Dedication.

TO HER MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY,

QUEEN VICTORIA.

MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN,

If a life of deep experience has enabled me in THE PILGRIMS OF THE THAMES, IN SEARCH OF THE NATIONAL, to depict scenes, which, at the time they amuse, may instruct the Public; I may perhaps be pardoned, for most humbly and respectfully, thus inscribing my efforts to your Majesty; who has ever the welfare of your people at

heart.

That LITERATURE, THE FINE ARTS, SCIENCES, &c., may bloom healthily, and brightly, under your Majesty's protection, —who, while you foster the more elevated Rose, will not neglect the humble Violet ;-that your Majesty may long, very long, reign over a brave and free people, the Mistress of their HEARTS, as you are of a Kingdom, which is MISTRESS OF The World; and that in promoting the Peoples' you may secure your own happiness, is the sincere wish of,

YOUR MAJESTY'S

Very humble, and

London, January 1st. 1838.

Most devoted Servant,

PIERCE EGAN.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Thoughts on the originality of the subject—and truth and facts the leading

features of the argument.

CHAPTER II.

An outline-or, rather a pen and ink sketch of PETER MAKEMONEY-a

thorough-bred cockney-his obscure origin in early life- great rise-im-

mense luck—and experience in society. A retired wealthy citizen, who had

filled the offices of Sheriff, Alderman, and Lord Mayor. His observations on

men and manners-Opinions worth knowing.

CHAPTER III.

The advantages attached to property; or win gold and wear it! MAKEMONEY'S

spontaneous notions of a Pilgrimage on the BANKS OF THE THAMES-

"Home, sweet Home," against any other air in the history of music; con-

trasted with France, Italy, Switzerland, the Rhine, &c., &c. The Pilgrims

-MAKEMONEY, FRANK FLOURISH, and JAMES SPRIGHTLY, (otherwise

"Young Neverfret!") in search of the NATIONAL. PETER'S liberal

advice to his Nephew, full of pith, and nothing else but orthodox. An outline

of "Young Neverfret," scarcely out of his leading strings; and a sketch of

FLOURISH; quite a character! MAKEMONEY's admonition to his brother

Pilgrims, previous to their starting- a stitch in time saves nine '-FLOURISH'S

opinion against duelling-a safe card-prevention better than cure-A few

words in praise of Greenwich Hospital, truly NATIONAL!

CHAPTER IV,

The pleasures of anticipation-the Pilgrims preparing to start-Who's for Green-

wich? Holiday Folks! Smiling faces-children six feet high-pleasure the

order of the day! The Tower recognized as an old land-mark, and the Cus-

tom House praised for its magnificence. Lots of Characters on board of the

Steamer! Off she goes-The eloquent dealer in Literature-(quid pro quo)—

the luxury of a newspaper. Introduction of TIM BRONZE, without being

introduced; a living Vampire and Victim-hunter. Description of the neces-

sary CUTS in Society-Secrets worth knowing to a Young Man on his

entrance into life! The soi-disant Duchess and her two daughters-Generals

in petticoats enlisting recruits! PICTURESQUE DOLEFUL, a tally under-

taker, one of the woeful disciples of LAVATER; but a useful personage to

ensure a decent finish to the last exit! SCAPEGRACE, a dark and terrific

portrait of human nature; or a man may smile and be a villain. OLD FATHER

THAMES in all his glory-MAKEMONEY in ecstacy-a bit of the NATIONAL!
A sound reply to an Alarmist of the Olden Times!

CHAPTER V.

The Steamer afloat-FLOURISH at fault-"the amiable" wanting-afraid to

attack the Duchess-DOLEFUL and Coroners' Inquests; or, the World's End!·

a hoax-A few words more respecting SCAPEGRACE, but not quite ripe for ex-

posure. MAKE MONEY delighted-his description of the variety seen in a trip

by Steam-Cockneys adrift-Fresh water sailors; versus, the rough sons of

the ocean-Debarking from the steamer-Greenwich Park-Kissing in the

ring-National habits ought to be preserved; a legal opinion on the subject.

An invitation to dinner; a rhetorical display, vulgarly termed the gift of the

gab! WILHELMINA and SERAPHINA, a pair of female portraits-live and

learn, stay at home and know nothing-What a world we live in! The self-

sufficient FLOURISH completely outwitted.

CHAPTER VI.

FLOURISH asking himself a few questions! Perplexed with doubts! Satire a

bitter weapon; and men, in general, afraid of being laughed at. A hint or two

respecting the dangers of blind confidence; or persons having too good an

opinion of their own sagacity. Travellers see strange things, and are rather

too apt to praise other countries in preference to their own; nevertheless,

Greenwich Fair and the Park contrasted with the Carnival at Naples. The

Dance-not the Tarantula; but equally as exciting to the feelings-nothing

else but gay moments-touch and take-please your taste-running kisses-

dangerous to be safe-"O the days when I were young"-quality and

quantity-both in the field. MAKEMONEY's love of his country again display-

ed. SPRIGHTLY over head and ears in love! The ARTISTS at work-draw-

ing the Flats-and the Pilgrims let into the secret!

The SHOW FOLKS! Talent outside of the Theatre; or, how to "pull 'em in !"

An original comic song, embellished with patois, but quite in character; and a

word or two respecting the chances and profession of an Actor. Recollections

of the late MUSTER RICHARDSON, entitled to record, according to the intrinsic

value set upon mankind by a great public writer. The miseries attached to

Strollers sixty years ago. The dangers of a double-bedded apartment. The

serious effects from too much learning-the light headed Pig to wit-a caution

to Students. A glance at the Choice Spirits of the olden times-Players,

Poets, Painters, Authors, &c. The late EDMUND KEAN and the Show Folks

-his flattering reception at the court of King George the Third-Talent will

make its way. A wet scene; or, too much of water hadst thou, OXBERRY!

The flight of Ducks! a singular adventure. How to avoid an Act of Parlia-

ment: a play-bill for dummies! Liberal traits of the late Mrs. JORDAN—

more anon. Comparisons (not odious) between the illustrious John Kemble,

of classical notoriety, and the matter-of-fact Showman. Hear, and decide!

A few sentences by way of Epitaph-a trifling remembrance to the memory

of the late Muster Richardson.

CHAPTER VIII.

CHARLES TURF, Esq., a character upon the town-up to every thing-with a

lingo of his own— yet a man of observation, and a most excellent companion.

A glance at the Sporting Booth-all sorts of folks-Nature unadorned-

Niceties not required-Jack as good as his master-Independence of feeling to

the echo-Looks dangerous, and speech worse-the old adage desirable "To

hear much and speak little." A song for those that like it-a curiosity in

literature a scrap for D'ISRAELI. The handsome female with a fine bust-

Reauty powerful in all companies. The maker of a book, but no reader. A fig

for literature-Authors distanced as to chance, 7 to 4. A figure in rhetoric.

The Free and Easy Concert-every body welcome-WEBER not known, and

BISHOP not thought of. Babel-to wit, "All round my Cap !"" Tommerhoo !"

Silence ! silence! silence! What a row! For shame-when a female woman

shows her ivories! What low remarks! Vulgar fellows! Keep your jaw to

yourself! or else-What? Why! You'll meet with a stop-jaw! Indeed!

How liberal! Enough! Too much! Who's for Lunnun? The Costard-mon-

ger and his prad-Every man to his calling. Any port in a storm. The dan-

gers of tickling; or, keep your hands to yourself, Ould Chap! A glance at low

life-
e-rum customers. St. Paul's in sight-and the PILGRIMS once more at home.