| Citation |
PJ.766.013
17 May 1766:12, 13 (1223)
New-York, May 8. The play advertised to be acted on last
Monday evening, having given offence of 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 subsistance, whereby many persons might
be tempted to neglect their business, and squander that
money, which is necessary to the payment of this debt, and
support of their families, a rumour was spread about town,
on Monday, that if they 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 was begun; 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 trepaned; 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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