In Dicken's publication American Notes written in 1842, he describes his trip to North America that took place in 1840. In one section of the book his impression of Montreal was that of a pleasantly situated city located on the margin of the St. Lawrence, "and is backed by some bold heights, about which there are charming rides and drives."
He further describes the streets as being "generally narrow and irregular, as in most French towns of any age; but the more modern parts of the city, they are wide and airy."
On another trip during the month of May of 1842, when Dickens was about 30 years of age he made his debut as an actor at the THEATRE ROYAL in Montréal.
Apparently his purpose for coming to Montreal was partly to act as a supervisor of the drama performances which the military stationed in the city were producing for their own enjoyment.
According to the Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia and more particularly in accordance with a letter to a friend, a Mr. Forster, Dickens indicates that he was quite pleased with his own performance and as he states "I really believe I was really funny; at least, I know that I laughed heartily myself."
The article appearing in the Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia makes for fascinating reading as it is a resume of another article appearing in a publication entitled "Histrionic Montreal" written by Franklin Graham, 1902, Lovell & Son, Publishers.
In researching this article I was also amused to be able to locate a site on the Web where I was actually able to send an email to Mr.Dickens and receive a reply as to some of my questions concerning his visit to Montreal.
Dickens's primary motive for coming to Montréal was to promote his campaign for an agreement concerning author's copyright.
He was very much incensed as American companies, which did not believe it was necessary to pay him any royalties, were pirating his works.
Mr. Dickens as well as his wife Kate had been requested to act in some of these plays, which at the time were performed at THEATRE ROYAL situated on Bonsecours Street near the once famous Rasco's Hotel.
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