pages: unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf, 141
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unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 141 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN DOVER, February 10th, 1867. MR. EVANION DEAR SIR-Yours of the 5th inst. I received just as I was leaving Folkestown, and it was forwarded from Guilford. I am sorry I have not one of my old bills with me, neither do I think any of my family could find one at home. I may have some among my old conjuring things, and when I return to Guilford I will look them over and send you what I can find. I was sorry I was not at home when you were in Guil- ford, for I feel much pleasure in meeting a responsible profes- sional. I am not certain when I shall return, but most likely not for six wecks. I will keep your address; so should you change your residence, write to me about that time. I was looking over some old papers some time last sum- mer, and found a bill of my father's, nearly 60 years ago, when his great trick was cutting off the cock's head and restoring it to life again. And a great wonder it was considered and brought crowded rooms. I was Master Gyngell, the wonderful performer on the slack wire; and now in my 7ist year I am lecturer, pyrotechnist, and high-rope walker, for I did that last summer. My life has been a simple one of ups and downs. Iam, dear sir, yours truly, J. D. G. GYNGELL. The signature of this letter, "J. D. G. Gyngell," clears up considerable uncertainty regarding the names of the two Gyngell sons. At times the clever young tight-rope performer has been spoken of as Joseph, and at others as Gellini. It is quite probable that the two names were really part of one, and the full baptismal name was "Joseph D. Gellini." It was as Gellini Gyngell that he met Henry Evanion at Deal, February 20th, 1862, when the latter was performing as a magician at the Deal and Walmer Institute, while Gellini Gyngell gave an exhibi- tion of fireworks and a magic-lantern display on the [124] |