THACKERAY AS A CAREFUL' STUDENT.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In a review of "A French Volunteer of the War of Independence," the reviewer says that "some of the Chevalier's (De Pontgiband) notes are apt to tax the credulity of his readers." An instance is cited of a New England farmer's idea that "all Frenchmen were barbers and fiddlers." Thackeray, depicting the customs and notions of the time just preceding the War of Independence, makes a maid of honour in England express the same sentiments ; and this is proof of his accurate study (which has been questioned) of the times of which he wrote. The passage I refer to is in " Esmond," Book III., chap. 2. " Counts !" (says Miss Beatrix) "Every one of these wretches says he is a count. Guiscard, that stabbed Mr. Harvey, said he was a count; and I believe he was a barber. All Frenchmen are barbers- Fiddledee ! don't contradict me—or else dancing-masters, or
Adelaide, South Australia, January 7th.
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