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The Pickwiekains
T li f first rnv nf lielit which illumines the gloom, and converts into
a dazzling brilliancy that obscurity in which the earlier historv of
the public career ot the immortal Pickwick would appear to be
in\ oh ed, is clenced trom the perusal ot the following entry in the
1 ransactions ot the Pickwick Club, which the editor of these
papers teels the highest pleasure in laying before his readers, as a
proof of the careful attention, indefatigable assiduitv, and nice
discrimination, with which his search among tile multifarious
documents confided to him has been conducted.
'May 12, 1827. Joseph Smiggers, Esq., p.v.p.m.p.c.,* presiding.
The following resolutions unanimously agreed to:-
'Tliat this Association has heard read, with feelings of unmingled
satisfaction, and unqualified approval, die paper communicated by
Samuel Pickwick, Esq., g.c.m.p.c.,+ entitled "Speculations on the
Source of the Hampstead Ponds, with some Observations on the
Theory of Tittlebats1;" and that this Association does hereby
return its warmest thanks to the said Samuel Pickwick, Esq.,
c.c.m.p.c., for the same.
'That while this Association is deeply sensible of the advantages
which must accrue to the cause of science from the production to
which they have just adverted, - no less than from the unwearied
researches of Samuel Pickwick, Esq., c.c.m.p.c., in Hornsev,
Highgate, Brixton, and CamberwelP, - they cannot but entertain a
lively sense of the inestimable benefits which must inevitably result
from carrying the speculations of that learned man into a wider
field, from extending his travels, and consequently enlarging his
sphere of observation, to the advancement of knowledge, and the
diffusion of learning'.
'That, with the view just mentioned, this Association has taken
into its serious consideration a proposal, emanating from the afore
said Samuel Pickwick, Esq., c.c.m.p.c., and three other Pickwick-
ians hereinafter named, for forming a new branch of United
Pickwickians, under the title of The Corresponding Society of the
Pickwick Club.
'That the said proposal has received the sanction and approval of
this Association.
'That the Corresponding Society of the Pickwick Club is there
fore herebv constitutedand that Samuel Pickwick, Esq., c.c.m.p.c.,
Tracv Tupman, Esq., m.p.c., Augustus Snodgrass, Esq., m.p.c.,
and Nathaniel ^'inkle, Esq., m.p.c., are hereby nominated and
appointed members of the same; and that they be requested to
forw ard, from time to time, authenticated accounts of their jour-
nevs and investigations, of their observations of character and
manners, and of the whole of their adventures, together with all
tale* and papers to which local scenery or associations may give
rise, to the Pickwick Club, stationed in London.
'That this Association cordially recognises the principle of every
member of the Corresponding Society defraying his own travelling
expenses; and that it sees no objection whatever to the members of
the said society pursuing their inquiries for any length of time they
please, upon the same terms.
'That the members of the aforesaid Corresponding Society be,
and are, hereby informed, that their proposal to pay the postage of
their letters, and the carriage of their parcels, has been deliberated
upon by this Association: that this Association considers such
proposal worthy of the great minds from which it emanated, and
that it hereby signifies its perfect acquiescence therein.'
•Perpetual Vice-President - Member Pickwick Club,
t General Chairman - Member Pickwick Club.
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