The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-07-03 00:00:00

MR. MATHEWS.

[From an American Paper.)
You doubtless know that Mathews is delighting. the
" Lonnoners," with an account, in his way, of his trip to
America. There is a good deal of humour in it, and it
makes a hearty laugh ; but regarded as an illustration of
American manners, it is a sorry performance. A cockney,
an English ass (Mr. Bray), three Frenchmen, an Irish-
nano' Dutch Justice, and a run-away Negro, are the prin-
cipal characters, and furnish the greater part of the fun, if I
may judge from the applauses. Beside these, Mr. M.
gives an intended take-off of Mr. J. Randolph ; and intro-
duces a New England yankee, by the name of Dobikins,
who prates of his uncle Ben—guesses, of course, at every
thing whether he knows it or not—says that "he pretty
considerable particularly damned tired," &c.—is forward,
conceited, garrulous, and sings every thing he says with a
drawling nassal twang. This character, though the best
as a portrait, is overcharged, and has not enough of
truth even for carricature. It is, beside, a hackneyed
sketch, and might have been made up from Aaron's book,
without a "trip to America."
There are several other characters introduced, such,
as a Kentucky Captain, who is a colder—a stage-driver,
who is a ifqjor—a Militia-Captain, who exercises his
men from a drill-book in his hand—a Judge, who asks a
bye-stander for " baccy" (to-bacoo)—an innkeeper, who,
is insolvent—a servant, who is impertinent, a negro stage-
player, and a jackanapes author. These are the characters
which Mr. Mathews has chosen as exhibitors of American
manners ! It may be said that Mr. M. does not pretend
to give exact portraits, and that nobody will estimate Ame-
rica from his exhibition. Yet I see in one of the prints of
the day, a critique on Mr. M.'s performance, which states,
that " Dobikins may be found at the outskirts of every
town in the United States ;" that the part relating to the
.3fajor, who is a stage-driver—and the Judge who asks
for baccy," "is not in thelcast over-coloured;" that the
representation of the Dutch Justice " is admirably. drawn
from life," &c. Be assured then, that Mr. Al. is doing
his part toward holding up our country to contempt, and
that whatever may be his feelings, and notwithstanding
the timid compliments he rays us, he is in effect following
up the impressions made by Fearon and Foux, by all the
force of his peculiar talents.

That pleasant summer Theatre, the English Opera-
house,
commences its season this evening.
ALFORD, JUNE 29.—Our county Member, Sir William
Atneotts Ingilby, visited this town to-day, on his progress
through the county, to return thanks to those voters who
inipported him at his election ; he was met, at the Wind-
mill inn, with a hearty welcome by a large body of free-
holders, and he there delivered his opinions with that can-
dour and honesty for which he is so truly characterised, to
the high gratification of all who heard him.—Stanyiwd
Mercury.
Ai the Stamford Races the company on the coarse was
numerous on Wednesday and Thursday, and the sport was
pretty good. The race-hall, at the Assemby-rooms, last
night, was more crowded than any in recollection : the in-
terest was excited by the expected presence of the beautiful
young bride, the Marchioness of Exeter, who had been
daily with her noble husband and a distinguished party on
the nee-course, and whose amiable disposition and manners
had made the inhabitants of Stamford eager for the oppor-
tunity of meeting Ivor.
Sit Airtime 1 Nomsat.—He was a rich merchant in
London, and of an overgrown estate, purchased much, and
his way was to pay one-bali: down fairly. nmi fully, but the
second half by a hill-in Chancery, as he would always find
some flaw, some incumbranoe or other, to balk the second
payment; and, having got possession of the estate by the
first payment, would keep (lie matter tied up in Chancery 11
as long as possible. Sane time before his death, Sir 1
Arthur buil( an alma-house, and carrying Mr. (arbut, of
Leeds„to see it, would needs have his opinion of it ; which
though he at first declined giving, yesliein3 urged, he told
him it was too little. " Why (said Sir Arthur), the
rooms are big (moue), and its in every man's choice what
Lumber he will admit." " However (said Mr. G.) they
are at all events too little to hold half three whom you
have undone."