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P.T. Barnum to Moses Kimball, Letter 8, January 30, 1845

From: P.T. Barnum Letters To Moses Kimball
Creator: Phineas T. Barnum (author)
Date: January 30, 1845
Source: Boston Athenaeum


Introduction

Barnum took Charles Stratton and his parents on an extended trip to Europe. At times, Barnum was irked by the pretentions assumed by the parents on this journey. He was particlularly bothered when they made suggestions on how the entertainments should proceed. Barnum was careful to maintain his ultimate authority over the enterprise. Barnum also felt socially superior to the plebian Strattons.



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London January 30th 1845

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My dear Moses,

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I was glad to perceive by the last steamer that you had not forgotten me althogether -sic- and was rejoiced to learn that you are in good health and business good.

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My business continues as good as usual -- our showfolks are in Exeter 200 miles off where I go tonight to join them. I have been -away- the last four days on account of my family -- the youngest of whom has been dangerously ill, but who now thank God is much better and will probably get along -- though her health is very delicate.

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Since New Year's (the new Tom Thumb administration) my profits have averaged $800 per week and I think if the general lives I may safely count on clearing $25,000 per annum. You may well say it is a "fairy business". The Stratton's are crazy -- absolutely deranged with such golden success. At first they were inclined to take airs, carry high heads, and talk about what we were doing but when Mrs. Stratton began to be too inquisitive about the business and to say that she thought expenses were too high and that I spent too much for printing etc. I told them both very decidedly that I was the manager and that unless the whole was left to my direction -I- would not stay a single day, their horns were hauled in very suddenly you may depend, and they are now down to their old level where you may be sure I shall keep them. I can do business with blockheads and brutes when there is money enough to be made by it, but I can't be tempted by money to associate with them, nor allow them to rule.

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I am very sorry that Bunker Hill turned out so badly in N.Y. It's a devilish pity you can't squeeze it on to the Stage of the Museum, and when it becomes good for nothing else I guess you must try to curtail it so as to get it there. In April I shall have plenty of attractions there, sent from London but till then I expect that Hitchcock will be short of novelties and might use Bunker Hill to good advantage. By the way Moses I want to get some beautiful Dissolving views painted in London, illustrating the history of the American Revolution, and in order to do that I must have correct prints, colored so as to give the correct colors of the military costumes etc. and as you know much more of these subjects than either Hitchcock or me, I must trouble you to collect them and send them to me by the next steamer.

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First I want the landing of our forefathers at Plymouth, then an Indian Treaty or two (I already have Penn's treaty), then any pictures of their skirmishes with the Indians -- then the picture of throwing over the tea in Boston harbor -- then all the different battles, both by land and sea -- also a good view of Bunker Hill as it now is. etc., etc,, etc., -- affording a complete pictorial history of our country up to the close of the Revolution and a group of Liberty, the American flags, shield and the devil and all as a grand and glorious Finale to the patriotic drama. A good view of Fanneuil Hall, Washington's seat at Mount Vernon, would all help fill up the plot. Also correct portraits of all our Presidents, now on the whole I only care for those of Washington and Jefferson and Jackson! Now my dear fellow, set your wits to work and give me the fruits thereof. I don't want expensive prints; as any, however small will answer to print form -- it is only necessary that they are correct, and one battle piece should be colored so that the artist can get a correct idea of the color of the American uniforms.

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Please send them in a package by Handon, (?) Adams or someone who will deliver them to "T. Brettle,Esq., 40 Rupert Street, Haymarket, London," and charge same to Hitchcock, You see my idea, and I trust you will carry it fully out. I give you joy of Lyman and the baby -- I hope that they may prove as rich a mine for you as the General has for me.

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I am glad the old Lowell Museum is turning out, so rich, and am also glad that you are so strong a National Republican -- put me down as one -- for if ever I return I'll go that ticket -- it's time to fight against foreign interference in our elections.

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Wishing you every success and happiness, In which Mrs. B. joins -- also in respect to your lady.

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I am truly yours
P.T. Barnum

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Moses Kimball, Esqr.
Boston Museum
Boston, United States of America

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pr Royal Steamer 4th Feb. from Liverpool

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