| Citation |
NYM(G.758.075a
11 Dec 1758:31 (330)
Whereas I am informed, that an advertisement of mine, which
appeared some time ago in this paper, giving notice that I
would open an Histrionic Academy, has been understood by
many, as a declaration that I proposed under that colour, to
act plays, without the consent of the magistracy:
This is therefore to inform the publick, that such a
construction was quite foreign to my intent and meaning,
that so vain, so insolent a project never once entered into
my head; It is an impeachment of my understanding to
imagine, I would dare, in a publick manner, to aim at an
affront on gentlemen, on whom I am dependent for the only
means that can save us from utter ruin.
All that I proposed to do was, to deliver dissertations on
subjects, moral, instructive and entertaining, and to
endeavour to qualify such as would favour me with their
attendance, to speak in publick with propriety. But as such
an undertaking might have occasioned an inquiry into my
capacity, I thought the publick would treat me with greater
favour, when they were informed that I was deprived of any
other means of getting my bread; nor would that have done
any more than barely supplied our present necessities.
The expenses of our coming here, our living since our
arrival, with the charge of building, etc. (which let me
observe, we had engaged for before we had any reason to
apprehend a denial) amount to a sum that would swallow up
the profits of a great many nights acting, had we
permission.
I shall conclude with humbly hoping, that those gentlemen
who have entertained an ill oppinion of me, from my supposed
presumption, will do me the favour to believe, that I have
truly explained the advertisement, and that I am, to them,
and the publick, a very humble, and very devoted servant,
David Douglass.
Decemb. 8, 1758.
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