Page from the Illustrated London News dated February 24, 1844, in which an article accompanied by four illustrations describes General Tom Thumb's performances in London, England at the Princess's Theatre. "Gen. Tom Thumb" was the stage name of Charles S. Stratton, a little person whom P. T. Barnum employed from the age of five. The article appears in the righthand column of page 124 and features two illustrations, one of Stratton standing next to a table upon which is a top hat of normal size, thus showing his very small stature, and the other showing him on stage, performing as Napoleon. The tone of the article is decidedly disdainful and derogatory, both in regard to Stratton's performance, and in the way the author refers to Stratton himself, as if not fully human, and his appearance in the theater offering proof of the "low" state to which legitimate drama had sunk. Biographical information is included, with commentary that casts doubt on some of the "facts" offered by Barnum in regard to the year of Stratton's birth, his birth weight, and so on. In addition to Stratton's parody of Napoleon, said to have a "ludicrous effect," the article refers to Stratton's Grecian statue poses. Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
