| Citation |
PP-P.782.011
17 Jan 1782:33 (11/834)
Last Tuesday evening Mr. Quesnay opened his Academy of
Polite Science, in Southwark, in presence of a very
brilliant and numerous concourse of ladies and gentlemen of
the first rank, and where every master, who is to be
employed, shewed the greatest ability and proficiency in
their several branches. In the next paper Mr. Quesnay will
be more particular to mention the rules to be observed in
the said Academy; and begs to present the public with a
printed copy of the Prologue, spoken on the occasion.
APOLOGY, delivered by Mr. Davids.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mr. Quesnay most respectfully wishes to inform you, that
it is not his intention to elude or violate any point of
law, or oppose the worthy magistrates in the execution of
their office; but as a foreigner and friend to America, has
at all times used his utmost endeavours to promote and
furnish useful amusements for those gentlemen of the army,
who have sustained innumerable hardships, and bravely
ventured their lives in the service of their country.
You will please to consider this house no longer as a
public theatre, but as Mr. Quesnay's Academy, for the
instruction of young gentlemen in the polite languages; as
also music, drawing faces, landscapes, perspective,
geometrical plans and fortifications, dancing and fencing;
for which purpose the pit will be raised level with the
stage; the scenery dismantled, and the whole will form a
most capacious and elegant ball-room.
Mr. Quesnay further instructs me to acquaint you that as
his intention of presenting the French comedy, and English
farce, is entirely frustrated. He is yet happy in the honor
of opening his Academy before so numerous, respectable and
brilliant an assembly whom he will endeavour to entertain
with a concert of music, illuminations, transparencies, and
a variety of French dances.
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