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115. CHAPTER LV. Bernard and Higgins at the South street theatre in 1817-Summer season at the Olympic circus--Vauxhall--Pepin & West's fall season at the Olympic--Opening of the Chesnut street theatre for the seasons 1817-'18--Appearance of Woodhull Betterton Incledon Phillips--Popularity of the English opera--Cooper--Richard Russel-Mms Giraud the ballet dancer--Henry J. Finn as a tragedian--Death of Steward--Cartwright's Concerts--Hugh Reinagle--Sena Sam the sword swallower--Blondeau the flute player--Death of F. Eberle--Stanislas surin the conjuror.
During the summer of 1817 the South street theatre was opened for a few nights by a company the constituents of which we have but slight record. They brought out on the 7th of June "Manuel" a tragedy by the author of "Bertram" for the benefit of Messrs. Higgins and Bernard.
The circus opened for a short season on the 2d of July McFarland being engaged and the equestrian company consisting of Diego Coty Boulen Tatnell Garcia Mestayer Dusolle Miss Fench &c. They closed after a ten days' experiment.
Vauxhall garden under the management of John Scotti & Co. was in full success during this summer. John Huxtable gave exhibitions of fireworks there. John R. Jewett the former armorer of the ship Boston sung songs dressed in Nootka costume. Mr. and Mrs. Allen Mrs. Hewson Mrs. Mills F. durang Mad. Knittel Mrs. Bastian and others appeared in concerts and miscellaneous entertainments.
On the 3d of October Pepin & West opened the circus with a fair equestrian troupe and a few dramatic performers. They were Master McCarn Messrs. Parker Williams Yeaman Mr. Stamp (comic singer from the Boston theatre) F. Duranf Tatnell Allen West Pepin Campbell Blackmore Mrs. West Mrs. Mills Mrs. Allen Miss Dupree (slack-rope dancer.) Mrs. West aspired somewhat to dramatic talent and played Variella in "The Weathercock" on the 6th of October. The pantomime of "The Deserter of Naples" was brought out for the first time during this season. "Timour the Tartar" was revived and the grand spectacle of "The Secret Mine" was produced with great effect. "The Tiger Horde" was played for Mrs. West's benefit. For the benefit of Mr. and Mrs. Allen "The Battle of Bunker's Hill" was brought out with the following cast : Gen. Warren Mr. Dennison (for this night only) ; Putnam Mr. Laidley ; Prescott Mr. Stamp ; Abercrombie Mr. Tatnell ; Gage Mr. Clark ; Howe Mr. Rogers ; Percy Mr. Brown ; Harman Mr. Parker ; Elvira Mrs. Mills. The Olympic closed November 29th.
The opening bill for the Chesnut street theatre was as follows :
PHILADELPHIA THEATRE. The Managers respectfully inform the Public that the Season will commerce on Monday 1st of December. During the recess the Gas Lights Have received very great improvements. Monday December 1, 1817. Will be presented the Comedy of Town & Country ; Or Which is Best. Written by J. Morton author of Columbus Way to Get Married Cure for the Heart Ache &c. Mr. Plastic..................................Mr. Barrett. Trot............................................Mr. Francis. Cosey...........................................Mr. Jefferson. Glenroy senior...............................Mr. Abercrombir. Reuben Glenroy..............................Mr. Wood. Capt. Glenroy....................................Mr. Anderson (first apperance these 2 years.) Ross..............................................Mr. Willis. Williams............................................Mr. Jackson.
Waiter..................................................Mr. Thomson. Evans.......................................................Mr. King. Robin........................................................Mr. Scrivener. Hawbuck...................................................Mr. Burke. Hon. Mrs. Glenroy......................................Mrs. Wood. Rosalie Somers........................................Mrs. Anderson (first appearance these 2 years.) Mrs. Trot.....................................................Mrs. Francis. Mrs. Moreen...............................................Mrs. Simpson. Goody Hawbuck...........................................Mrs. Bloxton. Taffline (with a song)...................................Mrs. Carter (her first appearance here)
After the Comedy A PAS SEUL by MRS. HARRIS. To which will be added the Comic Opera of the BEE-HIVE ; Or a SOLDIER's LOVE. Lieutenant Rattan.....................................Mr. Burke. Captain Merton.........................................Mr. Barrett. Mingle.......................................................Mr. Jefferson. Joe............................................................Mr. King. Emily..........................................................Mrs. Burke. Cicey...........................................................Mrs. Anderson. Mrs. Mingle..................................................Mrs. Simpson.
The Public are respectfully informed that the celebrated Mr. Incledon from the Covent Garden Theatre is engaged for a few nights. Dur notice will be given of his first appearance. In preparation the following new pieces--The Apostate--The Conquest of Taranto--The Slave--The Broken Sword--The Touchstone--the 9th Statue--The Watch word..Manuel and many others.
Mr. Betterton from the Theatre Royal Covent Garden is also engaged and will appear shortly in the character of Lord Oglebv..A young gentleman will make his 4th appearance on any stage in the character of Macbeth.
On the 2d of December the young gentleman alluded to above who was to make his fourth appearance on any stage did so. He was afterwards known as Jacob Woodhull and was long a member of the old Park company. His real name was Jacob Wood Hull and he was descended from a Quaker family in the State of New York. By joining his middle name of Wood to Hull he made Woodhull his theatrical name. He was called by his companions of the theatre from the circumstance of his being a Quaker "Obi" an abreviation of Obadiah.
Mr. and Mrs. Burke had now became regular members of the Chesnut street company. After the Commonwealth's schemes had all broken up this couple took an engagement at the Park theatre--Mrs. Burke as the first soprano of the company. When "Blue Beard" was produced there which is called an English opera Mrs. Darley being an old member of the Park company and a singing actress also the Park management cast her as Fatima which is the principal soprano of the piece Irene (the sister) being deemed the second. Against this Mrs. Burke protested as a violation of her rights. Her appeal proved abortive the management overruled her objections and she seceded forthwith from the Park and was subsequently engaged at the Chesnut street theatre.
On the 3d of December Mr. Betterton from the Covent Garden theatre London made his first appearance here as Lord Ogleby in the "Clandestine Marriage." Mr. Betterton was now in the "yellow leaf" of life ; he did not seem to strike the audience favorably although he evinced the capacity of a solid actor of the true old school. He seemed very eccentric to those who saw him off the stage. In this engagement he acted Lord Townley and Richard III. the latter to say the least was a very queer performance. Betterton made no sensation and his engagement was a failure reducing him to comparative want. During the summer of 1818 I saw him at Vauxhall Gardens Broad street spouting "Bucks have at ye all" in a kind of pulpit rostrum to a straggling auditory of our city dandies who were reclining on benches placed in the walks and in the sum-
mer houses. Thet encouraged the spirited old genetleman's effors with a few raps of their rattans on the rustic tables in the pauses of his periods or after his striking points. He had a great deal of gaiety in his deportment for one of his age which was mingled with the agreeable. He was the father of one of the most inimitable comedy actresses on the London boards Mrs. Glover who still plies her vocation although in her 67th year.
Mr. Incledon from the Royal Covent Garden theatre made his first appearance before the Philadelphia public at the Chesnut street theatre on Monday evening December 8th, 1817 in "Rosina" as Mr. Belville in which he sung the much admored song (composed for him expressly) of the "Thorn" "Her mouth which a smile" and admirably did he sing it as the plaudits of a fine audience amply testified. In "Lock and Key" the afterpiece as Capt. Cheerly Incledon introduced the celebrated new patriotic song of "Hail Columbia !" which was composed by Mr. Shield ; and "The Bay of Biscay O !" with Gay's noted ballad of "Black Ey'd Susan." The receipts this evening were $1340. On the second night of his engagement "Love in a Village" was played. Hawthorn Mr. Incledon with the song "There Was a Jolly Miller Once" the hunting song of "The Twins of Latona" by Shield "Zounds Neighbor Ne'er Blush for a Trifle Like This" the celebrated song "My Dolly was the Fairest Thing" composed by the great Handel "May we Ne'er Want a Friend and a Bottle to Give Him" and during the evening Geo. A. Stevens' well known ballad "The Storm." This famed song he gave with most astonishing effect. The receipts were $1161.
On the third night was played the "May Day Dower ; or the Benevolent Friend." This title was given to the operatic farce of the "Young Quaker" to avoid offence to that sect we presume. The part of Steady was assumed by Ineledon with the songs of "When the Lads of the Village" and "I Love The Ah ;" also "Black Ey'd Susan." "The Waterman" was the afterpiece. As Tom Tug Incledon sung "The Death of a Smuggler" "Scots Wha Hae" and "Then Farewell my Trim-built Wherry." These songs brought down the most unbounded applause as all his efforts did. "The Fortune of War" was acted between the above pieces to relieve the veteran of song in his nightly labors. On the nights when he only played in two act comic operas a short one by the company was acted. The receipts were $719.
On the fourth night $613 were received. Incledon appeared as Giles in he "Maid of the Mill" which had not been acted for twenty years as the bills of the day announced. He sung the following songs : "Hark ! 'tis I Your Own True Lover" "Ere Round the Huge Oak" "May We Ne'er Want a Friend" "Odds My Life Search England Over." His pieces were generally strongly cast the company being pat in what is termed "old English comic opera" wherein the music viz : songs duets trios and concerted pieces met the understanding of all and mingled with easy and amusing dialogue were rendered attractive. The actors of those
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116. days were thoroughly acquainted with this style of performance. Mr. Jefferson played Ralph : Mr. Warren Sir Harry Sycamore ; Mr. Barrett Lord Aimworth ; Mrs. Burke Patty ; Mrs. Bloxton Theodosia ; Mrs. Le Folle Fanny. The ladies here enumerated were all good singers and especially clever in this species of opera so called. At that time Mrs. Burke was deemed the best female vocalist in America ; and about this period she was at the zenith of her popularity and powers of voice. All other parts were in competent hands. The atferpiece on this evening was "The Poor soldier" in which Ineldon played Patrick singing all the original music and introducing Dibdin's song "Oh What a Charming Thing's a Battle" and "Henry Blunt." These were given with stirring effect. Almost every night he sang by request some favorite air which was not in the bill such as "Tom Starboard" (composed by himself) "The Bay of Biscay" and "Black Ey'd Susan." These he gave nearly every evening such were their intense popularity. The Italian music has now swallowed up all that simple taste although not nine in ten understand anything about it. On his last night but one Incledon appeared as Don Caesar in "The Castle of Andalusia" with the original music. He sang "Flow Thou Regal Purple Stream ;" Shield's celebrated battle song (first time here) called "Peace and War" and "The Wolf." "The Castle of Andalusia" had slumbered on the shelf for eighteen years until thus revived by the immortal English ballad vocalist it was also the piece the theatre first opened with in February 1794. The receipts on this occasion were $957. During his engagement Shakspere's "As You Like It" after a repose of seven years was revived with an excellent cast for the purpose of introducing Incledon as Amiens or rather perhaps we should say in order that his voice might give effect to the original music. The bluff but sailor representative of Polyhymnia when not impassioned by the spirit of song where all was melody and inspiring sense dwindled to the shadow of a shade in plain dialogue. "Under the Greenwood Tree" and "Blow Thou Winter's Wind" were sung by him and he imparted to those sweet airs and touching words a truthfulness and sentiment which would have pleased old Will of Avon could he have heard Incledon's warblings in scenic Arden. "Rosina was repeated on this evening.
Mr. Incledon's benefit and last appearance (for a time) took place on Saturday December 20th, 1817 and yielded $1020. On that occasion ws acted Colman's comic opera in three acts of "Inkle and Yarico" with a second title given to it "The Blessings of Liberty." Mr. Incledon acted Capt. Campley in which he introduced the song "Tell Her I Love Her" and a new patriotic national song called "Columbia the Glory and Pride of the World" the words by an American gentleman and the music by Clifton professor of music Baltimore. Sir Christopher Curry was acted by Warren ; Medum by Francis ; Fudge by Jefferson and most admirably did his vivid coloring elicit its pleasing characteristics. Warren's Sir Christopher
vied with his best efforts in parts of this kind. Mrs. Wood as Yarico gave that beautifully impressive character with her over discriminating judgment. Her readings were correct and her clear enunciation was faultless and agreeable in that quality of elocution she was unequalled. Mrs. Burke as Wowski was truly clever in the music and gave nightly promise of improvement in acting. The favorite ballads of "When 'tis Night and The Mid Watch is Come" written by the late R.B. Sheridan Esq. and the music by the late Mrs. Sheridan were excellent and also "The Sea Fight or Stand to Your Guns My Hearts of Oak" composed by the celebrated Carter.
The duet of "All's Well" by Messrs. Incledon and McFarland was most effectively sung. F. McFarland's effort did him much credit. Incledon with acute policy and complimentary to the American people to whom he appealed for favor collected and adapted a number of choice patriotic songs during his tour through the country among which we will mention one of excellent point and musical composition music by Shield viz : "Hail Columbia or the Star of Washington." Thus did the first of English singers who lived at a period when England's naval glory was carried by the valor and skill of sailors to the very pinnacle of fame and whose vocal powers seemed given to illustrate and disseminate the patriotic sentiments of Dibdin also give popularity and strength to exalted American feeling.
On Friday evening December 26th "The Broken Sword" was produced for the first time in this theatre cast thus : Baron W. Anderson ; Capt. Zavior Burke ; Claudis Thomas Jefferson ; Col. Rigolio Mr. Wood ; Pablo Jerferson ; Estevan W. Robertson ; Myrtillo Mrs. Wood ; Rosara With the new song of the "Sun Flower" Mrs. Burke ; Stella Mrs. Anderson ; Beatrice Mrs. Bloxton.
On Saturday December 27th "George Barnwell" was played. This piece for its moral tendencies and thrilling lessons to the unwary youth who may be too easily entrapped by the fascinating blandishments of vice in female form (as too truly represented in this drama) is a useful moral to the impulsive young. This play is usually acted at the theatres in holiday times. The custom is good if as it is asseted that the stage is a powerful engine for good or evil and that it is so cannot be well doubted. This position admitted it becomes the duty of the manager and his supporters the public to preserve the conservative attributes of the stage and eschew the evil portions so that virtue may be disseminated through the medium of the drama and its vehicle the theatre. Many instances have been cited in favor of the moral powers of the much-abused stage. But we doubt if a stronger case is on record than that we here subjoin to sustain the salutary effects of a well-governed theatre upon the passions of youth :
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MR. ROSS THE ACTOR TO A FRIEND.
In the year 1752 during the Christmas holidays I played George Barnwell and the late Mrs. Pritchard played Millwood. Doctor Barrowby physician to St. Bartholomew's Hospital told me he was sent for by a young gentleman in Great St. Helen's apprentice to a very capi-
tal merchant. He found him very ill with a slow fever a heavy hammer pulse that no medicine could touch. The doctor sent everybody out of the room and told his patient he was sure there was something that oppressed his mind. After much solicitation on the part of the doctor the youth confessed there was something lay heavy at his heart but that he would sooner die than divulge it as it must be his ruin if it was known. The doctor assured him if he would make him his confidant he would by every means in his power serve him. After much conversation he told the doctor he was the second son to a gentleman of good fortune in Hertfordshire ; that he had made an improper acquaintance with a kept misstress o' a captain of an Indianman then abroad ; that he was within a year of being out of his time and had been entrusted with cash drafts and notes which he had made free with to the amount of two hundred pounds. That going two or three nights before to Drury Lane to see Ross and Mrs. Pritchard in their characters of George Barnwell and Millwood he was so forcibly struck he had not enjoyed a moment's peace since and wished to die to avoid the shame he saw hanging over him. The doctor asked where his father was. He replied he expected him there every minute as he was sent for by his master upon his being taken so very ill. The doctor desired the young gentleman to make himself perfectly easy as he would undertake his father should make all right. The father soon arrived. The doctor took him in another room and after explaining the whole cause of his son's illness begged him to save the honor of his family and the life of his son. The father with tears in his eyes gave him a thousand thanks said he would stop to his banker and bring the money. While the father was gone Doctor Barrowby went to his patient and told him everything would be settled in a few minutes to his ease and satisfaction. What is very extraordinary the doctor told me that in a few minutes after he communicated this news to his patient upon feeling of his pulse without the help of any medicine he was quite another creature. The father returned with notes to the amount of 200 [pounds] which he put into his son's hands--they wept kissed embraced. The son soon recovered and lived to be a very eminent merchant.
Doctor Barrowby never told me the young gentleman's name ; but the story he mentioned often in the greenroom of Drury Lane theatre ; and after telling it one night when I was standing by he said to me "You have done some good in your profession more perhaps than many a clergyman who preached last Sunday" for the patient told the doctor the play raised such horror and contrition in his soul that he would if it would please God to raise a friend to extricate him out of that distress dedicate the rest of his life to religion and virtue. Though I never knew his name or saw him to my knowledge I had for nine or ten years at my benefit a note sealed up with ten guineas and these words : A tribute of gratitude from one who was highly obliged and saved from ruin by seeing Mr. Ross' performance of Barnwell.
On the 1st of January 1818 "The Conquest of Taranto" was produced for the first time with new scenery dresses &c.
On the 5th of January Mr. Phillips made his first appearance here as Count Belino in the new melo-dramatic opera of the "Devil's Bridge" and as Lord Aimwell in "The Maid of the Mill." This season may be deemed the drawn of English opera with us or at least of its revival. It is undeniable that what we called English opera found most efficient singers in Henry's recruited corps in 1792 and Mr. Wignell's importations of 1893. Those companies presented some fine voices ; perhaps as singing actors and actresses they have not been equalled and certainly not surpassed if we can rely on the traditions of some of the old actors with whom we have conversed upon the subject and upon our own recollections. But the style of singing is quite another thing at the present day to that of 1791 or '99. It has been progressively improving. The quality of the voice is now looked to by composers. The contralto for instance not so much cared for once is now fostered and cultivated as much as the soprano. The Italian school is becoming understood by all and the English singers form themselves upon it for in it they observe its true simplicity of principles which are conducive to the effect of the English ballad style.
Mr. Phillips it may be said was the first who brought the pure mode of the Italian school among us. He it was who first directed our taste as a public singer. His voice was not ex-
