In the following letter, which appeared in The Times of the 8th of April 1872, it will be seen that I therein claimed to be the Originator of a tale or romance entitled 'The Miser's Daughter,'which was _written_ by Mr. Ainsworth and illustrated by me. G. C.
Sir--Under the heading of 'Easter Amusements' in _The Times_ of the 2nd inst. it is stated that Mr. W. Harrison Ainsworth's novel of _The Miser's Daughter_ had been dramatized by Mr. Andrew Halliday, and produced at the Adelphi Theatre, and as my name is not mentioned in any way in connection with the novel--not even as the illustrator--I shall feel greatly obliged if you will allow me to inform the public through the medium of your columns of the fact (which all my private friends are aware of) that this tale of _The Miser's Daughter_ originated from me, and not from Mr. Ainsworth.
My idea suggested to that gentleman was to write a story in which the principal character should be a miser, who had a daughter, and that the struggles of feelings between the love for his child and his love of money should produce certain effects and results; and as all my ancestors were mixed up in the Rebellion of '45, I suggested that the story should be of that date, in order that I might introduce some scenes and circumstances connected with that great party struggle; and also wishing to let the public of the present day have a peep at the places of amusement of that period, I took considerable pains to give correct views and descriptions of those places, which are now copied and produced upon the stage; and I take this opportunity of complimenting my friend Halliday for the very excellent and effective manner in which he has dramatized the story.
I do not mean to say that Mr. Ainsworth when writing this novel did not introduce some of his own ideas; but as the first idea and all the principal points and characters emanated from me, I think it will be allowed that the title of _originator_ of _The Miser's Daughter_ should be conferred upon, Sir, your obedient servant,
This letter brought forth the following reply from the _writer_ of this romance:--
Sir--In a letter from Mr. George Cruikshank which appeared in _The Times_ of to-day, that distinguished artist claims to be the originator of _The Miser's Daughter_. I content myself with giving the statement a positive contradiction.