| Citation |
MG-A(G.766.008
22 May 1766:13 (1080)
New-York, May 8. The play advertised to be acted on last
Monday evening, having given offence to many of the
inhabitants of this city, who thought it highly improper
that such entertainments should be exhibited at this time of
public distress, when great numbers of poor people can
scarce find means of subsistence, whereby many persons might
be tempted to neglect their business, and squander that
money, which is necessary to the payment of their debts, and
support of their families, a rumour was spread about town,
on Monday, that if the play went on, the audience would meet
with some disturbance from the multitude. This prevented
the greatest part of those who intended to have been there
from going: however many people came, and the play began;
but soon interrupted by the multitude who burst open the
doors, and entered with noise and tumult. The audience
escaped in the best manner they could; many lost their hats
and other parts of dress. A boy had his skull fractured,
and was yesterday trepanned, his recovery is doubtful;
several others were dangerously hurt; but we have heard of
no lives lost. The multitude immediately demolished the
house, and carried the pieces to the common. where they
consumed them in a bonfire.
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