The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-05-16


LAST APPEARANCE OF Mss crsnM.s o. the AMERICAN
STAGE-HER FAREWELL PERFoRs,AScr, AND PARrrsc
ADpREssMss Charlotte Cushman has closed her bril-
liant professional in this country She appeared
yesterday evening for the last time before an Amerc
audience at the Broadway theatre which was crowded
with those who wished to cvnce their admiration her
character and talents The play selected for the occasion
was Guy Mannering dramatscd from Sir Walter Scotts
novel Of that and in which Miss Cushman enacted
her great character of Meg Merrcs would be super.
erogatory to attempt to crcisc eulogize her match
less rendering Of this Of the crndet of the
Great Wizard Of the North.f Suffice it to say she has
molly sustained tho high reputation which she has long
since won the stage for her unrvacd doneation
the Gypsy Queen and frequently interrupted in her
performance by the irrepressibc paus Of The audience
After the curtain fell Miss Cusman in obedience to the
call of the house, before the lights supported by
Mr. Barry, the talented stage manager of the establish
ment. Her appearance greeted with rapturous ana
long sustained applause As the uproar subsidized
sufficiently to permit her voice TO be heard she spoke her
adieu in these words -
. LADIES AND GESTLEMEy--I will not indulge in the
cant Of saying that this call unexpected that
have come entirely unpreparcd FOX It, Tho custom Of
tors sing audiences is believe more honored IN
the breach than the observance In oljen times ii
by forieits or fines may seem and be an
tedvan in taste; but for the sake all concerned
could wish the old fashion restored For myself
but little tosny; and ysu find it not at all to the pur
pose. must beg yeu. in your Kindness and courtesy
to think that it's pretty well for especially
"unnecustomed to public speaking" daughter and
great applause On the sh of April 1885, then eigh teen
years Of under the direction of the gentleman my
side. (Mr Larry my first and last mayer, launched
my tiny craft upon the of public opinion In
OF alternate storms and Gains, which has known
tfogrefson. but which has been onward
your appreciation, among the earlicgt breezes that
DIled my sails-l have met many land rats
and water rats, (piratcs. / mean.) cruisers undsr
false cciors, merDcn and mermads, rocks, shoals.
and Gtlc .aiGs had compass but the examples Of
those rome before pilot perseverance,; but
with hope ~ the PROV. steadfast Will at the helm.
under he protection papers OF honest purpose.
have, after seventeen years voyage safe into the
port 81 friends esteem with the cCors Of independence
nailed to the masthead Great applause) Ny labor
has been earnest incossant The world little knows
the abor Of such life for but an actor
know I'm actors toll. In the public have ever
fonrd generous master. believe you will award me
the credit II having proved myself faithful
(Checrs) Fer all those struggling struggled
ask OF you the same appreciation which cheercd anu
couTaeed me to the attainment of that proud rrocs-
sona and socal position which enjoy Allow me,
them to bid you respectful aud thankful farewell
Miss Cushmnn bowed and retired amid the warmest
evidences of public appreciation.
This celebacd American actress proceeds from hence
to England where shc plays her last engagement makes
her Gorge to the public and takes Gnal farewell Of the
profession Of which she has long been of the most
while che Is yet in the zenith of her successful ca
reer her aure sti green and herself acknowledged as
one of The greatest living actresses Her retirement will
leave void In the profession which will not be readily
supplied