Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1854-07-14
Ned Forrest and the " Supe."

When Edwin Forrest was doing the leading
business at the old Pearl street Theatre, in
Albany. some twenty-three years ago, and be-
fore he had reached even the second round of
Fame's tall ladder, there was attached to the
theatre follow by the name of Dlggory Cen
ter. Di1gory did the leading business in his
depa artment-was captain of the supes-a posi-
ton that he. no doubt, took as much pains and
pride in sustaining as did the American traCedi-
an any of his casts.
Digrory was an old uttnche of TIE theatre
had been there for ycars-and though his posi-
ton was an humble one, he was exceedingly
popular with all the frequenters Of the place.
OF course Dig Iory's position never gave HIM
an opportunity to spread himself although
occasionally he managed to make something
of show. He had participated IN nnumera.
bic bloody hand -to-hand encounters with the en-
envy, and thereby had become an adept in the
use of the sword-ln short he couldn't be ta-
ken down 10 the small or broadsword exercise
And on occasions when he had TO contend
with an enemy-whom he always vanqushed
he never failed to bring down the house -
the pit portion, certain.
Diggory had never had a turn with For
rest" to use his own words. He was very
anxious $50 put him through" and had repeat
edly endeavored 10 get an opportunity. At
last, however he succeeded and, as said be-
fore, he came ont ahead-took the great ira
gedian square down.
They were one night performing piece
full of fght-blood and carnage in every scene
Forrest of course, took the Leading character,
did an immense amount of fighting, and an
equal quantity of killing. The scene was the
last, and the agony was piled on" the fight
ing was desperate. Forrest was I'd TO his md
die in blood. the dead and dying laying thick
| halo to he
army, and, of course, had chance to show
himself The fight was promiscuous, and INTO
Ned Forrest he pltched-one up and one down
three up and three dlwn-cut, thrust, etc.
The two were equally matched. DlCgorv
was muscular, broad shouldered, bullet-heed
ed and double listed fellow-Forrest the same,
only more so." Well, the fight grew fast
and furious" Ned was getting quite tired, he
was also getting angry.
| Down! down fall :" said he to Diggory
| sotio roice.
But Dlggory was deaf he whaled away with
| apparently renewed vgor.
The audience became interested-eXclted.
/ Cheers followed cheers The pltteys were
| in ecstases. Shouts for Dlegory and Forrest
! resounded through the building
/ 1t wa. now evident to the spectators that
! some thing was wrOng-some thing was going
/ on not down IN the bills Forests ire ev-
ldently increasing his eyes flashed fire his
| big, full neck expanded like balloon in
course Of imitation; mis- strokes were savage,
and mostly aimed at Diggory's head. But
Dlggory avoided them all with dextenty that
would have done credit to fenclnG-master.
Down, you rascal down down say "
almost yelled Forrest, loud enough, al any
rate for those in the pit to hear HIM.
And then arose such yell IN the PIT as is
seldom heard IN the Bowery at the preasent day.
$50 IT, DigIory sings out one. Rake
him down" yells another "Don't give II up
old Teller while fourth proposed" :" Three
cheers for Dggory Center
And they were given. And such yells, A
crowd of sten,ors could not have beat II. For
rest couldn't stand II amy longer, and with a
curse loud and deep he backed oil the stage,
followed by Dig, who was putting IN the
blows rapidly, and not very lightly; and some
seconds after the two had made their exit, and
the cunain had fallen. the clash OF swords could
BE- distinctly heard.
Three more cheers were now proposed, aud
generally responded to; and we doubt whc-
ther more delighted audience ever LETT a
| theatre.
We believe this was the last appearance OF
Dggory Center on any stage. We never saw
him upon Il afterwards.