Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-05-09
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 1928

by one oil the sufferers At the ia'e terripic Sa-
tastrophe al the Brunswick Theatre, VIII be
read wi h uncommon interest. Probably there
wa, lust truth enough in The narrative, to al
ford some ingenious writer the hints Tor me
tale which he has dramalised with SO much Ell
feet com. Hdo.
NARRATIVE OF JOHN WILLIAMS.
One of those persons tCh0 toere ourle@ dH0e
an the ruins oftke Brunswick Theatre. -
Taken do,cn from his Conversation IN The Hospital
In the beginning of last autumn, was sent
N London on some matters of business by my
father Mr.. Williams, the buiding-surveyor Of
Chester, who is also known 10 the literary
world by his "Remarks" On some Of the ar
chi,ectural antiquities OF that city. | carried
letters Of introduction TO Mr.. Nash, 10 MIR.
Hickman Of the House Of Commons and 10 an.
other member Of Parliament, whose name
do not wish 10 mention. last gentleman
invited IN TO his house, overwhelmed me with
professions or esteem, and quite turned out my
head with his offers Of services. When the
business which had called me 10 Town was nm
ished | wrote to my father OF the new Pros~
pects that had been opened 10 me, and in con-
tempt OF his advice and inJunctions, determin-
ed on remaining in London, 10 follow out
career, SO much better adapted 10 my talents
than that of a provincial builder. An open
Quarrel with my family was the consequence;
but took no trouble To appease their anger,
being convinced that a very short time would
prove the wisdom Of my conduct, and enable
me 10 demand rather than solicit forgiveness.
Two months passed away in exps Citation; my
money was spent and the people at my lodg-
ings began TO a6ate in their civili,y, when
thought il was necessary 10 bring my patron 20
the point | called at his house Tor that pur>
pose, and found him just stepping into post
chaise. He seemed as glad to see me IS ever,
but, of course, had little time for conversation.
When he had fairly seated himself in the We
hice, and IN my despair, had 'en'urrd TO ask
how long he meant to be absent from town,
shaking me cordially by the hand, he informed
me that if there was call OF the House, he
nigh, be Obliged TO return in the course If the
session, but that at all events he would have
the pleasure of seeing me this time next year.
do not remember the carriage driving OIL
but the passersby stopping to look At HE, as
stood like a statue on the hags, recalled me to
myself, and went home 10 my lodgings.
Twas 100 ,imld, or too obstinate, to write TO
nv father. Iprefrrred lowering my expecra>
tions, and applying for clerkship IN build
er's Office, and was promised the influence OF
several persons Of responsibility in order to
obtain it-In the meantime, BY tie advice OF
an acquaintance, was induced TO apply 10 the
pawnbroker for temporary pecuniary rebel;
hut this did not enable me to discharge the rent
Of nv lodgings. The civiliry OF my lsndlady
WAS changed 10 coldness, and her GOODNESS, by
a natural transition, to heat. The persecution
underwent at home made me take refuge In
nublic houses, where tei! in with companion,
as desperate as myself, but apparently more
HANDY. al length lett nv lodgings secretly,
with the remains Of my wardrobe under my
arm. | engaged q bed by the night a. what Is
called a theatrical house, but one OF the lowest
of the sort, where first acquired taste-or
rather a pass ion-for Stage amusements, and
became acquainted, by the introduction OF her
brother, with young actress, whose name,
whether she is dead or alive, will not he bene-
fitted by an association with mIne.-My ap>
nearance at this time with regard 10 dr. SIS, was
resoectable and my manners ptohebly inlima>
ted an Acquaintance with better society han
that enjoyed by my companions. he recrp-
lion met with from the lady was favourable;
and. Young, beautiful, amiable, and, am con-
WINGED, innocent, she made an impression on
nv heart, which is the only part OF my Lon
dom history am not ashamed OF acknowledge
ing.
situation, | should not remove her from mode
Of life a, least dangerous, 1t not dlsgraeeiui, by
making her my wife, or, by attaching myself 10
her profession, serve as protector from us
danger, and derive from it the means Ut our
mutual subsistence. My debate, however, was
speedily cut short: no situation turned up; was
pursued by means oil summonses Tor several
small debts; my landlord refused me even a
nights lodging withoutthe money In advance,
and was compelled 10 make my retreat 20 an
other quarter Of the town. 1t would be disgust
ing TO pursue, step by step, the path OF my
decline, which was now feariully precipltous.
From the parlour sunk to the tap-room-
from the society Of masters to that of Journey
men-from the shabby sur,out to the tatle red
Jacket. My place of refuge was in Barlow court,
a narrow lane in the neighborhood Of Wells
street, and having some slight knowledge of
the upholstery and cabine'-makins business; l
received employment accidentally in fitting up
the Brunswick Theatre.
My earnings were very small, but con,riv-
ed to chea, my hunger out of sufficient to ena-
hje me to drown, almost every night, in intoxi-
cation the sense of my degradation & despair.