The Express.
London, England, 1853-01-22 00:00:00

THEATRICALS AT WINDSOR CASTLE.

MB. JERROLD'S NEW COMEDY, "ST. CUPID,
OR, DOROTHY'S FORTUNE."
For Mr. Jerrold, of all modern dramatists, has
been reserved the high honour of having his play submitted
in the fist appeal to royal judgment, ant the high bred
criticism of the court, and of thus going forth with &stamp
of approbation which will hardly fail to Ise recognised and
confirmed by the general public. The pictorial newspapers
have already made familiar the appearance of " The
Ruben's Chamber" at Windsor Castle as arranged for dra-
matic representations, so that in noticing the performance
of last evening it will not be necessary to go into length-
ened description of the arrangements, which are simple and
efficient, and which were only altered on the present occa-
siun by the substitution of such new scenery as the business
of the play rendered necessary. Her Majesty entered the
room with her usual punctuality at eight o'clock, accom-
panied by. Prince Albert and the royal children, and, having
taken her seat in the chair of state, the general company
soon absorbed the limited accommodation of the room, cal-
culated, as it is, for only about eighty persons. The band
at once commenced playing a sprightly occasional overture,
arranged on well-known Jacobite airs, amongst which
"Johnny Cope" held a prominent place, and on its termi-
nation the curtain rose for the comedy. The " period" of
the play is the reign of Cleo. 11., when the machinations of
the Pretender were most active, and the rising of the cur
taro discovered Mr. Under-Seeretory Zero, • vigilant Hano-
verian politician (Mr. H. Vining), and his nephew, Sir
Valentine (Kr. Walter Lacy), discussing at the house of the
former the contents of • mysterious missive, which, some
how or other, bad found its way into the under-emretary's
despite's box. This turns out to be neither more nor less
than a love letter or valentine, signed "Cupid," addressed
generally "To all whom it may concern," sad is.
dicating pretty plainly the direction in which a
love chaos must be followed up, if undertaken.
The nephew looks upon it as • genuine article,
and determines in • youthful spirit of adventure
to follow it up, while the astute senior sees treason lurking
in the folds of • billet don:, looks upon the professions of
femialne love as so many horrible plots in cypher, and with
an equally keen Kent, hut far different objects, sets all his
Ingenuity to work to discover the author and his or her
whereabouts. The double action of the uncle and nephew
then forms the key of the subsequent machinery of the
piece. The nephew starts off first, and the second scene is
the suburban academy of Dr. Budd (Mr. Harley), at which
V6llllStiall arrives in search of the fair Dorothy, the doctor's
daughter (Mrs. C. Henn), and the suspected author of the
love letter. He offers himself as usher, and is appointed at
the munificent salary of tea pounds a year, while the sight
of the doctor's daughter changes what was originally a mere
frolic into • warm end lasting attachment. He
finds under Dr. Budd's roof a young officer, Belle-
deur (Mr. E ), who is actually hatching trea-
son unknown is the worthy pedagogue and his
daughter, and also in love with the latter. Jealousy
of course springs up between the young men, Belief eur
mistakes Valentino for a spy, and their words are becoming
of the very hottest, when the old doctor rushes in and
makes peace. But a fresh trouble here arises. In his pur-
turbatien he has dropped the name of Bellefleter in the
hearing of • real spy of the Under-$e eretary's (Mr.
Ryder), who had just arrived with the pretended mission
of finding an academy for his boys. On hearing the name I
the spy retires precipitately, promising with marked em-
phasic to send his boys" to school, meaning a party of
soldiers to arrest Bellefleur. Valentine and Dorothy are
left alone, and a sparkling dialogue ensues, in which the
former swears by his patron saint that they shall have good
Christmas sport. She asks playfully who is his patron saint,
and he replies, " Saint Cupid,' and the curtain falls on the
surprise of Dorothy at the coincidence between the name
and the signature to her own love lettei. The second act finds
the pretended usher installed, and introduces a new cha-
racter, Queen Bee, an old gimey woman (Mr. Wright),
who alarms the doctor, a stanch loyalist, by telling hiss
there's a traitor is the house, and pointing suspicion at the
new usher. Dorothy, like a true woman, is only the more
delighted at finding her lover to be a hero in disguise, and
vows to save him at all hazards. Another floe dialogue
follows between her and Ira/engine, full of dark hints on the
one aide, bewilderment on the other, and a succession of
cross purposes in both. She vows she would die to save her
lover in such a situation, and he, thinking she means Belle-
fluor, is rendered savage by the inopportune approach of
that personage. He snatches up a violin and plays • minuet,
requesting Dorothy to donee, in order that the serious
nature of their conversation may not be discovered, and,
for Belief cur's peculiar delectation, he changes it suddenly
to " Johnny Cope," which he plays with such vigour as to
bring in the old doctor, perspiring with loyal horror at the
sound of the treasonable air. Hot words again ensue, followed
by a challenge and a blow,after which all the parties leave the
ewes except Valentine, who is soon disturbed by the entry
of the gipsey, seeking, like an arrant impostor as she is, the
best market for her treachery. The great comic strength
of the piece may be said to lie in the ensuing scene between
these two. Valentine frightens her by turning fortune-
teller himself, and predicting a dreadful series of " Bride-
well," " oakum-picking," and " whipping," of which con-
fidence strengthens the probability. The "Engineer is
Wet by his own petard," and Queen Be. is about
to pitiable perturbation to "tell all she knows," whew
Dorothy enters and follows the two retreating, dying with
a laudable curiosity to know the nature of their conver-
sation. As " The darkest morn is that before the dawn,"
the third act finds every complication more complicated
than ever. Fatentine is suspected by Dorothy of treason.
but clears himself by his protestations, and, in a fit of

prudent generosity, determiues to get rid of his rival, the
real traitor, by favouring his escape. At this juncture,
Mr. Under-Sseretary Zero himself arrives, armed with
powers to arrest, and immense fun arises from the
discovery that the gipsey has all along been
his spy, but has gone over to the enemy
in consequence of his parsimony. The Jacobite officer
escapes, the wader-secretary and his myrmidons are made
fools of by a substitution of keys, and Sir Valentine dis-
covering himself in his true character, wooes and wins the
fair Dorothy, the curtain Whey upon their marriage. The
public representation of the comedy at the Princess's will
of course give opportunity for more detailed criticism, so
that at present we, shall content ourselves with saying that
on its first performance last evening, it received applause ea
marked and emphatic as was consistent with the strict
etiquette of so august an assemblage. The complications of
the plot kept the interest pormanently alive, while the
brilliant dialogue, which was fully up to the author's re-
putation, produced repeated indications of mirth and
appreciation. The capabilities of the sever.,l actors
seemed to have been carefully studied by the
dramatist, so admirably were they fitted in parts,
and every one evidently acted with a full appreciation of
their author, and of the distinguished audience by whom
they were to be judged. It is hardly necessary to say that
Mrs. Hean's Dorothy was a chatming impersonation, or
that Mr. Walter Lacy gave full effect to the character of
Po/tontine the young lover. The public will also anticipate
that Mr. Harley was at homo in giving life to the per-
plexities of Dr. Budd, but they can hardly anticipate the
treat there is in store for them in Mr. Wright's Queen Be.,
the gipsey womae. Nobody who had Great him at the
Adelphi would have recognised the " chartered libertine"
of that locality in the careful actor and geuuiao comedian
of the Ruben, Cnamber. In his performance of last even-
ing the subduing effect of the courtly atmosphere was most
palpably and beneficially perceptible, while quite fun
enough remained to elicit universal applause, especially
from the royal children, who more than once exceeded the
prescribed formula of approbation in recognising the eget-
tions of their favourite. We have only to add that new and
elegant scenery had been provided under the superinten-
dence of Mr. Grieve, and that the quaint though rich cos-
tume of the period, its flowing peruques, velvet coats and
diamond shoe buckles, were represented with artistic accu-
racy and precision.

(PROM LAST XICHIVS GAIIITTI.)

WINDSOR CASTLE, JAN. 19.—The Queen, ns Sove-
reign of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, has been gra-
ciously pleased, by letters patent under her royal sign
manual, and the great seal of the order, bearing date this
day, to dispense with all the statue s and regulations usually
, observed in regard to installation, and to grant unto the
Most Noble Algernon, Duke of Northumberland, and the
Most Honourable Charles William, Marquis of London.
derry, Knights of the said Most Noble Order, and duly in-
vested with the ensigns thereof, full power and authority to
exercise all rights and privilges belonging to Knights Com-
panions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, in as full
and ample a manner ea if they had been formally installed,
any_decree, rule, orusage to the contrary notwithstanding.
GITEHALL,JAN.2I.—The Queen has been pleased
to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal of
the United Kingdom, appointing Arthur, Duke of Wel-
lington, Master of the Horse to her Majesty.
DOWNING-STREET, JAN. 21.—The Queen has been
pleased to sanction and allow the subjoined Ordinance of
the Governor of Ceylon :—Ordinances enacted by the Go-
vernor of Ceylon, with the advice and consent of the Le-
gislative Council thereof. No. 2, 113.52. G. W. Anderion.
To repeal the export duty on Cinnutnon.—Whereas it is ex-
pedient that the duties of customs chargeable on the ex-
portation of cinnamon from this island should cease to be
levied; it is enacted by the Governor of Ceylon, with the
advice and consent of the Legislative Council thereof,
that from and after the Ist day of July, 1853, so
much of the Ordinance, No. 9, 1847, entitled,
"For regulating the duties of customs payable oa
goods imported into, and exported from, this island," as
enacts that the duties set forth in figures, in the table
marked B, annexed to the said Ordinance, shall be raised,
levied, and collected in respect of cinnamon, upon the ex-
portation thereof from this island, shall be repealed; and
that from and after the said Ist day ofJ uly, 18.53, the duties
of customs which are now levied and collected upon the
exportation of cinnamon from this island, shall cease to be
charged, levied, and collected. Famed, in council, the 25th
day of August, 1852. (Signed) E. RAWDON Pow's, Act-
ing Clerk to the Council. Published by order of his Excel-
lency the Governor. (Signed) C. J. MACAMIT, Colonial
Secretary.

WAR OFFICE, DEc. 24.

39th Foot.—Major-General Richard Lluellyn, C. 8., to be
colonel, vice Lieutenant-Geaeral George Burrell, C. 8.,
deceased.
Ist Regiment of Dragoon Guards.—Thomas Lewis Hamp-
ton, gent., to be cornet, by purchase, vice Bolton, ap-
pointed to the bth Dragoon Guards.
11th Dragoons.—Henry Fullerton Richmond, 'gent., to be
cornet, by purchase, vice Honourable R. J. Annesley,
promoted; Roger Palmer, gent., to be cornet, by pur-
chase.

Dragoons.—Ellie Fletcher, gent, to be cornet, by par-
chase ; Richard George Glyn, gent., to be cornet, by per.
cheer
let Regiment of Foot Guards.—Robeyt Anetruther, gent.,
Mbe ensign Ind lieutenant. by purchase, vice Kinloeb,
promoted.
2nd Foot.—Anthony Pemberton Ilobeon, gent., to be en-
sign. without purchase, vice Mackie, whose appointment
has b ‘en cancelled.

Ird Foot.—Ensign William Stewart, from the 39th Foot,
to be ensign, vice W. W. King, promoted.
Ith Foot.—Lieutenant Patrick Robertson to be adjutant,
vice Knott, who resigns the adjutancy only.
10th Foot.—Percy Beale, gent., to be ensign by purchase,
vice Henderson, promoted.
13th Foot.—Lieutenant Henry Hogge to be captain; by
purchase,Wade,
vice
wbo retires ; Ensign Wilson Henry
Jones to be lieutenant, by nurchase, vice Hogge.
14th Foot.—Ensign Charles Monck Wilson to be adjutant,
vice Strode, who resigns the adjutancy only.
Z6th Foot.—Lieutenant Thomas Andrews to be captain, by
purchase, vice Edgar, who retires; Ensign Charles
ri Fredeck Elwes to be lieutenant, by purchase, mice
Andrews.

28th Foot.—henry Clark Worthington, gent., to be Ensign,
by purchase, vice Oubbins, who retires.
30th Foot.—Ensign Charles Jocelyn Cecil Sillery, from the
78th Foot, to be ensign, vice Falkoer, promoted.
31st Foot —John Willjam Townsend Fyler, gent., to be
ensign, by purchase, vice Herbert, promoted.
32nd Foot—Charles John Roberts, gent., to be ensign, by
purchase, vice Ricketts, promoted.
34th Foot —Robert John Browne Clayton, gent., to be en-
sign, by purchase vice Boyce, promoted.
38th Foot.—John Frederiek Clinton Boyle, gent,, to be
ensign, without purchase, vice Gordon, promoted.
39th Foot.—William Stewart. gent •,.

o Foot.—William Stewart, sent., to be ensign, by pur-
chare, vice Wadman, appointed to the Ist Dragoon
Guards.
list Foot.—Frederick Ball Dickson, gent., to be ensign, by
purchase, vice Bush, promoted.
Mad Foot.--Captain Rustace Henry Rose, from the 60th
.Foot, to be captain, vice Macquarie, appointed scathe
63rd Foot.

62nd Foot.—Gentleman Cadet Charles Norton, front tke
Royal Military College, to be ensign, by purchase, vies
Champion, promoted; the Honourable Frederick Le
Poer Trench, to be ensign, by purchase, vice Gavle,
promoted.
67th Fott.—John James Stott, gent., to be aesistant-surf
gun.
60th Foot.—Captain Francis Charles Annesley, from the
63rd Foot, to be captain, vice Rose, appointed so the
42nd Foot.
62nd Foot.—Lieutenant James White Minchin to hemp-
tele, by purchase, vice O'Callaghan, who retires; &deign
Emanuel Roberts to be lieutenant, by purchase, vise
Minehin.
83rd Foot.—Captain George W. Macquarie, from the 42nd
Foot, to be captain, vice Annesley, appointed to 60th
Foot ; Ensign Frederick Edward Osuotlett hu been per-
witted to retire front the service, by the sale of his am-

- -
mission.
69th Foot.—Lieutenant Thomas Harvey to be esplain,
without purchase, vise Dunn, who retires upon fall-IWI:
Ensign Thomas Henry Charleton to be lieutenant, with-
out purchase, vice Harvey.
70th Foot.—James Greeo, gent., to be ensign, by purchase,
vice Freemantle, appointed to the 52nd Foot.
73rd Foot.—Assistant-Surgeon Wellington Poole, from the
staff, to be assistanksureeon, vice Bolton, who resigns.
76th Foot.—William Boyd O'Malley, gent., to be ensign,
by purchase, vice Gemmel', promoted in the 22nd Foot.
78th Foot.—George Digby Barker, gent., to be ensign, by
purchase, vice Week's, promoted; Charles Jocelyn Cecil
Sillery, gent., to be ensign, without purchase, vice Mar-
tin, deceased.
79th Foot—Donald Hay M'Barnet, gent., to be ensign,
by purchase, vice Stevenson, promoted.
84th Foot.—James Richardson, gent., to be ensign without
purchase, vice Antrobus, appoasted to the 50th Foot.
85th Foot.—Walter Ashe, gent., to be ensign, by purchase,
vice Hering, promoted ; William Hallowes, gent., to
ensign, by purchase, vice Blooms, promoted; James Scott,
gent, to be ensign, by purchase, vice Lord Taylour, pro-
moted.
89th Foot.—Savage Hall, gent , to be ensign, by pashas*,
vice Dawes, promoted.
90th Fook—The Hoc. Joaslyn Francis Pennington to be
ensign, by purchase, vice Crealock, promoted.
91st Foot.—William Henry Gregg, gent., to be ensign, by
purchase, vice Hibbert, promoted.
92nd Foot.—Georee Hubert Parker, gent., to be ensign, by
purchase, vice Parsons, promoted; William Humphreys.
gent., to be ensign, by purchase, vice M'Donald, pro-
moted.
95th Foot.—Joseph P. O'Loghlin, gent., to be ensign, by
purchase, vice Taylor, promoted.
let West India Regiment.—Frederick Drage, gent., to be
ensign, by purchase, vice Conseil, promoted.
3rd West India Regiment.—Robert Bruce, gest., to be
ensign, without purchase, vice Greatrez, appointed to
the 73rd Foot.
Theerrechnn.—Lieutenant J. B. Priestley, [rem the 25th
Foot, to be captain, without purchase.
ADMIRALTY, JAN. 18.

Corps of Royal Marines.—First Lieutenant and Quarter-
master William Alfred Garner Wright to he captain, vice
Pearce, retired on full pap; First Lieutenant John
Charles Downie Morrison to be quartermaster, Ors
Wright; Second Lieutenant George Oliver Evans to bit
tint lieutenant, vice Wright, promoted.

NEW DEPUTY LIEUTENANTS.
lissaanasa-antan.
rho Right Hon. Lord Sabot's, Colonel John Gordon,
Arthur Forbes, Esq., John Frederic Baillie, Esq., Xileas
Wi.lism Mackintosh, Esq , George Rainey, Req., Thomas
ruder llonel Hisao, Esq., the Hon. Simon Fraser, Captain
Wdlism Fraser Trier, younger, Captain John Grant,
uuuuu , Evan Montague Raabe, Eq., younger, Patrick
blunt, Esq., and William Simpson, Req.
John Jeans Coney. .g.
OiEouc asnasuutz.
Thomas °ambler Parry, Esq.