AustLit

There appears to be some doubt about the authentic identity of Henry Jerrold. The following item appeared on page 3 of 24 May 1861 issue of The Southern Courier: 'The "Braidwood Observer" says:- "The distinguished individual enjoying the cognomen of 'Henry Jerrold' and claiming relationship to the illustrious Douglas Jerrold, was, we learn from the 'Wynyard Times,' last week an occupant of the Tumut lock-up." For the information of those in the profession whom it may concern, we beg to intimate that we also received a visit from this well-known character a few days ago. As usual, he was "fearfully hard up," "out all last night in the pouring rain with only these shreds on," "nearly famished," "Kiandra is the most glorious failure, Sir, that ever was," and so on. He spoke with the most profound veneration of his "dear friend Charley Dickens," inveighed strongly against the want of mind in the bush people, and then, per contra, gave us the usual specimens of profundity of his poetic genius. Finding his second visit to us less remunerative than the first, he bade us adieu with a quotation from Avon's bard. We believe Melbourne is shortly to receive a visit from this perambulating genius'.