The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1803-04-18 00:00:00

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I'T V-1 A HT
A new Comedy, entitled, " The Marriage Pro-
mise," was produced at this Theatre, for the first
time, on Saturday night.
CHAR ACT CR f.
Charles Merton, - - C Temblo.
Sitlisev, - Mr. Dwyer.
• Tandem, - Mr. Bannister, jun.
C. 11144.10, - Mr. Dt.wtou.
George Howard, - - Mr. Pope.
Fanner WcemlLarid, - - Mr. Palmer.
-
- Mr. tiasiaigsaorib.
- - Mr. Powell.
Mrs. Howard, - Mrs. Powell.
Mrs. Harvey, - Mrs. Sparks.
Einnsa Darcy, - - Mrs. Jor,[iii.
Mary Woodland, - - Miss Mellon.
The story of a piece affords no criterion of its
merit. It may he seen from the nature of the co-
lours, whether the picture be grave or gay
its beauty, force, and effect, depends upon the
composition, and of these the eye alone can
judge. A brief sketch of the fable is therefore suffi-
cient for our purpose. Charles Merton arrives at the
mansion of his father to take possession of his estate,
accompanied by his friend Sidney, a dashing young
man of Here he happens, in a' state of ine-
briety, to insult Mary, the daughter of farmer Wood-
land. Recovered from his intoxication, he resolves
to expiate his offence, by an offer of his hand to
Mary, an 3 for this purpose he writes a letter to her
father, which he gives for delivery to Tandem his
steward, a whimsical charaCter, whose knavery pro-
duces many curious incidents, and who happens at
the time to he persecuting Old Woodland, because
he had refused to give him Mary in marriage.
Meantime Mrs. Harvey, a redueed gentlewoman,
residing with her daughter Emma in a cottage
granted by the late Mr. Merton, finds herself
without a home, in consequence of the expiration
of her lease. Emma waits upon Charles Merlon
to claim his indulgence, and in this interview
he feels the interest of a lover, but is in despair when .
he retie.% upon the promise which he had made to
Mary. From this point the piece appears to derive
its title, and a counterplot now commences, so ju-
diciously interwoven as to make it a complete whole.
Consols, a wealthy stock-broker, feeling the vanity
of riches without rational means of enjoyment, had
traversed the country in the garb of distress, as the
truest mode of discovering real goodness. He en-
ters the cottage of George Howard, by whom he is
kindly treated and relieved. In the mother of How-
ard, Consols finds a lost daughter, who having been
privately married to the father of Charles rtferton,
is involved in distress by his neglett. From these
circumstances many interesting situations arise.—
Merton becomes acquainted with his father's turpi-
tude, by means of a letter supposed to have been
written' with his dying hand. George Howard, in-
censed at Charles Merlon's conduul to Mary, with
whom he is in love, challenges him ; they meet,
but are prevented fighting by an old servant, who
was in the secret, and declares them to be brothers.
Merton receives the hand of Emma Harvey, whilst
Mary Woodland bestows her's on George Howard,
and thus happily concludes the piece.
We have always considered the arguments.in fa-
vour of the pantomimical species of comedy which
has so long prevailed, a libel upon the public taste.
In its highest rage we do not remember an appeal to
the good sense of the public that has proved unsuc-
cessful. The eye may be amused with an extravagant
caricature, but it does not follow that it should be
blind to the beauties of a Raphael or a Guido. Some
Dramas, pureli legitimate, we allow have been re-
cently ill received ; but this failure ought not to be
imputed to a vitiated taste. If they do not arrest
the attention;and enlist all the feelings of the au-
dience, it is but a poor excuse to say, that they have
confined themselves to the rules of the art. All this
merit is perfeetly compatible with a dull, formal, and
spiritless composition. But supposing the public
taste to be Corrupt, it is the duty of the Dramatic
Author to lead and not to follow its didates. He
should regulate, reform, and improve it. We ad-
mired John Bull for its intrinsic merits, we admired
it still more, when we considered that the author
had taken this bold and honourable station. It was
a victory won under the banners of legitimate co-
medy. We congratulate Mr. A 1.1. NGH A 74, the au-
thor of the present piece, on having nobly followed
up that victory, and overturned, we hope, for ever,
that power of practical jokes, of strange and un-
couth groupings, distorted features and pantomi-
mical bustle. which has so long continued in full
possession of the stage. Mr Ai. us:can si is already
known to the public, as the author of " Fortune's
Frolicis: he could however, only promise himself
from that piece, a fleeting fame, the present will
fix it upon a durable basis; his charaCters are various
and diversified, and yet he has brought them
together by the most natural means. A stock-
broker, two meq of fashion from town„ and two in-
teresting families of the country, meet at the man-
sion of a country gentleman, in a manner plausible
and simple; and while each charaidler pursues its
separate course, they all promote the progress of the
piece, heighten its interest, and finally effect a suc-
cessful completion.—The scene is laid in the bosom
of rural retirement, of humble innocence and do-
mestic virtue ; and the particular morality which it
inculcates, is the triumph of these virtues over the
difficulties opposed by pecuniary embarrassments
and hoestinism.—The series of incidents by which
this i:effeeted, are a mixture of the serious and the
comic, mutually relieving each other ; and while
each is pushed to the extreme of gaiety and pathos,
neither of them outstepping the bounds of probabi-
lity. As an instance of the one, we may cite the
scene in which the libertine, Sidney, subniits to be
blindfolded by Emma Harvey, who imposes her old
nurse upon him,in the place of her own lovely person.
In the other class the parting scene between George
Howard and Mary, the interview between Consoh
and his daughter, and nearly all the scenes in which
the parental fondness or the embarrassments of far-
, mer Woodland are described, deserve particular no-
tice. In the progress of the piece there is no at-
tempt at artificial bustle, no forced conceit in the
sentiment, no pun usurps the place of wit and hu-
mour. '1 he interest rises entirely from scenes na-
turally unfolded, speaking to the heart and awaking
its best feelings, and not from incidents crouded
upon each other, and of whose merit the mind can
scarcely judge, because in their rapid succession
none has time to fix the attention. The language
is pure, embellished with good imagery, and in as
general style displays a classical taste and poetic fancy.
These qualities are most observable in the serious
scenes, of which some are wrcught into deep pathos,

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and skilfully contrived as to leive great room for the
performers to display their powers. It is on this
art of his task that the ingenuity of the author.*
most conspicuous in his knowledge of -stage effect ;
he presents the most striking simatious, and these
situations are such as to admit • of the gnatest va-
riety of embellishment by the aslor, without takir g
a liberty with his author. •No preparatory puffs
and praise bespoke a favourable reception for this
piece. If any previous opinion was formed in the
public ntitul, it was rather of an adverse nature,
grounded upon tha circumstance of the appearance
so late in the season; yet with all these disadvan-
tages it drew a most brilliant audience, and was heard
throughout with fixed attention and uniform ap-
probation. It is not, however without faults, but
happily they are merely such as are incidental,
and admit of correßion. The father of Mr.
ferten, is said to have been an amiable man. To
leave his wife and child in piverty is inconsis-
tent with such a charaeter, and requires some ex-
planation. It is also essential to the interest of the
piece, that the mind should be satisfied upon the
subjea. It is not enough to awake our feelings,,
that Mrs. Howard should be a reduced gentlewo-
woman. We should be strongly impressed with
her virtues, to feel an interest in her fate. It is only
the suffering that is known to be undeserved that
excites our pity. The circumstances of the duel
might also be better managed. Mr. PuPL, in the
previous scenes of George Howard was impressive
and full of sensibility, but in the challenge hewasrude
and boisterous. The whole scene also bore strong
llusion, though we are sure, not an intentional
one to a late melancholy event. In a piece of less
merit, and with an audience less pleased, this error
might have proved fatal. The only marked;clisati-
probation which the late Mr. Her4oeasort ever re-
ceived, was upon a similar occasion at Bath. He
was playing the character of Fahtaf, and in the so-
liloquy upon honour, where he asks "who hath
it", and answers "he that died a Wednesday",
he marked the passage with a peculiar emphasis,
that led the audience to believe he alluded to a
gentleman, who fell a few days before in a duel
with Count Ittea.—Mr. HENDERSON was in conse-
quence hissed off the stage. The character of Sidney
is necessary, as a contrast to Charles Merton, but
there is a licentiousness in it that ought to be cor-
rected to make it harmonize with the purity and
delicacy of the piece.—There never was a new play
better performed ; Mrs. JORDAN appeared to great
advantage in Emma Ham*, a character of mingled
gaiety and pathos. She has the art of giving life,
grace, and beauty to every thing she touches.
Two pretty airs, composed by Mr. KELLY, were
sung by her, in one of which she was enchored.
CHARLES Kin ICE entered completely into the spirit
of his character, and in Charles Merton displayed all
the ardour of a manly, generous, and noble youth.
Mr. BANNISTER, i Tandem, and Mr. DOWTON, in
Consols, proved a powerful support to the piece.
Mrs. Power. t and Miss Mett.osi are also entitled
to praise ; the latter p:rticularly imparted much in-
terest to the character of Mary, and delivered the
Epilogue with great archness and vivacity. In the
progress of the piece the house frequently resounded
with peals of applause, and it was announced for
future representation amidst a tumult of approba-
tion.

Lieut.-Colonel KAYE, brother to Sir RICHARD
KAYE, who commands the 21st Light Dragoons in
Ireland, a few days ago met with a melancholy ac-
cident, near Dublin ; on mounting his horse, the
animal took fright, and the Colonel- was thrown up-
on his head. By our last accounts his life is de-
spaired of. It is expeeted that Coloael Woon, the
second in command, will set off from London this
day or to-morrow, to take the command of the re-
giment.
The poems of OSSIAN will be published in a few
weeks in a high stile of embellishment, as well in
type and paper, as in engravings, no composition
certainly afford more striking subjects for the pencil.
On Saturday evening, between nine and ten
o'clock, an aged man, employed in his Royal High-
ness the Prince of Wattles's stables, at Carleton-
house, was killed by a fall from a stair-case in the
stables. He has been one of the helpers in his
Royal Highness's stables for upwards of sixteen
years, and was well known by the name of Old
George: no one was present when the accident imp-
pencil, and from the stick which the deceased used
to walk with, being found set up against the wall at
some distance from where he fell over the balus-
ters, it is feared that he threw himself over, but
from what cause cannot be cenjeetured. His Royal
Highness being informed at the Opera-house of the
accident, was much affected, and humanely gave
directions to Mr. TOWNSEND, the police officer, to
go and see that every necessary attention was paid.
'The body was put into a shell, and conveyed that
night to St. Martin's Bone-house, where the Coro-
ner's Inquest will be taken on the body.
The fineness of the day, yesterday, drew a vast
crowd of persons of distinction into Hyde Park and
Kensington Gardens, but the dust raised by the
carriages and horsemen was carried by the strong
wind, which blew over every part of the park, and
even into the gardens, and greatly annoyed the com-
pany.
Two Ladies who appeared to be foreigners, drew
the attention of every one whom they passed by the
singularity of their dress, if the light covering
they had on could be called dress. They were at
length forced out of the gardens by the crowd of
young men who followed and hooted them.
It has been remarked at Hamburgh, that on the
day when the Poet KeOPSTOCK, the Milton of Ger-
many, was interred, most of the diplomatic corps
resident jn that city, followed the Bard's remains
to the grave, except Sir G iboitoe Rum ao eh, the
British Charge d'Affaires, who sent his equipage
empty, to follow the funeral procession. Citizen
REINHARD' who resides there as BONAPARTE'S Mi-
nister,' asked at a meeting of some diplomatic per-
sonages (at which several members of the Senate
were also present), what Foreign Minister should
be the first to follow the hearse ? The Danish Mi-
nister Baron VON ELarN, as Representative of his
Sovereign, and on Danish ground where the Poet's
remains were interred, had an indilentable right
to precedence, perceiving the Frenchman's drift,
very discreetly and liberally said to REINHARD, " I
certainly will not dispute the rank of precedence
with your Excellency, for I follow the deceased not
as Minister of the King my Master. to whose royal
bounty he owed his fcertune, but only as his friengi
The French Minister felt the reproof, and
no reply.

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FROM THE 407,'D0N GAZETTE, Arm 16
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BANKRUPTCY FJ4LARGED. .
P!'"sSaines,F.t., of Site-lane, London, but now of thq,.' aad
of nierchant, sitrrender May W, it Gu' UR,
London. • •
R.7.71TS 'r
J. Rawstorne, late of Pooteleutt, Yorkshire. mel'Aarlto to
surfeiid-!r NIAy.2,S, and ?8, at the Red Lion inn, in Pontefract.
Atm is,, Mr. T. W. 'Pottle, Leeds ; and Mr. Laiiitert,
ton eam-n, London.
W Walker, inn. of Kingston-upon-Hull, merchant, April
and May VI, at dr., White Hart t.iverii,
Ati or niers, Mew,. Lyon and Cullyer, Beam
row, Llntion ; and Mr. Jack.ion, iu MIL
T. M. Slade, of Bond-street, picture-dealer, April 23,
26, and Mar 2s, at Guildhall. Attorney, Mr. Kilobit-white,
Gray's-inn-Aux,. .
R. Halstead, of Woritthorn, itc-ar Burnley, Lancashire, el,
manufacturer, April 29,30, and May 2R, at the St.tr
Attorney, Mr. Johnson, in Manchester.
DIVIDENDS.
May 10. J. Dixon, late of Exeter, grocer, at the Glob! ta-
vern, Exeter.
April 29. C. Rogerson, of Warrington, Lancashire, 4.,aler, at
the Glohc tavern, Liverilool.
April 2:3. J. Askew Leach, of Jewry-street, Aldgatz, brandy-
merchant. at Guildhall.
May I. W. Masters, sen. and jun. of Greenwich, rEstiller4
at Guildhall.
May 14. .1. Wright, of Piccadilly, bookseller, at Guild!:-.11.-
Mar 9. G. Hasleden, of Liverpool, bookseller, at the York
Hotel, Liverpool.
May 9. J. Chid, late of Romsey, Hampshire, maltster, at
the White Horse Ina. Rom.sCY•
May I 1 . T. Atwill, 'Fitness, Devonshire, shopkeeper, at
the Seven Stars Inn, in Tothess.
May 25. J. Lyon, of Savage Gardens, London, merchant, at
Guildhall.
May 7- B. M. Haddon, of Clifford's-inn, scrivener, at Guild-
July 2. J. Corbett, of Milk.street, London, warehouseman,
at Guildhaa
May 10 .1. Atkinson, of Cockermouth, tanner, at the Son
ion, in Coekerinouth
May 21. T. Baker and J. Shorland, of Exeter, woollen-
drape', at Guildhall.
May 14. H. Nantes, of Wamford-court, Throgooorton street,
Lonlnn, merchant, at Guildhall.
May ;,.33. J. Bowinand. Gafford, and T. Bowman, of Poplar,
Middlesex, seed-crushers, at Guildhall.
CERTIFICATES.—May 7.
N. Johnson, late of Henfield, Sussex, thopkeeper.
B. Younghusband, formerly of the island of Demarata, mer-
chant.

,74

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J. Peacock and C. Gill, of London, merchants.
D. Hughes, late of Liverpool, draper.
Average prices of Corn in England and Wales, pi-r Quarter,
from the Returns ending the 9th of April, 1803: Wheat,
56s 9d.—Rye, Sys. 3d.—Barley, 235. ltd.—Oats, 19s. 7d
Beans, 325. 54 —Pease 375. 24.—tkatmeal 365. 3d.
The average price of Sugar, computed from the Returns
made in the week ending the 13th day of April, is 41s. 'AI.
per hunched weight.

AMOUNT of the ANNUAL CHARGE of the PUBLIC

Created in the Year; vino, ..,entioned, and the Produce of the
several Duties granted for defraying the same, in the Year
ending the sth of January, 180 J.

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An ACCOUNT of *the Whole EXPENCES attending
the Execution (tithe Powers rested in the Commissioners for
Reducing the NATIONAI. DEBT of IREI.A ND ; and of tine
Clerks and other Officers appointed Ly thew ; and of the
Annwil Allowance for their Service. 1. s. d
Jeremiah Vickers, Secretary, per Ann. 200 0 0
Robert Deey, Broker, per ditto. 100 0 0
Commission, Brokerage, Postage, and •
Insurance Of Bib; on receiving arid
admitting two Diyalends of One'
Thousand Five tlundted Pounds Six-
tivn Shi.lings. and Tenpence (Eng-
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lish) for 9tx months interest on d. • .-
Sixty Thousand and Thirty-three
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Pounds Thirteen 51)11111p and Eight
Pence (English) to 2Stliplarch and . .i; •
2.)th Sept. 1802. -• 44 1 It)
Postage here is - 04 0 •' '
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Stationary and Incidental Charges from
25th Dec. 1801 to 24th Dec. 1802 ' - 18 6 M

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At the late assizes for Antrim, held at Carrick-
fergus, Bratazon O'Hara was tried for murdering
his uncle, OLIVER O'HARA, at Craigbally, on the
sth of December, 1801. It appeared. that the pri-
soner had been arrested for a debt, and when the
deceased came into the room where the bailiff had
him in custody, he stabbed him with a spear he had
in his hand. He was found guilty, and received
sentence of death.
Tne proceedings against Mr. 111:Avinot, the
Surgeon, for attending a gentleman to the field, in
the late unfortunate duel, are the general topic of
conversation. We have heard it mentioned, that
the evidence of this Gentleman before the Coroner
was needlessly frank and explicit, as to the means
by WO be came upon the ground. It is said,
that the late Mr. Topf exvi4s, upon more than one
similar occasion, gave no other answer than that he
learned to be near the spot ; and certainly such an
answer is more prudent. Since his confinement,
Mr. HEAvisint has been daily visited by great
numbers of persons of the first distinetion for rank
and fortune ; and we are assured, that unsolicited
recognizances to the amount of
him, conditionally (.•

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offers to enter into recognizance to the amount of
4 400,0001. have been made to him, conditionally on
• : his appearance at the Sessions.
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