| Citation |
PP-P.773.136
8 Nov 1773:23, 24 (3/107)
To the Printer of the Pennsylvania Packet.
It is matter of real sorrow and distress to many sober
inhabitants of different denominations, to hear of the
return of those strolling comedians, who are travelling
thro' America propagating vice and immorality. And it is
much to the disreputation of this city, that more
encouragement should be given them here, than in any other
place on the continent. It appears to me to be the
incumbent duty of the magistrates to suppress them, by
proceeding against them as vagrants, for such they are
considered in the eye of the law,
. . . [2 paragraphs on why strolling players should be
suppressed]
[British Law enacted in 1737 relates to these people]
Every person who shall for hire, gain or reward, act,
represent or perform, or cause to be acted any interlude,
tragedy, comedy, opera, play, farce or other entertainment
of the stage, or any part or parts therein, in case such
person shall not have any legal settlement in the place
where the same shall be acted, &c. without by virtue of
letters patent from his Majesty, his heirs or successors, or
without licence from the Lord Chamberlain for the time
being, shall be deemed to be a rogue and a vagabond, &c.
(vid. the act).
The act goes on directing how licences are to be obtained,
with this proviso:
Provided always that no person or persons shall be
authorised by virtue of any letter patent from his Majesty,
his heir, successors, or predecessors, or by the licence of
the Lord Chamberlain, to act, represent or perform for hire,
gain or reward, any interlude, tragedy, comedy, opera, play,
farce or other entertainment, of the stage, in any part of
Great-Britain, except in the city of Westminster and within
the liberties thereof, and in such places where his Majesty,
his heirs or successors, shall, in their royal persons
reside, and during such residence only.
[8 paragraphs on why theatres and plays should be banned]
From what has been said, I think it appears.
1st. That common players, &c. are vagrants and sturdy
beggars.
2d. That the play-house in this city is a public nuisance.
3d. That a licence or protection granted to the players is
void, being without, and against law.
All which is submitted to the cool and serious consideration
of the reader, by
[signed] Philadelphus.
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