Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1834-09-25

Mr.. SHERIDAN KNOWLES, is hourly
expected, and as any thing concerningI
him might prove acceptable to the low
ers Of the drama, | transmit to you theI
following translated from the French.
IN. Y. Star.
Sheridan Knowles, author Of Vir-
ginius and William Tell, and several
Iother works highly esteemed, found
himself in 1922 in rather a difficult
situation. Every day he saw repre-
scented with the greatest applause the
works with which he had enriched the
theatres ofhis country, and himself in
rather a painful state of life without
profiting by his pieces, which had been
loEg time published; one hope howev-
er remained; twas a work on which he
relied considerably, and which had been
left for some time at the Drury Lane
Theatre. Knowles exposed his sltua-
ton to the manager ofthe Drury Lane
Theatre, who did not hesitate in i'm
msdiately putting his piece in rehears-
al, but il was here the situation of the
poet became more critical. There
were two principal parts in his comedy
and but one actor in the company oil
Drury Lane could ill the least impor-
liant of them; this actor was Macrca-
idy. who owed considerable of his rep.
lutation and fortune to Knowles, he re-
fused to fill part which he considered
as secondary, and unworthy of his tai
ent. Poor Knowles withdrew his piece
and carried it to Covent Garden,
of which Charles Kemble was the
manager, he received the author with
kindness, but a new embarrassment
presented itself. Kemble consented
to perform the part that Macready had
refused, but where to find another to
sustain the principal part. Thinking
it was impossible to get up the comedy,
Kemble was going to return it to the
author, when Knowles after having re-
flected an instant, "Mr. Kemble," said
he " if find an actor to surmount this
difficulty, will you put my piece imme-
diately in rehearsal - Tomorrow
we will commence" said kemble.
every well them" replied Knowles,
g announce it for rehearsal the actor
that you want, have found i; the pub
lie have never seen him, but have
sometimes applauded him: they will
Indulge him, | am sure. | will play
my piece, and if any sign of discomfort
is manifested, | will say, gentlemen,
Sheridan Knowles appears before you
with confidence, thinking that what he
had formerly done would merit your
indulgence for what he now does"
"Tell him if he is deceived
Knowles had toars in his eyes at say
ing these words. Kemble threw him.
self in his arms,-"no, no my friend, u
said he, "the public will never be-
tray your confidence ; you are the
first author in England you will be
one of its brightest actors you will
play tho principal part--myself the
second and my daughter will also play
part in your piece and will guaran-
tee you success" The next day all
London knew that Mr.. Knowles was
going to perform his own play, and it
created an extraordinary sensation.
The crowd was immense at the first
representation of the Hunch Back, ana
the applause was very great at the en-
tree of the author actor ; his double
success was not doubted an instant :;
the piece had more than fifty represen-
atoms, and Knowles was engaged ad-
vantageously as an actor.