THE
THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK
ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS
SOL. SMITH,
COMEDIAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW, ETC., ETC.
COMPRISING A SKETCH OF THE SECOND SEVEN YEARS
OF HIS PROFESSIONAL LIFE; TOGETHER WITH
SKETCHES OF ADVENTURE IN AFTER YEARS
[it!) a portrait of tf>* Eutfjor.
" The web of our life is of a mingled yarn — good and ill together.
All's Well that ends Well.
IP Ijx I air^lp I) t a :
T. B. PETERSON, No. 102 CHESTNUT STREET.
-p
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, by
T. B. PETEKSON.
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States in and for the
Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
DEDICATION.
TO PHINEAS T. BARNUM, P. A.M., etc.
Great Impressario : Whilst you were engaged in
your grand Jenny Lind speculation, the following
conundrum went the rounds of the American news-
papers : —
"Why is it that Jenny Lind and Barnum will
never fall out ? Answer : — because he is always for-
getting and she is always for-giving."
I have never asked you the question directly, whe-
ther you, Mr. Barnum, started that conundrum or
not ; but I strongly suspect that you did. At all
events, I noticed that your whole policy was concen-
trated into one idea — to make an angel of Jenny, and
depreciate yourself in contrast.
You may remember that in this city, (St. Louis,)
I acted in one instance as your "legal adviser," and,
as such, necessarily became acquainted with all the
particulars of your contract with the so-called Swe-
dish Nightingale, as well as the various modifications
claimed by that charitable lady, and submitted to by
you after her arrival in this country ; which modifi-
(7)
8 DEDICATION.
cations (I suppose it need no longer be a secret)
secured to her, besides the original stipulation of one
thousand dollars for every concert, attendants, car-
riages, assistant artists, and a pompcfus and extrava-
gant retinue, fit (only) for a European princess — ■
one-kale oe the proeits of each performance.
You may also remember the legal advice I gave you
on the occasion referred to, and the salutary effect
of your following it. You must remember the ex-
travagant joy you felt afterwards, in Philadelphia,
when the "Angel" made up her mind to avail her-
self of one of the stipulations in her contract, to
break off at the end of a hundred nights, and even
bought out seven of that hundred — supposing that
she could go on without your aid as well as with it.
And you cannot but remember how like a rocket-
stick she dropped when your business connection with
her ended, and how she "fizzed out" the remainder
of her concert nights in this part of the world, and
soon afterwards retired to her domestic blissitude in
Sweden.
You know, Mr. Barnum, if you would only tell,
which of the two it was that was " forGETTLNG," and
which " for giving ;" and you also know who actually
gave the larger portion of those sums which you
heralded to the world as the sole gifts of the " divine
Jenny."
Of all your speculations— from the Negro Centena-
DEDICATION. 9
rienne, who didn't nurse Gen. Washington, down to
the Bearded Woman of Genoa — there was not one
which required the exercise of so much humhuggery
as the Jenny Lind concerts; and I verily believe
there is no man living, other than yourself, who
could or would have risked the enormous expenditure
of money necessary to carry them through success-
fully. Traveling, with sixty artists, four thousand
miles, and giving ninety-three concerts, at an actual
COSt of FORTY-FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS each, IS what
no other man would have undertaken — you accom-
plished this, and pocketed by the operation but little
less than two hundred thousand dollars ! — Mr.
Barnum, you are
YOURSELF— ALONE !
I honor you, oh ! great Impressario, as the most
successful manager in America, or any other country.
Democrat as you are, you can give a practical lesson
to the aristocrats of Europe, hoiv to live. At your
beautiful and tasteful residence, "Iranistan," (I
don't like the name though,) you can and do enter-
tain your friends with a warmth of hospitality only
equaled by that of the great landed proprietors of the
old country, or of our own " sunny south." Whilst
riches are pouring into your coffers from your various
" ventures" in all parts of the world, you do not
hoard your immense means, but continually " cast
10 DEDICATION.
them forth upon the waters," rewarding labor, en-
couraging the arts, and lending a helping hand to
industry in all its branches. Not content with doing
all this, you deal telling blows, whenever opportunity
offers, upon the monster Intemperance. Your labors
in this great cause alone should entitle you to the
thanks of all good men, women and children in the
land. Mr. Barnum, you deserve all your good for-
tune, and I hope you may long live to enjoy your
wealth and honor.
As a small instalment towards the debt I, as one
of the community, owe you, and with the hope of
affording you an hour's amusement, (if you can spare
that amount of time from your numerous avocations,
to read it,) I present you with this little volume, con-
taining a very brief account of some of my "journey
work" in the south and west ; and remain, very
respectfully,
Your friend,
And affectionate Uncle,
Sol. Smith.
Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis,
November 1st, 1854. ,
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER I.
Early days ^f the Drama in New Orleans 15
CHAPTER II.
Slow Traveling by Steam 19
CHAPTER III.
St. Louis — Port Gibson — Natchez 26
CHAPTER IV.
Theatricals in Mississippi and West Tennessee 32
CHAPTER V.
Tuscaloosa — Eire in a Theatre 38
CHAPTER VI.
Theatrical Pioneering on the Alabama River 44
CHAPTER VII.
Tough Journey-work — fifty miles a day 48
CHAPTER VIII.
Return to the Crescent City 52
CHAPTER IX.
Journey-work resumed 57
(ii)
12 CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER X.
Second season in West Tennessee 59
CHAPTER XI.
Managerial Coup d'etat, 65
CHAPTER XII.
My first season in Mobile 73
CHAPTER XIII.
Georgia — An Indian War Dance 78
CHAPTER XIY.
Getting through a summer 82
CHAPTER XV.
Speculation in Whiskers 87
CHAPTER XVI.
A season in Milledgeville 93
CHAPTER XVII.
Manager Brown * 98
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Cholera in 1833 105
CHAPTER XIX.
The Floating Theatre 112
CHAPTER XX.
Commencement of a long journey. 115
CHAPTER XXI.
Almost a Duel 122
CHAPTER XXII.
The Quarrel of Brutus and Cassius 130
CONTENTS. 13
PAGE
CHAPTER XXIII.
The Misses and Madams of the Stage 136
CHAPTER XXIY.
Fire in the Capitol 141
CHAPTER XXV.
Byrom, the Gambler 144
CHAPTER XXVI.
Old Sol.'s Message 148
CHAPTER XXVII.
Stopping places in Georgia and Alabama. * 150
CHAPTER XXVIII.
George Holland, the Comedian 158
CHAPTER XXIX.
My last Traveling Campaign 161
CHAPTER XXX.
Another Message, and the last 170
CHAPTER XXXI.
Winding up of my Country Management 174
CHAPTER XXXII.
Going North 180
ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
Giving Entertainments 187
Breaking a Bank 192
A Hog Story 198
Don Ludlow Hemit in Havana 202
14 CONTENTS.
PAGE
Who's at the Wheel ? 209
A Lapse of Twenty Years 213
An Intimate Friend 216
The Father of the American Stage 221
Court of Uncommon Pleas. 229
Kicking the Bucket 233
DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
A friendly letter to the Rev. Dr. Beecher 237
Reply to the Rev. W. G. Elliott 245
Letter from Mirabeau Lamar, Ex- President of Texas 253
THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK
CHAPTER I.
EARLY DAYS OF THE DRAMA IN NEW ORLEANS.
First American Company in New Orleans — St. Pliillippe Street and
Orleans Theatres in 1817-18 — Cooper, the Tragedian — Ameri-
can (Camp Street) Theatre — Company of 1827-8 — Two-thirds
of them gone ! — Booth in his best days — A losing season.
The English Drama was introduced into the city
of Neav Orleans in December, 1817, by a common-
wealth company, consisting of N. M. Ludlow, (Man-
ager,) Morgan, Lucas, Bainbridge, John Vaughan,
Henry Vaughan, Mrs. Vaughan, Mrs. Ludlow, Mrs.
Morgan, and others, whose names are not recollected.
The performances took place in the St. Pliillippe
Street Theatre — now the Washington Ball Boom.
~In 1818 Mr. Aaron Phillips took a company to New
Orleans, and performed in the French Theatre,
Orleans Street. Mr. James H. Caldwell came the
same year, with a company from Virginia, and occu-
pied the St. Phillippe Street Theatre, afterwards re-
moving to the Theatre D'Orleans, which he occupied
three evenings of each week, alternating with the
French company — a compromise having been effected
(15)
16 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
■with Mr. Phillips, who, with the principal members
of his company, enlisted under Mr. Caldwell's banner.
The then great tragedian, Cooper, performed an en-
gagement this season, receiving, as I have been in-
formed, $333 per night !
The foundation of the American Theatre, Camp
Street, (now the Armory Hall,) was laid in 1821, and
it was opened in an unfinished condition. In 1824,
the American Theatre was regularly opened, and
with a company competent to give proper effect to
the regular drama. The season was a profitable one
to the manager, and satisfactory to the public.
In 1825-6, the theatre again enjoyed a prosper-
ous season. My youngest brother, Lemuel, was a
member of the company. Mr. Edwin Forrest was
engaged, (then but 18 years of age,) and opened in
Jaffier, (Venice Preserved.)
The season of 1826-27, I know r nothing about; but
have no doubt it was as successful as the preceding.
In the summer of 1827, Mr. Caldwell proceeded
w T ith his company to St. Louis, Mo., where he con-
verted a salt house on Second Street into a theatre,
and performed with considerable success for about
three months — proceeding from thence to Nashville,
Tenn., where I joined him, as heretofore related.
I now proceed w T ith my personal narrative, begin-
ning with the opening of the American Theatre,
Camp Street, in the fall of 1827. I am enabled to
give a list of the New Orleans company of this sea-
son. The names of those now living, are italicised:
Messrs. J. H. Caldwell, Anderson, Jackson, Sol.
Smith, Lem Smith, Sam Jones, R. Eussell, Gray,
Lear, Hartwig, Lowery, Biggins, Cambridge, Palmer,
EARLY DAYS OF THE DRAMA IN NEW ORLEANS. IT
Crampton, McCafferty; Mesdames Hartwig, Russell,
Rowe, Bloxton, Johns, S. Smith, L. Smith, Jackson,
Higgins, Crampton, and Miss Russell, (now Mrs.
Farren.)
Thus it appears that of twenty-seven members,
nine only remain — just double that number having
taken their departure to
" The undiscovered country, from "whose bourn
No traveller returns."
On the second night of the season, Mrs. Smith and
myself made our first appearance in New Orleans —
she as Diana Vernon in " Rob Roy," and I as the
sentimental Billy Lachaday, in th^ comedy of
" Sweethearts and Wives." With the exception of
the character of Delph, in the farce of " Family
Jars," which I performed a great number of nights
during the season, and the part of Oarlitz, in a new
one-act drama entitled " Love in Humble Life,"
I had very little to do calculated to give me a position
as an actor ; yet I was kept busy enough, always
being required to walk in processions, sing in cho-
ruses, and shout in armies — besides fighting in all
general battles.
During this winter, (1827-8,) Mr. Booth came to
perform an engagement, and was highly successful.
I should say these were his best days. It was my
luck to " support" him as the Physician in " King
Lear," the Lord Mayor, in "Richard the Third," and
one of the shouting citizens in each of the Roman
pieces. After his engagement at our theatre was
finished, he performed Orestes twice in the Theatre
2
18 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
D'Orleans to crowded houses, and the great delight
of the French population.*
Manager Caldwell was a loser this season, I should
think to the tune of at least $10,000.
* Mr. Booth fulfilled his last engagement on earth in the St.
Charles Theatre, under the management of Ludlow and Smith,
in November, 1852, making his final appearance in the character
of Sir Edward Mortimer. He departed this life immediately after his
engagement, during his voyage from New Orleans to Louisville.
CHAPTER II.
SLOW TRAVELLING BY STEAM.
Journey to Natchez — A Bully Boat and a Brag Captain — Taking
in wood — Slow progress, but a good night's work for the
officers — Taking the whole pile.
The season being over, the company received
orders to proceed at once to Natchez, then full 300
miles distant — now, by reason of a " cut off," short-
ened to 275 miles — from New Orleans. We took
passage on the splendid steamer, " Caravan."
Does any one remember the Caravan ? She was
what would now be considered a slow boat ; then she
was regularly advertised as the "fast running," etc.
Her regular trips from New Orleans to Natchez were
usually made in from six to eight days ; a trip made
by her in five days was considered remarkable. A
voyage from New Orleans to Vicksburg and back,
including stoppages, generally entitled the officers and
crew to a month's wages. Whether the Caravan
ever achieved the feat of a voyage to the Falls,
(Louisville,) I have never learned ; if she did, she
must have "had a time of it !"
It was my fate to take passage in this boat. The
captain was a good-natured, easy-going man, care-
ful of the comfort of his passengers, and exceedingly
fond of the game of brag.
We had been out a little more than five days, and
were in hopes of seeing the bluffs of Natchez on the
next day. Our wood was getting low, and night
(19)
20 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
coming on. The pilot on duty above, (the other pilot
held three aces at the time, and was just calling out
the captain, who "went it strong" on three kings,)
sent down word that the mate had reported the stock
of wood reduced to half a cord. The worthy captain
excused himself to the pilot whose watch was below,
and the two passengers who made up the party, and
hurried to the deck, where he soon discovered, by
the landmarks, that we were about half a mile from
a wood-yard, which he said was situated " right
round yonder point." " But," muttered the cap-
tain, " I don't much like to take wood of the yellow-
faced old scoundrel who owns it — he always charges
a quarter of a dollar more than any one else ; how-
ever, there's no other chance." The boat was pushed
to her utmost, and, in a little less than an hour, when
our fuel was about giving out, we made the point,
and our cables were out and fastened to trees along-
side of a good-sized wood pile.
" Hollo, Colonel ! how d'ye sell your wood this
time?"
A yellow-faced old gentleman, with a two week's
beard, strings over his shoulders holding up to his
arm-pits a pair of copperas-colored linsey-woolsey
pants, the legs of which reached a very little below the
knee ; shoes without stockings ; a faded, broad-
brimmed hat, which had once been black, and a pipe
in his mouth — casting a glance at the empty guards
of our boat, and uttering a grunt as he rose from
fastening our " spring-line," answered:
" Why, cap ting, we must charge you three and a
quarter this time."
" The d— 1 !" replied the captain — (captains did
SLOW TRAVELING BY STEAM. 21
swear a little in those days.) " What's the odd
quarter for, I should like to know ? You only
charged me three as I went down."
" Why, capting," drawled out the wood merchant,
with a sort of leer on his yellow countenance, which
clearly indicated that his wood was as good as sold,
" Wood's riz since you went down two weeks ago ;
besides, you are awar that you very seldom stop going
down ; when you're going up, you're sometimes
obleeged to give me a call, becaze the current's
against you, and there's no other wood yard for nine
miles ahead ; and if you happen to be nearly out of
fooel, why" —
"Well, well," interrupted the captain, "we'll
take a few cords under the circumstances" — and he
returned to his game of brag.
In about half an hour we felt the Caravan com-
mence paddling again. Supper was over, and I re-
tired to my upper berth, situated alongside and over-
looking the brag table, where the captain was deeply
engaged, having now the other pilot as his principal
opponent. We jogged on quietly — and seemed to be
going at a good rate.
" How does that wood burn?" inquired the captain
of the mate, who was looking on at the game.
" Tisn't of much account, I reckon," answered the
mate — •" it's cotton wood, and most of it green at
that."
"Well, Thompson — (three aces, again, stranger —
I'll take that X, and the small change, if you please —
it's your deal) — Thompson, I say, we'd better take
three or four cords at the next wood-yard — it can't
2*
22 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
be more than six miles from here — (two aces and a
bragger, with the age ! hand over those Vs.")
The game went on and the paddles kept moving.
At 11 o'clock, it was reported to the captain that we
were nearing the wood yard, the light being distinctly
seen by the pilot on duty.
" Head her in shore, then, and take in six cords,
if it's good — see to it, Thompson, I can't very well
leave the game now — it's getting right warm. This
pilot's beating us all to smash."
The wooding completed, we paddled on again. The
captain seemed somewhat vexed, when the mate in-
formed him that the price was the same as at the last
wood-yard — three and a quarter ; but soon again be-
came interested in the game.
From my upper berth (there were no state-rooms
then) I could observe the movements of the players.
All the contention appeared to be between the cap-
tain and the pilots, (the latter personages took it
turn and turn about, steering and playing brag,)
one of them almost invariably winning, while the two
passengers merely went through the ceremony of
dealing, cutting, and paying up their " anties." They
were anxious to learn the game — and they did learn
it ! Once in a while, indeed, seeing they had two
aces and a bragger, they would venture a bet of five
or ten dollars, but they were always compelled to
back out before the tremendous bragging of the cap-
tain or pilot — or if they did venture to " call out" on
" two bullits and a bragger," they had the mortifica-
tion to find one of the officers had the same kind of a
hand, and were more venerable ! Still, with all these
SLOW TRAVELING BY STEAM. 23
disadvantages, they continued playing — they wanted
to learn the game.
At 2 o'clock, the captain asked the mate how we
were getting on ?
"Oh, pretty glibly, sir," replied the mate. "We
can scarcely tell what headway we are making, for we
are obliged to keep the middle of the river, and there
is the shadow of a fog rising. This wood seems rather
better than that we took in at old yellow face's, but
we're nearly out again, and must be looking out for
more. I saw a light just a head on the right — shall
we hail ?"
"Yes, yes," replied the captain, "ring the bell
and ask 'em what's the price of wood up here ? — I've
got you again ; here's double kings."
I heard the bell and the pilot's hail : " What's your
price for wood ?"
A youthful voice on the shore answered : " Three
and a quarter !"
"D — n it!" ejaculated the captain, who had just
lost the price of two cords to the pilot — the strangers
suffering some at the same time — " Three and a
quarter again ! Are we never to get to a cheaper
country? — deal, sir, if you please — better luck next
time." The other pilot's voice was again heard on
deck —
" How much have you ?
"Only about ten cords, sir," was the reply of the
youthful salesman.
The captain here told Thompson to take six cords,
which would last till daylight — and again turned his
attention to the game.
24 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
The pilots here changed places. When did they
Wood taken in, the Caravan again took her place
in the middle of the stream, paddling on as usual.
Day at length dawned. The brag party broke up,
and settlements were being made, during which ope-
ration the captain's bragging propensities v were ex-
ercised in cracking up the speed of his boat, which,
by his reckoning, must have made at least sixty miles,
and would have made many more, if he could have
procured good wood. It appeared the two pas-
sengers, in their first lesson, had incidentally lost one
hundred and twenty dollars. The captain, as he
rose to see about taking in some good wood, which he
felt sure of obtaining, now he had got above the
level country, winked at his opponent, the pilot, with
whom he had been on very bad terms during the pro-
gress of the game, and said, in an under tone, —
" Eorty a-piece for you and I and Jemes, (the other
pilot,) is not not bad for one night."
I had risen, and went out with the captain, to en-
joy a view of the bluffs. There was just fog enough
to prevent the vision taking in more than sixty yards
— so I was disappointed in my expectation. We were
nearing the shore for the purpose of looking for wood,
the banks being invisible from the middle of the
river.
" There it is !" exclaimed the captain, " stop her !"
— Ding — ding- ding ! went the big bell, and the
captain hailed :
"Hollo! the wood-yard!"
"Hollo yourself!" answered a squeaking female
SLOW TRAVELING BY STEAM.
voice, which came from a woman with a petticoat over
her shoulders in place of a shawl.
" "What's the price of wood?"
" I think you ought to know the price by this
time," answered the old lady in the petticoat — "it's
three and a qua-a-rter ! and now you know it."
"Three and the d — 1!" broke in the captain — ■
u what, have you raised on your wood, too? I'll give
you three, and not a cent more."
"'Well," replied the petticoat, "here comes the
old man — hell talk to you!" And sure enough, out
crept from the cottage the veritable faded hat, cop-
peras-colored pants, yellow countenance and two
weeks' beard we had seen the night before, and the
same voice we had heard regulating the price of cot-
ton wood, squeaked out the following sentence, ac-
companied by the same leer of the same yellow
countenance :
" Why, darn it all, capting, there is but three or
four cords left, and since it's you, I don't care if I
do let you have it for three — as you're a good
customer /"
After a quick glance at the landmarks around, the
captain bolted, and turned in to take some rest.
The fact became apparent — the reader will proba-
bly have discovered it some time since — that we had
CHAPTER III.
ST. LOUIS, PORT GIBSON, NATCHEZ.
Natchez — Sleeping iu a Vault — Watch stolen from a High Priest — ■
Oakah Tubbee, the Choctaw Chief— The Old " American," Cap-
tain Scott and Clerk S won— St. Louis— The " Hypocrite" —
Old Citizens — The " Gambler's Fate" — To the South again —
Port Gibson — A good number of Smiths — A six-horse team with
bells — Natchez season a failure.
The Natchez Theatre was opened under Mr.
Caldwell's management in the spring of 1828, with
scenery and company brought from the "American,"
in New Orleans. Here it was the cognomen of
" Old Sol" began to attach itself to me, in conse-
quence of my being frequently called upon to perform
the characters usually personated by " Old Gray,"
who was generally indisposed about these days. I
was then 27 years of age.
I have said elsewhere that our theatre was located
in a grave-yard. A young man, named McCafferty,
was a member of the company, combining the duties
of scenic artist and second low comedian. Being
very drunk one night, he wandered forth among the
tombs, and after diligent search for him next morn-
ing, he was found quietly reposing in a ruined vault,
where he had passed the night ! Poor McCafferty !
A few years afterwards a Mr. Gamble and himself
took a bottle of whiskey to bed ivitli them one night,
and were found dead the next morning !
A watch was stolen from my dressing-room in the
(26)
ST. LOUIS, PORT GIBSON, NATCHEZ.
theatre, and a negro boy was taken before Justice
Tooly, on a charge of having committed the larceny.
Being sworn, I began to give in my testimony, to the
effect that on the previous night, while I was officiat-
ing as High Priest of the Sun —
" How's this ? How's this ?" interrupted the magis-
trate — " High Priest of the Sun ? Pray where did
all this happen ?
" At the theatre, sir ; I was officiating as High
Priest, and"
" At the theatre?" screamed the justice — "served
you right, then — served you right! Boy, you may
go — I dismiss the case."
The individual charged with this theft was no less
a personage than a negro boy named Carey, who
afterwards became somewhat notorious as an Indian
chief, under the name of Oakah Tubbee. Nearly
twenty years aftewards, this individual came to St.
Louis, where he achieved considerable popularity as a
serenading flute player. Mr. Baily, our treasurer,
on the occasion of his benefit, wished Carey to play
a tune between the play and afterpiece ; but it did
not seem exactly proper for a negro to appear on the
stage. Being a bright mulatto, it was thought he
might be passed off " for one night only" as an
Indian. When the bill was being made out, Baily
came up into the director's room to ask me what
name we should give our newly created Indian.
" Name ? Ah, yes — he must have a name," I re-
plied ; and casting a look through the window over
to the " Cross Keys," a large oak tub under a spout
caught my eye. " There is an oak tub ; let the
Indian's name be Oakah Tubbee I" — and Oakah
28 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
Tubbee it has been ever since. He soon went up
into the Indian country, where passing himself .off as
a Choctaw Chief, he married a very likely squaw,
and commenced traveling and giving concerts ! I
am sorry to hear lately that Tubbee has deserted his
Indian wife, and taken a white squaw, who fell in love
with him at Niagara Falls. I suspect Tubbee is con-
siderable of a rascal, though he was probably inno-
cent of the larceny charged on him in Natchez.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell, at the close of the season
here, proceeded to Boston, where Mr. Russell had
received the appointment of acting manager of the
Tremont Theatre.
The season, though short, was moderately profit-
able to the management, and nearly all the per-
formers had good benefits.
Our next movement was to St. Louis, Missouri,
then a village, containing less than 6,000 inhabi-
tants.* Here I made my first appearance in the
character of Kit Cosey, ("Town and Country,") and
was warmly received by the audience. Our theatre
was an old^SulLKouse in Second street, mentioned as
having been fitted up for dramatic purposes, by Mr.
Caldwell, the year before, and was generally well
attended. Our manager had gone "East," to recruit
the southern company, and play a starring engage-
ment at the Park^Xheaire. The management was
placed in the hands of Mr. James S. Rowe, the
treasurer of the establishment, and the season was a
;
V*
* We went up in the " America," Captain Aleck Scott, — Mr.
J. C. Swon, now one of our most successful and popular steam-
boat captains, acting as clerk.
ST. LOUIS, POET GIBSON, NATCHEZ. 29
paying one. The comedy of the " Hypocrite" was
acted a great number- of nights — Mr. Barry perform-
ing the character of Dr. Cantwell, and the writer of
this that of Mr. Mawworm.
I remember, with grateful feelings, that the late
Governor Clarke, and most of his family, made it a
point, for many years, to attend my benefits, which
were always profitable and flattering to my profes-
sional pride. Being now a permanent citizen of St.
Louis, where I have resided, with little intermission,
for twenty years, I look back with pleasure to the
days I am now writing about, when I formed ac-
quaintance with the Clarks, the Rulands, the O'Fal-
lons, the Kennetts, the Chouteaus, the Prattes, the
Pauls, the Grimsley, the Keemle, the Wilgus, the
Millburn, and many — many others, whose friendship
I value, and always shall. The drama of the
" Gambler's Fate" was produced this season, with
great success, and I think with considerable moral
effect.
Those were jolly times in St. Louis !
We next proceeded to Natchez, with the intention
of making a fall season, previously to opening the
Camp Street Theatre in New Orleans. On our way
down the river, my brother and myself, with our
wives, together with a Mr. Cambridge and a Mr.
"Wilkie,* were induced to stop and perform a few
* This Mr. Wilkie came to St. Louis, this season, (1828,) from
Fort Leavenworth. It appears he had belonged to Mr. Caldwell's
company, in Virginia, seven years previous to this date, and seven
\ years before that, (about 1814,) had played with a strolling com-
| pany in North Carolina. At the remotest period named — just at
'• the conclusion of the war — he got very drunk one night after the
3
30 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
nights at Port Gibson, in the State of Mississippi,
and a most pleasant and lively time we had of it —
the theatre being crowded every night we remained
in that spirited little village. We opened with the
"Honey Moon" — and not having a large stock of
performers, we were obliged to adopt thQ^do^Mrng
system. It thus fell to my lot to enact the Mock
DuJce, Molando, Doctor Lampedo, and Neighbor
Lopez ! It being our first appearance in the town,
and we all strangers to the playgoing community, it
was never suspected that each character announced in
the bill had not a separate representative. My share
of the characters in the comedy was announced thus :
Rolando, (a woman hater) - Mr. Smith.
Jacques, (the Mock Duke) - " Sol Smith.
Dr. Lampedo, - " S. Smith.
Lopez, - - - ." S. F.Smith. ^
It was remarked, next day, that " there. appeared
to be a pretty smart chance of Smiths in the com-
pany ;" which indeed was a fact — there did appear to
performance, and when lie came to his senses, found himself
marching -with a jolly company of soldiers towards Green Bay,
having enlisted for seven years ! Having faithfully served out his
time, he returned to the South, where he became a member of
Mr. Caldwell's company, as above stated. He again got drunk,
and again enlisted for seven years ! and this time he found himself
marching towards Fort Leavenworth. It was at the termination of
this second term of seven years that he came to St. Louis, and re-
sumed his situation. At the end of our brief season in Port Gibson,
Wilkie was again missing, and I have had no certain information
respecting him since : I feel satisfied, however, that he enlisted
into some service, possibly that of Texas; and when he had
served out his stipulated term, may have joined the Santa-fe ex-
pedition—then taken a hand in the Mexican war — I don't know.
ST. LOUIS, PORT GIBSON, NATCHEZ. 31
be a good many, every character but two in the
comedy having a Smith opposite to it !
When we had concluded our season of four nights
in Port Gibson, it was found impossible to procure
carriages to convey us to Natchez — so we had re-
course to a large road wagon, drawn by six horses,
which carried the company and baggage. NotTJeiBg"***
desirous to make much of a parade in leaving the
town, (in such a conveyance,) Pitts, the proprietor
of the wagon, was requested to be ready a little be-
fore daylight, that we might quietly take our de-
parture. Pitts was punctual, but he came dashing
down the street with his six horses rigged out in loud
sounding sleigh bells ! On being remonstrated with,
he^innocelitly answered that he didn't intend to
charge us for the extras. After much persuasion, he
took off the bells ; but doing this delayed our depar-
ture until after sunrise, and we were attended to the
end of the town by quite a respectable number of
the rising generation, all anxious to get a last peep
at the "show folk." At Washington, six miles
from Natchez, we took the precaution to make a halt,
and send honest Pitts ahead with our baggage, while
we awaited the arrival of a couple of carriages which
he was commissioned to send out to us.
At Natchez we found several new members of the
company awaiting the opening of the theatre. Among
the rest, George Hernizen, H. Pearson, and Mr. and
Mrs. Crooke. It was here I again met my old New
York strolling manager, H. A. Williams, who was en-
gaged by Mr. Caldwell, as principal low comedian, to
supply the place of Mr. Russell. The season was
short and very unprofitable.
CHAPTER IV.
THEATRICALS IN MISSISSIPPI AND WEST TENNESSEE.
Eccentricities of Booth — Arrival of a new Actor — Departure for
the Country Towns — Memphis, Somerville, Bolivar — A modern
Caleb Quotem — A Log Cabin Theatre — Florence — Acting in a
Garret — Tuscumbia — Huntsville — Preaching and Playing — Ar-
rive at Tuscaloosa.
Mr. Booth was nominally our stage manager this
season, in New Orleans, (1828-9.) His "eccen-
tricities," as his drunken capers have been charitably
termed, began about this date, and interfered some-
what with the interests of the theatre. Mr. George
Holland made his debut in the burletta of a " Day
after the Fair," and was immensely successful. More
of him hereafter. Mrs. Knight played and sung a
very successful engagement this season.
On the 7th January, 1829, my son Marcus Smith
was born. I mention him out of all my children,
because he is the only one of them who has chosen
the stage as a profession.*
* The following extract from an editorial report of the opening
of the St. Charles Theatre for the season of 1849-50, will show
that Master Marcus appeared upon the stage of his native city
with a fair chance of attaining popularity.
" Family Jars" was then performed, in which Sol. Smith, as
Old Delph, kept the house in a continued roar of laughter. In
this character he is certainly unapproachable. Mr. Marcus Smith,
as Diggory, made his first debut before an audience in his native
city. He evinces much talent, and is a worthy scion of a worthy
stock. They were applauded to the echo, and " take my hat" was
(32)
33
The company was divided about the middle of the
season, and a part sent to Natchez, under the direc-
tion of Mr. Booth, who exhibited many " eccentrici-
ties" to the people of the Bluff City, and more parti-
cularly to that portion of them who inhabited the
faubouror situated " Under the Hill."
o
Before the close of this season, my brother and
myself obtained leave to withdraw from the company,
for the purpose of organizing.a small strolling con-
cern, intended to operate on the principal towns of
Mississippi and West Tennessee, commencing at Poet
Gibson, where our re-appearance was warmly greeted
by the inhabitants. After performing at this village
for a couple of weeks, we proceeded to the flourishing
town of Yicksburgh, where a small theatre* was
twice the cry of enthusiastic admirers as they flung their beavers
at the feet of Old Sol. The Messrs. Smith, Sr. and Jr., when
"Family Jars" were settled, were called for amid an uproar. The
former made a handsome speech on the occasion:
" Twenty-two years ago," said he, "before the birth of my son,
I trod the boards in this city in the identical character which I
have enacted this evening. ' The kindness with which you then
received me has been generously continued throughout my pro-
fessional career. In the course of nature, it is not probable that
I shall remain long among you as an actor ; but I leave my son to
take my place, and if he be so fortunate as to receive the same
testimonies of regard and kind consideration from the inhabitants
of his native city which his father has received, he will have
nothing to regret. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for him
and for myself."
There was a storm of applause. — N. 0. Picayune, Nov. 11, 1849.
* The last time I passed Vicksburgh this old building was still
standing. It is situated near the " gully," in the upper part of
the town, and has been for some years used as a stable. " To
what base uses," &c.
Several theatres have been erected in Vicksburgh, and have
been burnt nearly as soon as completed.
3*
34 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
erected by a Thespian Society, and leased to us.
Here we acted for four weeks, with unvaried success ;
and after returning for a week or two to our starting
point, (Port Gibson,) where we played with but mode-
rate success, we proceeded to Memphis, then a very
small river town at the mouth of Wolf Creek, in
West Tennessee. Here we performed in a room
fitted up for the occasion in the house of Mr. Young,
next to his large warehouse, then on the banks of the
river. Old Mississippi has since moved away about
a quarter of a mile, and Uncle Sam's Navy Yard
now occupies the ground where the Father of Waters
formerly traced his channel. Memphis, in 1829,
contained about six hundred inhabitants, and was
considered a " thriving place." Look at it now !
(1853.)
Our operations were commenced in Memphis on
the 23d of May, 1829, and we performed eight nights,
closing on the 3d of June, the total receipts being
$319 ! — an average of less than $40 per night. If
my friend Jim Charles does not receive as much in a
single night as I received in nearly two weeks, he is
not making money very rapidly.
On leaving this city our "journey-work" com-
menced in reality. The conveyances to be obtained
at this early date were anything but elegant. Com-
mon road wagons, drawn by from four to six horses
each, bore this small band of Thespians through the
" Western District," if not in very great style, cer-
tainly in great safety and at an extremely moderate
pace. Our first stopping place was Somerville,
where the inhabitants insisted on our giving an enter-
tainment, which was attended by the whole village,
ETC. 35
the receipts amounting to §39. We gave them the
" Day after the Wedding," and a variety of songs
aird dancing, without scenery, and with a very small
supply of lights. Bolivar was our next station, and
here a room was very nicely fitted up for our per-
formances, which were fully attended, considering the
size of the village. The people seemed to come out
of the woods ; but they gathered every night in such
numbers that in a week and a half the receipts
amounted to $349, which was an average of nearly
$37 per night.
Jack son was our next town, and here, for the first
and last time, we performed in a log theatre ! A tax
was required to be paid for the prmfege of perform-
ing in this village ; but the municipal government
promptly met and repealed the ordinance which
classed the drama with shows and rope-dancing exhi-
bitions. All honor to them for it ! Their example
might be followed, without discredit, by the corpora-
tions of older and larger cities. Our receipts in
twelve nights amounted to $481 — about $40 per
night.
The citizen of whom we rented the log building
which we temporarily converted into a temple of
Thespis, bore the name of Cloud — Caleb Quotem
would have been a more appropriate appellation for
this gentleman ; for his occupations were as various
as the individual so named, if not " more so." He
was town constable, clerk of the market, auctioneer,
nuisance master, painter (sign and ornamental), car-
penter, joiner, negro whipper, tyler of a masonic
lodge, sexton, hair cutter, shaver (of bank notes and
chins), grocer, whitewasher, proprietor of the thea-
36 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
tre, guager of spirituous liquors, baker, and deputy
sheriff !
A Mr. Rudicel was not far behind his neighbor
Cloud in the number of his callings. He was a
dealer in dry goods and groceries, saddle and harness
maker, (all at different stores,) tanner and currier,
trunk manufacturer, tinner, butcher, boot and shoe
maker, brewer, carpenter, justice of the peace, mem-
ber of the town council, and had a monkey to show !
In the town of Flq^emge^ Alabama, which was our
next place of stopping, we played in the garret of
the principal hotel, (the largest room in the place,)
but with poor success, our total receipts in seven
nights amounting to but $251.
At Tuscumbia we fared still worse, receiving only
$150 for six nights' performances.
Our " journey-work" was suspended for one month
at HuNTsyiLLB, where we played eighteen nights in
the beautiful little theatre which graces that city, to
but a trifle over an average of $50 per night. We
performed only four nights in the week ; but I find
by a memorandum made at the time that there was
" preaching every night." The preachers carried
the day — and the night too,— and we were very glad
to escape from Huntsville without a serious pecuniary
loss. My brother Lemuel and his wife withdrew
from the company at the close of the season here,
and went to Cincinnati, where he started a little
" journey-work" on his own hook, progressing as
far as Pittsburgh, where he disbanded his forces the
following spring without making a fortune.
For myself and family, with the traveling band of
strolling dramatists, we pursued our way southwardly,
THEATRICALS IN MISSISSPPI, ETC. 37
and in due time brought up at the seat of govern-
ment, Tuscaloosa, where we played, with slight in-
terruptions, from the 9th of September until the
8th of January, to houses which barely paid expenses,
without giving a dollar to the manager by way of
profit.
CHAPTER V.
FIRE IN A THEATRE.
Great Alarm — A palpable Hit, and Nobody hurt.
The cry of " Fire !" in a theatre is a most alarm-
ing sound. It is alarming any where, but in a theatre
particularly so. Ever since the burning of the Rich-
mond Theatre, whereby a great number of persons
perished, the least alarm of any kind amongst a large
assemblage is attributed to fire, and a rush is sure to
be made for the doors — the " Richmond fire" being
uppermost in the minds of all.
Among the expedients resorted to during the some-
what protracted season at the seat of government of
Alabama, while awaiting the assembling of the legis-
lature, to draw audiences to our little theatre, was
the production of the pantomime of " Don Juan ; or,
The Libertine Destroyed," with all the "accessories"
of snakes spitting flames, fiends with torches, red fire
and blue blazes, in the last scene, which was repre-
sented in the bills of the day to be no other than the
\infernal regions, into which the amorous Don was
to be cast, without benefit of clergy !
This was all very well in the bills;" and the boys
about town were curious to know what sort of a place
it was they had heard so much about, but never yet
gotten a glimpse of. They ran home to their daddies
and mammies, and told them all about the " great
preparations" going on at the theatre — their daddies
(38)
FIRE IN A THEATRE. 39
and mammies told the neighbors — and hj the middle
of the afternoon it was pretty generally known about
town that " II — 11" was to be played at the theatre
that night. The consequence was — a very full house.
Everything went well until the " last scene of
all." Don Juan clambered into upper windows,
(six feet high) — committed divers murders ; escaped
in a ship ; was cast ashore ; had a dance with the
peasantry; was invited to sup with a spectre on
horseback ; did the honors of the table with great
propriety, and accepted in return an invitation to sup
with the marble statue in a grave yard. Scaramouch,
the Don's attendant, had his fun, too ; and what with
riding on the back of a dolphin, dancing with fisher-
men's wives, and eating maccaroni, he had rather a
pleasant time of it.
"Everybody for the last scene!" was called out
in the green room ; the fiends sprang to their places,
the snakes were wriggled into their situations behind
each wing — the pots of red and blue fire were man-
ned, and a brilliant ending of the pantomime was
anticipated — when suddenly an alarm of fire was
heard in the front of the house ! Confusion followed,
of course ; the auditors tumbled over each other, all
pushing for the openings — and I am happy to say,
that all hut one got safely out. I will tell you pre-
sently about that one ; but first it is proper to explain
the cause of the alarm, for this time it had a cause,
which was nothing more nor less than the burning
of one of the wood wings, the fire having communi-
cated from one of the pots of blue fire, the ingredients
of which had not been properly apportioned. On the
instant of the alarm, the curtain had been lowered,
40 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
and in less than a minute the burning wing had been
torn down and the fire extinguished, not, however,
until the canvass had been burnt from the frame. In
the hottest of the rumpus, a man named Somerville
cut his way through the curtain, and in endeavroing
to stamp out the burning piece of scenery, the pot of
blue fire being unseen bj him, he put his foot in it,
and the lower part of his leg was very badly burned.
He was confined to his room for several weeks.
Next day after the fire — or the alarm of fire — the
town rung with an account of the danger encountered
by the audience the night previous. The whole affair
was greatly exaggerated. It was said, that in an
attempt to represent the "infernal regions" on the
stage, the scenery had caught fire— the whole theatre
only escaping utter destruction by the intrepid daring
of young Somerville, who had barely escaped with
his life. The bigoted portion of the Tuscaloosans
seized upon the circumstance, and held it up as a
warning to all play-goers, and shaking their heads
ominously, said they knew all along that no good
could possibly come from encouraging profane stage
plays in a Christian community. The truth is, the
tide of public sentiment was fast setting in against
our poor little theatre, and I felt it was incumbent on
me to do something to stem it. My plan was soon
laid, and immediately executed.
I must here state, that the instant the fire had
been extinguished, and the house cleared of the
alarmed public, I called the scene painter, and told
him I would give him a week's salary if he would
produce a wood wing the next morning, exactly simi-
FIRE IN A THEATRE. 41
lar to the one burned. This he undertook to do, and
accomplished. ,
During the afternoon of the next day " I mixed
with the people," and ascertained that all were fear-
ful of witnessing a repetition of Don Juan — indeed it
seemed to be a pretty well understood thing that no
audience could be collected together in that building
again ! What was to be done ? The new theatre at
Montgomery (my next stand) was not yet finished,
nor would it be in less than four or five weeks.
My plan was this : — I must convince the people
that there had been no fire — that what they had seen
was only an imitation !
Collecting together a committee of respectable citi-
zens, we all took a drink and proceeded to the thea-
tre. " Gentlemen," said I, after seating them on the
front bench, " it has been reported, much to the
injury of my interests, and the interests of the drama,
that there was a fire here last night. My object in
asking you hither, is to disabuse you, and through
you the public of Tuscaloosa on this subject." Here
one of the cutest of the committee observed — " Come,
Smith, that won't exactly do ; I was here myself,
and there certainly was a fire — something of a fire ;
for before the curtain was lowered, I saw one of them
wings, I think you call them, all in a bright flame."
" My worthy friend," I replied, " I don't in the
least doubt you think you saw it in a bright flame, as
you say; but my object is to convince you that you
labored under an optical illusion."
" Optical h — 11 and d — n !" exclaimed rather has-
tily the aforesaid speaker — " I tell you I saw with
4
42 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
my own eyes that scenery which stood down there at
your left, all in a blaze."
" Excuse me, my dear sir," calmly replied I —
" you think you saw it ; but I'll convince you in one
moment of your error."
Here I called the carpenter, and asked him to place
the first wood wing in its appropriate groove. This
he did almost instantly.
" There, gentlemen," I said, pointing to the newly
painted piece of scenery, triumphantly, — " I believe
you will recognize that; you have seen it often
enough."
A close examination now took place, the result of
which was the firm belief that it was the same wing
they had supposed to be destroyed by fire. The
committee of citizens unanimously agreed that the
imitation of fire the night previous had been most
perfect, and gave me a certificate, which I published
in an extra poster, that they had investigated the
whole subject, and had come to the conclusion that
there had been a false alarm of fire in the theatre,
and that there was no danger whatever in visiting
that admirably conducted establisment. " Don Juan"
had a " run," and was the most successful piece of
the season — the last scene being particularly ap-
plauded for its truthful representation of the infernal
regions.
But poor Somerville ! — where was he all this
time ? He had heard of the reports about town, that
the fire was all a sham; but he was confined to his
room from the effects of this sham fire. One day he
came limping to the theatre.
FIRE IN A THEATRE. 43
" Look here, old fellow," said he — " what is all
this they've been telling me about ,your sham fires ?
Do you mean to say that this burn I've got on my
leg was inflicted by sham fire?"
" My dear sir," I replied, gravely — "I don't know
how you got your hurt ; I remember seeing you in
here during the alarm — and if you got injured in
your efforts to extinguish what you supposed to be
the flames, I regret it exceedingly."
" But," expostulated Somerville, " do you mean to
say, that one of your wings was not in a bright
blaze ?"
" I mean to say," replied I, " that one of the wings
might have appeared to be burning — but there is the
wing to speak for itself," I continued, pointing it out.
It was a somewhat remarkable wing. It stood
front of all the rest, and was therefore familiar to the
view of the audience. It was moreover of a peculiar
kind, being composed principally of the body o£ a
large tree, with a dead limb on one side and a trer
mendous knothole on the other. It was a wing to be
remembered.
Somerville took a good look at the renovated wing
— went around it, viewed it in every light—; felt of it,
and at last, being apparently perfectly satisfied,
observed, as .he limped away —
"Well, I'll be d— d if that fire wasn't the best
imitation I ever saw !"
CHAPTER VI.
THEATRICAL PIONEERING ON THE ALABAMA RIVER.
Montgomery — Two worthy citizens — Madame Feron, the Canta-
triee — Queer substitutes for an Orchestra — Thomas Hamblin —
Selina — A theatre-going community — Mobile.
Previous to this time I had made a contract with
Mr. Caldwell to lease from him the Natchez Theatre
for a spring season ; and it was now time to wend my
way to open that establishment, in order to " catch
the stars" as they passed up from New Orleans to the
cities of the Western country ; but receiving from
Montgomery a warm invitation to visit that town,
and "occupy for a limited period a beautiful new
theatre, just erected by a Thespian Society, instead
of taking a boat for Mobile, on our way to Natchez,
(through New Orleans,) we once more betook our-
selves to the large road wagons, and in five days
found ourselves, " bag and baggage," at the place
which is now the seat of government of Alabama.
Here I beeame acquainted with John H. Thor-
ington, a lawyer of great practice, who possessed all
the qualities requisite to constitute a good man. He
is no longer living to read my praises ; but it affords
me a melancholy pleasure to record his unvarying
kindness to me and mine. As mayor or intendant
of the town, some years afterwards, he took a decided
stand against the gamblers who congregated in
Montgomery, in great foree, and he was persecuted
by them in various ways, until he concluded to leave
(44)
THEATRICAL PIONEERING. 45
the place, and remove to the western country. In
Iowa he was afflicted with a disease consequent upon
the severe climate, which settled into his limbs, caus-
ing paralysis, and threatening his life. In hopes of
relief, he was taken to New Orleans, and placed as a
boarder in the Charity Hospital, where he ended his
days. I was with him while he was lying on his death-
bed, and afforded him at least the satisfaction of
knowing he had a friend near him. Poor Thoring-
ton ! He could not speak his thanks ; but the pres-
sure of his hand, even after he had lost the ability to
raise his arm, told me that his stout Irish heart re-
tained its warmth to the last pulsation.
There were other warm and true friends that I
made in Montgomery — George Whitman, for one.
At the time I write of, Mr. Whitman was one of
the first merchants of the place, and owned real estate
sufficient to make him a millionaire, which he would
undoubtedly be at this moment — if he had held on
to it.
The Montgomery Theatre opened, in an un-
finished state, the latter part of January^, 1830. The
attendance was good for two weeks, which was the
limit of our stay, in consequence of my engagement
at Natchez. Madame Feron, the great singer, per-
formed with us two nights, and as we were without a
regular orchestra, various means were resorted to for
an accompaniment to her songs. A piano-forte was
introduced upon the stage, and she accompanied her-
self in some pieces — in others, she pressed me into
the service. Thus in the farce entitled, " Of Age
to-morrow," the dialogue was necessarily changed a
little from the original text :
4*
46 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
Maria — I had a lover once.
Baron — A lover ? Twenty, I dare say.
Maria — But he deserted me.
Baron — Deserted you? Impossible? "What had
he to say for himself?
Maria — He said nothing ; but [if you 11 have the
kindness to seat yourself at that piano, and give me
an accompaniment] I'll tell you what I said to him."
Suiting the action to the word, the accomodating
Baron Willinghurst (personated by the writer hereof,)
seated himself at the piano, and the beautiful song,
"As I hang on your bosom," was gloriously breathed
forth by the great prima donna of European Opera,
in a theatre surrounded by uncut trees, and occupied
by an audience whose appreciation was as warm as that
of the dilettanti of Italy. In the farce of "No Song
no Supper," to account for the presence, in Farmer
Crop's house, of so rich an article of furniture as a
piano-forte, Crop was constrained to say that a rich
neighbour had stored it there until he could get his
new house ready for its reception. Thus accounting
for the instrument being there, it was an easy matter
to ask Margaretta to play upon it — then a song was
asked for ; and after that another, and so on.
Madame Feron entered into the spirit of the scene,
and seemed to enjoy herself very much, imparting
her good humour to all around, both before and be-
hind the curtain. Mr. Maddox, since manager of the
Princess Theatre, London, accompanied Madame
Feron, as her man of business. From Montgomery
she proceeded to New Orleans, where she had an
engagement.
In two weeks we received in Montgomery the sum
THEATRICAL PIONEERING. 47
of $883, out of which I paid Madame Feron $101 for
her two nights acting and singing.
At the moment of departure from this village, I
had a pleasant interview with Mr. Thomas S. Hamblin,
who was returning from a southern engagement.
While revising these pages, I hear of his decease !
"We proceeded next to Selma, a very small village
on the Alabama river, where we performed nine
nights in a ball room, fitted up for the purpose, to
receipts of exactly $70 per night. The number of
inhabitants did not exceed 400, white, black, and
children. Those who visited the theatre, visited it
every night. The sheriff, being one day compelled to
leave town on business, came and left Ms dollar at
the bar of the hotel where we performed !
Arrived at Mobile, I was strongly urged to remain
there and open the theatre, a shell of a place in St.
Francis street, which was offered to me by those who
represented the interests of Mr. Ludlow, by whom it
was built ; but, considering myself bound to open the
Natchez Theatre, I pushed on to that city.
CHAPTER VII.
FIFTY MILES A DAY TOUGH JOURNEY-WORK.
Back to Natchez — Bold move in management — Dividing the Com-
pany — Journey-work on horseback — " The king's name a tower
of strength" — Riding post— Extract from Journal — Triumphant
termination of the season.
The Natchez Theatre opened under my manage-
ment on the 10th March, 1830, with the following
company : Messrs. H. A. Williams, Crooke, Kidd,
Campion, Marks, Myers, Tatem, Cole, Anderson,
Perry, Sol. Smith : Mesdames Smith, Crooke, Honey,
Prescott, Graham, and Miss Vos — which was after-
wards augmented by the arrival of my brother,
Lemuel Smith, on his return from his unsuccessful
traveling expedition to Pittsburgh, and other Ohio
river towns, where he experienced the usual vicissi-
tudes which almost invariably attend " schemes" of
that kind.
Having at this time accumulated a sufficient sum
(about $1100) to pay all my debts in Cincinnati, with
interest, I was very anxious to proceed thither, and
accomplish the object of my seven years' toil. But I
Soon found that my hard earnings were likely to be
swept away by a failing season of a few weeks in
Natchez. I now became sensible of the folly of leav-
ing my " journey-work," hard as it was, for the luxury
of the "regular theatre." At the close of the first
week, the receipts fell $150 short of the expenditures ;
and it was very evident that there was no likelihood of
48
FIFTY MILES A DAY — TOUGH JOURNEY-WORK. 49
an improvement in the business. In this emergency I
ventured upon a bold plan to save myself from loss.
It was this : I divided my forces, placing my old New
York manager, H. A.Williams, in command of a detach*
ment for Po_rt~-Gibson, where they opened the theatre,
and continued to perform three nights in the week for
nearly five weeks, at the same time that the Natchez
concern was in operation four nights in the week !
Even this bold manoeuvre came near failing to ac-
complish the object I had in view, the receipts falling
far below my anticipations in the then thriving village
of Port Gibson. At the end of the first week's trial
there, the following letter from my Lieutenant Gene-
ral was received :
" Port Gibson, March — , 1830.
u My Sovereign : — This expedition must be a fail-
ure, unless I have reinforcements. I have only
squeezed out of the Gibsonians $162 in three trials,
which, after paying for transportation, and fitting up
the house, gives but about $50, with which to liqui-
date a salary list of $200 and upwards — to say
nothing of rent and printer's bills. Might I suggest,
mighty sovereign, the kind of force best calculated to
retrieve our lost ground here, I should say, come and
act yourself. ' The king's name is a tower of
strength,' and if you will authorize me to announce
you for Wednesday, as Captain Copp, I promise you
a rich return from the treasury.
" Your faithful subject,
" H. A. Williams,
" Gren. of 2d Division, or Forlorn Mope."
50 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
The following was my reply :
" Theatre, Natchez, Sunday, March — , 1830.
" Gen. Williams : — I'll try it. Wednesday — Cap-
tain Copp.
" Yours truly,
"Sol. Smith."
The journey of fifty miles was easily performed on
horseback, and the result was highly satisfactory —
the treasurer's return being for that single night $166
— four dollars more than the entire receipts of the
previous week ! My reception was enthusiastic in
the extreme ; and being called before the curtain, at
the close of the comedy of " Charles II.," I promised
a second visit.
Returning to Natchez the next day, and acting in
play and afterpiece at night, the Friday morning
found me stiff and nearly done up ; nevertheless I
pushed on to the fulfilment of the promise made
to my friends at Port Gibson, and performed
Delph, on Friday night, to a house rising $100.
Acted again at Natchez, on Saturday night ; and
finding by the meagre receipts at P. G. on the same
night, (less than $20 !) that my performing the
journey every day between our two towns would
probably save me from loss on the season, I resolved
to encounter the fatigue, and made arrangements for
a relay of horses, by which means I could perform
the journey in five hours. This feat I actually ac-
complished — traveling fifty miles everyday in the
week, except Sundays, and acting every night for
nearly a month ! It almost killed me ; and I feel
the effects of such exertions to this day. But my
IFTY MILES A DAY— TOUGH JOURNEY-WORK. 51
object was gained — my profits at port Gibson equalled
my losses at Natchez, and I was enabled to carry out
my long cherished wish to pay my debts.
It may be interesting to some of the hard working
"stock" of the St. Charles, who consider it something
of a hardship to rise in the morning in time to attend
a 10 o'clock rehearsal, and who can scarcely accom-
plish the labor of studying a new part once in a week,
to learn how I managed to get through the labor
above mentioned. Premising that the roads, in those
days, were somewhat muddy and deep, I give a short
EXTRACT EROM MY JOURNAL :
Wednesday. ~- Ross at break of day. Horse at the door. Swal-
lowed a cup of coffee while the boy was tying on leggings.
Reached Washington at 8. Changed horses at 9 — again at 10 —
and at 11. At 12 arrived at Port Gibson. Attended rehearsal —
settled business with stage manager. . Dined at 4. Laid down
and endeavored to sleep at 5. Up again at 6. Rubbed down and
washed by Jim (a negro boy.) Dressed at 7. Acted the " Three
Singles" and "Splash." To bed at 11 \.
Thursday. — Rose arid breakfasted at 9. At 10 attended re-
hearsal for the pieces of next day. At 1, leggings tied on, and
braved the mud for a fifty miles' ride. Rain falling all the way.
Arrived at Natchez at half-past 6. Rubbed down and took supper.
Acted Ezelciel Homespun and Delph to a poor house. To bed (stiff
as steel yards) at 12.
Friday. — Cast pieces — counted tickets — attended rehearsal until
1, P. M. To horse again for Port Gibson — arrived at 7. No time
to eat dinner or supper ! Acted in the "Magpie and Maid" and
" No Song No Supper," in which latter piece managed to get a few
mouthfuls of cold roasted mutton and some dry bread, they being
the first food tasted this day! &c, &c , &c, &c, &c.
BUT I PAID MY DEBTS !
CHAPTER VIII.
RETURN TO THE CRESCENT CITY.
Cincinnati — Engagement at Louisville — Jim Crow Rice — Parson
Parsons — "My Old Woman" — Off to Nashville — No success
there — Bolivar and Memphis — The "Rapid" steamboat — Open-
ing in New Orleans — The Plebeians and Pelbians — Cast of
Henry VIII.
The season over, and all matters settled up with
the company, who proposed to visit some of the
Louisiana towns, enlisting, for the time being, under
the banner of my brother Lemuel, I left Natchez with
a light heart, and $1200 dollars in my pocket, for
Cincinnati, taking Vicksburgh in my way, where
we performed (my wife and self) with manager Jack-
son, for one-third of the nightly receipts, clearing
$175 in three nights.
Arrived at Cincinnati, Mr. Ludlow, then manager
of the Columbia Street Theatre, offered me an en-
gagement for a few nights, which I accepted, and
played Mawworm for my benefit. This engagement
was not remunerative, either to the manager or my-
self — the benefit night being the only one which
yielded a profit.
A summer's rest placed me on my legs again ; and
with the coming of the fall season of the year, came
the desire to resume the duties of my arduous pro-
fession. After negotiating an engagement with Mr.
Caldwell for the coming winter in New Orleans, we
accepted an offer from Mr. Parsons, acting manager
(52)
RETURN TO THE CRESCENT CITY.
for Mr. Drake, to perform twenty nights in Louis-
ville, receiving for our services the sum of $220.
Mr. T. D. Rice was a member of the company here,
and was busily engaged in composing and arranging
his " Jim Crow" songs, which afterwards raised him
to the topmost wave of popularity, both in this
country and England. Charles B. Parsons, the act-
ing manager, took upon himself the leading charac-
ters in tragedy, and played Hamlet, Brutus, Vir-
ginius, Holla, and pale-face-hating aboriginal charac-
ters, "written expressly for him," much to his own
satisfaction, and that of the public. I have since
heard him give copious extracts from the speeches of
Hamlet, in the pulpit — without, however, having the
candor to acknowledge the name of the " poet" whose
words he was transplanting into his sermons. As a
Methodist Preacher, Mr. Parsons succeeds better than
he did on the stage — at least I think so ; and what's
more, I believe him to be now a sincere Christian —
albeit it must be acknowledged he is not yet entirely
free from the besetting sin of " our tribe" — vanity.
Miss Eliza Petrie, daughter of the Mrs. Petrie who
had traveled with me through Tennessee and Alabama
as actress of the old ladies of the drama, was the
young lady of the Louisville company. She possessed
a good voice for singing, and was beginning to be-
come popular with the public. Mrs. Rowe was the
"old woman," and her husband performed the duties
of prompter. Old Henderson was here " at home,"
and very popular. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Muzzy
were useful members of the company, as were Mr.
and Miss Clarke. My wife played what is termed the
singing business, with some parts in comedy, which
5
54 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK
rendered her a favorite, and ensured her a good bene-
fit, on which occasion she personated the Countess in
a play entited "My Old Woman." My benefit was
also a good one, after taking which, our engagement
being over, we proceeded to Nashville, where we
were engaged to act six or eight nights, with Messrs.
Rowe, Gray and Mondelli, who temporarily had the
management of the theatre. All I remember of this
engagement is this : a great number of " stars," so
called, were playing, and the houses were awfully
empty ! The names of Mr. Caldwell, Mr. and Mrs.
Pearman, Mr. Geo. Holland, and (to make matters
worse) the writer hereof and his wife, were all an-
nounced in flaming capitals at the head of the bill, on one
occasion, without attracting to the house forty d-Alars I
It was at this time, (on our way to Memphis,) that,
stopping to dine at Bolivar, I was persuaded to re-
main over night, to " give an entertainment," (as I
supposed,) but in fact to 'preach a sermon ' in the
Court-House ! — the landlord having previously been
told that I had been "converted," and had left the
stage. If the reader of this narrative has favored me so
far as to glance over my " Theatrical Apprenticeship
and Anecdotical Recollections," he or she will here
recognize the groundwork of the sketch entiled, " My
First and Last Sermon."
At Memphis, on our way to New Orleans, we
played a week, with a profitable result, in a tempo-
rary theatre, under the management of my brother
Lemuel, who at this point concluded his strolling sum-
mer season. My brother and the principal members
of his party joined Mr. Caldwell's company, and
after a delay of two weeks, waiting for a boat, [we
RETURN TO THE CRESCENT CITY. 55
are not obliged to wait so long now a-days,] the con-
centrated theatrical force made their way to the
southern emporium, on an unusally slow boat called
the "Rapid."
The veteran tragedian, Cooper, came this season to
act a fortnight. I remember seeing him play FzV-
ginius, Beverly, Sir John Falstaff, (first time,) and
Cardinal Wolsey. He was not very successful. In
" Henry IV." Mr. Holland and myself were cast for
the carriers — Holland being announced at the head
of the bill as a star !
Mr. Pelby also played an engagement, and had
some disagreement with the management, which led
to a personal encounter between him and the stage
manager, Cowell. A large portion of the company
sided in opinion with Mr. Pelby, supposing him to be
ill used an account of his being an American ; and
the matter frequently forming the subject of discus-
sion in the green room, the prompter one night be-
came confused, and instead of calling the Roman
citizens to the stage as " All the Plebeians" bawled
out, "All the PelbiansV which caused a great
laugh at the time. A lawsuit was the result of the
misunderstanding between Mr. P. and the manager,
and that eventuated in a verdict for 1 don't
know which of the parties, and now I don't care.
The play of "Henry VIII." was produced with
great splendor, and with the following cast, so far as
my memory serves me :
King Henry VIII., - - Mr. J. M. Scott.
Cardinel Wolsey, - " Cooper,
Buckingham, - - " Pearson.
56 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
Cromwell, - Mr. Lullow.
Lord Sands, " Sol. Smith.
Queen Katherine, - - Miss Jane Placide.
Anne Boleyn, - Mrs. Rowe.
Patience, (with song " Angels ever bright,") Mrs.
Sol. Smith.
Mr. Cooper appeared twice as Jack Fahtaff, which
character he personated, according to my poor judg-
ment, better than any individual who had undertaken
it on the American stage since the days of Cooke,
whose style he followed as nearly as he could.
Clara Fisher performed a successful engagement
here this season, [1830-31.] A beautiful actress she
then was, and a beautiful woman — the latter she is
yet, to my eyes. I have not seen her act since the
above date ; but she must be (as Mrs. Maeder) a
most desirable person in a dramatic company, for she
cannot be persuaded away from New York, where she
is yearly " scrambled" for by the managers.
CHAPTER IX.
NATCHEZ AND ST. LOUIS — JOURNEY-WORK. RESUMED.
Detachment for Natchez — Failing Season at St. Louis — Organiza-
tion for more Journey-Work.
It became the policy of the management to make a
season at Natchez, for the purpose of sending thither
some of the " stars" who visited New Orleans. A
detachment of the company was according detailed for
that city, and the command given to Mr. Ludlow.
My brother Lem and myself, with my wife, (Lem's
wife remained at Cincinnati,) were among the unhappy
conscripts. With great reluctance we departed for
the City of the Bluffs, for we had provided ourselves
with comfortable winter quarters in the Crescent City.
However, there was no appeal from Manager Cald-
well's decisions — and if you attempted to remonstrate
with him on any subject, he was sure to convince you
that you were in the wrong ! So we went to Natehez.
In consequence of what I then considered and do
yet consider the injustice of the management towards
my wife, in Natchez, I withdrew her from the theatre
during the early part of the season, and she conse-
quently did not appear again until my benefit, which
was a very great one, yielding a receipt of two hun-
dred dollars more than than that of any other mem-
ber of the company. During the season Miss Clara
Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Plumer, Mr. Charles Kean and
Mr. J. M. Scott performed starring engagements,
which were more or less profitable (generally less) to
5* (57)
58 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
the proprietor. Upon the whole, the season could
not be said to be a successful one.
Accepting a re-engagement with Mr. Caldwell, we
next went with the company to St. Louis, where the
season was an utter failure. I find, by reference to
some scraps of memoranda, that the theatre closed in
July, and the main body of the dramatic forces pro-
ceeded to Louisville, (still under the management of
Viceroy Ludlow,) whilst I, with a small party, gathered
together in haste, opened the St. Louis Salt House
Theatre at half price, and did a thriving business for
two weeks. The newly organized company consisted
of Messrs. L. Smith, (leading actor in tragedy, and
light comedy,) Pearson, Carter, Baily, Short, Palmer,
Jones, Wilkins, Mrs. Sol. Smith, (leading actress,)
Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Palmer and Miss Carter. Baily
was the most useful man I ever employed. Besides
acting, and singing between the pieces, he was " Pro-
perty Man," and attended entirely to the fitting up
of our temporary theatres while we were journey-
ing. St. Louis at this time contained less than 7000
inhabitants.
From St. Louis we traveled on the steamer Pow-
hattan. Col. Twiggs, of the army, was among the
passengers. I had the happiness of forming his
acquaintance, and found him to be a most agreeable
gentleman. When I left the boat, he presented me
with an Indian pipe, which I carefully preserved for
the fire of 1838, in Mobile.
CHAPTER X.
SECOND SEASON. IN WEST TENNESSEE.
Third visit to Memphis — Bolivar, Florence and Tuscumbia — Eulo-
gistic Poetry — Columbia — Thespian Theatre at Pulaski — The
Stage Struck Young Lady — A Black Cloud — The Chase.
Our first halting place, in this our new campaign,
was Memphis. Here we performed seven nights with
indifferent success, and then departed for Bolivar,
where my former landlord received me with open arms,
having found out that the report of my having retired
from the stage and taken to preaching, was all a mis-
take. I think, however, my " First and Last Sermon"
must have converted a good many of the Bolivarians,
for they no longer flocked to the theatre, as on the
occasion of our former visit. Our total receipts in
six nights amounted to but $151. We left, and I
have never visited that village since — either as an
actor or as a preacher.
In Florence we fared no better — the receipts
averaging about the same as at Bolivar. We tried a
week over at Tuscumbia ; but a religious excitement
prevailing there at the time, (one lady, a Mrs. Good-
low, hanged herself in her ecstasy,) we played but
six nights, to an average of $42 per night, and quit.
The only other incident of interest, during our stay
in this place, was the evident impression I made on
the susceptible heart of some young lady, which
caused her to break out in the following paraphrase
of some old verses, through the newspaper :
(59)
60 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
TO " OLD SOL"— The Western Comedian.
BY A YOUNG LADY OF TUSCUMBIA.
Let bigots rail against the stage,
In senseless declamation dull ;
They ne'er, with all their rant and rage,
Could calm a heart, like thee, " Old Sol!"
Let others praise the Forrest green,
And some their Booths will yet extol ;
But to expel the blues or spleen,
You're for my money, yet, " Old Sol!"
Let dandies stay at home and gaze
Upon some automaton doll ;
Such senseless beings, some may please,
Because they've never seen thee, " Sol!"
And lovers, too, be highly pleased
While pleading to some Pegg or Poll, —
I'd with such nonsense ne'er be teazed
While I could hear thee plead, " Old Sol!"
Farewell, and may it be thy lot,
Where'er you go t'have houses full —
And-when you come this way, I wot,
We'll treat you with a Bumper, " SOL !"
Our next town was Columbia, (Tenn.,) where we
acted twelve nights in a very neat little theatre,
owned by a histrionic association, and our receipts
reached $60 per night. I find, on reference to my
cash book, that the comedy -of the " Hypocrite" was
the most attractive piece we played about" these days.
At the spirited little town of Pulaski we performed
a week, in the theatre belonging to the Thespian
Society, to very good houses. Previous to commenc-
ing, we attended a representation of the society, by
SECOND SEASON IN WEST TENNESSEE. 61
invitation, and I must say I have seldom enjoyed a
performance more than on that oceasion. The theatre
was about sixty feet long and thirty wide. No
boxes — all pit. Over the curtain were two ill-pro-
portioned mermaids, or some other nondescript ani-
mals, blowing trumpets, and supporting a scroll with
these words inscribed upon it : " The world in
miniature." Underneath this motto was painted what
was intended to be a representation of a pile of
drums, trumpets, fiddles, guitars, and cannon balls ;
the remainder of a very high proscenium, tapering
off at the top like the gable-end of a house, was
painted to resemble brick I This embellishment was
hugely admired by the Pulaskians ; and I was called
upon for my opinion of the decorations. Of course I
admired them very much. The Thespian perform-
ances consisted of the " Soldier's Daughter," and
" Three Weeks after Marriage." The costume adopted
by the amateur actors was ludicrous in the extreme.
The reading and acting were equally so. The gentle-
men wore their hats pulled down over their eyes
during the whole evening, as if fearful of being
known. The ladies (made of large boys) strided
about " in a very peculiar and unfeminine manner.
Young Malfort entered through a back window ! arid
justified the step by the language of the text, which
makes him say, " I believe I have mistaken the apart-
ment." Frank Heartall, in expressing his extrava-
gant joy at finding his supposed rival is a brother of
the widow, instead of making use of the language
selected for that purpose by the author, broke out
in the following strain : "lam so happy that I could
jump over the Ohio, wade up the Mississippi, and
62 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
tow two steamboats over the Falls at Louisville !"
In the afterpiece Sir Charles Mackett changed the
game of whist to that of poker, as being a game better
understood in that section of country, and swore at
his wife at a terrible rate, using the profane expres-
sion, " By G — d !" at least fifty times !
A fair-haired girl, sixteen years of age, fojlowed us
to this place from Columbia, with a determination to
join the company and become an actress. I dis-
suaded her from her purpose; but she persisted.
I placed her under the care of the landlady of the
house where we boarded, and promised to give her an
answer to her application in a w T eek. In the mean-
time I wrote back to her parents, stating the circum-
stances of the girl's elopement, and begging them to
come or send for her. The day before we left the
town, her brother arrived, and after much persuasion
on his part, and a positive refusal to receive her into
the company on mine, she consented to return to her
anxious parents.
The night previous to our departure, we were com-
plimented wilt a serenade, by all the musicians of
the place.
My brother and myself were in the habit of play-
ing off all sorts of jokes — at the expense of whoever
happened to come in our way, and occasionally on
each other. We left Pulaski on a Sunday morning.
The ladies were provided with a carriage, while Lem
and myself rode on horseback. The carriage started
early, and was many miles on the road before we left
the hotel, where I was detained an hour or two in
settling up the bill, and closing the business of the
little season. Lem managed to slip off a few minutes
SECOND SEASON IN WEST TENNESSEE. 63
before me, promising to wait my coming up a couple
of miles from the town. He did wait for me. As I
was descending into one of the beautiful vallies of
that region, I saw before me a little army of negroes,
some on horseback and others on foot, drawn up
across the road, as if to interrupt my progress. I
paid but little attention to this, as I knew the slaves
were mostly at liberty on Sundays, and I supposed
they had a gathering for some frolic of their own.
The only thing that puzzled me was the fact that
there was my brother, riding up and down, marshal-
ing the negroes, addressing them earnestly, and fre-
quently pointing towards me as I descended the hill.
I was not left long in doubt as to their intentions ;
for when I had arrived within about ten yards of the
crowd, my brother called out to me, at the top of his
voice — i; I charge you, in the name of General Jack-
son and the State of Tennessee, to surrender !" To
carry on the joke which I supposed he was playing
on the negroes, I answered — " I will not surrender
w T ith life." Upon receiving this answer, he instantly
turned to the crowd, and addressing it in a very ear-
nest manner, said — " This is the murderer of my bro-
ther Sol. — seize him!" The negroes made a rush
towards me, and urged on by my mischievous brother,
attempted to seize my bridle rein. Finding there
was no escape but in flight, I put spurs to my horse,
and upsetting some of the foremost of the gang, made
my way through the crowd, and set off at full speed
towards Huntsville. I was closely followed by my
brother, and the black crowd, several miles, the hue
and cry bringing out fresh forces from every planta-
tion we passed. By hard riding I at length distanced
64 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
my pursuers, all but Lem, who of course zealously
pursued the supposed murderer of his brother, until
the negroes were left far behind. We then enjoyed
a most hearty laugh — but both of us resolved to leave
off such practical jokes against each other, lest we
might some day raise a storm we could not quell,
which was nearly the case in the present instance.
CHAPTER XL
MANAGERIAL COUP D'ETAT.
Last visit to Huntsyille and Tuscaloosa — The colored property-
man — Candidates for the stage— . Coup d'etat — Adjournment of
a Night Session — A good benefit.
At Huntsville we made a season of four weeks,
and our receipts averaged only $60 per night. This
was my last professional visit to this thriving city.
The drama may flourish here at some distant day ;
but it will be when religious meetings and faro banks
shall have lost their attractions.
A journey of one hundred and eighty miles brought
us to Tuscaloosa, where the state legislature was
in session, and where we opened on the 19th of No-
vember, 1831, with the " Soldier's Daughter," and
the " Two Gregories."
On the second night we performed "Pizarro," my
brother acting the part of Holla. In the last act,
after seizing the child, and as he was rushing up
towards the bridge, he observed a tall negro holdiug
a teacup full of blood, (rose pink,) which was wanted
almost immediately on the other side of the stage.
As he passed, he said to the negro — " Here, boy,
carry that blood round to me on the other side — I
want it the moment I cross the bridge." Away
dashed Rolla, bearing the child aloft, amidst a volley
of Spanish musketry ; and turning to cut away the
bridge with his sword, what was his horror to see the
tall negro walk deliberately upon the stage, between
6 (65)
66 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
the "waters," and in full sight of the audience, hold-
ing the cup in one hand and stirring up the contents
■with the forefinger of the other, and hear him ex-
claim — " Heah, master Smith — here's your blood !"
I ordered the drop to be lowered immediately, to shut
in the ludicrous scene.
While in Tuscaloosa, I received the following appli-
cations. They will serve as a specimen of the hun-
dreds received in the course of a year :
"To the theatre at Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The postmaster will
please present this to some of the performers at the theatre.
" Gentlemen — I would claim your attention for a few minutes on
a subject which I feel deeply interested in. I am now a clerk in
the small village of Moulton, Lawrence county, Alabama. I have
been to several theatres, and have read many of Shakspeare's
plays, which convince me at once that I was destined for no other
purpose than to be a performer on the stage your company as I
have b'een informed is the most selebrated in the State for its
order and intelligence. My family are respectable and wealthy
they do not live near this place and I have always wished to
travel or end my days on the stage. It is probable that you may
want a young man who would feel himself under many obligations
to be one of your company and as it is essential to performers to
be a good size &c mine is as follows I am common size weigh
130 or 140 pound well proportioned 18 years of age and if you
think I will suit you please let me know and also the terms on
which you would be willing to receive me by so doing you will
confer a favor on one who can properly appreciate your kindness
with much respect I am your friend Alex Dupont."
The other is dated December 17, 1831, and comes
from I know not where.
" To Mr. Solomon Smith, Esqr.
" Dear sur I have discovered since you was here at this place,
and performd at the Bell Tavern in Selma that Miss Sarah
Robeson, was verry ankshious to jine you as an Acktriss and I have
MANAGERIAL COUP D'ETAT. 67
every rezun to bleve that she wood make a furst-rait one, and iff
you stand in kneed of sich a pursen I have no dout butt you could
git her on aplekashun. She wood willingly have gon with you
when you was here hut she was a little two delikit to make her
whish nown to you without hawing sum solissitashun and cons-
kuently she made her intenshuns nown to me, so that threw me
they mite be made nown to you and iff you will enquier in Selma
and see the girl I have no dout butt you wood doo her a favur. I
rite this at her rekuest. Ures and so fourth."
[Signature omitted.]
Towards the close of the season the night sessions
of the legislature interfered considerably with the
interests of the theatre, — so much so, indeed, that
whenever a night session was held our hall was nearly
deserted.
My benefit was announced for the closing night of
the dramatic season, and I did hope that on this par-
ticular occasion a night session of the legislature
would be dispensed with, as many influential members
of both houses had assured me they would do all in
their power to make my benefit a good one.
The election of bank directors, by joint ballot, had
been postponed from day to day for nearly a week —
one house resolving on meeting the other on such a
day, and the other amending the resolution, by pro-
posing another, and so on ; until the very day my
benefit was announced to take place at night. Just
as the house was about to adjourn, in the afternoon,
the resolution of the senate appointing that very day
for the election of directors, was amended by substi-
tuting " at night," and it was generally understood by
senators, representatives, and citizens, that the
senate would meet and concur in the amendment of
the house, and that immediately thereupon the
68 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
senate would proceed to the hall of the house of
representatives, and the election would be pro-
ceeded with. No one unacquainted with Alabama
politics, can form the least idea of the absorbing
interest created by these elections, by the legislature
in joint session. Everything else is forgotten — the
galleries are crowded with spectators ; the whole
town turns out en masse, as though the affair could
not be gotten through with without their general and
particular attention. As for myself, I saw at a
glance that " it was all up with me," unless I could,
by a bold and successful coup d'etat, upset the whole
arrangement of the " collected wisdom" of the Com-
monwealth.
" Here goes," said I to my brother, as I sallied
out after a late and hasty dinner — "Nothing like
trying ! Go to the theatre and have everything
ready for a punctual beginning."
" All. right," answered Lem. — " 111 have every-
thing ready, you may depend on that ; but I fear we
shall have to play to empty benches."
" Perhaps not," I replied ;
"If I fail not in my deep intent,
we shall play the i Hypocrite' to a good house yet."
So saying, I departed on my electioneering mission.
During two seasons in Tuscaloosa, it may be sup-
posed I had made many friends, both among the
members of the legislature and the citizens. As I
hurried through the streets on my present errand, I
met many of the latter, who shook their heads in a
peculiarly sorrowful and discouraging manner, say-
ing, "Ah, Sol., old fellow, your benefit to-night —
MANAGERIAL COUP D ETAT.
meant to attend — but this election — must go and see
that — very sorry," and words of like import. All
seemed to agree in one thing — there would be no-
body at the theatre, and I had better postpone ; but
I had no idea of giving it up so, as I had contracted
with a boat which was to leave the next morning, to
take the company to Mobile. " I'll have a full house
yet," I said to myself, as I mounted the steps of the
state house, where the members and spectators were
already beginning to assemble in large numbers. I
stationed myself in the lobby of the senate chamber,
where I soon had an opportunity of speaking with
Judge Perry, an influential me'mber of the senate,
who had frequently professed himself my friend, and
willing to serve me if in his power.
"Judge," said I, hastily seizing him by one of his
coat buttons, " you have it in your power to do me
an essential service."
" Glad of it," answered the Judge. "What can I
do for you, friend Sol. ?"
"My benefit takes place to-night," said I —
"So it does," replied the Judge — "I recollect —
Hypocrite — Mawworm — ha ! ha ! ha ! — wanted to be
there ; but this confounded joint session — it will kill
your house — can't you postpone?"
" No — must start for Mobile to-morrow — passages
engaged. Cant you postpone this joint session ?"
demanded I, looking him boldly in the face.
" Oh, no — no ; impossible. It is an understood
thing — the election will certainly come off to-night —
no getting over it," said Judge Perry, evidently sorry
that he could not oblige me.
6*
70 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
"But, Judge," persisted I — "the senate has not
yet concurred in the amendment of the house."
" That's true," he replied — " but it will concur —
mere matter of form — that will be the first business ;
and we then proceed to the house, where the people
are now assembled waiting for us."
" Well, Judge — you have often expressed a wish to
serve me — you now have it in your power."
"How?"
" Thus — vote against concurring in the amendment
of the house"
" My dear fellow — it will be of no use whatever —
one vote against concurring cannot be of any service
to you; the election will certainly go on."
" Never mind that — if you wish to manifest your
friendship, promise me that you will vote in the way
I wish."
" Well, well, I do — you have my promise for that,"
were the concluding words of the judge, as he left me
to take his seat in the senate chamber, " but rely upon
it the election will go on."
Having thus secured the judge, I turned my atten-
to another senator, w T ho, under the supposition that
one vote would make no difference in the intended
action of the senate, pledged me that he would vote
against concurring with the house amendment. I
then attacked another senator, with the same result ;
and another, and so on, until I had the pledges of
thirteen senators, each supposing he was the only one
who had promised me to vote in the negative. /
had thus secured a majority, when the President's
hammer called the senate to order.
" The first business before the senate, gentlemen,"
MANAGERIAL COUP D'ETAT. 71
spoke the President, (Mr. Pickens, I think,) " is the
amendment of the house to the resolution appointing
a joint session for the election of bank directors ; the
question is on concurring with the amendment — is the
senate ready for the question ? As many as are in
favor of the amendment appointing this evening for
the joint session, "will signify, the same by saying
Aye."
A considerable number of "Ayes" responded —
enough, as it was generally supposed, to carry the
question in the affirmative. As a mere matter of
form, however, the President continued —
"As many as are of a different opinion, will sig-
nify the same by saying No."
To the astonishment of every person in the hall, a
considerable number of " JS 7 oes" were heard. The.
President thought there was some mistake, (so well
was it understood that the election was to take place
that night,) and required that those who voted in the
affirmative should rise. Twelve senators stood up,
who, after being carefully counted, were directed to
resume their seats. The negative vote was then
called in the same way, when thirteen members rose
to their feet, looking around, on each other with
evident surpise at finding so numerous a vote in the
negative.
The President, after counting the negative vote
twice over, to make sure, announced that the amend-
ment was lost. A motion to adjourn, made by my
friend, Judge Perry, was now carried by acclamation,
and in less than three minutes the house followed the
senate's example, and streams of people were seen
72 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
issuing from the state house, chatting to each other,
and asking what in the world it all meant?
My benefit was a most brilliant one, and a few
" extra licks" I threw into the character of " Maw-
worm,'' told immensely with the audience, particu-
larly with the thirteen non-concurring senators.
CHAPTER XII.
MY FIRST SEASON IN MOBILE.
Arrival in Mobile — Thadeus Sanford, the Editor — Finn — Out-Door
Estimates of Theatrical Receipts — Purdy Brown — Montgomery
— Contemplated Invasion of Georgia — Selma and Cahawba —
Disappointment for Disappointment — Journey through the Creek
Nation.
Next day, Jan. 15, 1832, we embarked on board
the " American," Capt. Hammond, which in three
days carried us safely to Mobile, a city which I had
long wished to visit professionally.
The first person I met on landing was Thadeus
Sanford — a gentleman whom I consider, after an
acquaintance of more than twenty years — one of the
very best men I ever knew, and a true friend. I am
glad to find his political services have at last been
appreciated — President Pierce having appointed him
Collector of the Port of Mobile.
A small theatre was fitted up oyer a billiard room
in Royal street, and the first season of my theatrical
management in Mobile commenced on the 25th of
Jcnuary, 1832, with the comedy of the " Soldier's
Daughter" and farce of the " Lying Valet."
The company consisted of Messrs. L. Smith, Pal-
mer, Pearson, H. A. Williams, Carter, Madden,
Morton, Baily, Davidson, Trower, Donaldson and
Sol. Smith ; Mesdames Sol. Smith, Carter, Sizer,
Williams and Miss Carter.
(73)
74
THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
Henry J. Einn came and played an engagement
of six nights, much to the delight of the Mobilians.
Mr. Ned Raymond also performed a starring en-
gagement, and made money. He made his first
appearance on any stage in Rochester, N. Y., in
1825, in the character (or characters) of the Actcja.
of All Work. His ambition was then to become a
low comedian — now he aspired to tragedy, and figured
in Virginius and Brutus. A year or two afterwards,
in a fit of mania potu, he committed suicide by throw-
ing himself from one of the wharves in Boston.
Raymond was not his real name ; that I withhold in
consideration for the feelings of his surviving rela-
tions, who reside in the city of New York.
This was considered a most successful season, and
it was moderately so. As it was my first in Mobile,
and was the stepping stone to my future operations
in that city, an accurate account of the business of
the season may not be entirely without interest to
the reader :
First
week,
Receipts, (4 nights,)
Second
a
1 (6 nights,)
Third
it
< ct tt
Fourth
a
' (5 nights,)
Fifth
a
i it a
Sixth
a
4 (6 nights,)
Seventh
a
c a it
Eighth
tt
< (2 nights,)
Total receipts of the season,. . . .
My expenses during the eight weeks, including
$575 paid to stars, and without reckoning
traveling expenses to and from Mobile,
amounted to
Leaving me a profit of
$320.00
660.00
820.00
543.00
505.00
1279.00
764.00
255.00
$5,146.00
5,121.00
$25.00!!.
MY FIRST SEASON IN MOBILE. 75
If any citizen of Mobile had been asked to give an
estimate of the profits of the theatre that season, ten
thousand dollars would probably have been the very
least sum thought of ! And so it is with nearly every
out-door estimate of the business of theatres. For
my own part, I must confess that the remembrance
of my first professional visit to Mobile causes none
but pleasing sensations. The audiences were easily
pleased, and the actors exerted themselves to the
utmost in their several roles, in gratitude for the
leniency of the public.
Towards the close of the season's operations, Mr.
Purdy Brown, by his agent, Mr. James P. Baily,
opened, in an unfinished state, and with a very
meagre company, a new theatre in St. Emanuel
street, and I withdrew my forces to Montgomery —
deeming it better to leave the field to the invading
army than to fight a battle in which both parties
must inevitably be losers.
A most disastrous season my friend Brown had of
it, commencing as it did late in February, and closing
in the spring with a heavy loss, notwithstanding the
attempts to retrieve the fortunes of the day by bring-
ing on the field a large force of cavalry. Poor
Purdy ! I have some reminiscences in store respect-
ing him, which I may or may not put on paper for
the amusement of the reader. He is gone to another
scene of action, where I trust he is free from the an-
noyances of theatrical management, which, to say the
truth, he was every way unfitted for, while, as a man-
ager of a circus, no one was more capable.
I have not preserved the records of our season at
Montgomery; but it was quite successful, yielding a
76 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
handsome profit. It was from this point I made my
arrangements for the invasion of Georgia, which event
was to take place in the month of May of this year.
But before proceeding through the Creek nation to
that old and patriotic state, we were induced to pay
a short visit to Selma, where we were welcomed by
the same generous support ($70 per night) which had
been extended to my former company, the year be-
fore.
In an unlucky hour I listened to the urgent solici-
tations of several of the most influential citizens of
Cahawba, to give a week's performance at that
ancient village, formerly the seat of government of
the state; but the " lovers of the drama" were too
few in number to remunerate us for our trouble, and
after playing five nights to wretched business, the
steamer " Herald" heaving in sight, I " pulled up
stakes" in double quick time, and we embarked, bag
and baggage, for Montgomery.
"Hallo ! Smith !" cried one from the crowd, as the
last bell rang for starting ! — " you are not going to
leave us in this way V
" Yes, I am," answered I from the hurricane deck.
"Your town don't pay expenses — must go."
"But," persisted my friend on the shore, "the
people have all been holding back for the last night.
They will be greatly disappointed."
" Can't help it," I replied — " they have disap-
pointed me five nights — and must become reconciled
to my disappointing them once." And off we went.
We made another short season in Montgomery,
and then, our arrangements for traveling being com-
MY FIRST SEASON IN MOBILE. 77
pleted, we wended our way through the Creek na-
tion.
I could fill volumes with accounts of this and other
journeys through this then uncultivated country ;
but I spare the reader all details, and carry him
straight through, barely stopping by the way to say
that we " put up" the second night, on this particu-
lar occasion, at the Black Warrior's, where the
warrior's wife (the warrior himself being off on a
hunt) gave us rather " lenten fare," but fed our
horses well ; bad beds, well peopled with fleas and
bed-bugs ; and made enormous charges for our ac-
commodation. At Mr. Elliott's, twelve miles from
Columbus, we fared much better, being served with
an excellent supper of fish, which the landlord in-
formed me he caught in great abundance — sometimes
as many as 300 a night — in a trap !
Sunday morning, May 20th, 1832, we crossed the
Chattahoochie river, leaving Alabama behind us.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE INDIAN WAR-DANCE.
Georgia — Columbus Theatre Built in Four Days — Performance of
" Pizarro" with real Indians — Unusual Ceremonies in the Tem-
ple of The Sun.
Georgia ! generous, hospitable Georgia ! How
well do I remember my sensations, when first enter-
ing upon your soil ! It was Sunday, and the streets
of Columbus were filled with gaily dressed citizens
and Creek Indians. The arrival of a theatrical com-
pany created a decided sensation.
"When do you open?" was the general question.
"Next Thursday," was the response.
" Where do you open?" was the next and most
natural inquiry.
"In the New Theatre," was 'the brief, but some-
what puzzling reply.
Having taken possession of apartments in the
Columbus Hotel, then kept by Messrs. Pomeroy and
Montague, I asked that a message should be sent to
the most expeditious contractor in the city. A Mr.
Bates soon appeared, and in twenty minutes he had
my directions. On the next Saturday the following
true paragraph appeared in one of the newspapers :
"Expedition. — A theatre 70 feet long by 40 wide, was com-
menced on Monday morning last, by our enterprising fellow-citizen,
Mr. Bates, and finished on Thursday afternoon, in season for the
reception of Mr. Sol. Smith's company on that evening. A great
portion of the timber, on Monday morning, waved to the breeze in
(78)
THE INDIAN WAR-DANCE. 79
its native forest; fourscore hours afterwards, its massive piles
■were shaken by the thunder of applause in the crowded assemblage
of men."
Here began my acquaintance — may I not say
friendship? — with Mirabeau B. Lamar, Esq., after-
wards President of Texas. He was a candidate for
Congress — not nominated on the ticket of either
party, but " on his own hook" — merely for the
" excitement" it afforded him. With the same object
he traveled through Texas, fought at the battle of
San Jacinto, eventually submitted his name to the
people of that redeemed country, as a candidate for
the highest office in their gift, and was elected.
" Pizarro" was one of our most popular stock plays.
My brother Lem's Holla was his best tragic character ;
when dressed for the part he looked every inch an
Indian chief. At Columbus we produced this tragedy
with real Indians for the Peruvian army. The
effect was very striking, but there were some unre-
hearsed effects not set down in the bills. I had bar-
gained with a chief for twenty-four Creek Indians, (to
furnish their own bows, arrows and tomahawks,) at
50 cents each, and a glass of whiskey. Unfortunately
for the entire success of the performance the whiskey
was paid, and drank, in advance, causing a great
degree of exhilaration among our new supes. They
were ranged at the back of the theatre building, in
an open lot, during the performance of the first act ;
and on the commencment of the second, they were
marshaled into the back door, and posted upon the
stage behind the scenes. The entrance of Rolla was
the signal for a " shout" by the company, carpenters,
and scene-shifters — the Indians, supposing their time
80 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
had come, raised such a jell as I am sure had never
before been heard inside of a theatre. This outburst
being quelled, the scene between Alonzo, Cora and the
Peruvian chief was permitted to proceed to its termi-
nation uninterrupted ; but when the scene changed to
the "Temple of the Sun," disclosing the troops of
Holla, (his " brave associates, partners of his toil, his
feelings and his fame,") drawn up on each side of the
stage in battle array, the plaudits of the audience
were answered by whoops and yells that might be,
and no doubt were heard a mile off. Order being
partially restored, Holla addressed his army, and was
greeted with another series of shouts and yells, even
louder than those which had preceded. Now came my
turn to take part in the unique performance. As
High Priest of the Sun, and followed by half a dozen
virgins, and as many priests, with measured step, timed
to slow music, I emerged from behind the scenes, and
" with solemn march" perambulated the stage, in
dumb show called down a blessing on the swords of
King Ataliba and General Rolla, and in the usual
impressive style, looking up into the front gallery,
commenced the Invocation to the Sun. Before the
time for the joining in of the chorus, 1 found I was not
entirely alone in my singing. A humming sound, at
first low and mournful, and rising gradually to
"forte" greeted my ear; and when our chorus did
join in the strain, it was quite overpowered by the
rising storm of " fortissimo " sounds which were issu-
ing from the stentorian lungs of the savages ; in short,
the Indians were preparing for battle, by executing,
in their most approved style, the Creek War-Song and
Dance ! To attempt stopping them, we found would
THE INDIAN WAR-DANCE. 81
be a vain task ; so that after a moment or two of hesita-
tion, the virgins made a precipitate retreat to their
dressing rooms, where they carefully locked themselves
in. The King, Rolla and Orano stood their ground,
and were compelled to submit to the new order of
things. The Indians kept up their song and war-
dance for full half an hour, performing the most
extraordinary feats ever exhibited on a stage, in their
excitement scalping King Ataliba, (taking off his wig,)
demolishing the altar, and burning up the Sun ! As
for Lem and I, (Rolla and the High Priest,) we joined
in with them, and danced until the perspiration fairly
rolled from our bodies in large streams, the savages,
all the time, flourishing their tomahawks and knives
around our heads, and performing other little playful
antics not by any means agreeable or desirable. At
last, to put an end to a scene which was becoming
more and more tiresome as it proceeded, an order was.
given to drop the curtain. This stroke of policy did
not stop the ceremonies, which proceeded without
intermission until the savages had finished their song
and dance, when, each receiving his promised half-
dollar, they consented to leave the house, and our play
proceeded without them. Next night the same troupe
came to the theatre and wanted to " assist" in the
performance of "Macbeth," but I most positively
declined their " valuable aid."
7*
CHAPTER XIV.
GETTING THROUGH A SUMMER.
Macon, Milledgeville and Athens — Editor Pemberton — Madison —
The fat Landlord — Magnesia and chalk— Monticello — A feline
Auditor — Negro Prayer — A thin Tony Lumpkin.
After a season of two weeks, we made a move for
MA£i)N, where another temporary theatre was put up
in a little less than a week's time. Here we per-
formed to respectable and very discriminating audi-
ences for about five weeks, after which we raised the
dramatic flag at the capital of the state, Milledge-
VILLE. A theatre was erected here as early as 1817,
as I was told; but at the time we took possession of
it, the famed Augean Stable must have been a car-
peted parlor in comparison with it. Thirty barrels of
lime were used in the cleansing of this temple of
Thespis, and even then it always retained a rather
unsavory odor. Our visit was hailed with delight by
the noble-hearted Georgians, and for one week our
audiences were large and fashionable. It being about
"commencement" time at Athens, we posted off to
that classic village, where another new theatre — built
in three days — was prepared for pur reception.
My brother Lem was not with us here. He had
obtained leave of absence for a brief period, to visit
Cincinnati, where he performed a starring engagement
in a new theatre opened that season by our former
manager, Mr. Caldwell. He also performed a brief
engagement at Louisville.
(82)
GETTING THROUGH A SUMMER. 83
At Athens our success was but meagre. The exer-
cises of " commencement " engrossed the public at-
tention, and we closed our doors after a season of one
week.
At this place I experienced the great pleasure of
becoming acquainted with A. H. Pemberton, Esq.,
one of the ablest editors of the state, and author of
the best Defence of the Drama which ever came under
my notice.
At a small town called Madison", we "hung out
our banner" for a week, and performed in the ball
room of a tavern kept by a Mr. Campbell, a large fat
man — "fat as butter," — who fed and slept us well,
and charged us accordingly. Total receipts for the
week, $205 ! The barber who shaved me in this
village, a very black negro, had a light mulatto wife.
They had several children of the proper shade of
color, and one, the youngest, almost white. Being
asked the reason of the last child's being so much
whiter than the others, the barber very innocently
answered that it was all owing to his wife having fol-
lowed the advice of a white lady during her pregnancy,
and taken a great deal of magnesia and chalk to cure
the dyspepsia.
Our fat landlord was a very religious individual —
a great hand at revivals and camp meetings ; and it
was only by dint of hard persuasion the town's people
could obtain his consent to receive into his hall the
sinful actors. But it so turned out that Mr. Boniface,
after taking a few peeps behind the scenes, became
greatly taken with the plays ; so much so that one
night he boldly walked into the front among the
audience, and took a conspicuous seat, determined to
84 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
"see it out." The people welcomed him with a round
of applause which he did not take to himself, but turn-
ing around, before seating himself, he said: "Oho!
you talk of my making a noise at camp-meetings — I've
got you now — you make a plaguy deal more noise
here at the show than I ever did there." Another
"round " greeted our fat landlord, and the curtain
went up.
Our next town was Monticello, where we per-
formed in the dining-room of Mr. Stovall, and occu-
pied one of his best parlors for a green room. Re-
ceipts for the week, precisely the same as at Madison,
after paying $25 tax, which the commissioners de-
manded for the privilege of leaving about $100 dol-
lars more in their town than we received. We had
here one auditor, a constant attendant, who evidently
appreciated our performances — a cat ! Every night
she found her w T ay into the theatre, and seating her-
self immediately in front of the footlights, watched
and listened to the performances from beginning to
end !
We returned to Milledgeville and performed two
weeks, with poor success, closing 1st of September.
Opened at Macon Monday, September 3d, and
performed one week only ; after which we pushed on
to Columbus, where we managed to stay three weeks,
the policy being to pass the time away until the
meeting of the legislature in Milledgeville.
Being up and out on a walk early one morning —
this was at Macon — I strolled to the Methodist
church, where I heard singing. Stepping in and
taking a seat, I found assembled six negro men, one
mulatto girl, and two white men. A lazy looking
GETTING THROUGH A SUMMER. 85
young fellow, one of the white men, seemed to con-
duct the aifair — asking his white brethren and black
brethren to pray alternately. I stayed to hear one
white and one black prayer — and it is difficult to say
which was better of the two. The black man prayed
in something like the following words :
" ! most holy and significant Fader! thou spencer of ebery
precious and deliberate gift, look down on your poor miserable
children, and bless us with thy sacred and devoted power, if it be
thy will. ! most holy Fader, we humbly pray for the instigation
of thy wrath throughout dis deboted land — bless all who hab
turned out to dis praar meetin' and dem dat habn't — if it be thy
will. May thy mercy and vengeance smile upon our white bred-
ren, who are prayin' and preachin' for us poor sinners, and in re-
liance upon the precious blood of Jesus Christ — if it be thy will.
! bless de poor heden, and larn dem to examine de doctrines of
thy Word, which is a sharp two-pointed sword, goin' out of the
mouth of dy servants — if it be thy will. May de gospel spread like
de cholera thro' de earth, spreading vastation and castigation
around — if it be thy will. We pray thee, holy Christ, the fader
of the 'macculate Virgin Mary, to cleanse us ob our sins, and scrub
us with the scrubbin' brush ob corruption, till we are the sanguine
dye of thy holy truth, and tho' our sins be as wool, may dey be
made white as scarlet with thy most precious lamb, which was
killed on mount Sinai for our sallivation — if it be thy ivill. And !
most holy Jesus, send thy spirit upon us this morning, that we
may sing thy praise and worship thee with meekness and com-
punctuation ; and when we give up our immortal existence in this
immaculate world, wilt thou receive us to thy bosom — if it be thy
will — when we will gib all de glory and honor and power to our
holy medidator and Saviour foreber and eber after — Amen."
During our stay at Columbus, at the earnest solici-
tations of a Mr. Childers, he was permitted to make
his "first appearance on any stage," as Tony Lump-
kin, which he performed tolerably well for a new be-
ginner. His figure was better fitted for Don Quixotte
THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
than the character he chose for his opening, being
very lean and bony ; but Tony Lumpkin he had
studied, and Tony Lumpkin he played. After the
performance he made a regular application for a situ-
ation in the company. I declined entering into the
proposed engagement, and wrote him a long letter,
urging him not to persist in his determination to be-
come an actor, and advising him to continue his stu-
dies in the law. With great reluctance he followed
my advice, became in time an eminent lawyer in Ala-
bama, and died many years afterwards in Mobile, of
which city he was once elected Mayor.
Returned to Macon, and performed a very few
nights to very small audiences ; but remained a couple
of weeks, it being considered quite useless to open in
Milledgeville so early in the season. Time hanging
heavy on my hands, as the saying is, I entered into a
little " speculation," just for amusement, which will be
spoken of in the next chapter.
CHAPTER XV.
SPECULATION IN WHISKERS.
Conversation in a Broker's Office — Investment of Fifty Dollars in a
new article of Merchandize — A good profit realized.
There lived in Macon, a dandified individual, whom
we will call Jenks. This individual had a tolerably
favorable opinion of his personal appearance. His
fingers were hooped with rings, and his shirt bosom
was decked with a magnificent breast pin ; coat, hat,
vest and boots were made exactly to fit ; he wore kid
gloves of remarkable whiteness ; his hair was oiled and
dressed in the latest and best style ; and, to complete
his killing appearance, he sported an enormous pair
of Real Whiskers ! Of these whiskers, Jenks was
as proud as a young cat is of her tail when she first
discovers she has one.
I was sitting one day in a broker's office, when
Jenks came in to inquire the price of exchange on
New York. He was invited to sit down, and a cigar
was offered him. Conversation turning on the subject
of buying and selling stocks, a remark was made by
a gentleman present, that he thought no person should
sell out stock in such-and-such a bank at that time, as
it must get better in a few days.
" I will sell anything I've got, if I can make any-
thing on it," replied Jenks.
" Oh, no," replied one, " not anything ; you wouldn't
sell your Whiskers !"
A loud laugh followed this chance remark. Jenks
(87)
88 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
immediately answered : " I would — but who would
want them ? Any person making the purchase would
lose money by the operation, I'm thinking."
"Well," I observed, " I would be willing to take
the speculation, if the price could be made reason-
able."
" Oh, I'll sell 'em cheap," answered Jenks, winking
at the gentlemen present.
"What do you call cheap?" I inquired.
" I'll sell 'em for fifty dollars," Jenks answered,
puffing forth a cloud of smoke across the counter, and
repeating the wink.
" Well that is cheap ; and you'll sell your whiskers
for fifty dollars ?"
" I will."
"Both of them?"
"Both of them."
" Til take them ! When can I have them ?"
"Any time you choose to call for them."
" Very well — they're mine. I think I shall double
my money on them, at least."
I took a bill of sale as follows :
"Received of Sol. Smith Fifty Dollars in full for my crop of
whiskers, to be worn, and taken care of by me, and delivered to
him when called for. J. JENKS."
The sum of fifty dollars was paid, and Jenks left
the broker's office in high glee, flourishing five Central
Bank X's, and telling all his acquaintances of the
great bargain he had made in the sale of his whiskers.
The broker and his friends laughed at me for being
taken in so nicely. " Never mind," said I, " let those
SPECULATION IN WHISKERS. 89
laugh that win ; I'll make a profit out of those
whiskers, depend on it."
For a week after this, whenever I met Jenks, he
asked me when I intended to call for my whiskers ?
" I'll let you know when I want them," was always
my answer. " Take good care of them — oil them
occasionally; I shall call for them one of these days."
A splendid ball was to be given. I ascertained
that Jenks was to be one of the managers — he being a
great ladies' man, (on account of his whiskers I sup-
pose,) and it occurred to me that before the ball took
place, I might as well call for my whiskers.
One morning I met Jenks in a barber's shop. He
was adonizing before a large mirror, and combing up
my whiskers at a devil of a rate.
" Ah ! there you are, old fellow," said he, speaking
to my reflection through the glass. " Come for your
whiskers, I suppose ?"
" Oh, no hurry," I replied, as I sat down for a
shave.
"Always ready, you know," he answered, giving a
final tie to his cravat.
" Come to think of it," I said, musingly, as the
barber began to put the lather on my face, " Perhaps
now would be as good a time as another ; you may sit
down and let the barber try his hand at the whiskers."
" You couldn't wait until to-morrow, could you ?"
he asked, hesitatingly. " There's a hall to-night, you
know "
" To be sure there is, and I think you ought to go
with a clean face ; at all events I don't see any reason
why you should expect to wear my whiskers to that
ball ; so sit down."
8
90 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
He rather sulkily obeyed, and in a few moments his
cheeks were in a perfect foam of lather. The barber
flourished his razor, and was about to commence opera-
tions when I suddenly changed my mind.
"Stop, Mr. Barber," I said; "you needn't shave
off those whiskers just yet." So he quietly put up his
razor, while Jenks started up from the chair in some-
thing very much resembling a passion.
"This is trifling!" he exclaimed. "You have
claimed your whiskers — take them."
" I believe a man has a right to do as he pleases
with his own property," I remarked, and left Jenks
washing his face.
At dinner that day the conversation turned upon
the whisker affair. It seems the whole town had got
wind of it, and Jenks could not walk the streets with-
out the remark being continually made by the boys —
" There goes the man with old Sol.' 8 whiskers /" And
they had grown to an immense size, for he dared not
trim them. In short I became convinced Jenks was
waiting very impatiently for me to assert my rights
in the property. It happened that several of the
party were sitting opposite me at dinner who were
present when the singular bargain was made, and they
all urged me to take the whiskers that very day, and
thus compel Jenks to go to the ball whiskerless, or stay
at home. I agreed with them it ivas about time to
reap my crop, and promised that if they would all
meet me at the broker's shop where the purchase had
been made, I would make a call on Jenks that even-
ing, after he had dressed for the ball. All promised
to be present at the proposed shaving operation in the
broker's office, and I sent for Jenks and the barber.
SPECULATION IN WHISKERS. 91
On the appearance of Jenks it was evident he was
much vexed at the sudden call upon him, and his vexa-
tion was certainly not lessened when he saw the
broker's office was filled to overflowing by spectators
anxious to behold the barbarous proceeding.
" Come, be in a hurry," he said, as he took a seat,
and leaned his head against the counter for support,
" I can't stay here long : several ladies are waiting
for me to escort them to the ball."
" True, very true — you are one of the managers — ■
I recollect. Mr. Barber, don't detain the gentleman
— go to work at once."
The lathering was soon over, and with about three
strokes of the razor, one side of his face was deprived
of its ornament.
" Come, come," said Jenks, " push ahead — there is
no time to be lost — let the gentleman have his "whiskers
— he is impatient."
"Not at all," I replied coolly, "I'm in no sort of
a hurry, myself — and now I think of it, as your time
must be precious at this particular time, several ladies
being in waiting for you to escort them to the ball, I
believe I'll not take the other whisker to-night. 77
A loud laugh from the by-standers, and a glance in
the mirror, caused Jenks to open his eyes to the
ludicrous appearance he cut with a single whisker, and
he began to insist upon my taking the whole of my
property I But all wouldn't do. I had a right to
take it when I chose ; I was not obliged to take all at
once ; and I chose to take but half at that particular
period — indeed I intimated to him very plainly that I
was not going to be a very hard creditor ; and that if
92 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
he "behaved himself," perhaps I should never call for
the balance of what he owed me !
When Jenks became convinced I was determined not
to take the remaining whisker, he began, amidst the
loudly expressed mirth of the crowd, to propose terms
of compromise — first offering me ten dollars, then
twenty, thirty, forty — fifty ! to take off the remaining
whisker. I said firmly, " My dear sir, there is no use
talking ; I insist on your wearing that whisker for me
for a month or two."
" What will you take for the whiskers ?" he at
length asked. " Won't you sell them back to me ?"
" Ah," replied I, "now you begin to talk as a busi-
ness man should. Yes, I bought them on speculation
— I'll sell them if I can obtain a good price."
" What is your price ?"
" One hundred dollars— -must double my money."
" Nothing less ?"
"Not a farthing less — and I'm not anxious to sell
even at that price."
"Well, I'll take them," he groaned, "there's your
money, and here, barber, shave off this d — d infernal
whisker in less than no time — I shall be late at the
ball."
CHAPTER XVI.
A SEASON IN MILLEDGEVILLE.
Mirabeau B. Lamar, Independent Candidate for Congress — The
" Orphan of Geneva" — Theatrical Critique — Last appearance of
Lena. Smith.
Near the end of October we opened the Milledge-
VILLE Theatre for the season, hoping great things
from the fact that the legislature was soon to meet.
My brother Lem. rejoined me here, and the season
commenced auspiciously.
During our journeyings the past summer, we were
accompanied nearly the whole time by Mirabeau B.
Lamar, Esq., who was a candidate for Congress, as I
have said, and who received a very large vote, but
was not elected, not being on either the Union or
State Rights ticket. I have never in my life met a
more gentlemanly man. He is a good speaker —
rather too vehement in his manner, perhaps ; but
being well read, and possessing a good face and per-
son, he enchains the attention of his auditors. He
was at that time rather dyspeptic, but seemed to en-
joy life reasonably. He can appreciate a joke and a
good dinner — has Shakspeare at his tongue's end, and
can quote him correctly and at pleasure ; fences well,
and is otherwise highly accomplished. Finally, he is
a great lover of the stage. I dedicated my " Appren-
ticeship" to him,* and on his marriage in 1851,
* See his letter in reply at the end of this volume.
8* (93)
94 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
(nearly twenty years after the events I am noting,)
he promised to name his first child after me — hut un-
fortunately it turned out to be a girl, and the idea
of naming her " Solomon" was given up at once.
During this season we produced the play of
"Therese," translated from the French by John
Howard Payne, and I must say I have never to this
day seen it played so well as by the " Georgia com-
pany." My wife personated the part of Mariette,
and my brother that of Carivin. It is not in my
province to speak of the talents of my wife and bro-
ther, (now no more,) but as they both occupied, while
living, a prominent place in the dramatie company
of which I was manager, and as many persons in
Georgia may yet live who have seen them act, it may
not be amiss to insert here a brief extract from a
criticism published in one of the newspapers of the
day, written (I am permitted to say now, though I did
not know it at the time) by Gen. Lamar :
" Mr. Lem. Smith has the advantage of a fine person, (he beats
his brother in that,) a good eye and a flexible voice, not of the
greatest compass, but sufficiently strong to be heard distinctly.
He succeeds equally alike in comedy or tragedy, and extremely
well in both ; conceiving his characters properly, and never over-
stepping the modesty of nature. His powers we think are consid-
erable, and his genius versatile. There is much refinement in his
manners when in comedy, and much dignity and force in his ap-
pearance in higher characters, such as Tell. We have seen him
in a great variety of parts, and find it difficult to decide in which
his success is greatest."
* * ■%- $
" One we have yet to name — the star of her profession — it would
be censurable not to hold up to the admiration of our readers, as
she has often presented herself to her gratified audience. We
mean Mrs. Smith. It is far from our intention to enter into any
minute analysis of her acting — setting forth her peculiarities ;
A SEASON IN MILLEDGEVILLE. 95
lauding -what is good and apologizing for what is otherwise, but
shall speak of her merit in the aggregate, reserving our more de-
tailed and definite criticism for some future number. To say that
she is a first-rate actress would be giving her nothing more than
her due, but we should probably not be believed, because she had
not been brought up at the Park or at Drury Lane. Stars we
have seen of the first magnitude who have shone with unrivalled
lustre upon both those boards, and can say that they have afforded
us no greater pleasure than we have derived from the perform-
ances of Mrs. Smith. If it be at all true that the merit cf an
actress may be justly estimated by the effect which she produces,
her claims will be found inferior to few. For we have never yet
heard the first person declare himself disappointed or dis-
satisfied — we have never seen one who did not admit that she
always had a just conception of the part she played — that she
entered deeply into the spirit and feelings of the character she
represented, and that her look, gesture and attitude were always
graceful, natural and appropriate ; and if these, added to other
qualities which she possesses, a melodious voice and eloquent de-
livery, do not constitute the perfection of the histrionic art, then
we are at a loss to know what does. All these excellencies are
universally conceded to her. In what character she succeeds best
we could never decide for ourselves ; she seems to be qualified
by her versatility equally for the grave and the gay — ' for farce,
comedy and tragedy.' We saw her once, on a benefit night, in the
' Soldier's Daughter,' and concluded she appeared best in that
part ; but when she subsequently appeared in the ' Orphan of
Geneva,' we thought no character became her as ' Therese,' and
now our present decision is that her greatest efforts have been in
'Elvira.'"
While I am about it, it may be as "well to give the
General's opinion of myself — particularly as I think
it is a tolerably correct one in the main. Here it is,
segregated from the same article the foregoing
extracts are taken from :
" Now then for < Old Sol.' But before entering upon the trial
of this ' head and front' of the battalion, it may be proper to
settle a preliminai-y question upon which his acquittal or condem-
96 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
nation chiefly rests. The heart will sometimes laugh in defiance
of the sober decrees of the head ; and when this is the case, which
is in the right ? Who has not had his risibility irresistibly ex-
cited by a joke, which his judgment could not sanction ? Shall the
joke therefore be condemned? < That is the question.' We answer,
no. Now this is exactly ' Old Sol.'s situation. His acting we cannot
approve as beng always in good taste, yet he will extort the laugh
from us in despite of our disapprobation. Shall we therefore con-
demn him ? Yv T e answer, no. Our objection to him as an actor is,
that he often lowers comedy to a farce, and brings farce to the
borders of buffoonery. The approbation which we have to bestow,
is that which we have just admitted ; his absolute dominion over
our risible propensities. He never fails to accomplish the end and
aim of all comic performance, that of exciting involuntary laugh-
ter and applause. This however is not his only merit. He pos-
sesses a lively fancy and a good fund of original wit, which enable
him to introduce many seasonable jokes, acceptable to all, and
offensive to none. This practice it is true, is liable to abuse, and
stands reprobated by authority no less than Shakspeare, but with
all due deference to the bard of Avon, we must still adhere to our
infallible rule, to censure nothing and praise all that produces a
happy effect; by virtue of which 'Old Sol.' is entitled to our high
commendation and a full absolution for all faults, which we do
hereby freely award him."
On the 12th December, the tragedy of " Douglass"
was performed, it being the last appearance of my
brother, who personated the character of Gflen-
alvon.
This brings my narrative up nearly to the close of the
year 1832 — a year rendered ever memorable to the writer
by the untimely death of his beloved brother Lemuel ;
that brother who had participated in so many of the
scenes heretofore described, and who, in the very prime
of his manhood, was called upon, without a moment's
warning, to pay that great last debt to Nature, which all
who yet live, — owe!
It might naturally be expected that an event so deeply
engraven upon the heart and memory of a sorrowing
brother, should receive from him more than this passing
notice ; but as that would necessarily tend, by painfully
exciting the sympathies of his readers, to destroy the
principal object he has in view in writing these pages,
viz. : the amusement of those who are pleased to accom-
pany him in his wanderings, he passes on to other, and,
to his readers, doubtless more agreeable topics.
(97)
CHAPTER XVII.
MANAGER BROWN.
Profits of six months business — Purchase of Real Estate — To Ala-
bama again — A year's profits — Close of season and disbandment
of company — Palmer and Lyons undertake management — Man-
ager Brown as an actor — Grand enti*ee in a comedy — New busi-
ness for Capt. Procles — The infernal fiends below.
The season in Milledgeville was brought to a close
on the 23d of December — the legislature adjourning
about the same time. The -actual profits of the six
months preceding this date, are set down in a busi-
ness memorandum I kept at the time, at $1500,
which sum, considering the labor performed, the jour-
neys made, and wear and tear of the constitution,
cannot be considered over payment for the services
of my wife and myself.
Macon was again tried, on our way to Alabama,
where we received for 24 nights' performances, in a
cold theatre, $1580, being an average of about $6Q
per night — and this was considered good business.
Passing on towards Montgomery, our next stopping
place was Columbus, where we acted two weeks, to
an average nightly receipt of $56, closing on the 9th
of February, 1833.
1 I purchased in Columbus some real estate at a cost
I of about $2000, which raised on my hands, and was
I eventually sold for nearly 900 per cent, profit.
On Saturday, 16th Feoruary, our standard was
raised in Montgomery, Alabama, to a house of $140
(98)
MANAGER BROWN. 99
The people appeared well pleased at our return.
Business continued good here, and several " stars"
(so called) shone forth during the season — Mrs.
Knight and Mr. Forbes among the rest. My theatri-
cal year ended on the 22d March.
I subjoin a statement of the actual result of this
year's "journey-work," in dollars and cents, as it ap-
pears in my cash-book of that day :
We must have travelled at least 5000 miles during
the year. All traveling expenses were paid by the
management.
Total receipts — 46 weeks — $20,885. Average per
week, $454 — per night, counting the actual number
of nights played, to wit : 262 nights, $79,70. Profits
of the year, about $4000.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyons joined me at this time, and
the season was prolonged a week, after which the
theatre closed, with my benefit, which was very
largely attended.
At the conclusion of this season, I resolved to
gratify a desire, long entertained, of visiting Cincin-
nati, the home of my brothers and numerous other
relations. The company being disbanded, Messrs.
Palmer and Lyons, members of the late organization,
proposed to rent the Georgia theatres, and I con-
sented to give them the use of my wardrobe and pro-
perties, with the understanding that if they were suc-
cessful in their speculation, they should have the
privilege of purchasing my interest in the circuit at a
given price ; but if unsuccessful, they should return
the properties in the ensuing fall. The result of this
attempt of Messrs P. and L. will appear hereafter.
Leaving the new managers to push their fortunes
100 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
in the south, I made my way, with my family, towards
Cincinnati, where we proposed to spend the summer ;
not, however, until Mrs. S. and myself had performed
a short starring engagement in Mobile, under the
management of Mr. Purdy Brown. I could relate
hundreds of anecdotes relative to manager Brown,
but do not feel much disposed that way. A few lines
must comprise all I have to say about him.
Mr. Brown's knowledge of theatrical matters was
extremety limited ; consequently, he was liable to be
constantly imposed upon by the actors, who, as a
class, are never backward in furthering a joke. Mr.
B. appeared on the stage occasionally, and when he
did it was generally his wish to enact some important
character — some person of rank in the drama — it
being very much against the grain to appear as a
supernumerary. Reading plays not being much in
his way, he was in the habit of asking the actors what
characters they thought would best suit him, and he
was generally advised to study such parts as Count
Luneda in the "Broken Sword;" Timoleon in the
"Grecian Daughter ;" Beverly's Uncle, in the " Game-
ster," and others of that sort. When, after a dili-
gent search, poor Brown informed his friend, the
actor who had advised him, that no such character
could he found in the play, he was gravely informed
that he had been searching in the wrong edition !
Manager B. had an abiding faith in horses — indeed
he had good reason for his faith — they never deceived
him or played practical jokes upon him. Whenever
he percieved that a play — be it tragedy, comedy or
melo-drama — appeared to " drag ;" or to speak more
intelligibly, to " hang fire ;" or, to make the expression
ANAGER BROWN. 101
still more easily understood by the general reader, " go
off dull," — he ordered out his whole stud of horses
and circus riders, and sent them on "to end the
piece." Thus it is said, (I confess I did not see this,)
that on the occasion of the performance of the " Sol-
dier's Daughter," he sent on his circus troupe, dressed
as Turks or Arabs, who performed a "grand entree"
on the stage, driving the Widow Cheerly, Governor
Heartall and company down to the footlights, where
they were obliged to stand for a mortal half hour and
witness the cavalry evolutions, the whole winding up
with a grand tableau, illuminated by red fire !
Mr. B., on one occasion, was compelled to assist
in the performance of " Damon and Pythias — the
company being short in numbers — and finding the
character which he chose (Dyonisius — King Dyoni-
sius,) too long for his study, which was none of the
best, he was prevailed on to take that of JProcles,
which he was told was a sort of Captain in the Syra-
cusan service. He proposed to act the part on horse-
bach ; but TV ebb, who was the Damon, dissuaded him
from this, and the worthy manager consented to do it
on foot. Some wag, to whom he applied for advice
as to the manner of acting the part, told him that
Procles was a fierce and spirited warrior, and when
he was spoken to by Damon in the streets of Syra-
cuse, and branded as a traitor, he should seize the
Senator by the throat. At the proper time, placing
himself at the head of the supernumerary soldiers,
" high heaped with arms and plunder," he rushed
upon the stage, with his shouting soldiers. When
Webb, as Damon, came to these words :
9
102 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
" And thou,
Who standest foremost of these knaves,
Stand back and answer me — what have ye done?"
Captain Drocles looked daggers at him, but re-
strained himself so far as to wait for his " cue," which
receiving at length in these words :
" Thou most contemptible and meanest tool
That ever tyrant used,"
he rushed upon Damon like a tiger, seizing him by
the throat, and holding his neck between his hands as
in a vice. Webb struggled and swore — in vain !
" Let me loose ! you are strangling me !" exclaimed
the infuriated Damon, in a hoarse whisper, " Of
course I am," answered Procles — "it is the business
of the part !" And it was not until Pythias interfered
in his behalf, that he could be persuaded to loosen his
hold.
On the last night of our engagement I enacted
Scaramouch, in the pantomime of " Don Juan." In
the last scene, the amorous Don is seized by demons
and cast into the infernal regions, as the bills have it,
through, a trap door. At rehearsal, I told the man-
ager that about twelve demons would be required at
the wings to seize Don Juan, and cast him down the
trap. "And" (I added in a joke,) "you must be
ready under the stage, at the head of a troupe of
devils with pitchforks, to torment him until his nu-
merous sins are burnt and purged away, as Shalc-
speare says." As I was leaving the theatre, the
manager followed me to the back door, and asked me
to repeat some direction I had given relative to the
MANAGER BROWN. 103
banquet in the pantomine. He afterwards said some-
thing which induced me to think he wished to carry
on the joke about the demons I had spoken of, to be
stationed under the stage.
" How many demons did you say, Mr. Smith ?" he
asked.
" A dozen will do," I replied, laughing.
" Yes, a dozen on the stage, I know, but how many
of those tormenting fellows underneath?"
"Oh," I answered, " as many as you like; the
more the better ; and be sure you have plenty of red
fire."
"Never fear that," he replied as he turned to go
away. -*
Scaramouch is not a very easy character to perform,
particularly when attempted by one like myself, un-
used to gymnastic feats ; so that when I had gone
through the dancing, the shipwreck, the riding on a
dolphin, the eating of maccaroni, the frights at seeing
the ghost on horseback, and other little incidental
exercises, and had bid good-bye to my master, the Don,
in the graveyard, it may be supposed that I lost no
time, " distilled with fear" and perspiration, as I was,
in hastening to my dressing-room, with the view of
disrobing as quickly as circumstances would permit.
I had in part accomplished this, and was busily en-
gaged in rubbing the upper part of my perspiring
body with a coarse towel, when the call boy knocked
violently at the door, and begged me to step down to
the stage, as the manager wished to see me particu-
larly. Throwing a cloak about me, I hastened to the
late scene of action, nearly suffocated with the smoke
from the red fire, which was ascending in thick volumes,
104 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
and found on looking down the trap that my friend
Brown was there with thirty or forty fiends, all
dressed in red flannel, and armed with pitchforks,
waiting for the descent of Don Juan I It seems that
in the concluding scene of the pantomine, the per-
former who enacted the part of Don Juan, (Mr.
Heyl,) finding a thick column of " sulphurous and tor-
menting flames," ascending through the trap door,
would not consent to be " plunged in," as required by
the stage direction ; but on the contrary had burst
from the supernumerary fiends and escaped to his
dressing room. The curtain was lowered, and the
piece was considered ended, by all but the worthy
manager, who was in the regions below, with his army
of fiends, waiting for his victim. It was some time
before he could be persuaded to abandon his post, and
not until he had declared his determination to dis-
charge the contumacious actor who had refused to
take the "fatal plunge."
Mr. Edwin Forrest passed through Mobile while we
were there, on his way to New Orleans. Ten years
had elapsed since we had parted in Lexington, Ky.,
he to join Mr. Caldwell at the south — I to commence
my managerial career in Cincinnati.
We were succeeded by Mr. James Wallack — the
Wallack — the very best Iago I ever saw — I cannot
pay him a higher compliment. I witnessed his per-
formance of Holla and Dick Dashall, considered by
the public as his best characters. Ah ! what an actor
he was — and is ! To see his personation of Don Csesar
de Bazan is worth a pilgrimage to New York.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE CHOLERA IN 1833.
New Orleans — The Gladiator — Cinderella — Journey up the Missis-
sippi — Cholera and the game of brag — The little Frenchman — A
Negro lost and won at Faro.
On board the steamer " Ohio," Capt. Haggerty, I
embarked with my family at Mobile, on the 11th of
May, 1833, bound for Cincinnati, by way of the Gulf
of Mexico and Mississippi river. Arrived at New
Orleans the next day without accident.
We remained in New Orleans two days and nights,
and had the opportunity, which we improved of
course, of witnessing the performance of the " Gladi-
ator," (for Forrest's benefit) and " Cinderella," on the
first appearance of Madame Brichta. Mr. J. M.
Field, a young actor of considerable promise, enacted
Phasarius, the secondary part in the " Gladiator," and
the next night appeared as the Prince in " Cinderella."
The production of " Cinderella" at New Orleans
formed an era in theatrical annals. Though a hodge-
podge, (made up of Rossini's original work of the
same name, and other productions of that composer,
" William Tell" being largely drawn upon,) it was the
first attempt at the Grand Opera in the English
language at the south. All previous attempts had
been confined to what is termed the comic opera — ■
the " Barber of Seville," (an English adaptation,)
" Marriage of Figarro," " Love in a Village,"
" Devil's Bridge," &c. The cast of " Cinderella," as
9* (105)
106 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
originally produced in New Orleans this season, was
as follows :
Prince,
-
-
- Mr. Field.
Dandini,
-
-
- Mr. Caldwell.
Baron Pompolino,
- ~
Mr. Thorne.
Alidoro,
-
-
Mr. Iforgethisname
Pedro, -
-
-
Mr. Russell.
Cinderella,
-
-
Miss Jane Placide.
Cloriuda,
-
-
Mrs. Russell.
Thisbe,
-
-
Mrs. Rowe.
Fairy Queen,
-
-
Miss Nelson.
Thus cast, and with the advantage of beautiful
scenery and appoinments, its success was very great.
This year Mr. Caldwell sold out his managerial
interests to Messrs. Russell and Rowe, and turned his
attention exclusively to his gas speculation.
While in New Orleans I found out my quondam
friend N. M. Ludlow, who was keeping a clothing
store, and doing tolerably well. This was a new
"line of business" to him, and he soon dropped it.
On the 16th, we re-embarked on the " Ohio," and
off we steered for Cincinnati. It is not my purpose
to attempt a description of the scenes witnessed on
this boat — the Cholera raging ! Nevertheless I will
briefly notice a few incidents. After supper, the
second day out, I counted eight card tables, sur-
rounded by persons playing the game of "brag!"
At the same time persons were scattered around the
floor, and in the state-rooms, groaning, complaining,
beseeching for assistance — dying with the cholera !
In one instance I saw a man fall from his chair in a fit,
clenching his cards in his hands, and die in a few
minutes ! Another fell back on the floor from the
CHOLERA IN 1833. 107
card table, was taken up senseless, and carried to his
state-room, where he lingered until the next day, and
then died, having in the interim made his will, dispos-
ing of a very large property in Virginia. This last
one I became slightly acquainted with",' and ren-
dered him all the assistance I could. Just before he
died we put him into a warm bath, which seemed to
relieve him very much. When we laid him on his
mattrass, he looked up in my face and asked —
" What is your real opinion, Mr. Smith ? Will I
get over this ?"
I answered, "upon my word, I think you will —
you are evidently much better." This was my most
candid opinion.
"I am glad — I am glad to hear you say so," he
responded faintly, looking up into my face with a
smile ; and with that smile on his face he almost in-
stantly ceased breathing !
In nearly every voyage I make — especially if there
be sickness among the passengers — I get the name of
Doctor, probably from the fact that I am always willing
to lend a hand to assist the sick. It was so in this
case. Capt. Haggerty, the clerk, and myself, seemed
to be the only persons on board who knew anything
about the medicine chest, and the quantities proper
for a dose of the various articles therein contained.
A little Frenchman, as healthy a man as there was
on board of the boat, took it into his head that he was
attacked by cholera, and sent for me to attend to his
case.
" Oh, Docteur — Monsieur Docteur !" he exclaimed,
" I am vaire sick — much malade ! My stomach vaire
108 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
much ache ! Do sometings for ine, Docteur, do some-
tings very much quick, for I sal die — oh !"
I found his pulse regular, and became convinced he
was in excellent health. I told him so, and for a time
he appeared reassured ; but presently he sent for me
again, and begged me in the most piteous tones to do
" sometings " for him. Satisfied that nothing ailed
the man but fright, I went to the medicine chest and
made him up a pill of gum arabic, which I requested
him to swallow, assuring him that he would soon be
better. For about two hours this seemed to quiet my
little Frenchman, and I was at liberty to attend to
other cases. When next called to Monsieur, he said
he felt a little better, but " weak from the operation
of de medicin."
" The pill has operated, then ?" I remarked.
" Oui, oui — operate very much — make me sleep — ■
ah ha! Un opiate, ha?"
I let him think it was an opiate, and telling him to
keep quiet during the night, left him. The following
morning my patient seemed much better, and partook
of a hearty breakfast and a large portion of a bottle
of claret. Card playing continued during the day,
and Monsieur took a hand, losing considerable money.
He retired early, and I was in hopes he had entirely
recovered from his fright, and that I should not be
called on to attend him any more; but I was mis-
taken. He was not at supper, and hearing a groan-
ing in his state-room as I passed, I opened the door
and looked in. There lay my little Frenchman,
writhing with pain, and evidently experiencing the
effects of the "premonitory symptoms," pretty
strongly.
THE CHOLERA IN 1833. 109
" Ah, Monsieur Docteur," he said, as he saw me
coming in — " I am vaire glad you come — I have got
him noiv certianement — you must give me some leetle
peel encore — I sal die if you don't give me sometinga
vaire quick !"
Poor fellow ! he had the dreaded disease beyond a
doubt — the symptoms were unmistakable. Feeling
his pulse, and saying a few encouraging words, I left
him to make up a dose a little more efficient than
gum arable — for I was convinced he had frightened
himself into the cholera. While preparing the medi-
cine, a crash was heard that seemed to shake the boat
to its very centre ! At first all supposed an explosion
had taken place. Confusion reigned for a few min-
utes, the passengers rushing hither and thither in "wild
disorder." My first care, of course, was for my wife
and children — the latter being at the time eating their
supper at the second table. The crash was caused by
the breaking of the fly zvJieel, the fragments of which
were thrown with great force through the cabin floor
and hurricane roof, scattering the dishes on the sup-
per table, as well as pieces of the table itself in every
direction. It providentially happened that no one
was hurt. My boys I found seated on the brink of
the chasm where the table had been. The oldest boy,
then five years of age, was holding an empty saucer
in his hand ; and when he saw me he exclaimed —
"Pa, look here — they've spilt all my coffee !"
But to return to my patient, I found him busily en-
gaged dressing himself.
"By gar, Monsieur Docteur," said he — "I sal not
stay on dis boat any longer ; such dam crashing I
never sal hear again no more nevaire ; did you hear
110 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
him ? It was like heaven and earth shall be coming
togedder !"
" It was a tremendous crash," I replied. " The
fly weeel is broken — cannot be mended short of Pitts-
burgh — the passengers are most of them preparing to
leave."
"Leave ! leave ! I believe you, Monsieur Docteur,"
he said, as he proceeded with his toilet ; " I sal no
stay one moment, by gar ; I sal be off in de first boat,
ha ! I sal not stay in dis d — n cholera boat any more
at all."
A boat bound up the river was by this time along-
side, and nearly all were making their arrangements
to go on her.
" How do you feel now, monsieur ?" I at length in-
quired, when he had finished dressing. " Here is the
medicine I have prepared for you, will you take it V
" Take le medicin ?" he answered — " no, by gar,
I want no medicin — I am well — tres Men — never sal
be better in my life."
" What, not got the cholera ?" I enquired.
"No, by damn — dat confounded crash knock de
cholera out of me, tout de suite /"
And so it had, fright had brought it on, and fright
had sent it off. I met him afterwards in Cincinnati.
He shook me warmly by the hand, and thanked me
for my doctorly care ; but declared that if it had not
been for that "grand crash," he should have been a
dead man to a certainty — and I firmly believe he was
right in his opinion.
It was during this trip, and before the "crash"
that I witnessed a game of faro, in which a negro
man named Fred was staked and played for. A
THE CHOLERA IN 1833. Ill
negro trader, having lost all his ready money, offered
to stake his servant on the game. The dealer agreed
to this, and Fred was ordered by his master to mount
the table and stand upon the ace. During the game
he was "split" twice — got "out of split," — being
ordered to move about on the various cards to suit his
master's views — and at last was lost on the corner of
the deuce ! The dealer very quietly told Fred to
step down on his side of the table, and the negro was
thus transferred to a new owner !
It was soon ascertained that the damages sustained
by the boat could not be repaired without going to
Pittsburgh, and during the night all the cabin passen-
gers except a Mrs. Miller, her sister, and our family,
took their departure on various boats. Next morning
Capt. Haggerty announced to his few remaining pas-
sengers that in a day or two he thought the boat
could proceed with one wheel. We concluded to
abide by the fortunes of the vessel ; and I believe it
was well for us that we did, for the cholera entirely
disappeared with the crowd of passengers, and all on
board enjoyed good health the remainder of the jour-
ney, arriving at Louisville on the 30th of May.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE FLOATING THEATRE.
Cincinnati — The Chapman Family — Fishing for " Cat 1" — Cholera.
Arrived at Cincinnati on the first day of June,
just three weeks out from Mobile, and met a most
cordial reception from our numerous (almost innume-
rable) relatives and friends.
The great pleasure derived from meeting with my
relations and friends at Cincinnati, on this occasion,
and alivays, may be mentioned ; but it is not a subject
to interest the general reader — so I pass on, in my
skimming way, to theatrical matters.
The Columbia Street Theatre was open under the
management of Messrs. Cabell, Forrest and Muzzy.
A Mr. Judah was playing as a " star." Went to see
him enact Richard III. Have seen better Richards
— and worse. Witnessed Fletcher's representation
of Ancient Statuary. Very good. Mr. Fletcher at
this time (1853) keeps the "Portland House," at
Shrewsbury, New Jersey, where, with a portion of
my family, I sojourned last summer for a time. Also
witnessed the extraordinary acting of Monsieur (!)
GouiFe, the "Man Monkey," for the first time.
One of the most comic pieces of acting ever wit-
nessed by me was Mr. Wm. S. Forrest's personation
of Alonzo, in the "Eevenge," at this theatre.
The "Chapman Family," consisting of old Mr.
Chapman, William Chapman, George Chapman, Caro-
(112)
THE FLOATING THEATRE. 113
line Chapman, and Harry and Therese Chapman,
(children) came to the west this summer, opened a
theatre at Louisville, and afterwards established and
carried into operation that singular affair, the " Float-
ing Theatre," concerning which so many anecdotes
are told. The "family" were all extremely fond of
fishing, and during the " waits " the actors amused
themselves by " dropping a line " over the stern of
the Ark. On one occasion, while playing the " Stran-
ger," (Act IV., Scene 1,) there was a long stage wait
for Francis, the servant of the misanthropic Count
Walbourgh.
"Francis ! Francis !" called the Stranger.
No reply.
" Francis ! Francis !" (A pause) "Francis !" rather
angrily called the Stranger again.
A very distant voice — " Coming, sir !" (A conside-
rable pause, during which the stranger walks up and
down, a la Macready, in a great rage.)
" Francis !"
Francis, (entering) — Here I am, sir.
Stranger. — Why did you not come when I called ?
Francis. — Why, sir, I was just hauling in one of
the d — dest big cat fish you ever saw !
It was some minutes before the laughter of the
audience could be restrained sufficiently to allow the
play to proceed.
It is said of this Floating Theatre that it was cast
loose during a performance at one of the river towns
in Indiana, by some mischievous boys, and could not
be landed for half a dozen miles, the large audience
being compelled to walk back to their village.
The season at the theatre in Third street, under
10
*)
114 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
the management of Messrs. Russell and Howe, suc-
cessors of Mr. Caldwell, commenced on the 15th
June. The company consisted of Messrs. Scott,
Field, Russell, Judah, Page, Hernizen, Charnock,
Lyne, Powell, Gilbert, Thorne ; Mrs. Rowe, Mrs.
Russell, Mrs. Ludlow, Mrs. Salzman, Miss Petrie.
Mr. Edwin Forrest commenced an engagement on
the 17th June.
The Ravel family appeared during this season, and
the opera of "Cinderella" was produced — Mrs.
Knight playing the part of Cinderella. Mr. Page
performed Dandini ; and the cast was otherwise as in
New Orleans.
Cholera broke out in Cincinnati, and raged vio-
lently. It did not pass over our humble home without
taking its victims. When we recommenced our wander-
ings, two only daughters were missing from the family
group ; two boys remained, (Lemuel and Marcus,) and
they are living at this day — each a happy husband
and father ; and there are five more boys, fast grow-
ing up into manhood, who look to me for protection
and fatherly care.
Of Messrs. Russell and Rowe's company Mr. Char-
nock and Mr. Page fell victims to the epidemic. Mr.
Page died singing the music of the opera in which he
last appeared !
CHAPTER XX.
COMMENCEMENT OP A LONG JOURNEY.
Organization of a Strolling Company — Traveling through Ken-
tucky — "All the World's a Stage" — Funds getting low — A
timely loan.
Receiving no remittance or intelligence from
Messrs. Palmer and Lyons, my successors in Georgia,
about the 1st of August I deemed it prudent to com-
mence preparations for resuming my managerial
sway in the southern regions. The cholera continu-
ing its ravages, there was no difficulty in enlisting a
few recruits, for the winter season in Georgia and
Alabama, with the understanding that for their
services, while traveling, and until the commence-
ment of the fall season in Georgia, their traveling and
other expenses should be paid by me. I purchased
two wagons and teams, a set of scenery, and a small
lot of wardrobe ; engaged a small party, consisting
of Mr. and Mrs. Delmon, (late Miss Charlotte
Crampton,) Mr. Coney, Mr. Lyne, Mr. Gamble, and
one or two others; and on the 12th of August, 1833,
leaving the cholera behind us, as we hoped, we started ^
for Georgia, through Kentucky, via the Cumberland /
Gap.
Our first stopping place (for business) was Paris.
It was plainly to be perceived that although no
cholera actually existed there, the fear of it kept
people from assembling together in large numbers.
Our receipts were next to nothing ; and I soon found
(115)
116 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
that paying the boarding and traveling expenses of
the company was a bad speculation ; and, worst of
all, I had provided myself with only three hundred
dollars for the journey, supposing that we should
certainly be able to "play our way" triumphantly
into Georgia.
Our next town was Richmond, which was reached
by traveling through a most romantic country, cross-
ing the Kentucky river at a point where it was ne-
cessary to unload our wagons and " tote" the trunks
up a hill at least half a mile, the horses being barely
able to haul the empty vehicles.
At Richmond the receipts were rather better than
at Paris, but nevertheless very small ; and the
authorities of the place charged rather a heavy tax
on our performances, which did not set us forward
any. Here began dissensions between Mr. Delmon*
and his wife, which ended in the departure of the
former for Cincinnati.
With my fund considerably diminished, we took
our departure from Richmond on Sunday, the 1st of
September, and on Tuesday passed through the town
of London, (containing five houses and a half,) arriv-
ing at Barboursville, at the foot of the Cumberland
mountains, on Wednesday. Here we were persuaded
to give a concert, and the Barboursvillians turned out
to the number of twenty-two, at 25 cents each, (all
they would pay for any "show," they said,) giving
us a sum total of $5 50 — about half the amount of
our tavern bill.
* The real name of this young man was Delmon Grace; but he
dropped the Grace when he adopted the stage as a profession.
COMMENCEMENT OF A LONG JOURNEY. 117
After paying toll next day at a gate on our way
through the mountains, my "ready money" had be-
come reduced to the inconsiderable sum of eight dol-
lars and fifty cents ' Rather a discouraging situa-
tion we were in, the reader will probably think — and
we were.
On the 6th we passed over and through what is
called the " Cumberland Gap," and arrived at
Tazewell. The encouragement here for a concert
was very small indeed — and a theatrical performance
was out of the question, there being no room large
enough. Our announcement of an entertainment,
consisting of songs, recitations, &c, brought forth a
demand by some public functionary of fifty dollars
for license ! After considerable search, I found an
old statute which exempted theatres and concerts
from the operation of this license law, and we were
permitted to proceed with our concert wwlicensed.
Our performance was given in thejlining room of
the hotel where we stopped. The auditory, about
twenty in number, were seated on chairs in the room,
while we, the performers, sung and spoke on a sort
of landing-place or gallery, about six feet long, and
two and a half feet wide. From this landing-place,
which was four feet higher than the floor of the
room, three doors opened, one communicating with our
retiring room, one to a sitting room, and the other to
the stairway which led to the rooms above ; besides
there were steps leading down from each end of the
platform into the dining room. Persons were pass-
ing from one room to the other continually, and the
performer was obliged to move whenever any one
passed.
10*
118 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
Mr. Lyne, our heavy tragedian, (afterwards a cele-
brated Mormon preacher,) undertook, as his share of
the entertainment, to give Shakspeare's " Seven
Ages," from the comedy of " As You Like It." I
here attempt to give a portion of the recitation, as
spoken on this occasion, with the "side speeches" or
interpolations of the reciter, caused by the frequent
interruptions he was subjected to :
All the world's a stage,
[Sir, (to the landlord, a fat man, who entered at
the moment, shoving the actor against the wall,) Til
thanh you not to crowd me so — our stage is very
small.']
And all the men and women merely players.
[Don't — don't crowd me off!]
They have their exits and their entrances,
[Indeed, sir, if you keep going in and out in this
way, I cannot go on with my speech."]
And one man in his time plays many parts,
[Now, sir, if you'll shut that door, Til be obliged
to you. " Certainly, sir, go on."]
His acts being seven ages.
[Thanh you, sir. Now, pray, sit down.]
At first the infant,
Muling and puking in its nurse's arms ;
[If you cant stop that child's crying, madam, I
respectfully recommend that you retire with it into
another room, and furnish it with some refreshment
suited to its tender years.]
And then the whining school boy, with satchel on arm,
[You needn't snuff these candles just now, boy.]
And shining morning face, creeping like a snail,
COMMENCEMENT OF A LONG JOURNEY. 119
[I shall never get through if you keep jambing me
in this way.]
Unwillingly to school.
[ Waiter, bring me a julep.']
And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woful ballad,
[I think the singing takes better than recitations.']
Made to his mistress' eyebrows.
[It's devilish hot.]
Then the soldier,
Full of strange oaths,
[I shall swear, presently, if that child is not taken
out,]
And bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, —
[Set down the julep — Til pay you when the per-
formance is over.]
Seeking the bubble reputation, even in the cannon's mouth.
[Sucks julep through a straw — pronounces it very
good.]
And then the Justice, &c, &c. &c.
Next morning, after settling our tavern bill, I bad
not enough money left to pay for our breakfast,
-which was to be partaken of about ten miles ahead.
Our avant courier, nevertheless, was directed to order
the usual morning meal, and on went the vehicle, con-
taining the majority of the party, while I remained
behind a little, in order to "raise the wind," if pos-
sible, to pay for the expected repast. As my wagon
was brought to the door, I asked the landlord if there
was such a personage in the town as a pawnbroker ?
He did not understand me. "A money lender," I
explained — "one who lends money on pledges."
120 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
" Well, yes — I reckon there is ; our postmaster,
Mr. , sometimes lends money in that way."
I soon found Mr. Postmaster, and opened the ne-
gociation. Offering him a gold chain which cost $40,
I asked a loan of $20 on it for one month. He looked
at the chain, weighed it in his hand — and declined.
After considerable haggling, the worthy postmaster
offered, out of pure friendship, (as he said,) to let me
have $15, if I would return him $20 in a month, and
leave my gold watch, worth $200, as security. I de-
clined this time, and we parted.
Desperately I whipped up the horses, urging them
on towards our breakfast place, my appetite entirely
gone; but fully believing that I should come across
some one who would furnish me with the required loan.
I felt very certain of this, and told my wife so ; and
sure enough — just before reaching the dreaded
haven, we overtook a Mr. Burns, with a drove of
horses, a person we had frequetly passed, and been
passed by, during the journey. " That's my man,"
said I, as we neared him.
" Good morning, Mr. Burns."
" Good morning, Mr. Smith."
" Where do you breakfast this morning ?"
" At this place just ahead."
" So do I. Can I speak to you one moment ?"
" Certainly." And in less than three minutes my
immediate wants were supplied by the transfer of a
twenty dollar bill from his pocket book to mine. It
turned out that although our personal acquaintance
was slight, merely from casual meetings as we pro-
gressed in our journey, he knew me very well, and
was perfectly satisfied with my responsibility. Indeed
COMMENCEMENT OF A LONG JOURNEY. 121
he wished me to take a hundred or two ; but I posi-
tively declined, feeling great confidence that at the
Warm Springs, which we were now n earing, we
should retrieve our fortunes, and be in funds again.
My appetite returning, we all made a hearty break-
fast, and pursued our journey with renewed vigor and
spirits.
CHAPTER XXI.
ALMOST A DUEL.
Benn's Station — A Concert in the Dark — The Warm Springs — Stage
Coach Adventures — Preacher Smith — The belligerent Southerner
— A challenge — Weapons objected to — The Preacher yields, and
there is no duel — Reflections, twenty years after.
Crossing Clinch Mountain, from which there is the
most magnificent view I ever looked upon, and par-
taking of some water from a strongly impregnated
chalybeate spring at its base, we reached Bean's
Station, in East Tennessee, on the evening of the
7th of September, and "put up" for the night. It
soon became noised about that we were " show folk,"
and a very strong request was made by the citizens
of the little settlement that we should give a perfor-
mance in the parlor of the hotel or tavern. We
acceded to the request after considerable persuasion,
and quite a number of persons, male and female, col-
lected about the house just before dark.
Remembering the difficulty I had experienced on a
similar occasion many years previously, as related in
my "Apprenticeship," when we were obliged to use
potatoes for candlesticks, I made inquiry of our land-
lord as to the manner of lighting the room for the in-
tended performance. The reader will scarcely credit
me when I say that neither a candle or lamp could
be procured in the neighborhood! Of course we
expected this would end all idea of the proposed perfor-
mance ; but we were mistaken, the villagers insisted on
(122)
ALMOST A DUEL. 123
the fulfillment of our promise to "give them a show,"
and at last, as a bit of fun, I told them that we would
perform, if they would be satisfied that we should do so
in the dark. The crowd agreed to this nem. con.,
and I here record the fact that we gave an entertain-
ment, consisting of songs, duetts, recitations and in-
strumental music, in total darkness ! The perform-
ance appeared to take well with the audience, the
applause being liberally showered upon us. At the
close I dismissed my " patrons" with the assurance
that we charged nothing for our services on that occa-
sion, which seemed to please them more than even
the " entertainment" which had drawn them together,
three tremendous cheers being voluntarily given for
the " show folk," as the delighted Bean Stationers
groped their way to the door, and the tired travelers
felt their ways to their several dormitories. Next
morning we found that our hotel expenses had been
settled by some of the leading gentlemen of the village,
who had been instrumental in getting up the enter-
tainment, and we wended our way toward the North
Carolina Warm Springs.
Greenville (East Tennessee) was our next town,
and here we fitted up a carpenter's shop in good style
for a theatre, and opened with every prospect of suc-
cess. In another place I have related the result of
our three nights' season. The " Tennessee Door-
keeper," who considered his whole duty performed
when he strictly guarded the door, leaving the win-
dows wide open for the free ingress of the Greenvil-
lians, (just returned from camp meeting,) will be
remembered by those who honored my "Anecdotical
Recollections" with a perusal.
124 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK. N
On the 11th of September, we reached the Warm
Springs, Buncombe county, N. C. This is a beauti-
ful place, situated in a lovely valley, surrounded by
hills — mountains, I might say. The river French
Broad runs in front of the premises. The principal
building, which is very spacious, is surrounded by
beautiful white cottages for the accommodation of
visitors. The Warm Spring is a great curiosity. The
dining room of the hotel is capacitated for the accom-
modation of 800 diners ! We found we were too
LATE in arriving here, (just my luck !) nearly all the
company having left the week previously. No matter
— we determined to try our fortune with the few
pleasure-seekers who remained, and were favored with
the attendance at our first entertainment, of an audi-
ence composed of every person at the Springs, in-
cluding a numerous body of black servants, belonging
to the place, who occupied the " upper end of the
hall," being admitted on the "free list."
Finding that our heavy tragedian and other "princi-
pal actors" could be of no use whatever in the concert
line, I dispatched them, in the stage, to Greenville,
S. C, and gave the next and last entertainment with
the assistance of Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Delmon only.
This was attended by all the visitors again — our total
receipts the two nights amounting to twenty-two
dollars and seventy-five one-hundredths.
I here sold one of my teams, pledged my $200
watch to Col. Patton, our landlord, for $50, (never
have had an opportunity to redeem it,) paid our bill,
returned the borrowed money to my friend Burns, the
drover, and secured seats for Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Del-
mon, my two little boys and myself for Greenville,
ALMOST A DUEL. 125
S. C, where we were told, a splendid business might
be calculated on.
On getting into the stage coach, I was greatly sur-
prised to observe two men on the back seat, naturally
supposing the two ladies and children would have been
permitted to occupy that place ; but my surprise was
still greater when, being remonstrated with by the
agent, they claimed the seat and expressed their de-
termination to keep it. In all my travels, before or
since, I have never met with a case like this, all gen-
tlemen I have traveled with having ever been ready
to yield the back seat of a stage coach to ladies. Not
wishing to delay the coach, I requested the ladies and
children to take the front seat, and boiling over with
passion, I ascended to the box, where I took a seat
with the driver. At our breakfast place, one of the
occupants of the back seat came to me, and offered to
resign his place to my wife, a sense of shame having
overcome him on the way. The other person, who
persisted in his claim, was a Mr. Smith, (it was such
a singular name I shall never forget it!) a preacher
from Charleston. While breakfast was getting ready,
I went to the reverend gentlemen and told him that
he must not think of riding inside the coach any
further; that jThad taken my turn outside, and I
wished him to experience the pleasant sensation of
riding in the rain for a dozen miles or so, as I had
done. He turned very pale, but said nothing. Shortly
after he took his co-occupant of the back seat aside,
and after some conversation between them, the latter
came to me and said that if I persisted in my demand
that Parson Smith should ride outside in the rain, he
should espouse his cause, and see that no harm cam©
11
126 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
to him — in short, that he would not permit the
preacher, that individual being a non-combatant, to
be treated with violence. I observed that in Georgia
I had heard of a man who amassed a considerable for-
tune by minding his own business, and gently hinted
that perhaps he might profit by confining his atten-
tion to his own affairs. This rather nettled Mr.
Bobadil, (I purposely suppress his real name,) and he
cut short our conversation by notifying me that if I
offered to prevent the preacher's entrance into the
coach, he should consider it a personal insult and
challenge me to mortal combat.
" Challenge me, will you?" said I. "I will not ac-
cept your challenge ; I am bound by my oath, as an
attorney-at-law, not to challenge to fight, fight, or ac-
cept a challenge to fight a^luel with deadly weapons.
I shall abide by my oath."
"You can resign your office of attorney-at-law,
and can then accept my challenge," replied Mr. B.
"But I don't ivant to resign," persisted I, "I don't
want to be at liberty to accept a challenge ; I don't
believe in fighting duels; in short — "
At this juncture breakfast was announced, and we
all made a good meal before resuming the subject.
Breakfast over, I conducted the ladies and placed
them in the back seat, after which I went to the
clergyman and told him that if he went any further
by that conveyance, he must ride with the driver.
Mr. Bobadil came up and asked in a formal way if I
intended to persist in my determination to make the
clergyman ride on the outside. My answer was in the
affirmative.
ALMOST A DUEL. 127
" Then, sir," said he, "I challenge you to give me
the satisfaction of a gentleman."
I answered — " Sir, I have no cause of quarrel with
you — you have resigned your seat to the ladies, as any
gentleman ought. I know the custom of this country
will not permit me to decline your challenge ; so with
great sorrow I accept it."
" It is well," replied my opponent. " I have a pair
of pistols, and we can settle this affair in five
minutes."
" Hold, sir," I interposed. " I have already told
you I am principled against duelling — also that I
have taken an oath not to fight with deadly weapons.
You have challenged me — I have accepted your chal-
lenge. If I am rightly informed in regard to your
rules in matters of this kind, I, the challenged party,
have a right to select the time, the place, and the
weapons ; am I right ?"
u Undoubtedly," he answered.
" I avail myself of my right, then," I continued :
" The time shall be now — the place here, and the
weapons — fists."
A general laugh followed this announcement — a
considerable crowd having collected by this time, to
witness the expected duel.
" Sir," said Bobadil, " the time, I agree to — the
place I make no objections to — the weapons I re-
ject."
" On what grounds, pray ?" inquired I.
" On the ground that they are not gentlemanly
weapons," he replied.
"But I insist," said I, " that they are gentlemanly
weapons."
128 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
" How do you make that out ?" asked he.
" Thus," I replied : " You challenge me ; by which
act, according to your rules, you acknowledge me to
be a gentleman. They are my weapons — ergo, they
are the weapons of a gentleman, or in other words,
gentlemanly weapons."
Several of the crowd here began to take part with
me, exclaiming — " Good — well argued — go it, law-
yer !"
" I object to your weapons," persisted my oppo-
nent, " on the ground that they are unusual, and
finally that, not being a pugilist myself, the chances
would be greatly in your favor."
" Just the reason that I named them," I replied.
" If I fight in the way proposed, I expect to conquer;
whereas, if I should fight with your confounded pis-
tols, it is ten to one I would get a bullet in my
thorax, which would be vastly inconvenient, I assure
you, particularly at this time, when I am under a
pledge to the good citizens of Greenville to appear
before them day after day to-morrow night."
The laugh being entirely against Bobadil, he took
new ground — he said if I persisted in a " fist fight,"
he should avail himself of his right to postpone the
battle, and procure a " champion" in three days.
" I refuse to fight any champion — it must be either
yourself or the preacher," said I.
Finding that not much was to be made out of me
in the talking line, Mr. Bobadil proceeded to the
coach, where, taking out and cocking a pistol, he said
to the preacher —
" Go into the coach — I am here to protect you."
The reverend gentleman hesitated.
ALMOST A DUEL. 129
"Don't attempt to go into the coach," said I,
coming up to the other side of the door — "I am here
to prevent you."
The parson hesitated just a moment, and then —
mounted the hox and took his seat with the driver.
This ended all the difficulty. The fighting gentle-
man became as friendly as a " sucking dove," and
long before our journey was over, even the clergy-
man joined us in laughing over the adventure, and
acknowledged his regret at having claimed the back
seat, and of being the cause of any words between
the South Carolinian and myself.
This little scene took place twenty years ago. At
the time, and long afterwards, I thought I was in the
right during the whole of that altercation. I record
it to say I ivas in the wrong — decidedly. My con-
duct towards the preacher was almost brutal, and I
acknowledge it thus publicly, in hope, if these sheets
should meet his eye, that with the same Christian
spirit which impelled him to ascend to the top of the
coach to endure a dripping rain, for the sake of
peace, he will forgive me the harsh words I was
guilty of uttering on that occasion. On my part,
with the utmost sincerity, I forgive him for his great
impoliteness in taking the back seat in the coach to
the exclusion of ladies and children, and feel certain
he will never sin in that way again. And while I am
about it I may as well accord him my forgiveness for
a furious attack he afterwards made from the pulpit,
in Charleston, upon theatres and the theatrical pro-
fession. Amen.
11*
CHAPTER XXII.
THE QUARREL OF BRUTUS AND CASSIUS.
Concert at Ashville — Arrival at Greenville — First appearance in
South Carolina — Amateur Actors — Queer Roman Costumes —
Great success of the Amateurs — Dying kick of Cassius.
Beyond all comparison, the road from the Warm
Springs to Ashville, is the most romantic I ever
traveled ; that is for a road that is a road. Project-
ing rocks, some of them 200 feet high, crowd the
traveler almost into the French Broad river, nearly
+ .he whole 37 miles. The river itself is something of
a curiosity, being almost continuous rapids the whole
way.
Ashville is a very small village, and is the county
seat of the great county of Buncombe, which Congress-
men speak to so often.
On the urgent request of many persons, we gave a
concert here — couldn't give a " performance," in con-
sequence of our baggage wagon not having arrived —
we had passed it on the way — and received from the
generous villagers and fashionable strangers assem-
bled there, the sum of six dollars and seventy-five
cents !
On Tuesday, 17th September, we arrived at the
beautiful village of Greenville, and on Wednesday,
having completed the " necessary alterations in the
masonic lodge room, we opened it as a theatre, mak-
ing our first appearance before a South Carolina
audience, in the comedy of the " Honey Moon,*'
(130)
THE QUARREL OF BRUTUS AND CASSIUS. 131
(somewhat cut down,) arid the afterpiece of " Family
Jars." The four nights of that week yielded us a
receipt of about $150.
"VVe performed two more nights in the following
week. My quondam friend, Bobaclil, (as I have
called him,) and another gentleman, came to me on
Tuesday morning, and expressed a wish to make their
appearance on the stage in a tragedy ! It was of
course out of the question to get up a tragedy for
their accommodation ; but it struck me that the ap-
pearance of " two gentlemen of South Carolina, their
first attempt on any stage," (or in any lodge room,)
would be of considerable benefit to my exchequer ; so
I told them they might, if they thought proper, enact
the celebrated quarrel scene of Brutus and Cassius,
in Shakspeare's " Julius Caesar." This just suited
them, as they were both familiar with the text, having
at various times taken part in it at school. They
went at it, hammer and tongs, rehearsing, while I
sent out the performers of our troupe to make the
fact known confidentially, to as many people as they
could find, that Messrs. B. and G. were to appear
that night. The house was crowded.
Perhaps the reader is not aware what tricks ama-
teur actors are subjected to when they aspire (or con-
descend, as they consider it) to perform with regular
actors. Some slight idea may be formed by the
manner in which these gentlemen were treated on this
occasion — all the actors lending a hand, of course, to
assist in putting them through.
First, the dressing. (They had requested to be so
completely disguised that no one could know them.)
Cassius (Bobadil) wore a gray tunic, a large spangled
132 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
shoulder cloak, slouched hat and feathers ; stock,
gray wig with a very long tail, black whiskers,
(painted with cork,) mustachios turned up, large eye-
brows, nankin pantaloons, boots, spurs! gauntlets,
broadsword and truncheon. Brutus, his companion
in arms, (Mr. G.,) was rigged out with a soldier's
coat, Scotch kelt, large modern military hat, with
enormous red and white feather, leopard-skin cloak,
as worn by Holla, blue military pantaloons, consider-
ably too short, pumps and spurs, (couldn't do without
the spurs,) red wig, black whiskers, mustachios turned
down, (as a contrast,) a Turkish scimitar, two pistols
in his belt, gauntlets, very high standing shirt collar,
white cravat, tied with an enormous bow, and ruffled
shirt, displayed to the best advantage. Thus ac-
coutred, they appeared before the audience, with a
success unprecedented in that town, I'll venture to
say, and probably not exceeded anywhere. Oassius
ranted and stamped like mad, keeping his back to
the audience, and crowding the " gentle Brutus"
into a corner, where that personage quietly " took the
word" from the prompter, and kept a bold front to
the public until the dialogue was concluded. The
applause and laughter of the audience shook the
masonic hall to its foundations. The gentlemen actors
were in high glee at their success, and Bobadil asked
me if there would be anything improper in volunteer-
ing a comic song. Consenting at once to this ad-
dition to the fun of the evening, I rang_up the curtain,
and Oassius gave a very passable song, entitled the
" King and the Countryman." This pleased the ex-
cited public so well that they called for a song from
the other gentleman. Mr. G. had begun to discover
THE QUARREL OF BRUTUS AND CASSIUS. 133
the joke, and was in the act of disrobing when this
call was made, and nothing should induce him, he
said, to make a fool of himself a moment longer —
"besides," he added, "I never sung a song in my
life." Cassius was somewhat enraged at his com-
rade's refusal to gratify the audience, and proposed,
as the noise was kept up, that since Brutus would
not sing, they should act the quarrel scene over again ;
but Brutus positively refusing, the fiery Cassius
turned to me and offered to dance a hornpipe, if that
would be satisfactory to our patrons. Putting on a
grave face, I said —
"It is very plain to my comprehension, that the
audience do not want singing or dancing — what they
want is a little more tragedy."
"Do you think so?" said Cassius. "Well, what
can we give them?"
" I know of nothing you can give them," replied I,
"better, or more appropriate, or more likely to be ac-
ceptable, than the death scene of Cassius on the plains
of Philippi."
" Hah ! the very thing !" agreed the excited ama-
teur, "but I havn't studied it. What are the
words ?"
I put a volume of Shakspeare into his hands,
pointing to the page, called our low comedian, Mr.
Coney, (dressed for Diggory,) and told him he must
perform the part of Pindarus, Cassius' freed man,
which he very willingly undertook to do, "under the
circumstances, at very short notice," and Cassius hav-
ing, as he thought, mastered the few lines of the scene
to be enacted, the curtain was again rung up.
Cassius had by some accident, (or more likely by
184 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
some contrivance of one of the actors,) changed hats
with Brutus, and he now appeared with the large mili-
tary cocked hat which had sat so gracefully on the brow
of the "noblest Roman of them all."
The scene which followed was ludicrous in the ex-
treme.
Cassius — Come hither, sirrah !
In Parthia did I take thee prisoner,
And then I swore — I swore —
[D — d if lean remember any more.~\
Prompter. — I swore —
Cassius. — [Fvesaid that.]
Prompter. — And then I swore thee, &c.
Cassius. — [Yes, I remember. ] I swore thee, saving of thy life—
Prompter. — That whatsoever I'd bid thee do —
Cassius. — That whatsoever I'd bid thee do —
Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now keep thine
oath.
Prompter. — (Cassius repeating after him.)
Now be a freeman, and with this good sword.
C [ Where is it? Oh, here on the wrong side.]
That ran through Csesar's bowels, search this bosom.
Here, take thou the hilts.
[Coney takes sioord and an attitude.]
And when my face is covered, as 'tis now.
[How am I to cover my face? This surtout wonH,
reach.]
Manager. — [Pull your hat over your eyes.]
Cassius. — [Oh, very well; pulls the hat over his eyes and down to
his nose.] Guide thou the sword.
[Coney stabs him several times, which Cassius not
observing, being blindfolded, continues to stand
with his arms extended, trying to run on the
sword.]
Manager. — (From the wing) — Fall !
[Cassius falls with all Ms weight, half his body
off the stage, still blindfolded.]
Manager. — Now for the dying words.
Cassius. — [ What are they ?]
THE QUARREL OF BRUTUS AND CASSIUS. 135
Prompter — Csesar, thou art revenged, &c.
Cassius. — Csesar, thou art revenged even with the sword that
killed thee.
Manager. — Now for the dying struggle.
Cassius. — [Gives several dying kicks — the curtain falls.]
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE MISSES AND MADAMS OF THE STAGE.
Pendleton — Distinguished Men — Grace over mush — A marriage in
the company — Misses and Mistresses — Branches of the Georgia
Company. Letter from Mr. Dyke— Death of Palmer in Missouri,
and Lyons at sea.
Our next town was Pendleton, the very centre
of the state, and then the hot-bed of Nullification.
After considerable difficulty, the Farmers' Hall was
procured for our performances, and the Pendletonians
were treated to the first representation of a play and
afterpiece in their town, on a brick floor.
On the first day of our stay in this place, I had an
opportunity of seeing four plain-looking gentlemen in
consultation on some county or district business at
one end of the Farmers' Hall, while we were putting
up scenery at the other. These farmer-looking
/gentlemen were Col. Hugee, John C. Calhoun,
Gov. Hamilton and Mr. Pinckney. It is very sel-
dom one sees four such distinguished men together
any where.
We acted about a week in Pendleton, during the
races, to very moderate houses, paying $5 per night
to the town treasurer for the privilege, and then
pulled up stakes, determined to get out of the state
as soon as possible.
Monday, October 7th, passed through Anderson
village, the seat of justice for the district, where we
were urged to perform a few nights. No ! — positively
(136)
THE MISSES AND MADAMS OF THE STAGE. 137
no more acting by us in South Carolina, where they
tax us about two-thirds of our receipts. Tuesday
night, stayed at a Mrs. Liddell's, where we had mush
and milk for supper, " by particular desire !" When
we seated ourselves at the table, the'landlady raised
her hands towards the ceiling and pronounced the fol-
lowing words, instead of asking a blessing :
"Come all ye mush-eaters of the best,
Aloft your spoon shanks raise,
And in the voice of melody,
Sing forth the mush-pot's praise."
Supposing it might be a custom of the country, we
sang the lines to the tune of Mear, and then fell to.
Next morning after paying a swingeing bill, (for
poetry, mush and lodging,) we proceeded on to Ab-
beville Court House, where we had the satisfac-
tion of paying no tax for playing, for the simple
reason that we did not play, though strongly urged to
do so. Thursday morning we crossed the Savannah
river, on each side of which, at our crossing-place,
stands a town — Lisbon on one side, and Vienna on
the other — and arrived the same night at Washing-
ton, in Georgia. Here we were announced to per-
form three nights ; but to our utter dismay, on the
rising of the curtain we found that only nine persons
constituted our entire audience ! At the close of the
performance, I directed the carpenter to take down
the scenery and be ready for an early start in the
morning. A great many people remonstrated against
this hasty retreat, saying that now the citizens under-
stood the performance was "respectable," they would
crowd the room the other two nights ; but I was firm
12
138 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
in my determination to leave, and leave we did, with-
out subjecting ourselves to the chance of such another
mortification.
Two of our company, Mrs. Delmon and Mr. Coney,
were married in this place ; that is to say, the mar-
riage ceremony was performed — I cannot suppose
there was any legality in it, as Mr. Delmon was alive
at the time. Poor Coney afterwards went to Texas,
joined a military company, and was killed in battle.
Mrs. Coney, after marrying several other gentlemen in
the theatrical profession, is at this moment (June,
1853) performing in the city where I am writing,
(St. Louis,) under her maiden name of " Miss Cramp-
ton !" She is certainly a very talented actress, and
in retaining or rather resuming her maiden name she
is only following the example of Miss Julia Bennett,
Miss Anna Londsdale, Miss Anna Criuse, Miss Vallee,
Mademoiselle Celeste, and a hundred others, some of
whom are "happy wives" and mothers of children.
This sailing under false colors is a most ridiculous
and disgraceful custom, and operates more against
the respectability of the profession than anything I
know of. Some remarks of an old and valued friend
on this subject, contained in a letter just received,
are so much in consonance with my own views, that I
insert them :
" Miss is a daily iterated lie, or she is a shameless prosti-
tute ! Does she intend to deceive the public into a belief that she
is an unmarried woman ? She courts their censure by cohabiting
with Mr. . Does she claim their respect as a married woman,
as Mrs. ? She challenges their contempt by falsely assuming
to be Miss . This may by some be considered as a pardonable
deception ; but I have had good evidence that it has led people to
THE MISSES AND MADAMS OF THE STAGE. 139
doubt the respectability of every person in the profession. They say
— 'Oh, you cannot tell anything about actors or actresses, ■whether
they are maried or single ; they have no respect for the marriage
ceremony; even those who have husbands try to conceal the fact,
considering the advantage of being called JHqsses of far more impor-
tance than to be respected as married women.' What can be said
in favor of a profession where the women can coolly sacrifice their
private reputation for the sake of an infamous notoriety. Lan-
guage of this kind is common — how can it be otherwise ?"
Being returned to Georgia, I thought it time to make
inquiry as to the whereabouts of my company, left
in charge of Managers Palmer and Lyons. It had
scattered! There were several "branches" of the
original stock perambulating the state ; but the Gen-
erals had beat a retreat, and had " wandered away,
no one knew whither !"
A Mr. Dyke, someweat notorious as a strolling
manager in Indiana and Illinois, having engaged one
or two of my former company, (a carpenter and door-
keeper,) announced his concern as one of my branches.
Some years ago this same Dyke applied to my brother
Lemuel for an engagement in the words and figures
following, to wit :
"Dear Sir: — I am informed u are in want of a woman. I can
furnish you with my wife. She plays Mrs. Haller and dances the
slack wire elegantly — the vursatility of her talents you may per-
ceive by this is astonishing ; and I don't give up the mock duke to
no actor in the country, if you want my wife you can have us
boath on reasonable turms, say ate (8) dollars for her and sicks (6)
for me. Rite by return of male. Dies,
WM. DYKE."
Pushed on to Milledgeyille, where we arrived on
the 18th of October, and commenced preparations for
opening the theatre, which was no small task, inas-
140 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
much as Messrs. Palmer and Lyons had "managed"
to destroy, scatter and lose nearly everything in the
shape of wardrobe, scenery and properties entrusted
to them. Mr. Lyons I did not meet for two or three
years afterwards. Mr. Palmer came to see me during
the time that we remained in Milledgeville ; and in
consequence of his having taken part with the mur-
derer of my brother during my absence — that brother
having always been a kind friend to him when living —
I uttered this prophecy : " Palmer, you will die in
a ditch !" Five years afterwards he came to me here
in St. Louis, a poor drunken wretch, begging for
means to purchase bread. I gave him $5, and he
left me. Next day I learned that, in crossing a gully,
on his way to St. Charles, he fell in, and actually
died in the way I had prophecied ! Lyons, about the
same time, (1838,) formed a company for Texas, and
embarking on board a brig at New York, was lost, with
all the company except two, (Mr. Dougherty and an-
other,) the vessel being upset in a gale.
CHAPTER XXIY.
FIRE IN THE CAPITOL.
Commencement of the season — Fire — State House saved — A Negro
rewarded, after a while — I claim a pair of boots.
With a rather inefficient company, consisting of
some few stragglers reclaimed from my " branches,"
and the recruits I had brought with me from Cincinnati,
the Milledgeville Theatre was opened on Monday, 28th
of October, with the comedy of the " Soldier's Daugh-
ter," and the standard farce of " Family Jars."
Business continued dull until the assemblage of the
legislature, on the 4th of November, when the tide
turned in our favor and continued, with but little
variation, to the end of the session and season.
A. H. Pemberton, Esq., from Augusta, passed
most of his time here during the session. This gen-
tleman (now dead) was a very energetic political
writer, and wielded a considerable influence in the
affairs of the state. He was a warm advocate and able
defender of the stage, and wrote in its favor whenever
opportunity offered. In 1831, he received the thanks,
in a series of resolutions, of Mr. Caldwell's company,
then performing in St. Louis, for his able and mas-
terly defence of the drama, and of a member of our
profession, Mrs. F. Brown, against the attacks of a
fanatic named Gilchirst.
On the 16th of November there was an alarm of fire,
and it was soon ascertained that the state house was
burning. Our company instantly suspended rehearsal
12* (141)
142 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
and repaired to the spot, where all were engaged in
carrying out the valuable documents, records, and
the assets of the Central Bank of Georgia. I did
not perceive that any persons were making attempts
to extinguish the fire, which was in the upper part of
the house — all seeming to be impressed with the idea
"the house must go," there being no engines in the
town. Meeting an acquaintance or two, (I remember
the names of Messrs. McElvoy and Williams) I pro-
posed that we should go up and ascertain where the
fire was. These gentlemen acceded to the proposition,
and on our way, seeing a very large and strong negro
man busily at work carrying out books, we enlisted
him in our little band and proceeded to the roof, where
we soon found that by energetic and prompt action
it was yet possible to save the building. I am not
going to describe the proceedings which took place —
suffice it to say they were successful ; the state house
was saved. The following article from the pen of Mr.
Pemberton, in the Augusta Chronicle, will show that
due credit was given to those who were happily instru-
mental in saving the government building:
"'Great credit is due to Peter Williams, Esq., Sol. Smith, Esq.,
of the theatre, Mr. McElvoy of the House of Representatives, and
one or two others whose names we do not know, and a Negro, for
their intrepid and indefatigable exertions on the roof, to which,
mainly, the preservation of the bnilding is to be attributed. We
trust the members of the Legislature and the people of Milledge-
rille, which latter have a deep intex-est in the preservation of the
state house, will propose a benefit to Mr. Smith, and give him a
glorious bumper for his fearless and most valuable exertions on the
occasion. He richly deserves it."
The " benefit" was proposed, at $5 a ticket, but I
FIRE IN THE CAPITOL. 143 ■
shrank from the acceptance of any such demonstra-
tion. The negro, however, (Gods ! how that fellow
did work !) was rewarded by the legislature with his
freedom ; or rather, I should say, it was the intention
of the members to vote him his freedom ; but in their
hasty legislation they voted $1800 to purchase the
man, and forgot to pass an act for his emancipation !
It was only last year (1852) that the governor dis-
covered the omission, and the legislature passed the
necessary act. The noble fellow had been for nine-
teen years the property of the commonwealth, and
had busied himself in taking care and keeping in
order the building he had so efficiently assisted in pre-
serving.
Now one word for myself. In that affair I lost a
good (almost new) overcoat, and a valuable pair of
boots, which I took off while working on the roof.
The coat I say nothing about ; but the boots ! — I
don't think it would be at all out of the way if the
State of Georgia were to make me a present of a
bran new fair ; and I hope Governor Cobb, before he
retires from the station he has filled so well, will look
into this business. Although I declined the proposed
benefit, I will not decline the boots, if offered.
CHAPTER XXY.
BYROM, THE GAMBLER.
The ruined Merchant — The Oath — Appointment to die at Midnight
— Death of Byrom — Conviction of Murder on Circumstantial
Evidence, and execution of an innocent man.
" Henry Byrom, the gambler, is shot !"
Such were the words which were passed from one
to another on the morning of the 20th of November,
1833, at the seat of government of the State of
Georgia. Henry Byrom, a young man of fine talents,
and well educated, was a merchant in one of the
small towns of Georgia, operating on a capital of
$10,000 furnished by his mother. In an evil hour he
entered a gambling house, "just to see what was going
on," and was induced to make some small bets on the
game of faro. He was successful at first ; but before
midnight, stimulated by strong drinks, with which
he was plied, he not only lost all the ready money he
had with him, but became deeply in debt to the
keeper of the bank. Next day he was unfit for busi-
ness, and did not open his store, and when night again
shrouded the earth, he stealthily sought the gambler's
den, determined to retrieve his fortunes or lose all.
" Here is the key of my store," said he to the
the banker, throwing it down upon the table, " in it is
a stock of goods which cost $10,000; give me checks
— I play until I win back my last night's losses, or
you win all the store contains."
(144)
BYROM, THE GAMBLER. 145
" Agreed," said the banker, and commenced turn-
ing the cards.
In two short hours all was decided ; the key re-
mained in possession of fche banker, and Byrom rushed
out into the square a ruined man !
"I swore an oath," said Byrom, when relating these
occurrences to me, " that from that moment I would
prey upon mankind ; I would learn the devilish arts
of the gambler, and turn them against my fellow-men.
I have done so — behold me now — I am no longer a
merchant — no longer a respectable man. Can he be
respectable — nay, can he lay any claim to a shadow of
respectability — who has gambled away his mother'3
all, and caused her death ? No ! no ! I am — Byrom,
the gambler !"
Traveling from Milledgeville to Athens in a stage
coach with a mother and her two daughters, his fine
appearance and polished manners made an impression
so favorable that when the coach stopped and he was
bowing his adieu, the old lady expressed the hope that
he would call on them if he should visit Macon, where
they resided. He smiled languidly as he listened
to the old lady ; then, drawing himself up, he threw
open his outside traveling coat, and casting a piercing
glance at the ladies, he laughed sarcastically, and
exclaiming, U I am Byrom, the gambler!" walked
away.
Byrom, when I knew him, was one of the most expert
of the "sporting men" in the state; he played high,
drank deep, and was in fact a gentlemanly desperado.
In an affray he killed a Mr. Ellis, of Macon, in 1832,
and was now in Milledgeville, pursuing his nefarious
profession. On the night of the 19th of November,
146 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
some difficulty occurring between a hotel-keeper, (Mr.
Macomb,) and Col. Ward, a friend of Byrom's, fire-
arms were resorted to, and the Colonel received a
dangerous wound from a pistol shot. Byrom became
savage, and threatened vengeance on Macomb, who, it
was universally conceded, acted only in self-defence.
I heard the conclusion of a speech he made to a large
concourse of people, from the steps of the hotel where
Macomb lay wounded. He denounced Macomb and
all who sided with him as poltroons and cowards, and
dared them, one and all, to " fight it out" with Mm,
said that he would have the heart's blood of Macomb,
and concluded by taking out his watch and saying : —
I APPOINT TWELVE O'CLOCK THIS NIGHT TO DIE, AND
INVITE YOU ALL TO MY FUNERAL."
Macomb's friends had armed themselves, and stood
ready, on the second floor of , a back gallery, to repel
any attack which might be made. Byrom continued
to walk up and down the platform beneath the gallery,
with a cocked pistol in each hand, until exactly twelve
o'clock, when exclaiming, "come, it is time!" he
rushed up the steps, and was met by the discharge of
a volley of musketry, which laid him dead. There I
saw his lifeless body the next morning, the pistols
still grasped in his clenched hands. Seven or eight
buckshot had entered his brain — and that was the end
of Byrom, the gambler.
On Friday, 22d of November, I witnessed the exe-
cution of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, convicted of murder-
ing his wife's sister, a child about twelve years of age,
by hanging her on a hackbury tree. His guilt ap-
peared undoubted, although the evidence was all cir-
cumstantial. On the gallows he seemed quite uncon-
EXECUTION ON AN INNOCENT MAN. 147
cerned. He had evidently made up his mind to die,
all intercessions to the legislature on his behalf for a
pardon having proved unavailing. His wife, who was
mainly instrumental in proving his guilt, was on the
gallows with him, and seemed anxious that her hus-
band should forgive her before he suffered. The poor
man, whose hands were fast tied, could not embrace
his wife ; but allowed her to embrace him, and ap-
peared rather pleased when she got through with her
caresses. Mr. Johnson was then asked if he had any-
thing to say before he suffered the extreme penalty of
the law ? He turned and looked around on the crowd
and said mildly, " I have nothing to say, except that
I hope all of you, my friends, who came to see this
sight, when your time comes to die, may be as ready
to meet your God as I am. I die innocent." In
less than a minute after these words were uttered, his
body was hanging a lifeless corpse, and the people
were returning to their homes, wondering how any
man — particularly a minister of the gospel — could be
so hardened as to die with a lie upon his lips ; for
probably not one in that large crowd gave credit to
his dying words.
Reader, he did die innocent ! Fourteen years
afterwards a negro was hung in Mississippi, who on
the gallows confessed that he committed the crime for
which Mr. Johnson paid the terrible penalty.
CHAPTER XXYI.
OLD SOL. S MESSAGE.
Close of season — A good benefit — Message to the Legislature.
On the occasion of my benefit — the closing night —
I issued the following "Message," which undoubtedly
had its desired effect, for the house was crammed in
every part :
OLD SOL.'S MESSAGE.
To both Houses of the Legislature.
Gentlemen — As we are about closing our labors in the Me-
tropolis for the present year — or in other words, as our Legislative
and Theatrical Sessions are about to end, I think it my duty and
interest to communicate this my MESSAGE.
I thank you for your co-operation in many instances, but I am of
opinion that a better understanding ought to be had next year on
one subject — that is, Night Sessions. I recommend that you here-
after leave them to me. I am not certain whether the people's
interests would be promoted by adopting my views on this subject,
but I am almost certain that mine would. Several times during
our present Session, when we have been toiling thro' a long Tragedy
or Comedy (to the bare walls and empty benches,) and I have seen
the Senate and Representative Chambers lit up, nothing but the
great respect I have felt and do feel for my co-laborers for the
public weal, has prevented me from exclaiming, in the words of
the immortal bard, " a plague on both your houses."
I have the honor of stating to you that the receipts the current
year have fallen considerably below the estimates, but with a strict
economy, and a guarded examination of expenditures, only a small
appropriation will be necessary to meet all emergencies.
My Night Sessions have been pretty regularly held. A great
number of bills have been reported, (and 300 copies ordered to be
jjrinted,*) many of which have been approved of, but some of which,
(148)
OLD SOL.'S MESSAGE. 149
I am sorry to say, have not been acted on, in consequence of there
not being a quorum present to decide upon their merits. I wish
you to take this into your serious consideration — that -while you
have been snugly seated in your houses, discussing the merits of
nullification and railroads, (sure of your four dollars a day,) I
have frequently been under the necessity of ordering many bills to
lie on the table, because there was no money in the treasury not other-
wise approprinted.
As all the members of our house have had their claims allowed,
it only remains for me to recommend that each of you immediately
pass a bill (a one dollar Central Bank bill) for the benefit of OLD
SOL.
I did intend to say something on other matters of importance —
such as the U. S. Bank, — Donna Maria Gloria of Portugal, Major
Jack Downing, — Col. Crockett — the Alabama Question — the late
and expected nomination for Congress — &e. &c. &c. — but my time
is precious, and I leave to your imaginations what I would say on
each and all of these subjects. I will conclude this document by
saying that as there have been a great many PARTIES, lately, I
give a general invitation to the members of all PARTIES to attend
my PARTY this evening ; and I hope the measure will be carried
without a division.
Given under my hand at the Executive Office of the Theatre,
this 14th day of December, in the year of our Lord 1838, of the
Independence of U. S. the 58th, and of my management in
Georgia, the Second. SOL. SMITH.
13
CHAPTER XXVII.
STOPPING PLACES IN GEORGIA AND. ALABAMA.
Macon — A challenge from an enraged Tragedian — A premature
explosion — The " Old Station " — Captain Crowell and his "boy"
Peter — Prayer and Punch — Jumping for a wife — Gen. Wood-
ward's extra charge for Music — Accident at a Quarter Race in
the Creek Nation — The unfortunate Widow.
Our next move was to Macon, where, in conse-
quence of bad weather, we made but a poor season.
I remember nothing very amusing connected with my
present visit to this city except the following :
During Christmas time one night, our heavy tra-
gedian got "tight," and kicked up "considerable of a
muss" in one of the dressing-rooms, ending his manceu-
vers by attacking one of the employees of the theatre
and inflicting upon him many blows, cuffs and thumps.
This conduct entitled him, under our rules and regu-
lations, to an instant discharge, which he instantly
received ; when, taking his bundle under his arm and
assuring me in an emphatic manner that I should
" hear from him," the indignant tragedian went off,
and the play went on. The piece was " Paul Pry at
Dover," in which I personated the inquisitive Paul.
Just as I was going on the stage in the third act, to
be shut up in a box of fireworks, a note was handed
to me by the call-boy. Not having leisure to read it
at the time, I put it in my vest pocket, and proceeded
with my part. In due time I was in the box, where
(having a lighted candle with me) it was my business,
(150)
STOPPING PLACES IN GEORGIA AND ALABAMA. 151
at a certain " cue," to set fire to a fuse or match com-
municating with fireworks. As I lay there, waiting
for my cue, the note I had received occurred to my
mind, and I determined to read it. It was a chal-
lenge from the discharged tragedian I I burst into a
violent laugh, (I couldn't help it,) and during my
cachinatory movements, I upset the candle, which
communicated to the fuse before the proper time, and
the contemplated " terrible explosion " took place
prematurely.
Moving south-westwardly, (I forgot to say there
was no duel — the challenge was withdrawn next day,)
Montgomery, in Alabama, was our next destination
— leaving out Columbus this time. Of the various
stopping places, when journeying from town to town
in Georgia, I remember none with more pleasure than
the " Old Station" — Capt. Crowell's. The arrival of
our company, always announced by an avant courier,
was the cause of a holiday with the jolly old captain
and his amiable family. Such delicious fare as we
had at the station ! and with it, always such a hearty
welcome ! Ah •! I must travel through that country
again — and will, if my life is spared another year.
The captain had a boy named Peter ; rather an
old boy — say between fifty and sixty years of age — a
negro, in whose judgment he had great confidence.
When in the least doubt on any matter, he always
appealed to Peter, who never failed to give his
opinion honestly, bluntly and immediately. Some-
times the traveling community crowded on him in
such numbers that the worthy captain found it diffi-
cult, even with his " ample room and verge," to ac-
commodate the late comers. After talking the matter
152 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
over, he would appeal to His black oracle. "It
don't seem to me we can possibly accommodate any-
more; every bed is engaged. Peter, what do you
think ?" " Put 'em on blankets by the fire," Peter
would suggest, if favorably inclined to the travelers ;
if otherwise, his answer would probably be — " Can't
take in anudder one;" and the captain always
confirmed Peter's decision, exclaiming, " Peter is
right."
It so happened on one occasion, when we were so-
journers with Captain Crowell, that a traveling
preacher came along rather late in the evening, and
applied for accommodation.
"Don't believe we can take you in, stranger;
mighty full to-night — got the play actors here — jolly
set ! full, jam up !" said the captain.
" I regret exceedingly that you cannot accomodate
me, as I am fatigued and hungry, having been in the
saddle since sunrise," mildly replied the preacher, as
he turned his horse's head to pursue his journey.
The captain relented a little. " Fatigued and hun-
gry ! The devil ! It won't do to turn a man off fa-
tigued and hungry, — what do you say, Peter ?"
Peter, who had been waiting for the question, answer-
ed, — "Better call um back," — which w T as instantly
done.
" Holloo ! Stranger ! Holloo ! you with the saddle-
bags ! Come back and 'light — we'll see what we can
do for you."
The preacher did not wait for a second invitation,
but returned and dismounted.
" I don't like preachers much — nor Peter either ;
but mother and the girls have no objections to 'em,"
STOPPING PLACES IN GEORGIA AND- ALBABAMA. 153
mumbled the captain as he took the saddle-bags and
put them safely away. " I'll be dot darned if I know
what to do with him, though — everything is full.
What do you say, Peter ?
"Put him in de bar," answered Peter, and it was
so arranged. "Peter is right!" exclaimed the cap-
tain.
Afttr supper, the preacher proposed that we should
have family worship, saying that Mrs. Crowell and the
young ladies had accorded their consent to such a
proceeding. The captain was taken completely aback.
The truth is, he had ordered Peter to make a tremen-
dous bowl of punch, and had calculated on passing the
evening in a jolly and convivial way. The proposed
"family worship" didn't seem exactly compatible ; yet
he disliked to refuse, as the females seemed to favor it.
" Well, stranger," said he, "I don't know what to
think about this here business. I didn't expect, when
we took you in, that you would knock up our fun ;
that is, I didn't exactly look for you to go in for any
of your preachin' fixins ; the fact is, we have company
to-night, (lowering his voice,) who ain't much used to
that sort of thing ; in short — What do you say, Peter ?"
"Let him go it," replied Peter at once, knowing
that it would gratify his mistress.
So the travelers and family were gathered together
in the bar-room, and the worthy Presbyterian com-
menced one of those extensively long prayers which
appear to have no end, and in which the Almighty is
told what to do with his creatures in all their varied
walks of life. The captain stood it pretty well for the
first quarter of an hour, but after a while he began to
get mighty uneasy. Looking first one way and then
154 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
another, his eye at length rested on Peter, who was
standing on the outside of the door, bearing in his arms
a large bowl. He had been tempted several times to
stop the clergyman, but now he determined to submit
the matter to an umpire that never failed to decide
correctly — accordingly, in a loud whisper, he propound-
ed the question — " What do you say, Peter?"
"Better quit it," was the decision of Peter, who al-
most immediately added — "Punch is ready."
The captain gave a gentle jog to the long-winded
Presbyterian, and said— " Peter thinks we'd better
bring this matter to an end. We've got a splendid
bowl of punch ; and as soon as you can conveniently
come to i Amen,' perhaps it would be as well to wind
up."
The minister did "wind up" rather suddenly, and
the "family worship" was over for that night. I feel
compelled to add that the preacher, after a little urg-
ing, drank his full share of the punch, and the evening
passed off pleasantly, ending with the stowing away of
the worthy divine in the little room known as the
"bar," where he rested as well, probably, as he would
have done in the best bed-room — his long ride in a
drizzling rain, assisted by the comforting contents of
Peter's punch bowl, predisposing him to a sound sleep.
It had been told me for a fact that Capt. Crowell
had said no man should marry his daughter who could
not out-jump her. At the time I traveled in that
country, it was said she had out-jumped all the young
men who had come to woo her; but the captain felt
pretty certain that when the right one should come she
wouldn't jump so well. More than likely, long before
this time she has been "won and wed."
STOPPING PLACES IN GEORGIA AND ALABAMA. 1 55
Another famous stopping place was Gen. Wood-
ward's, at Caleba Swamp. The general was a tall, no-
ble looking fellow, a rough likeness of George Barrett.
He always gave us a hearty welcome, and many a
pleasant night I have spent at his house. A most ec-
centric man he was. A preacher putting up at his
house one night, complained of being disturbed by a
fiddler who kept playing till midnight. (The " fiddler "
was the general himself.) Next morning, as the tra-
velers came up to settle their several bills, each was
charged a dollar, except the preacher, of whom a dol-
lar and a quarter was demanded.
" Will you be kind enough to inform me why it is
you charge me more than the others?" asked the
preacher.
"Sartin," replied the general — "the extra quarter
I charge you for — the music."
It was General Woodward who, during the Indian
troubles, sent a formal offer to the War Department
that for $500 he would take as many rocks as he could
carry in his pocket, and stone the Greeks out of the
Nation.
Between Caleba Swamp and Line Creek, in the " Na-
tion," we saw considerable of a crowd gathered near a
drinking house, most of them seated and smoking.
We stopped to see what was the matter. It was Sun-
day, and there had been a quarter race for a gallon
of whiskey. The first thing I noticed on alighting,
was the singular position of one of the horses of the
party. He was kneeling down and standing on his
hinder feet, his head wedged in between the ends of
two logs of the grocery, and he was stone dead, hav-
ing evidently run directly against the building a,t full
156
THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
speed, causing the house partially to fall. About five
paces from the body of the horse lay the rider, quite
senseless, with a gash in his throat which might have
let out a thousand lives. As I said, most of the crowd
were seated and smoking.
" What is all this ?" I inquired. " What is the mat-
ter here ?"
" Matter ?" after a while answered one in a drawl-
ing voice, giving a good spit, and refilling his mouth
with a new cud. " Matter enough ; there's been a
quarter race."
"But how came this man and horse killed?" I
asked.
"Well," answered the chewing and spitting gentle-
man — " the man was considerably in liquor, I reckon,
and he run his hoss chuck agin the house, and that's
the whole on it."
" Has a doctor been sent for ?" inquired one of our
party.
" I reckon there ain't much use of doctors here"
replied another of the crowd. " Burnt brandy couldn't
save either of 'em, man or hoss."
" Has this man a wife and children ?" inquired I.
" No children, that I knows on," answered a female,
who was sitting on the ground a short distance from
the dead man, smoking composedly.
"He has a wife, then?" I remarked. "What will
be her feelings when she learns the fatal termination
of this most unfortunate race ?"
"Yes," sighed the female — "it was an unfortunate
race — poor man, he lost the whiskey."
" Do you happen to know his wife ? — has she been
UNFORTUNATE RESULT OP A QUARTER RACE. 157
informed of the untimely death of her husband?
were my next inquiries.
"Do I Jrnoic her? Has she been informed of his
death ?' ; said the woman. ;; Well, I reckon you ain't
acquainted about these parts. I am the unfortunate
bidder. "
i; You, madam ! You the wife of this man who
has ":een so untimely cut off:''' I exclaimed, in aston-
ishment.
••' Yes. and what about it?"' said she. '''Untimely
cut off? His throat's cut, that's all. by that 'taraal
sharp end of a log ; and as for its being untimely, I
don't know but it's as well now as any time — lie warrit
:f much : :: :\rr. s . no how .'''
She resumed her smoking, and we resumed our
journey.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE COMEDIAN.
A very short chapter, and not much in it.
The season in Montgomery, this year, (1834,)
commenced on the 16th of January. The celebrated
George Holland joined me in the management, and
the firm was " Smith & Holland."
George Holland came to this country under an en-
gagement for three years at the Bowery Theatre.
After performing in that establishment for a short
time, he received so many offers of starring engage-
ments, that he bought himself out, and started on a
tour through the states, making money at every step.
In a year or two he accumulated sufficient means to
purchase a cottage at Harlem, near New York.
Being fond of domestic comforts, he fitted up his
place in the most tasteful manner — improved his
grounds — had a boat — kept his gig and fast trotting
poney, and was really in a little earthly paradise.
Being a very popular comedian in New York, and his
cottage being always open to his friends, he had con-
siderable company, who delighted in his society, his
jokes, his dinners and his champagne. He lived thus
for about two years ; when some " d — d good natured
friends" persuaded him to fit up his place as a house
of entertainment. He followed the advice — expended
a large sum in preparing his premises for the recep-
tion of company, and- was ruined ! Those friends
(158)
THE COMEDIAN. 150
who could find time to pass days at his cottage when
it cost nothing, now found that their business in town
suffered during their absence ; the wine which was
drank with such gout before, was now discovered to
be of the same kind as that kept at Niblo's in the
city; the ice cream, ice punches and strawberries,
could be got in New York, and the expense of the
ride saved ; the few who did visit the cottage, found
that Holland, the hospitable host of invited guests,
was a different person from Holland the landlord —
and though he had been always ready with his joke
and repartee when entertaining friends at his own ex-
pense, his feelings shrank from giving an expected
anecdote with a glass of cream, or a ton mot with a
bowl of punch. The speculation failed, and George
Holland was compelled to go out into the world
again.
The veteran Cooper, Mr. Barton, and Mr. Holland,
made a professional tour — giving entertainments in
all the principal towns from Baltimore to New Or-
leans. The anecdotes which might be related of this
trip would fill a small volume. George gave loose to
his love of fun, and the two tragedians were obliged
to " stand it."
My business connection with George Holland was
a very pleasant one. We parted at the close of the
season with mutual good feelings, and he proceeded
to New Orleans, where he soon became the principal
clerk of James H. Caldwell, about that time exten-
sively engaged in starting his gas company. In
after years Ave were thrown into antagonistic interests,
but not for a moment did either of us entertain any
but the most friendly feeling towards the other. In
160 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
prosperity and adversity he adhered to the fortunes
and misfortunes of Mr. Caldwell, until 1843, when
that gentleman bade adieu to theatrical management.
For a few months Mr. Holland traveled with Dr.
Lardner, as his agent and manager ; and then attached
himself to the Little Olympic, under manager Mitchell,
where he remaided seven years, as great a favorite as
New York ever knew. On the retirement of Mitchell
from the management, in 1849, Holland accepted an
engagement offered hini by Mr. Thomas Placide, man-
ager of the "Varieties," New Orleans, where Jie en-
joys a popularity never perhaps achieved by any
other actor in the city. The summers of Mr. Holland
are spent here in St. Louis, where he is deservedly
esteemed both as an actor and a man. But to return
to our narrative.
The following is a list of our Montgomery stars :
Mr. and Mrs. George Barrett, Mr. George Hill, and
Miss Jane Placide. The season was a moderately
good one, and closed on the 26th of April.
Many — many anecdotes occur to my mind con-
nected with this season. I am tempted to tell of a
certain champagne party, which terminated in a very
tall individual going to bed with his boots on ; but I
forbear, out of the* great respect and good feeling
I entertain for a certain personage, well known in
theatrical circles by the nickname of " Gentleman
George." He will understand all about it. Here I
wind up the very brief outline of my journey-work in
the campaign of 1833-4.
CHAPTER XXIX.
MY LAST TRAVELING- CAMPAIGN.
New Organization — List of Company — Journeying over old Ground
— Losing Season in Augusta — Breach of the Rules and Regula-
tions — A Manager for a Minute — Judging one's own case — The
Golden Rule.
A new organization of my forces was absolutely
necessary. The past year's company was anything
but one to be proud of. Falstaff refused to " march
through Coventry" witli his company — I was de-
termined I would no longer march through Georgia
and Alabama with mine ; so repairing to New
Orleans, the word was passed around that " recruits"
were wanted for my last traveling campaign ; and a
very short time sufficed to fill the list, which is here
annexed :
Mrs. Sol. Smith, Mrs. Gay, Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs.
McDonald ; Messrs. J. M. Field, Spencer, C. W.
Hunt, Langton, Gay, Washburn, Sullivan, Decius
Rice, Flagg and Rutherford. Leader of the Or-
chestra, H. C. Walsh.
I note here the decease of Mr. J. Purdy Brown,
manager of the Mobile Theatre, on the Tth June,
1834, after an illness of only a few hours, caused, as
it is supposed, by eating crabs for supper at a late
hour.
Conceiving that too many details of the business
must tire the reader, (it certainly tires one to write
14 (161)
162 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
them,) I will confine myself to a very brief compen-
dium of our proceedings during this year.
The company was certainly better, by several
degrees, than any which had preceded it in the
circuit ; but the receipts fell far below those of
previous seasons.
At Montgomery, to begin with, we played two
weeks; at Columbus four; Macon six; and then
proceeded to Augusta, at the earnest request of
many of the most respectable citizens.
Here I leased the theatre for one year, and occu-
pied it one month, losing in that month $1,000.
The rent (§1,000) was secured by a mortgage on a
lot in Macon, which was eventually sold to pay the
same. Two years afterwards that lot was worth
$11,000 ! So my month's management in Augusta
was anything but profitable.
Charles W. Hunt was a member of my company
at the time. He was then a promising young actor,
aspiring to establish himself as a low comedian ; but
young as he was, and modest, I think the reader will
agree with me, when he reads what follows, that he
exhibited a degree of coolness under difficulties,
worthy of an experienced veteran.
On the very first night of the season, this Hunt
got into a difficulty with a Mr. Sullivan, a fiery,
trodden- down young tragedian. A fight ensued,
which ended in the breaking of poor Hunt's arm. A
fight behind the scenes being a most unusual occur-
rence, in any well-regulated theatre, is always visited
upon the party who is in the wrong, by the utmost '
rigor of the " rules and regulations;" either an im-
mediate discharge, or a heavy penalty in the way of
MY LAST TRAVELING CAMPAIGN. 163
stoppage of salary, must be submitted to by the
offender. Hunt stood in this predicament. He had
brought the misfortune upon himself, and in an apolo-
getic letter the next morning, he acknowledged his
fault to the fullest extent ; but inasmuch as he was
suffering for his indiscretion, and would be prevented,
at least for several weeks, from appearing on the
boards, my mind was made up at once to treat him
with great leniency; in fact, I determined to say
nothing at all about the affair, and permit him to
rejoin the company whenever his arm should be
healed.
The season closed — so did the broken bone of
Hunt's arm. The treasury was opened for the pay-
ment of salaries for the final week in Augusta. As
was my custom at that time, I attended personally to
this ceremony. Piles of silver and bank notes were
laid out before me on a table in the director's room —
the receipt book was ready, and the clerk was directed
to admit the performers, "one by one," to receive
their salaries. The door was opened, and the first
individual that appeared, was the broken-armed
comedian, Hunt !
"Ah! is that you, Mr. Hunt ? Good morning" —
thus I greeted him ; " glad to see you out ; arm quite
well?" I asked.
" Thank you, yes," he replied, taking a chair
which I pointed to. " I have suffered greatly for my
folly," he continued — "only catch me getting into a
fight again, that's all !"
"That's the right feeling, Mr. Hunt," I re-
marked. " Such scenes are disreputable in every way.
Let this be a lesson to vou."
164 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
" It shall, most assuredly," promised the repentant
comedian. The conversation here ceased, and I
began to count over a " ten" pile, in hopes my
visitor would take his leave and permit the payment
of salaries to proceed, as I was in haste, intending to
leave the city for Milledgeville the same afternoon.
Finding the comedian did not exhibit the least sign
of departure, after a few common-place observations
respecting the fine weather for travelling, I ventured
courteously to suggest that I should be happy to see
him some other time, it being "salary day," and a
busy one for me — the people waiting
" Ye — es," replied Hunt — " salary day — that's just
the reason I came in at this very time. My salary
has been lying in the treasury during the whole
season of four weeks ; and as we leave this afternoon,
why I thought"
" Your salary, Mr. Hunt !" I exclaimed, with
some surprise — " I was not aware there was anything
due you. If my memory serves me, everything was
settled at the close of the season in Macon."
"Decidedly," admitted Hunt; "everything was
paid up — fair and square ; but it is this season's
salary I speak of, and which I have called to receive."
"My dear sir," I remonstrated — "you don't
imagine, I hope, that you are entitled to salary
during the time you have rendered no service ? Your
hurt was not received in the performance of your
professional duties — on the contrary you received it
whilst engaged in a most unpardonable breach of the
rules and regulations, which not only subjects you
to a heavy fine, but renders you liable to an instant
A MANAGES FOR A MINUTE. 165
discharge, as you know and have admitted; and
now"
" That is all true," interrupted Mr. Hunt,
« but"
"Hear me through," I continued; "and now,
instead of coming to ask leave to rejoin the company
at Milledgeville, and perhaps ash a loan of a small
sum, which very likely would not be refused, under
the circumstances, it appears you intend to set up a
claim for salary during your confinement. Am I
right in supposing such to be your intention?"
" Most indubitably you are," was my friend Hunt's
reply — "that is," he continued — "so far as my
claiming something in the way of salary, you are
right. I do think you ought to allow me at least a
'portion of the amount which would now be my due,
had not this untoward accident happened. Gentle-
men of the army receive half-pay when they are
wounded or retire from service. What say you ?
Let us compromise this matter — give me half salary
for the four weeks, and we'll have no more words
about it."
The coolness of this proposition almost upset my
temper. The rules and regulations which he had
agreed to and signed, stipulated that "no salary
should be received during sickness, or when no ser-
vices were tendered;" and although I had always
been in the habit of making some allowance in cases
where performers received an injury while in the
exercise of their duties in the theatre, I could not see
the least reason why the treasury should be taxed in
a case like this, where there had been a decided
breach of the rules, and where the fault was acknow-
14*
166
THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
ledged to be on the side of the party now claiming
salary.
" I cannot admit this claim," I said, firmly. " I
intended to reinstate you in your situation at the
next town, considering that your sufferings had atoned
for your fault ; moreover I now profess myself ready
to loan you some money, if you stand in need of it,
to enable you to settle up your bills here and travel
to Milledgeville. This is all I can or will do."
" Then I consider you act unjustly," replied Hunt,
surlily, rising and taking his hat. " Here have I
been suffering for a month, confined to my room,
earning nothing, subjected to expenses of boarding,
washing and surgical attendance, and now to be
fobbed off without any salary for four weeks — really
it is too"
"Fobbed off?" I rejoined — " fobbed, sir? Is it
not enough that I should be deprived of your services
during the whole of the season — must I now be ac-
cused of acting unjustly because I do not entertain
3 r our absurd claim, and pay you for your improper
conduct?"
The discussion was waxing warm, and there ap-
peared to be no chance of coming to an understand-
ing ; the company were all waiting in the next room
for their salaries. I became impatient, and at length
proposed that we should call in two or three members
of the company as arbitrators ; but to this Hunt ob-
jected, saying that he thought he was capable of at-
tending to his own affairs, and that he would not give
up his own judgment for that of any person living !
"Well, then," I replied — " to your judgment and
sense of justice I will submit the matter. Here, take
JUDGING ONE'S OWN CASE. 167
this seat. You shall be the manager — I the actor.
You shall be judge in your own case."
Mr. Hunt very readily took possession of the
vacated chair, graciously remarking that my propo-
sition convinced him that I was indeed the upright
and just man he had always taken me to be. I felt
quite confident that he would view the matter in a
proper light, when he came to see it in all its proper
bearings.
Taking Hunt's late position in front of the table —
"Mr. Manager," I began, "the season being
ended, I have come to request that the outrage I com-
mitted on the first night, and which has laid me up
for a month, may not be in the way of my restoration
to the company, inasmuch as I have suffered greatly
from the serious hurt I received on that unfortunate
occasion."
" Yes, yes," replied manager Hunt, with a digni-
fied wave of the hand, " that is all understood ; join
us at Milledgeville, and let us have no more such
scenes — they are disgraceful in the extreme. What
more
"Well, sir," continued I, still in the character of
the suppliant invalid, " perhaps as I have been so
great a sufferer, you may not think it unreasonable
that I should ask some pecuniary accommodation ?"
"It is but reasonable," replied the manager fro
tern., promptly ; " that matter has been thought of.
Have you no other request to make?" he inquired,
turning round in the chair and taking up a pen.
" Yes," I replied, hesitatingly, " I have been think-
ing — though really I am almost ashamed to mention
it — that possibly you might allow me half pay during
168 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
my confinement ; in short, as it is a delicate matter,
I leave it entirely to your own sense of justice to de-
cide whether I shall receive anything from the trea-
sury or not."
"Ahem ! yes, I understand," said my locum tenens,
casting a cursory glance over a copy of the rules and
regulations which happened to lay before him, rivet-
ing his eye for a moment at the particular section
which had been violated, and uttering two or three
emphatic " hems," he then proceeded slowly to pro-
nounce judgment in the case, as follows :
" Young man, you have done very wrong — very
wrong indeed — but on the other hand, you have
suffered very much — I am fully sensible how much ;
therefore we will let that pass. The offence has car-
ried its own punishment with it. I have already told
you that you are restored to your situation. In re-
gard to your application for pecuniary assistance, I
scarcely know what to say. You speak of half pay.
This, I am disposed to believe, would scarcely reach
your merits — certainly not your necessities. Your
rapid improvement in your profession has not been
unnoticed by the management ; your conduct, with
the single exception of the case under consideration,
has been most exemplary ; your salary is not large —
and in this connection I may say a small addition to
your weekly income has been thought of; but the
season has been so unpropitious that this is not the
proper time to carry out my intentions concerning
you — therefore, taking every point into consideration,
and acting upon the principle of returning good for
evil, which, as a good Christian, I feel impelled to do
— there !" (with great composure selecting six of the
THE GOLDEN RULE. 169
ten-dollar piles before him, and magnanimously push-
ing them, one by one, across the table,) " there, my
boy, is the whole oe your salary, to date— sign
the receipt."
* -x- * * *
The judgment was of course affirmed, when I re-
sumed the managerial chair. Hunt pocketed his
sixty dollars, and retired perfectly satisfied with his
brief term of management, and I proceeded with the
payment of salaries to the ladies and gentlemen who
had been kept waiting by the enactment of this singu-
lar scene. Hunt afterwards justified his proceeding,
by saying he acted on the golden rule — " Do unto
others as you would they should do unto you."
CHAPTER XXX.
Last Season in Milledgeville — Final Message to the Legislature.
At Milledgeville, during the session of the legis-
lature, we made a moderately successful season of
seven weeks, I insert my benefit message, although
it must be allowed "it took" better nineteen years
ago than it possibly can now. Its effect at the time
may be judged of by the fact that every member of
the legislature made it a point to attend my benefit,
or send his dollar.
OLD SOL.'S MESSAGE,
To both Houses of the Georgia Legislature.
Gentlemen: — As the curtain is about to fall on our legislative and
theatrical labors, it again becomes my duty to address you, before
we both depart from the scenes of our official acts.
In your two houses may be found almost as great a vai'iety as is
seen in our house. You cannot be lacking in wisdom, for you
have a Solomon and a Daniel. No one can doubt your ability to
do your work well, for you are well provided with mechanics ; for
instance you have a Taylor, 2 Bakers, a Wright, 3 Smiths, a Cooper,
and a Chandler. You have sent away to Washington, a King, to do
what formerly required a Troup to perform. Yet you retain one
King among you, and a Prince writes down your doings. You
have a Hall, and there you sit, Day and (K)night, (and sometimes
Morrow,) surrounded by Bush, Woods, Groves, Graves, Fields and
Rivers; and not content with what you can procure from your own
Ho(l)mes, you have a Holland-er, two Moor{e)s, (besides a 3Ioor-ish.
stenographer,) and one yet Wilder! Though there are no buyers
among you, I am told that you have had plenty of Sellers. You
have no riders, but can boast of two excellent Walkers. You have
(170) '
ANOTHER, MESSAGE, AND THE LAST. 171
a Hard{e)man-ivow. Oglethorpe, a Ilardman from Jasper, and a
Little doctor from Wilkinson. Two of your number will never be
too old for members, for they are sure to remain Young always.
One member, (without deserving to be so,) is a Butt of the Senate,
and another, tho' really a brave man, bears the name of a Cowart.
While you unfortunately have but one Free-man among you, and
but one who is Well-born.
Notwithstanding this heterogenous mass of which your honora-
ble body is composed, I am happy to say your proceedings have
mostly met my approbation. It is true two or three times I was
tempted to let off a Proclamation, a Veto, or a Protest at you,
(I mean when you was about to " use up" Judge Hooper,) but per-
haps " 'tis better as it is."
Our sister State of South Carolina, I am glad to say, has
settled her domestic difficulties, by each party agreeing to under-
stand the oath of allegiance just as they each please, which agree-
ment I have officially ratified ; and the happy effects of the com-
promise are beginning to be apparent in the altered tone of the
newspapers.
In New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and other states,
elections have lately been held, and I now officially state to you,
that in almost every instance those candidates who had a majority
of votes were elected.
A Mr. Thompson, from Great Britain, is lecturing in Massachu-
setts, against slavery ; and as Negro slavery does not exist there,
it is recommended that the philanthropic gentleman be invited to
visit us at the south, where his labors would be properly appre-
ciated and reivarded.
The U. S. Bank seems to have received its final sentence, and
must go down ; but to break its fall, and in a spirit of good feeling
which I hope will always characterize men in high official stations,
I have issued a circular to my Box Offices, directing that its bills
and drafts be received in all payments due this department.
You are aware that before we again meet in our official capacity,
it will become the duty of our constituents to choose a governor.
I have not made up my mind whether to give my voice for Groce or
Davis. When I hear from Col. Crockett and Mrs. Royall on the
subject, you shall know.
An eclipse of the sun took place on the 30th ult, according to
announcement, and was a well got up affair — the moon had a bit
of an eclipse also, on the 15th inst., but it was rather a failure.
172 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
Messrs. Garrison and Tappan seem to be losing ground at the
north — it is recommended that they travel to the south for their
health, where they would be presented with some essence of pine,
which abounds in this region, and some goose feathers.
Graves, the Indian murderer, (notwithstanding Judge Baldwin's
citation,) has been hung — Hogg Smith, ditto.
From foreign powers I continue to receive the most gratifying
assurances of friendship, which it is our interest as well as wish
to cultivate. Since my last message, my friend Don Pedro, after
driving his illustrious brother, Hon Miguel, from the Portuguese
throne, and placing his gracious daughter, Maria de Gloria, on it,
has "left this stage of fools" — but before he made his final exit,
he received the full reward of his " long enduring toils" — a most
munificent token of affection from his royal child — payment in full
of all demands — the order of fiddle-de-diddle-addleum ! ! ! My
young friend the Queen writes me that the gift, bestowed in the
very nick of time, (just as his Imperial Majesty was giving his
last kick,) made the Royal Pedro go off in a paroxysm of gratitude
and delight. In a P. S. the young Queen suggests that if we have
any kings or princes here who can trace their ancestry a few gene-
rations back of Noah, she has no objection to hear from them,
previous to making up her royal mind on the many applications
which have been made for her gracious hand. I have accordingly
despatched a messenges with letters to Black Hawk, (who seemed
to make a considerable impression on the Yankee ladies summer
before last,) and when his answer is received, I will lay the corres-
pondence before you.
Don Carlos of Spain has applied to me for assistance against his
august sister-in-law; but I conceive it to be our proper policy to
abstain from all interference with the affairs of Spain at present —
as Mr. Rothschild has lately been considerably bit by dabbling in
Spanish stocks.
" It becomes my unpleasant duty to inform you that this pacific
and highly gratifying picture of our foreign relations, does not in-
clude those with France at this time." The King of the French
has neglected to plank up the amount of indemnitj* agreed on by
treaty. For full particulars of this business, I refer you to the
President's message. I deem this the proper course for myself, as
Gen. Jackson might object to my interference in a "co-ordinate
branch of the government."
I must hasten over the other matters which it is necessary to
ANOTHER MESSAGE, AND THE LAST. 173
communicate to you : Yankee Hill has gone to New Orleans — the
Wandering Piper is in town — Cotton bears a good price — the
charter of the Darien Bank has been renewed — the gas lights are
in successful operation at New Orleans — U. S. Bank stock is worth
107 — the Dutch have taken Holland — Tecumseh is dead — Fanny
Kemble is married to her Butler — I wish you a merry Christmas —
and (now we come to the point) my benefit is to take place this
evening.
Done at the Executive Office of the Theatre, this 20th day of
December, in the 59th year of American Independence, and of my
management in Georgia the third.
SOL. SMITH.
[300 copies ordered to be printed.']
15
CHAPTER XXXI.
WINDING UP OF MY COUNTRY MANAGEMENT.
Journey of three hundred Miles — Last season in Montgomery —
Our leading Actor — Stars — Dawning of the Drama in Wetumpka
— Visit to Hayneville — Orderly Audiences — Old Jack Barnes —
Murder of Richard and Richmond — Comic Dance by a Marble
Statue— What's trumps?— Debut of Mat. Field— End of my
Country Management.
Deciding to make direct for Montgomery, without
stopping at Macon and Columbus, we made arrange-
ments for our journey of three hundred miles, which
we accomplished, after undergoing unheard-of hard-
ships, in ten days, at an expense not much short of
$1000, without reckoning the salaries of the company.
At Caleba Swamp, we found about three thousand
persons waiting for the mending of a bridge. If any
one is curious to know some of the incidents at this
"watering place," let him purchase J. M. Field's
" Drama at Pokerville," and turn to the sketch
entitled, "A Night in a Swamp."
Opened at Montgomery on the 3d of January,
1835, with the "Heir at Law" and " 'Tis All a
Farce." Next night we played "Hamlet" and "My
Aunt" — Hamlet, Mr. J. M. Field, who, the reader
must know, had been during the preceding year
" doing up" the leading business of tragedy very
acceptably to the Georgians. I can never consider
Mr. Field a great tragedian; but I do say that I
have seen many much worse representatives of King
(174) '
WINDING UP OF MY COUNTRY MANAGEMENT. 175
Lear, Richard, Othello, Sir Griles Overreach, ShylocTc,
and Hamlet, than he was at the time I am writing of.
At this time he occasionally "goes on" for Claude
Melnotte and Sir Thomas Clifford ; but the opinion
seems to be quite prevalent among the "b-hoys" that
"Jo had better stick to comedy."
During this season, Mrs. Drake acted with us a
starring engagement — so did Yankee Hill, and — last,
not least — Henry J. Finn. I remember seeing him
play Iago at the old Chatham Theatre in 1824. He
was now a comedian — and such a comedian !
Urged by the citizens of Wetumpka, I sent my
dramatic forces, under the temporary command of
Brev. Gen. J. M. Field, to that remarkably primitive
city, where a considerable business was done_jn_a„
billiard room, hastily transformed into a theatre,
during a season of two weeks. Mr ^-Charles Mason,
a nephew of John Kemble, played here three or four
nights, to good houses.
Hayneville, in the opposite direction, now claimed
a visit; and in a large__room_in the academy, a little
out of town, the drama shed forth its influences on
audiences who gave no token whatever of their ap-
preciation of our efforts. For twelve successive nights
we exerted ourselves for their edification ; and to this
day I am in utter ignorance whether our efforts were
satisfactory or not — for not a hand of applause greeted
us during the whole time ; neither did a smile — a laugh
was out of the question — shed its ray, to cheer us on
in our task. Yes — there was one attempt at a slight
smile — indeed, I might say that a real jolly laugh
was on the point of breaking out on one occasion ;
but it was checked in its incipiency. It was during
176 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
the performance of the "Hypocrite," Act V., where
Mawworm mounts on a table behind a screen and
gives an extemporaneous discourse, which on this par-
ticular occasion was interlarded with some local hits,
which actually took effect upon one tall fellow stand-
ing in a corner near the stage. A premature " Ha !
ha ! h" — was just bursting out, when one of the
deacons of the Presbyterian Church arose from a
chair with great solemnity, and addressed the quasi
disturber of the assembly thus : " Mr. Thompson, you
must quit that or leave the meeting." Mr. Thompson
"shut up."
." Old Jack Barnes," with his wife, and daughter
Charlotte, came to play an engagement towards the
end of the season, in Montgomery, opening in the
" School for Scandal," in the first scene of the second
act of which, a fat negro wench, being told to hold up
Miss Barnes' train until she got to the wing, followed
that lady on the stage, and remained there, holding
up the train, during the ceremony of reception, which,
under the circumstances, was an uproarious one — and
reluctantly leaving, with a low curtsy, only when Sir
Peter (Mr. Barnes) told her that her services were no
longer required.
On one of "Yankee Hill's" nights, (with shame I
confess it,) my name was associated with his in the
committal of a horrid murder! — Richard and Ricli-
onond being the characters in which we perpetrated
the dreadful deed.
► Our prompter's name was Gay. He performed old
men, personated marble statues, and danced comic
hornpipes. On one occasion, the performances end-
ing with "Don Juan," in which Gay enacted the part
WINDING UP OF MY COUNTRY MANAGEMENT. 177
of the murdered governor on horseback, (a statue,)
the audience demanded a comic dance before they
would leave the house.
"What is to be done?" asked Gay, in a piteous
tone, the perspiration bursting out through the
Spanish whiting on his face. " It will take at least
a quarter of an hour to prepare for a dance !"
"Not at all," replied I, promptly; " go on as you are."
"What!" said Gay, "go on for a comic dance
dressed as a marble statue?"
" Yes — as the marble statue ; it will be all the
more comic," — and up went the curtain.
The audience relished the dance hugely; and I.
must say that the marble statue, dancing to the tune
of " a frog he would a-wooing go," was a most
original and mirth-provoking affair.
During the engagement of the Barnes', we per-
formed the farce of " Three Weeks after Marriage."
It will be remembered that there is in this piece a
matrimonial quarrel about a game of cards. A fellow
in the pit had listened to the dispute with much
interest until the end of the first act, when, just
before the fall of the drop, Sir Charles, in reply to
his lady's invitation to go to bed, exclaims — " I'll not
go to bed with any woman who don't know what's
trumps." The man in the pit got up in utter sur-
prise, and said, in a tone loud enough to be heard by
the whole house — "Well, you're a cursed fool to
quarrel about such a trifle! Blast me if I wouldn't
confess to the diamond, and go to bed!" The drop
scene again rose, and soon the newly married couple
were engaged in their dispute about the game of
whist, and to convince his wife of her error, Sir
178 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
Charles went up to the table and dealt out the cards.
The man in the pit called out and asked "what's
trumps?" Sir Charles just at that moment said
" clubs!" and his lady "diamonds!" which appeared
to be answers to his question; whereupon the auditor
took up his hat and made for the door, exclaiming —
" I shan't wait any longer ; they've been quarrelling
here for half an hour about clubs and diamonds — I
don't see as there's any likelihood of their coming to
an understanding, so I'll go; it's getting late." This
speech elicited a round of applause from the pit.
Turning as he was about passing through the opening
into the passage, he addressed Sir Charles and Lady
Rachett — "young people, you'd better make up that
little difficulty and let the play go on — it's of mighty
little consequence what was trumps ; make it up and
go to bed!" Then looking up at the audience, who
were roaring with laughter, he made a low bow, and
retired from sight, lit a cigar at a lamp in the passage,
shook the door-keeper by the hand, and walked off.
Matthew Field, who afterwards became a good actor,
and somewhat celebrated as a writer, (under his own
name and that of Phazma,) made his first appearance
on any stage in Montgomery as ITemeya, in the trage-
dy of the "Apostate," Mrs. A. Drake performing
Florinda. The debut was a successful one ; but the
"last scene of all in that eventful tragedy" was ren-
dered somewhat ludicrously. If the reader is not
aware of the fact, I must inform him that Mrs. Drake
is what we term a heavy actress — (how well I remember
her a slim young girl in Albany, thirty-eight years
ago !) — and Florinda dies and falls beside Hemeya at
the close of the piece. Mat. Field had got through
WINDING UP OF MY COUNTRY MANAGEMENT. 179
his troubles, and lay dead and stiff, congratulating
himself on the success he had met with on his first
attempt at acting, when he suddenly perceived that
Mrs. D. was preparing for " a fall " in the immediate
vicinity of his own resting place. I was watching
Mrs. D.'s splendid death, and it must be confessed that
poor Mat. did appear in considerable danger of being
fallen upon by the poisoned Florinda. At first there
were sundry twitchings of the arms and legs of the
dead Hemeya, then as the body of the devoted Flo-
rinda was seen actually descending, a sudden spring of
her lover's corpse placed it out of danger, and there
they both lay, " faithful to each other even in death."
When Mat. found that he was not crushed, it seemed
to occur to him that it was not altogether proper or
picturesque to turn his back to the lady; so he very
deliberately turned over, and stretching forth his dead
arms, encircled her with them in a loving embrace, the
curtain falling on the picture.
Mary Vos (afterwards Mrs. Stewart) performed a
few nights, " previous to her departure for the east-
ern cities." This excellent actress and estimable wo-
man is still a great favorite in Mobile, where she has
reared and educated two lovely daughters, who, if they
essay the stage, are destined to make a sensation in
the theatrical world.
The season and my " country management," ended
on the 10th of June, 1835, with my benefit, which was
very largely attended, notwithstanding the extremely
hot weather; my Montgomery friends, without resort-
ing to the humbug of a "complimentary," filling the
house to its utmost capacity, and cheering me with
their shouts and kindly greetings to the last.
CHAPTER XXXII.
GOING NORTH.
Starring inSt. Louis and Cincinnati — Stage Coach traveling through
Ohio — Postmaster General in disguise — New York and Philadel-
phia — Return to Alabama — End of the Journey- Work.
Negociations, pending for some months, had result-
ed in an arrangement which was to sink my manage-
rial individuality in a " firm " destined to exist, as it
now appears, for eighteen years, wielding an influence
in theatrical matters unequalled in the States. In the
following fall this arrangement was to go into opera-
tion at Mobile. In the interim, it was necessary that
I should "go north" to pick up a company and en-
gage stars. A glance at this northern trip must con-
clude my "Journey- Work."
Leaving my wife and children in a snug little cot-
tage at Harrowgate Springs, near Wetumpka, I start-
ed on my northern journey, in company with Mr. J.
M. Field, about the middle of June, passing through
Mobile and New Orleans, joining in a celebration of
the 4th of July on board the steamer "Warren" on
the way, and arriving at St. Louis, where we had an
engagement, early in July. Here I was welcomed in
the good old-fashioned way, and had a good benefit.
Mr. Field opened in " Richard the Third," and was
quite successful.
Cincinnati was our next town. Mr. Field was
well known here, and was warmly received, though
there was some little talk to the effect that they liked
his comedy better than his tragedy. His benefit was
(180)
GOING NORTH. 181
a very fine one. For myself, falsifying the saying
that a prophet is not "without honor except in his own
country, the people seemed determined to shower
honors "thick upon me ;" and my benefit — it was
a " crowder." Mr. Field and I here took differ-
ent routes, he proceeding to Buffalo, where I believe
he played, (afterwards filling an engagement at Bal-
timore,) while I went on to head-quarters — New
York.
On my way, in company with several gentlemen of
New Orleans, it happened that the stage in which we
were passengers, stopped for supper at a small vil-
lage, situated between the towns of Columbus and
Zanesville, on the Cumberland road, in the State of
Ohio.
There was a great gathering of militia captains,
lieutenants, ensigns, sergeants, and corporals, with a
considerable sprinkling of privates, all of whom had
been exhibiting their patriotism during the day, by
marching up and down the road, shouldering arms,
carrying arms, presenting arms, and charging bayo-
nets, preparatory to intended hostile operations
against the neighboring State of Michigan, the
authorities of which, and those of the State of Ohio,
were at open war — almost — about boundary.
For the purpose of amusement, it hSd been agreed
that the stage driver should be informed confiden-
tially, that I was Amos Kendall, Postmaster Gene-
ral of the United States, travelling in disguise, and
assuming the very common name of Smith, in order
to discover abuses in the mail transportation depart-
ment. With many mysterious hints, and under strict
charges of secrecy, Jehu was made acquainted with
182 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
the awful fact, that he was actually driving the im-
portant individual above named. The reins almost
fell from his hands ! " What, Mr. Kindle ! Amos
Kindle!" exclaimed the astonished driver — "it can't
be possible?" "It is possible," answered the gentle-
man who was imparting the information, and who was
enjoying a cigar and an outside seat; "and it is his
wish to be entirely private, in order to avoid the at-
tentions that would otherwise be lavished upon him."
The driver promised the most inviolable secrecy, and
on our arrival at the stopping place, after bowing me
into the house with much ceremony, proceeded to
curry down his horses.
We had not been long in the hotel, before it was
plainly perceptible that something was going on ;
curious glances were thrown into the bar-room where
we were sitting — -militia officers flitted about and col-
lected into groups — the landlord and his family began
to spruce up ; in brief, it was evident our secret had
been confidentially imparted to half the village.
The first demonstration that was made, consisted
of an invitation to my friends and myself to accept
the use of a private parlor. This being at once agreed
to, the landlord ventured to suggest that, if it was not
disagreeable to me, my fellow-citizens of the village
would like to pay their respects to me, and take me
by the hand.
"No objections in the world," said I; "let the
worthy citizens come in."
Then followed a scene of the richest kind of fun ;
but Dickens has described a similar adventure, and I
pass on.
Supper was announced. I was placed at the head
POSTMASTER GENERAL IN DISGUISE. 183
of the table — the richest viands and nicest kinds of
preserved fruits were set in profusion before us. We
feasted — and during the operation numerous female
heads, or rather heads of females — were continually
popping in at the windows and open doors, while the
piazza was filled with boys of all sizes, who amused
themselves by firing off Chinese crackers, sending up
young rockets, and shouting " hurra for Jackson ! —
and his cabinet !"
Supper over, we retired to the bar, and demanded
our bill of expenses. The landlord smilingly answered,
that he was too happy to entertain us without com-
pensation — he felt honored by my sitting at his board,
and my friends were equally welcome. After much
urging, I consented to receive his hospitality, since
he insisted on it, but my friends, I would not consent
that they should feast at his expense — oh, no ! They
must be allowed to pay for their splendid supper.
Well, if I insisted, he would take pay from them —
and he did.
" Could I say two or three words to you in pri-
vate ?" asked the landlord, in a low voice, as he
walked by my side towards the coach, which was
waiting.
"By all means," I replied; and he led me a little
on one side, into a dark part of the piazza. After
two or three hems ! to clear his throat, the landlord
commenced:
" Whatever others may think of you, sir, /consider
you an honest man."
" Sir, I feel very much obliged by the favorable
estimate you have formed of me."
" Yes, sir, let the opposition say what they please,
184 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
I believe you to be a conscientious individual — I
do."
" Well, sir, considering this is the first time we
have ever met, I must say your liberality is extraor-
dinary ; but I thank you for your good opinion."
"Ah, sir, though we have never met, I know you
well — we all know you for a most efficient officer, and
a deserving man."
" It is true I am tolerably well known in the
western and southern country, and as for my efficiency,
I believe I do push ahead about as hard as a man con-
veniently can."
" That you do — all parties must acknowledge it.
You have effected many improvements in your depart-
ment."
" Yes, I flatter myself that in the stage department
I have made some improvements."
"Your removals have met with general approval in
this part of the country."
" Removals? — Oh, yes — I do travel a great deal."
" Yes, you do, and to some purpose. Now I wanted
to speak to you about the postmaster here."
" Indeed ! Well what of Mm V*
"Are you not aware that he is a whig ?"
"No!— is he?"
" Yes, he is — and it is thought by the friends of the
administration here, that lie ought to be removed,
and a good democrat appointed."
" What is the office worth ?"
"About $500 a year."
"Who would be a proper person for the office?"
" Why, I couldn't exactly say — but if" — .
" Would you accept the appointment?"
AN OFFICE SEEKER. 185
" Most -willingly, if you should think me worthy."
" Well, I'll tell you what you'd better do. Write
on to the department — state the matter as you've
stated it to me, and perhaps" —
" If you would just make a memorandum it would
be sufficient."
" My dear sir, don't depend on anything that
passes between us here — here I am Sol. Smith, as you
may see by the way-bill ; but at Washington — you
understand" —
" Yes, I understand. Then I'll write on to the
department."
"Yes — write."
" Sir, I shall depend on your good offices."
" Sir, you may — your supper was excellent, your
attentions shall not be forgotten — farewell — write on
to the department, by all means."
The worthy aspirant to the postmastership of the
village accompanied me to the coach, carefully turned
up the steps when I had entered, and then joined his
fellow-citizens in three loud cheers, with which our
departure was honored.
My engagement at the Park Theatre, although I
was wedged in between the nights of the Woods, was
moderately profitable to the management and myself.
This engagement led to offers from Boston, Philadel-
phia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and many smaller towns,
all of which, for want of time, I was compelled
reluctantly to decline, except that from Phila-
delphia, which I was enabled to accept, because I
could perform alternate nights in that city and New
York ; which I did during a period of two weeks.
My engagement at the Yfalnut Street Theatre, Phila-
16
186 THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK.
delphia, closed on the 25th,' and that at the Park
Theatre, New York, on the 26th of September.
Embarking on the steamer " Columbia," I in due
time arrived at Charleston, S. C, and proceeded by
railroad and stage, (three nights without sleep,) to
Montgomery. Taking my family on board the
" Roanoke" at Wetumpka, we were safely conveyed
to Mobile, where I superintended the preparations
for commencing the greatest season ever made in that
city.
This brings my narrative — sketchy and meagre as
it is — down to the year 1835 ; and here I stop.
Though constantly on the move ever since, and exer-
cising no small influence on theatrical affairs in the
great western valley, my "strolling," or "journey-
work," as I have chosen to term it, terminated at this
date. Doubtless an anecdotical sketch of my manage-
rial experience in New Orleans, St. Louis and Mobile,
during the past eighteen years, might possess some
interest ; but I feel no disposition, at present, even in
my light and skimming way, to go over the scenes from
which I have so lately emerged. The building and
burning of many theatres ; the engagement of nume-
rous "stars;" the rise and progress of the drama in
the south and west ; the various attempts of individ-
uals to become "managers," and their miserable
failures ; the "starring system," with its train of evil
consequences to the profession ; the attempts of " His-
trionic Associations" to teach the art of acting ; the
humbuggery of newspaper puffing and newspaper
abuse; the outrageous system of "free admissions"
to theatres — all these subjects (with many others)
claim and may receive my attention — but not now.
ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
GIVING ENTERTAINMENTS.
Harry Langton was the theatrical name of a very
honest, tolerably talented, and very eccentric fellow,
who, for several years was attached to the stage in
the south. He was a worthy individual — a useful
member of a company of actors, and was beloved by
every one who knew him ; yet he was cursed with one
failing — he would drink! Well, he is gone, now,
and we will think only of his good qualities, which
were numerous, and endeavor to amuse ourselves with
his eccentricities.
I have elsewhere mentioned the fact, that being
pushed for means whereby to live, he engaged him-
self to the keeper of a museum in Pittsburgh, where
he stood up in a glass case for two mortal hours as the
ivax figure of Cfen. Jackson I I intend, in this sketch,
to give some other instances of his versatility of
talent, by the exercise of which he overcame tempo-
rary pecuniary difficulties.
Harry Langton never let an opportunity slip of
giving an entertainment where there was the least
chance of success. Sometimes, indeed, I have known
him to propose "trying it on," at places where the
chance of profit was anything but flattering. Travel-
(187)
188 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
ing in a stage coach, he was always looking out for
eligible villages for his purpose, and I recollect that
on one occasion, he seriously proposed to issue bills
for an " entertainment" at a place where we stopped
to water the horses, though nothing in the shape of a
dwelling could be seen, except a shanty of a stable !
" Why, Harry," one asked, " where do you expect
your audience to come from ?"
" Oh !" was his ready reply, " there are plenty of
people hereabouts, somewhere, I'm certain, for I've
seen lots of cattle as we came along, and they've got
owners, be sure on't : let us put out some bills and
" try it on !"
In two instances it has been my fate to assist,
(much against my will,) in poor Langton's entertain-
ments.
In the fall of 1830, the boat which conveyed the
New Orleans company, on its way from Nashville to
its winter destination, stopped a few hours at the
then inconsiderable village of Vicksburgh. Langton
was on the look-out, of course, and after taking a
view of the town, came in, rubbing his hands, and
with his face flushed with hope —
" Sol.," said he, "here's a glorious chance for an
entertainment ! Theatre can be had — people all
anxious; if the boat would only wait" —
" But the boat ivont wait," I replied, "the cap-
tain has just told me he starts in half an hour, posi-
tively."
"I think he might be induced," persisted Langton.
" It is now four o'clock — we can have the town billed
in an hour, and we can put a hundred dollars in our
GIVING ENTERTAINMENTS. 189
pockets just as easy as nothing. What do you say to
trying it on ?"
" What do _Tsay ? I say it's all nonsense, even if the
boat would wait ; you could not get twenty people to
the theatre at such short notice ; besides, you are an
entire stranger here — nobody has ever heard of
you."
" That's very true," he answered, nodding his head
knowingly, " but they all know you — you have acted
here."
" To be sure I have," I answered, "but you don't
expect me to make a fool of myself in your proposed
entertainment ?"
" Make a fool of yourself? — not at all; but I ex-
pect you to make fifty dollars? Come, old fellow,"
he continued, beseechingly, " give us a lift — there are
four of us going into the speculation, and we propose
to give you half the receipts, if you will but permit
your name to be used, and sing three songs."
"My dear fellow," I remonstrated, "I can't think
of it — besides, the captain won't wait, and, moreover,
my wardrobe is at the bottom of the hold, and cannot
be got at. Your offer is very tempting, certainly,
[half the receipts ! — Macready's terms !] but put this
entertainment out of your head."
" The captain will wait, and has already promised
to wait, till ten o'clock; so it all depends on you. As
for wardrobe, I'll lend you a red wig and a pair of
striped stockings. Come, old fellow, if you don't
want to make a little money, we do ; and it all de-
pends on you whether we are enabled to do it or
not."
After some further holding back on my part, and
16*
190 ANECDOTIC AL RECOLLECTIONS.
considerably more urging on that of Langton, I con-
sented to sing two songs, provided sufficient notice
could be given to the inhabitants that the entertain-
ment would take place.
" Leave the notice entirely to me," said Langton,
as he vanished over the plank, and up into town
through the mud.
Langton " won my slow consent" about sundown.
I had hopes that when he found the difficulty of light-
ing the house, and giving notice to the citizens, he
would give up the project altogether. Not so — Lang-
ton was not the man to be staggered by slight diffi-
culties — the entertainment must be given — doors open
at 7 — curtain to rise at half-past, and "no postpone-
ment on account of the weather."
After tea, without much devotion to the deed, I
assure you — putting a wig and a pair of comic stock-
ings in my pocket, I trudged off towards the theatre.
On my way, (in the dark,) a negro bellman, who was
the town crier, stopped at a corner as I was passing,
and after shaking his bell for nearly a minute, put me
out of all doubt in regard to the " notice" which was
to be given of the proposed entertainment by pro-
mulgating, in a loud voice, the following proclama-
tion :
" Oh yes ! Oh yes ! Oh yes ! Everybody take
particular notice hereby, dat Ole Sol has come back
to dis here burg, on his w T ay to New Orleans, and
moreover will exhibit hisself dis night at de the-a-tur
as large as life ! So dis is to certify dat you must
all come and see him by particular desire for dis night
only ! Oh yes ! Oh yes ! Oh yes !"
I felt willing, at that moment, to sink into the mud,
GIVING ENTERTAINMENTS. 191
even further than I had sunk, while listening to this
proclamation, provided I could have availed myself of
such an accident, as an excuse for not " exhibitin' "
myself pursuant to notice. However, I was " in for it"
in more senses than one. I was engaged, and on star-
ring terms ! So I waded to the theatre, where I
found Langton and his associates lighting candles,
selling tickets, and sweeping off the stage, prepara-
tory to the grand entertainment. The house was tol-
erably well filled. " Sylvester Daggerwood" was the
drama performed on this memorable occasion ; two
songs by your humble servant, and some recitations
by the "rest of the company," completed the pro-
gramme, and I returned to the boat, declining to take
my share of the 'proceeds, and made a solemn deter-
mination never to be coaxed into such a scrape
again.
" But who shall control his fate ?"
I was again seduced to do the very same thing on
another occasion, and by the self same Langton.
It was at the little town of Benton, on the Ala-
bama river, in 1832, that Langton saw a fine oppor-
tunity for giving an entertainment. (We were again
traveling together.) The seducing villain made use
of the very same arguments he had urged so success-
fully at Yicksburg ; the boat would wait — the people
were so anxious to see me ! — such a crowd would be
in attendance — fifty dollars, at least, he would be
able to put into his pocket, and he was so in need of
money — he was sure I couldn't have the heart to pre-
vent his making such a handsome sum. I consented.
The room selected for the " entertainment" was
192 ANBCDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
exactly fourteen feet square. It was filled to overflow-
ing, and we were obliged to give our songs and recita-
tions on a table, set outside of a window !
The only remarkable part of this performance was
this : Langton gave the comic recitations and songs,
while I gave the tragic recitations and sentimental
songs !
By this queer entertainment, given through a
window, Langton cleared over $40.
Poor Langton ! He went to Texas in the beginning
of the war of independence, and I have never seen
him since.
In his last letter to me, giving a portion of his
travel's history, he began by expressing his belief
that I would find no difficulty in calling him to my
remembrance— shall I ever forget him ? — said he had
just returned from giving an entertainment in one of
the Camanche villages, on the northern frontier,
where he narrowly escaped scalpation ; and concluded
with the following sentence :
" Sol., if you'll come to Texas, we'll make our for-
tunes — glorious chances here for giving entertain-
ments — come out !"
BREAKING A BANK.
Captain Summons is a very clever fellow — and the
" Dr. Franklin " was a very superb boat, albeit in-
clined to rock about a good deal, and nearly turn
over on her side when visited by a breath of air in
the least resembling a gale. Capt. Summons is a
BREAKING A BANK. 193
clever fellow. All steamboat captains are clever
fellows — or nearly all ; but w T hat I mean to sa y is,
Capt. Summons is a 'particularly clever fellow ! —
a clever fellow in the w r idest sense of the term — a
fellow that is clever in every way — anxious that his
passengers shall be comfortably bestowed, well fed
and well attended to — and determined that they shall
amuse themselves "just as they d — n please," as the
saying is. If he happens to have preachers on board,
he puts on a serious countenance of a Sunday morn-
ing — consents that there shall be preaching — orders
the chairs to be set out, and provides bibles and
hymn-books for the occasion — himself and officers,
whose watch is below, taking front seats and listening
attentively to the discourse. Likely as not, at the
close of the service, he will ask the reverend gentle-
man who has been officiating, with his back in close
proximity to a hot fire in a Franklin furnace, to ac-
company him to the bar and join him in some refresh-
ments ! If there are passengers on board who prefer
to pass the time away in playing poker, eucre, brag or
whist, tables and chairs are ready for them, too —
poker, brag, eucre and whist be it ! All sorts of pas-
sengers are accommodated on the Dr. Franklin — the
rights of none are suffered to be infringed ; — all are
free to follow such employments as shall please them-
selves. A dance in the evening is a very common
occurrence on this boat, and when cotillions are on
the carpet, the captain is sure to be thar.
It sometimes happens that, at the commencement
of a voyage, it is found somewhat difficult to recon-
cile all the passengers to the system of Capt. Sum-
mons, which is founded on the broad principle of
194 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
equal rights to all. On the occasion of my voyage
in the "Doctor," in December, 1844, 1 found myself
surrounded by a crowd of passengers who were en-
tire strangers to me — a very rare occurrence "to one
who travels so often on the western rivers as I do. I
wished my absence from New Orleans to be as brief
as possible, and the "Doctor" was the fastest boat
in port at the time of my leaving the Crescent City ;
so I resolved to secure a berth in her, and trust in
luck to find a St. Louis boat at the Mouth.
I don't know how it is, or why it is, but by
strangers I am almost always taken for a Preacher.
It was soon this voyage. There were two Metho-
dist circuit riders on board ; and it happened that we
got acquainted, and were a good deal together — from
which circumstance I was supposed to be one of them;
which supposition was the means of bringing me into
an acquaintance with the lady passengers, w T ho, for
the most part, were very pious, religiously inclined
souls. We had preaching every day, and sometimes
at night ; and I must say, in justice to brothers
Twitchel and Switchell, that their sermons were
highly edifying and instructive.
In the meantime a portion of the passengers " at
the other end of the hall " continued to play sundry
games with cards, notwithstanding the remonstrances
of the worthy followers of Wesley, who frequently
requested the captain to interfere and break up such
unholy doings. The captain had but one answer — it
was something like this ; "Gentlemen, amuse yourselves
as you like ; preach and pray to your hearts' content
— none shall interfere with your pious purposes ; some
like that sort of thing — I have no objection to it.
BREAKING A BANK. 195
These men prefer to amuse themselves with cards ; let
them — they pay their passage as well as you, gentle-
men, and have as much right to their amusement as
you have to yours, and they shall not be disturbed.
Preach, play cards, dance cotillions — do what you like,
I am agreeable; only understand, that all games,
(preaching among the rest) must cease at 10 o'clock."
So we preachers got very little comfort from Captain
Summons.
Up, up, up, up we went. Christmas Day arrived.
All the other preachers had holden forth on divers
occasions, and it being ascertained that it was my in-
tention to leave the boat on her arrival at Cairo, a
formal request was preferred, that I should preach
the Christmas sermon ! The ladies, (God bless them
all !) were very urgent in their applications to me.
" Oh do, brother Smith ! we want to hear you preach !
All the others have contributed their share to our
spiritual comfort — you must oblige us — indeed you
must." I endeavored to excuse myself the best way
I could, alleging the necessity of my leaving the boat
in less than an hour — my baggage was not ready — I
had a terrible cold, and many other good and sub-
stantial reasons were given ; but all in vain — preach
I must. "Well," thinks I, " if I must, I must." At
this crisis, casting my eyes down towards the Social
Hall, and seeing an unusual crowd assembled around
a table, I asked one of the brethren what might be
going on down there ? The fattest of the preaching
gentlemen replied — " The poor miserable sinners have
filled the measure of their iniquity by opening a
faro bank !" " Horrible ! exclaimed I, holding up
my hands— and " horrible !" echoed the ladies and
196 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
missionaries in full chorus. " Cannot such doings be
put a stop to?" asked an elderly lady, addressing the
pious travellers. "I fear not." groaned my metho-
dist contemporary, (the fat one.) " We have been
trying to convince the captain that some dreadful ac-
cident will inevitably befall the boat, if such proceed-
ings are permitted — and what do you think he an-
swered ?" " What ?" we all asked, of course — " Y\ r hy,
he just said, that, inasmuch as he permitted us to
preach and pray, he should let other passengers dance
and play, if they chose to do so ; and that if I didn't
like the "proceedings" I complained of, I might leave
the boat ? Yes — he did ; and, moreover, he mentioned
that it was 11 o'clock, and asked me if, I wouldn't
'liquor!'" This announcement of the captain's
stubborness and impiety was met with a general
groan of pity and sorrow, and we resumed the con-
versation respecting the unhallowed faro bank. " It
is much to be regretted," remarked the elderly lady
who had spoken before, "that something can't be
done — Brother Smith," she continued, appealing di-
rectly to me, and laying her forefinger impressively
upon my arm, "cannot you break up that bank ?"
"Dear Madam," I answered, "you know not the
difficulty of the task you impose upon me, — faro
BANKS ARE NOT SO EASILY BROKEN UP as you may
imagine ; however, as you all appear so anxious about
it, if you'll excuse me from the sermon, I'll see what
can be done." " Ah ! that's a dear soul !" — " I knew
he would try " — "he'll be sure to succeed!" — "out-
prayers shall not be wanting !" Such were the ex-
clamations that greeted me as I moved off towards the
faro bank. Elbowing my way into the crowd, I got
BREAKING A BANK. 197
near the table in front of the dealer, and was for a
time completely concealed from the view of my pious
friends near the door of the ladies' cabin. I found
the bank was a small affair. The betters were risking
trifling sums, ranging from six to twenty-five cents.
" Mr. Dealer," I remarked, " I have come to break
up this bank." "The deuce you have!" replied the
banker — "let's see you do it." "What amount have
you in bank?" I inquired. "Eleven dollars," was
his answer. "What is your limit?" asked I. "A
dollar," he replied. " Very well," said I, placing a
ragged Indiana dollar behind the Queen — "turn on."
He turned and the King won for me. I took the two
dollars up and let him make another turn, when I re-
placed the bet, and the Queen came up in my favor
— I had now four dollars, which I placed in the
square, taking in the 5, 6, 7 and 8 — and it won again !
Here were seven dollars of the banker's money. I
pocketed three of them, and bet four dollars behind
the Queen again — the Jack won, and the Bank was
broken ! The crowd dispersed in all directions,
laughing at the breaking up of the petty bank, and I
made my way towards the ladies' cabin, where my
new friends were anxiously awaiting the result of my
bold attempt. "Well, well, well," they all exclaimed
— " What success ? — have you done it ? Do let us
hear all about it !" I wiped the perspiration from
my brow, and putting on a very serious face, I said
solemnly: "I have broken that bank!" "You
have?" they all exclaimed. — "Yes, I'll be d — d if he
hasn't !" muttered the disappointed gamester, the
keeper of the late bank, who was just going into his
state-room. In the midst of the congratulations which
17
198 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
were showered upon me, I received a summons from
the captain to come forward with my baggage — we
were at Cairo.
A HOG STORY.
There are extant any number of dog, horse, cat, rat,
and fish stories. I am going to write a Hog Story.
It may not interest the reader, but, I assure you, the
circumstance on which it is founded interested me for
a whole month, and even now, whenever the recollec-
tion of it crosses my memory, feelings of remorse pun-
ish me considerably.
Reader, have you ever traveled through that beau-
tiful tract of country, situated around, about, and be-
tween the small lakes in York State ? If you have
not, you have seen nothing. Ask Mr. Knickerbocker
Clarke if there is such a country in the world ! Ask
him if the valleys and hills through which run the
Housatonic, the Otselic, Trout Creek, and the Chittin-
ingo, have their equals in Italy or Switzerland. Ask
him if but "there's no use talking." I was born
up about there, and of course I am partial to those
diggins. I can't help it. But to my story.
On the Cayuga lake, east side, stands a beautiful
village, which is happy in the name of Aurora. One
mile north of that lovely village lived, in 1817, a sub-
stantial farmer named Stott. With this Stott, a
most worthy man, the writer of this engaged to work
in the harvest field one month for six bushels of wheat ;
each bushel of wheat was estimated to be worth one
A HOG STORY. 199
dollar — so that I had six dollars in prospect at the
end of the month ; and with those six dollars, added
to five I had in my pocket, I intended to journey to the
great West, then a great distance off.
I went to work like a good fellow, mowing and
raking hay, binding up wheat, and making myself useful
in various ways — happy all the time, and joyous as the
fish that sported in the smooth and clear lake in which
we harvesters bathed every evening after sunset; de-
lighted with the prospect of a rich reward for my labor,
and dreaming of the "Far West," the goal of my
hopes and wishes, (then situated about Pittsburg — now,
away off to and over the Rocky Mountains!) and
glorying in the thought, that I, a boy of sixteen, would
be the pioneer of the great Smith family in the western
regions.
All went on smoothly. One day, as I was pitching
bundle by bundle, a load of wheat into the mow, I
saw enter the barn, rooting and grunting along, a very
large, fat, lazy, long-eared sow. I can't to this day
account for the devilish feeling which induced, me with-
out a thought, to throw the pitchfork into this unof-
fending old creature ; but I did it ! — instantly did it.
The handle was scarcely out of my hand before I re-
pented of the deed ; and in less than three minutes I
was wondering what could have prompted me to such
an act. Ah ! many — very many hours, in the stillness
of night, did I lie upon a sleepless couch and ruminate
upon my crime. Bitter tears of repentance trickled
down my youthful cheeks. Sinner that I was !
What had the poor beast done to deserve such a fate ?
The poor, surprised sow gave a horrible squeal, (I
hear it now !) and ran with all her might out of the
200 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
barn and out of the yard — the pitchfork still sticking
in her quivering pork. The instrument of torture was
afterwards found about three hundred yards from the
place where the fatal deed was committed; but the old
sow — the unoffending, innocent old sow — had disap-
peared in the thick undergrowth of a neighbouring
wood and had doubtless ended her days in solitude,
with no pitying relative near to close her eyes, or
render the last sad offices to the dying innocent.
As for me, the perpetrator of the horrid crime, what
a month did I pass? My mind was tortured with
horrible images of ghastly hogs bristling up before me.
The poor old murdered sow actually appeared before
my half waking and half closed eyes, dressed in a
shrOud, walking on her hinder legs, shaking her right
paw into my face, and pointing with her left, with
a " most piteous action," to two bleeding pitchfork
wounds in her ribs ! In vain I tried to shake off these
fantasies; the more I shook, the more they wouldn't
go. I was miserable — I was a murderer — I had com-
mitted suicide !
As a compensation to the farmer, I had made over
to him the proceeds of my six bushels of wheat, but
that did not ease my mind in the least. I had done a
deed which a thousand bushels of wheat could not
atone for. The phantom sow, with the winding sheet
trailing after her, as she stalked around my bed in the
garret, drove sleep away from my -pillow, and de-
prived me of all chance of rest. I grew weary of life.
I didn't care any more about travelling west. The
idea frequently crossed my mind of sacrificing myself
to the manes of the poor feminine hog.
My month was up.
A HOG STORY. 201
Two Quakers came along and inquired for seed
wheat. I offered them my six bushels, and they pur-
chased it, at a dollar and a quarter a bushel. I list-
lessly received the money, and passed it over to the
honest farmer in payment for the murdered sow, and
was just bidding farewell to my kind employer and his
family when a little urchin came running in, scream-
ing with all his might —
" Oh, daddy ! daddy ! just come out here and see
something ! If here isn't our dead sow coming up the
lane !"
Horror-stricken, I huddled on my pack with the
utmost speed, and prepared to depart, dreading to
meet the spectre which I doubted not was coming to
upbraid me for my brutal butchery ! I started off at
full speed towards the gate, when — can I express my
joy at the sight which met my view ? — there was the
veritable sow that I had for a month mourned as dead,
alive and rooting ! — somewhat thinner than when I
pitchforked her, but apparently enjoying remarkably
good health ; and by her side marched sixteen clean,
elegant little offspring, joyously grunting as they ca-
pered along up the lane. Oh what delight I experi-
enced at this sight ! A millstone had been taken from
my neck — I was not a murderer — I was free from
crime ! I could have hugged that veritable old hog —
I could ! — and I believe I did kiss half-a-dozen of the
pigs. I was completely happy.
Farmer Stott insisted that, inasmuch as I had paid
for the supposed defunct sow, she belonged to me, and
that I was also proprietor of her progeny — the whole
being worth, at the lowest rate of hog's flesh, at least
17*
202 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
twelve dollars. I utterly refused to receive anything
more than the price I had paid for the elder animal.
Happy in the contemplation of the swinish family
group, composed of the mother lying on her side, and
furnishing an early breakfast to her sixteen young
'uns, I passed out at the gate, and wended my way
westward.
DON LUDLOW HEMIT IN HAVANA.
To ensure a proper understanding of this sketch,
it is necessary to explain that the uncommon name of
"Smith" is pronounced by the Spaniards, " Hemit."
Bills posted at the corners of the streets in Havana,
during the winter of 1842, announced, in good Span-
ish, that "los Cirque Olympic Americano," under
the management of Ludlow and Smith, would open on
such a night, by permission of the Captain General
of Cuba, &c, &c. It fell to my lot, (Ludlow and I
drew lots for the chance of the journey,) to go over
to the Spanish Island as " Impressario" of a circus
company, consisting of Levi North, Otto Motty^
Young Juan Hernandez, John Robinson, Eaton Stone,
Dennis ditto, and about twenty others of less note,
together with a host of grooms, and something like
forty horses. Instead of realizing a profit of $10,000,
as we expected, we were obliged to submit to a loss of
about $6,000. But that is all over, and it is not my
intention to dwell upon a subject so disagreeable to
remember.
After the usual difficulties of custom-house inspec-
DON LUDLOW HE3IIT IN HAVANA. 203
tions and examinations, we effected a landing —
" horse, foot and dragoons." In transacting business
with the commercial house to whom we were consigned,
I found that the firm of Ludlow and Smith had be-
come embodied in my individual self, under the title
of Don Ludlow Hemit, in which style I was
addressed, while on the Island, by all who had occa-
sion to transact business with the concern.
The first thing that strikes an American on arriv-
ing at Havana, is the great difference betwixt a free
and a despotic government. It appears a little strange
to a republican to meet a soldier under arms and on
duty at every corner and at every crossing. If you
visit a theatre, you see one of these interesting gentle-
men stationed at the entrance of each box ! They
are quite inoffensive, however, and in a day or two
they cease to annoy you ; you pass them as you would
so many posts.
The grand entrances of the private dwellings in the
city serve for the ingress and egress of ladies, gentle-
men, servants, horses and carriages ! One morning
while a large party were at breakfast in our boarding
house, a splendid stud horse was brought in by a
groom, and paraded around the table, for the inspec-
tion of Col. Harney, who wished to purchase an ani-
mal of the kind.
It is the duty of the keepers of boarding houses
and taverns to report to the government every
person they entertain and lodge each night ; and
they are accountable to the treasury of Queen Isabel
the second, for the sum of fifty-two dollars for every
one that dies in their houses. Whenever a foreigner
leaves the Island he is obliged to obtain a certificate
204 ANECDOTTCAL RECOLLECTIONS.
from the dead office that he is alive, another from
the custom-house that he is clear of its books, and
yet another from the Captain of Partida, (I think that
is his title,) that he owes no debts !
On the opening night of the " Cirque Olympique," a
company of twenty soldiers under the command of a
sergeant, marched up to the box-office, and reported
to Bon Ludlow Hemit that they came by command
of the alcalde of the quarter to preserve order in the
house, and to guard the box of the governor; for
which service the sergeant intimated, through an
interpreter, that he expected a gratification from Don
Hemit. In reply, I directed the interpreter to say to
the sergeant that there was no occasion for his or his
soldiers' services ; and that if the governor's box
required guarding they were welcome to guard it, but
not at my expense ; and that so far from gratifying
them, (which the reader ought to be informed meant
making them a present of an ounce of gold,) it would
afford me, Don Ludlow Hemit, a great gratification
if they would march back to their quarters, and keep
out of my sight for the remainder of their natural
lives. The worthy sergeant touched his cap with the
back of his hand by way of salute, wheeled his com-
mand to the right about, and marched off. After the
departure of the soldiery, two ministers presented
themselves, and demanded a gratification of a quarter
of an ounce each for sitting each side of the alcalde's
box ; and this imposition I was obliged to submit to
every night of performance.
Our contract with Otto Motty, the man that plays
with cannon balls, was to the effect that he was to
perform four weeks in the Island of Cuba, and receive
DON LUDLOW HEMIT IX HAVANA. 205
for his services §1,000. At the end of our second
week, I found that it would be policy to cut off the
last week of our season, and by that means save about
§1,500. As a compromise with Motty, I proposed to
pay him $750 for the three-foruths of the time agreed
on, and §250 on our return to New Orleans, where
he should perform the other week. This he agreed to
— but after all arrangements were made to close up
the disasterous season, and leave the Island in the
steam packet, he concluded to act the rascal, and de-
mand the full amount of his bond. He accordingly
filed his claim of §500 with the proper authorities,
and the passport of Don Ludlow Hemit was stopped !
Here was a dilemma. I had procured, (by the help
of sundry ounces of gold,) passports for the whole
company and stud of horses — but Don Ludlow Hemit
was ordered not to depart the Island until the demand
of the thrower of the cannon balls was fully satisfied !
It was the night previous to the day of our intended
departure that the decree of the governor was com-
municated to me. What could I do ? Obtaining a
hearing of the case was out of the question, it
appeared ; and even if the matter could be brought to
adjudication, I had no proof of the compromise I had
made with the Dutch Jew — the evidence of my son and
clerk (who heard the new agreement) being excluded
by the Spanish law ; while he had our original contract
which culled for the fulfillment of its provisions in
Cuba. At last, after much reflection, it occurred to
me that if I should bring a suit against him, I could
at least obtain an immediate hearing of the case, and
possibly I might so mix matters up before the alcalde
that the judgment might work a release of theprohiLi-
206 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
tion to quit the Island. I sought out a minister, and
placing half an ounce of gold in his hand, desired
him to arrest Otto Motty at the suit of Don Ludlow
Hemit, for breach of contract, &c. In about a quarter
of an hour the defendant was in the presence of the
alcalde, whose attendance at that late hour was
secured by means of an ounce, sent into his private
room by the minister whose services I had secured as
above stated, and the trial began. And oh ! such a
trial ! — the lawyers, parties and spectators all kept
their seats while they made their statements. Otto
Motty insisted upon his bond, and demanded $500 of
Ludlow Hemit — (he had received $500, and there was
really $250 due) — while I demanded that he should go
to New Orleans and perform a week before he should
be entitled to the full amount which we had agreed to
pay him. We sat and jabbered there about an hour,
when looking up I discovered that the alcalde had left
the room ! My friendly minister informed me. on
inquiry, that the worthy magistrate had gone to sup-
per. Quietly slipping an ounce into the minister's
hand, I desired that disinterested functionary to pass it
in to the alcalde, with my compliments, and ask him
if he was ready to decide the case. The minister
returned almost immediately, and reported that the
alcalde had decided that we must arbitrate the matter
in dispute, on these conditions : Don Ludlow Hemit
could not compel Otto Motty to leave the Spanish
dominions, and Otty Motty could not compel Don
Ludlow Hemit to pay him for services which he had not
rendered. The clerk instantly recorded this decision,
or whatever it may be called, and I was informed that
by paying $250 into the court, I should satisfy the
DON LUDLOW HEMIT IN HAVANA. 207
judgment, and be entitled to my passport. " Here is
the money," said I, in high spirits at the result. " I
shall not take it," indignantly replied old Motty, " I
shall have my tousand dollars." "No you won't,
old fellow," said I, "here is the decree of court."
" But," pleaded the Dutchman, " I will go with you
to Orleans and play the other week, as you proposed
and get the other $250." " Oh, no," was my answer ;
" the judgment of this court is final, here is your
money ; take it and be thankful." A question here
arose about the costs. The clerk and ministers said
Don Ludlow Hemit must pay them, as the judgment
was against him. I turned to Otto Motty and said :
" You must pay these costs." Of course he declined ;
so I called to my minister to bring me a fee bill,
which I found amounted to just two ounces, ($32). I
then asked for a bit of paper, and wrote as follows :
Otto Motty —
To Ludlow Hemit, Dr.
For transporting cannon balls from ship to the Cirque Olym-
pic, and thence to the Plaza de Toros, several times, $32 00
Handing this to the minister, I told him to arrest Mr.
Motty, and stop his passports. In a moment the man
of cannon balls saw the predicament he was in, and
agreed to pay the bill without further question.
Next day at five o'clock, p. M., all things were on
board the good steamer Alabama, and we were ready
for a start. Just as I was stepping on board the
small craft which was to carry us to the ship, Otto
Motty was seen hurrying down past the custom-house,
with a cigar in his mouth, and his passport, which he
had with great difficulty obtained, in his hand. He
208 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
spoke to some one of our party and observed that he
had feared being too late. " To late for what f" I
inquired. " Too late for the steamboat," he answered.
I here commenced whispering with the circus people,
pointing occasionally to Otto Motty, who was in a
small boat alongside of us during our row out into the
harbor. We entered the steamer at the same time,
and Robinson, (the equestrian manager,) took Otto
Motty mysteriously aside and whispered in his ear —
"Beware!" The same warning was whispered by
other members of the equestrian corps, in various
tones. Otto Motty at last ventured to inquire of one
what he was to " beware" of? He was then gradually
let into the secret that it was the intention of Ludlow
Hemit to throw him overboard during the voyage,
with his cannon balls attached to his feet as sinkers !
At first he was incredulous, but all the circus people
assuring him in the most solemn manner that there
was no mistake about it, he at length determined that
he would not risk his life in the same ship with me.
The last I saw of him, he and his cannon balls were
in a small boat making their way towards the shore,
while we were in our magnificent steamer, leaving the
beautiful and unequalled harbor of Havana, and
passing the frowning Moro castle.
Arrived at New Orleans, I shaved of my whiskers
and mustachios of a month's growth, and abjured for-
ever the cognomen of Don Ludlow Hemit.
who's at the wheel? 209
WHO'S AT THE WHEEL?
Western men will remember the Vandalia, which
was for many years a popular and profitable freight
and passenger boat on the Mississippi, and which only
ceased running in 1842 or '43. She was an " eight-
day boat," and before the introduction of the Scotts,
Whites, Missouris, Shotwells and Eclipses, was set
down as a "fast running" vessel, being rated at our
insurance offices, A. No. 1.
The incidents I am about to relate occurred in the
summer of '40.
The river was low, and it was not thought advis-
able to "run nights" — at any rate until we got
below Memphis.
There was considerable sickness among the deck
passengers, and as I was the only physician on hoard,
my time was much occupied in weighing out grains
and scruples of calomel, jalap and ipecacuanha from
the medicine chest. This I got along with very well,
having a faithful assistant in the clerk, Thompson,
who went the rounds with me, and took particular
care that my prescriptions were attended to.
One evening the steward came to my state-room and
said Capt. D desired to speak with me.
"What!" I exclaimed, more than half asleep — for
truth to say I was snatching an afternoon's nap, to
make up for the loss of rest caused by my professional
attendance on the lower deck — " is the captain taken
sick ? — well, bring me the medicine chest — how was
he taken ? — fever ? Tell Thompson to give him the
18
210 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
usual dose of ipecac, to clear out his stomach, and I'll
be with him before it operates."
"You are mistaken, doctor" — (they all called me
so during this voyage) — " the captain is not sick; he
wants to see you on particular business."
" Oh, that's a different matter — ask the captain to
come to my state-room."
Away went the steward, and soon after the captain
made his appearance. After the usual inquiries by
me of "how do we get on?" and "how far have we
run to-day ?" and an apology from him for disturbing
me, the worthy captain opened the business of the
evening.
" I fear our first pilot's in a bad way — nothing will
stay on his stomach," remarked Capt. D , taking
a chair, and stretching out his legs in the easy way
that captains of steamboats will — " can't you do any-
thing for him ?" he asked.
"I fear not," was my answer; "I have tried
everything in the medicine chest — there is no hope
whatever of his being able to take his post at the
wheel during this voyage ; soon as we arrive at New
Orleans he had better go to Stone's hospital — a
month's care in that excellent institution will pro-
bably restore him."
" This is very unlucky," grumbled the captain,
" I wanted to ' run nights' after to-night, and the
second pilot cannot stand double watches — what's to
be done ?"
I quietly told him I didn't know what was to be
done, and supposed the business was over ; but Capt.
D lingered, gave two or three " h-hems," spat
violently through the state room door and over the
who's at the wheel? 211
guards, changed his position several times, and at
length continued the conversation.
"Mr. Sol., I understand that during your life
you've turned your hand to 'most everything."
"Well, I have"—
" I have heard of your merchandizing, your preach-
ing, your acting, and your doctoring — did you ever
try your hand at piloting ?"
"Piloting? Never — unless occasionally lending a
hand at steering a flat boat may be considered
piloting."
The captain looked somewhat disappointed when
he received my answer, and rose to depart.
" What is it you want ?" I asked.
Looking up in my face, he said, " I want a pilot ;
we can't run nights with one — Jim being down with
the fever, and there being no hope of getting him up,
I thought if you" —
" Am I to understand you that failing to get Jim
on his legs, you wish me to stand watch as pilot ?"
" Why, if you would — Thompson says you can if
you will."
" But what would the insurance companies say in
case of accident ?" I inquired.
" That's the point," answered the captain — " I
wanted you to take Jim's place at the wheel, and
assume Ms character at the same time ! If you will
do this, we shall save at least forty-eight hours be-
tween this and Orleans."
I pondered a moment, and then asked when he
wished me to assume my new duties ?
" At the commencement of the dog watch — six, P.
he answered.
212 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
" Enough said — I'll do it ! Consider me engaged,
and be so good as to send Thompson to me."
The captain departed, rejoiced at my ready ac-
quiescence, and that same evening a report went
through the boat that Jim was much better, and
would be able to resume his post at the wheel very
shortly. Thompson came to me, and I arranged with
him to give our patients a farewell dose all round,
and pronounce them cured.
Next evening, I visited the pilot's state room, and
just before six o'clock the tall figure of Jim was seen
(or was supposed to be seen) enveloped in his great
coat, a large hat pulled over his eyes, and a bandanna
tied around his neck, coat collar and all, stalking up
to the wheel-house. A supposed sore throat, the
effects of salivation, was a sufficient reason for the
pilot's taciturnity during the remainder of the voyage.
In my character of doctor, I had had some difficult
duties to perform ; as an actor and manager, my path
had not always been strewn with roses ; as a preacher,
I had perspired "a few;" and as a lawyer, some
hard eases had come under my superintendence ; but
this piloting was by far the most difficult job I had
ever undertaken ! It was observable that while pass-
ing over " bad places," Capt. D was always in
the pilot house, which was somewhat strange, as Jim
was known to be one of the most careful and compe-
tent pilots on the Mississippi ; but this was accounted
for in the fact that the captain was young at the busi-
ness, and wanted to learn the river. *
We arrived without accident at New Orleans — and
I do assure you I felt much relieved, myself — though,
as a faithful physician, I felt it to be my duty to re-
A LAPSE OF TWENTY TEARS. 213
commend that poor Jim, being much worse, from his
constant attention to Ms duties at the wheel, should be
sent to Dr. Stone's hospital for a month. I am happy
to say that Jim recovered, and was ready to resume
his post in the wheel-house on the very next trip of
the Vandalia. He never meets me without calling
out, "Sol., who's at the wheel?"
A LAPSE OF TWENTY YEARS.
The elderly and middle-aged residents of St. Louis
all remember the old theatre on Second street, between
Olive and Locust streets, commonly known as the
Salt House. The " temple" was somewhat limited
in size, of a surety ; but it was generally well filled
with well-satisfied audiences — and I have always con-
tended that a small theatre, full, was far preferable
to a large one half empty. No matter for that — it is
all aside from the purpose of my story, w r hich is
intended to record one of the most singular coinci-
dences I have ever known.
In the summer of 1827, the company of which I
was then a member, performed with great success a
new drama entitled the " Gambler's Fate, or A Lapse
of Twenty Years." It took well with the St.
Louisans, and was oftentimes repeated.
On one occasion, when this thrilling drama was
announced, two young men, just enlisted for a trip to
the mountains in the Fur Company's service, attended
the theatre to witness the performance. At the end
of the first act, they got impatient at the length of
18*
214 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
time the curtain was suffered to remain down, and
concluded to go out and take a drink. Another
drink followed, and then another.
" Come, Jim," said one, " let's return to the
theatre; the curtain must be up by this time."
"No," replied the other, "look here — just read
that bill, will you? — Betiveen the 1st and 2d acts
tiventy years are supposed to elapse."
" Thunder and gunpowder !" exclaimed Joe, the
liquor beginning to assert its power — " who's gwine
to wait twenty years ? Let's go back to the Green
Tree Tavern and retire to our virtuous beds, for to-
morrow we start for the mountains."
"Agreed," says Jim, and off they went. They
slept off the effects of the "drink," and next day the
party to which they belonged moved westward.
* * * *
[A Lapse of Twenty Years.]
* * * *
1847. Two middle aged individuals are seen read-
ing a large poster at the " Green Tree." Rough
looking customers they are, and look toil-worn and
browned by the weather, but hardy and honest.
They are our old friends, who, twenty years ago, went
to see the Gambler's Fate, and retired at the end of
the first act. Singularly enough, there is the same
play announced ! " The Gambler's Fate, or A Lapse
of Twenty Years."
Our trappers agree at once to go and see the rest
ont.
They make their way up Second street until they
come to about the spot where the theatre stood, and
then inquire of a passer-by for directions, which are
A LAPSE OF TWENTY YEAKS. 215
speedily given, and in a few minutes they find them-
selves in the vestibule of the theatre on Third street.
" Hollo ! old feller," says Joe, addressing the
ticket seller through a hole — " they play the ' Gam-
bler's Fate' here to-night, don't they?"
"Well, they don't play anything else," was the
polite reply of the gentlemanly treasurer.
"All right, old feller," replied Joe; "I don't
want to see anything else ; though I believe you ad-
vertise a farce with it. Is the first act over ?"
"I believe it is," answered the clerk.
16 All right again — we only want to see the second
act ; we saw the other some time ago. What's the
price of tickets now?"
" The same as a while ago — seventy-five cents."
"What, now — and one act over?"
"Exactly — one act over?"
"But," expostulated Joe, who did all the talking,
while Jim stood a little back and chewed tobacco,
" we've paid once before for seeing this piece, and
only stayed for the first act."
" Can't help that, my friend," replies the imper-
turbable ticket seller; "we have but one price."
" Well, hand out two tickets for up stairs." The
tickets were handed out, the money being first handed
in, and the two trappers entered the house. In a
few minutes the curtain was raised, and the moun-
taineers finished seeing the " Gambler's Fate," the
first act of which they had seen twenty years before,
in the same city, though not in the same theatre, and
with only one person in the cast who had played in
it on the previous occasion. In effect, our voyageurs
witnessed this play with a "real lapse" of twenty
years between the acts.
216 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
AN INTIMATE FRIEND.
There is a class of individuals who claim to Jcnow
everybody. Actors particularly, and particularly
great actors, are their most familiar companions.
Macready, Forrest and Booth are their most valued
professional friends — they have known them so long,
and so intimately — interchanged so many civilities
with them — been in their society under so many pecu-
liar circumstances — indeed, they have known them
from childhood — they consider them as brothers!
In 1844 one of this class happened to be passenger
on the " Scott" on her trip from New Orleans to St.
Louis, during the month of March. He was a jolly
fellow, full of anecdote, and always ready with his
joke, conundrum, repartee or pun. Snatches of the
fashionable negro songs — called, for fashion's sake,
Ethiopian melodies — quaint sayings, and quotations
from Shakspeare, were at his tongue's end ; he was
the life of the social hall. Not knowing his real
name, we will call him Sprig gins.
The great tragedian, Macready, had been perform-
ing an engagement at the St. Charles Theatre, and
he was, of course, the subject of conversation in the
cabin of all steamboats leaving New Orleans. Sprig-
gins had, according to his own account, attended the
theatre every night Macready had acted.
"His Macbeth was great," said Spriggins, joining
in a conversation by the stove in the social hall,
where the passengers were picking their teeth and
smoking — " his Hamlet superb, and his Werner mag-
AN INTIMATE FRIEND. 217
nificent ! I have freqnently said to him, at supper,
after he has been personating the latter character" — •
"You know him, then?" interrupted a passenger,
who was at the moment lighting a cigar by Sprig-
gins's.
" Know him ? — know Bill Macready ? Well I
should rather think I do ! — intimately — intimately
— spent most of my leisure time with him while he
was in Orleans. It was by my advice he came out
to the south."
"Indeed!"
" Yes, indeed — it was a lucky thing for the
managers, that I happened to be in New York on his
arrival from England — he never would have visited
the south had it not been for me."
" What sort of a man is he in private life ?" in-
quired a gentleman.
" Oh !" replied Spriggins, "he is devilish haughty
and austere to strangers, but in his intercourse with
friends, he is a very companionable sort of a fellow,
I assure you."
" Are you acquainted with Mr. Forrest ?" asked a
passenger.
" Acquainted with him ? — Ned Forrest ? Have
known him since he was a boy ; we were schoolmates
in Philadelphia — saw him make his first appearance
as Young Norval at the Chesnut street ; it was by my
advice he adopted the stage as a profession. Great
man, Ned is, but after seeing Macready, one doesn't
relish Ned's acting as formerly ; he is all very well as
Metamora and Jack Cade, but when he attempts
Shaksperian characters" — Spriggins concluded this
criticism by shaking his head and slightly shuddering,
218 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
as a man does when he has just taken a dose of
salts.
" Did you see him act during his late engagement
at the St. Charles?" asked one.
" No, I didn't," replied Spriggins — " though I like
Ned, I couldn't persuade myself to undergo his sten-
torian inflictions. He called to see me once or twice,
and I dined with him three times, I believe, and that's
the extent of our intercourse this season."
Spriggins went on chatting about actors and ac-
tresses till near dinner time — giving very amusing
accounts of their adventures during his long and inti-
mate acquaintance with them. He knew them all
" like a hook." The southern managers were under
great obligations to him for advice — indeed they very
seldom made any engagement of consequence without
consulting him. He knew all the stars and principal
stock actors and actresses. He had been the prime
agent in getting up most of the complimentary bene-
fits — he had written nearly all of the criticisms and
puifs that had appeared in the New Orleans papers
during the past theatrical season ; in short, if his
veracity might be relied on, he was the connecting
link between the public and the theatre ; and to a
casual observer, it would be a matter of wonder how
theatrical affairs could proceed for a single week with-
out him.
Who was he ?
He knew everybody connected with the stage, or
who had been connected with it during the last
twenty years. He dined with Mr. Caldwell twice a
week — it was by his advice that gentleman had built
the old St. Charles. We have already seen that he
AN INTIMATE FRIEND. 219
was on terms of intimacy with the two great trage-
dians of the age. Before the ringing of the dinner
bell, the congregated passengers in the social hall
became aware that a few of the more humble followers
of Thespis were also honored with Mr. Spriggins'
acquaintance and limited regard. In reply to ques-
tions judiciously propounded by the cigar smokers, it
became known that the season at New Orleans had
closed, and that the company were about leaving for St.
Louis — that he was bound for the same city, but he had
declined the invitation of Bill Macready, Jim Ryder,
Joe Field, Jack Weston, and Sol. Smith, to go with
them in the "J. M. White," in consequence of being
obliged to stop on the way at several towns on the
river. "Besides," he observed, "it is a relief to be
by one's self during a journey of this kind — for I
knew how it would be if I went with them — long sit-
tings over the wine bottle after dinner, late suppers,
tedious stories and professional reminiscences — I am
such a favorite with them all, that I should be bored
to death with their attentions."
The bell rung out the summons to dinner. After
the cloth had been removed, it was observed that five
gentlemen remained, enjoying their wine, at the mid-
dle of the table. Spriggins cast a wistful look to-
wards the party, but did not venture to move his chair
up to the place occupied by the ton vivants. One of
the five — a reverend-looking individual — observing
that a gentleman lingered at the lower end of the
table, after a short whispering consultation with his
companions, sent the steward with the compliments of
the party, and a request that Spriggins would honor
them with his company and partake of a glass of wine
220 ANECJDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
with them. He accepted the invitation with alacrity,
and was soon the merriest of the group. During the
"sitting," Spriggins imparted the information that
he was connected with the press, and that he was on a
tour through the river towns for the purpose of in-
creasing the circulation of one of the New Orleans
papers. He might proceed as far as St. Louis — Bill
Macready was going to that place, and didn't know
how he could get along in a city so far west without
some friend to take care of him ; but he didn't see —
he didn't — how people could expect people to leave
their business, to attend to other people's business ;
Jim Ryder had insisted on his going ; Joe Field had
expressed a great desire that he would go, and assist
him to establish his projected new paper — Jack
Weston had said he must go, and Old Sol. wouldn't
take no for an answer.
"So," said Capt. Swon, who had just joined the
party, "you are very well acquainted with these
actor-folk, Mr. Spriggins ?"
" Acquainted with actors? Oh, no — I don't know
any of them — ha ! ha ! ha !" answered and laughed
Spriggins, winking at the wine drinkers all round —
"never met any of them in all my life !"
At this moment, the clerk of the boat happened to
be passing by that section of the table where the
party were enjoying themselves.
" What's that you say, Mr. Spriggins ? — not know
any of the actors !" said he. " Allow me to introduce
you to a few : Mr. Macready, Mr. Spriggins — Mr.
Ryder, Mr. Field— Mr. Weston, Mr. Sol. Smith-
Mr. Spriggins ! — Spriggins — Macready — Weston —
Spriggins — Field — Ryder — Spriggins." The party
THE FATHER OF THE AMERICAN STAGE. 221
rose to do honor to the introduction — all but Sprig-
gins, who sat in his chair, holding a wine glass midway
between the table and his mouth, the very picture of
astonishment.
" Steward !" faltered Spriggins, when he found
the use of his tongue, " bring forward my trunk — I
get out at Natchez."
He did get out at Natchez, and I have been told
that he now stoutly denies ever having been ac-
quainted with any member of the theatrical profes-
cir)T"| *r^ *•* *** *•* *■*
THE FATHER OF THE AMERICAN STAGE.
(written in 1845.)
\
Andrew Jackson Allen claims to be the father
of the American Stage ; that is to say, he supposes
he has been on the American Stage a longer period
than any other actor now living. This may be true.
I have seen his name in the bills, and his person on
the stage as long ago as 1815. He was Andrew Al-
len then — the Jackson has since been acquired — how,
I do not pretend to say ; but I believe it was laid hold
of by and conceded to him by the world, in con-
sequence of the able manner in which he "got up"
the Battle of Neiv Orleans, at his benefit, soon after
the news arrived of the grand affair at New Orleans,
performed on the 8th of January of the above named
year.
The first character I saw performed by the subject
19
222 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
of this sketch, was the Laird of Raissy, in the opera
of the " Highland Reel." I next saw him in a raw-
head-and~bloody- bones mixture of pantomime and
melo-drama, entitled the " Black Castle, or the Dis-
tressed Maiden," in which he enacted an extremely
savage-looking confidential servant to a villainous
usurper, with a slouched hat, overhanging feathers,
broad belt, with a very wide brass buckle in front,
short sword and wide-sleeved gauntlets ; and it was
his peculiar province to attempt all the assassinations
— to be most unmercifully beaten by men with clubs,
and other rescuers of innocence ; and to cry " Con-
fusion ! foiled again !" and rush off, shaking his dag-
ger at the audience, and with a look at his intended
victim which indicated, as plainly as looks can indi-
cate, that it wouldn't be well for the aforesaid intended
victim to let him catch her alone again ; that's all !
He made a great impression on me ; and afterwards,
when I saw him in Abselino, the great bandit, through
the knot-hole of a pine board under the boxes, where
I had stationed myself in the afternoon before the
doors were opened, my admiration was excited to the
highest pitch ! This was in the old Albany Theatre,
in Green Street.
In the winter of 1816, the present father of the
American Stage became the sole proprietor of the
Shakspeare House, nearly opposite the theatre, pre
viously occupied by one Morse, afterwards proprietoi
of a Shakspeare Hotel adjoining the Park Theatre,
New York. He still continued to act in the theatre,
playing stern villains and clowns. He took a benefit,
and paid off an immense amount of debts, in tickets,
leading each creditor to suppose that he was the only
THE FATHER OF THE AMERICAN STAGE. 223
one who could be paid, and assuring him that the
tickets could be easily disposed of. It leaked out
during the day, that everybody had tickets for sale,
and the price fell to almost nothing. I purchased a
box ticket for six cents, and by planting myself at
the door at 4 o'clock, was one of the fifteen hundred
that were shoved into the house. The three or four
thousand outsiders amused themselves by kicking up
all sorts of rumpusses in the street. The "father" did
not care for all this — he had the receipted bills of his
creditors in his pocket.
Having paid all his debts in Albany, he proceeded
to New York, where he engaged in the Park Theatre,
and was moderately successful in his slouched hat,
broad buckle and short sword characters, until his
creditors — for he had a way of getting in debt per-
fectly surprising to young beginners — became some-
what impatient and troublesome. One, in particular,
determined to try the virtue of a capias ad respon-
dendum, and employed a well-known and afterwards
celebrated constable, by the name of Hays, to execute
the same on the body of Father Allen. I may as well
here state two things — first, my hero was, and is, par-
tially deaf; and secondly, he has a way of speaking
which conveys the idea that he is always laboring
under the effects of a bad cold in his head, without a
pocket handkerchief to help himself with. The reader
will please bear these things in mind.
Young Hays (he was then young) found Father
Allen on the Park Theatre steps. " Good morning,"
said he, saluting the actor very civilly, but speaking
in a very loud voice, for he knew the actor's in-
224 ANECDOTTCAL RECOLLECTIONS.
firmity, and pulling out a small bit of paper, — "your
name is Allen, I believe ?"
" Yes, Addrew Jacksod Ailed, at your service,"
replied the debtor, supposing the officer was an appli-
cant for a front seat in the dress circle — "what cad I
do for you, by friedd ?" continued he, patronizingly,
as he gently tapped the ashes from his cigar. "It is
by bedefit, you see — Battle of Lake Erie, sir, with
real water — great expedse — fide play — ' we have met
the edeby add they are ours,' you kdow — lots of doble
ships, flags, guds add smoke — look at the bill, sir."
" That's just what I want you to do," replied the
officer — " here is a bill I want you to examine, and
here is a writ requiring that I shall take your body
forthwith before a squire."
It was useless to attempt to misunderstand this
plain explanation, for if he could not hear very well,
he could see as well as anybody — and it was equally
useless to attempt to escape — so, after quietly examin-
ing the papers, the beneficiaire of the evening gave a
puif or two more at his cigar, and then, with a nod of
the head, intimated that he understood the whole affair.
- " Let's see — yes, sevedty-two dollars, exactly ;
cursed ill-datured of by friedd Thobsocl to trouble you
with this busidess — I idtedded to pay it out of by bedefit
bodey to-borrow ; but dever bind, step idto Bister
Sibsod's roob, with be, and 111 hadd you the aboudt."
" Certainly, sir," answered Hays, and he followed
the defendant into the theatre through a private door.
I shall not attempt to describe the route they took,
but it is said the officer was led up and down numer-
ous stairways, over divers stagings, and through many
dark passages and underground vaults, until he was
THE FATHER OF THE AMERICAN STAGE. 225
completely bewildered. At length, in the midst of
darkness, he was requested by his conductor to " hold
on a minute." " Here's Bister Sibsod's roob," said
he — " wait here till I see if he is at leisure." The
officer stopped stock still, as desired, for he had no
idea which way to move, and waited patiently for the
return of his prisoner, whose retreating steps told him
that Mr. Simpson's room was not so near to where.,
he stood as he had supposed. After waiting for
about ten minutes, he began to call the name of his
prisoner in a loud voice. Suddenly a trap door
opened immediately above his head, and, looking up,
he distinctly saw Allen's face, lit up with a most
benevolent smile. " Well," inquired the officer,
"have you found Simpson?" "Do, by friedd, I
havd't yet foucld that worthy gedtlebad, but I do
dot despair of beidg able to beet with hib sobe tibe
this evedidg ; be so good as to wait there, by idterest-
idg friedd, while I take a good look for hib — it is
bore thad likely I shall see hib sobewhere betweed
here add Philadelphia, for which city I ab about
ebbarkidg."
" Embarking for Philadelphia !" fiercely exclaimed
the officer — " no you don't ! you are my prisoner, and
must not move."
"By dear friedd, "replied Allen, who had not
heard a word the officer had said, but saw by his
movements he was inclined to leave the place where
he had located him, "you'd better dot stir frob that
spot till sobe of the labplighters arrive ; for if you do,
idasbuch as there are trap doors all roudd you, you'll
fall forty feet or so, add that bight hurt you, you
kdow." The trap door was closed with a loud noise,
19*
226 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
and the next that was heard of Father Allen, he was
getting up an immense nautical piece, called " The
Battle of Lake Champlain" in Philadelphia. I have
never learned how the constable got out of the theatre,
but I presume he was turned out. The return on
his writ was, " Executed by taking in custody the
defendant, who escaped by misleading me into the
devil's church, and leaving me to get out the best way
I could.''
The next I heard of the father he was manager of
a theatre in Pensacola, where he played Abselino and
Caleb Quotem with great success. In 1822 he was
in Cincinnati, where I was editing a paper, and he
was then engaged in sending up a series of balloons,
in opposition to one Mons. Dumileau, and appealing
in his advertisements to the patriotic feelings of the
Cincinnatians to sustain Ms balloons, on the ground
that they were the true American article, while those
of Dumileau's were decidedly French.
He went into Virginia, causing balloons to ascend
from every village. At one of his stands he found
great difficulty . in collecting together the proper
materials for generating gas ; nevertheless he adver-
tised that the exhibition would take place ; and pro-
viding a quantity of the spirits of turpentine to burn
under the balloon, hired a large garden, into which
the Virginians flocked in great numbers, each paying
fifty cents at the gate. When the hour of ascension
arrived, the exhibiter found that with all his exertions
it would be impossible to cause the balloon to mount !
He had a number of juvenile assistants, who were
busy about the inner enclosure, and to them he ad-
THE FATHER OF THE AMERICAN STAGE. 227
dressed himself, first handing an old bull's eyed watch
to the largest boy —
" Look here, by boys — I've got to go add purchase
sobe bore sulphuric acid — you take this watch, add
whed the hadd poidts at the hour of two, set fire to
this here turpedtide — do you hear ?"
The boys said they did hear, and promised obedience.
The master spirit made his way to the gate, where he
requested the door-keeper to " hadd over the fudds,
as there was such a crowd there was do telling what
bight happed id the bustle." He then mounted a pony
he had wisely provided for the purpose, and gallopped
off for the drug store — but mistaking the way, he
found himself, at precisely two o'clock, on a very
high hill overlooking the scene of his late operations.
The boys were true to their promise, and communi-
cated the fire to the turpentine at the appointed time,
the balloon went up, but it was in small flaky frag-
ments ; and the humbugged Virginians began to look
about for the operator — but in vain ! With $600 in
his pockets he was wending his way toward some city
where gas could be more easily generated. In giving
an account of this affair, our venerable friend says —
" Dab the idferdal ballood ! I foudd there was do use
id tryidg to bake it rise ; so, as I dislike bakidg apolo-
gies, I thought I would bake byself scarce : Whed I
got od that hill add looked back, the boys had set fire
to the ballood, add such a sboke rose up ! — the whole
village appeared to be od fire — d — d if it didd't
look like a youdg Sodob add Goborrow !"
When Mr. Edwin Forrest began to rise in his pro-
fession, . Allen determined to rise with him, and at-
tached himself to that tragedian as costumer, in which
228 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
capacity, and that of a fighting gladiator, he traversed
this country and Great Britain, always taking to
himself a full share of credit for "the boy's" success;
" for," said he, "what would be the use of taledt
without the proper costube ?" I am not informed of
the cause of separation, but certain it is the great
tragedian has managed to "get on" without the aid
of the father of the American Stage, for several years
past. Thrown on his own resources, we find he is
still true to himself and his country, as will more
fully appear by the following proclamation, which I
find in a late New York Mirror, and which I append
as a proper winding up to this somewhat lengthy no-
tice of a truly great man, (in his way,) and with the
hope that the Father of the American Stage
may reap some benefit from its widely extended cir-
culation :
Jg@- HUMBUGS AVAUNT ! ! ! «@g
i am not dead yet: ingratitude Las not killed me — thanks to
a clear conscience and a pair of silver leather breeches. All I want
is woi'k, that I may thrive by my industry, pay my debts, and die,
as I always have lived, an honest man.
The subscriber has resumed his old vocation of costumer, fancy
dress maker, and manufacturer of his unapproachable gilt and silver
leather, (for which he received letters patent in 1817, and which he
has since improved 100 per cent.) It-can be applied to the follow-
ing uses : theatrical and equestrian dresses and trappings, ladies' ball
slippers, albums, portfolios, pocket books, hat leathers, coach trimmings,
in short every variety of fancy and ornamental icork, 25 per cent.
less than it can be obtained anywhere else, and 100 per cent, bet-
ter. Warranted to last for years.
Masonic and /. 0. of 0. F. Regalia made to order.
Theatrical and equestrian managers are invited to call and judge
for themselves. A. J. A. is a classical and legitimate costumer, and
has followed the art for over 40 years, both in his native country, (our
COURT OF UNCOMMON PLEAS. 229
beloved America,) and in Europe, and he challenges competition. Mr.
A. makes helmets, masks, and all kinds of paper machee "work, and
stage properties of every description from a penny whistle to a Bas-
ket Elephant.
All orders thankfully received, and faithfully executed, by the
public's humble and obedient servant,
Andrew Jackson Allen,
No. 1, Mulberry street, (1st floor,)
Opposite the Chatham Theatre.
Gentlemen and children's clothes made in the most substantial
and fashionable style — gentlemen finding their own cloth.
P. S. — For 16 years Mr. A. made all E. Forrest's theatrical
wardrobe.*"
COURT OF UNCOMMON PLEAS.
Temperance
James Green,
Indictment for ivhislcey drinking
out of a jug.
If the reader has travelled much in the West,
he has witnessed the proceedings of self-constituted
courts on the boiler decks of steam boats. It has
been the luck of the writer of this sketch to act as
Judge of many of these dignified tribunals — conse-
quently he has been called on to pass judgment on
many of his fellow-travelers during the last twenty or
thirty years.
In the courts here spoken of the jurisdiction is
generally co-extensive with the boats on which they
* As I send these sheets off to the publisher, I learn that the
subject of the foregoing sketch has been " called" to another world.
Peace be with him ! He was the first recipient of assistance from
the American Dramatic Fund, but only lived to receive the first
quarter of the annuity to which he was entitled.
230 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
are held, and it is very seldom an individual is found
who is fool-hardy enough to call in question their
powers — hence the sentences are pretty generally
carried into effect without resistance.
In the summer of 1844, when all was " hurrah for
Clay," and "hurrah for Polk," a term of the Court
of Uncommon Pleas was " begun and held " on board
the good steamer White Cloud, Capt. Robards, during
her voyage from St. Louis to Louisville.
After the organization of the court by the appoint-
ment of Judge, Prosecuting Attorney, Clerk and
Sheriff, proclamation was made by the latter function-
ary that all was ready for business. The first case
on the docket was the one stated at the head of this
report. The defendant, Green, a deck passenger,
had been delivering a temperance lecture in the cabin,
and was retiring to his quarters on the lower deck,
when he was arrested by the sheriff and brought be-
fore the " Honorable Court." I never saw a " priso-
ner at the bar," charged with murder, manifest more
fear than did this poor fellow — the reason will appear
hereafter. The indictment was read, charging him,
the said Green, being at the time a member of a
temperance society, with having, " with malice and
aforethought," drank whiskey out of a jug — contrary
to the dignity of the temperance cause, and the inter-
est of the bar-keeper of the White Cloud, &c, &c.
"Prisoner, you have heard the charge — are you
guilty, or not guilty ?"
" Not guilty," replied the trembling Green — "that
is, not very guilty ; I did take a little bit of "
"Prisoner, answer distinctly to the charge — are
you guilty, or not guilty ?"
COURT OF UNCOMMON PLEAS. 231
" Is there any lawyer aboard ?" asked the defend-
ant, looking fearfully at the crowd.
"Yes," replied the Court — "there are any number
of them on board, going to the Whig Convention at
Nashville ; you are entitled to counsel, and the Court
assigns you L. V. B- , Esq., — so you can unbosom
yourself to him"
The worthy gentleman named readily accepted the
appointment, and a jury being empanelled, the trial
commenced.
The prosecuting attorney, (who was no other than
my friend Col. A. B. C rs, the well known apostle
of temperance,) made a splendid " opening." He in-
sisted that intemperance was the unpardonable sin,
and demanded that the jury, if convinced of the guilt
of the accused, should inflict the severest punishment
known to the law.
The evidence all went to show that the accused
had certainly committed the damning deed — he had
most surely drank whiskey — more than that, he had
drunk it out of a jug ! There was no getting round
it, or over it, or under it — drunk he had — he had
drunk whiskey — and out — of — a j-u-g !
The counsel for the prisoner, finding the fact could
not be controverted, endeavored to justify ; and went
into a lengthy argument to show that the greatest
men in ancient and modern times had been and t&ere
drunkards; that the greatest literary efforts had
been inspired by the wine bottle ; and so far from the
defendant being blamable for what he had done, he,
the learned counsel, contended that he was deserving
of the highest commendation.
A reply from the prosecuting attorney closed the
232 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
case, and the jury were about to retire to the pantry
to deliberate on their verdict, when the defendant ad-
dressed the Court :
" May it please your honor, I want to say a few
words, if you've no objections. "
"By all means — you shall be heard. The defend-
ant has a right to be heard by himself and counsel ;
proceed."
Green, trembling from head to foot, mounted a
chair, (on the intimation of the sheriff,) and spoke as
follows :
" Mister Judge, and gentlemen of the jury, I want
to say this much — I am guilty ; I don't justify the
drinking of the whiskey, I don't. I tried to persuade
my attorney not to make that sort of defenpe, but he
would do it. I drank a leetle whisky — but I took it
for medicine, as I have proved to you by the doctor
who prescribed it. I know I've done wrong — very
wrong, and I deserve punishment ; but I beg and pray
this Honorable Court to have pity on my wife
an d "
"Hast thou a wife?" interrupted the Court.
"I have," replied the defendant.
"And children?"
" No ; no children yet, may it please the honorable
Court, but my wife is in a fix."
"A fix?"
"Yes; a fix."
" Prisoner, what do you mean by your wife being
in a fix?"
"Why your honor," proceeded the accused, "she
will shortly become the mother of a fatherless orphan,
if you throw me overboard.'"
KICKING THE BUCKET. 233
" Throw you overboard ! What has put that into
your head, prisoner?"
" Oh !" groaned Green in agony, " I know the pun-
ishment of my crime; my counsel has told me all
about it. I'm to be thrown overboard, to prevent my
ever again drinking anything but cold water!"
Finding the poor fellow took the matter so seri-
ously, there was a general desire for his acquittal.
The judge gave a charge to the jury, full of nice
points of law and leaning greatly towards the prisoner.
Without leaving their seats, the jury returned the
following verdict:
" We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty, and
recommend him to mercy. The sheriff to treat the
jury — the attornies to pay costs, and the judge to
fill the jug which the defendant drank out of, and
which the jury have emptied during the trial."
The defendant, when he heard the verdict read, fell
down on his knees in thankfulness — renewed his tem-
perance pledge — thanked the judge and gentlemen
of the jury, and in his wife's name called down bless-
sings on the whole crowd.
KICKING THE BUCKET.
Pulse 140 !— Wliiew I— Wlmrr !
Reader did you ever have a fever ? — a regular built,
up-and-down thumping fever ? — a fever that carried
you up, as it were, to another existence ? I had such
a fever in the fall of 1844 — September — in Cincinnati.
20
234 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
I tried to put it off. It wouldn't go. I went to Lou-
isville in a steamboat, and endeavoured to persuade
myself during the night, while my pulse was rising and
my brain was becoming more and more pressed, that 1
should be better in the morning. I endeavoured to
transact business in Louisville, but my questions and
replies were so incoherent that the people stared at me
a,nd (for aught I know) thought I was tipsy. On the
return trip, all was pleasant enough in the afternoon,
but at night, and during the long night, thump, thump,
thump, went my blood again, as though it was deter-
mined to burst through and be free.
I found myself at my brother's house on Fourth
street, where a room is always reserved for me. I had
purchased some calomel and castor oil, on my way up
from the boat, and I went to taking medicine. It did
no good — the fever did not diminish at all. At the
request of my good brother a homoeopathic physician
was called in, who attended me, and administered small
globules of something or other for a week — two weeks,
perhaps — probably three — " I took no note of time."
No change. My brothers and other relations visited
me frequently. I could see by their manner they
thought I must go. They did not shake their heads,
but the expression of their countenances did not at all
conform to their words of comfort and encouragement.
My sense of hearing was fearfully acute. I could
hear them look! It was plain enough I was given up
— the doctor (Dutch at that !) said he had been called
too late ; if he had only been called in before I had
taken the calomel, all would have been well, but
With the exception of a head-ache, which hung to
me, it was not a disagreeable month I passed thus.
KICKING THE BUCKET. 235
The pressure on my brain caused those about me to
take the most fanciful forms, and to do the drollest
things ! The doctor appeared to dance into the room,
pour his useless (and harmless) medicine into water,
and present me the tumbler, dancing all the while ;
my sisters, my brothers, nieces and nephews, all to
appearance about half their real height, danced about
the apartment in the most picturesque forms, all bear-
ing a striking resemblance to each other, and all wear-
ing wreaths — rocking, prancing, bending, smiling, and
attitudinizing to the tune of — my pulse. It was very
pleasant indeed.
I remember every occurrence while under the in-
fluence of this fever, with the utmost distinctness.
About the 18th day I called the homoeopathic doctor
to my bedside and told him I had no further occasion
for his services. He remonstrated — the family re-
monstrated ; but I was firm — I would take no more of
those little globules.
My friend Logan came to see me every day. When
he found the homoeopathist had retired, he urged the
calling in of one of the regular physicians. After
some argument I consented, and Doctor Shotwell took
me in hand. I could see plainly enough he thought
the call had been put off too long ; but he prescribed
for me, and in one week I was able to sit up an hour
at a time — in two weeks I could walk, and in less than
three I embarked for St. Louis — my home.
"When I began to write this article I intended to de-
scribe some of my singular fancies — but I shall con-
fine myself to one strange fancy I took into my fever-
ish head.
It seemed to me that 'possibly my friends might be
236 ANECDOTICAL RECOLLECTIONS.
right, and that I was doomed to kick the bucket sure
enough. I was away from home — my affairs were un-
settled — no preparations made for such a feat — but yet,
I thought my time had possibly come ! The idea was
not at all unpleasant. I had shaken off all care of
business, having placed it in competent hands, and my
only uneasiness arose from the trouble I was giving
my kind nurses. I took up the idea that, if I must
kick the bucket, I might as well do it in the middle of
the night, when most of the family were asleep, so
that in the morning they would find all was over with
me, and the disagreeable part of the business would
be past. I kept thinking of this, and constantly con-
tinued to contrive out ways and means to effect my
designs without causing trouble to the family. I
knew that if I asked for a bucket to kick, they would
refuse to let me have it; so I pretended every night
that I wanted water to bathe my feet in, and when I
had finished bathing them I always asked the girl to
leave the bucket on a chair beside my bed ! And
there I lay night after night, waiting for the time to
come when I should kick the bucket without troubling
any one ! In the middle of the night I would laugh
heartily at my cunning contrivance — keeping the
bucket all the time within kicking distance of my right
foot, and chuckling at the idea of what a splash I
would make when I should give my last kick !
DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
A FRIENDLY LETTER TO THE REY. DR.
BEECHER, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.
Boston, Sunday Evening ', Aug. 13, 1843.
Sir — The newspapers have given the substance of
a discourse delivered by you at the Tremont Theatre,
soon after that building came into the possession of
its present proprietors. When that discourse was
delivered, I was in St. Louis, nearly one thousand
miles from Boston. Business has brought me here,
and I take leave to address you a few lines on the
subject of your address, conceiving there are some
parts of it, if correctly reported, somewhat excep-
tionable — at least, likely to be so considered by mem-
bers of the theatrical profession.
I make no apology for addressing you through the
columns of the press. We are personally unac-
quainted with each other ; and to be plain with you —
for "bluntness is my trade" — I am not very desirous
of an introduction. You are a preacher of the Gos-
pel — I am nothing but an actor — and a poor one, at
that, in every sense of the word ; — You are in posses-
sion of a princely income, as payment for advocating
the cause of the meek and lowly Jesus — lam strug-
gling for a precarious subsistence in my capacity of a
20* (237) *
238 DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
stage-player — occasionally adding a little to my in-
come by appearing " in the character" of a lawyer
in our courts of justice. I may add that you stand
at the head of a powerful sect of professing Christians
in the United States, while I am content to claim
membership in the lowest rank of artists called his-
trions. I presume if I were to seek a conversation
with you at your splendid mansion, I should be
spurned from your door, as unworthy to press your
carpet with my unhallowed feet — the name of " Sol.
Smith, the actor," announced in your study, would
probably be the signal for bolting your door — indeed,
if the report of your discourse at the Tremont be a
true one — and I have no reason to doubt that it is —
you must entertain a " lodged hate" — a " certain
loathing," for all poor sinners of our class. There-
fore it is that I do not seek a personal interview, but
say what I have to say, thus publicly.
You are represented to have made your "first ap-
pearance on the Tremont boards" before a "house
crowded from pit to gallery;" and it is said you "re-
turned thanks to Almighty God for having changed
the place, which was once the seat of Satan and his
works, into Christ's Holy Temple ;" and prayed that
"all theatres might soon become temples of God;
and that Satan, their great head, might immediately
be driven back to his appropriate home, the bottom-
less pit." You are said to have dwelt particularly
upon the " bad character of actors and actresses,"
and to have asserted of theatres that " there was no
redeeming quality about them — they were evil, and
that continually — they were the fruitful source of all
vice — [all !] — the great social exchange where sinners
239 LETTER TO DR. BEECHER.
of all grades, colors, and description, assembled to
barter away and sell their immortal souls."
Now, Mr. Beecher, read over the above quotations,
while quietly sitting in your closet, and how do they
look in print ? Do not your denunciations strike you
as being rather on the wholesale order ? How dif-
ferent — how widely different — was the language of
your master and mine, while tabernacling upon the
earth ! Without the slightest attempt at proof to
support your assertions, you throw out an accusation
against the whole community of actors. You stand
up in the pulpit, (late the social exchange of sinners,)
and before three thousand people, drawn together by
your great fame as a speaker, and by curiosity to
witness the cleansing of the Augean stable, by the
river of your eloquence, and point at a large class of
your fellow citizens, branding the whole of them as
bad characters ! Without particularizing their crimes
— without affording them an opportunity of defence,
you consign thousands of your fellow mortals to
infamy — or in other words, send them to the Devil !
You must not be surprised, then, doctor, if the com-
munity you have so unsparingly denounced and slan-
dered — yes, slandered !— do not sit calmly down
under the imputations cast upon them. A worm,
when trodden upon, will turn upon a giant.
In the name of my professional brothers and sisters,
I deny that, as a class, they are obnoxious to the
charges you have brought against them. I deny that
the theatre is an exchange where sinners barter away
their souls — and I am willing to take the late Tre-
mont Theatre, with all its faults, as a specimen of all
theatres in the United States — and I pronounce your
240
DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
attempt to fix upon all actors and actresses the title
of "bad characters," uncharitable, unfair, and un-
manly. To deny that the institution of the theatre
is sometimes abused, and its objects perverted, or
that some members of our profession are faulty, would
be to deny that managers, actors, and actresses are
human beings. But let the professors of the stage be
compared with those of any other calling — nay, let
them be compared, (and I invite the comparison,)
with the occupants of the pulpit — let the moral cha-
racter of each class be set side by side before the
world, and the result need not be feared by the much
abused histrions.
If we thought proper to " carry the war into
Africa," we might retort upon the pulpit, and point
out instances, (and not a few, either,) where all the
wholesome restraints of society have been broken
through, and trampled under foot by preachers of
eminence — where the sanctity of the domestic circle
has been invaded — the obligations of the marriage
vow have been broken — confidence has been betrayed,
and fathers and husbands have been compelled to
seek redress in courts of justice for injuries inflicted
on their daughters and their wives, by hypocrites
who use religion as a cloak to hide their hellish pro-
pensities. One would suppose, doctor, to hear you,
and such as you, speak of actors and actresses, that
in your profession there is no acting — that, from the
holy horror with which you pour forth your denun-
ciations against the poor players, you would shrink
from employing any of the arts you condemn so un-
sparingly in the actor. I assert that many of you
make a trade of religion. To say nothing of the
LETTER TO DR. BBECHER. 241
attempt that was made to raise money by exhibiting
the Tremont Theatre as it stood when the wicked
actors left it — in all its glare of splendid scenery,
rich decoration, and gas lights — you every week cun-
ningly contrive out ways and means to gull the public
and obtain money from sinners as well as saints —
that at your meetings you resort to all manner of
tricks to obtain contributions for pretended charities,
and for the support of missions to distant countries,
with the professed object of saving heathen souls,
while your next-door neighbor is perishing for bread;
that, contrary to the command of our Saviour, who
directed that we should receive the gospel " without
money and without price," you take care to confine
your labors to such congregations as will pay you a
price — and a very good price, too — that you " accept
of engagements," like the actors, where the highest
salaries are given — that the louder the call, the more
likely you are to hear it — and that instead of treating
your fellow sinners kindly, and drawing them by
affectionate remonstrances from what you consider
their evil ways, you denounce them in a lot, and, so
far as in you lies, shut the door of grace upon them !
It would appear to me, reverend sir, that on the
occasion of taking formal possession of the Tremont
Theatre — the late " seat of Satan and his works,"
since you will have it so — « temperate and forbearing
tone would have been more becoming your character
and situation. Considering that you had succeeded
in turning old Satan and about one hundred sinners
out of doors — the sinners to starve, perhaps, and
Satan to look out for other quarters — the air of
triumph you assumed, and the sentences of condemna-
212
DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
tion you uttered, were unworthy of you. You had
hurled the Muses, neck and heels, from the premises — ■
you had deprived their humble followers of the means
of earning their bread — was that a time to indulge in
scoffs and maledictions ? Was that the way to purify
the unholy spot ?
How is it, that our Lord Jesus Christ— for he is
my Lord as well as yours — did not say a word against
theatres when on earth ? I do not find a sentence of
his recorded which implies that there is any sin in
social amusements; on the contrary, the Bible is full
of injunctions to cultivate a cheerful disposition. I
need only to refer to the fact of David's dancing
before the Ark, to show that dancing is pleasing in
the sight of God. Speaking of David — read his
Psalms, and you will find in those incomparable
poems, that rejoicing and clapping of hands — playing
upon instruments, of all the kinds then invented —
skipping, and making "joyful noises," formed most
of the themes of the mighty poet. If I am not mis-
taken, (I have not my Testament with me to refer to)
one of the apostles took refuge in a theatre, which
proved to him a safe sanctuary when pursued by a
ruthless mob. Our Saviour dwelt among sinners —
gently leading them into the paths of virtue. How
different is the conduct of his pretended followers of
the present day — how different from the course pur-
sued by the apostles in the early ages of Christianity !
Instead of " going forth into all the ends of the earth
to preach the Gospel to all nations," without coin or
scrip, your modern preachers must live upon the fat
of the land, dwell in splendid mansions, be in receipt
of stipulated salaries, and instead of spreading the
LETTER TO DR. BEECHER. 243
blessed tidings of the Gospel to the inhabitants of
heathen lands, they confine their teachings to their
own favored flocks — unless some temple of Satan is
to be purified — then, indeed, a reverend divine can
travel hundreds of miles — not, as in pilgrim times,
bareheaded and barefooted — but in steamers, railroad
cars, and coaches, to fulfil a prophecy made by him-
self before he was "called" to the west! Then,
instead of extending the hand of charity to the house-
less individuals who have thought it no sin to " labor
in their vocation," and if he thinks their calling
sinful, telling them to " GO and sin no more," he
can brand a whole community with infamy — pro-
nounce them all "bad characters" — andean "dine
after that!"
But stop — what am I about ? Let me not fall into
the same error I am condemning in others. All
preachers are not to be answerable for the faults of a
portion of them. I have known some orthodox
preachers (and I record it with pleasure) who were
honest, charitable, and christianly. I only wished to
show, that bad as actors are, or may be, as a class,
they will lose nothing by a comparison with preachers.
In all the practices of active benevolence, I religiously
believe they rank far above them.
I would suggest to you, my fellow sinner, that if
you really believe actors and actresses to be the " bad
characters" you represented them to be in your ser-
mon, it is your bounden duty to preaeh to them — point
out to them the sinfulness of their calling — reason
with them — draw them from their evil ways, if they
are evil — and, by treating them kindly, convince them
244 DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
that you are indeed the minister of that blessed Re-
deemer you profess to serve.
If you and your congregations would attend the-
atrical exhibitions — (for, depend upon it, Doctor, you
cannot " put them down ") — applaud the good senti-
ments, and express your disapprobation of everything
calculated to produce an immoral effect upon the
audience — in short, if you and they would co-operate
with us, and endeavor to purge the stage of its im-
purities, instead of endeavoring as you do to extermi-
nate it, much good might be effected, and the drama
might nourish as the adjunct of Christianity.
I did intend to say something about Satan — for I
do think you treat that imaginary being rather cava-
lierly, taking into consideration the fact that he is al-
ways at hand as a convenient scare-crow to " drive
the stray lambs into the fold," and that you could not
carry on your business a week without him, — but
upon second thoughts, I have concluded to say
nothing in his behalf. Send him back " to the bot-
tomless pit," Doctor, as soon as you like — and a good
riddance, I say.
At some future period, I propose to discuss at some
length the usefulness of the stage. At present I
fear I have wearied your patience, with my desultory
and disjointed strictures. I will conclude by recom-
mending to your consideration the 7th chapter of
Matthew, 1st to 5th, and 21st to 23d verses.
Hoping you will receive this letter in as kind a
spirit as that which dictates it, and advising you to
cultivate Christian feelings, I remain,
Dear Sir, your fellow laborer in the vineyard,
Sol. Smith.
REPLY TO THE REV. W. G. ELLIOT. 245
A REPLY TO THE REV. W. G. ELLIOT OF
ST. LOUIS.
Extract from a Lecture on Amusements.
BY THE EEV. W. G. ELLIOT.
"It is a fair objection to the theatre, that, as an amusement, it
is too exciting — by far too much so for a beneficial influence on the
young. It often unfits their minds for serious thoughts and labor.
To older persons it may not be so hurtful ; but for the young man,
I do not know of any habit, initself not positively sinful, which is more
injurious, or more fraught with serious danger, than that of theatre-
going. It stimulates the imagination too strongly; it awakens dor-
mant passions ; it overtasks the sensibilities ; and generally makes
more quiet and less exciting amusements seem flat and tasteless. It
is, moreover, an expensive amusement, much beyond the proper
means of most young men — and, unfoi'tunately, it is surrounded with
many incidental evils, which, although theoretically not inseparable
from it, are always practically attendant upon it — as camp followers
are an evil inseparable from the camp. I appeal to yourselves if it
is not true, that the young man who becomes fond of the theatre is
very likely to become immoral and dissipated. Believing that it is
so, I feel justified in advising you strongly against it. Select more
quiet and less dangerous amusements. At least wait until you are
well established in virtue, before you subject yourselves to such
severe tests ; and when you are thus established, the desire to set
a good example to those whose principles are not yet equally con-
firmed, may become a still stronger motive for staying away."
At various times, during my professional life, I
have felt called upon to make comments, through the
press, upon the strictures of certain reverend gentle-
men, who have thought proper to denounce the insti-
tution of the theatre as demoralizing in its tendency.
Among the so called "divines," (what a title for human
beings !) to whom I have paid my respects, I may
name Mr. Bullard, of this city, and Mr. Beecher,
21
246
DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
of Cincinnati. These preachers of the gospel of
Jesus Christ — one on the occasion of delivering a
sermon on the death of President Harrison, and the
other at a sort of holy triumphant celebration, held
on the occasion of the conversion of the Tremont
Theatre, (Boston,) into a church — took upon them-
selves the offices of judges of their fellow-sinners,
and, instead of obeying the command of the master
they pretend to serve, which required his followers to
go forth to all the world and preach good will to
all men, passed sentence of unconditional condemna-
tion, not only upon the professors of the stage, but
upon all who encouraged its representations by their
presence in the passive characters of auditors.
It may be asked why I, out of the whole community
of actors in this extensive country, should take upon
myself the task of defending the theatre. I answer,
because I feel it to he my duty, and because I do not
perceive others, far more able to do justice to the
cause, step forward, as it appears to me they should,
to defend their profession, when assailed.
Being a great admirer of the Rev. Mr. Elliot, whom
I know to be a good man and an exemplary Christian,
I confess I was not prepared to find him following so
far in the wake of the orthodox gentlemen above
named, as to advise his young hearers to discounte-
nance an institution which has been advocated and up-
held by a vast majority of the great and good men
of all ages, and in all countries where civilization and
refinement have prevailed to any extent. I thought
we had one church at least, in St. Louis, whose pulpit
was occupied by a man who, while he was strictly
faithful to his trust, and watchful over the moral con-
REPLY TO THE REV. W. G. ELLIOT. 247
duct of his parishioners, would rise above the petty
prejudices which unfortunately, to some extent, exist
against the institution referred to; and if he could
not conscientiously assist in dissipating those preju-
dices, that he would at least refrain from giving
countenance to the war of extermination waged by
interested and bigoted clergyman against the theatre,
leaving his congregation to exercise their own judg-
ments, and obey the dictates of their own consciences,
(influenced, if you please, by his excellent general
teachings,) on the subject of amusements.
Before attempting to controvert the opinions of
Mr. Elliot, as expressed above, it is with pleasure I
award to that gentleman great sincerity and honesty
of purpose in all his acts and words. His language,
correctly quoted at the head of this article, it need
not be said, is that of a gentleman, a scholar, and a
Christian ; and its style is referred to only for the pur-
pose of remarking upon the striking difference be-
tween it and that of the language generally made use
of by the orthodox "gentlemen in black" gowns, who
have heretofore taken upon themselves the offices of
censors of the stage, and, in consequence, claimed my
attention.
I will now state, concisely, Mr. Elliot's reasons for
advising young people to stay away from the theatre :
1. The theatre, as an amusement, is too exciting,
and, therefore, fraught with serious danger.
2. It is too expensive.
3. It is surrounded with many incidental evils,
which are always practically attendant upon it, though
not theoretically inseparable from it.
248 DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
4. It leads young men to become immoral and dis-
sipated.
To be sure, all these are mere assertions ; but as
they are made in sincerity, and doubtless in the full
belief of their truth, let us examine them separately :
It is said, that the theatre is " too exciting."
Now, it appears to me that if the tendency of stage
representations be for good, they cannot be " too
exciting ;" but if for evil, then the gentleman is right.
When the heart throbs with the feelings of patriotism
and virtuous indignation against tyranny and oppres-
sion ; when the eye of youth fills with tears of sorrow
for suffering virtue ; when the cheek burns with indig-
nation at successful villainy — all the effect of the poet's
language and the actor's power — will it be said that
these aroused feelings are to be suppressed, because they
are " exciting ?" I say to you, friend Elliot, that so
far from the amusement of the theatre being " too
exciting" for the young, it would be better for the
moral condition of the world, if the excellent senti-
ments promulgated from the stage, could be more
universally disseminated than they are. That the
cold, formal teachings of the pulpit have their uses, is
not denied ; but the practical lessons acted before the
auditor at the theatre, from the very fact that they
are more " exciting," are more lasting, and conse-
quently more useful.
I conclude, then, on this point, that a play cannot
be "too exciting," if the moral be good, and the
tendency of the sentiment ennobling to human nature.
Let the pulpit, therefore, confine its censures and
strictures to immoral stage representations, and
REPLY TO THE REV. GL W. ELLIOT. 249
cherish those which tend to refine, ameliorate and
improve society.
The second objection to the theatre as an amusement
— that it is too expensive — may be answered in a few
words. Let there be a very general attendance,
(allowing it to be deserving of support) and the prices
of admission can be proportionately reduced. This
has already been exemplified in our own theatre. Not-
withstanding the anathemas occasionally launched
forth from the pulpit, the attendance has so increased
within late years that the admission fee has been
reduced one-half! So it is not very "expensive,"
after all ; and if young men are moderate in their en-
joyment of dramatic amusements — visiting the theatre
only once or twice a week — it will not be very " hurt-
ful" to them, I imagine, in a pecuniary point of view,
(in which view I suppose this objection is made,) and
they will have something left for pew rent, preacher's
salary, and the missionary box too. Taking into
view the quality of the various amusements, it appears
to me there is none so cheap as that of the theatre.
The charge that the theatre is " surrounded with
incidental evils," I scarcely know how to meet, unless
the evils are more particularly specified. In the
absence of such specifications, I hope it will not be
thought unfair to assume that the lecturer referred to
those truly objectionable adjuncts to some theatres —
the bar-room and the third tier. If I am right in this
assumption, it is sufficient to say that here in St.
Louis, there has been no saloon or bar-room carried
on in the theatre for ten years ; and that the third
tier is frequented by as honest and virtuous a set of
21*
250
DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
auditors, male and female, as can be found in any
community — of colored people.
And here I must complain of the illiberality and
positive unfairness of all the clergymen in this city
who oppose the theatre, as they say, upon principle ;
for while they very willingly and with apparent can-
dor admit, in private, that the establishment here is
an exception to the generality of theatres, and, indeed,
that its directors deserve credit for the manner in
which it is conducted, in the pulpit they do not give
us the benefit of this exception, but class all theatres
together indiscriminately, and indiscriminately con-
demn them all !
The fourth objection, that going to the theatre leads
young men to become immoral and dissipated, is con-
troverted thus : — They learn there the best lessons
taught by history and experience ; they meet the best
society ; they pass their time pleasantly — commit no
sin — and retire to their homes satisfied that they have
spent the evening in rational enjoyment. " Dissipa-
tion" has no more connection with the theatre than
with the church. If a man is desirous of indulging
in the intoxicating cup, he can obtain it, (and will,) as
easily after attending a lecture or prayer meeting, as
after witnessing a theatrical performance.
Instead of theatre-going being an injury to the
young, (or the old either, for that matter,) I insist
that it is a positive benefit ; and I hope to live long
enough to see the respectable portion of our pulpit
orators throw aside the long cherished prejudices, and
come out in its support. Come, gentlemen of the long
robe, what do you say to a " combination" between
the church and the theatre, against the devil and all
REPLY TO THE REV. G. W. ELLIOT. 251
nis works ? Instead of endeavoring to put down the
theatre, which you cax never do, suppose you preach
against the abuses which exist in it — recommend your
hearers to witness none but good plays — moral plays
— plays which are plays ! Tell the young men to
stay away when the trash which managers are some-
times compelled to offer, is announced, and crowd the
house when a sterling piece is brought out !
If preachers will follow my advice, and let it be
understood that they uphold the good and condemn
the bad of the theatre, they can then incorporate into
their sermons some of the sentiments of our fine old
dramatists, and instead of quoting as they now fre-
quently do, surreptitiously, some good sentiments
from a play, and shuffle it over with a half-uttered
reference to "the poet," they could quote boldly from
Shakspeare, Johnson, Home, and other play writers,
and give them due credit for their sentiments. More
than a thousand times have I heard passages from
Shakspeare quoted in the pulpit, and never but once
did I hear that poet's name mentioned there ; and
then the minister said, he valued the plays of Shaks-
peare next to his Bible ! The minister here spoken
of gave this rule as the proper one to be followed by
all Christians, in relation to amusements : " Never to
go to any place where you are not willing to die /" An
excellent rule, I humbly think ; and one which, if fol-
lowed by us all, (preachers as well as players,) might
be considered a safe guide through life.
For twenty-five years I have followed the stage as
a profession. If I thought it a sinful one, I would
leave it to-morrow — nay to-night; though a large
252 DEFENCE OF THE STAGE.
family is dependent on my professional exertions for
support — my children for their education.
If my own motives and feelings are known to my-
self, my aim has always been, so far as my limited
influence extended, to elevate the drama ; or rather to
so conduct my course in the management of such
theatres as have been wholly or partially under my
direction, as to maintain the stage in its proper
position among the professions. This I have effected,
so far as the public would sustain me ; and, in con-
clusion, I invite all who believe that theatre-going is
attended with injurious effects, to examine well the
subject — discard all illiberal prejudices, exercise a
Christian spirit towards those who differ with them in
opinion, and pause before they publicly utter opinions,
which, if concurred in by the community in which we
live, would consign to want and starvation all who are
engaged in the theatre ; consisting of no less than
sixty or seventy individuals, who, for virtue, intelli-
gence and honesty, (leaving myself out of the party,)
may safely challenge a comparison with those who
seem disposed to deprive them of their bread.
[1848] SOL. SMITH.
LETTER FROM EX-PRESIDENT LAMAR.
Galveston, Texas, 10th January, 1849.
Dear Sol.. —
If, in consequence of my long silence, you have
been induced, as I fear you have, to drop me from
your "list of friends," I hope you will not deny me
the privilege, under fair explanation, of reinstating
myself in your good graces ! Our acquaintance be-
gan at that halcyon period of life, when the heart is
most susceptible of strong and lasting impressions ;
and I can assure you, my old friend, that the attach-
ment which then grew up between us, making us two
as one man, has not been weakened in me by the
flight of years ; but on the contrary it has rather been
improved by time, the great maturer, which converts
the flowers of spring into the ripe and pleasant fruits
of autumn. My life, like your own, has been some-
what checkered by adventure; but I account it one
of the greatest blessings of fortune, that amidst all
her buffetings, she has not deprived me of the cheer-
ful companion of my happier days — the " friend of
my soul" — my old Sol. Smith. A three-years entomb-
ment of myself in Mexico and the frontier wilds has
prevented my receiving your little book, which you
kindly dedicated to me, and which now meets my
sight for the first time. Its laughing tone and ani-
mated stories, show that you have not lost the joyous
spirit of your younger years — that you are still the
(253)
254 LETTER FROM EX-PRESIDENT LAMAR.
man of "infinite jest," in spite of all your ups and
downs; and surely, ray friend, if the ancients were
right in saying that a brave man struggling with ad-
versity, was a sight worthy of the gods, I know of
no claimant more worthy of their favors than yourself
— than you who have contributed so much to lighten
the burthens of others, while bravely bearing your
own. You have "played many parts " in your time —
have played them all well, and most certainly none
better than that of the true "philosopher and
friend." Then "here's a double health to thee," old
Sol. Long life and a happy one to him who knows
how to enjoy prosperity with gratitude, and whose
happy alchemy of mind can turn even misfortune into
pleasantry. "All the world's a stage;" but the
" farce, tragedy and comedy " of life will soon be
over. Let us then, my friend, endeavor so to act the
parts assigned us here, as may secure to us a good
cast and full benefits in that sublimer theatre which
will be opened hereafter by the great Manager above,
when the universe shall be the audience and eternity
the curtain.
Your Friend,
MIRABEAU B. LAMAR.
Sol. Smith, Esq.,
Manager of the St. Charles Theatre, N. 0.
THE END.
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to anything of the kind ever before published. Complete in one volume, with a beau-
tifully illustrated cover. Price 50 cents.
Freaks of Fortune ; or, the Life and Adventures of Ned Lorn«
By J. B. Jones, author of " Wild Western Scenes," " Rival Belles," " Life and Adven-
tures of Col. Yanderbomb," etc. It will be found to be one of the most thrilling and
entertaining works ever issued from the press. Complete in one volume.
Trials of a Needlewoman. By T. S. Arthur. Price 25 cents.
Mysteries of the Court of Q,ueen Anne. By William Harrison Ainswot'th.
Price 50 cents.
Ladye of Albarone. By George Lippard. Price 50 cents.
The Blan-of-War's-Man. By Eugene Sue. Price 25 cents.
Mysteries of the Court of the Stuarts. Price 50 cents.
Life and Adventures of Percival Mayberry, Price 50 cents.
The Rival Belles. By J. B. Jones. Price 50 cents.
Mysteries of a Convent. By a now noted Methodist Preacher.
Published by T. B. PETERSON,
No. 103 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, _.
vSSSS&BBm SSatS SSSm ■■ i i. Ji !■■ r Hi 1 1 i ii ■■»••" i i mSmSBSSSSmSSBamK
£^,Read th© List of New Books in Press. "©S
T B B. PETERSON,
No. 102 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia,
HAS JUST PUBLISHED AND FOR SALE,
STEREOTYPE EDITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING WORKS,
Which will be found to be the Best and Latest Publications, by tie
Most Popular Writers in the World.
THE TRADE SUPPLIED AT THE LOWEST RATES, AND
ALL ORDERS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO.
J05- Every work published in this Country for Sale here, either at
Wholesale or Retail.
ELLEN PICKERING'S NOVELS.
Either of which can be had separately. Price 25 cents each, or any fire cf them for
One Do'.iar. They are printed on the finest white paper, and each forms one large
octavo volume, complete in itself, neatly bound in a strong paper cover.
THE ORPHAN NIECE. THE PRINCE AND
KATE WALSINGHAM, THE PEDLER.
THE POOR COUSIN. THE MERCHANT'S
ELLEN WAREHAM. DAUGHTER.
THE GRUMBLER. THE HEIRESS.
THE QUIET HUSBAND. THE FRIGHT.
"WHO SHALL BE HEIR. NAN DARRELL.
THE SECRET FOE. THE SQUIRE.
AGNES SERLE. THE EXPECTANT*
CAPTAIN MARRYATT'S WORKS.
Either of which can be had separately. Price of all except the Wo last are 25 ceots
each, or any five of them for One Dollar. They are printed on the finest white paper,
and each forms one large octavo volume, complete in itself.
PETER SIMPLE. NEWTON FORSTER.
JACOB FAITHFUL.
JAPHET IN SEARCH OF A FATHER.
THE PHANTOM SHIP.
MIDSHIPMAN EASY.
THE PACHA OF MANY TALES.
THE KING'S OWN.
THE PIRATE AND THREE CUTTERS.
THE NAVAL OFFICER.
SNARLEYYOW, or the Dog Fiend.
PERCIVAL KEENE. 200 pages. Price Fifty cents.
POOR .TACK. 200 pages. Price Fifty cents.
SEA KING. 203 pages. Price Fifty cents.
VALERIE. His last Novel. Price Fifty cents.
T. S. ARTHUR'S WORKS.
Either of which can be had separately. Price 25 cents each, or any five of them for
One Dollar. They are the most mcval, popular and entertaining in the world. There
are no better books to place in the hands of the young. All will profit by them.
THE DIVORCED WIFE. THE ORPHAN CHILDREN.
THE BANKER'S WIFE. THE DEBTOR'S DAUGHTER.
PRIDE AND PRUDENCE. INSUBORDINATION.
CECILIA HOWARD. LUCY SANDFORD.
THE BROKEN PROMISE. AGNES, or the Possessed.
LOVE IN A COTTAGE. THE TWO BRIDES.
LOVE IN HIGH LIFE. THE IRON RULE.
THE TWO MERCHANTS. LADY AT HOME. »
m
delightful book of the season. Price Fifty cents.
fljg === == ' = £g
T.'B. PETERSON'S LIST OE PUBLICATIONS. 3
MRS. GREY'S NOVELS.
Either of which can be had separately. Price 25 cents each, or any fire of them foi
One Dollar. They are printed on ihe finest white paper, and each forms one large
octavo volume, complete in itself, neatly bound in a strong paper coyer.
THE GIPSY'S DAUGHTER.
THE 3£LIiS OF THE FAMILY.
SYBIL LB.ViSARD. A Record of Woman's Life.
THE DUKE AND THE COUSIN.
THE LITTLE WIFE.
THE MANOEUVRING MOTHER.
LENA CAMERON, «*r the Four Sisters.
THE BARONET'S DAUGHTERS.
THE YOUNG PRIMA DONNA. I
THE OLD DOWER HOUSE.
HYACINTHE, OR THE CONTRAST.
ALICE SEYMOUR. HARRY MONK.
MARY SEAHAiU. 250 Pages. Price Fifty cents.
ALEXANDER DUMAS' WORKS.
The Iron Mask, or the Feats and Adventures of Raoul de
Brageloane. Being the conclusion of "The Three Guardsmen," "Twenty Years
After," and "Bragelonne." By Alexandre Dumas. Complete in two large volumes,
of 420 octavo pages, with beautifully Illustrated Covers, Portraits, and Engravings. I
Price One Dollar.
Louise La Valliere ; or the Second Series and Final End of the
"Iron Mask." By Alexandre Dum-as. This work is the final end of "The Three
Guardsmen," "Twenty Years After," •' Bragelouue," and "The Iron Mask," and is of
far more interesting and absorbing interest, than any of its predecessors. Complete
in two large octavo volumes of over 400 pages, printed on tbe best of paper, beauti-
fully illustrated. It also contains correct Portraits of " Louise La Valliere," and " The
Hero of the Iron Mask." Price for the entire work, One Dollar. I
Tiie Memoirs ot a Physician; or the Secret History of Louts
the Fifteenth. By Alexandre Dumas. It is beautifully embellished with thirty
engravings, which illustrates the principal scenes and characters of the different hero- ,
ines throughout the work. Complete in two large octavo volumes. Price Fifty cents j
a volume.
The Queen's Necklace! or the Secret History of the Court of
Louis the Sixteenth. A Sequel to the Memoirs of a Physician. By Alexandre j
Dumas. It is beautifully Illustrated with portraits of the heroines of the work.
Complete in two large octavo volumes of over 400 pages. Price Fifty cents a volume, i
Six Years Later; or the Taking of the Bastile. By Alexandre Dumas. |
Being tte continuation and final conclusion of "The Queen s Necklace; or the Secret !
History of the Court of Louis the Sixteenth," and " Memoirs of a Physician." Com- |
plete in two large octavo volumes. Price One Dollar.
Sketches in France. By Alexandre Dumas. "It is as good a book ns Thack- !
eray's Sketches in Ireland." Dumas never wrote a better book. It is the most j
rlaMrrh (-fnl Vtnnlr nf f.Tio apflsnn Pripa TTiff.v r»anfa
m
Diana of Meridor; The Lady of Monsoreau; or France in the Six- |
ceenth Century. By Alexandre Dumas. An Historical Romance. Complete in two j
large octavo volumes of 538 pages, printed on the finest white paper, wi*h numerous j
illustrative engravings. Price One Dollar.
The Reign of Terror; Genevieve, or the Chevalier of the Maison Rouge.
By Alexandre Dumas. An Historical Romance of the French Revolution. Complete
in one large octavo volume of over 200 pages, printed on the finest white paper, with
numerous illustrative engravings. Price for the entire work, Fifty cents.
I>iahel of Bavaria ; or the Chronicles of France for the reign of Charles the Sixth.
Complete in one fine octavo volume of 211 pages, printed on tho finest wkite^pa^or.
Price Fitly cents.
Kdmond Dantes. Being the Sequel to Dumas' celebrated novel of the Cea&S sf
Monte Cristo. With elegant illustrations. Complete in one large octavo volxiaa ©f
over 200 pages. Price Fifty cents.
4 T. B. PETEBSOFS LIST OF PUBLICATIONS.
CHARLES LEVEE'S NOVELS.
Charles O'Malley, the Irish Dragoon. By Chai-les Lever. Complete in one
large octavo volume of 324 pages. Price Fifty cents; or handsomely bound in one
volume, illustrated. Price One Dollar.
The Knight of Gwynne. A tale of the time of the Union. By Charles Lever.
Complete iu one fiue octavo volume of 226 pages, beautifully illustrated, and printed
ou the finest white paper. Price Fifty cents ; or handsomely bound in one volume,
illustrated. Price One Dollar.
Jack. Hinton, the Guardsman. By Charles Lever. Complete in one large
octavo volume of 400 pages, printed on fine white paper. Price Fifty cents; or hand-
somely bound in one volume, illustrated. Price One Dollar.
Tom Burke of Ours. By Charles Lever. Complete in one large octavo volume
of 300 pages, printed from new type and on the finest paper. Price Fifty cents; or
handsomely bound in one volume, illustrated. Price One Dollar.
Arthur 0'l«eary. By Charles Lever. Complete in one large octavo volume of 220
pages, full of beautiful illustrations, and printed in the best style. Price Fifty cents;
or handsomely bound in one volume, illustrated. Price One Dollar.
Kate O'Donoghue. A Tale of Ireland. By Charles Lever. Complete in
one large octavo volume of 140 pages, beautifully illustrated, and printed on the finest
white paper. Price 50 cents: or handsomely bound in one volume, illustrated
Price Seventy-five cents.
Horace Templeton. By Charles Lever. This is Lever's New Book, and equal
to his best. Complete in one large octavo volume of 212 pages, and printed on the
best of white paper. Price Fifty cents; or handsomely bound in one volume, illus-
trated. Price One Dollar.
Harry Ijorrequer. By Charles Lever, author of the above seven works. Com-
plete in one octavo volume of 402 pages, printed from large new type, and on the
finest paper. Price Fifty cents; or handsomely bound in one volume, illustrated
Price One Dollar.
W. HA&EISON AINSWORTH'S WORKS.
The Illustrated Tower of London. By William Harrison Ainsworth
"With 100 splendid engravings. It is beyond all doubt one of the most interesting
■works ever published in the known world, and can be read and re-read with pleasure
and satisfaction by every body. We advise all persons to get it and read it, for there
is much to learn and valuable information to be gained from its pages, 'which cannot
be obtained in any other work published in the known world. Two volumes, octavo-
Price for the complete work, One Dollar; or handsomely bound, for $1 50.
Pictorial Iiife and Adventures of Jack Sheppard, the most noted
burglar, robber, and jail breaker, that ever lived. By William Harrisoa Ainsworth.
Embellished with Thirty-nine, full page, spirited Illustrations. Designed and en-
graved in the finest style of art, by George Cruikshank, Esq., of London. Price 50 cts.
Pictorial Iiife and Adventures of Guy Fawkeg, The Chief of the
Gunpowder Treason. By William Harrison Ainsworth. The Bloody Tower, etc.
Illustrated. 200 pages. Price Fifty cents.
The Pictorial Old St. Paul's. By William Harrison Ainsworth. Full of
Illustrations. Price Fifty cents.
Mysteries of the Court of --Queen Anne. By William Harrison Ains-
worth. 142 pages. Price 25 cents.
Illustrated Life of Dick Turpin, the Highwayman, Burglar, Murderer, etc.
Price 25 cents.
Iiife of Harry Thomas, the Western Burglar and Murderer. Full of Engra-
vings. Pric^ 25 cents.
Illustrated L.ife and Adventures of the Desperadoes of the
New World. P ice 25 cents.
Iiife and Adventures of Ninon De L'Enclos, with her Letters op Love,
Courtship and Marriage. Price 25 cents.
The Pictorial Newgate Calendar; or the Chronicles of Crime. Beautifully
illustrated with Fifteen Engravings. 252 pages. Price Fifty cents.
¥ %
T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS, 5
GEORGE LIPPARD'S WORKS.
Washington and His Generals; or, Legends of the American Revolution.
Complete in two large octavo volumes of 538 pages, printed on the finest white paper.
Price for the entire work, One Dollar.
The Quaker City; or the Monks of Monk Hall. A Romance of Phi-
ladelphia Life, Mystery and Crime. Illustrated with numerous Engravings. Com-
plete in two large octavo volumes of 500 pages. Price for the entire work, One Dollar.
The Ladye of Alharone; or the Poison Goblet. A Romance of the
Dark Ages. Lippard's Last "Work. Complete in one large octavo volume of 258 pages.
Price Fifty cents.
Paul Ardenheim; the Monk of Wissahikon. A Romance of the Revolution.
Illustrated with numerous engravings. Complete in two large octavo volumes, of
nearly 600 pages. Price One Dollar,
Blanche of Brandywine ; or September the Eleventh, 1777.
A Romance of the Poetry, Legends, and History of the Battle of Brandywine. It
makes a large octavo volume of 350 pages, printed from new type, and on the finest
white paper. Price for the complete work, 75 cents.
Legends of Mexico: or Battles of General Zachary Taylor,
late President of the United States. Complete in one octavo volume of 128 pages.
Price 25 cents.
The Nazarene ; or the Last of the Washington^. A Revelation ol
Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, in the year 1844. Complete in one velume
Price 50 cents.
Bel of Prairie Eden. A Romance of Mexico. Price 25 cents.
Professor LIEBXG'S Works on Chemistry.
Agricultural Chemistry. Chemistry in its application to Agriculture and
Physiology. 135 pages. Price 25 cents.
Animal Chemistry. Chemistry in its application to Physiology and Pathology
111 pages. Price 25 cents.
Familiar Letters on Chemistry, and its relations to Commerce, Physiology
and Agriculture.
The Potato Disease. Researches into the motion of the Juices in the Animal
Body.
Chemistry and Physics in Relation to Physiology and Pa-
thology.
T. B. PETERSON also publishes a complete edition of Professor Liebig's works
on Chemistry, comprising the whole of the ahove. They arc hound in one large royal
octavo volume, in Muslin gilt. Price for the complete works bound in one volume One
Dollar and Fifty cents.
FRENCH. GERMAN, SPANISH, LATIN & ITALIAN LANGUAGES.
Any person unacquainted with either of these languages, can, with the aid of these
works, be enabled to read, write and speak the language of either, without the aid of a
teacher, or anv oral instruction whatever, provided they pay strict attention to the in-
structions laid down in each book, and that nothiug shall be passed over, without a
thorough investigation of the subject it involves: by doing which, they will be able to
speak, read or write either language, at their will and pleasure.
Spanish "Without a Master. In Four Easy Lessons.
French "Without a Master. In Six Easy Lessors
Italian Without a Master. In Five Easy Lessons.
German Without a Master. In Six Easy Lessons.
Latin Without a Master. In Six Easy Lessons-
Price of either of the above Works, separate, 25 cents — cr the whole five may be had
for One Dollar. They can be sent by mail to any part of the United States for about
four cents each.
y - =m
m — —
6 T. B. PETERSONS LIST OF PUBLICATIONS.
B. DISRAELI'S NOVELS.
Vivian Grey. By B. D'Israeli, M. P. Complete in one large octavo volume of 225
pages. Price Fifty cents.
The Young Duke : or the Younger Days of George the Fourth. By B. ©'Israeli,
M. P. One octavo volume, 154 pages. Price 37% cents.
"Veuetia : or Lord Byron and his Daughter. By B. D'Israeli, M. P. Complete in one
octavo volume of 154 pages. Price Fifty cents.
Henrietta Temple. A Love Story. By B. D'Israeli, M. P. One volume, octavo,
Price 50 cents.
Contarini Fleming. An Autobiography. By B. D'Israeli, M. P. One volume,
octavo. Price 37% cents.
Miriam Alroy. A Romance of the Twelfth Century. By B. D'Israeli, M. P. One
volume octavo. Price 37% cents.
EUGENE SUE'S NOVELS.
The Mysteries of Paris ; and Gerolstein, the Sequel to it. By Eugene
Sue, author of the " Wandering Jew," and the greatest work eve; written. Complete
in two volumes, octavo, each 50 cents.
The Illustrated Wandering Jew. By Eugene Sue. With 87 large illus-
trations. Two volumes, each 50 centa.
The Female Bluebeard ; or, the Woman with many Hushands. By Eugene
Sue. 115 pages. Price 25 cents.
$L
First Iiove. A Story of the Heart. By Eugene Sue. 114 pages. Price 25 centi.
Temptation. A Novel. By Eugene Sue. Illustrated. Price 25 cents.
The Salamander. A Tale of the Sea. By Eugen6 Sue. Price 25 cents.
iiaoul de Surville ; or, the Times of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810. 25 cents.
Works by the Best and Most Popular Authors.
The Cabin and Parlor; or, Slaves and Masters. A true history of
" NORTH AND SOUTH." By J. Thornton Randolph. This book is fully equal in
point of interest to " Uncle Tom's Cabin." 336 pages. Beautifully illustrated from
original designs drawn by Stephens. Price Fifty cents in paper covers; or a finer
edition, printed on thicker and better paper, and handsomely bound in muslin, gilt,
is published for One Dollar.
Iiife in the South. A companion to "Uncle Tom's Cabin." By C. H. Wiley.
Beautifully illustrated from original designs by Darley. Price Fifty cents.
Valentine Vox, the Ventriloquist. By Henry Cockton. 317 pages. Price 50 cts.
Sketches in Ireland. By William M. Thackeray, author of "Vanity Fair,"
" History of Pendennis," etc. It is equal in every respect to " Vanity Fair." Price 50 cts.
The Parricide; or the Youth's Career in Crime. By G. W. M. Reynolds. Illus-
trated. Price 50 cents.
Ten Thousand a Year. By the author of a "Diary of a London Physician."
432 pages. Price 50 cents.
First and True Iiove. A True Love Story. By George Sand, author of " Con-
suelo," " Indiana," etc. It is one of the most charming and interesting works ever
published. Full of Engravings. Price 50 cents.
Cruising in the Last War. A Naval Story of the War of 1812. First and
Second Sertes. Being the complete work, unabridged. By Charles J. Peterson. 228
octavo pages. Price 50 cents.
The Mob Cap: and Other Tales. By Mrs. Carolne Lee Henl z, author of
" Linda," " Rena," etc. Price 50 cents.
Ijife in Paris. By G. W. M. Reynolds, author of "Life in London," etc. Full of
Engravings. Price 50 cents.
w
T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS.
*L
The Forged. Will. By Emerson Bennett, author of " Yiola," " Clara Morel and."
"Bride of the Wilderness." "Pioneer's Daughter," "Kate Clarendon," "Walde-
Warren," etc. This celebrated and beautiifal work is published complete in one
large volume, of over 300 pages, paper cover, price 50 cents; or the work is handsomely
bound in one volume, cloth, gilt, price $1 00. One hundred thousand copies of the
Forged 'Will will be sold in a short time, and it will have a run and popularity second
only to Uncle Tom's Cabin. The Press everywhere are unanimous in its praise, as
being one of the most powerful written works in the language.
The Roman Traitor; or, The Days o^f Cataline and Cicero.
By Henry William Herbert, author of •' Cromwell," " The Brothers. 1 ' ^tc. This is
one of the most powerful Roman stories in the English language, and is of itself
sufficient to stamp the writer as a powerful man. The dark intrigues of the daj-s
which Caesar. Sallust, and Cicero made illustrious ; when Cataline defied and almost
defeated the Senate; when the plots which ultimately overthrew the Roman Republic
were being formed, are described in a masterly manner. The book deserves a promi-
nent position by the side of the great Bdlum Cutalinarium of Sallust, and if we
mistake not. will not fail to occupy a prominent place among those produced in
America. This splendid work is published complete in two large volumes, of ^ver
250 pages each, paper cover, price 50 cents a volume, or the whole work is hand-
somely bound in one volume, cloth, price One Dollar aud Twenty-five cents.
Countess de Charny; or, The Fall of the French Monarchy.—
By Alexander Dumas. This work is the final conclusion of the " Memoirs of a Phy-
sician," "The Queens Necklace," and " Six Years Later, or Taking of the Bastile."
All persons who have not read Dumas in this, his greatest and most instructive pro-
duction, should begin at once, and no pleasure will be found so agreeable, and
nothing in novel form so useful and absorbing. Complete in two volumes, beauti-
fully illustrated. Price $1 00.
Wild Oats sovrn Abroad; or, On and Off Soundings. By a gentle-
man of leisure. It is the Private Journal of a Gentleman of Leisure and Education,
and of a highly cultivated mind, in making the tour of Europe. Whoever buys the
book and reads the opening chapter, we venture to say, would not part with it for
ten times its cost, if he could not procure another. It is having a sale unprecedej led
in the annals ot literature, for nothing equal to it in spiciness, vivacity, and real
scenes and observations in daily travel, has ever appeared from the press. Complete
in one volume, price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cents in cloth, gilt.
Percy Effingham. By Henry Cockton, author of " Valentine Vox, the Ventrilo-
quist," complete in one large octavo volume, price 50 cents.
American Pocket Library of Useful Knowledge. New and en-
larged edition, with numerous engravings. Twenty thousand copies sold. Price 50
cents a copy only. We have never seen a volume embracing anything like the same
quantity of useful matter. The work is really a treasure, and should speedily find
its way into every family. It also contains a large and entirely new Map of the
United States, with full page Portraits of the Presidents of the United States,
from Washington until the present time, executed in the finest style of the art.
Life and Adventures of Arthur Spring, the murderer of Mrs. Ellen
Lynch and Mrs. Honora Shaw, with a complete history of his life and misdeeds, from
the time of his birth until he was hung, illustrated with portraits. Price 25 cents.
Cadet of Temperance; being a complete collection of Dialogues, Scenes, Re-
citations, Songs, Odes, etc.. designed for the use of Sections in their public and private
exhibitions. By James Knorr. Every child in the country should have it. Price
25 cents a copy in paper cover, or 3T% cents in cloth, gilt.
Henry Clay. Nagle's Correct, full-length, Mezzotinto Portrait and only true
likeness ever published of the distinguished Statesman. Engraved by Sartain.
Price $1 00 a copy only. Size, 22 by CO inches. Originally sold at $5 00 a copy.
The Miser's Heir ; or The Young Millionaire. A story of a Guardian
and his Ward. A Prize Novel. By P. H. Myers, author of the " Emigrant Squire."
Price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cents iu cloth, gilt.
Siege of Londonderry. A History of the Siege of Londonderry, and defence
of Enniskillen, in 1688 and 16S9, by the Rev. John Graham. Price 37 cents.
Rev. Albert Barnes on the Maine Liquor Law. The Throne
of Iniqnity ; or sustaining Evil by Law. A discourse in behalf of a law pro-
hibiting the traffic in intoxicating drinks. Price 12% cents.
Woman. Discourse on Woman. Her sphere, duties, etc. By
Lucretia Mott. Price 12% cents.
"Victims of Amusements, by Martha Clark, and dedicated by the author to
the Sabbath Schools of the land. One volume, cloth, gilt. Price 37% cents.
Euchre. The Game of Euchre and its Laws. By a member of a
Euchre Club of Philadelphia of Thirty Years standing. Price 12% cents.
8 T. B. PETEKSON'S LIST O F PUBLICATIONS.
Salathiel; or the Wandering Jew. By Rev. George Croly. Price 50 ct«,
*«i ©rente's History of the Inquisition in Spain. Only edition t a b-
iished in this Country. Price Fifty cents: or handsomely bound in mci*in, gilt,
Seventy-five cents.
Dr. Hollick's Anatomy and Physiology, with a large dissected plate of
the Human Figure, colored to Lite. By the celebrated Dr. Hollick, author of "The
True Art of Healing the Sick," " Origin of Life," etc. Price One Dollar.
Mysteries of Three Cities. Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. By A. J.
H Duganne. 200 pages. Price 50 cents.
Red Indians of Newfoundland. A beautifully illustrated Indian Story,
by the author of " Prairie Bird." Price 50 cents.
Harris's Adventures in Africa. This book is a rich treat. Two volumes.
Price $1 00, or handsomely bound, $1 50.
Indi ana. By George Sand, author of " First and True Love," etc. A very bewitching
and interesting work. 258 pages. Price 50 cents.
The Petrel; or Love on the Ocean. A sea novel equal to the best, by
Admiral Fisher. 200 pages. Price 50 cents.
Aristocracy, or Life among the Upper Ten. A true novel of fashionable life. By
J. A. Nunes, Esq. Price 50 cents.
Mor monism Exposed. Full of Engravings, and Portraits of the Twelve Apos-
tle' trice 12% cents.
Genevra't or the History of a Portrait. By Miss Fairfield, one of the best Writers
in America. 200 pages. Price 50 cents.
Illustrated Life and Adventures of Don Q,uixotte de La
Mane ha, and his Squire Sancho Panza, revised and corrected, with all the original
notes 800 pages. Price 50 cents ; or handsomely bound, One Dollar.
Yankee Yarns and Yankee Letters. By Sam Slick, alias Judge Hali-
burton. Price 50 cents.
"Wild Sports in the West, By W. H. Maxwell, author of "Dark Lady ot
Doona." Price 50 cents.
The Romish Concessional. By M. Michelet. 800 pages. Price 50 cents.
Dr. Berg's Answer to Archbishop Hughes. Price 12% cents.
Dr. Btrg'j> Lecture on the Jesuits. Price 12% cents.
Flirtations in America; or High Life in New York. A capital
book. 285 pages. Price 50 cents.
The Lady's Work Table Book. Hlustrated. A work every Lady should
possess. Price 50 cents, in paper; or beautifully bound in crimson gilt, for 75 cents.
The Coquette. One of the best books ever written. One volume, octavo, over
200 pages Price 50 cents.
Odd Fellowship Exposed. With all the Signs, Grips, Pass-words, etc. Ulus-
strated. Price 12% cents.
The Life and Death of the Rev. John N. Mamt $ with his Portrait.
Price 12% cents.
The Necromancer. A Romance of the times of Henry the Eighth. By G. W.
M. Reynolds. Two volumes. Price Seventy-five cents.
Pietorial Life and Adventures of Davy Crockett. Written by
himself. Embellished with spirited and beautiful illustrations. Price 50 cents.
Ugly Eme ; or, the Neglected One, and Pet Beauty, and othex
Tales. By Mrs. Caroline Lee Hentz, author of " Mob Cap," etc. Price 50 cents.
The Emigrant Sqxiire. By the author of " Bell Brandon." This has just been
completed in the Dollar Newspaper, where it has been very popular. Price 25 oents.
Clara Moreland; or, Adventures in the Far South West. By
Emerson Bennett, author of " Prairie Flower," " Viola," etc. This has been appear-
ing in tbe columns of the Saturday Evening Post for the last twelve weeks, where it
has proved to be one of the most popular and powerful nouvellettes ever written in
America. 336 pages. Price 50 cents in paper cover, or $1 in cloth, gilt, illustrated.
EMERSON BENNETT'S BOOKS.
Viola; or, Adventures in the Far South-West. By Emerson Bennett,
This has been appearing in the columns of the Saturday Evening Post for the last twelve
weeks, where it has proved to be one of the most popular and powerful nouvellettes
ever written in America. Price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cents in cloth, gilt.
Clara Moreland. A sequel and continuation of" Viola." By Emerson Bennett.
This is a powerfully written romance, which is destined to have a permanent reputa-
tion. The characters are boldly drawn, the plot striking, the incidents replete with,
thrilling interest, and the language and descriptions natural and graphic. 336 pages.
Price 50 cents in paper cover, or One Dollar in cloth, gilt.
The Forged "Will. By Emerson Bennett. This celebrated and beautiful work
is published complete in one large volume, of over 300 pages, paper cover, price 50
cents ; or the work is handsomely bound in one volume, cloth, gilt, price $1 00. One
hundred thousand copies of the Forged Will will be sold in a short time, and it will
have a run and popularity second only to Uncle Tom's Cabin. The press everywhere
are unanimous in its praise, as being one of the most powerful works in the language.
The Pioneer's Daughter. By Emerson Bennett. Price 50 cents in paper
cover, or 75 cents in cloth, gilt.
Walde-Warren. A Tale of Circumstantial Evidence. By Emerson Bennett.
Price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cents in cloth, gilt.
Kate Clarendon ; or, Necromancy in the Wilderness. By Em-
erson Bennett. Price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cents in cloth, gilt.
Bride of the Wilderness. By Emerson Bennett. Price 50 cents. In Press.
MISS LESLIE'S NEW RECEIPTS FOR COOKING.
Miss Leslie's New Receipts for Cooking of all Kinds. Cakes,
Pastry, <&>c, «fcc. Entitled; "New Receipts for Cooking," by
Miss Leslie, comprising new and approved methods of preparing all kinds of
soups, fish, oysters, terrapins, turtle, vegetables, meats, poultry, game, sauces, pickles,
sweet meats, cakes, pies, puddings, confectionary, rice, indian meal preparations of
all kinds, domestic liquors, perfumery, remedies, laundry work, needle-work, letters,
additional receipts, etc. Also, list of articles suited to go together for breakfasts,
dinners and suppers, and much useful information and many miscellaneous subjects
connected with general house-wifery. New edition, enlarged and improved, complete
in 520 pages, handsomely bound. Price One Dollar a copy only. This work has had
a very extensive sale, and many thousand copies have been sold, and the demand is
increasing yearly, being the most complete work of the kind published in the world,
and also the latest and best, as in addition to Cookery, its receipts for making cakes
and confectionary are unequalled by any other work extant.
This excellent and valuable book is published under the title of" NEW RECEIPTS
FOR COOKING," BY MISS LESLIE; and is entirely different from any other work on
similar subjects, under other names, by the same author.
It is an elegantly printed duodecimo volume of 520 pages; and in it there will be
found One Thousand and Eleven new Receipts — all useful — some ornamental — and all
invaluable to every lady, miss, or family in the world.
A very important feature in this new and admirable Cook Book, under the title of
« NEW RECEIPTS FOR COOKING," BY MISS LESLIE, will be found in the list of ar-
ticles suited together for Breakfasts, Dinners, Suppers, &c. In it will be found ex-
tremely popular and useful suggestions, — of immense value in every household, adding
greatly to its convenience, its comfort and economy.
Mysteries of the Court of the Stuarts, under the reign of Charles the
Second, and James the Second. An Historical Romance. The period during the
reigns of Charles II. and James II., is one of the most interesting in English History.
Nell Gwynne, first a poor actress, and again as the king's mistress, and possessing
more than a queen's influence, is the prominent character. The various characters
are well drawn, and the construction of the tale is thoroughly artistic. The scenes
shift continually, and the interest of the reader is well sustained to the close. Com-
plete in one volume. Price 50 cents.
"This is an historical romance of a brilliant period of English annals, and its au-
thor has caught the spirit of the times, and worked up his materials with no common
degree of skill. The book will be found exceedingly interesting." — Southern Literary
Gazette.
Virginia and Magdalene ; or The Foster Sisters. A Novel. By
Emma D. E. N. South worth, author of " The Deserted Wife," "The Mother in Law,"
etc. Complete in one volume. Price 50 cents.
" Mrs. Southworth's startling positions, vivid scenes, and a pervading intensity in
language and plot, remind us forcibly of Miss Bronte, (the author of 'Jane Eyre.')"
— Literary World.
10 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS.
! ^
HUMOBOUS AMERICAN WORKS.
Sol. Smith.— Theatrical Apprenticeship and Anecdotal Rec-
ollections of Sol. Smith, Esq., Comedian, Lawyer, etc., with eight
original designs and illustrations byDarley. Containing Early scenes, Wanderings
in the West — Cincinnati in Early Life — " One man in his time plays many parts" —
Expedient to gain a Livelihood — Early days of Edwin Forrest — The Manager in Dis-
tress—Pittsburgh Theatricals— Philadelphia Gardens in 1S24— The Old Chatham
1 Theatre — Star-gazing in New York — Concerts in New Jersey — Getting thro' a Winter
— Strolling in Canada — The Murderous Alleghanians — Dawning of the Drama in
Lewistown — Floating down the Stream — Theatricals in Kentucky — Anecdotal Recol-
lections since 1827 — A Theatrical Dentist — The Rival Vocalists — Pettifogging in St.
Louis — A Friendly Game of Poker — Tom the Curtain Man — The Manager and
Planter, Signor Matthieu — Letter to Rev. A. Ballard — My First and Last Sermon —
Tennessee Door-keeper — The Player and the Phrenologist — Interview with an Editor,
&c, &c. Complete in one volume. Price 50 cents.
Sol. Smith. Second Series. The Theatrical Journey-work and Anecdotical
Recollections of Sol. Smith, Esq., with a portait of Sol. Smith. It comprises a sketch
of the second Seven years of his professional life, together with some Sketches of
Adventure in after years. One volume, with an illustrative cover. Price 50 cents.
A Quarter Race in Kentucky, and other Stories. — By W. T. Porter,
Esq., of the New York Spirit of the Times, with eight illustrations and designs by
Darley. Containing a Quarter Race in Kentucky — A Shark Story — Lanty Oliphant
in Court — Bill Morse on the City Taxes — Ance Yeasy's Fight with Reub Sessions —
The Fastest Funeral on Record — Going to Bed before a Young Lady — A Millerite
Miracle — Old Singletire " Running a Saw" on a French Gentleman — Breaking a Bank
— Taking the Census — Dick Harlan's Tennessee Frolic — " Falling off a Log" in a game
of " Seven up" — The " Werry Fast Crab" — " French without a Master" — A Rollick-
ing Dragoon Officer — The Georgia Major in Court — Uncle Billy Brown " Glorious" —
Old Tuttle's Last Quarter Race — Bill Dean the Texan Ranger — The Steamboat Cap-
tain who was averse to racing — Bob Herring the Arkansas Bear Hunter — McAlpin's
Trip to Charleston — Indian Rubber Pills — A Murder Case in Mississippi — Kicking a
Yankee — A " Down-East" Original — Somebody in my Bed — A Day at Sol. Slice's—
Cupping on the Starnum — A Bear Story — Playing Poker in Arkansas — &c, &c. Com-
plete in one volume. Price 50 cents.
"It is illustrated with original engravings from designs byDarley. The 'Quarter
Race in Kentucky' is one of the best stories that was ever penned, and the volume con-
tains a number of others, that have from time to time appeared in the Spirit of the
Times, which are hard to beat." — N. 0. Picayune.
The Rival Belles. By J. B. Jones, author of " Wild Western Scenes," etc. This
is a very humorous and entertaining work, and one that will be recommended by all
after reading it. It is a mirth-provoking work, and well calculated to enliven an
evening and put to flight ennui, melancholy, and all the gloomy humors ' flesh is heir
to.' It is a fit companion for the two previous works. Complete in one volume.
Price 50 cents.
Life and Adventures of Col. Vanderhomh, and the exploits
of ais Private Secretary. By J. B. Jones, author of " The Rival lielles,"
" Wild Western Scenes," etc. This book will make your sides ache and split to read
it, and persons of weak nerves should not peruse it, for it is only suitable for per-
sons of strong constitution, so great is the humor. There is enough fan in it to
spice a Magazine for a twelve-month. Complete in one volume. Price 50 cents.
The Liife and Adventures of Percival Maberry. Written by Him-
self. It will interest and please everybody. It is a delightful book, and a well writ-
ten story of adventure, an agreeable and interesting work — a novelty in its way, and
full to overflowing with curious and absorbing events. It is tull of incident and ad-
venture, while Maberry himself is exceedingly well drawn. Those who read the first
chapter will not lay it down until the story is mastered entire. Complete in one
volume. All who enjoy a good laugh, should get it at once. Price 50 cents.
Yankee Yarns and Yankee Letters. By Sam Slick, alias Judge Hali-
burton. Full of the drollest humor that has ever emanated from the pen of any
author. A collection of humorous stories, varns and letters, well calculated to pro-
voke laughter. We advise the immediate purchase of the book, and but a temper-
ate use of it — one story at a sitting will be sufficient; a greater indulgence nn'ttht
result seriously. Every page will set you in a roar. Complete in one volume. Price
50 cents.
The Attache; or Sam Slick in England.— By Judge Halibnrton, au-
thor of " Yankee Yarns and Yankee Letters," etc. This is, of course, quite full of
fun—' all sorts' of fun ; and those who want a good laugh, should get it at once.
Complete in one volume.
m
= mm =^^«
T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 11
Works of Bulwer, James, and others, at 25 cents.
Falkland. A Novel. By Sir E. L. Bulwor, author of " The Roue," " Oxonians," etc.
One volume, octavo. Price 25 cents.
The Roue: or the Hazards of Women. By Sir E. L. Bulwer. Price25 3ts.
The Oxonians. By Sir E. L. Bulwer. Author of "Last of the Barons." A Sequel
to the Roue. Price 25 cents.
Arrah Neil. A Novel. By G. P. R. James, author of " Richelieu," etc. Price 25 cts.
Eva St. Clair; and other Collected Tales. By Q. P. R. James, Esq.,
author of "Richelieu." Price 25 cents.
The Pioneer's Daughter. By Emerson Bennett, author of "The Prairie
Flower." Price 50 cents.
Agnes Grey; an Autobiography. By the Author of "Jane Eyre," "Shir-
ley," etc. Price 25 cents.
The Valley Farm; or, the Autobiography of an Orphan. A com-
panion to Jane byre. Price 25 cents.
The Fortune Hunter, by Mrs. Anna Cora Mowatt. (Her last.) Price 38 cents.
Gentleman's Science of Etiquette, and Guide to Society. By
Count Alfred D'Orsay. Price 25 cents.
Liadies' Science of Etiquette. By Countess de Calabrella, with her full length
portrait. Price 25 cents.
Grace Dudley; or Arnold at Saratoga* By Charles J. Peterson. Illus-
trated. Price 25 cents.
Ella Stratford; or the Orphan Child. By the Countess of Blessington.
Price 25 cents.
Ghost Stories. Full of Illustrations. Being a Wonderful Book. Price 25 cents.
The Admiral's Daughter. By Mrs. Marsh, author of " Ravenscliffe." One
volume, octavo. Price 25 cents.
The Monk. A Romance. By Matthew G. Lewis, Esq., M.P. All should read it. 25 cts.
The Dark Lady of Doona. By W. H. Maxwell, author of " Wild Sports in the
West." Price 25 cents.
Rody the Rover: or the Ribbonman. An Irish Tale. By William Carle-
ton. One volume, octavo. Price 25 cents.
The Diary of a Physician. Second Series. By S. C. Warren, author of " Ten
Thousand a Year." Illustrated. Price 25 cents.
Abednego, the Money Lender* By Mrs. Gore. Price 25 cents.
Madison's Exposition of the Awful Ceremonies of Odd Fel-
lowship, with 20 plates. Price 25 cents.
Gliddon's Ancient Egypt, her Monuments, Hieroglyphics*
His: ory, etc. Full of plates. Price 25 cents.
The Family Physician; or the True Art of Healing the Sick.
By Dr. Hollick Price 25 cents.
Father Clement. By Grace Kennady, Author of "Dunallen." " A obey of Innis-
moyle," etc. Price 50 cents.
The Abbey of Innismoyle. By Grace Kennady, author of " Father Clement."
Price 25 cents
The Insnared; a Story of the Heart. By Lady Charlotte Bury. 25 cts.
The Beautiful French Girl ; or the Daughter of Monsieur Fontanbleu.
.Price 25 cents.
The Mysteries of Bedlam; or Annals of the London Mad
II out e. Price 25 cents.
Josepliine. By Grace Aguilar, author of "Home Influence," "Mother's Recom-
pense," etc. Price 25 cents
w m
12 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS.
The Mysteries of a Convent. By one of the most celebrated Methodist
Preachers now living. Price 25 cents.
Bell Brandon, and tlie Witliered Fig Tree. Ey P. Hamilton Myers,
author of " Miser's Heir." A Three Hundred Dollar prize novel. Price 25 cents.
Knowlsou's Complete Cattle, or Cow Doctor. Price 25 cents.
Ewowison's Complete Farrier, or Horse Doctor. Price 25 cents.
The Complete Kitchen and Fruit Gardener, for popular and
general use. Price 25 cents.
Tlie Complete Florist: or Flower Gardener. The best in the world.
Price 25 cents.
Moreton Hall; or, the Spirits of the Haunted House. A Tale
founded on facts. Price 25 cents.
Philip in Search of a Wife. By the author of "Kate in Search of a Hus-
band." Price 25 cents.
Jenny Ambrose ; or, L.ife in the Eastern States. By the author of
" Lights and Shadows of Factory Life." An excellent Book. Price 25 cents.
A Year After Marriage. By T. S. Arthur. Price 25 cents.
Trials of a Needlewoman. By T. S. Arthur. Price 50 cents.
MRS. SOUTHWORTH'S CELEBRATED WORKS.
The Curse of Clifton; a Tale of Expiation and Redemption.
By Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southwortb, author of " The Discarded Daugbter," " Virginia
and Magdalene," etc. Complete in two volumes of 456 pages, printed on the finest
papei\ Price for the complete work in paper cover, Fifty cents a volume, or hand-
somely bound in cloth, gilt, for One Dollar and Twenty-five cents.
The Discarded Daughter. By Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth, author of
"Virginia and Magdalene," "The Deserted Wife," "Curse of Clifton," etc. Complete
in two yolumes of 428 pages, printed on the finest paper. Price Fifty cents a volume,
or handsomely bound in cloth, gilt, for One Dollar and Twenty-five cents.
Virginia and Magdalene ; or, The Foster Sisters. By Mrs. Emma
D. E. N. Southworth, author of "The Discarded Daughter," "The Mother-in-law,"
etc. Complete in one large octavo volume. Price 50 cents.
The Deserted Wife. By Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth, author of " The
Curse of Clifton," " The Mother-in-law," &c, &c. Complete in one laige octavo volume.
Price 50 cents.
The Mother-in-law ; or, The Isle of Rays. By Mrs. Emma D. E. N.
Southworth, author of " The Discarded Daughter," " Shannondale," &c. Complete in
one large fine octavo volume. Price 50 cents.
Shannondale. By Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth, author of "The Deserted
Wife," " Curse of Clifton," etc. Complete in one fine large octavo volume. Price 50
cents.
<xs*
T. B. PETERSON'S Wholesale and Retail Cheap Book, Maga-
zine, Newspaper, Publishing and Bookselling Establish-
ment, is at No. 103 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia :
From which place he will supply all orders for any books at all, no matter by whom
published, in advance of all others, and at publishers' lowest cash prices. He respect-
fully invites Country Merchants, Booksellers, Pedlars, Canvassers, Agents, the Trade,
Strangers in the City, and the public generally, to call and examine his extensive col-
lection of all kinds of publications, where they will be sure to find all the best, latest,
and cheapest works published in this country or elsewhere, for sale very low.
He has also for sale, every Book, Cheap Publication and Magazine issued in this
country, and all other cheap editions published of any of the Foreign authors. Any
work either new or old, or by whom published or advertised, can always be obtained by
sending to T. B. Peterson, No. 102 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, post-paid.
jS® 3 " Agents, Pedlars, Canvassers, Booksellers, News Agents, &c, throughout the
country, who wish to make money on a small capital, would do well to address T. B.
Peterson, who will furnish a complete outfit for a comparatively small amount.
Agents, Postmasters, Country Merchants, Pedlars, Dealers in Cheap Works, and all
others, supplied with anything in our line, at publishers' lowest cash prices ; and their
orders will be filled at as low prices, if not lower, than at any other house in this Country.
" * LOST HEIRESS.
BY MRS. EMMA 0. E. N. SOUTHWORTH.
AUTHOR OP "THE DESERTED WIFE," "DISCARDED DAUGHTER," "VIRGINIA AND
MAGDALENE/' " CURSE OF CLIFTON," " SHANNONDALE,"
"THE MOTHER-IN-LAW," ETC., ETC., ETC.
Complete in two volumes, paper cover, Price One Dollar ; or
bound in cloth, for One Dollar and Twenty-five Cents.
READ THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
"The excellencies of the 'Lost Heiress* are many and great. We regard it
as one of, if not the best, on the whole, of Mrs. Southworth's productions. For
the brilliancy and point of her conversations, the ease and spirit of her narra-
tive, the splendid and graphic character of her descriptions of natural scenery,
and the general power and originality of her conceptions, she occupies a front
rank among American writers of fiction. The moral is an excellent one — cal-
culated to do good to all its readers. The story is intensely interesting; and
while many of those who read it as it appeared in the Post, doubtless will em-
brace this opportunity to obtain it in a more permanent form, those that have
not read it may be assured that it abounds in all the excellencies of its author's
vivid and picturesque genius. Mrs. Southworth's characters are not merely
names, but existences : they live and move before us, each acting in accord-
ance with their peculiar nature. Beautiful Maud Hunter ! — shall we see and
hear about you no more ? Noble statesman, devoted wife, unselfish parents,
blessed and glorious ideals of true manhood and true womanhood — shall we no
more weekly dwell upon the story of your beautiful wedded lives? Ah ! Mrs.
Southworth, you have touched for us a deeper chord in this story, than in any
other you have written. Others may not have felt like us — though we know
many unite in these words of praise — but to us, the moral nobility and beauty
inculcated in this last novelet, give it a high rank among those works of the
imagination whose effect is to make their readers less selfish, more sacrificing,
nobler, better, and, in one word, more truly Christian. The work contains a
beautiful portrait of Mrs. Southworth ; with a fac-simile of her autograph, ex-
ecuted on steel, as well as a view of Prospect Cottage, the residence of the
authoress, on the Potomac." — Saturday Evening Post.
" This celebrated work, by Mrs. Southworth, is her chef d'eenvre, and con-
tains a beautiful portrait of the author, a fac-simile of her autograph, and a
view of the author's residence. Mrs. S. is unquestionably a writer of great
genius and originality, and in the 'Lost Heiress' has excelled all her previous
efforts. Her works have hosts of admirers." — Saturday Courier.
Copies of the above work will be sent to any person at all, to any part of the
United States, free of postage, on their remitting the price of the edition they
may wish, to the publisher, in a letter, post-paid.
Published and for sale by T. B. PETERSON,
No. 102 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.
T. B. Peterson also publishes a complete edition of Mrs. Southworth's octavo
works : containing " The Deserted Wife," "The Mother-in -Law," "Shannon-
dale," and "Virginia and Magdalene," bound in one volume, cloth. Price
Two Dollars. " Curse of Clifton," " The Lost Heiress," and " The Discarded
Daughter," are each published separately, in two vols., paper cover, price One
Dollar ; or bound in one vol., cloth, for One Dollar and Twenty-five cents each.
This Two Dollar Magazine is as good as the Three Dollar ones.
NOW IS THE T1SV1E TO MAKE UP YOUR CLUBS!
PETERSON'S MAGAZINE!
The Cheapest, Best and most Elegant Monthly in the World.
PETERSON'S LADIES' NATIONAL MAGAZINE
"Will be greatly enlarged and improved for 1855. It will contain 900 pages of double
column original reading matter; from twenty-five to thirty superb Steel Plates; and
over three hundred Wood Engravings.
ITS LITERARY CHARACTER UNRIVALLED.
No other Periodical publishes such Thrilling Tales or such Capital Stories of Real Life.
Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, the celebrated author of " Fashion and Famine," is one of the edi-
tors ; and every volume contains one of her unrivalled novels, written expressly for the
Magazine. She is assisted by all the best female authors of America. All the stories
published will be original, which cannot be said of any cotemporary. Morality and
virtue are always inculcated. The newspaper press and the ladies unite to pronounce it
the most readable of the Magazines.
Its Colored Fashion Plates in Advance.
JtS^S" It is the only Magazine whose Fashion Plates can be relied on. **§5tf
These Plates are from patterns received in advance, from Paris, all colored, a la mode,
and of unrivalled beauty. A comparison between this Magazine and others, in this re-
spect, is challenged. The " Gossip about the Fashions," published in each number, is
fuller, better and later than can be had elsewhere at any price. In the Eastern cities
this work is the text book of fashion.
Its Magnificent QDriginal (£mbellisl)ments.
Its Illustrations excel those of any other Magazine, each number containing a superb
Steel Engraving, either mezzotint or line, besides the Fashion Plate ; and. in addition,
numerous other Engravings, Wood Cuts, Patterns, &c, &c. The Engravings, at the end
of the year, alone are worth the subscription price.
BEST LADIES MAGAZINE IN THE WORLD.
In addition, each number contains every thing that a lady desires in such a Parlor Com-
panion. Its departments for Acting Charades, Parlor Games, Fire-side Amusements, New
Receipts, Crotchet Work, Embroidery, Netting, Horticulture, and Female Equestrianism,
are always well filled, profusely illustrated, and rich with the latest novelties. The pub-
lisher offers it to the sex as the best Lady's Magazine in the World.
TERMS,-ALWAYS IN ADVANCE.
One copy for one year, - $2 00 I Five copies for one year, - $7 50
Threa copies for one year, 5 00 j Eight copies for one year, - 10 00
Sixteen copies for one year, - - - - $20 00
PEEMIUMS FOE GETTING UP CLUBS.
A copy of our "Gift Book of Art," for 1855, containing Fifty magnificent Steel Engrav-
ings, will be given to every person getting up a Club. For a Club of Sixteen, an extra copy
of the Mjgazine will be given in addition.
Address, post paid, CHARLES J. PETERSON,
A Specimen sent when desired. No. 103 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.
>86g=- All Postmasters constituted Aeents.
45^ Persons remitting will please get the Postmaster to register their letters, in which
case the remittance may be at our risk. When the sum is large, a draft should be procured,
the cost of which may be deducted from the amount.
&j£=> Editors who will copy this Prospectus, or make a digest of it, shall receive the Ma-
gazine for 1855.
Lb:
