American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-11-26
[Reported for the American Republican,
MR.. WOODS LEAVING THE STAGE

llcS "illCl lOIlOW Ill VIC Track OF the uIuDKalu
[Reported for the American Republican,
MR.. WOODS LEAVING THE STAGE.
The announcement that Mr.. VIM. L. Wood
was to take benefit on Monday evening last,
previous TO his final retirement from the Stage,
drew together large and brilliant audience, at
the Holiday street Theatre. Mr.. w. COM
menced his dramatic career on the boards of
this theatre, some forty-fve years ago. The
piece selected for the evenings entertainment
was "The Poor Gentleman" We are not
aware of the pecuniary condition of Mr.. W..
bat it may be that he, like most men who cater
for the public, may not have much to boast OF,
II indeed he be not poor; but, one thing, how
ever, is certain, that through long and event
full public life, he has so borne himself as to Sc
cure that cnviable title, a gentleman. And,
while 1t must have afforded the veteran stager
source OF no ordinary qualification, IN wit
Messing, as he did on the occasion Of his bene-
fit, 'troops Of friends" whose smiles had cheer
ed him in his early efforts, it proves that sterl-
ing merit-not merely as an actor, but as
man-will win and receive the just regard of
virtuous intelligence. After the play, MIR. w.
came i'll front of the curtain, and delivered
brief valedictory He spoke of the period of
''' % u Piu)Oi III tlilh CilyJ Vi lIc
patience and forbeafance of those who attended
the theatre, actuated by the noblest impulses
of humanity, in striving to cheer him onward,
and when he had made some progress, how
they seemed to realise the happiness of know
ing that their encouragement had stimulated
him to effort and duty, Aside from these stays
and stimulants to professional industry, on the
part of the public, he had received such per-
sonal tokens of respect from some of our citi-
zens, as to give them an undying place in his
memory, Gentlemen, known for their sterling
integrity, virtuous action, and commanding
wealth, had taken "the poor player" by the
hand and introduced him into a circle of ac-
quaintances, where he found models, and learn
ed lessons, which he had endeavored to profit
by through all after life. In the early part of
his career, he labored under much bodily mfr
nifty The deep and heartfelt feelings of the
speaker were manifest in the emotions of his
bosom and the quiet tear upon his cheek, as he
called up these "reminiscences of the past, and
the enthusiastic applause that broke from the
audience, at every sentence, told how they APP
preciated the man and the sentiments.
Mr.. w. also referred to the period of the
erection of the Holliday-st. Theatre; the Brit
ish fleet lying in the harbor; that after the
play, he would frequently repair to the roof
of the building, and watch the rockets as they
glared IN the darkness of the night; of his en-
d deaHG rs II seeSg to dsc gtSg 1t th at
and of his joy at seeing it revived He was
free to say that theatre, properly conducted,
was worthy of the patronage of an enlighten-
ed community, but when neglected, or abused,
it was curse. He felt gratiied in the fact
that he found the people Of Baltimore ready
now, as ever, to encourage merit on the part
of the management. He recognised some
faces among the audience, that were familiar
in the "olden times" and from indications he
had reason to believe that "this generation"
was not unworthy Of their sires; he, therefore,
in retiring from the stage, had one special,
though delicate, request TO make of them: his
daughter, Emily, who had accompanied him
for a short time, he should leave to carve out
her way in the drama; she had early given
some promise, but recent delicate health, had
opposed her progress; with returning health,
and 4 strong disposition to study, he hoped she
would merit public appreciation; and, in his
retirement, if sle should acquire capacity to
command respect, it would add browning
comfort to the undying recollection of past ia
vors. Mr.. w. was easy and most happy in
the delivery of his farewell address-whiCh
was done in familiar conversational style;
and the applause, upon his concluding, was
loud and long.