Littell's Living Age/Volume 173/Issue 2235/How Thackerey Struck for Higher Pay
How Thackerey Struck for Higher Pay — The Charleston News publishes the following hitherto unpublished letter, “which,” it says, “was written to James Fraser, the proprietor of Fraser’s Magazine, and was copied by a Charleston lady who visited Europe this year, from the original in the collection belonging to Mr. Fraser’s sister, Mrs. Finlayson, of Dublin, Ireland:” “Boulogne, Monday, February. My dear Fraser, — I have seen the doctor, who has given me his commands about the hundredth number. I shall send him my share from Paris in a day or two, and hope I shall do a good deal in the diligence to-morrow. He reiterates his determination to write monthly for you, and to deliver over the proceeds to me. Will you, therefore, have the goodness to give the bearer a cheque (in my wife’s name) for the amount of his contributions for the two last months? Mrs. Thackeray will give you a receipt for the same. You have already Maginn’s authority. Now comes another, and not a very pleasant point, on which I must speak. I hereby give notice that I shall strike for wages. You pay more to others, I find, than to me; and so I intend to make some fresh conditions about Yellowplush. I shall write no more of that gentleman’s remarks except at the rate of twelve guineas a sheet, and with a drawing for each number in which his story appears — the drawing two guineas. Pray do not be angry at this decision on my part; it is simply a bargain, which it is my duty to make. Bad as he is, Mr. Yellowplush is the most popular contributor to your magazine, and ought to be paid accordingly; if he does not deserve more than the monthly nurse, or the Blue Friars, I am a Dutchman. I have been at work upon his adventures to-day, and will send them to you or not as you like, but in common regard for myself, I won’t work under prices. Well, I dare say you will be very indignant, and swear I am the most mercenary of individuals. Not so. But I am a better workman than most in your crew, and deserve a better price. You must not, I repeat, be angry, or because we differ as tradesmen break off our connection as friends. Believe me that, whether I write for you or not, I always shall be glad of your friendship and anxious to have your good opinion. I am ever, my dear Fraser (independent of £ s. d.), very truly yours, W. M. Thackeray. — Write me a line at Maurice’s, Rue de Rivoli. I can send off Y. P. twenty-four hours after I get yours, drawing and all. — James Fraser, 215 Regent Street.”