Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-03-17
For the Monmouth Weekly Herald.
Long Branch Correspondence.

Mr.. EDToR:-l shall presume to enter the
ranks of your Correspondents without even
the ceremony Of an introduction, dispensing
with all formality, and depending more upon
the indulgence of the master of the sane
tum," than any merit of my own
Spring, with its inseperable attendants
balmy skies, dashing showers, and that pecu-
liar species of malady known as the Spring
Fever, has again returned, and everything
seems as if inspired withnew life; every local
ity assumes a more lively aspect.
Here at the Branch, we have the fishermen
engaged in preparing their apparatus and fish
ing tackle for the eomiBg Summer; the far
mers already at the plough stilts the mer-
chants replenishing their shelves for the
boarding house custom, and the Hotel propri-
Hetors bustling about as though they anticipa-
ted a speedy ''fll up" while every branch of
employment seems to be on the look up But
amid all this activity and hustle, We that is
the people, do not forget our amusements. for
We are of a nercurial disposition, and must be
amused especially we possess the mate
rial within ourselves
The Long Branch Histrionic Association
gave its lsst representations on the evenings of
Thursday and Friday last. To say that it was
good would convey no idea of the merits of
the respective performers, who upon this occa-
sion seemed to surpass all former attempts
making their mark upon the public mind as
frst-class amateurs The entertainments com
menced on Thursday evening with the Melo
Drama of "Black Eyed Susan,n in which
the whole strength of the Company was cast;
and in which, not a single character but was
=, -,
credit to many professionals. The character
of William, the noble, manly sailor, who elc-
tied round after round of applause, and added
much to his celebrity as performer In The
court martial scene particularly, the audience
seemed rivited to their seats, the most intense
excitement prevailing, interrupted at intervals
by sobs, and EXPLANATIONS Of sympathy. until
at the conclusion of the piece, where William
receives his pardon on-the scaffold, the assem-
bly, rose en- anasSe, and gave vent to their pent
up feelings in yolley of cheers, which lasted
long after the curtain had fell upon the beau
tiful tableau The characters, of Susan. by
Mrs. HOWARD, Gnartbran by PITcHER, Blue
Peter, by LANE; Doggrass, by Mr. WooLLEy::
and Dolly Mayhower, by Miss ELDRIDGE. were
all rendered with the usual excellence of those
performers
On Friday evening ''The Idiot Witness"
was performed by particular request Of the nu
merous patrons Of the Association, and the
cordial applause bestowed upon it, was al
Sufficient and gratifying guarantee of the ex-
cellent manner in which it was done. The
open-hearted Tugscull, by Mr. Pitcher; the
vilIainous Arueind by Mr. Woolley; and the
idgety Old Dame, by Mrs Howard; the
easy, rolickng Page, by Miss Eldridge; and
the CHASTITY Idiot, BY Mr. Smith On the
same evening, Pitcher and Smith appeared in
their faEorite characters of DELPHI and Diego
ny, in the farce Of Family Japs, in which
Mrs. Eldridge, as Liddy Larrigan, and Miss
Houghlon, as Emily, secured another hold
upon the admiration Of the people. The prin-
cipal feature of both evenings, however, was
the new farce of A Month in Jersey.D writ
ten by Mr. SMTTH, and for which the public
have long been impatienty waiting. As to-
the piece itself, we have never seen farce
Astounding in more points of wit, sentiment,
and repartee; and the numerous hits at local
affairs Of all kinds, was justly understood and
appreciated by the delightful audience AS to
the performance of it, it might seem invidious
to particularze where all were so excellent,
suffice it to say, however, that to the most ma.
lignant critic, but few points were left open
for censure- The author Smith was called
before the curtain on both evenings, and re-
piled to the congratulations of the audience,
in neat and well turned speech. / have
heard that. this is their last representation for
the season, and for this reason / have been
thus elaborate in my description Of it, The
association closes with the well wishes of the
public, who, will ever be ready to welcome its
members g on the boards again, and extend
to them, that patronage which they have dur
ing the past seasonsso deseryedly sustained 6
The ship Adonis, is still upon our beach,
and doubts are entertained of her removal
The Long Branch Glee Club are to give q.
coucertsn the Dutch Reformed Church, dur
lug the coming week, and from the reports in
circulation, it viii be well worthy Of an attend
ance. a a
The religious revival still continues anaba-
ted, and some sixty converts, are said to have
enrolled their names upon the church books.
But as there seems to be a general deartt' Of
news, I will close my letter with the assur-
ance that you shall hear again from one who
is ever on q SCOUT. g