The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

Matthew Bramble’s sister, Tabitha, is on the journey with him. She sends instructions to their housekeeper about items that she wants sent along to her at Bristol, along with directives for the housekeeper to keep an eye on other servants.

Winifred Jenkins is a maid travelling with the Bramble family, and she sends a letter to a fellow servant back at home. Winifred offers further information about the stressful event that Matthew alluded to: Lydia Melford (the niece of Matthew and Tabitha Bramble) “had like to run away with a player-man” (7), and there has been conflict between Lydia’s brother, Jeremy, and her suitor.

Jeremy Melford writes a letter to his friend, Philips; Jeremy has recently been a student at Oxford University, and got to know Philips there. Jeremy explains that he has travelled, along with his aunt and uncle, to Gloucester, England, where his younger sister, Lydia has been a student at boarding school. Jeremy learned that a man whom he disapproved of has been courting Lydia, and intervened in the relationship, even challenging the man to a duel. Jeremy refers to these events as “a foolish quarrel” (8) and tells Philips that he will be going to Bristol with his aunt, uncle, and sister.

Lydia Melford writes to her former governess, Mrs. Jermyn; it has now been three days since Lydia abruptly left Gloucester with her aunt, uncle, and brother. Lydia apologizes to Mrs. Jermyn for her abrupt departure, explaining that she regrets exchanging letters with an unnamed young man. Nonetheless, Lydia insists, “I never harboured a thought that was otherwise than virtuous” (9).

Lydia sends a secret letter to her best friend, “my dear companion and bed-fellow” (10), confiding that she does not think she will get over her suitor, Wilson. Even though Lydia’s feelings for Wilson haven’t changed, she asks her friend to convey the message that he should not write to her or try to see her; Lydia secretly hopes that she and Wilson will somehow be reunited in the future.

Matthew Bramble writes to his doctor with an update, explaining more fully the events alluded to in earlier letters. While attending boarding school in Gloucester, Lydia went to a theatre performance and fell in love with an actor named Wilson. Lydia and Wilson began writing to one another, and while Lydia’s brother was visiting (along with their aunt and uncle), a servant showed the letter to him. Outraged on behalf of his sister’s honor, Jeremy Melford challenged Wilson to a duel. Matthew found out about this planned duel shortly before it was to take place, and he was able to put a stop to it. Because little was known of Wilson’s history, he was in danger of severe legal repercussions, but Jeremy dropped the charges.

Lydia was very distressed by all of these events, especially since her Aunt Tabitha was very angry with her. Matthew, Tabitha, Lydia and Jeremy all left Gloucester, but Lydia became very ill. She is finally beginning to get better, and Matthew is thinking of moving the family along to the town of Bath.

Matthew Bramble forwards to Dr. Lewis one of the letters from Wilson to Lydia. In the letter, Wilson pours out declarations of love to her. He has learned that she is going to be leaving Gloucester and is distraught that he will no longer see her.

Jeremy Melford writes to his friend Phillips: He is appreciative that another friend, Mansel, has made up a story to cover up the real reason for his narrowly avoided duel, as this cover story protects Lydia’s reputation. Jeremy is bored with life in the quiet town where he now finds himself, but he is beginning to grow fonder of his old uncle: “his disposition and mine, which like oil and vinegar, repelled one another at first, have now begun to mix” (17). Jeremy has something to say to Phillips, but he becomes distracted telling a comical story about an incompetent physician, so he promises to send a follow-up letter.

Jeremy Melford writes a new letter to his friend, describing some surprising recent events. Jeremy noticed that his Uncle Matthew seemed to pay a lot of attention to a woman also staying in town; the woman is caring for her “poor emaciated child, far gone in consumption” (21). One day, Jeremy noticed the woman coming to the house to meet with his uncle; he hid and secretly spied on the conversation. He saw Matthew give the poor woman some money; she was overwhelmed with gratitude. However, Tabitha Bramble came storming into the room and realized what her brother had done; she tried to take the money back, but Matthew refused to allow it. When Tabitha realized that Jeremy witnessed the scene and was touched by Matthew’s attempt to help the widow, she rebuked him for being naïve and implied that Matthew was paying the woman in exchange for sex. However, Jeremy believes that she is simply an impoverished widow, and he has a newfound respect for his uncle.

Matthew writes to his doctor, complaining that he does not think the hot springs at the town where he is staying are actually beneficial; he is also suspicious of a doctor he has met there (the same doctor whom Jeremy mocked in his letter). Matthew explains that he intends to move the family to Bath, especially “for the sake of my niece, Liddy, who is like to relapse” (25). Matthew reports that Lydia recently exhibited strange behavior after seeing a Jewish peddler.

Lydia writes to her friend: She recently had a secret encounter with Wilson, who was in disguise as a Jewish peddler. After recognizing him, Lydia begged him to stay away so that “he might not incur the suspicion of my uncle or my brother” (26). Wilson tried to communicate an urgent message: his social station has somehow improved. However, Lydia did not get full details, and has not seen or heard from Wilson since. She begs her friend to share any news she might hear and reports that the family will be moving on to Bath.

Jeremy writes to his friend Phillips: A woman has been accusing Jeremy of being the cause of her illegitimate pregnancy, and Jeremy explains that he has never had a relationship with her, and suspects “Mansel to be at the bottom of the whole” (28). However, Jeremy doesn’t mind having the pregnancy attributed to him, and has arranged to pay the required fine. Jeremy is also growing more and more appreciative of his Uncle Matthew. Jeremy describes how, when he and his family first arrived in Bath, they moved into a shared lodging house that turned out to be extremely noisy and chaotic. Matthew insisted on moving even though Tabitha was resistant, and they have now settled into a quieter residence.

Matthew writes to Dr. Lewis, recording his impressions of the town of Bath. He is largely disgusted with both the city’s growth and the many vain and wealthy people who frequent it, complaining that, “every upstart of fortune, harnessed in the trappings of the mode, presents himself at Bath” (36).

Lydia writes to her friend, expressing her delight and wonder at the bustling town of Bath, where “the eye is continually entertained with the splendor of dress and equipage” (39). Lydia and her family are very busy engaging in all of the activities that Bath has to offer, including shopping, bathing, and going to the theatre.

Winifred Jenkins writes to her friend and fellow servant, sharing updates about the family and their activities in Bath. She is fascinated by the bustling town. Win confides that Lydia is still in love with Wilson, and that Tabitha Bramble seems to be interested in an Irishman whom she has met in Bath.

Tabitha writes to her housekeeper, complaining about how her brother mismanages their estate: “between his willfullness and his waste, his frumps, and his frenzy, I lead the life of an indentured slave” (44).

Matthew writes to his doctor, complaining about Bath and expressing his desire to move on from the town. Matthew has become disgusted with the conditions in which people bathe, supposedly to improve their health, and thinks the practice might actually promote disease. He also worries about Tabitha and Lydia flirting with men they may encounter in the town.

Jeremy Melford shares his impressions of Bath; he finds that “this chaos [is] a source of infinite amusement” (49). Jeremy continues to spend a lot of time with his uncle. He is surprised by what he views as contradictory elements of Matthew’s personality, as his uncle is simultaneously very sensitive and yet has keen sense of humor and irony. Jeremy and Matthew have begun to spend time with an old friend of Matthew’s, an actor named James Quin. Jeremy also makes fun of his aunt Tabitha.

Matthew reports that he has decided to move the family from Bath to London. Since he has told Tabitha’s suitor that his sister has no money, he expects the relationship will fizzle out soon. Matthew admits that he has enjoyed reuniting with some old friends in Bath, but he is anxious to get away from the town.

Lydia writes to her friend to share the news that the family will be moving on to London, which is “highly agreeable” (58) to her. The transition has been delayed because Tabitha’s dog is sick, and Tabitha also abruptly seems annoyed with the man who has been courting her.

Jeremy writes to his friend: He has learned that the woman who accused him of getting her pregnant is not pregnant after all. Jeremy spends most of his letter writing about Tabitha Bramble and her quest to find a husband. He describes Tabitha as “one of those geniuses who find some diabolical enjoyment in being dreaded and detested by their fellow-creatures” (61), explaining that she has been involved in a series of failed relationships. To make herself a more desirable marriage prospect, Tabitha strives to make and save money, and as a result she has strong feelings about the management of Brambleton Hall.

Jeremy also describes what has most recently transpired between Tabitha and Ulic Mackilligut (the man who has been courting her). Ulic kicked and injured Tabitha’s beloved dog, which angered her and led to a quarrel. Jeremy speculates that Ulic, having found out that Tabitha is not as wealthy as he thought, purposefully hurt the dog to make Tabitha angry, thus giving himself an excuse to end the relationship.

Matthew continues his complaints that being in Bath is harmful to his health. He is now also feeling skeptical about going to London and states that his “stay in the metropolis shall be brief” (66). He wants to take his family to the north of England.

Jeremy describes a quarrel that recently occurred between Matthew Bramble and an old friend of his, due to Matthew’s inadvertently insulting a third friend.

Winifred writes to Mary, complaining about the servants at Bath and their propensity to steal.

Jeremy describes a dispute between two men, Eastgate and Prankley. The dispute nearly became a duel, but one of the men backed down.

Matthew writes to say that he will be leaving Bath the next day and moving on to London. He complains about Tabitha, accusing her of micromanaging the work of the domestic staff, and wishes she would find a husband and move away.

Tabitha writes to Dr. Lewis herself, scolding him because she thinks he is not doing a good job of managing the estate in the absence of herself and her brother.