The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

Jeremy writes from the Scottish Highlands, where he and his family are staying at a country estate on the shores of Lough-Lomond. It has been 10 days since they left Edinburgh, and both Jeremy and Matthew continue to enjoy Scotland. Jeremy praises Scottish culture while also noting that many aspects of it are oppressed by English authorities. He praises both the food and the natural beauty of the area. It is now early September, and Jeremy notes that the group plans to travel through more of Scotland but to return to England before too long, since there “Boreas is not quite so biting as he begins already to be on the tops of these northern hills” (244).

Matthew writes to give his impression of the Highlands; he is generally impressed by the picturesque scenery that surrounds him, and he observes with pleasure that “every thing here is romantic beyond imagination” (248). Matthew includes a copy of “a little ode to this river, by Dr. Smollett, who was born on the banks of it” (249).

Matthew writes again, continuing to praise Scotland and the country estate where he is staying. He is enjoying learning about Scottish culture and history, and his health is improving. Although they will soon begin their journey home, Matthew observes that, “I have received so much advantage and satisfaction from this tour” (257) and that he would like to plan more travels in the future.

Lydia writes to her friend, explaining that while she has enjoyed the travels in Scotland, she continues to be preoccupied by her feelings for Wilson: “I never admitted but one idea of love, and that has taken such root in my heart, as to be equally proof against all the pulls of discretion” (258). Lydia describes her encounter with Wilson at the ball at Edinburgh: She recognized him even though he was in disguise, and she became very distressed. No one else other than her brother Jeremy knows about her encounter with Wilson, and Jeremy’s disgust with Wilson’s behavior has prompted her to reflect. Lydia also writes that she is often embarrassed by both Tabitha and Winifred’s efforts to ensnare men; she has more sympathy for Winifred, who does not have Tabitha’s class advantages, but she finds that both women behave in inappropriate ways.

Winifred believes that the Scottish woods and countryside are home to supernatural beings, and she writes to describe her fears: “[T]his is the land of congyration [conjuration]” (261).

Jeremy writes to his friend from the city of Carlisle in northern England; the family has now begun their journey home, and made their way out of Scotland and back over the English border. Jeremy focuses on two episodes that have occurred during this most recent journey. First, near the town of Clydesdale, the travelers witnessed a heartwarming reunion between a man named Mr. Brown and his estranged son, William. William left his hometown years earlier and was able to make a good income working as a captain in the East Indies. He is now able to financially support his entire family and provide for his parents and siblings.

In the second episode, near Carlisle, the group came across a drowned horse, which they realized was Lismahago’s; this discovery led them to surmise that “our friend the lieutenant had shared the fate of his horse” (266). However, a short time later, they encountered Lismahago alive and well. Lismahago explained that he did not receive the warm welcome he had expected in Scotland and is now making his way to London so that he can sail from there to America and start a new life for himself. Matthew deduces that Lismahago is struggling with his finances, and he suggests that Lismahago accompany the group back to Brambleton Hall and stay with them. Lismahago is going to travel with the group for some time while considering this idea. Jeremy predicts that Lismahago is going to end up marrying Tabitha.

Matthew writes about the final stretch of the journey in Scotland, including the meeting with Lismahago in Carlisle. He has observed that Lismahago and Tabitha seem to be pursuing a romantic relationship, and he “intends to encourage this correspondence, and shall be glad to see them united” (273). Matthew wants to be able to see Lismahago regularly, but thinks it would be difficult to live with him full time; if Lismahago and Tabitha get married, they will move into a home of their own, and Matthew won’t have to tolerate the discomfort of living with them.

Tabitha writes to her housekeeper, explaining that she expects to be home by early October and giving instructions on maintaining the house and farm. She also observes that Humphry has been a good influence on Winifred, and that she hopes he will also encourage good behavior in other household servants.

Matthew describes how he and Lismahago have returned to their old habit of having debates, and have argued about the political and cultural relationship between Scotland and England. Lismahago has also asked how Matthew would feel about his marrying Tabitha, and Matthew has been supportive. He predicts that Lismahago and Tabitha will marry shortly after the return to Brambleton Hall.

Jeremy describes a recent conflict between Matthew and Lismahago. Jeremy and Matthew had dinner with a distant relative named Lord Oxington. During the visit, Oxington offended Matthew, and Matthew decided to challenge the man to a duel. He sent Lismahago to deliver the challenge to Oxington; however, Oxington assumed Lismahago was a servant, and treated him with disdain. Lismahago was offended and embarrassed, and blamed Matthew for this embarrassing incident. Lismahago and Matthew almost ended up fighting in a duel themselves, but Tabitha intervened. The two men explain the mistake to Oxington, who apologizes and blames one of his own servants for the error.