aim Cljeatre PAUL LEICESTER FORD of , 1899 8. ,??. J. / This is one of an edition of two hundred and sixty- five copies printed from type for the Dunlap Society in the month of January, 1899. WASHINGTON AND THE THEATRE THE CONTRAST, A COMEDY; IN FIVE AC TS: WRITTEN BY A CITIZEN or THE UNITED STATES; Performed with Applaufe at the Theatres in NEW- YORK. PHILADELPHIA, and MARYLAND; AND PUBLISHED (lotJtr an AJfignmtnt oftbt Copy.RlgbtJ BY THOMAS WIGNELL. Primus ego in patriam Aonio- -deduxi vertice Mufas. VlRClt. ( Imitate J.) Firft on our fhores I try THALIA S powers, And bid the laughing, ufeful Maid be ours. PHILADELPHIA: FROM THt fRESJ OF PRICH/JRD f HALL, IN MARK1T STRUT, BETWCEM StCOND AND FRONT STREXTS. M. OCC. .\C. Washington s own copy of Tyler s "Contrast." Original in possession of Mr. S. P. Avery. WASHINGTON AND THE THEATRE BY PAUL LEICESTER FORD NEW-YORK THE DUNLAP SOCIETY 1899 Copyright, 1899, by PAUL LEICESTER FORD n TO MY FRIEND RICHARD MANSFIELD, ESGL IN RECOGNITION OF HIS SERVICES TO THE DRAMA I DEDICATE THIS MONOGRAPH M883443 Washington an* Cf)e theatre. IT is interesting to note, in running through the let ters of Washington written during the dark hours of the Revolutionary struggle, that the only quotation which appealed sufficiently to the general to lead him to repeat it, was the line, " T is not in mortals to com mand success" words peculiarly fitted to express his mistrust of his own ability. Many years after, when the military difficulties of the command of the Conti nental army had been succeeded by the political per plexities forced upon him by the Presidency of his country, to express his longing for retirement he used another quotation by writing, " The post of honor is a private station." Of the thousands of letters written by the great patriot but few give evidence of literary cultivation; and in his library there was no copy of the work in which these two lines appeared. For his knowledge of them, therefore, some other source than reading seems probable, nor is it necessary to seek far to find it. The two excerpts are from Addison s " Cato," the most popular play in America during a anb large part of Washington s life, and from his youth the theatre was one of his favorite pleasures. In this fondness for the dram,a, Washington was but the true Virginian of his time. That there was play acting in New York, and in Charleston, South Caro lina, before 1702, are unquestioned facts, giving to these two places, so far as can be discovered, priority of claim in the first patronage of the mimic art. But nowhere in America during the Colonial period did the dramatic muse receive a kindlier or more enthusi astic support than in the Old Dominion ; indeed, the Rev. Samuel Davies arraigned the colony in 1755, on the ground that " Plays and Romances " were "more read than the History of the blessed Jesus"; l and no doubt had there been play-acting at the time, he would also have been able to charge the Virginian of his day with a stronger preference for the play house than for the house of God. It is impossible to say when Thalia and Melpo mene first set foot on Virginian soil, the earliest refer ence extant concerning these muses being in 1718, when Governor Spotswood, " In Order to the Solem nizing his Maj ty s Birthday," gave " a publick Enter tainment," to which " all Gent n that would come were Admitted," 2 and furthermore marked the festal day by a " Play w ch was Acted on that occasion " a production presumably of the college boys of William and Mary. Hugh Jones, in his " Present State of 1 " Religion and Patriotism the Constitution of a Good Soldier," p. 29. 2 " Spotswood Letters," n, 284. anb fjc Cfjcatre, Virginia," published at London in 1724, describing Williamsburg, notes that not far from the Magazine and the Jamestown Court House " is a large area for the Market Place, near which is a Play House and good bowling green " ; and this probably was still standing and in use twelve years later, for the " Virginia Gazette" of September 10, 1736, advertised that: This Evening will be performed at the Theatre, by the young gentlemen of the College, The Tragedy of "CATO," And, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday next, will be acted the following Comedies, by the gen tlemen and ladies of this Country, viz. : The Busy-Body, The Recruiting-Officer, and the Beaux-Stratagem. In 1751, however, the greatest advance was made; for by Acting Governor Richard Lee s permission " the New York company of comedians were permitted to build a theatre in Williamsburg, and a taste for the elegancies as well as the more erudite parts of litera ture shone out beneath the patronage and example of the president." 1 The original prospectus for the building of this theatre reads : By Permission of His Hono^tr the President. Whereas the Company of COMEDIANS that are in New York intend performing in this City ; but there being no Room suitable for a PLAY HOUSE, tis propos d that a Theatre shall be built by Way of Subscription : Each Subscriber, advancing a Pistole, to be entitled to a Box Ticket, for the first Nights Diversion. IBurke s " History of Virginia," in, 140. iagl)ington anb Cije Cljeatre, Those Gentlemen and Ladies who are kind enough to favour this Undertaking, are desired to send their Sub scription Money to Mr. Finni^s, at the Raleigh, where Tickets may be had. N. B. The House to be completed by October Court.i In spite of the favoring smile and permission of officialdom, the Thespian path was not an altogether easy one, an " Advertisement " presently notifying the patrons that : The Company of COMEDIANS having been at a greater Expence than they at first expected in erecting a THEATRE in the City of Williamsburg, and having an immediate Occasion for the Money expended in that Particular, in Order to procure proper Scenes and Dresses, humbly hope that those Gentlemen who are Lovers of theatrical Per formances, will be kind enough to assist them, by Way of Subscription, for the Payment of the House and Lots, each Subscriber to have a Property- therein, in Proportion to the Sum subscribed. As the Money is immediately wanted, we hope the Gentlemen will be kind enough to pay it as they subscribe, into the Hands of Messrs. Mitch- elson and Hyndman, who have obliged us so far as to receive the same, and to whom Deeds will be delivered, on the Subscription being compleated, for the Purpose above-mentioned. Which shall be gratefully acknow ledged, by Their most obliged humble Servants Charles Somerset Woodham, Walter Murray, Thomas Kean. 2 1 " Virginia Gazette," August 29, 1751. 2 " Virginia Gazette," October 24, 1751. anb Meantime, however, the first play had been given, which the "Virginia Gazette" on October 17 adver tised as follows : By Permission of His Honour the PRESIDENT, At the NEW THEATRE in Williamsburg, On Monday the 2ist Instant, will be presented a Tragedy, called KING RICHARD THE THIRD: To which will be added, a Grand Tragic Dance, compos d by Monsieur Denoier, called THE ROYAL CAPTIVE. After a Turkish Manner, as perform d at His Majesty s Opera House, in the Hay Market. Boxes 75. 6d. Pit 55. 9d. Gallery 35. 96. No Person to be admitted behind the Scenes. So far as can be learned, it was not in Virginia that Washington saw his first dramatic performance. He was but four years of age when " Cato " was played in 1736, and if there were plays acted in Virginia between that date and 1751, the school-boy was not likely to have witnessed them, much less the hard-working and lean of purse young surveyor, who spent so much of his time "amongst a parcel of barbarians" in the frontier counties, measuring off farms. Nor was he fortunate enough to witness the first professional performance in Virginia; for on October 17, 1751, the night when the Comedians were delighting the elite of Williamsburg, Washington was on board a small schooner already 3 6 fa$)tngton anb Clje Cljcatre* half-way between the capes of the Chesapeake and the island of Barbadoes in the West Indies. In place, therefore, of listening to " Richard the Third," he was enduring " a disturb d and large Sea, which eminently endang d our masts roling away," which presently in creased to such violence that "the Seamen seem d disheartned confessing they had never seen such weather before," so that the final quieting of the sea, and setting in of the trade wind, " after near five Weeks buffiting & being toss d by a fickle & Merciless ocean," was hailed by the youthful voyager as "glad ening knews." 1 But if this trip deprived the young fellow of nineteen of his opportunity of being present at the " first night " in Virginia, it nevertheless gave him his earliest ex perience in the theatre. The voyage had been made as the traveling companion of his elder brother, Law rence, stricken with consumption and seeking health, and a landing was made at Bridgetown, the capital of the island, November 3. On the day of their ar rival they evidently made the acquaintance of a Mr. Carter, for the following day the younger of the bro thers notes that " we were again invited to Mr. Car ter s and desired to make his house ours until we could provide lodgings agreeable to our wishes, which offer we accepted," 2 and through his aid the brothers shortly secured an abiding-spot. Nor did the Barba dian s service cease with this double kindness, for Washington further notes in his journal that on Thurs- 1 Washington, Barbadoes Journal, pp. 29, 30, 37. 2 Ibid. , p. 40. Facsimile of page of Washington s Barbadoes Journal. HEtagtytngton anb f)e Cljcatre* 7 day, November 15, he "Was treated with a play ticket by M Carter to see the Tragedy of George Barnwell acted : the character of Barnwell and several others was said to be well perform d there was Musick a Dapted and regularly conducted by M [blank]." 1 The piece thus seen was a favorite play of the eight eenth century, written by George Lillo. Whether it was an amateur performance of the citizens or garrison, there is nothing to show. If there was a regular theatre and dramatic company in the island, the youth enjoyed no further pleasure from them ; for two days after this first experience he " was strongly attacked with the small Pox," 2 the result of a break fast and dinner with a Major Clarke, to which Washington went, so his journal states, " with some reluctance," because the contagion was in his host s family. This housed him for several weeks, and gave him but a few days of health before he set sail for home. Washington reached Virginia in January, 1752, and probably spent his summer at Mount Vernon. He was now, however, one of the four military adjutants of the colony, and therefore had occasion to be in Williamsburg from time to time. It is quite possible, therefore, that he was one of the audience at the " new Theatre in Williamsburg " at the second performance, but the evidence seems rather against it, for on May 20 he wrote that he " would have been down long be fore this, but my business in Frederick detained me somewhat longer than I expected, and immediately 1 Barbadoes Journal, p. 52. 2 Ibid., p. 53. anfc l)e Cljeatre, upon my return from thence I was taken with a violent pleurise, which has reduced me very low." This per formance is of interest in another connection, and from the "Virginia Gazette" of April 17 the original advertisement is quoted : By Permission of His Honour the GOVERNOR, At the New THEATRE, in WILLIAMSBURG, For the Benefit of Mrs. BECCELY, On Friday, being the 24th of this Instant Will be performed, a COMEDY, called the CONSTANT COUPLE: or a TRIP to the JUBILEE. The Part of Sir Harry Wildair to be performed By Mr. KEAN Colonel Standard, By Mr. MURRAY, And the Part ^/"Angelica to be performed By Mrs. BECCELY. With Entertainment of SINGING between the Acts : Likewise a DANCE, called the DRUNKEN PEASANT. To which will be added, a Farce, called the LYING VALET. TICKETS to be had at Mrs. Vobe s, and at Mr. Mitchel s, in York. anb If Washington was probably not present on this night, he was soon to see the company. After the one performance an advertisement notified their pa trons that The Company of COMEDIANS, from the new Theatre at Williamsburg, propose playing at HobUs-Hole, from the loth of May to the 24th ; from thence they intend to pro ceed to Fredericksburg, to play during the Continuance of June Fair ; and hope, That all Gentlemen and Ladies, who are Lovers of Theatrical Entertainments, will favour them with their Company. 1 It was in the course of this tour that the first proof of Washington s seeing a play on Virginian soil is dis coverable; for in his ledger, under June 2, 1752, is en tered a record of money loaned his younger brother, Samuel, "By Cash at the play House 1/3," prov ing that the two brothers were then staying with their mother at her home near Fredericksburg, and were at the theatre. The indebtedness was probably the price of a ticket of admission, and the amount shows that the youngsters were still content to be boys and rank themselves as " gallery gods." In this same month the " Virginia Gazette " printed a prospectus heralding the advent of another and more ambitious venture : This is to inform the Public, That Mr. Hallam, from the NEW THEATRE in Good- mansfields, London, is daily expected here with a select Company of Comedians ; the Scenes, Cloaths and Decora- 1 " Virginia Gazette," April 30, 1752. Cljcatre. tions are all entirely new, extremely rich, and finished in the highest Taste, the Scenes being painted by the best Hands in London, are excelPd by none in Beauty and Elegance, so that the Ladies and*Gentlemen may depend on being entertain d in as polite a Manner as at the The atres in London, the Company being perfect in all the best Plays, Opera s, Farces, and Pantomimes, that have been exhibited in any of the Theatres for these ten Years past. 1 In pursuance of this promise, the " London Com pany of Comedians," usually termed Hallam s com pany, " arrived after a very expensive and tiresome voyage, at York River," on the 28th of June, 1752; and coming to Williamsburg, through the medium of the press notified the Virginia lovers of the drama that We are desired to inform the Publick, That as the Com pany of Comedians, lately from London, have obtain d His Honour the Governor s Permission, and have, with great Expence, entirely altered the Play-House at Wil liamsburg to a regular Theatre, fit for the Reception of Ladies and Gentlemen, and the Execution of their own Performances, they intend to open on the first Friday in September next, with a Play, call d The Merchant of Venice, (written by Shakspear) and a Farce, call d The Anatomist, or, Sham Doctor. The Ladies are desired to give timely Notice to Mr. Hallam, at Mr. Fisher s, for their Places in the Boxes, and on the Day of Performance to send their Servants early to keep them, in Order to prevent Trouble and Disappointment. 2 1 " Virginia Gazette," June 12, 1752. 2 " Virginia Gazette," August 21, 1752. anb Concerning this first performance the " Virginia Gazette " l prints the following information : By PERMISSION of the Hon ble ROBERT DINWIDDIE, Esq; His Majesty s Lieutenant-Governor, and Com mander in Chief of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia. By a Company ^COMEDIANS, from LONDON, At the THEATRE in WILLIAMSBURG, On Friday next, being the I5th of September, will be presented, A PLAY, Call d THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. (Written by Shakespear.} The Part of ANTONIO (the MERCHANT) to be perform d by Mr. CLARKSON. GRATIANO, by Mr. SINGLETON, Lorenzo, (with Songs in Character) by Mr. ADCOCK. The Part of BASSANIO to be perform d by Mr. RIGBY. Duke, by Mr. Wynell. Salanio, by Mr. Herbert. The Part of LAUNCELOT, by Mr. HALLAM. And the Part of SHYLOCK, (the Jew) to be perform d by Mr. MALONE. The Part of NERISSA, by Mrs. ADCOCK, Jessica, by Mrs. Rigby. And the Part of PORTIA, to be perform d by Mrs. HALLAM. l August 28, 1752. 4 12 With a new occasional PROLOGUE. To which will be added, a FARCE, call d, The ANATOMIST: OR, SHAM DOCTOR. The Part of Monsieur le Medecin, by Mr. RlGBY. And the Part of BEATRICE, by Mrs. ADCOCK. %* No Person, whatsoever, to be admitted behind the Scenes. BOXES, 75. 6d. PIT and BALCONIES, 55. gd. GALLERY, 3s. 9 d - To begin at Six o Clock. Vivat Rex. More interesting still is the prologue spoken at this performance, appended to a brief description 1 of the event : Williamsburg, Sept. 22. On Friday last the Company of Comedians from Eng land, open d the Theatre in this City, when The Merchant of Venice, and the Anatomist, were perform d, before a numerous and polite Audience, with great Applause ; the following Prologue, suitable to the Occasion, was spoken by Mr. RlGBY. PROLOGUE. O ! FOR the tuneful Voice of Eloquence, Whose Numbers flow with Harmony and Sense, That I may soar above the common Wing, In lively Strains the grateful Subject sing; l " Virginia Gazette," September 22, 1752. anb 13 To celebrate the laurePd Poet s Fame, And thro the World the Stage s Use proclaim. To charm the Fancy, and delight the Soul, To deal Instruction, without harsh Controul, To cultivate (by pleasing Arts) the Mind, To win to Reason, and with Wit refin d To check each Error, and reform Mankind. For this the Bard, on Athen s Infant Stage, At first produc d the Drama s artful Page ; At once to please and satyrize he knew, And all his Characters from Nature drew ; Without Restriction then, as Nature taught, The Player acted, and the Poet wrote ; The Tragic Muse did Honour to the State, And in a Mirrour taught them to be great ; The Comick too, by gentle Means reprov d ; Lash d every Vice, and every Vice remov d: For tho the Foible, or the Crime she blam d, Smil d on the Man, and with a Smile reclaim d. Thus was the Grecian Stage, the Romans too, When e er they wrote, had Virtue in their View : In this politer Age, on British Ground, The sprightly Scenes, with Wit and Sense abound, The brilliant Stage with vast Applause is crown d, And Shouts of Joy thro the whole House resound; Yet not content to bear so great a Name, The Muse still labour d to encrease her Fame ; Summon d her Agents quickly to appear, Haste, to Virginia s Plains, my Sons, repair, The Goddess said, Go, confident to find An Audience sensible, polite and kind. We heard and strait obey d ; from Britain s Shore These unknown Climes advent ring to explore: For us then, and our Muse, thus low I bend, anb f)e Cljcatre, Nor fear to find in each the warmest Friend; Each smiling Aspect dissipates our Fear, We ne er can fail of kind Protection here; The Stage is ever Wisdom s Tav rite Care : Accept our Labours then, approve our Pains, Your Smiles will please us equal to our Gains ; And as you all esteem the Darling Muse, The gen rous Plaudit you will not refuse. 1 It is impossible to discover if Washington was pres ent at this opening night, there being no evidence either for or against it. It is almost certain, however, that he witnessed some performances ; for the company con tinued at Williamsburg eleven months "before we thought of removing," and "performed with universal Applause and met with the greatest encouragement, for which we are bound by the strongest of Obliga tions to acknowledge the many repeated instances of their spirit and generosity." They were then " per suaded to come to New York by several Gentlemen," and for the next five years there seems to have been no professional acting in the Old Dominion. Even had the London Company remained in Vir ginia, it is not likely that the young officer would have seen much of the drama, these years being busy ones to him, and for the most part were spent on the frontier in the service of the colony. Yet the instinctive craving probably remained, if it was not gratified. When in 1756 military duty carried him northward to Boston, 1 This, the first prologue delivered in America so far known, should not be confused with the apocryphal one printed by Dun- lap (I, 17) as given him by Hallam, and from that source frequently reprinted in other books. ington anb Cfte Cfteatre, 15 there was, so far as known, no company then playing in any city of America. At New York, however, there was then on exhibition a piece of mechanism which Washington, for want of something better, went to see twice, his ledger recording items of expenditure, " for treat g Ladies to ye Mm. [^]i. 8," and "treat g Ladies to ye Microcosm [^]i. 4." In the "New York Gazette" of February 16, 1756, is a descrip tion of the machine, and in a contemporary pamphlet prospectus is a plate of it, so it is possible to know exactly what the ladies and their cavalier saw. To be seen at the NEW-EXCHANGE, That Elaborate and Celebrated Piece of Mechanism, called the MICROCOSM, Or, The WORLD in MINIATURE. Built in the Form of a Roman Temple, after Twenty- two Years close Study and Application, by the late in genious Mr. Henry Bridges, of London; who, having received the Approbation and Applause of the Royal Society, &c. afterwards made considerable Additions and Improvements; so that the Whole, being now completely finished, is humbly offered to the curious of this City, as a Performance which has been the Admiration of every Spectator, and proved itself by its singular Perfections the most instructive as well as entertaining Piece of Work in Europe. A Piece of such complicated Workmanship, and that affords such a Variety of Representations (tho all upon the most simple Principles) can but very imperfectly be described in Words the best chosen ; therefore tis desired, 1 6 ial)inflton anb i)e what little is said in this Advertisement may not pass for an Account of the Microcosm, but only what is thought meerly necessary in the Title of such an Account, &c. Its outward Structure is a ni(tst beautiful Composition of Architecture, Sculpture and Painting. The inward Contents are as judiciously adapted to gratify the Ear, the Eye, and the Understanding; for it plays with great Exactness several fine Pieces of Music, and exhibits, by an amazing Variety of moving Figures, Scenes diversified with natural Beauties, Operations of Art, of human Em ployments and Diversion, all passing as in real Life, &c. 1. Shews all the celestial Phenomena, with just Regard to the proportionable Magnitudes of their Bodies, the Figures of their Orbits, and the Periods of their Revolu tions, with the Doctrine of Jupiter s Satellites, of Eclipses, and of the Earth s annual and diurnal Motions, which are all rendered familiarly intelligible. In particular will be seen the Trajectory and Type of a Comet, predicted by Sir Isaac Newton, to appear the Beginning of 1758; like wise a Transit of Venus over the Sun s Disk, the Sixth of June 1761; also a large and visible Eclipse of the Sun, the First of April 1764, &c. 2. Are the nine Muses playing in Concert on divers musi cal Instruments, as the Harp, Hautboy, Bass Viol, &c. 3. Is Orpheus in the Forest, playing on his Lyre, and beating exact Time to each Tune ; who, by his exquisite Harmony, charms even the wild Beasts. 4. Is a Carpenter s Yard, wherein the various Branches of that Trade are most naturally represented, &c. 5. Is a delightful Grove, wherein are Birds flying, and in many other Motions warbling forth their melodious Notes, &c. 6. Is a fine Landskip, with a Prospect of the Sea, where Ships are sailing with a proportionable Motion according JE>al)ington ant) <t)c Cljcatre* 17 to their Distance. On the Land are Coaches, Carts and Chaises passing along, with their Wheels turning round as if on the Road, and altering their Positions as they as cend or descend a steep Hill; and nearer, on a River, is a Gunpowder-Mill at Work. On the same River are Swans swimming, fishing, and bending their Necks back wards to feather themselves; as also the Sporting of the Dog and Duck, &c. 7. And lastly, is shewn the whole Machine in Motion, when upwards of twelve Hundred Wheels and Pinnions are in Motion at once: And during the whole Perform ance it plays several fine Pieces of Musick on the Organ and other Instruments, both single and in Concert, in a very elegant Manner, &c. Tis hoped (as this Machine cannot be mov d without a considerable Expence and Loss of Time, and its purpos d Stay here so very short) that Gentlemen and Ladies will be as expeditious as convenient. It will be shewn every Day from Ten in the Morning till Six at Night, to any select Company (not less than Six) at Six Shillings each, which entitles them to see the internal Parts of this Machine, in Motion, and upon what Principle the Whole is perform d, so worthy the Notice of the Curious, &c. It will likewise be shewn every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Nights, to more or less, exactly at Seven o Clock, at Four Shillings each, tho Prices quite inferior to the Expences and Merits of this Machine. Tis likewise humbly hoped, no Person will take it amiss if not admitted without a Ticket, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday Nights ; and that the common Notion of its being exhibited cheaper at last, will not disappoint them of seeing so noble a Piece of MECHANISM. TICKETS to be had at the above Place, where a Fire is constantly kept. 1 8 U3al)intan anb In the following year, while on the frontier, Wash ington subscribed to what was probably a garrison play ; for entered in his ledger, under date of January 10, is an item : " By Cash Jave the Players at Fort Cumbd." i. From the same source are taken two entries: "March iyth By Mr. Palmas Tickets 52/6," presumably an expenditure made in Philadelphia dur ing the officer s visit there to meet Lord Loudon ; but whether the tickets were for the theatre or for a lot tery cannot be discovered. The second entry is more specific, being to the effect: "Apr. 27. By Tickets to the Concert," 16/3. The French and Indian war still engaged the ser vices of the militia colonel in 1759, * o tne exclusion of all his pleasures; and from Fort Cumberland he wrote to Mrs. George William Fairfax, " the hours at present are melancholy dull," while in a second letter he adds, after alluding to the probable failure of the campaign, " I should think our time more agreeably spent, be lieve me, in playing a part in Cato, with the company you mention and myself doubly happy in being the Juba to such a Marcia as you must make." With his resignation from the service, and his mar riage, came the leisure and opportunity to gratify his love of the drama. Furthermore, as a " burgess " or member of the Assembly of his colony, an annual visit to Williamsburg to attend the meetings of that body became necessary ; and as this period was always the capital s season, when plays were given, if at all, he was at once able to attend to his senatorial duties and to enjoy the theatre. It is nowhere recorded that there anb 19 was a company playing in Williamsburg in 1760, but Washington s ledger proves that there must have been one acting during the session of the Assembly, for it records under October 8, " By Play Tickets at Sun dry times [\i. 10. 3." Of such type are recurring entries in the succeeding years, best told by simple excerpts : 1761 Mar. Play Tickets in March [] 2. 7. 6 1762 Nov. Play Tickets 2. 18. 3 1763 Apr. 26 Play Ticket 5/ 29 Play Tickets io/ May 2 Play Tickets 12/6 3 Play 8/9 19 By Play Ticket 5/ 1765 Apr. 2 By my Exps to hear the Ar- monica 3.9 1767 Apr. io Ticket for the Concert 5/ May 20 By Exps in seeing Slight of hand performance i. 7. 6 With 1768 something better than these bald entries is procurable. In that year the " Virginia Company of Comedians " gave a season of two months in Wil liamsburg, and on May 2 Washington wrote in the daily record he kept of " where & how my time is spent," that he " went to Williamsburg with Colo. Bassett, Colo Lewis & Mr. Dick. Bind with Mrs Dawson and went to the Play." From the ledger it is discovered that Washington was clearly the host, for the tickets cost him ^i. 75. 6d. So again, on Sep- 5 20 anb tember 20 of the same year, his diary states that he " & Mrs. Washington & ye two child n were up to Alexandria to see the Inconstant or way to win him acted " ; the entry for the next day reading " Stayd in Town all day & saw the Tragedy of Douglas playd." Probably these were given by the same company which had played in Williamsburg, and the double perform ance cost him ^3. i2S. 6d. On October 6 he made an additional expenditure, " By Play Ticket for Jno. P. Custis 5/." It is of interest to note that " ye two child n " thus taken to the theatre were his stepson and stepdaughter, John Parke and Martha Parke Custis, respectively fifteen and thirteen years of age. The only fact obtainable concerning Washington s " play " hours in 1769 is a brief statement in his diary that on September 19 he " went to Court" at Alexan dria, " stay d all night & went to see slight of hand perform d." The year 1770 makes a better showing, for there are three entries in his ledger : " May 24 By 4 Play Tickets 307 "; "June 16 Tickets to Play &c. 15/6"; and June 23 " By Play Tickets 2." Of all these years of pleasant social life, 1771 was the most full in dramatic enjoyment. On January 29 he " In the Evening went to a Play " acted at Dum fries, at a cost " By two Play Tickets" of io/, supple mented " By Exps. at the Play " of 6/3. On May 2 he " set out with Colo Bassett, for Williamsburg, and reached Town about 12 O Clock dined at Mrs. Dawsons & went to the Play." The following even ing he " Dined at the Speakers and went to the Play after wch Drank a Bowl or two of Punch at Mrs. anli 21 Campbells " ; and on the 8th he " Dined at Southalls with Colo Robt Fairfax & some other Gentlemn & went to the Play &c," the total expenditure for tickets on these three evenings being 52/6. Again, on July 23, he spent i5/ for the same purpose, presumably a performance given in Alexandria. In September of the same year he went to Annapolis to attend the races, and of this visit his diary records: Sept 24 Dined with the Govr and went to the Play & Ball afterwards 25 Dined at Doctr Stewards and went to the Play and Ball afterwards 26 Dined at Mr. Ridouts and went to the Play after it 28 Dined at Mr. Bouchers and went from thence to the Play and afterwards to the Coffee H. The cost to him "By Play Tickets at Different times " was ^3. But a month later, during the session of the burgesses, he spent " By Sundry Tickets while in Wmburg 4. i. o." Concerning this theatre-going his diary chronicles Oct. 29 Dined at the Speaker s and went to the Play in the Afternoon 31 Dined at the Governor s & went to the Play Nov. i Dined at Mrs. Dawson s Went to the Fire works in the afternoon and to the Play at Night 4 Dined with the Council and went to the Play afterwards. 22 anb tje Cljeatte. In the " Virginia Gazette" for January 23, 1772, an advertisement, or " Preliminary Notice," informs the public that " The American Company of Comedians intend for this place by the meeting of the General Assembly, and to perform till the end of the April Court. They then proceed to the Northward by en gagement, where it is probable they will continue some years." And from the same source something can be learned of the repertoire of the Thespians, a paragraph announcing: "New Plays. We hear that a new comedy, called The Brothers, written by Mr. Cumberland, author of the much approved West In dian, is now in rehearsal and will soon make its ap pearance on our theatre ; also that False Delicacy and a Word to the Wise, the productions of the in genious Mr. Hugh Kelly, whose spirited letter to the Lord Mayor (Beckford) has been read by most people, are in great forwardness." From Washington s diary and ledger the following extracts are made : Mar ii. Dined at the Club and went to the Play Mar 17. Dined at the Club and went to the Play in the afternoon 19. Dined at Mrs. Dawsons & went to the Play in the evening 25. Dinedat Mrs. Lewis Bunvells and went to the Play 26. Dined at the Club and went to the Play Apr. 3. Dined at Mrs. Campbell s and went to the Play Then to Mrs. Campbells again 7. Dined at Mrs. Campbells and went to the Play Apr. 9 By Sundry Play Tickets for myself & others whilst in Town [] 5. 12. 6 3a$)ington anb fje Cljeatte. 23 Light on his play-going during another attendance at the races at Annapolis is obtainable from the same sources, as follows : Oct 5. Reached Annapolis Dined at the Coffee House with the Jockey Club & lodged at the Govr after going to the Play. 7. Dined at the Govrs and went to the Play after wards. 8. Dined at Colo Loyds and went to the Play from thence early to my lodgings. 9. Dined at Mr. Roberts went to the Play & to the Govrs to Supper. In his ledger is the item " Oct 6 By Sundry Tickets to the Plays [;]i," supplemented by other items in his cash-book as follows : Oct. 5 By Douglas s Compy [] i. 19. o By Play .6. 8 By Play Ticket .6. 9 " " " 6 10 " " " ts 12 Nov. 16 By cost of seeing Wax Works .7. 6 " Do Do Puppit Show n. 6 Having occasion to come to New York in 1773 to enter his stepson at King s College, Washington be guiled part of his stay in the city in a manner briefly described in his Journal: "May 28th Dined with Mr. James Delancey, and went to the Play and Hulls Tavern in the evening," the plays being " Hamlet " 24 ia$)ington anb and " Cross Purposes," and the cost " By Play Tickets" 8/. Once again he attends the Annapolis races and plays of this year, entered thus briefly in his diary : Sept 27. Dined at the Govrs and went to the Play in the Evening 28. Again dined at the Govrs and went to the Play & Ball in the Evening 29. Dined at Mr. Sprigs & went to the Play in the Evening. With this ends Washington s enjoyment of the thea tre for several years. In 1774 the controversy between Great Britain and her Colonies had reached such a height that a Congress met at Philadelphia to discuss what united action should be taken, and one of the resolutions come to and recommended to the people was : We will in our several Stations encourage Frugality, Oeconomy, and Industry, and promote Agriculture, Arts and the Manufactures of this Country, especially that of Wool ; and will discountenance and discourage every Species of Extravagance and Dissipation, especially all Horse Racing, and all Kinds of Gaming, Cock Fighting, Exhibitions of Shews, Plays, and other expensive Diver sions and Entertainments ; and on the Death of any Rela tion or Friend, none of us, or any of our Families will go into any further Mourning Dress than a black Crape or Ribbon on the Arm or Hat for Gentlemen, and a black Ribbon and Necklace for Ladies, and we will discontinue the giving of Gloves and Scarves at Funerals. ? Facsimile of Washington s Diary, 1773. C 5 ] have any commercial connexion, with fuch merchant. Sixth. THAT fuch as are owners of veflels will give pofitive orders <o their captains, or mafters, not to receive on board their veflels any goods prohibited by thefaid non-importati on agreement, on pain of immediate difmifiion from their fervice. Seventh. WE will ufc our utmoft endeavours to improve the breed of {heep and incieafe their number to the greatefl extent, and to that end, we will kill them as fparingly as may be, efpe- cially thofeof the moft profitable kind-, nor will we export any to the Weft- Indies or elfewhere; and thofe of us who arc or may become over* (locked with, or can conveniently fpare any (heep, will difpofc ot them to our neighbours, efpecially to the poorer fort, on moderate terms. Eighth. THAT we will in our feveral (la- tions encourage frugality, ceconomy, and in* duftry ; and promote agriculture, arts, and the manufactures of this country, efpecially that of wool; and will difcountenancc and difcourage, every fpecies of extravagance and difllpation, efpecially all Jiorfe racing, and all kinds of gaming, cock fighting, exhibitions of (hews, plays, and other expenfive diverfions and en tertainments. And on the death of any rela tion or friend, none of us, or any of our fami lies will go into any further mourning drefs, than a black crape or ribbon on the arm or hat for One page of the Association of the First Congress, 1774. X^-^2 A*/# ^rwf^ lct/LJtvn& Facsimile of Washington s signature to the Association of the First Congress. 3a$)ington anfc CJje Cjjeatre. 25 Of this Congress Washington was a member, and he signed the " association " of which the above para graph is a part. It was sufficient to put an end to all play- giving in the Colonies ; but even if it had not been, his military appointment to the command of the Con tinental Army would have prevented the general from further enjoying them. If the outbreak of the Revolution ended for a time Washington s seeing of plays, it produced a new phase, by putting him into them not, as he once wished, as a performer, but as a character. Thus, Thomas Lay- cock s play entitled " The Fall of British Tyranny " and an anonymous farce styled " The Battle of Brook lyn," both issued in 17 76, introduce the commander-in- chief in the caste; the one, a Whig production, presents him as a hero, while the second, of Tory origin, gives the obverse, though it is an interesting fact that he is drawn even in this as the one honest and high-princi pled man of a band of rogues. No other plays issued during the war introduce him, but in 1784 Peter Markoe s tragedy of " The Patriot Chief " was based on his Revolutionary services, and in 1791 another tragedy, entitled " Vashington," was issued in Paris, the author being a M. de Sauvigny. From that time he has been several times a dramatis persona. Although the First Congresshad disapproved of plays, and Washington had signed the interdiction, the dreari ness of the winter at Valley Forge led to his not persist ing in his disapproval ; and that he himself witnessed at least one play is told in a letter from Colonel William Bradford to his sister, that deserves full quotation : 26 MDaf)ingt0n anb Clje STljeatre, May I4th. 1778 MY DEAR RACHEL I find by a Letter from my father that you are on a visit at Trenton. I should be happy could you extend your Jaunt as far as full View. The Camp could now afford you some entertainment. The manceuvering of the Army is in itself a sight that would charm you. Besides these, the Theatre is opened Last Monday Cato was performed before a very numerous & splendid audience. His Excel lency & Lady, Lord Sterling, the Countess & Lady Kitty, & Mrs. Green were part of the Assembly. The Scenery was in Taste & the performance admirable. Col. George did his part to admiration he made an excellent die (as they say) Pray heaven, he dont die in earnest for yesterday he was seized with the pleurisy & lies extremely ill If the Enemy does not retire from Philada soon, our Theatrical amusement will continue The fair Penitent with the Padlock will soon be acted. The " recruiting Officer " is also on foot I hope however we shall be disappointed in all these by the more agreeable Entertainment of taking possession of Philada There are strong rumors that the English are meditating a retreat Heaven send it for I fear we shall not be able to force them to go these two months. I scrawl these few lines to accompany a letter which I send to my Father Love to sister Betsy & all Friends Adieu ma chere soeur, je suis votre W. B. These plays, and others announced to be given in Philadelphia soon after its reoccupation by the Whigs, once more stirred the Continental Congress into a cru sade against the theatre, and the " Journal " states that on October 12 JDa$jingtott anb f)e Ctjcatre. 27 A motion was made that Congress pass the following resolutions : Whereas true religion and good morals are the only solid foundations of public liberty and happiness : Resolved, That it be and it is hereby earnestly recom mended to the several states to take the most effectual measures for the encouragement thereof, and for the sup pressing theatrical entertainments, horse-racing, gaming, and such other diversions as are productive of idleness, dis sipation, and a general depravity of principles and manners. This motion was carried by vote of all the States except Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, two of those being in the negative, and Virginia divided. The resolution apparently not having the desired effect, Congress passed, on October 16, a more drastic one: A motion being made in the words following : Whereas frequenting playhouses and theatrical enter tainments has a fatal tendency to divert the minds of the people from a due attention to the means necessary for the defence of their country and the preservation of their liberties : Resolved, That any person holding an office under the United States, who shall act, promote, encourage or at tend such plays, shall be deemed unworthy to hold such office, and shall be accordingly dismissed. 1 1 The French minister, Ge rard, wrote to his government concern ing these resolutions : "The Philadelphia papers contain two resolutions passed by Congress. . . . The second is a renewal of the request made by certain States to interdict dances, spectacles, and races. The very day this resolution appeared a public (theatrical) performance, given 28 iBa^ington anfc f)c Cljeatre* This, too, was agreed to, only New York, Mary land, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia voting against it. And on the same day the President of Con gress Laurens inclosed to*the commander-in-chief " an act of this date in a printed paper forbidding every Person holding an office under the United States to encourage or attend at Theatrical Entertainments." That this crusade did not produce the suppression of all plays is certain ; but it seems to have put an end to Washington s being present at them. After the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, the com mander-in-chief spent some weeks in Philadelphia, that he might consult with Congress concerning the future operations of the army. During this visit Lu- zerne gave an entertainment in his honor, which the " Freeman s Journal " of December 19, 1781, described as follows: " On Tuesday evening of the nth inst. his excellency the minister of France, who embraces every opportunity to manifest his respect to the wor thies of America, and politeness to its inhabitants, en tertained his excellency general Washington, and his by army officers and Whig citizens, was to take place. The follow ing day the Governor of Philadelphia gave a ball, numerously at tended. Congress, finding that its simple recommendation was not regarded a law, prepared a resolution on the i6th to enforce it, which rendered incapable of employment every officer who should take part in or attend any spectacle. On the other hand, Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina regard horse-racing as a national affair. It is the northern members, called the Presbyterian party, that delight in passing moral laws so as to keep their credit and rigor in full ex ercise. Such contests interfere with important business. It is plain to me that the delays which have occurred since I came originate in these." anb 29 lady, the lady of general Greene, and a very polite circle of the gentlemen and ladies, with an elegant Concert, in which an Oratorio, composed & set to music by a gentleman whose taste in the polite arts is well known, was introduced, and afforded the most sensible pleasure." A second pleasure was given to Washington during this Philadelphia visit, reported in the issue of January 9, 1782, of the same paper : " On Wednesday evening the 26. instant, Alexander Ques- nay, esq. exhibited a most elegant entertainment at the playhouse, where were present his excellency gen eral Washington, the Minister of France, the president of the State, a number of the officers of the army and a brilliant assemblage of ladies and gentlemen of the city, who were invited." The entertainment was held at the South wark Theatre, corner of South and Apollo (now Charles) streets, between Fourth and Fifth streets. " After a prologue suitable to the occasion, EUGENIE an elegant French comedy was first pre sented (written by the celebrated M. Beaumarchais) and in the opinion of several good judges was ex tremely well acted by the young gentlemen, students in that polite language. After the comedy was acted the LYING VALET a farce, to this succeeded several curious dances, followed by a brilliant illumination, consisting of thirteen pyramidal pillars, representing the thirteen States on the middle column was seen a Cupid, supporting a laurel crown over the motto WASHINGTON the pride of his country and ter ror of Britain. On the summit was the word Vir ginia on the right Connecticut, with the names 7 GREENE and LA FAYETTE on the left the word Pennsylvania with the names WAYNE and STUBEN ; and so on according to the birth place and state proper to each general. The spectacle ended with an artificial illumination of the thirteen columns." Alexander Quesnay de Glouvay, who had the direction of this "most elegant entertainment," was a French teacher. In July, 1782, Washington was again in Phila delphia, and while there he attended a second enter tainment given by Luzerne. Of this the " Pennsylvania Packet " for July 18, 1782, said : " Last Monday His Excellency the minister of France celebrated the birth of Monsigneur the Dauphin. In the evening there was a concert of musick in a room erected for that purpose. The concert finished at nine o clock, when the fireworks began, and at the same time began a very brilliant ball: this was followed by a supper. The presence of His Excellency General Washington and Count Rochambeau rendered the entertainment as compleat as could possibly be wished." The resolutions of the Continental Congress, as well as various laws passed by the States, had served to suppress all professional acting in the United States during the Revolution. With the arrival of peace, however, Hallam returned to America, and early in 1784 petitioned the Assembly of Pennsylvania to re peal their law forbidding plays. Failing to accom plish this, he began to give performances in Phila delphia, veiling their true nature by advertising them as lectures. While he was thus evading the law, 31 Washington came to the city to attend the meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, and on May 22 he purchased four " Play Tickets " at a cost of 30/5 thus indicating that he thought the law not one that should receive the support of good citizens. Having occa sion later in the year to go to Richmond, he spent in that city (November 20) ^3. i6s. for four play tickets; and on November 29, at Annapolis, he bought another four, at a cost of i. IDS. Both of these performances were probably given by Hallam. In the seclusion of Mount Vernon which followed Washington s retirement from the public service, there was no play-going; and not till he journeyed to Phila delphia in 1787, to attend the Federal Convention, did he have the opportunity to hear anything dramatic or musical. His journal of that stay carefully notes on each day his various occupations and enjoyments. Following these entries are the advertisements of the performances heard: Tuesday, May 29. "Attended Convention, and dined at home, after wch accompanied Mrs. Morris to the benefit concert of a Mr. Julian." Tuesday, June 12. " Dined at Mr. Morris s and drunk Tea there. Went afterwards to the concert at the City Tavern." MR. REINAGLE S CONCERT Will be performed at the City-Tavern, This Evening, the 1 2th Instant. 32 ItDnaijtngtcm aiiD l)e ACT I. Overture, Bach Concerta Violoncello, Capron Song, Sarti ACT II. Overture, Andre Concerto Violin, Fiorella Concerto Flute, Brown ACT III. Overture (La Buono Figluola) Picicini Sonata Piano Forte, Reinagle A new Overture (in which is introduced a Scots Strathspey) Reinagle The Concert will begin exactly at a quarter before 8 o clock. Tickets, at 75. 6 each, to be had at the City-Tavern, and of Mr. Reinagle, in Carter s alley. 1 Tuesday, July 10. " Dined and drank Tea at Mr. Morris s, drank Tea at Mr. Binghams, and went to the play." SPECTACULUM VIT^E. At the Opera House in Southwark This Evening, the 10 July, Will be performed A Concert, In the First Part of which will be introduced an Enter tainment called the DETECTION : or, the Servants Hall in an Uproar. i "Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser," Tuesday, June 12, 1787. aitfc f)e l)catre, 33 To which is added A Comic Opera, in two Acts called Love in a Camp, or Patrick in Prussia, &c. &c. Saturday, July 14. " In Convention. Dined at Springsbury with the Club and went to the play in the afternoon." SPECTACULUM At the Opera-House in Southwark, This Evening, the I4th July, Will be Performed A Concert, In which will be introduced An Opera, Called The Tempest, Or, The Inchanted Island : (Altered from Shakespear by Dryden) To Conclude with A Grand Masque of Neptune and Amphitrite; With entire New Scenery, Machinery, &c. &c. The Music composed by Doctor Purcel. %* The Managers respectfully inform the Public, that on account of the Variety of Preparations in Sce nery, Music, Dresses, &c. necessary for this Opera, there can be no Entertainment this Evening. 34 Ja$)higton anb {)e Cljeatre, At the Desire of several Ladies and Gentlemen, The doors in future will be opened at Seven o clock, and the Curtain drawn up precisely at Eight Tickets to be purchased at* Mr. Bradford s Book store, in Front-street, and places for the Boxes to be taken of Mr. Ryan, at Mr. North s, next door to the Opera House, from Ten till One o clock. Ladies and gentlemen are requested to send their servants in time to keep their boxes. Box 75. 6d. Pit 55. Gallery 35. gd. 1 Saturday? July 21. "In Convention. Dined at Springsbury with the Club of Gent n & Ladies. Went to the play afterwards." SPECTACULUM VIT^E. At the Opera-House in Southwark, This Evening, the 2ist July, Will be Performed A Concert : Between the Parts of the Concert will be recited A Moral Poem, Called the Crusade, Or, The Generous Sultan. By Mr. James Thomson, Author of the Seasons. With the Original Epilogue To Edward and Eleonora. 2 1 " Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser," Saturday, July 14, 1787. ^ " Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser," Saturday, July 21, 1787. anb fje l)catte* 35 The plays thus witnessed were given by Hallam s company, which had come from New York to play during the session of the Convention. Apparently Washington was a guest at two of these performances, as his ledger only mentions one disbursement, " July 9. By a Play Ticket 7/6." Elected President of the United States, Washington came to New York in April, 1789, to be inaugurated an event the John Street Theatre signalized by illu minated transparencies, "one of which represented Fame as an angel descending from Heaven to crown Washington with the emblems of immortality." De spite the inevitable press of business on the newly elected official, due to the organization of the government, there was little delay on his part in his attendance at a play, only ten days having elapsed between the taking of his oath and the event announced in the " Gazette of the United States " as follows : THEATRE. On Monday evening, THE PRESIDENT of the United States, His Excellency the Vice-President, His Excellency the Governor, His Excellency the Count De Moustier, and several other foreigners and natives of distinction, hon ored the Theatre with their presence. There was a most crouded house, and the ladies who were numerous made a most brilliant appearance. The judicious choice of per formances for the evening, and the proper assignment of the parts to suitable characters, rendered the exhibition in a high degree entertaining. 1 1 May 15, 1789. 36 M5a$)ington anfc From the journal of Senator William Maclay what plays were seen, and other facts, are discoverable: "May nth. I received a ticket from the President of the United States to use his box this evening at the theatre, being the first of his appearance at the play house since his entering on his office. Went. The President, Governor of the State, foreign Ministers, Senators from New Hampshire, Connecticut, Pennsyl vania, M[aryland]., and South Carolina; and some ladies in the same box. I am old, and notices or at tentions are lost on me. I could have wished some of my dear children in my place ; they are young and would have enjoyed it. Long might they live to boast of having been seated in the same box with the first Character in the world. The play was the * School for Scandal. I never liked it ; indeed, I think it an indecent representation before ladies of character and virtue. Farce, the * Old Soldier. The house greatly crowded, and I thought the players acted well; but I wish we had seen the Conscious Lovers, or some one that inculcated more prudential manners." The "Gazette of the United States" shows that once again the President witnessed a play in the spring season, the notice of the performance of June 5 read ing: THEATRE JOHN STREET. Last Evening was presented that excellent Comedy the CLANDESTINE MARRIAGE. THE PRESIDENT of the United States and his Lady the Most Honorable ROBERT MORRIS and Lady the Gentlemen of the President s Suite Honorable Gen eral KNOX and Lady Baron STEUBEN and many /,,tt < >X s i/ ft /ft/tit / anfc lje l)eatrc, 37 other respectable and distinguished characters, honored the THEATRE by their presence. The reiterated plaudits bestowed on the various parts of the performance, designated the merit of the actors and it is but just to say, that, animated by the counte nance of such illustrious auditors, the characters were supported with great spirit and propriety. Mrs. HENRY and Mrs. MORRIS, played with their usual naivete and with uncommon animation. 1 First sickness and then a journey through New England interrupted further play-going for a time; but the President s ledger shows that if he did not at tend himself, he sent a niece, for a charge on Novem ber 3 is : " By a play ticket for Miss Harriet Washing ton 3/." Very promptly on his return to the city he resumed his visits to the theatre, his first one being on November 24, 1789. Of this he wrote in his diary: " Went to the play in the evening sent tickets to the following ladies and gentlemen and invited them to seats in my box, viz : Mrs. Adams, (lady of the Vice- President,) Genl. Schuyler and lady, Mr. King and lady, Majr. Butler and lacly, Colo. Hamilton and lady, Mrs. Green all of whom accepted and came, except Mrs. Butler, who was indisposed." The advertisement of the performance read : Mr. WlGNELL S Night. THEATRE. By the Old American Company, THIS EVENING, the 24th instant, will be presented, a COMEDY, never acted in America, called, 8 l June 6, 1789. 3 s 3&a$f>tngton anb ty Cljeatre, The TOY ; or, A Trip to Hampton Court. As now performing with appjause at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. To which will be added, a COMEDY, in two acts, by the Author of the School for Scandal, called, The Critic ; or, a Tragedy Rehearsed. With a Grand SEA ENGAGEMENT, and an At tack upon Tilbury Fort, by the Spanish Armada, with the total Defeat of the Fleet, by Fire-Ships, Cannon and Bombs, from the Fort. The Whole to conclude with a COMIC SKETCH, interspersed with Music, called, DARBY S RETURN. With an Account of the Countries which he has travelled through, particularly America. The Parts by Mr. Wignell, Mr. Biddle, Mr. Woolls, and Mrs. Morris. The Public are respectfully acquainted, that on this particular Occasion the Curtain will be drawn up at Six o Clock precisely. 1 The " Gazette of the United States " 2 printed a para graph on this performance which is also worth quoting : THE A TRE JOHN STREET. The Entertainment at the THEATRE, on Tuesday evening last, appeared, by the repeated plaudits, to give 1 " Daily Advertiser," November 24, 1789. 2 November 28, 1789. anfc 39 the fullest satisfaction to a very crouded house: The selec tions for the Evening were made with judgment and animated by the presence of the illustrious personages, who honored the exhibition, the Players exerted their best abilities. The Pieces performed were the TOY The CRITIC, and a new Comic Sketch, entitled DARBY S RETURN. The latter piece is the production of the same ingenious hand, who hath already contributed so much to the entertainment of the public by " The Father, or American Shandy ism " DARBY S RETURN" is re plete with the happiest illusions to interesting events, and very delicately turned compliments. On the appearance of THE PRESIDENT, the audience rose, and received him with the warmest acclamations the genuine effusions of the hearts of FREEMEN. William Dunlap, the author of " Darby s Return," thus mentioned, tells an amusing anecdote concern ing the President and this "first night" of Darby that is well worth repeating : When Wignell, as Darby, recounts what had befallen him in America, in New York, at the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and the inauguration of the presi dent, the interest expressed by the audience in the looks and the changes of countenance of this great man became intense. He smiled at these lines, alluding to the change in the government "There too I saw some mighty pretty shows; A revolution, without blood or blows, For, as I understood, the cunning elves, The people all revolted from themselves." 40 JaJ)ington anb But at the lines " A man who fought to free the land from wo, Like me, had left his farm,.a-soldiering to go : But having gain d his point, he had like me, Return d his own potato ground to see. But there he could not rest. With one accord He s called to be a kind of not a lord I don t know what, he s not a great man, sure, For poor men love him just as he were poor. They love like a father or a brother, DERMOT. As we poor Irishmen love one another." The president looked serious ; and when Kathleen asked, " How looked he, Darby ? Was he short or tall ? " his countenance showed embarrassment, from the expec tation of one of those eulogiums which he had been obliged to hear on many public occasions, and which must doubtless have been a severe trial to his feelings: but Darby s answer that he had not seen him, because he had mistaken a man " all lace and glitter, botherum and shine," for him, until all the show had passed, relieved the hero from apprehension of further personality, and he indulged in that which was with him extremely rare, a hearty laugh. 1 The papers advertised another " benefit " night for November 30, as follows : Mr. HENRY S Night. Being positively the last but one of performing this season. iDunlap s "History of the American Theatre," I, 160. The whole piece is reproduced in the Appendix. anti 41 THEATRE. By the Old American Company, This Evening, the 3oth inst. will be presented, (By particular Desire) An Opera, or, Dramatic Romance, called, CYMON and SYLVIA, Or, Love and Magic. With a Grand Procession of knights of the different orders of chivalry, shepherds and shepherdesses of Arcadia, Cymon and Sylvia in a Triumphal Car, &c. &c. In Act 5th, will be introduced the original scene of the SINKING of the BLACK TOWER. End of the 4th Act, Hippesly s Drunken Man, By Mr. Henry, End of the Play, (by particular desire,) the second time, A MONODY, Or, Eulogium on the American Chiefs who fell in the Cause of Freedom. To make mankind in conscious virtue bold, Live o er each scene, and be what they behold. Pope. The Recitation and vocal parts, (as the Genius of Columbia) By Mrs. Henry. To which will be added, a Comedy, in two Acts, the latest production of the Author of the Poor Soldier, and Twenty five other pieces, as performing at the Hay Market London, with un common applause, called, The PRISONER at LARGE, Or, The Humours of Killarney. 42 fagf)in0ton anb Mr. Henry respectfully, informs the public, that his late benefit having amounted but to a trifle, over the ex- pences, he has relinquished it, by the advice of his Friends, and requests their patronage on*this occasion. The Doors will be opened at half after Five, and the Curtain drawn up precisely at half after Six o clock. 1 Of this performance Washington wrote : " Went to the Play in the evening, and presented tickets to the following persons, viz : Doctr. Johnson and lady, Mr. Dalton and lady, the Chief Justice of the United States and lady, Secretary of War and lady, Baron de Steuben and Mrs. Green." According to the " Ga zette," 2 "The THEATRE was unusually crouded on Monday Evening The Campaign bids fair to close very much to the satisfaction of the Old American Company Recent exertions have in a peculiar man ner contributed to their success. Sat verbam, &c." Interesting relics of this particular " theatre party " are Washington s invitation to Chief Justice Jay and the latter s reply : The President of the United States presents his best compliments to the Chief Justice of the United States and his lady, and encloses them tickets for the theatre this evening. As this is the last night the President proposes visiting the theatre for the season, he cannot deny himself the gratification of requesting the company of the Chief Jus tice and his Lady ; altho he begs at the same time that they will consider this invitation in such a point of view as 1 " Daily Advertiser," November 30, 1789. 2 December 2, 1789. anfc 43 not to feel themselves embarrassed, in the smallest de gree, upon the occasion, if they have any reluctance to visiting the theatre ; for the President presents the tickets as to his friends who will act as most agreeable to their feelings, knowing thereby that they will meet the wishes of the person who invites them. Monday, November 3oth, 1789. The Chief Justice of the United States and Mrs. Jay esteem themselves honoured and obliged by the Presi dent s invitation, which they accept with pleasure, and by his delicate attention to their embarrassment, which he had reason to think probable, but which ceased with all questions between government and the theatre. 3oth November, 1789. This performance was not merely the last night of the season, but was also the last play seen by Washing ton in New York ; before the theatre was reopened, the seat of government had been removed to Philadel phia, and after its departure Washington never again visited the city. George Washington Parke Custis, the grandson of Mrs. Washington, in his " Recollec tions," ! writes of this period : " In New York, the play bill was headed, ; By particular desire/ when it was announced that the president would attend. On those nights the house would be crowded from top to bot tom, as many to see the hero as the play. Upon the president s entering the stage-box with his family, the orchestra would strike up The President s March (now Hail Columbia ), composed by a German named Feyles, in 89, in contradistinction to the march i P. 368. 44 IDastiington anti Ci)e Cfiratrc. of the Revolution, called Washington s March. The audience applauded on the entrance of the presi dent, but the pit and gallery w.ere so truly despotic in the early days of the republic, that so soon as Hail Columbia had ceased, Washington s March was called for by the deafening din of an hundred voices at once, and upon its being played, three hearty cheers would rock the building to its base." One further dramatic incident that occurred in New York, probably during the winter of 1790, when the theatre was not open, and which should not be omitted, is told of by William A. Duer. " I was not only fre quently admitted," he writes, " to the presence of this most august of men, in propria persona, but once had the honor of appearing before him as one of the drama tis personae in the tragedy of Julius Caesar, enacted by a young American Company (the theatrical corps then performing in New York being called the Old American Company ), in the garret of the Presidential mansion, where before the magnates of the land and the elite of the city, I performed the part of Brutus to the Cassius of my old school-fellow, Washington Custis." Yet one more link between Washington and the drama at this time is his subscription to the publica tion of Royal Tyler s play of "The Contrast," his name heading the list. Wignell s note to the Presi dent, sending him copies of the book, is still pre served, and reads : " Mr. Wignell, with the utmost respect and deference, has the Honor of transmitting to the President of the United States two copies of the Contrast. Philadelphia, May 22nd 1790." V -1 1 v a > !^ N LIST o P SUBSCRIBERS, HE PreGdent of the United States. Roger Alden, Efq. New-York, 2 copies. Samuel Anderfon, Efq. Mr. Henry Anderfon. Mr. George Arnold. Mr. W. Alexander, Philadelphia. Mr. Jofeph Anthony. Mr. Thomas P. Anthony. Alexander Aikman, Efq. Ifland of Jamaica, 20 copies* B J. Barrell, Efq. Bofton. Dr. Richard Bayley, New- York. William Banyer, Efq. Mr. George N. Bleecker. George Bond, Efq. Washington s subscription to WignelFs edition of Royal Tyler s "Contrast." From copy in possession of Mr. S. P. Avery. 9 ant) Clje Cfjcatre. 45 With the transfer of the government to Philadel phia, the Old American Company began a season in that city. " This was probably agreeable to President Washington, who was fond of the theatre and fre quently occupied the east stage-box, which was fitted up expressly for his reception. Over the front of the box was the United States coat- of- arms and the in terior was gracefully festooned with red drapery. The front of the box and the seats were cushioned. Ac cording to John Durang, Washington s reception at the theatre was always exceeding formal and ceremo nious. A soldier was generally posted at each stage- door ; four soldiers were placed in the gallery ; a mili tary guard attended. Mr. Wignell, in a full dress of black, with his hair elaborately powdered in the fashion of the time and holding two wax candles in silver candlesticks, was accustomed to receive the President at the box-door and conduct Washington and his party to their seats. Even the newspapers began to take notice of the President s contemplated visits to the theatre." As an example, the " Pennsylvania Journal" of January 5, 1791, announced: "We hear that the President of the United States will honour the Theatre with his presence, this evening," and ad vertised that : At the Theatre in Southwark This Evening January 5 A Comedy called THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL Dancing by Mr. Durang To which is added, a Comedy in two Acts, called The Poor Soldier. 4 6 Ial)ingt0n anb Only three days later, so the diary of Jacob Hiltz- heimer states : "At 1 1 o clock the members of Con gress and the Assembly attended a concert of the Lutheran Church on Fourth Street. The President of the United States with his lady were present." 1 During the season of 1792, on June 5, Dunlap s " American Daily Advertiser " informed its readers that : " We have authority to inform the Public, that the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES intends to honor the Theatre with his Presence this Evening." In the same paper the performance was advertised : For the Benefit of Mons. Placide. BY AUTHORITY. By the Old American Company, At the Theatre in Southwark. This Evening, June 5, Will be presented a COMEDY, Called - The Beaux Stratagem. End of the Play, DANCING on the TIGHT ROPE, By Monsieur Placide and the Little Devil. Some months later Washington attended what the " Pennsylvania Journal " advertised as : By Authority, By the Old American Company, At the Theatre in South-wark, This Evening, November 14, Will be presented (by particular desire) A Comic Opera called, The Maid of the Mill. 1 P. 166. 47 To which will be added, A Musical Farce, called, The Romp Or, A Cure for the Spleen. Places in the Boxes may be had at the box office next door to the Theatre, from ten to one every day, Sundays excepted, and on days of performance from three to five, P. M. where also Tickets may be had, and at Mr. Bradford s book-store. The proprietors respectfully request that their friends and patrons will supply themselves with Tickets, as the door-keepers are in the most particular manner prohibited from receiving money Boxes seven shillings and six pence; Pitt five shillings ; Gallery, three shillings and nine pence. 1 The " Federal Gazette" of the lyth, in its article on the plays given, declared that " When Mr. Hodgkin- son as Lord Aimworth exhibited nobleness of mind in his generosity to the humble miller and his daughter, Patty; when he found her blessed with all the quali ties that captivate and endear life, and knew that she was capable of adorning a higher sphere; when he had interviews with her upon the subject in which was painted the amiableness of an honorable passion ; and after his connection, when he bestowed his bene factions on the relatives, etc., of the old miller, the great and good Washington manifested his approba tion of this interesting part of the opera by the tribute of a tear. Nor was his approbation withheld in the afterpiece when Mrs. Hodgkinson as Priscilla Tomboy, 1" Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser," Wednesday, November 14, 1792. anb and Mr. Prigmore as Young Cockney, played truly up to nature. The humorous scenes unfolded in this piece, being acted to the life, received the approving smiles of our President, whose plaudits they have studiously endeavored and, we hope, will endeavor to merit." During the season of 1793 there was an interruption in theatrical performances in Philadelphia, due first to the split of the Old American Company, and the conse quent journey to England by Wignell to organize his troop, and secondly to the outbreak of the fever, which drove every one who could leave from the city. During this interregnum a substitute to the theatre, so far as Washington was concerned, was Ricketts circus. On April 24, 1793, Hiltzheimer notes in his diary that : " After dinner Mr. and Mrs. Barge and my three daughters went to Rickett s circus. General Washington and family were present." The same writer again records that on July 13 he " went to see Mr. Ricketts ride, and saw there the President and his lady." 1 Concerning this especial performance the " General Advertiser " states : The benefit to the poor, last Saturday (July 13), by Mr. Ricketts, produced 430 dollars, which is intended as a beginning for establishing a Fund, to be placed in the hands of the Corporation, for the purpose of laying in Fire-Wood, to be distributed in the winter to such poor families as may require it. The appearance of the Presi dent of the United States, with his family, amongst his fellow-citizens, always adds to the satisfaction we receive from those innocent public amusements, and it was ren- i Pp. 190, 192. 3a$)hi0ton anti %$t Cljcatre* 49 dered particularly agreeable by a handsome compliment, very genteely tho indirectly, paid by Mr. Ricketts, who being obliged in the middle of the performance to drink a glass of wine, was required by one of his people to give a toast : He instantly drank off a bumper to the health of The Man of the People. This operated like electricity, in producing a general clap of applause, accompanied by a huzza from every part of the Circus. Of this incident Jefferson tells in his " Ana " a cu rious, but wholly untrustworthy anecdote. " Lear said he no longer ago than yesterday expressed to the President his suspicions of the artifices of that party [Federalist] to work on him. He mentd. the follow ing fact as proof of their writing in the character of their adversaries. To wit, the day after the little inci dent of Richet s toasting < the man of the people (see the gazettes) Mrs. Washington was at Mrs. Powel s, who mentd. to her that when the toast was given there was a good deal of disapprobation appeared in the audience, & that many put on their hats and went out : on inquiry he had not found the fact true, and yet it was put into s paper, & written under the character of a republican, tho he is satisfied it is alto gether a slander of the monocrats. He mentd. this to the Presidt." 1 In connection with this fondness for the circus, it is pleasant to record a speech of Ricketts, as quoted by Custis. He " used to say, I delight to see the general ride, and make it a point to fall in with him when I hear that he is abroad on horseback; his iFord s " Writings of Jefferson," I, 245. 50 Ja$)higton anb i)e Cfjeatre. seat is so firm, his management so easy and graceful, that I, who am a professor of horsemanship, would go to him and learn to ride. " In this the circus-master but echoed contemporary opinion, for Colonel Hum phreys asserted that " all those who have seen Gen eral Washington on horseback, at the head of his army, will doubtless bear testimony with the author that they never saw a more graceful or dignified per son " ; and Jefferson said of him that he was " the best horseman of his age, and the most graceful figure that could be seen on horseback." In March, 1794, Washington s ledger 1 once more records the items of his theatrical expenditures, the entries being made by his secretary. In connection with each item, the advertisement of the performance, from Bache s " General Advertiser," is added. " 3d. Do Pd. by mr. Lewis for 8 Seats in the Theatre by the Presidents order $8." NEW THEATRE. THIS DAY EVENING, March 5, Will Be Presented a Tragedy (never per formed here) called THE CARMELITE. Saint Valori, Mr. Fennell, Lord Hilderbrand, Mr. Whitlock, Lord De Courci, Mr. Green, Montgomeri, Mr. Cleveland. Gyfford, Mr. Harwood, Fitz Allen, Mr. Francis, Raymond, Mr. Warrell, Matilda, Mrs. Whitlock. 1 In the possession of Mr. William F. Havemeyer, of New York. IO THE BATTLE OF BROOKLYN, A FARCE O F TWO ACTS; As IT WAS PERFORMED ON LONG ISLAND, On TUESDAY the 2;thDay of AUGUST, 1776, By the REPRESENTATIVES of the TYRAWTJ of AMERICA ASSEMBLED AT PHILADELPHIA. For as a Flea, that goes to bed, Lies *iuitb bts tail ako-ve his Lead . So m th n /c ngrel Stale of ours, *Thc rabble are the fupreme f>cvjrs - y Wbo*-ve kors*J us cm their Macks y io Jheiv us A jadijb trick* at lafty And thfo-uj ui. HuDIER A5. N E W - Y O R K : PRINTED for J. RIVINGTON, in the Year of the KEBZLLION. 1776. anfc 3Ei)e 3Tfjeatre, 51 After the Play a Scots Pastoral Dance, called The CALEDONIAN FROLIC. To which will be added, a Farce, in two acts, called THE SPOILED CHILD. Little Pickle, Mrs. Marshall, Old Pickle, Mr. Finch, Tag, Mr. Francis, John, Mr. Blisset, Thomas, Mr. Darley, jun. Miss Pickle, Mrs. Shaw, Maria, Mrs. Cleveland, Margery, Mrs. Bates, Susan, Miss Willems. fi3T Ladies and Gentlemen are requested to send their servants to the Box-Office, the day after the performance, for any thing which they may leave in the boxes. Several things are now deposited there, which will be delivered by Mr. Franklin, on application. * # * As inconveniences to the public have arisen from the Box book being opened on the days of performance only, in future attendance will be given at the office in the theatre every day from ten till one, and on the days of performance from ten till three o clock in the afternoon. Applications for Boxes it is respectfully requested may be addressed to Mr. Franklin, at the Box-Office. Tickets to be had at the office near the Theatre, at the corner of Sixth street & at Carr & Co s Musical Reposi tory, No. 122, Market-street. BOXES, one dollar; PITT, three quarters of a dollar; GALLERY, half a dollar. 52 ia$)ington anb The doors will be opened at five, and the performance to begin at 6 o clock precisely. No places can be let in the side boxes for a less number than eight, nor any places retained after the first act. Ladies and Gentlemen are requested to send their ser vants to keep places, at half an hour past 4 o clock, and direct them to withdraw, as soon as the company are seated, as they cannot on any account be permitted to re main in the Boxes. N. B. No money or tickets to be returned, nor any per son admitted on any account whatsoever behind the scenes. The managers request, to prevent confusion, servants may be ordered to set down and take up with the horses heads towards the Schuylkill, and drive off by Seventh street. " i ith. Do. pd. for 8 seats in the New Theatre by the President s order. $8. " NEW THEATRE. TO-MORROW EVENING, March 12, Will Be Presented a Tragedy, called DOUGLAS. To which will be added a Comic Opera in two acts (by the author of the Poor Soldier) called THE FARMER. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre: Price one eighth of a dollar. " 1 5th. Contgt Exps. delivd mr Lewis to buy 8 play tickets, by order of the President $8." attfc 53 NEW THEATRE. THIS EVENING, Saturday, March 15, Will Be Presented a Comedy, called EVERY ONE HAS HIS FAULT. Lord Norland, Sir Robert Ramble, Mr. Solus, Mr. Harmony, Captain Irwin, Mr. Placid, Hammond, Porter, Edward, Lady Eleanor Irwin, Mrs. Placid, Miss Spinster, Miss Wooburn, Mr. Whitlock, Mr. Chalmers, Mr. Morris, Mr. Bates, Mr. Fennell, Mr. Moreton, Mr. Green, Mr. Warrell, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Whitlock, Mrs. Rowson, Mrs. Bates, Mrs. Morris. The EPILOGUE by Mrs. Whitlock. To which will be added an OPERA, called ROSINA. Belville, Captain Belville, William, Rustic, 1st. Irishman, 2d. Irishman, Rosina, Dorcas, Phoebe, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Moreton, Mr. Francis, Mr. Warrell, Mr. Green, Mr. Blisset, Mrs. Warrell, Mrs. Bates, Miss Broadhurst. 54 3Ba$)in0ton atifc f)c CJjeatre, With the original overture and accompaniments composed by Shield. The Scenes designed and executed by Mr. Milbourne. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre : Price one- eighth of a dollar. " 24th. Contgt. Exps. delivd mr Lewis by the Presi dent s order to buy 8 tickets New Theatre $8.00." NEW THEATRE. In aid of a Fund, about to be established for the relief or redemption of American Citi zens, Captives in Algiers, THIS EVENING, March 24, Will Be Performed a Comedy, called EVERY ONE HAS HIS FAULT. Lord Norland, Mr. Whitlock, Sir Robert Ramble, Mr. Chalmers, Mr. Solus, Mr. Morris, Mr. Harmony, Mr. Bates, Captain Irwin, Mr. Fennell, Mr. Placid, Mr. Moreton, Hammond, Mr. Green, Porter, Mr. Warrell, Edward, Mrs. Marshall, Lady Eleanor Irwin, Mrs. Whitlock, Mrs. Placid, Mrs. Rowson, Miss Spinster, Mrs. Bates, Miss Wooburn, Mrs. Morris. The EPILOGUE by Mrs. Whitlock. anb Clje Cfjcatrc, 55 Previous to the Comedy an Occasional Address. End of the Comedy a characteristic Pantomimical Dance called THE SAILOR S LANDLADY, or, JACK IN DISTRESS. Jack, Mr. Francis, Ned Haulyard, (with a new song) Mr. Darley, jun. Sailors, Mesrs. Warrel, Blisset, Warrell, jun. Lee, Bason, and De Moulin; Lasses, Mrs. Cleveland, Mrs. Bates, Miss Rowson, and Miss Willems, Landlady, Mr. Rowson, Orange Girl, Mrs. De Marque. To conclude with a double hornpipe, by Mr. Francis and Mrs. De Marque. To which will be added a Comic Opera, called THE POOR SOLDIER. Capt. Fitzroy, Mr. Darley, Father Luke, Mr. Finch, Dermot, Mr. Darley, jun. Patrick, Mr. Moreton, Darby, Mr. Wignell, Bagatelle, (with the song) Mr. Marshall, Boy, Master J. Warrel, Norah, Miss Broadhurst, Kathleen, Miss Willems. Those ladies and gentlemen who have requested boxes for the comedy of " Every one has his fault," are respect fully acquainted, that it must necessarily be laid aside after this evening, on account of other pieces now in preparation. anfc One other entry in Washington s ledger slightly akin to these is: March, 1794, "24. Contingt Exps. pd. for 2 tickets for Mrs. Washington and Miss Custis to see automaton $2." The show thus seen was de scribed in the " General Advertiser " as follows : The very extraordinary spectacle that is exhibited by Citizen SANS CULOTTE, and Mr. L ARISTOCRATE, having been received with the applause and approbation of the Public, the author of these singular pieces of mech anism, whilst he conceals his name, gives notice, that in tending shortly to go to New York, this curiosity is to be displayed every day without intermission before his de parture, that there may be a sufficient opportunity for every one to enjoy a spectacle so rare, and such as never before was exhibited on this continent. These two artifical men, who are of the ordinary size of man, perform feats of dex terity that surpass nature itself: they are set at one end of a room, entirely by themselves, having not the least connection with any thing, nor any person near them. When they are to be put in motion, a person that attends does no more than wind up the moving springs that are contained within their bodies : they then, as it were re ceive life by degrees, salute the company and seem to rival each other to please the spectators with their agility. Their motions are formed to music, and they dance to many airs, Mr. L Aristocrate excepted, who cannot be prevailed on to dance to the Carmagnole or Ca-ira. These curious automatons, or artifical men, after showing many great feats of their activity and of lofty tumbling over an iron bar fixed horizontally, finish their labors in leaping a somerset backward and forward, and saluting the company, who, as the author of this extraordinary JDagtyington anfc ty Cijeatre, 57 piece of mechanism flatters himself, cannot but be pleased with the whole of the performance. This spectacle is exhibited under the ladies academy room of Mr. Poor, No. 9, Cherry alley, between Third & Fourth streets, near the synagogue and the sign of the White Lamb. Entrance half a dollar. It begins at seven and ends about eight o clock in the evening. If any number of persons, not less than 12, should de sire to see this curiosity displayed at any particular hour, they may give notice to the person who attends ; but then each person is to pay a dollar. The "Aurora" for December 4, 1794, remarked: " We are happy in announcing to the public that the President of the United States means to honor the OLD AMERICAN COMPANY with his presence at the THEATRE this evening." This performance was advertised in the same issue in the following words : Old American Company. THEATRE. CEDAR (or South) Street. LAST NIGHT THIS SEASON. FOR THE BENEFIT of Mr. and Mrs. HALLAM. This Evening, Thursday, December 4. Will be presented, a Comedy, called THE YOUNG QUAKER; or The Fair Philadelphian. Written by O Keefe, and performed in London with the most unbounded applause. End of the Play (by particular desire) the Pantomime Ballet of the TWO PHILOSOPHERS. ii 58 i$a$)tnston anb lje fjeatre* To which will be added, a new Musical Piece, called The CHILDREN in the Wood. The MUSIC by D t . Arnold, with additional SONGS by Mr. Carr. End of the Farce, Mr. Martin will recite Dr. Goldsmith s celebrated Epilogue in the character of Harlequin. The whole to conclude with a LEAP through A Barrel of FIRE. Not till February 29, 1796, is there any further evidence as to the President s play-going. On that date the " Gazette of the United States " notified its patrons that " We are informed THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES intends visiting the Theatre this Evening; and, the Entertainments are by his particular desire." From a letter of John Adams to his wife it is further learned that: "March i. Yesterday (February 29) the President sent his car riage for me to go with the family to the theatre. The Rage and the Spoiled Child were the two pieces. It rained and the house was not full. I thought I per ceived a little mortification. Mr. George Steptoe Washington and his fair lady were with us." The advertisement of this performance read : NEW THEATRE (north side of Chestnut above Sixth Street) By Particular Desire. On MONDAY EVENING, February 29, Will be presented, A celebrated COMEDY (written by the Author of the Dramatist) called THE RAGE ! THE FALL O F BRITISH TYRANNY: O R, AMERICAN LIBERTY TRIUMPHANT. THE FIRST CAMPAIGN. A TRAGI-COMEDTop FIVE ACTS, AS LATELY PLANNED AT THE ROYAL THEATRUM PANDEMONIUM, AT ST. JAMES S. THE PRINCIPAL PLACE OF ACTION IN AMERICA. PUBLISHED ACCORDING TO ACT OF PARLIAMENT. Quis furor 6 cives ! quae tanta licentia ferri ? Luc AN. lib., i. ver. 8. What blind, detejied madnefs could afford Such horrid licence to the murdering /word ? ROWE. PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED BY STYNER AND CIST, IN SECOND-STREET. NEAR. ARCH-STREET. M DCC LXXVJ. anb 59 To which will be added, A Farce in two acts, called THE SPOILED CHILD. The Public are respectfully informed, that the Doors of the Theatre will open at a quarter after FIVE o clock, and the Curtain rise precisely at a quarter after six until further notice. The final visit of Washington to the theatre occurred on February 27, 1797. Of this genuine "last appear ance " Claypole s " American Daily Advertiser " an nounced : " We are informed that the President of the United States will be at the representation of the new comedy The Way to get Married/ this evening, at the New Theatre." The advertisement of the plays in the same paper read : NEW THEATRE. THIS EVENING, February 27. By particular desire, will be presented, the last new Comedy. The way to get Married ; after the comedy the comic ballet Dermot &> Kathleen, or Animal Magnetism. Five days later the President retired from office, and spent the remainder of his life, with unimportant exceptions, at Mount Vernon, out of reach of what had given him in the past such keen enjoyment. In Bernard s " Retrospection " is a story of the actor s meeting with Washington. As a number of the circumstances are impossible or improbable, it is 60 IBamton anb presumably as wholly apocryphal as is so much else of the volume. Before dropping the curtaiu, a glance at Washing ton s library should be taken. It is to find little dra matic literature, though it is pleasant to discover that despite its paucity, the great American possessed a copy of the greatest playwright, and on at least one occasion quoted from him. Otherwise, the already mentioned " Contrast," together with copies of Bick- erstaff s " Lionel and Clarissa," Cumberland s " The Carmelite," and Vittoria s " Bruto Primo," are the only plays; for those included in the volumes of writ ings of Mercy Warren and David Humphreys scarcely deserved to be ranked as such. One volume,, entered briefly in the inventory as " Plays, etc.," is not in cluded, and may have somewhat bettered the meagre collection. The ledger for 1794, too, mentions a piece that should be added to the above: "Mar. i, 1794. pd. for the Grecian Daughter (a play) for Mrs. Wash ington $.20." Washington died on December 14, 1799, and from one end of the land to the other memorial services were held to mark the nation s loss. In this the Theatre bore its part, and the memorial performances it gave fittingly close this outline. The following describes that given by the theatre in Philadelphia : THE THEATRE Last Monday evening joined in the public testimony of regret for the loss of America s hero. The house, which was "full to overflowing," displayed a scene calculated to anti 3c Clcatrc, 61 impress the mind with the utmost solemnity and sorrow. The pillars supporting the boxes were encircled with black crape, the chandeliers were decorated with the insignia of woe, and the audience, particularly the female part, ap peared covered with the badges of mourning. About 7 o clock the band struck up "WASHINGTON S march," after which a solem dirge was played, when the curtain slowly rising, discovered a tomb in the centre of the stage, in the Grecian style of architecture, supported by trusses. In the centre of it was a portrait of the general, encircled by a wreath of oaken leaves ; under the portrait a sword, shield, and helmet, and the colors of the United States. The top was in the form of a Pyramid, in the front of which appeared the American Eagle, weeping tears of blood for the loss of her General, and holding in her beak a scroll, on which was inscribed "A nation s tears." The sides of the stage were decorated with black ban ners, containing the names of the several states of the union, in golden letters, over which mourning trophies were suspended. A monody was recited by Mr. Wignell, accompanied with the following airs. 1 Airs in the Monody. Air I. SLOWLY strike the solemn bell, Nature sound thy deepest knell, Power of Music ! touch the heart, Nature there will do her part. God of melancholy come ! Pensive o er the Hero s tomb, In saddest strains his loss deplore, With piercing cries rend ev ry shore, For WASHINGTON is now no more, l " The Spectator," January i, 1800. 62 Jafinton anb Air II. GLORY, bring thy fairest wreath, Place it on thy HERCt s urn, MERCY, in soft accents breathe, He never made this bosom mourn. 1 Ev ry virtue here attend Bending o er his sacred earth ; GRATITUDE thy influence lend Make us feel his mighty worth. Air III. Hold not back the sacred tear, Give to him the sigh sincere, Who living, liv d for all. Sorrow take the solemn hour ! Prostrate to thy melting power, Let humble mortals fall. Come sable Goddes, take the soul Devoted to thy dark controul ; Come take our hearts, and press them deep, Angels may joy, but man must weep. The tragedy of the Roman Father, which concluded the performances of the evening, gave general satisfaction. Even more elaborate was the memorial paid him by the Thespians of New York. The newspapers an nounced that " In consequence of the afflicting intelli gence of the death of General Washington, the Theatre will be closed for the ensuing week." With its re opening on December 3oth, there was paid to Wash- anfc Zfyc Cfjcatre, 6 3 ington s memory the following tribute, which was de scribed by " Crito " in the " Spectator " of January 4, 1800, as follows: THEATRICAL COMMUNICATION. Monday evening was presented, for the first time, to an overflowing house, The ROBBERY, Translated from the French of Monvel; With the after-piece of The SHIP-WRECK. About 6 o clock the band very improperly struck up "Washington s March; " it was executed in a somewhat slow and lingering manner, but Mr. Hewit should cer tainly have remembered that no alteration in the mood can ever change a sharp key to a flat one. In about 20 minutes the encreasing impatience of the audience was relieved, by the curtains drawing up ; it arose slowly and discovered the scenery all in black, with the words, "MOURN, WASHINGTON IS DEAD," In large letters painted on a black back ground. "A Monody "was now spoken by Cooper; he came on, with a bow not the most graceful in the world, but with a countenance that seemed to say, "If you have tears prepare to shed them now," and in truth never was an audience more predisposed to harmonize with " sorrows saddest note." His tongue, however, soon counteracted every such emotion, for he began to speak in the very tones of Mrs. Melmoth, artificial and declamatory, ending 12 6 4 H9at)ingt0n anti his lines with a full cadence of voice, exactly in the man ner of that actress when she repeats her Black-bird Elegy. Still we were in hopes that as fye went on, his feelings would have got the better of this school-boy rehearsal and have enabled or rather betrayed him to do the poetry a little more justice; but oh ! pitiful to relate, he had hardly exceeded thirty lines when "Vox faucibus haecit" or in plain English, his words stuck in his throat, and he lost all power of recollecting a line further, we do not say " Steteruatque comae," each "particular hair stood an end," for the gentleman has such a decent share of what my Lord Chesterfield calls "modest assurance," that when every one in the house blushes for him, he never blushes for himself. He edged a little nearer the prompter, caught his cue and went on stopt again moved on a word stopt again the ladies cast down their eyes he caught another word, and went on stopt again the Pit groaned aloud, and a small hiss began to issue from the gallery when some good honest fellow got up and clapped his hands, which encouraged our favorite Cooper to start once more, and to go quite thro the piece, consisting in all, perhaps of 60 or 70 lines, much to our own as well as his relief. To add that he pronounced it very ill, after the above, is, we presume, unnecessary, as no man can ever speak with propriety and effect, whose whole attention is constantly occupied in the sole business of recollection. If Mr. Cooper s sensibility is hurt at our remarks, his conscience must at least acquiesce in their justice, for how will he excuse it to us, that after having had the Monody in his possession ten days, he has had the unparrelled assurance to present himself on the stage in such a state of utter dificiency, as to call up the sym pathetic emotions of shame in a whole auditory ? If what we have now said is not sufficient to reclaim him, perhaps VASHINGTON OU LA LIBERTY DU NOUVEAU" MONDE , TRAGEDIE, En quatre Actes 5 Par M. x> Representee pour la premiere fois le z juilht 1791 , surle thedtre de la Nation. Prix, 30 sols. A PARIS, Chez MAILLARD D ORIVELLE , Libraire, quai des Augusuns, N 43 , au Contrat social. 1701. anb 3Tl)e Cljcatre* 6 5 he may learn, when it is too late, that he is not so firmly rooted in the blind affections of the public as he has hith erto persuaded himself to believe. The Monody or Recitation animadverted on in the preceding criticism was quickly published in the press of the day, accompanied by a brief explanation to the effect that " The author of the Monody published yes terday in your paper, regrets that he omitted to men tion as in justice to Mr. Cooper (by whom it was delivered at the theatre) he ought to have done, that upwards of thirty lines were added anew to the copy sent to the press, which were wanting in that which was prepared for the stage." As thus revised, it read : MONODY. No mimic accents now shall touch your ears, And now no fabled woe demand your tears : No Hero of a visionary age, No child of poet s phrenzy walks the stage ; Tis no phantastic fate of Queens or Kings, That bids your sympathy unlock its springs; This woe is yours, it falls on every head ; This woe is yours, for WASHINGTON IS DEAD ! No passing grief it is, no private woe, That bids the universal sorrow flow. You are not call d to view, bereft of life, By dread convulsion seized, your child or wife, To view a parent s feeble lamp expire ; But WASHINGTON IS DEAD, his country s Sire. Not for your children s friend, your tears must fall, For WASHINGTON IS DEAD, the friend of all! 66 Ja$)ington anb lje fjeatre. Not singly we, who haunt this western shore, Our parent, guardian, guide, and friend deplore ; Not those alone who breathe this ambient air, Are called to weep at this illustrious bier ; Each watery bourne of this great globe afar, Was brightened by this tutelary star ; Each future age, through wide extended earth, Like us, may triumph in his hour of birth ; Each age to him its grateful dues may pay, And join with us to mourn his funeral day. But why lament the close of his career? There is no cause no cause that asks a tear ; Fate gives to mortal life a narrow span, And he, our guide and friend, was still, a man. Triumphal wreaths far rather ought to wave, And laureat honors bloom around his grave : Far rather should ascend our hymns of praise To Heaven, who gave him health and length of days, Whose arm was seen amidst the deadly fray, To open for his sword victorious way; Who turn d aside from him the fateful ball, And bade the steel on meaner crests to fall ; Who gave him for our guide, with steadfast eye, O er stormy waves, beneath a troublous sky ; And life dispens d till war s loud tempest o er, He safely steer d our barque to peaceful shore. Twas vain, that, rescued from a tyrant s hand, Sweet liberty consol d his natal land ; For brief her stay where discord breathes her spell And not on hostile bounds she deigns to dwell. In wide dissevered realms new factions grow, And call from far, or procreate the foe. anb Cfje fjcatre, 6 7 War springs afresh rekindled flames arise, And back the ghastly train of thraldom hies; No liberty, no life, no blest repose, No self preserving arts his country knows, Till joined in vassalage to sacred laws, One oracle directs, one centre draws; Till all-embracing policy imparts Her harmony to distant motley parts : Till every scatter d tribe from end to end Be taught in forceful unity to blend. Thus, after foes subdued, and battles done, The kinder task was his, to make us one; The seeds to crush with his pacific hand, By homebred discord scattered through the land. Twas he, the darling child of bounteous Fate, That rear d aloft the pillar of the state: Twas he that fixed upon eternal base, The freedom, peace and glory of his race ; O ! let no change, thy glorious work befall, Nor death betide, till death betide us all ! Firm may it stand, though compass d by alarms, Though broils intestate shake, and hostile arms, Though the four corners of the world combine Against thy sons, the victory be thine ! Not to such frail and mouldering forms we trust, As monumental stone and ivory bust; No altars to thy worship s name shall burn, Nor rest thy bones in consecrated urn; No sacrificial scents perfume the air, No pilgrimage be made, no hymn or prayer: Thee, in our country s bliss, our eye shall trace ; Thee, in the growing good of all our race; 68 UDa^lintott anb Be taught by thee, when hostile bands are nigh, To live for our dear country and to die. A fane, thy God and thee befitting best, NOTBUILTWITHHANDS,beraisedineverybreast. The rites be thine that virtue gives and claims, That lift thee far above all former names A place below, but next to Deity, Our hearts, O ! WASHINGTON, assign to thee ! Then let us mourn, let every voice deplore, Our country s guardian, parent, now no more ! But let us more exult that bounteous Fate Gave to his vital breath so long a date ; That, born upon the eve of social strife, He lived to give us liberty and life. Rise all our praise, and all our joys awake, That distant lands the auspicious boon partake; That Freedom s banner was by him unfurled To bless each future age and either world. This memorial of the New York theatre to our first citizen is interesting in more senses than one. The director of the theatre was then William Dunlap, who may well be styled the first American playwright, and the writer of the " Monody " was Charles Brockden Brown, our first American novelist. The New York theatre was kept draped in mourn ing from the memorial performance of December 30, until Washington s Birthday, February 22, when it was once again closed out of respect to his mem ory. From that day to this, the theatre has done more than its share in celebrating the Birthday of George Washington. APPENDIX DARBY s RETURN. A COMIC SKETCH. S PERFORMED A? THE NEW-YORK THEATRE, NOVEMBER, 24, 1789, FOR THE BENEFIT OF Mr. WIGNELL. WRITTEN BY WILLIAM DUNLAP. NEW-YORK: PRINTED BY HODGE, ALLEN. AND CAMPBELL. And Sold at their refpetfive Bookflores, and by BERRY AND ROGERS. M.DCC. LXXXIJC. ro r# PUB LIC. THE following Dramatic trifle was not written for publication, but merely toferve the Gentleman on wbofe night it was performed. The Author is fully fenfible, that the plea of its being a hajly Production is no excufefor obtruding on the Public an incorreft Compojition ; but, being importuned by his Friends, he has confented to throw this Child of the Day on the protection of the World, encouraged by the flattering reception it received at the Theatre, and the candour once before Jhewn to its Author. CP The lines marked with inverted comma s, were omitted in the reprefentation. CHARACTERS. MEN. Darby, . - Mr. WIG NELL. Dermot, - - Mr. WOOLLS. Clown, - Mr. RYAN. Father Luke, - - Mr. BIDDLZ, WOMEN. Old Woman, * - Mrs. HAMILTON. Kathleen, - - Mrs. MORRIS. DARBY S RETURN. SCENE. The Village of Carton. AFTER fome airs from the Poor Soldier, the curtain draws, and difcovers Darby, furround- ed by Father Luke, Dermot, Kathleen, and villagers They huzza and advance. AIR. " What true Felicity." FATHER LUKE. Come neighbours come, come, all around me come, Let s welcome home, Tbisjilly loon, That s wandering been, Thro* many a feene, And left his own village to mourn him. KATHLEEN. Now Darby we re glad to fee you, Good wijhes .have ever been wi you, Since Dermot is mine, My friend/hip is thine ; No longer good Darby I II flout you. CHORUS of Villagers. Now Darby we re glad to fee you, Good wijhes have ever been wi you, Now D A R B Y s RETURN. Now where have you been * And what have you feen ? Iprythee good fellow now tell us ? FATHER LUKE. Now Darby let s hear oftSe many fears, Ton got in wars ; The man who dares In battle to mix, Tis feven to fix, But he d make agoodfeive ever after. DARBY. Oh truft me no hit of a wound Jtr, O er Darby s whole car cafe is found Jtr ; He doesn t know fear But he never could bear, To dirty good cloaths on the ground Jtr. CHORUS of Villagers. Now Darby we re glad to fee you, Good wi/bes have ever been wf you. Now where have you been ? And what have you feen ? Iprythee good fellow now tell us ! " DARBY. " I prythee good people now Jl and away " Make room I pray ! " Hear what I fay " P II tell you fuch feats, 41 In colds and tn beats^ " As will make ye all gape till ye choakjirs. " Now neighbours ftand off; pray don t crowd fo, And what need ye all gabble loudfo, DARBY S RETURN. " " " Who the devil can fyeak, " While ye cackle and \fqueak* " Like Jo many gee fe in a hog-Jlye. " CHORUS of Villagers. " Now Darby we re glad to fee you ; " Good wi/hes have ever been w? you; " Now where have you been $ And what have youfeen ? I prythee good fellow now tell us ! " (Mufic ceafes. DARBY, advancing. Now ! give me room to breathe ; there ! ftand away ; All form a ring, and then we ll fee fair play. You OLD WOMAN. Darby I m deaf, and muft nearer come. DARBY. If you would hear good dame, you mufl be dumb. You all remember, neighbours, ah ! too well, (Tho faith ! full cheery m the ftory tell.) How I was jilted by this gypfy here (to Kathleen. Never tight Irilh boy fure, felt fo queer : Then Pat muft come too, with his " row de dow,"l So, for a gen ral s ftaffl fold my plough, V My baldfac d Robin, and my brindled Cow\ J Then off to Dublin, joy, I nimbly pack, And there I play d a game at paddy whack : Oh, to be fure, I didn t flafh at all ! I did nt dance a little at the ball ! But having fpent my cafh -for cam will go! FATHER 8 D A R B Y s RETURN. FATHER LUKE. Ah, Darby ! that s a truth we all well know ! DARBY, Sure I refolv d for London ;* aye my boys ! When I took leave we made a glorious noife ! OLD WOMAN*. Good fouls ! fhed tears fo, ha ? DARBY. Tears, mother ! no, We nothing fhed but whifky : Off I go ! Pop board a fliip fuddled miftook my way \ And when I come to rub my eyes next day, Was on my way to Dantzick : Silly loon ! OLD WOMAN. Poor Darby! taken feajick too, fofoon! CLOWN. Oh, Darby, did you ever fee a whale? DERMOT. Hufh, neighbours, hufh,, let Darby tell his tale. DARBY. Well, fee me landed ; fure, without a farthing, So, Pruffian hero turn d, to keep from ftarving ; Drill d, drub d and bailed, curft andkick t and rifted, My nice fhock golden hair, black t, greas d & twifted ; I m fure 1 wonder how it ever come To bring its own dear carrot-colour home ; So DARBY S RETURN. 9 So clofefcrcw d up, fuTe,Dermot, you would think, My fkin like drum-head tight : I couldn t wink ; Loaded with belts and buckles at all points* We mov d like wooden men with iron joints. But merit can t be hid : I foon was rais d. OLD WOMAN. Aye, aye, I warrant, goodnefs now be prais d ! FATHER LUKE. What, to a Halbert ? Thirteen-pence a day ? DARBY. No, to three halberts ; cat-o -nine-tail pay : There I was fav d by little Captain Pat, And where d ye think I went to after that ? To Auftria, my lads ! and there I fwagger d, Strutted & puff d, look d big, drank hard & flagger d. While my great matter, doing much the fame, Bully d the Dutchman thus we play d the game ; Till the curft Turks, thofe whilker d, fabred dogs, Men-eating Hannibals, with hearts like logs, Made war upon us ; then I thought twas beft, To feek an army that was more at reft ; Not that I minded fighting : Not a button ! (For fome may think I meant to fave my mutton :) No, no ! But being taught by Father Luke> That Turks are heretics, I wifely took Precautions not to have my morals hurt, By any intercourfe with fuch vile dirt : So finding this was not the place for me, Once more, good neighbours, I embark d for fea. KATHLEEN. Alas ! what hardfhips twas your lot to prove. DARBY. io D A R B Y s RETURN. DARBY. Yes, Kathleen, yes ! and all for fake of love. Now on the waves again, with fwelling fail CLOWN. Do Darby tell me ! Did you fee a whale ? DARBY. Whales ! Aye, yes thick as hops fmce you mufl know. Dancing Scotch reels two thoufand ftrong or fo. CLOWN, Oh marcy ! OLD WOMAN. Gooddy ! CLOWN. Odds bobs fningers. OLD WOMAN, Oh! DARBY. Well neighbours, now by deftinies and fates, See me fafe landed in the United States ; And now I m at the beft part of my (lory, For there poor Darby was in all his glory ; From north to fouth, where ever I appear d, With deeds and words, my fpirits oft they cheer d ; But more efpecially I lik d to work, At one nice little place they call d New- York ; Oh ! there they lov d me dearly, never fear But D A R B Y s RETURN. n But Darby loves them too, with heart fincere. There too I faw fome mighty pretty fhows ; A revolution without blood or blows ; For as I underflood the cunning elves, The people all revolted from themfelves ; Then after joining in a kind confeffion, They all agreed to walk in a proceffion ; So turners, taylors, tinkers, tavern-keepers, With parfons, blackfmiths, lawyers, chimney fweepers, All neatly drefs d, and all in order fair, Nice painted ftandards, waving in the air, March d thro the town eat beef and drank ftrong beer. Soon after that I faw another fhow, A man who d fought to free the land from woe, Like me had left his farm a Joldiering to go But having gain d his point, he had, like me, Return d his own potatoe g round to fee ; But there he coldn t reft ; with one accord He s call d to be a kind of , not a Lord I don t know what he s rot a great man, fure, For poor men love him, juft as he was poor ! They love him like a father or a brother. DERMOT. As we poor Irr/hmen love one another. DARBY. Juft fo. FATHER LUKE. Why that s the ftrangeft fight of all. KATHLEEN. I4A 12 D A R B Y s RETURN. KATHLEEN. How look d he Darby ? Was he fhort or tall ? DARBY. Why fare I didn t fee him : to be fure, As 1 was looking hard from out the door, I faw a man in regimentals fine, All lace and glitter, bother um and fhine j And fo I look d at him, till all was gone, And then, I found that he was not the one. II By this time, boys, I wanted to get home; " 1 thought you would be glad to fee me come ; 44 So, as I ve often heard the people fay, 44 The fartheft round is much the fhorteft way, * I went to France. I always did love quiet, 4 And there I got in the middle of a riot. " There they cried " vive la nation" "liberty" ** And all the bag and tails fwore they d be free ; 44 They caught the fire quite acrofs the ocean, " And to be fure, they re in a nice commotion : " (Down with the baftile tuck up the jailor, 44 Cut off my lor s head, then pay his taylor.) " Oh blefs their hearts, if they can but get free, " They ll foon be as fat and as jolly as we ; v Some took the liberty to plunder others, " Becaufe equality is more like brothers. " You may be fure I didn t flay there long. 44 So here I am boys, .hearty hale and flrong I" But oh, New- York s the place to get a wife, Aye, that s the place to lead a merry life. FATHER LUKE. Why Darby, boy, why didn t you flay there ? DARBY. D A R B Y s RETURN. 13 DARBY. Becaufe I wifh d to pay a vifit here ; To fee how all the Carton lafles thrive, And alk ye, fure, if ye are all alive. But I ll go back again, oh never fear ! I ll not be after leaving them, my dear: You will not catch me flaying a great while, From where I m never feen without a fmile. Oh may their little country ever prove, The land of liberty and feat of love. Oh blefs their little hearts, and all they ve got, And may they foon have all that they have not. CLOWN. Well, Darby, but did you fee nothing more ? Didfl fee no Indians ? DARBT. Indians ? By the fcore. I faw balloons too, and I learn d a fong ; I ll fing it t ye it isn t very long. AIR " The Taylor done over." I. We had a balloon there, as big as a church Jirs, And when it went off we were left in the lurch jirs ; For while we were watching, like Jportfmenf or plover, Tbe linen took fire and did us all over. Over, over, oh ! II. Oh when we look d up and faw nothing but f moke firs; We all of us laugh d; tho none found out the joke firs, 14 DARBY s RETURN. Then all in a flock* like before-mentioned plover, We freak" d into town j very fairly done over. Over, over, oh! Tbu.s Darby bis travels, has briefly related, And all his adventures, in due order flated : And as be basprov d, that of trutb be* s a lover, He bopes the pit critics will not do him over. Over, over, oh ! He looks to tbe boxes, in bopes to flnd favour, He s a tight Irifo boy tbd* of clownijb bebavioitr ; Let tbe ladies remember, love made him a rover, And tbey can t bave tbe heart, fure to doDarby over. Over, over, oh ! V. Tou jolly round faces, poor Darby s long lov d you, (to the gallery. Tour applaufe be may hope,Jince be often hasprov dyou: May you ne er want for fun, while you! re here under cover, And the flddlesflill play you tbe Taylor done over. Over, over, oh ! VI. Tour healths will be drink, in a cup of brown nappy, (all around. May tbe Jingle be married, tbe married be happy: And as gratitude many great failings may .cover, Darby s heart Jball be grateful till death does him over. Over, over, oh ! THE END. JUST PUBLISHED, AND TO BE SOLD BY Hodge, Allea and Campbell, The FATHER; Or, AMERICAN SHANDY-ISM. A COMEDY, as performed at the New- York Theatre, by the Old American Company. Written in the Year 1789. With what fond hope, through many a blifsful hour, We give the foul to fancy s pleafing po\v r. Conque/l of Canaan. The Dead Alive ; or, Double Funeral. COMIC OPERA In Two Aas. WITH ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS. At performed by the OLD AMERICAN COMPANY WITH UNIVERSAL APPLAUSE. BY JOHN O KEEFE, ESQUIRE; AUTHOR OF THE POOR SOLDISR,. AGREEABLE SURPRISE) AND TfTSNTr- FOUR OTHER DRAMATIC PIECES. Wivn AH ACCOUNT ot THE AUTHOR. The H I S T O R Y of the RISE, PROGRESS, and ESTABLISHMENT of the INDE PENDENCE of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA. Including an Account of the late War, and of the Thirteen Colonies, from their Origin to that Period. By WILLIAM GORDON, D. D. Quidverum **** euro, et rogo et timnis in hoc J lint. Horat. i EpL i Lib. In three Volumes, large Oftavo, ornamented with Copper-plates. A Treatife of the Materia Medica, By W I L L I A M C U L L E N, M. D. ProfefTor of the Practice of Phyfic in the Univerfity of Edinburgh ; Firfl Phyfician to his Majefty for Scotland ; Fellow of the Royal College of Phyficians of Edinburgh ; of the Royal Societies of London and of Edinburgh ; of the Royal Society of Medicine of Paris ; of the Royal College of Phyficians of Madrid ; of the American Philofophical Society of Philadelphia; of the Medical Society of Copenhagen ; of the Medical Society of Dublin j of the Royal Medjca),and of the Royal Phyfico-Medical, Societies of Edin burgh ; Author of the Firft Lines of the Practice of Phyfic, Sy- nopfis Nofologiae Inftitutions of Medicine, and the Eflay on die Recovery of Drowned Perfons. Two Odlavo Volumes, neatly printed from the laft Britifli Edition. THE Young Gentleman & Lady s Monitor ; And Englifh Teacher s Affiflant. Being a Collection of Select Pieces from our beft Modern Writers : Calculated to eradicate vulgar Prejudices and Rufticity of Man ners : Improve the Underftanding ; Redify the Will ; Purify the Paflions ; Direcl the Minds of Youth to the Purfuit of proper Objects ; and to facilitate their Reading, Writing, and Speaking the Englifh Language, with Elegance and Propriety. Particularly adapted for the Ufe of our- eminent Schools and Acade mies, as well as private Perfons, who have not an Opportunity of perufmg the Works of thofe celebrated Authors, from whence this Collection is made. Divided into fmall Portions for the Eafe of Reading in Clafles ; with confiderable Amendments and Alterations. THE FIFTH EDITION. By J. HAMILTON MOORE, Author of the Prattical Navigator and Seaman s New Daily AJfylant. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. RENEWALS ONLY TEL. NO. 642-3405 This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. JUL 05 198? MAY 1 5 1989 LD 21A-38m-5, 68 (J401slO)476B General Library University of California Berkeley GENERAL LIBRARY - U.C. BERKELEY