| Citation |
MG-A(G.772.053
20 Aug 1772:22,23 (1406)
Extract of a letter from Baltimore Town, August 5, 1773.
--Before I close my letter, I must desire you till tell B--
and W-- that (contrary to their prognostications) I have
spent my time here most agreeably. . . [5 lines] from an
entertainment I received here as agreeable as it was
unexpected; I mean the Theatre. The American Company have
performed here great part of the summer, and notwithstanding
the disadvantages of an inconvenient playhouse, and hot
nights, have been universally well received and encouraged.
They really have much merit. You know I was always of
opinion, that I could never sit out a play represented by
American actors--but I must acknowledge my error; and it is
with gratitude I confess I know not which to thank them for
most, the pleasure they actually gave me--or the endeavours
they used, to do so, even when it was not crowned with
success.
To find on this continent a stage conducted with decorum,
to find a self instructed actor whose conceptions could
imbibe the various characters of a Beverley, a Lord Townley,
and a Mungo, and display them with propriety--To see two
little engaging girls, whose manner of acting and sweetness
of voice were (not to take from the merit of others in the
piece) in a manner the support of the opera of Love in a
Village, was what I own surprised me.
The dress and deportment of the men are pleasing, the
figures of the women (in faith) attracting. Nor has the
manager been inattentive to the subordinate characters--I
have heard a man in this company speak Milton's lines in
Comus in a manner that would have done honour to a Sheridan.
And here indeed I must lament the man, whose judgement could
give me such rational delight, could, the succeeding night,
shock me by a distortion of face and person that beggars all
description. If this gentleman could see this picture of
himself, he would mend its defects I don't doubt, and he
might be instructed in one piece of knowledge very essential
to a good actor, viz.-- That face-making is a part of an
actor's trade not very easy to learn; and that Woodward, one
of the greatest comedians England ever knew, after serving
an apprenticeship of thirty years to the drama, generally
failed in this branch of the profession. No merit can
justify licentiousness. You have, my dear Tom, generally
taken my judgment in theatrical matters, I beg it may now
have weight with you. I do assure you that, abstracted from
all prejudice, it is doing this company no more than common
justice, out of London there is not near so good a set of
English performers. I am, my dear friend, ever your's,
[signed] W. H.
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