Donald Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal immortalised as the "Cheeryble Brothers" in Charles Dickens' book, Nicholas Nickleby. Donald's mother was the sister of the Canadian explorer John Stuart, partner of the North West Company who rose to become Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company. Smith was educated at Anderson's Free School and on leaving at age sixteen he was apprenticed to become a lawyer in the offices of Robert Watson, Town Clerk of Forres. By the age of eighteen, Smith chose another career path: offered entry into mercantile life at Manchester, and a career in the Indian Civil Service, his choice was to pattern himself
Dickens in America La Amistad, the famous slave ship, is docked in New Haven and Miriam visits her. The “voice of Dickens” recites some of his acerbic comments about slavery. Dickens dedicated an entire chapter to slavery towards the end of "American Notes." Dickens liked to attend progressive and enlightened churches and Miriam visits the Metropolitan Community Church that is mainly for the gay and lesbian community. The episode ends as Miriam takes a train to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. Part Four - New York City Miriam takes a train from New England to New York City’s Grand Central Station. Dickens