New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-09-12

Mr.. L. l.. Davenport the young American Actor,
appeared last night for the first time in seven years in
this City, at the Broadway Tbeater. The house
depsely crowded with audience OF unusual inelli-
gence Mr.. D. played "Othello," and most
cordially applauded. We did hear more than FIVE
minutes of the performance and of course cannot
speak Of it further than by hearsayaud that vera
cious authority pronounced the whole an unequyocal
success. Mr.. Davenport was called out and made a
very appropriate speech, which was three or four
times interrupted by three hearty cheers for the
speaker. lie said:
LADIES AsD GENTLEMEN - There are moments
when the breast fateTs, the lip quivers, and the
tongue almost refuses its office. 1t is not always fear
or horror disappointment or reverse OF fortune that
causes ether for in my case Will assert that your
reception this evening, on my return 10 my dear
native land has so completely overpowered me that
cannot find words TO express the emotions that I'll
INV breast. / had, indeed, hoped for hearty well
come. / felt that | shonld be surrounded by true
friends with open hands to welcome the wanderer
home-hands with hearts in them; but my widest
imagination, my fondest hopes, could never have
painted such a triumphant moment Seven years
absent ladies and gentlemen, during which time
Heaven has been pleased to give me heaiih ., ana
ties to overlap all barriers that beset the actor
path, (and believe me, in our mimic world they are
bot few to live down, by close study, intense april
prejudice that might naturally exist toward stranger,
have found myself nightly standing beside the great
est artists of the land, and my humble efforts have
been received with most fatterng favor. Lips may
credit all that has been told me- often sharing the
honors of the occasion, yet it was not the echoing
shout of applause, the appreciation nightly showered
upon me- the warm grasp of congratulating hands on
all sides extended toward me, that made my heart
swell with Joy and my foot tread firmly; but 1t was
the innate pride that was an Americana of that
b,pbt and beautiful land which claims and cherlshes
as its own the Star-Spangled Banner, whose SONS
know no such word fail--that land that will stand
preemiDen and proud amid the wreck OF empires and
The dissolution OF mOnarchies. envled and admired
by all the world; and the day that marked my
return was hailed with joy. l felt that q bright
future awaited me there; the labOrer had proved
worthy of his hire, and was TO receive at the
hands of his own countrymen the confirmation OF
the stamp Of men abroad, without which it had
been valueess. Tonight has proved they are not
ashamed oftheir Yankee boy and the recollection
of their kind reception will live forever in his mem'
DRY. And now, ladies' and gentlemen, / cannot
close without telling you how anxious have felt in
again resuning my career at home. | well knew that
others preceded me of far greater merit and more
experience, and in particular, whose recent tr
umph these very boards have proved his great
ness, whose transcendant genius and talent have
made him the darling of his country; for they can
point to him and challenge the world to produce
his equal; for the recollection Of his match
less performances will live forever, ard show TO
mankind that, ike the immortal bard whose work he
so ably portrays "He is not for q day, but for all
time" But your generous welcome tonight has
proved that you have hearts large enough not only to
contain the old favorte and unapproachable actor,
but that Won have also little corner for the new
conner, who so tremblngy awaited your verdict.
SINCERELY hope this may be but au earnest OF his flu
ture success and that time will give him more e1-
tended home in your good opinions. Again and
AGAIN thanking YOU ladies and gentlemen, beg most
respectfully to wish you all good night