Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-02-14

had never visited the theatre but once. She
had conscientious scruples against going to
public performances. But Fanny Kemble was
then taking her farewell Of the stage. Her
anxiety to see this talented actress overcame
her scrnples. She saw her and was delighted.
About this time an event occurred that ex-
ercised an important influence on the whole
current Of her after life. Her eldest sister
spent a summer at Rockaway for the benefit
of the sea,bathing. She there met with young
barrister Of education and fortune, James Now
att, Of New York. Not knowing her to be
married, he became attached to her, and did
not discover his mistake until he ventured to
declare himself To relieve his modification
and to give playful turn to the affair, she
promised him one Of her sisters, who was
thought to resemble her. He afterwards called
upon her, in New York; but instead of falling
in love with the sister referred to, he became
attached to our little schoolgirl heroine, who
then was but thirteen. He determined to
marry her. He made frequent visits. He ac-
companied her to school, carrying her books
and slate He furninhed her with books, cor
rected her compositions, and directed her stu
dies. He did more. Before she was fifteen, he
addressed her. She pleaded her tender age, and
said--no. He persevered, and she said-yes.
Her fathers consent was asked. He objected
not to Mr.. Mowatt, but to the tender years of
his daughter. Mr.. Mowatt still continued his
visits. he proposed a private marriage; she
would not consent. He grew responding and
low-spirited.
She finally agreed to be married privately.
She broke it to one of her sisters, under the
injunction Of secrecy. How to raise the money
TO purchase the wedding garments, was great
difficulty. She finally thought other diamonds,
jewels, and gold watch, which she pledged and
thus raised it. The marriage was to take place
in week. She and her sister, afraid Of dis
covery, were compelled to make up the wedding
clothes at night after the family had all retired.
To do this, they had to sit up all night She
was married. Her parents forgaye her. She
was happy. This chapter Of Mrs. Mowatt's
book is intensely interesting. She relates the
history of her love scrape and marriage in the
most captivating manner. II is indeed like a
romance. In the same lively manner she de-
iscribes her residence at q magnificent estab-
ishment on Long Island, to which she gave
the name Of Melrose. Surrounded by luxury,
she walked, rode, and studied. She wrote a
poem called Pelayo. Is was published anony-
mously. The critics fell upon it and tore it all
to pieces. She revenged herself by writing
Reviewers Reviewed" She visited Europe
and describes her adventures in the most
graphic manner. She returned home, but to
resume her pleasures and studies. The FIRST,
however, were short lived. Her husband, who
was fond Of speculations, embarked in one that
nearly ruined him. They had to sell Melrose.
To relieve her husband as far as possible, she
determined to give course of readings. His
consent and her fathers consent were obtained.
She first appeared in Boston, and was eminent
" successful. She then visited other cities.
Friends and relatives began to desert her; but,
sustained both by strong resolution and .
strong sense Of duty, she persisted. Then she
was stricken with disease, which continued for
months, during which she exhibited some Of
the most startling mesmeric phenomena. She
became convert to the doctrines of Sweden.
borg. Unable to continue her readings she
wrote successful prize novel; and contributed
to different magazines. She then wrote Fash
ion.' It was performed at the Park, in New
York, with brilliant success it was performed
at Philadelphia with the same success.
Difficulties and embarrassments increased,
and she determined to become an actress. She
made her debut in New York, and achieved a
great professional triumph. Offers of engage
ments now poured in from all the principal
theatres. She wrote Armand" It was per-
formed time after time, and commanded the
approving judgment of the critics and the thea
tre-going world Having passed the ordeal in
America, she went to Europe. After doubts,
fears, and astage frights," she achieved bril-
liant success as an authoress and actress. Her
husband, after long illness, died. She re-
turned to this country Offers Of engagements
again poured in. She made southern and
western tour, and gained new laurels. She re-
turned to her fathers, and was confined to her
room by long and tedious sickness, from
which she has not yet entirely recovered. She
purposes appearing for one more season on the
stage, and then retiring. This sketch is not
even an index TO the volume. We wish we
had room for extracts, many of which we have
marked, but we are compelled for want Of space
to bring this hasty and imperfect sketch to
close. We will conclude with few general
remarks.
Mrs. Mowatt's character exhibits an harmo-
Nous combination of the most striking and
beautiful qualities. Full Of Christian charities
and womanly graces, she is also possessed Of
the most masculine energy of will. She has
tears for the distresses Of others, but stout
heart for her own. Her tender affection for
her family and friends shines out beautifully in
every chapter Of her charming volume. The
sensitive decaey, the pure modesty, and the