENTTO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION—STRIKING THE WORD “WHITE”FROM THE CONNECTICUT CONSTITUTION—MY SPEECH, | [609] |
| [CHAP. XXXIX.—THE AMERICAN MUSEUM IN RUINS.] | |
| A TERRIBLE LOSS—HOW I RECEIVED THE NEWS—BURNING OF THE AMERICANMUSEUM—DETAILS OF THE DISASTER—FAITH IN HERRING’S SAFES—BAKEDAND BOILED WHALES—THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE ON THE DESTRUCTION OFTHE MUSEUM—A PUBLIC CALAMITY—SYMPATHY OF THE LEADING EDITORS—AMOUNTOF MY LOSS—SMALL INSURANCE—MY PROPERTY—INTENTION TORETIRE TO PRIVATE LIFE—HORACE GREELEY ADVISES ME TO GO A-FISHING—BENEFITTO THE MUSEUM EMPLOYEES AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC—MYSPEECH—WHAT THE NEW YORK SUN SAID ABOUT IT—THE NEW UP-TOWNMUSEUM—OPENING THE ESTABLISHMENT TO THE PUBLIC, | [638] |
| [CHAP. XL.—MY WAR ON THE RAILROADS.] | |
| SCENES IN THE LEGISLATURE—SHARP-SHOOTING—PROPOSITIONS FOR A NEWCAPITAL OF CONNECTICUT—THE RIVALRY OF CITIES—CULMINATION OFTHE RAILROAD CONTROVERSY—EXCITEMENT AMONG THE LOBBYISTS—ABILL FOR THE BENEFIT OF COMMUTERS—PEOPLE PROTECTED FROM THEPLUNDERERS—HOW SETTLERS ARE DRAWN INTO A STATE AND THENCHEATED BY THE RAILROAD COMPANIES—EQUAL RIGHTS FOR COMMUTERSAND TRANSIENT PASSENGERS—WHAT COMMODORE VANDERBILT DID—WHATTHE NEW YORK AND NEW HAVEN RAILROAD COMPANY WANTED TO DO—EXPOSUREOF THEIR PLOT—CONSTERNATION OF THE CONSPIRATORS—MYVICTORY—AGAIN ELECTED TO THE LEGISLATURE—UNITED STATES SENATORFERRY—EX-GOVERNOR W. A. BUCKINGHAM—THEODORE TILTON—GOVERNORHAWLEY—FRIENDS AT LINDENCROFT—NOMINATED FOR CONGRESS ANDDEFEATED, | [649] |
| [CHAP. XLI.—BENNETT AND THE HERALD.] | |
| THE AMERICAN MUSEUM LEASE—ITS VALUE—BENNETT OF THE HERALD BUYSIT FOR $200,000—HE PURCHASES THE PROPERTY—OVERESTIMATE OF ITSWORTH—MAX MARETZEK—MISS CLARA LOUISE KELLOGG’S ESTIMATE OFCERTAIN PEOPLE—THE POWER BEHIND THE HERALD THRONE—THE HERALD’SINFLUENCE—AND HARD EXPERIENCE—HIS LAWYER INSISTSUPON MY TAKING BACK THE MUSEUM LEASE—I DECLINE—BENNETT REFUSESMY ADVERTISEMENTS—INTERVIEW WITH MR. HUDSON—WAR OF THEMANAGERS UPON THE HERALD—BENNETT HUMBLED—LOSS OF THE HERALD’SPRESTIGE—MONEY DAMAGE TO BENNETT’S ESTABLISHMENT—THE EDITORSUED—PEACE BETWEEN THE HERALD AND THE MANAGERS, | [665] |
| [CHAP. XLII.—PUBLIC LECTURING.] | |
| MY TOUR AT THE WEST—THE CURIOSITY EXHIBITOR HIMSELF A CURIOSITY—BUYINGA FARM IN WISCONSIN—HELPING THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES—ARIDE ON A LOCOMOTIVE—PUNCTUALITY IN MY ENGAGEMENTS—TRICKSTO SECURE SEATS IN THE LADIES’ CAR—I SUDDENLY BECAME FATHER TOA YOUNG MARRIED COUPLE—MY IDENTITY DENIED—PITY AND CHARITY—REVERENDDOCTOR CHAPIN PULLS THE BELL—TEMPERANCE—HOW I BECAMEA TEETOTALER—MODERATE DRINKING AND ITS DANGERS—DOCTOR CHAPIN’SLECTURE IN BRIDGEPORT—MY OWN EFFORTS IN THE TEMPERANCECAUSE—LECTURING THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY—NEWSPAPER ARTICLES—THESTORY OF VINELAND, IN NEW JERSEY, | [676] |
| [CHAP. XLIII.—THE NEW MUSEUM.] | |
| A GIGANTIC AMUSEMENT COMPANY—IMMENSE ADDITIONS TO THE NEW COLLECTION—CURIOSITIESFROM EVERYWHERE—THE GORDON CUMMINGS’ COLLECTIONFROM AFRICA—THE GORILLA—WHAT THE PAPERS SAID ABOUTTHE MONSTER—MY PRIVATE VIEW OF THE ANIMAL—AMUSING INTERVIEWWITH PAUL DU CHAILLU—A SUPERB MENAGERIE—THE NEW THEATRE—PROJECTFOR A FREE NATIONAL INSTITUTION—MESSRS. E. D. MORGAN,WILLIAM C. BRYANT, HORACE GREELEY AND OTHERS FAVOR MY PLAN—PRESIDENTJOHNSON INDORSES IT—DESTRUCTION OF MY SECOND MUSEUMBY FIRE—THE ICE-CLAD RUINS—A SAD, YET SPLENDID SPECTACLE—OUTOF THE BUSINESS—FOOT RACES AT THE WHITE MOUNTAINS—HOW I WASNOT BEATEN—OPENING OF WOOD’S MUSEUM IN NEW YORK—MY ONLYINTEREST IN THE ENTERPRISE, | [692] |
| [CHAP. XLIV.—CURIOUS COINCIDENCES.—NUMBER THIRTEEN.] | |
| POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS—UNLUCKY FRIDAY—UNFORTUNATE SATURDAY—RAINYSUNDAYS—TERRIBLE THIRTEEN—THE BRETTELLS OF LONDON—INCIDENTSOF MY WESTERN TRIP—SINGULAR FATALITY—NUMBER THIRTEENIN EVERY HOTEL—NO ESCAPE FROM THE FRIGHTFUL FIGURE—ADVICE OFA CLERICAL FRIEND—THE THIRTEEN COLONIES—THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTEROF CORINTHIANS—THIRTEEN AT MY CHRISTMAS DINNER PARTY—THIRTEENDOLLARS AT A FAIR—TWO DISASTROUS DAYS—THE THIRTEENTHDAY IN TWO MONTHS—THIRTEEN PAGES OF MANUSCRIPT, | [708] |
| [CHAP. XLV.—A STORY CHAPTER.] | |
| “EVERY MAN TO HIS VOCATION” AND “NATURE WILL ASSERT HERSELF”—RESTBY THE WAYSIDE—A HALF-SHAVED PARTY—CONSTERNATION OF ACLERGYMAN—NATIVES IN NEW YORK—DOCTORING A CORN-DOCTOR—RELIGIOUSRAILWAYS—THE BRIGHTON BUGLE BUSINESS—CASH AND CONSCIENCE—CASTLESIN THE AIR—A DELUDED ANTIQUARIAN—GAMBLING AND POLITICS—IRISHWIT—ABOUT CONDUCTORS—DR. CHAPIN AS A PUNSTER—FOWLATTEMPTS—A PAIR O’ DUCKS—CUTTING A SICK FRIEND—REV. RICHARDVARICK DEY—HIS CRIME AND ITS CONSEQUENCES—FOREORDINATION—PRACTICALJOKING BY MY FATHER—A VALUABLE RACE-HORSE—HOW HEWAS LET AND THEN KILLED—AGONY OF THE HORSE-KILLER—THE FINAL“SELL”—FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC FRENCH—COCKNEYISM—WICKED WORDSIN EXETER HALL, | [718] |
| [CHAP. XLVI.—SEA-SIDE PARK.] | |
| INTEREST IN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS—OLD PARK PROJECTS—OPPOSITION OFOLD FOGIES—THE SOUND SHORE AT BRIDGEPORT—INACCESSIBLE PROPERTY—THEEYE OF FAITH—TALKING TO THE FARMERS—REACHING THEPUBLIC THROUGH THE PAPERS—HOW THE LAND WAS SECURED FOR AGREAT PLEASURE-GROUND—GIFTS TO THE PEOPLE—OPENING OF SEA-SIDEPARK—THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GROUND BETWEEN NEW YORK AND BOSTON—MAGNIFICENTDRIVES—THE ADVANTAGES OF THE LOCATION—MUSIC FORTHE MILLION—BY THE SEA-SIDE—FUTURE OF THE PARK—A PERPETUALBLESSING TO POSTERITY, | [758] |
| [CHAP. XLVII.—WALDEMERE.] | |
| MY PRIVATE LIFE—PLANS FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT IN BRIDGEPORT—OPENINGAVENUES—PLANTING SHADE-TREES—OLD FOGIES—CONSERVATISM ACURSE TO CITIES—BENEFITING BARNUM’s PROPERTY—SALE OF LINDENCROFT—LIVINGIN A FARM-HOUSE—BY THE SEA-SHORE—ANOTHER NEWHOME—WALDEMERE—HOW IT CAME TO BE BUILT—MAGIC AND MONEY—WAVEWOODAND THE PETREL’S NEST—MY FARM—THE HOLLAND BLANKETCATTLE—MY CITY RESIDENCE—COMFORTS OF CITY LIFE—BEGGING LETTERS—MYFAMILY—RELIGIOUS REFLECTIONS—MY FIFTY-NINTH BIRTHDAY—THEEND OF THE RECORD, | [768] |
CHAPTER I.
EARLY LIFE.
MY BIRTH—FIRST PROPERTY—FARMER-BOY LIFE—GOING TO SCHOOL—EARLY ACQUISITIVENESS—A HOLIDAY PEDDLER—FIRST VISIT TO NEW YORK—LEARNING TO “SWAP”—MISERIES FROM MOLASSES CANDY—“IVY ISLAND”—ENTERING UPON MY ESTATE—CLERKSHIP IN A COUNTRY STORE—TRADING MORALS—THE BETHEL MEETING-HOUSE—STOVE QUESTION—SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASS—MY COMPOSITION—THE ONE THING NEEDFUL.
I WAS born in the town of Bethel, in the State of Connecticut, July 5, 1810. My name, Phineas Taylor, is derived from my maternal grandfather, who was a great wag in his way, and who, as I was his first grandchild, gravely handed over to my mother at my christening a gift-deed, in my behalf, of five acres of land situated in that part of the parish of Bethel known as the “Plum Trees.” I was thus a real estate owner almost at my very birth; and of my property, “Ivy Island,” something shall be said anon.
My father, Philo Barnum, was the son of Ephraim Barnum, of Bethel, who was a captain in the revolutionary war. My father was a tailor, a farmer, and sometimes a tavern-keeper, and my advantages and disadvantages were such as fall to the general run of farmers’ boys. I drove cows to and from the pasture, shelled corn, weeded the garden; as I grew larger, I rode horse for ploughing, turned and raked hay; in due time I handled the shovel and the hoe, and when I could do so I went to school.
I was six years old when I began to go to school, and the first date I remember inscribing upon my writing-book was 1818. The ferule, in those days, was the assistant school-master; but in spite of it, I was a willing, and, I think, a pretty apt scholar; at least, I was so considered by my teachers and schoolmates, and as the years went on there were never more than two or three in the school who were deemed my superiors. In arithmetic I was unusually ready and accurate, and I remember, at the age of twelve years, being called out of bed one night by my teacher who had wagered with a neighbor that I could calculate the correct number of feet in a load of wood in five minutes. The dimensions given, I figured out the result in less than two minutes, to the great delight of my teacher and to the equal astonishment of his neighbor.
My organ of “acquisitiveness” was manifest at an early age. Before I was five years of age, I began to accumulate pennies and “four-pences,” and when I was six years old my capital amounted to a sum sufficient to exchange for a silver dollar, the possession of which made me feel far richer and more independent than I have ever since felt in the world.
Nor did my dollar long remain alone. As I grew older I earned ten cents a day for riding the horse which led the ox team in ploughing, and on holidays and “training days,” instead of spending money, I earned it. I was a small peddler of molasses candy (of home make), ginger-bread, cookies and cherry rum, and I generally found myself a dollar or two richer at the end of a holiday than I was at the beginning. I was always ready for a trade, and by the time I was twelve years old, besides other property, I was the owner of a sheep and a calf, and should soon, no doubt, have become a small Crœsus, had not my father kindly permitted me to purchase my own clothing, which somewhat reduced my little store.
When I was nearly twelve years old I made my first visit to the metropolis. It happened in this wise: Late one afternoon in January, 1822, Mr. Daniel Brown, of Southbury, Connecticut, arrived at my father’s tavern, in Bethel, with some fat cattle he was driving to New York to sell. The cattle were put into our large barnyard, the horses were stabled, and Mr. Brown and his assistant were provided with a warm supper and lodging for the night. After supper I heard Mr. Brown say to my father that he intended to buy more cattle, and that he would be glad to hire a boy to assist in driving the cattle. I immediately besought my father to secure the situation for me, and he did so. My mother’s consent was also gained, and at daylight next morning, after a slight breakfast, I started on foot in the midst of a heavy snow storm to help drive the cattle. Before reaching Ridgefield, I was sent on horseback after a stray ox, and, in galloping, the horse fell and my ankle was sprained. I suffered severely, but did not complain lest my employer should send me back. But he considerately permitted me to ride behind him on his horse; and, indeed, did so most of the way to New York, where we arrived in three or four days.