Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-12-18
lEYA. GAZETTE & VIRGINIA ADVERTISER.
"Reminiscences of Ed win Forrest

"Reminiscences of Ed win Forrest.
The New York Sun has some gossip about
the late Edwin Forrest, from which we take
the following :aa waa ~@- - -,
He was one Of the most straightforward and
honest men who ever lived. His word was
literally, in Scripture language, yea, yea, :"
and may, nay y Sometimes and in many
matters his honesty Of tongue and purpose
were quite the reverse of pleasant. But al
though brusquc in general manner, now and
then Extensively so towards those he did not
like, when conversing with a friend aud de-
ivering his opinion Of men or things, he was as
agreeable companion as one could wish to
find He was once playing in Western towp,
when one of the minor actors annoyed him ter
ribly by perssting in reading his few lines in-
correctly Forrest showed him several times
how to do it,, but~to no purpose, and then com-
meuced abusing him, Look here, Mr. Fer
rest finally said the poor fellow, 10 sheer
despair, tits all very nice for you, with your
fifty dollars night, to talk that way, but
what can you expect from me-, who, gets SIX
dollars week p, Forrest said only, "you
are right, ought not to expect much for that
sum, and left him alone, but on the concIu co,
sion Of the engagement sent him check tor
forty dollars, With recommendation to act up
10 the worth OF that.
s'You have said that he would notcontribute
to religious obects?"
Nor would he, although, essentially rell
gous man. He was not fond Of creeds or for
mulas. Despite his il-luck in marriage be was
fond Of the society of women, and | never saw
him in gentler mood than when he was talk
ing of or with one His respect for truth in
others as WE'LL as in himself was singular. He
had almost reverence forfacts-anything that
was real, actual-and I have, frequently
heard him say, in his forcible style, that the
nau who refused to accept any truth was an
ingrained liar
7sHow was he in his relations with other ac-
tors?''
''Just as he was With everybody whom be
met. To use slang word, he was extremely
apt to bully all in the theatre from the mana.
ger down. But he once met his match. 1t
was when he was playing at the old Broadway
Theatre, near Pearl street His pieces were
followed by an exhibition Of lions by their TAM
er, certain Herr Dresback. Forrest was one
day saving that he had never been afraid IN all
his Efe-coud not imagine the emotion Dries
bach made no remark at the time, but ID the
evening, when the curtain had fallen, invited
Forrest home with him. Forrest assented, and
the two, entering house, walked long dls-
tance through many devious passages-al DARK
until finally Driesbach, opening door, said,
This way, Mr.. Forrest. Forrest entered, and
immediately heard the door slammed and lock-
behind him.
He had not time to express any surprise at
this. for al the same moment he felt something
soft rubbing against his leg, and putting out
his hand touched what felt like cats back.
4 rasping growl saluted the motion, and he
saw two fcry, glariug eyeballs looking up at
him. Are you afraid Mr.. Forrest :? asked
Driesbach, invisible in the darkness; Not a
bit Driesbach said somethlDg;. the groWl
deepened and became hoarser. the back began
to arch and the eyes to shine more tercely
Forrest held out two or three mIoutes, but the
symptom. became 30 terrifying that ne owned
in so many words that he was afraid. NOW let
me out, you Internal scoundrel he said to the
lion tanner and I'll break every bone I'D your
BODY He was imprudeDt there, for Drlesoach
kept him, not daring to move hnger with inc nc
lion rubbing against his leg all the time, until
Forrest promised not only. immunity, put
champagne supper into the bargain.
He leaves quite an amount OF property
believer ooo ,,.- =
Yes; full if not over sl,oo0,ooO His II
brarv is, with the exception OF that IN the
British Museum, the finest and richest extant
in Seakespeariana. You probably recollect that
he bought the greater rartof Burton S superb
collection, and should his books come to the
hammer they will furnish magnificent feast
for his biographers.." ;, ... g
''Have you any idea as to the disposition o OF
his money!
II think the greater part Of it is bequeathed
n establish home school for actors; such at
lc,st was his intention, though whether his
will carries it out, of course cannot tell .