| Citation |
FJ.782.009
16 Jan 1782:12 (39)
To the Pilgrim. Sir, I was present at the acting of the
French play Eugenie, about a week ago, and was extremely
pleased with it, though I do not understand a word of the
language. The show was so fine, the scenes so pretty, the
company so brilliant, that I really should have thought
myself in an enchanted world, had it not been for the noise
and vulgarities of some tasteless fellows who sat in the
gallery. I wish that sett of people would build a play
house of their own, and not come and disturb people that go
to be entertained agreeable at Southwark. But, O sir! judge
what must have been my melancholy, when, as I afterwards
heard, Mr. Quesnay was threatned with the law if he had any
more plays acted. Do, sir, say something in favour of
plays. The young people of the city are really tired of
their lives for want of some such entertainment now and then
in the winter evenings. There are several philosophers in
this place who do all they can to discourage amusements of
this sort; but as you, sir, have travelled thro' the polite
nations of the east, and know mankind, I am sure you will
not write any thing against so pretty a pastime. [signed]
Your humble servant, Maria Flutter. Philadelphia, Jan. 9.
The Pilgrim is sorry Miss Flutter was pleased with a
comedy she did not understand, and he hereby prohibits her
from ever attending plays 'till she is able to collect a
number of useful morals and rational sentiments from what
she sees and hears; and can convince her friends that she
returns from that species of diversion better and wiser than
she went. As to Eugenie, the French comedy, it is a pity
any lady or gentleman of condition should be ignorant of the
polite language it is written in; especially as these states
are at this day so nearly connected with the subjects of the
Grand Monarque, and their union and friendship daily more
closely cementing. Yet by no means do I consent that
regular theatrical entertainments shall immediately come
into fashion. The diversions of the stage are doubtless
(under proper restrictions) noble, manly and rational: but
at present I judge them to be rather unseasonable, at least
if generally permitted. . . [4 lines] Have patience, Madam,
'till the war is successfully finished--reflect how many of
your countrymen are at this moment perishing in sickly
prisons; dying with painful wounds, hunger and nakedness;
facing death in the field of battle. . . [3 more lines]
The last letter I shall insert, is from a man I really
pity:
To the Pilgrim,
About a month ago I arrived in this city with a collection
of well chosen authors in the French and English language.
When I was in Europe I was told that the people of this
country were excessive fond of reading, which put me upon a
scheme of turning all the money I was worth in the world,
into literary stock, hoping to make my fortune by it; but I
find, sir, I have come to the wrong place with my effects.
The other day I was offered four and six pence for Locke
Upon Human Understanding, and two dollars for Shakespear's
works compleat; . . . [12 lines, signed] Timothy Legible.
January 6, 1782.
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