The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

Matthew dislikes the town of Harrogate and continues to suffer from various ailments. He is also growing more and more skeptical of physicians and treatments. Matthew reports that he and his family have gone to visit a relative named Mr. Burdock, at whose home a chaotic series of events took place, and also another relative named Mr. Pimpernel, whom Matthew dislikes. Although he “find[s] [him]self still weak and languid” (172), Matthew is eager to continue his journey.

Jeremy writes from the town of Scarborough; he and his family have made their way there from Harrogate. Jeremy relates the events that directly precipitated their departure. During the time at Harrogate, Tabitha tried to charm a Scottish lawyer named Micklewhimmen, who was staying at the same boarding house. Micklewhimmen was ill and unable to move about on his own, though Jeremy suspected that he was feigning illness to get sympathy from the women at the boarding house. One night a fire broke out, and Jeremy was proven right, as Micklewhimmen “came running as nimbly as a buck along the passage” to escape the flames (175). Tabitha “endeavor[ed] to hook him under the arm, that she might escape through his protection” (175). However, he shoved her away and focused on saving only himself. Tabitha became very angry due to this behavior and was eager to leave the town behind.

During the same fire, Humphry bravely attempted to help the Brambles escape by bringing a ladder to some upper-level windows; panicked, Winifred jumped out of the window into his arms, exposing much of her body to Humphry, “whose heart was not able to withstand the united force of so many charms” (175). Since then, he has been devoted to her.

Matthew’s letter is, as usual, full of complaints; he does not like Scarborough, although he takes advantage of the chance to swim regularly in the sea and to reconnect with his old friend, Hewett. Matthew also tells Dr. Lewis about a recent incident wherein Humphry mistakenly thought Matthew was drowning and hauled him forcefully out of the sea. At first, Matthew was annoyed and embarrassed; he scolded Humphry, but later realized that Humphry “had acted from motives of fidelity and affection” (184).

Jeremy describes the ongoing journey; the family left Scarborough quickly and soon encountered another problem on the road, when part of their carriage broke. Humphry, “who is a surprising compound of genius and simplicity” (186), solved the problem by fixing the carriage, and they were able to continue to a town called Stockton.

In Stockton, the family met Edward Martin again, and he asked them for employment; Matthew explained that while he would be willing to employ the former highwayman, he did not have any vacant positions to offer him. Martin accepted this and explained that he would also be open to starting a new life in a foreign country; Matthew helped him to find work in the East Indies (at this time, a British colony). Shortly after Martin left, an unusual looking man arrived: a Scottish former soldier named Lismahago, who had fought with British forces in America and elsewhere and had suffered grave wounds in this service. The rest of the family quickly took a liking to him, and Tabitha appears to view him as a potential suitor, but Jeremy is suspicious of Lismahago.

Jeremy continues with more information about Lismahago, since the Scottish soldier has spent the past three days with the family. He often engages in intellectual debates with Matthew Bramble, and he regales Tabitha with stories about his past. For example, Lismahago has told Tabitha about his experience being captured by Indigenous people in North America; Lismahago reports being tortured, but also that he eventually married an Indigenous woman and had a son with her. Tabitha was very interested in the clothing and religion of Indigenous people, and she and Lismahago seem to be developing mutual affection. Jeremy sneers at the “ogling correspondence commenced between this amiable pair of originals” (197).

Jeremy has, however, become fonder of Lismahago, and enjoys arguing with him, especially about language and the dialect of Scottish English. However, due to their different travel plans, he will soon be parting from the family.

Matthew has been making steady progress through the north of England, and he gives brief impressions of places including Durham, Newcastle, and other smaller towns. He also talks about the experience of travelling with Lismahago: While Matthew respects Lismahago, he notes that the Scottish man is inclined to always disagree and debate, no matter the topic. He also notes that while Tabitha “insinuated more than once how happy we should be to have his company through that part of Scotland which we proposed to visit” (206), Lismahago insisted on sticking with his own planned travels, and parted ways with the Brambles when their routes diverged. Matthew also notes that while Humphry remains romantically interested in Winifred, another servant named Dutton is now also pursuing her.

Jeremy writes to his friend from the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. He recounts the story of the rivalry between Humphry and Dutton over Winifred. Dutton was able to charm Winifred with his superficial appeal; Jeremy contrasts the two men by explaining that, “Humphry may be compared to an English pudding, composed of good wholesome flour and suet, and Dutton to a syllabub or iced froth, which, though agreeable to the taste, has nothing solid or substantial” (208). Their rivalry led to Dutton challenging Humphry to a duel, but Humphry was determined not to harm the other man. Eventually, Dutton took up with a wealthy young woman and eloped with her. This resolved the rivalry, and Winifred is now devoted to Humphry.

Matthew writes to give his impressions of Edinburgh, and for once, he has an overall positive impression. He does however have complaints about sanitation, and he notes that the tall apartment houses could be very dangerous in a fire, as those who live on the upper floors would quickly become trapped. Matthew also reports that his health seems to be better: “I eat like a farmer, sleep from mid-night till eight in the morning without interruption, and enjoy a constant tide of spirits” (219).

Winifred describes how she was briefly distracted by Dutton, who led her astray and then jilted her for another woman, leaving her embarrassed. Winifred also reports that, “Mistress scoulded like mad” (220), but Humphry played a role in getting Tabitha to forgive Winifred. Winifred shares her impressions of Edinburgh, which are generally favorable.

Jeremy is enjoying his time in Edinburgh and notes with pleasure that “you cannot imagine how we have been caressed and feasted” (221). He has been very active in socializing and attending parties; he notes that Tabitha continues to look for a husband. Jeremy notes with annoyance that at a recent ball, a man who turned out to be Wilson in disguise approached Lydia; she was so distressed that she fainted. Since then, she has seemed to be unhappy.

Jeremy also recounts an adventure: He and his family went on a sightseeing trip aboard a ship and were caught in bad weather. Everyone on the ship was quite nervous, but they ended up safe. Jeremy explains that the family will soon be leaving Edinburgh and moving on to other Scottish cities, such as Stirling and Glasgow.