| Citation |
NYM(G.778.043
6 Jul 1778:212 (1393)
Bon Mots, Jests, Repartees, &c. Just published by Samuel
Foote, Esq. (Taken from an English paper.) Foote in his
imitations took of most of the actors who had any thing
remarkable either in their speech, air or gait. Among the
number he introduced on the Hay-Market stage, was Mr.
Obryen, of Drurylane theatre. Being then but a new
performer, a young man, and a perfect master of the sword
(his father being a fencing-master) he determined to call
Foote out; his brother comedians laughed at the resolution
he had taken, and said, nobody minded it; that he ought to
make himself happy, when he considered that his very defects
gave bread to an individual, only by copying them. . . [28
more lines describing this joke, then the following joke]
Foote's wooden, or rather cork leg, was so well contrived by
springs, that he could move his knee, ancle, and toes, and
but for a small hitch in his gait, which those who did not
know him took for lameness, he might well have passed as
having both his legs. Going after the Hay-Market had shut
up, to spend the remainder of the season at Brightelmstone,
a German baron being in company with him and some more
gentlemen, and bragging very much of his courage, Foote
dared him to run a pin into the calf of his leg. . . [6 more
lines about this joke] Mr. Baddeley, the comedian of Drury-
lane, was bred to the profession of a cook, and though
considered as a very good one, yet left the kitchen for the
stage. Weston, with whom he was a great crony, introduced
him to Foote, who brought him out at his theatre, from
whence he got an engagement at Drury-lane, and rose to the
present esteem in which he is held by the public. Mr. Foote,
till very lately, never entered into any written agreements
with his performers, his word was considered as sufficient,
(which he always inviolably kept.) Baddeley, after playing
some seasons with Foote, had got into a pretty large cast of
parts, and became very useful. Mr. Foote some time before
his season began, met him, and told him he supposed he would
be at the Hay-market as usual in the summer; to which
Baddely replied, he should certainly be with him. However,
an opportunity offering in one of the country companies from
London, where Baddeley though he should get more money and
have parts he liked better, joined the company without
acquainting Mr. Foote, and set off for Bristol or Liverpool.
When the Hay-market season began, no Baddeley appeared, and
Mr. Foote was at a loss to supply his place. . . [4 more
lines about this joke, 17 more about another, not in the
theater.]
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