“I forgot yesterday to say anything about Maginn. The subscriptions have come to about £350 to £360, and a good deal of that has of course gone already, keeping four people alive. I believe no more will subscribe here. I have tried the Carlton Club in a very serious way, by a long letter to the Committee, and they sent an unanimous refusal. Government gave a cadetship for the boy; but if he is equipped and sent out, that will swallow all the money in hand at the least.
“James Wilson’s wife has, I believe, got a gover-
1 I owe this letter to the kindness of Mr. C. M. Falconer, of Dundee. |
| 210 | LIFE OF J. G. LOCKHART. |
“Please observe the doctor’s creditors were arranged for through myself and a few others some ten years ago, when we raised nearly £1000 for him, and paid off with that about £3000 or £4000 of debt. Just before he died he passed through the Insolvency Court on schedule, Dr. G. says, of just under £10,000.
“The girls are comely, lively, clever girls. . . . One writes poetry!
“I went yesterday audaciously and witnessed a queer scene in a tavern opposite Bow Street Police Court, and dined abominably with three or four dandies of forty or fifty. . . .
“One of the attorney’s clerks who acted counsel was Brougham himself—every touch and tone—the other Thesiger, two most clever fellows, and their speeches, examination and cross-examination of the witnesses, and the Judge’s charge (Abinger alive!) were all quite equal to the best of Matthews’ mimicries. Peter must not be here again without seeing this comedy—the only one I have seen for many years, and almost the best I ever saw—such a complete show-up of all the trickery and pompous humbug of forensic practice. . . .”
