1768

Note: As you can see this is a rather unconventional format for a wiki page. The attempt here is to portray the theatre and media as it would have been seen from the perspective of a Londoner in 1768. There was initially one letter for every month, but because of the sheer length, I've shortened it (accounting for the sporadic changes between months). I hope it proves both educational and entertaining.

February 29, 1768 My Dearest Ada, It has been so long since I have seen you, I scarcely know how I it is that I can carry on in your absence. Since you departure, my time here in London has been very bleak. The snow has also fallen so much it is impossible even to take the carriage out. The diversions of the city have all but gone. My apprenticeship with Mr. Kenge keeps me ever occupied that I find little time for pleasure. However, in my fleeting moments of freedom I have found it quite distracting (as I am unable to attend the plays myself) to read all about them in the magazines.

There are some being put on currently at Covent-Garden that I do not doubt you would thoroughly enjoy. One particularly intriguing one goes by the title of //“__The Good-Natur’d Man__.”// It was written by a Mr. Oliver Goldsmith. Have you heard of it? It seems this play is in full competition with a similar production at the same theatre. I cannot remember the name now, but I would very much like to see how they compare. O how I would fancy a play, after all of my laboring! Would it not be marvelous to travel to Paris on a holiday and see an opera? Mr. Kenge disagrees. He has heard that it is not more than church music and few of even the French citizens enjoy it. He insists that the people of London enjoy a great advantage over those in Paris, and that the opera there is quite inferior to our own. I do not recall that he has ever been to Paris.

I read something interesting about the theatre in Bath earlier this week. His Majesty gave assent to a bill enabling Him to [|license playhouses]. Is that not strange? They will only be putting on serious dramas and tragedies now. It seems those are the only plays that he considers to be legitimate theatre. I, on the other hand, never found comedies to be all that disagreeable. I quite prefer them. I suppose that is why //I// am not king.

Yours Faithfully, Richard

P.S. Have you heard any of the salacious rumors surrounding a Lord B--- and a certain young lady known only as S.W.? There has been some terrible gossip in the papers as of late, and I am quite curious to know the identities of the subjects of these rumors!



April 30, 1768 Ada, My Dear, Without you by my side I am merely a shriveling plant who has lost sight of the sun. I can hardly bear the long wait before I am restored to your presence. It will do more good to my health than a thousand summers by the sea.

I must say, there is a curious air about London these days. There is so much speech concerning very anti-government opinions, and even my reading seems to be increasingly populated with railings of liberty. I find it all exceedingly un-English and attribute it to the success of the Whigs this election. I know you detest it so when I speak of politics (as you may not vote), but I have been so consumed this last month with the results of the general election. Have you heard of a gentleman by the name of [|John Wilkes] ? He is causing quite the stir. In February he was expelled from Parliament only to be reinstated shortly thereafter. It seems that in 1762, (when we were yet together, and I, not in this tumultuous city) Mr. Wilkes published in the __//North Briton//__, an article debasing ministerial statements in His Majesty's speech, describing them as false. This, it seems is cause for the accusations of seditious libel against him. He was again expelled earlier this month but it seems he has lost no popularity, for he has again been reelected in Middlesex! I heard that in Edinburgh, several hundred-apprentice boys carried him upon their shoulders shouting “Wilkes and Liberty!” I really must find out what this gentleman is about. Almost every article of my magazine concerns him.

I have heard, at Kenge and Carboys, that the playwright Mr. Hugh Kelly (have you heard of him? He’s become quite famous for his comedy //False Delicacy.// I read a very positive review of one production earlier this year and would greatly enjoy the opportunity to see it.) has given his support to the King’s men and their actions at St. George’s Field, though they face charges of murder. I would not be as brave as he to state such opinions against the notoriously aggressive supporters of Mr. Wilkes.

On much less political matters (for which I am sure you are relieved) with the improvement of the weather, Mr. Kenge has been quite insistent upon my visting the playhouse soon. It seems he has discovered my weakness for the theatre. He asked me to attend a benefit for a principle player at the playhouse near Guildhall. The name was Mr. Freeport I believe. The actor, not the play. They were putting on the “English Merchant” as well as the “Independent Citizens.” I was unable to go with them that time, but perhaps, if it is still playing next month I will go to see “The Merchant of Venice.” I read a very good review and it is my favorite work by Shakespeare. The experience of seeing it could only be improved upon by your being there with me! Until then…

Yours Faithfully, Richard

June 30, 1768 My Dear, Ada,

How are you fairing, my dear? I do hope our separation from one another will not be for much longer. Life it seems is much more dull with your radiance to enlighten even the brightest of days. I do hope you find yourself no more restless than I find myself. Though I may have much to tell of my own activities aside from my endless endeavors at Kenge and Carboy’s, I must say London has been quite abuzz as of late.

I read in my magazine A transcript of a defense read in court by a Lord Baltimore, against accusations of an attack upon one Miss Sarah Woodcock! Quite the scandal! I was quite shocked to learn the details and results of the trial of Lord Baltimore. It seems he forced himself upon the young lady of a milliner shop known as Sarah Woodcock. The court found the maid did not make sufficient attempts to escape and he was therefore acquitted! I thought I might be the only person to see the ridiculousness of these findings, but I was quite pleased to find an extremely intelligent response to the outcome in a letter to the author of my magazine. He insists the young lady eventually ceased her struggling in order to save her own life. I agree with this reader that the heinous and detestable crime should have been punished by death. Be advised, sweet, innocent, Ada: stay away from sniffing nefarious Lords!

O dear! I am sorry, my love, I should not be distressing you with such horrid matters!. I should divert my ramblings to something more suited to your favor as I would never wish to seek your displeasure! Perhaps by the time I’ve written my next letter to you, I’ll have more pleasant things to present to my delicate and lovely reader.

Yours Faithfully, Richard

July 31, 1768 Darling, Ada,

I am so very pleased to inform you that I have finally found a time in which all of my work is done for an entire day I can rest, read, and write to you of matters not pertaining to politics! On this rare day of relaxation, I have found the time to finish a copy of //False Delicacy// that I had acquired recently. (Remember, I wrote to you of it’s author, Mr. Kelly?) I must say, I can see now the reason for it’s success, as it is quite good. Shall I tell all about it?

Well, the play’s opens with a Mr. Winworth lamenting over Lady Betty, who has refused his proposal of marriage. He is telling his friend, Sidney, that upon his rejection, he must now turn to young, Miss Marchmont, in hoping she proves to be a satisfactory alternative (though he secretly has not stopped loving Lady Betty). Sidney is distraught, as he had intended on offering his hand to the very same Miss Marchmont. He had hesitated because of his engagement to Lady Betty’s niece, Miss Rivers. Meanwhile, a Sir Harry Newburg, having been newly arrived from Paris with his cousin Cecil, entreats Colonel Rivers (Miss River’s father and brother to Lady Betty) for his daughter’s hand. His is of course, instantly rebuked by the young woman’s father, for Sir Harry was fully aware of her engagement to Sidney, and therefore the proposal came as an affront to the family’s honor. With his first attempt failed, he then starts upon a more devious pattern, appealing to the heart of the daughter. The easily persuaded maiden agrees to flee with Sir Harry, without her father’s knowledge (not knowing that her father is hidden behind the bushes, and hearing the entirity of their plans.)

Continuing with Mr. Winworth- he takes a private audience with Lady Betty (who believes he will propose again, and this time, is fully prepared to accept, having realized her true feelings for him, after thinking her opportunity lost). He explains that he is intending to propose to her ward, Miss Marchmont and beseeches her to show herself friendly despite her refusal, and speak well of him to the young lady. Lady Betty, disheartened and not wanting to seem foolish, praises him for such an excellent choice and promises to do so. Though she suffers, she tells no one of her feelings with the exception of her close friend, a widow, named Mrs. Harley. Miss Marchmont has not only caught the eye of Sidney and Mr. Winworth, but also of the older, Cecil. He however, promptly surrenders his pursuit of the lady, when he discovers she thinks of him simply as a father, and that she harbors hidden feelings for Sidney

Well, upon Miss Rivers’ attempt to flee, her father confronts her, but does not forcibly stop her. He informs her of his injured feelings and promises that, no matter her decision, her fortune is hers, but if she leaves, she is no longer his daughter. His reaction spurs in her a change of heart, and she goes to Sir Harry to inform him that she will not join him. He, not wanting to hear her explanations, becomes enraged and tries to forcibly take her along. Fortunately, Cecil arrives to see this ill behavior and intervenes on the lady’s behalf. Sir Harry, repents and leaves in shame.

Meanwhile, Colonel Rivers, despondent from his daughter’s betrayel, happens upon Sidney, who is arriving to inform the Colonel that he cannot continue in an engagement with Miss Rivers due to his affinity towards another. The Colonel is (again) outraged that Sidney would go against his word. In the meantime, Lady Betty is (despite her own desires) attempting to convince Miss Marchmont to accept Mr. Winworth’s proposal. Miss Marchmont insists that she cannot accept, using the excuse that she fears he has lingering feelings for Lady Betty. (if everyone were simply honest with one another they would save themselves so much confusion!)

All is resolved, however, when Cecil and Mrs. Harley combine their knowledge of Sidney and Miss Marchmont’s secrets as well as Lady Betty and Mr. Winworth’s. They burst in upon Winworth’s formal proposal to Miss Marchmont, who has finally conceded to accept in order to please Lady Betty. Cecil and Mrs. Harley jointly reveal the truth, much to Lady Betty’s chagrin. Sir Harry even returns, to be returned to good favor with Colonel and Miss Rivers who has wholeheartedly forgiven him. Upon the happy conclusion, Cecil declares that, “the principle moral to be drawn from the transactions of today is, that those who generously labour for the happiness of others, will, sooner or later, arrive at happiness themselves.”

I wish I had seen it performed on stage. Mr. Kelly, for his very first work has done quite excellently. And now, my dear, I must tell you of my own secret affection I harbor for someone else… I only jest!

I hope you have not torn this letter already.

Yours Faithfully, Richard

September 30, 1768 My Dearest Ada,

London, as usual, torments my soul. Even the weather, spares me little joy as the skies are endlessly filled with storm clouds and rain. I see my own tumultuous countenance reflected in the winds, one that could only be chased away by the sunshine of you company.

It seems the Danish King has arrived in London, for what news does not speak of disease and the cures of such, mention only him. Even the theatre at Drury Lane has taken up extra players and performances for his entertainment, including five operas! Five! It is quite a lot of pomp I feel, for a king who is not our own. Or shall I call it false delicacy? Either way, I saw no poems written for me upon my arrival to London. Would not that be a lark? You my dear on the other hand, are much more deserving of poetry than some King.

I am pleased to tell you I had finally found an opportunity to attend a play at Drury Lane! The comedy called, //The Hypocrite// was entertaining enough, but I was quite disappointed as myself and several other members of the audience, quickly saw it as being a mere copy of Pope and Cibber’s //The Non-Juror.// I am quite sure of it. I was more so affected by this than some fellow audience members who seemed quite aghast at lascivious nature of the play. It was a comedy however; I am not quite sure what they were expecting. I believe their being Methodists had much to with it.

I have spent more time this year absorbed in the activity of the theatre than all else, as, beside yourself, the stage is my greatest passion. Perhaps had I not strapped my life to this apprenticeship, I would have been one of the great players myself.

It would not have been so hard on our finances had I pursued the theatre. I have heard that this season in particular has been received with much success. Though, with the large increase of musical production, I am sure I would have proved very unsuccessful (as you have heard my abominable singing). Perhaps I am much more suited to my current occupation. No worries my dear. You will not see me running off to join the opera any time soon.

Yours Faithfully, Richard

December 31, 1768 Ada, My love, I can scarcely believe it is almost a year since we last saw one another. I can more so hardly believe that in less than a month’s time, all that will be undone when I shall see you again. This past year brought with it so much change and revolution, but with all the transformation of the world, nothing could alter my feelings for you. I sometimes find myself feeling quite selfish when I read of the circumstances of others.

There have been, as of late, several accounts of grievances laid against the Crown and Parliament by colonies in New England. I do not often concern myself with news from across the Atlantic but in this case I was quite disturbed to discover the many rights and liberties infringed by Parliament in their raising of the revenue in America. Many of these citizens found the standards impossible and have taken action against it. I am worried for the actions the King will take against these colonists as Mr. Wilkes too, called for more liberty and finds himself yet imprisoned. I hav e educated myself much more on matters of the British Colonies. They continue to print more and more in my magazine. How silly that I have been calling it “my” magazine, when truly it is Mr. J. Coote’s magazine. It has been my greatest companion this year, the //Royal Magazine// as I have not had the time to read much else. Nonetheless it contains all matters political, theatrical, and scientific, and that is perfectly suited for my disposition I find. I do hopecontinue to publish for many more years.

Perhaps it is the nearness of the new year, but I feel a great change is coming to London, and perhaps the entirety of England. It could perhaps be attributed to this feverish call for liberty from men like Mr. Wilkes or the New Englanders. Perhaps I have just gone mad from my countless working hours. I do not know the answer. But perhaps this desperation to escape their daily oppressions is the cause for the great success of the theatre. The Lord knows I would have loved to more frequently escaped my trouble in the playhouse. What do you think Ada? Have I stumbled onto something?

Yours Faithfully, Richard

REFERENCES Cushing, Thomas. "From the BOSTON (New England) GAZETTE, October, 10." //The Royal magazine// (1768): 494-6. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "Account of the DEVIL upon Two STICKS, a New Comedy." //The Royal magazine// (1768): 241-2. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "On LIBERTY." //The Royal magazine// (1768): 251-. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. A, CROWN LAWYER. "REMARKS on Lord BALTIMORE's TRIAL." //The Royal magazine// (1768): 169-70. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "Domestic Intelligence." //The Royal magazine// (1768): 187-92. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "Mr. WILKES's SPEECH to the Livery March 23, 1768." //The Royal magazine// (1768): 127-8. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "Domestic Intelligence." //The Royal magazine// (1768): 138-43. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "An Account of the THEATRICAL EXHIBITIONS at Paris." //The Royal magazine// (1768): 65-6. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "Domestic Intelligence." //The Royal magazine// (1768): 92-6. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "An APOLOGY for Lord B--, Octavo, Pp. 28." //The Royal magazine// 18 (1768): 13-4. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "An Account of the New COMEDY Calld FALSE DELICACY." //The Royal magazine// 18 (1768): 35-6. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. "Domestic Intelligence." //The Royal magazine// 18 (1768): 377-80. //British Periodicals.// Web. 13 Aug. 2012. Kelly, Hugh. ""False Delicacy"" //The Plays of Hugh Kelly//. Ed. Larry Carver. New York: Garland Pub., 1980. pg. 1-87 Print. "** John ** ** Wilkes **." // Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online Academic Edition //. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 13 Aug. 2012. <[|http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/643811/John-Wilkes] >. "** Hugh ** ** Kelly **." // Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online Academic Edition //. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 13 Aug. 2012. <[|http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/314470/Hugh-Kelly] >. //The London Stage, 1660-1800: A Calendar of Plays, Entertainments & Afterpieces, Together With Casts, Box-receipts and Contemporary Comment: Part 4, 1747-1776.// 1st ed. Ed. Charles Beecher Hogan, et al. Carbondale: Southern Illinois UP, 1960. Print.