Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
Richard's Himself Again explained
Barnum returns to the United States in 1859 and, through relentless effort, lectures, Tom Thumb exhibitions, and frugal living, finally extinguishes his clock debts by March 1860.
What happens
Barnum returns to the United States in 1859 and, through relentless effort, lectures, Tom Thumb exhibitions, and frugal living, finally extinguishes his clock debts by March 1860. He repurchases the American Museum from Greenwood & Butler, announces his restoration to the public, and receives an outpouring of congratulations from friends, the press, and even former creditors. He reflects on the treachery of a false friend, the steadfast support of James D. Johnson and his wife Charity, and the lessons learned from adversity.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience in Adversity
Barnum works for four years to overcome the clock debt disaster, living frugally and persevering despite betrayal and legal troubles.
Financial Wisdom and Economy
Barnum and his family economize, sell property, and methodically pay off debts, learning the value of 'enough is as good as a feast.'
Public Perception and Reputation
The press and public celebrate Barnum's restoration; poems and editorials praise his honesty and resilience.
Philanthropy and Public Service
Creditors show magnanimity by accepting partial payment, and friends like Bonner and Johnson offer generous support.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Returns from Europe, works to pay off clock debts, repurchases the Museum, and announces his restoration.
- Charity Barnum
Lives frugally, contributes her income and property savings to help extinguish Barnum's debts.
- General Tom Thumb
Exhibitions with Tom Thumb in Europe help Barnum raise money to pay debts.
- Mr. James D. Johnson
Barnum's most effective agent in resolving clock troubles; guarantees bonds and provides invaluable assistance.
- Mr. Robert Bonner
Editorial friend who congratulates Barnum and lends him large cuts for advertising.
- Mr. John Greenwood
Co-owner of the Museum with Butler; agrees to sell back the Museum to Barnum.
Key passages
“I had now been struggling about four years with the difficulties of my one great financial mistake, and the end still seemed to be far off.”
Barnum had been fighting the consequences of his clock debt blunder for nearly four years, with no end in sight.
Highlights the prolonged struggle and the weight of the mistake.
“At last, in March 1860, all the clock indebtedness was satisfactorily extinguished, excepting some $20,000 which I had bound myself to take up within a certain number of months, my friend, James D. Johnson, guaranteeing my bond to that effect.”
By March 1860, Barnum had paid off all his clock debts except $20,000, which he had promised to pay soon, with James D. Johnson acting as guarantor.
Marks the turning point of Barnum's financial recovery.
“I was once more a free man. At last I was able to make proclamation that 'Richard's himself again'; that Barnum was once more on his feet.”
Barnum declared himself free from debt and back on his feet, using the phrase 'Richard's himself again.'
Symbolic declaration of restoration and independence.
“My editorial friend, Mr. Robert Bonner, of the New York Ledger, sincerely congratulated me upon my full and complete restoration.”
Robert Bonner, editor of the New York Ledger, warmly congratulated Barnum on his complete recovery.
Illustrates the support from the press and friends.
