Chapter 2

FAUGÉRES, MARGARETTA BLEECKER

Margaretta Bleecker Faugéres, born in Tunkhannock, near Albany, New York, in 1771, died there January 9, 1801, was a daughter of the poetess Ann Eliza Bleecker. In 1791 she married Peter Faugéres, a physician of New York, who dissipated her fortune and died in 1798. She supported herself by teaching until her death in 1801. Her poems are appended to her mother'sPosthumous Works, edited by her, New York, 1793.

Belisarius.A Tragedy. New York, 1795. Frontispiece. 12mo, pp. 53.Offered to the management of the John Street Theatre and declined.

FINN, HENRY JAMES

Henry James Finn, born in Cape Breton in 1785, died on the steamerLexingtonoff Eaton's Neck, Long Island Sound, January 13, 1840, was the son of an officer in the English Navy, who retired from that service, and settled with his family in New York when Finn was a mere child. His early education was received at the Academy at Hackensack, and he was for a time a student at Princeton. While a copying clerk in the office of Mr. Thomas Phoenix, in New York City, he found means to become a supernumerary in the Park Theatre, and, having a taste for drawing, took much interest in scene painting. On the death of his father he was taken to England by his mother, and there was subjected to such privation that he gladly took a place in a company of country players. He was finally engaged at the Haymarket, London, where he first appeared, May 15, 1811, as Lopez inThe Honeymoon, and for two seasons was an important member of the company. In 1818 he went to Savannah, where he played successfully for a year, and in 1820 became associated with J. K. Tefft as editor and publisher ofThe Georgian, a daily newspaper. In 1821 he went again to England, and, besides playing with success, made material reputation and profit as a miniature painter. He returned to America, and made a brilliant success asRichard III.at the Federal Street Theatre, Boston, October 28, 1822. From that time to his tragic death on the loss of theLexingtonby fire, he was a very popular actor of tragedy and light comedy.

Montgomery; or, The Falls of Montmorency.A Drama in Three Acts, as acted at the Boston Theatre. Boston, 1825. 12mo, pp. 11, 56.This play was acted with much success.

FORREST, COLONEL THOMAS

(SeeBarton, Andrew)

Disenchantment (Disappointment); or, The Force of Credulity.A New American Comic Opera of Three Acts, by Andrew Barton, Esquire. New York, 1767."Perhaps an assumed name for Colonel Thomas Forrest, of Germantown," a MS. note on an old copy in the Library of Philadelphia. This opera was rehearsed by the Douglas Company in Philadelphia, but was withdrawn, supposedly on account of personal allusions of a rather pointed character. TheDisenchantmentwas really printed in Philadelphia by Thomas Goddard, although bearing a New York imprint.

FOWLER, MANLY B.

The Prophecy; or, Love and Friendship.A Drama. New York, 1821. 18mo, pp. 34.

FRISBIE, NOAH, JR.

Noah Frisbie, Jr., born in Woodbury, Conn., Jan. 23, 1758, was the oldest son of Noah Frisbie, of the same town, who married Margery Post in 1752, and was in 1757 a member of Captain Ebenezer Downs's company of volunteers in the expedition for the relief of Fort William Henry on Lake George against the French. On the "Alarm of Lexington," Noah Frisbie with his two sons Noah and Jonathan, and their kinsmen Asabel, Abiel, David and James, joined the Continental forces. Noah Frisbie, Jr., appears on the army list at the end of the war as a lieutenant. No further information, except the printing of the under-mentioned play, is available.

The History of the Falcos.A Comedy in Four Acts. Part First. Walpole, N. H.: Printed for the author, at the Observatory Press, 1808. 12mo, pp. 137.

GARDEN, ALEXANDER

Kosciusko; or, The Fall of Warsaw.A Play in Verse.Published inThe Soldier's Wreath, or The Battle Ground of New Orleans, and Other Poems, by Oliver Cromwell, of South Carolina. Charleston, W. Riley, 1828, pp. [37-72]. The volume is supposed to be by Alex. Garden, author ofAnecdotes of the Revolutionary War. This I am, however, in doubt about, as the author calls himself "an almost beardless youth." The play is in three acts.

GODFREY, THOMAS, JR.

Thomas Godfrey, who was born in Philadelphia on December 4, 1736, and died near Wilmington, N. C., August 3, 1763, was a son of Thomas Godfrey, the inventor of the quadrant. He was apprenticed to a watchmaker and remained at that trade until 1758. He was an officer in the expedition against Fort Du Quesne. He removed to North Carolina and remained there three years. He then went to Philadelphia and sailed as a supercargo to the Island of New Providence, returning from thence to North Carolina, where, a few weeks after his arrival, by exposure to the sun on horseback, he contracted a fever which terminated fatally.

Juvenile Poems on Various Subjects, and The Prince of Parthia.A Tragedy. Philadelphia: Printed by Henry Miller, in Second Street, 1765. 8vo, pp.XVI, 223.The Prince of Parthiais the earliest known tragedy that was written by an American. The play was offered to the company then performing in Philadelphia, but was not accepted.

GRICE, C. E.

The Battle of New Orleans; or, Glory, Love and Loyalty; an Historical and National Drama in Five Acts. New York, 1816. 8vo, pp. 59.Played at the Park Theatre, New York, July 4, 1816.

HALL, EVERARD

Nolens Volens; or, The Biter Bit.Newbern, 1809. 12mo, pp. 92, [2].

HARBY, ISAAC

Isaac Harby, born in Charleston, S. C., November 9, 1788, died in New York City, November 14, 1828. First studied law under Langdon Cheves, but soon gave this up to become the principal of a school on Edisto Island. His first literary work was the editing of a weekly paper calledThe Quiver. This paper had but a short existence, and he purchasedThe Investigator, which he changed toThe Southern Patriot. In 1822 he conductedThe City Gazetteand wrote forThe Charleston Mercury.

The second representation ofAlberti, in Charleston, 1819, was honored by the presence of President Monroe.Albertiwas written for Cooper, but he never appeared in the character. Harby is said to have been the finest dramatic critic of his time in America. He came to New York in 1828.

Alberti.A Play. Charleston, 1819. 12mo, pp. 55.Republished with a selection of his writings, Charleston, 1829. pp. 3-54.This play was performed at the Charleston Theatre, 1818.

The Gordian Knot; or, Causes and Effects.[1807]."I had the gracious alternative of making a bonfire or of making a publication [of theGordian Knot]. I decided for the latter—how wisely time will show."—Harby'sWorks, p. 20.

HATTON, ANN JULIA

Ann Julia Hattonwas a member of the Kemble family and a sister of Mrs. Siddons. She was the wife of William Hatton, a celebrated musical instrument maker, at 3 Peck Slip, New York City.

The Songs of Tammany; or, The Indian Chief.A Serious Opera, by Ann Julia Hatton. To be had at the printing-office of John Harrison, No. 3 Peck Slip, and of Mr. Faulkner, at the box-office of the theatre. [Price one shilling.] New York, 1794. 16mo, pp. 16.The opera from which these songs were taken (Tammany; or, The Indian Chief), was written for the Tammany Society, and was first played at the John Street Theatre, March 3, 1794, and "had a great run."No trace can be found of the play itself being published.The prologue toTammanywas published in a volume of poems by R. B. Davis, New York, 1807, pp. 120-1.

HAWKINS, MICAH

The Saw Mill; or, A Yankee Trick.A Comic Opera. New York, 1824. 12mo.Played at the Park Theatre, New York, November 29, 1825.

HENRY, JOHN

John Henrywas a native of Dublin, and made his début at Drury Lane, in 1762, with little success. He joined Douglas's Company in the West Indies, and coming to New York from there made his first appearance on the American stage at the John Street Theatre, New York, December 7, 1767, playing in America until the close of the year 1794. He died in 1795, on a vessel bound for Newport.

"It is recorded that for many years after the Revolution, Mr. Henry was the only actor in New York who kept a coach, and that in his case frequent attacks of the gout rendered it a necessity." The panels of the coach were decorated with a representation of two crutches crossed, and the motto, "This or These."

A School for Soldiers; or, The Deserter.ADramatic Poem. Printed at Kingston in Jamaica [W. I.] 1783. 8vo.This piece was first played in Kingston.Played at the John Street Theatre, New York, April 24, 1788.

HILLHOUSE, JAMES ABRAHAM

James Abraham Hillhouse, born in New Haven, September 26, 1789, died there January 5, 1841, son of Hon. James Hillhouse, was graduated from Yale in 1808. He came to New York and engaged in business as a merchant, but soon retired, and gave his time to literary pursuits.

Percy's Masque.A Drama in Five Acts, from the London edition. New York, 1820. 12mo.It is doubtful if a London edition of this piece was published.

Hadad.A Dramatic Poem, by James A. Hillhouse, author ofPercy's MasqueandThe Judgment. New York, 1825. 8vo, pp. 208.

Demetria.A Domestic Tragedy in Five Acts.This was written in 1813, but was not published until 1839, when it was included in the author'sWorks, Bost. 1839. 2 vols.

HITCHCOCK, EDWARD

Edward Hitchcock, born in Deerfield, Mass., May 24, 1793, died in Amherst, Mass., February 27, 1864. In 1816 he became principal of the academy in Deerfield, where he remained for three years. He was ordained minister of the Congregational Church at Conway, Mass., in 1821. In 1825 he was appointed Professor of Chemistry and Natural History in Amherst College. He continued his connection with the college, having been appointed to the presidency with the professorship of Natural Theology and Geology, until his resignation in 1854. He was the author of numerous scientific and theological works. The tragedy mentioned below is his first and probably his only dramatic production. He died in 1864.

Emancipation of Europe; or, The Downfall of Buonaparte.A Tragedy. Greenfield, 1815. 16mo, pp. 108.

HODGKINSON, JOHN

John Hodgkinsonwas born in Manchester, England, in 1767, died in Washington, D. C., December 12, 1805. His real name was Meadowcraft. His first successes were on the Bath stage. He came to America with the company of Hallam & Henry, and made his début at the John Street Theatre in 1793. He bought out Henry's interest, and continued one of the managers until 1798. He went to Charleston, S. C., in 1803, but became a victim of yellow fever while travelling, and died near Washington, D. C.

The Man of Fortitude; or, The Knight's Adventure.A Drama in Three Acts. New York, 1807. 16mo, pp. 32.Played at the John Street Theatre, New York, June 7, 1797.Dunlap says that this play was rewritten in prose upon the text of a manuscript in blank verse in one act calledThe Knight's Adventure, which Dunlap had submitted to Hodgkinson some years previously, and declares that the latter seemed unconscious of any wrong-doing.

Robin Hood; or, Sherwood Forest.A Comic Opera in Two Acts, by Leonard Macnally, Esq. From Hodgkinson's Prompt-Book. New York, 1808. 16mo, pp. 68.

HOPKINSON, FRANCIS

Francis Hopkinson, born in Philadelphia, Pa., September 21, 1737, died there May 9, 1791, was the son of Thomas Hopkinson. Francis was educated at the College of Philadelphia, studied law under Benjamin Chew, and was admitted to the bar in 1761. His career belongs to the public history ofthe making of the United States. To enumerate his works and honors would transcend the scope of this book. He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1776, signed the Declaration of Independence, and was the first head of the treasury department of the new government. The first powerful satire of the British in Revolution,The Battle of the Kegs, was from his pen. A ripe scholar and a prolific writer of prose and verse in both humorous and earnest methods, skilled in music and in polite conversation, he was one of the most brilliant of the group of early jurists and writers of our country. He was United States District Judge of Pennsylvania at the time of his death. The authorship of the two anonymous college dialogues cited below is positively given to him in the Brinley Catalogue (New York, March, 1880), in view of which, and of the not less important fact that Thomas Hopkinson died in 1751, I think, notwithstanding the statement made by a contemporary newspaper, that the Dialogue of the 1776 commencement was his work. Of that occasion Sanderson'sBiography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independencesays in the memoir of Francis Hopkinson: "Among the records of a public commencement of that institution [the College of Philadelphia], held on the twentieth of May, 1766, the board of trustees, comprising the governor, chief justice and most distinguished men of the province, passed the following resolution: 'After the business of the commencement was finished, it was resolved that as Francis Hopkinson (who was the first scholar entered in this seminary at its opening and likewise one of the first who received a degree in it) was about to embark for England and has always done honor to the place of his education by his abilities and good morals, as well as rendered it many substantial services on allpublic occasions, the thanks of this institution ought to be delivered to him in the most affectionate manner.'"

An Exercise Containing a Dialogue and Ode Sacred to the Memory of His Late Gracious Majesty, George II.Performed at the Public Commencement in the College of Philadelphia, May 23, 1761. The Ode Written and set to music by Francis Hopkinson. Philadelphia: W. Dunlap, 1761. 4to, pp. 8.

An Exercise, Containing a Dialogue and Ode on the Accession of His Present Gracious Majesty, George III.Performed at the Public Commencement in the College of Philadelphia, May 18th, 1762. Philadelphia: Printed by W. Dunlap, 1762. 4to, pp. 8.

Dialogue[in verse]for the Commencementin the College of Philadelphia, May 30th, 1765. 8vo, pp. 4.

HOPKINSON, THOMAS

Thomas Hopkinson, born in London, England, April 6, 1709, died in Philadelphia, Pa., November 5, 1751, was son of a London merchant. In 1731, having been admitted to the bar, he settled in Philadelphia, where he became a deputy, and finally principal clerk of the Orphan's Court. For many years he was a member of the council of the province and a judge of court. Always interested in letters and science, he became the intimate friend of Franklin, to whom he suggested the use of metal points for the purpose of obtaining electric sparks. The Library Company, the College of Philadelphia, and the Philosophical Society named him among their incorporators and earliest officers. Perhaps his greatestdistinction now is that he was the father of Francis Hopkinson, who may have caused the under-mentioned dialogue to be produced "for remembrance."

An Exercise, Containing a Dialogue and Two Odes.Performed at the Public Commencement in the College of Philadelphia, May 20th, 1766. Philadelphia: Printed by W. Dunlap, 1766. Small 4to, pp. 8.ThePennsylvania Journalof June 5, 1766, is authority for the authorship of this exercise.

HOSMER, W. H. C.

William Henry Cuyler Hosmerwas born at Avon, in the valley of the Genesee, New York, May 25, 1814, and died there May 23, 1877. He was graduated from the University of Vermont, and was for many years a well-known lawyer and writer on the subjects of North American Indians, and their lore. He contributed a number of articles to magazines, and also published several volumes of poetry. His poetical works were published in two volumes in 1854, when the author was a clerk in the Custom House of the port of New York.

The Fall of Tecumseh.A Drama. Avon, 1830. 12mo.This play, written when the author was but sixteen years of age, was his first literary work.

HUMPHREYS, DAVID

David Humphreyswas born in Derby, Conn., in July, 1753, died in New Haven, Conn., February 21, 1818. He was graduated from Yale College in 1767, and at the beginning of the Revolution entered the army. In 1778 he was attached to the staff of General Putnam, with the rank of major.

In 1780 he was made a colonel and aide-de-camp toWashington. He was custodian of the standards, surrendered at Yorktown and was presented with a sword by Congress.

In 1784 he was appointed Secretary to the Legation for concluding treaties with foreign powers.

He resided at Mount Vernon until the framing of the Constitution, when he came to New York with the President.

In 1790 he was nominated Ambassador to Portugal, and sailed for that country in 1791. He was afterwards appointed to represent the United States at Madrid, and during this time concluded treaties of peace with Tripoli and Algiers. He was the author of a number of works, including a Life of General Israel Putnam.

The Widow of Malabar; or, The Tyranny of Custom.A Tragedy in Five Acts. Translated from the French of M. Le Mierre.This play was published in theMiscellaneous Worksof Humphreys, New York, 1790, pp. 115-176.First played at the Philadelphia Theatre, 1790. The announcement of its performance at the John Street Theatre, New York, October 17, 1791, was in these words:The Widow of Malabar; or, The Tyranny of Custom.A play in five acts, written by a citizen of the United States (acted at Philadelphia and Baltimore with great applause), with a prologue by J. Trumbull, LL.D.Played at the John Street Theatre, New York, October, 1791.

The Yankey in England.A Drama in Five Acts. n. p., n. d. [Conn., 1815.] 12mo, pp. 110, 1.Dunlap says he also wrote a comedy, and relates how he endeavored to persuade the manager, John Bernard, to bring it out, but was unsuccessful.The Yankey in Englandwas probably the play.

HUNTER, ROBERT

Robert Hunterwas born in England, and was appointed governor of New York in 1710. He wasafterwards governor of Jamaica, where he died in 1734. He was the author of the celebrated letter on enthusiasm, which has been ascribed to Swift.

Androboros.A Bographical Farce, in Three Acts, viz., The Senate, The Consistory, And The Apotheosis. By Governour Hunter.Printed at Monoropolis since 1st August, 1714.The first dramatic piece published in America.It is a severe criticism of the clergy, members, and others of Trinity Church, the principal among whom was Dr. Vesey.The piece is excessively rare, and mentioned by few bibliographers, and then only by the first word of the title. It was published anonymously, and printed by Wm. Bradford in 1714. Only one copy is known, now in the collection of the Duke of Devonshire. A manuscript copy of it is in the collection of Evert Jansen Wendell, Esq., of New York.The copy owned by the Duke of Devonshire formerly belonged to John Philip Kemble, the tragedian. It contains a number of manuscript corrections, probably from the hand of the author, among them the word "Bographical" on the title-page, which is changed to "Biographical"; "Monoropolis," which is changed to "Moropolis." The title-page has been torn at the bottom, and the figures 14 appear in ink.The following lines have been written in this copy by Kemble:"Androboros, etc. Printed at Mosicropolis. Whoever made the correction meant, I suppose, to imply that it was printed at Moros Polis—'Foolstown.' The corrections that run all through the piece, and the key to the characters, make me suppose that this was the author's copy."On the title, Kemble has written, "Collated and perfect, J. P. K., 1798."Gov. Hunter was assisted in the writing of this piece by Chief Justice Lewis Morris.

HUTTON, JOSEPH

Joseph Huttonwas born in Philadelphia, Pa., February 25, 1787, and died in Newbern, N. C., January 31, 1828. In early life he contributed verses to periodicals of that city; he also wrote prose, and published several romantic stories in a literary paper.About 1811 he published a collection of fugitive poems under the title ofLeisure Hours. He also published a poem calledThe Field of Orleans, in the style of Sir Walter Scott. In 1823 he removed to Newbern, N. C., where he established himself as a teacher and wrote for the NewbernSentinel.

The School for Prodigals.A Comedy in Five Acts, as performed at the New Theatre, Philadelphia. New York, 1809. 18mo, pp. 62.Played at the Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, in 1808.

The Wounded Hussar; or, Rightful Heir.A Musical Afterpiece in Two Acts, as performed at the New Theatre, Philadelphia. Philadelphia, 1809. 18mo, pp. 24.Another edition, Philadelphia, 1809, 16mo, pp. 62.Played at the Chestnut Street Theatre, Phila., in 1809.

Fashionable Follies.A Comedy. New York, 1809. 18mo.Another edition, Philadelphia, 1815, 18mo, pp. 76.

The Orphan of Prague.A Drama in Five Acts. New York, 1810. 18mo, pp. 58.

HYER, W. G.

Rosa.A Melodrama in Three Acts. New York, 1822. 12mo, pp. 44.

INGERSOLL, CHARLES JARED

Charles Jared Ingersoll, born in Philadelphia, Pa., October 3, 1782, died there May 14, 1862, was a lawyer of note, elected to Congress from Pennsylvania, 1813-15 and 1841-47. He was United States District Attorney for Pennsylvania from 1815 to 1829. He was the author of the celebratedInchiquin's Letters(1810) and aHistorical Sketch of the Second War between the United States and Great Britain.

Edwy and Elgiva.A Tragedy in Five Acts. Performed at the New Theatre. Philadelphia, Ashbury Dickins. 8vo, pp. 84.Dedicated to Mrs. Merry, who playedElgivain the original production in 1801.

IOOR, W.

Independence; or, Which do You Like Best, the Peer or the Farmer?A Comedy. Charleston, 1805. 8vo, pp. 70.

The Battle of the Eutaw Springs, and Evacuation of Charleston; or, the Glorious 14th of December, 1782.A National Drama in Five Acts. Charleston, for the author, 1807. 8vo, pp. 59.Played in the Charleston Theatre in 1817.

JUDAH, S. B. H.

Samuel B. H. Judahwas a well-known writer of New York City in the early part of the present century. He wrote a novel calledThe Buccaneers, and a work entitledGotham and the Gothamites, both of which reflected on the society of New York at that time, and caused the author to be sued for libel and his works suppressed. His plays were performed in England as well as America.

The Mountain Torrent.A Grand Melodrama, in Two Acts. New York, 1820. 18mo, pp. v.-54.Played at the Park Theatre, New York, March 1, 1820.

The Rose of Arragon; or, The Vigil of St. Mark.A Melodrama in Two Acts. New York, 1822. 16mo, pp. 38.Played at the Park Theatre, New York, April 18, 1822.

A Tale of Lexington.A National Comedy founded on the opening of the Revolution, in Three Acts. New York, 1823. 18mo, pp. v-60.

Odofriede, the Outcast.A Dramatic Poem. New York, 1822. 8vo, pp. 89, [6].

KENNICOTT, JAMES H.

Irma; or, The Prediction.A Tragedy in Five Acts, as performed at the American Theatre, New Orleans. New York, 1830. Portrait of James H. Caldwell. 16mo, pp. iv.-56.This play gained, in competition with five others, the prize of $300 offered by James H. Caldwell—the manager of the American Theatre, New Orleans. It was played in that theatre in March, 1830.

KERR, JOHN

Rip Van Winkle; or, The Demons of the Catskill Mountains.A National Drama in Two Acts. Philadelphia, n. d. 16mo, pp. 76.Played at the Park Theatre in New York, April 22, 1830, with Mr. James H. Hackett in the title rôle.

LATHY, THOMAS PIKE

Reparation; or, The School for Libertines.A Drama, as performed at the Boston Theatre. Boston, 1800. 12mo, pp. 46.

LAWSON, JAMES

James Lawson, born in Glasgow, Scotland, November 9, 1799; died in Yonkers, N. Y., March 20, 1880. He was educated at Glasgow University and came to New York in 1815. He was at first employed as a clerk in the counting house of a maternal uncle, who was a merchant of New York. He began writing for the New YorkLiterary Gazettein 1826, and from 1827 to 1829 was the assistant editor of theMorning Courier. He edited theMercantile Advertiserfrom 1829 to 1833. For a time subsequently he engaged in the business of marine insurance. He published several volumes of stories and poems.

Dramatic Sketch.Julian and Elphina.Published inTales and Sketches by a Cosmopolite. New York, 1830, pp. 99-100.

Giordano.A Tragedy. New York, 1832. 8vo, pp. 102.Played at the Park Theatre, N. Y., November 13, 1828.

LEACOCK, JOHN

The Fall of British Tyranny; or, American Liberty Triumphant.The First Campaign. A Tragi-comedy of Five Acts as lately planned at the Theatrum Pandemonium at St. James. The principal place of action in America. Published according to Act of Parliament. Philadelphia: Printed by Styner & Cist. 8vo, pp. viii.-66.Same. Providence, J. Douglas McDougall. n. d. [1776]. 12mo, pp. viii.-66.Same. Boston: Reprinted by Gill & Powars & Willis. n. d. 8vo, pp. viii.-71.This is an American Chronicle Play beginning with imaginary events in England before the Revolution, showing the battles about Boston and ending with the evacuation of that city by the British.

Disappointed.Philadelphia, 1796. 12mo.Played in Philadelphia, April 2, 1796.

The Medley; or, Harlequin Have at Ye All.A Pantomime acted at Covent Garden. 8vo, 1778.

LEE, WALTER

Lafayette; or, The Fortress of Olmutz.A Melodrama in Three Acts. Philadelphia, 1824. 16mo, pp. 60.A drama bearing this title was written by Wm. Woodworth, q. v.

LELAND, AARON W.

Aaron W. Leland, born in Holliston, Mass., May 28, 1761, died in Chester, Vt., August 25, 1833. Hewas ordained a minister of the Baptist Church about 1786, and settled in Chester, Vt. He was a member of the Vermont Legislature from 1801 to 1811, a councillor for four years, Lieutenant-Governor of the State for five years, and justice of his county court for eighteen years. He refused a nomination for governor in 1828. He was a very effective orator.

The Fatal Error.A Tragedy. Exhibited at Williams College, March 25, 1807. Pittsfield: Printed by Seymour & Smith, 1807. 12mo, pp. 27.Another edition. Peterboro: Reprinted by Jonathan Bunce & Co., [Madison County], 1810. 12mo, pp. 24.

LENNOX, CHARLOTTE

This author was a native of New York, and a daughter of Gov. James Ramsey, of that province. She went to England in 1735 and became a writer of note, Dr. Johnson considering her work equal to that of Fanny Burney and other well-known female writers. The epilogue toThe Sisterwas written by Oliver Goldsmith.

The Sister.A Comedy. London, 1769. 8vo, pp. 76.

LILLIBRIDGE, GARDNER R.

Tancred; or, The Rightful Heir to Rochdale Castle.A Drama, altered from a Tale of Ancient Times. Providence, 1824. 16mo, pp. 68.

LINDSLEY, A. B.

Love and Friendship; or, Yankee Notions.A Comedy in Three Acts. New York, 1809. 18mo, pp. 58.

LOW, SAMUEL

The Politician Out-Witted.A Comedy in FiveActs, written in 1788, by an American. New York: Printed by W. Ross, 1789. 8vo, pp. 71.

MACPHERSON, J.

A Pennsylvania Sailor's Letters, alias, The Farmer's Fall; with Extracts from a Tragic Comedy, Called Hodge Podge Improved; or, The Race Fairly Run.The author's sympathy for an Innocent Woman prevents his publishing the whole of that Dramatic piece. Number 1. Philadelphia, for the author, 1771. 8vo, pp. 64.

MARKOE, PETER

Peter Markoe, born in Santa Cruz (St. Croix), one of the West India Islands, in 1735, died in Philadelphia in 1792. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, read law in London, and settled in Philadelphia in 1783. He there became addicted to literature and contributed to the leading periodicals over the name "A Native of Algiers."

The Patriot Chief.A Tragedy. Philadelphia: Wm. Prichard, 1783. 8vo, pp. 70.

The Reconciliation; or, The Triumph of Nature.A Comic Opera, in Two Acts. Philadelphia, Prichard & Hall, 1790. 12mo, pp. 48.

MAURICE, MARK

The Manuscript—Comprising "The Fratricide" and Miscellaneous Poems.Boston, 1827. 12mo, pp. 70.

McHENRY, JAMES

Dr. James McHenry, born in Larne, County Antrim, Ireland, December 20, 1785, died there July 20, 1845. He was graduated in medicine at Dublin University and Glasgow, and first located in practiceat Larne, whence he removed to Belfast. He came to the United States in 1817 and followed his profession in Baltimore, Md., and Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1824 he settled in Philadelphia, where he practiced medicine and carried on a mercantile business. From 1842 to the time of his death he was United States Consul at Londonderry, in Ireland. His home in Philadelphia was the resort of most of the literary people of that and other cities. He published a poem on thePleasures of Friendshipin 1822. He was editor of theAmerican Monthly Magazinein Philadelphia in 1824, and wrote and published a number of novels.

The Usurper.A Historical Tragedy in Five Acts. Philadelphia, 1829. 16mo, pp. 65.Played at the old Chestnut Street Theatre.

MEAD,——.

Wall Street; or, Ten Minutes Before Three.A Farce. New York, 1819. 18mo, pp. 34.Third edition.Immortalized by Halleck in the lines:And who would now the Athenian dramas read,When he can get "Wall Street," by Mr. Mead.

MEGIA, F.

Lafayette en Mount Vernon en 17 de Octubre, 1824.Drama in Two Actos. Filadelfia, Stavely Y. Bringhurst, 1825. 16mo, pp. 30.

MINSHULL, JOHN

A Comic Opera, Entitled Rural Felicity, with the Humour of Patrick and the Marriage of Shelty.New York, 1801. Portrait. 8vo, pp. 68.

A Comedy Entitled: The Sprightly Widow, with the Frolics of Youth; or, a Speedy Way ofUniting the Sexes by Honourable Marriage.New York, 1803. Portrait of author. 8vo, pp. 64.

He Stoops to Conquer; or, the Virgin Triumphant.A Comedy in Three Acts. New York, 1804. 8vo, pp. 34.Pp. 31-34 contain Littleton's Sixth Letter, with note by Minshull.

A Comedy Entitled, The Merry Dames; or, The Humourist's Triumph over the Poet in Petticoats, and the Gallant Exploits of the Knight of the Comb.A Comedy in Three Acts. New York, 1805. 8vo, pp. 30.

MUNFORD, ROBERT

Colonel Robert Munfordwas a distinguished patriot of the Revolution. His poems and plays were collected and published by his son William, noticed below.

The Candidate. The Patriots.The above plays were published in a volume ofMinor Poemsat Petersburg, Va., 1798. 8vo, pp. 206.

MUNFORD, WILLIAM

William Munford, son of the above, was born in Mecklenburg County, Va., in 1775, and died in Richmond, Va., June 21, 1825. At the age of twenty-one he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. He was afterwards a senator from his district, was elected a member of the Privy Council of State, and continued in that office up to the time of his death. His chief literary work was aTranslation of Homer's Iliadin blank verse, which was not published during his life-time.

Almoran and Hamet.A Tragedy. Published in a volume ofPoems and Compositions in Prose onseveral occasions.Richmond, 1798. 8vo, pp. 189, [1].

MURDOCK, J.

The Triumphs of Love; or, Happy Reconciliations.A Comedy. Philadelphia, 1795. (Plate.) 12mo, pp. 83.

The Politicians; or, A State of Things.A Dramatic Piece. Written by an American and a Citizen of Philadelphia. Philadelphia, 1798. 8vo, pp. 37, and printed note.

NEAL, JOHN

John Neal, born in Portland, Me., August 25, 1793, died there June 21, 1876. He was entirely self-educated, and, after a few years of business occupation in Baltimore, he was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1819. He had already begun to have some popularity as a writer of stories, and in 1823 he was led to make a trip to England, in consequence of the popularity which his novels had acquired there. While in England he wrote several articles on America for theQuarterly Review, and enjoyed an intimacy with British men of letters, particularly Jeremy Bentham. On his return in 1828 he establishedThe Yankee, and was an active journalist for half a century. To his energy is attributed the agitation of woman's suffrage, and the establishment of gymnasiums. He was Poe's first encourager. HisRecollectionswere published in 1869.

Otho.A Tragedy in Five Acts. Boston, 1819. 16mo, pp. 120.This play was written for Edmond Kean. It was entirely rewritten inThe Yankeefor 1828.

NOAH, MORDECAI MANUEL

Mordecai Manuel Noah, born in Philadelphia,July 19, 1785, died in New York, May 22, 1851, was a journalist and a lawyer. He went into politics when quite young, and was appointed United States Consul to Morocco in 1813; came to New York about 1820, and editedThe National Advocate. He afterwards establishedThe New York Enquirer,The Evening Star, and other papers. He published also a volume of travels. He was at one time appointed sheriff of the county. An estimate of his character and popularity is thus given by a contemporary: "He told the best story, rounded the best sentence, and wrote the best play of all his contemporaries.... As editor, critic, and author, he was looked up to as an oracle."

The Fortress of Sorrento.A Petit Historical Drama, in Two Acts. New York, 1808. 16mo, pp. 28.Taken from the French opera ofLeonora.

She Would be a Soldier; or, The Plains of Chippewa.An Historical Drama in Three Acts. New York, 1819. 18mo, pp. 73.This piece was written for the benefit of Miss Leesugg. It was finished in three days, and first played in Philadelphia in 1813. It was performed at the Park Theatre, New York, June 21, 1819.

The Wandering Boys; or, The Castle of Olival.A Melodrama in Two Acts. Boston, 1821. 16mo, pp. 44.This was also played under the name ofPaul and Alexis; or The Orphans of the Rhine. It was written for Mrs. Young's benefit, and played at Charleston in 1812.

Marion; or, The Hero of Lake George.A Drama, founded on the events of the Revolutionary War, in Three Acts. New York, 1822. 16mo.Played at the Park Theatre, New York, November 26, 1821.

The Grecian Captive; or, The Fall of Athens.A Drama. New York, 1822. 18mo, pp. iv.-48.Played at the Park Theatre, New York, June 17, 1822.

NORVAL, JAMES

The Generous Chief.A Tragedy. Montreal, 1792. 8vo.This is probably the only original play published in Canada prior to 1831.

O'CONWAY, JAMES

The Knights Templars.A Historical Tragedy, with Notes, as it was represented on the French Theatre, by the Performers of the Emperor of the French. To which is prefixed An Interesting History of the Origin, Character, and Persecution, of That Illustrious Order. Also the Mode of Receiving Members. The whole supported by the most Respectable Authorities. Translated from the original of M. Raynouard, by Matthias James O'Conway, commissioned interpreter and teacher of the Spanish, French and English languages. Philadelphia: Published by the Translator, No. 202 Chestnut Street. Brown & Merritt, Printers, 24 Church Alley, 1809. Portrait of "Jacques de Molay." 8vo, title, 1 p. l., pp. lxviii. 3-80, [1]

PARKE, JOHN

John Parkewas born in Delaware about 1750. At the commencement of the Revolution he entered the American Army and was attached to Washington's Division. After the war he was for some time in Philadelphia, and was last heard of in Arundel County, Va. A number of the pieces in his book are dated at camp in the neighborhood of Boston, at Valley Forge and other places.

Virginia.A Pastoral Drama, on the Birth Day of anIllustrious Personage and the Return of Peace, February 11, 1784 [4 lines of poetry in Latin].Published in a volume of poems entitledThe Lyric Works of Horace, etc. Printed by Eleazer Oswald, at the Coffee-House, 1786.Another edition. Philadelphia: Eleazer Baldwin. 8vo, pp. 14, 1789.This is probably the first attempt to celebrate Washington's Birthday.

PAULDING, JAMES K.

James Kirke Paulding, born in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., N. Y., August 22, 1779, died in Hyde Park, in the same county, April 6, 1860, was associated with Washington Irving in literary work onSalmagundi. A paper on political affairs from Paulding's pen led to his appointment by President Madison as Secretary of the Navy Commission in Washington. He was Agent of the Navy at New York, 1825, and Secretary of the Navy under Van Buren.

The Bucktails; or, Americans in England.A Comedy, written shortly after the conclusion of the War of 1812.This play was published in a volume entitledAmerican Comedies, by W. I. Paulding, Author; Carey & Hart, Publishers. Philadelphia, 1847.

PAYNE, JOHN HOWARD

John Howard Payne, born in New York City, June 9, 1791, died in Tunis, Africa, April 9, 1852, was an actor and journalist. In early life he removed to Easthampton, L. I., where the greater part of his childhood was passed. He played in a number of amateur performances, and made his début as an actor at the Park Theatre, New York City, February 24, 1809, asYoung Norval. He made his literary début by contributing toThe Fly, a juvenile paperpublished by Woodworth. He soon after published a little paper calledThe Thespian Mirror, which had a short existence.

After playing in a number of American cities he went to England in 1813, where his success as an actor and dramatist was very great. His first appearance was at Drury Lane Theatre, June 4, 1813, asNorval. He also started a periodical in London called theOpera Glass.

He returned to America in 1832 and contributed to theDemocratic Reviewand other periodicals. Soon afterward (1841) he was appointed United States Consul at Tunis, where he died.

Julia; or, The Wanderer.A Comedy in Five Acts, as performed at the New York Theatre. New York, 1806. 16mo, pp. 72.The first separate writing of Payne, written when he was fourteen years of age.Performed asThe Wandererat the Park Theatre, New York, February 7, 1806.

Lover's Vows.A Play in Five Acts. Baltimore, 1809. 16mo, pp. 90, [4].

Brutus; or, The Fall of Tarquin.An Historical Tragedy in Five Acts. London, 1818. 8vo, pp. viii.-53.Same. New York, 1819. 16mo, pp. 54.Acted for the first time at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, December 3, 1818.First acted in the United States at the Park Theatre, New York, March 15, 1820.

Accusation; or, The Family of D'Anglade.A Melodrama in Three Acts, from the French, with alterations. London, 1817. 8vo, pp. 79.Same, Boston, 1818. 18mo, pp. vii.-76.First acted at Park Theatre, New York, May 10, 1816.

Therese, The Orphan of Geneva.A Drama. New York, 1821. 18mo.First acted at the Anthony Street Theatre, New York, April 30, 1821.

Adeline; or, Seduction.A Melodrama in Three Acts. New York, 1822. 16mo, pp. 41.Performed for the first time in the United States, at the Park Theatre, New York, May 1, 1822.

Clari, the Maid of Milan.An Opera in Three Acts. New York, 1823. 16mo, pp. 54.Another edition, London, 1823. 8vo, pp. 45.Performed for the first time at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, London, May 8, 1823.In this operaHome, Sweet Homewas sung for the first time.Performed for the first time in the United States at the Park Theatre, New York, November 12, 1823.

Ali Pacha; or, The Signet Ring.A Melodrama in Two Acts. New York, 1823. 18mo, pp. 36.Performed at the Park Theatre, New York, May 8, 1823.

Richelieu; or, The Broken Heart.A Domestic Tragedy founded on Fact. (As adapted for performance at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, London, before it was altered by order of the Lord Chamberlain, and produced under a new name.) Now First Printed from the Author's Manuscript. New York, 1826. 18mo, pp. 79.

The Two Galley Slaves.A Melodrama in Two Acts. London, n. d. [1823]. Frontispiece. 18mo, pp. 33.First performed in the United States at the Park Theatre, New York, October 27, 1823.

'Twas I; or, The Truth a Lie.A Farce in Two Acts. London, n. d. 8vo, pp. 15.Same, New York, 1827.Another edition, New York, 1828. 18mo.First performed in the United States at the Park Theatre, New York, May 20, 1826.

Charles the Second; or, The Merry Monarch.A Comedy. [London, n. d.] 18mo, pp. 45.Another edition, Philadelphia, 1829.First performed in the United States at the Park Theatre, New York, October 25, 1824.

Love in Humble Life.A Petit Comedy. London, n. d. 18mo, pp. 31.

The Lancers.A Farce. London, n. d. 18mo, pp. 27.Played at the Park Theatre, New York, 1829.

The Fall of Algiers.A Drama. London, n. d. 18mo, pp. 47.

Mrs. Smith; or, The Wife and the Widow.A Farce, adapted from the French. London, n. d. 8vo, pp. 20.Played at the New Park Theatre, New York, March 6, 1825.

Peter Smink; or, The Armistice.A Comic Drama, adapted from the French. London, n. d. 8vo, pp. 16.Played at the Park Theatre, New York, October 14, 1826, asPeter Smink; or, Which is the Miller?A Farce.

PEPPER, GEORGE

Kathleen O'Neil; or, A Picture of Feudal Times in Ireland.A National Melodrama of the Fourteenth Century, in Three Acts. Philadelphia, 1832. 16mo, pp. 84.Scenes I. and II. of Act I. ofKathleen O'Neilwere first published in Vol. 1 ofThe Irish Shield and Monthly Milesian, a monthly journal edited by Geo. Pepper, in New York, in 1829. Vol. I., of this periodical was, I believe, all that was issued, and the play was therefore probably never issued complete except as a separate publication.Played at the Lafayette Theatre, New York.(The Lafayette Theatre was burned on the night of April 10, 1829, and never rebuilt).

PERCIVAL, JAMES GATES

James Gates Percival, born in Berlin, Conn., September 15, 1795, died in Hazel Green, Wis., May 2, 1856, was an eminent geologist. He was graduated from Yale College, studied medicine and practiced in Charleston, S. C.; was appointed surgeon in the United States Army in 1824, and stationed in Boston, Mass., on detail for the recruiting station there. He left the service, and took up the study of geology at New Haven, Conn., in 1827. He aided Noah Webster in the compilation of his dictionary. He was an official geologist of Connecticut and of the State of Wisconsin.

Zamor.A Tragedy.This play formed part of the Commencement exercises at Yale College in 1815. It was afterwards published in Percival's first volume of poems,Prometheus, etc., New Haven, 1820, 12mo, pp. 346.

PIRSSON, J. P.

The Discarded Daughter.New York, 18—?

POTTER, REUBEN

Phelles, King of Tyre; or, The Downfall of Tyranny.A Tragedy in Five Acts, as performed at the New York Theatre. New York, 1825. 16mo, pp. 76.Acted three times at the Park Theatre between June 13 and 28, 1825.

PRESTON, WILLIAM

Death of Louis the Sixteenth.A Tragedy in Five Acts. New York: Printed by T. & J. Swords, 1794.Another edition. Philadelphia: E. Story, 1794. 16mo, pp. 70.

RITTENHOUSE, DAVID

Lucy Sampson; or, The Unhappy Heiress.A Tragedy in Five Acts. Translated by a Citizen of Philadelphia. Philadelphia: Printed by Chas. Cist, 1789. 8vo, pp. 88.

ROGERS, DANIEL

The Knight of the Rum Bottle & Co.; or, The Speechmakers.A Musical Farce in Five Acts, by the Editor ofThe City Hall Recorder. New York, 1818. 18mo, pp. 16.Daniel Rogers was the editor ofThe City Hall Recorderat the time this play was published.

ROGERS, ROBERT

Robert Rogerswas born at Dumbarton, N. H., 1727, died in London about 1798. During the French and Indian War he commanded the celebrated "Rogers Rangers," and participated in the siege of Detroit against Pontiac and the French. Rogers' Slide at Lake George is named after him. He went to London about 1764, and was appointed governor of Michilimackinac in 1765. He afterwards went to Algiers and fought under the Dey. He returned to America in 1775, and professed to be in sympathy with the patriots, but Washington ordered his arrest. He then threw off the mask of friendship, and raised a company of Royalists called "The Queen's Rangers." He went back to England, and his subsequent history is unknown. His best known works are hisJournal of the French and Indian War, London, 1765; andA Concise Account of North America, London, 1765.

Ponteach; or, The Savages of America.A Tragedy. London: Printed for the author, 1766. 8vo, pp. 110.

ROWSON, SUSANNA

Susanna Rowson, born in Portsmouth, England, in 1762, died in Boston, Mass., March 2, 1824. She was an only daughter of Lieutenant William Haswell, of the British Navy, who was, at the beginning of the Revolution, attached to the revenue service, and resided at Nantucket, near Boston. His property was confiscated by the Continental authorities; and himself and family removed on parole to Hingham in 1775, and in 1777 to Abington. A cartel was finally arranged by which Lieutenant Haswell was exchanged and sent back to England with his family. Miss Haswell took employment as a governess in early life, and was greatly devoted to literature. She married William Rowson, a musician in one of the bands of the household troops. About the time of her marriage she wrote and published a novel entitledVictoria, which she dedicated to the Duchess of Devonshire, who introduced her to the Prince of Wales. She was enabled, by this acquaintance, to obtain a pension for her father. On account of the financial embarrassment of her husband, they went on the stage in 1792, in Edinburgh. In 1793 they came to America, and first appeared in Annapolis, Maryland. Thence they went to the theatre in Philadelphia, and, after a season there, became members of the Federal Street Theatre in Boston. Mrs. Rowson, who had, in 1790, published in England the celebrated novelCharlotte Temple, had continued writing, and the extraordinary popularity of her story of the unfortunate English girl made it easy for her to follow the cultivation of letters. She retired from the stage in 1797, and established a school for young ladies, which remained, during her life-time, the most select and popular in New England. Her last appearance was in May, 1797, in her own comedy,Americans in England. HerPoemswere published in Boston in 1804, andLucy Temple, a sequel toCharlotte Temple, appeared in 1828.

SLAVES in ALGIERS;

OR, A

STRUGGLE for FREEDOM:

A PLAY,

INTERSPERSED WITH SONGS,

IN THREE ACTS.

By Mrs.ROWSON,

AS PERFORMED

AT THE

NEW THEATRES,

PHILADELPHIA and BALTIMORE.

PHILADELPHIA:

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY WRIGLEY ANDBERRIMAN, No.149, CHESNUT-STREET.

M,DCC,XDIV.

Slaves in Algiers; or, A Struggle for Freedom.A play interspersed with Songs, as performed at the New Theatres, in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Philadelphia, 1794. 12mo, pp. 74.

The Female Patriot.A Farce. Philadelphia, [?] 1794. 12mo.Played in Philadelphia in 1795.

The Volunteers.A Farce, founded on the Whisky Insurrection in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, 1795. 12mo.

Americans in England.A Comedy. Boston, 1796. 12mo.This piece was acted for Mrs. Rowson's benefit and farewell to the stage.Although the last three titles are mentioned by Sabin and other bibliographers, I doubt if they were ever published, as after a diligent search I have failed to locate a copy of any, and none of those who give the titles give collations—an almost certain indication that they have been unable to see copies of the plays.

SAWYER, LEMUEL

Lemuel Sawyerwas a native of North Carolina. He wrote aLife of John Randolph[of Roanoke,] N. Y., 1844. Died 1844.

Blackbeard.A Comedy in Four Acts, founded on Fact. Washington, 1824. 16mo, pp. 66.

The Wreck of Honor.A Tragedy. New York, 18—. 16mo, pp. 86.

SELDEN, ALMIRA

Naomi.A Sacred Drama in Five Scenes.Published in a volume of poems entitledEffusions of the Heart. Bennington, Vt., 1820. 16mo, pp. 152.The Irish Exiles in America, a drama in five scenes, was also published in the above mentioned volume.

SEWALL, JONATHAN MITCHELL

Jonathan Mitchell Sewall, born in Salem, Mass., in 1748, died in Portsmouth, N. H., March 29, 1808. He was graduated from Harvard and first entered business life, but eventually became a lawyer. He was Register of Probate for Grafton Co., N. H., in 1774. Author of the songWar and Washington, very popular during the Revolution. HisMiscellaneous Poemswere published in 1801.

At a performance of Addison'sCatoin the Bow Street Theatre, N. H., in 1778, an epilogue, written by Colonel Sewall, was spoken, the closing lines of which are:

No pent up Utica contracts your powers,But the whole boundless Continent is yours.

A Cure for the Spleen; or, Amusement for a Winter's Evening.Being the substance of a conversation on the times over a friendly tankard and pipe, between Sharp, a country Parson; Bumper, a country Justice; Fillpot, an innkeeper; Graveairs, a Deacon; Trim, a Barber; Brim, Quaker; Puff, a late Representative. Taken in shorthand by Roger de Coverly. America, 1775. 8vo, pp. 32.A Tory protest against the Revolution.Another edition with the title:Americans Aroused in a Cure for the Spleen, etc., New York: Reprinted by James Rivington, n. d. [1775]. 8vo, pp. 32.

SIMMONS, JAMES WRIGHT

James Wright Simmons, born at Charleston, S. C., studied at Harvard and made an extensive tour of Europe, whence he came to New York and was for a time a writer for theNew York Mirror. He was also connected with other New York papers. He afterward held the office of Comptroller General and Treasurer of the Republic of Texas. Died at Memphis, Tenn., aged 68 years.

Julian.A Dramatic Fragment, n. p., n. d. [1823]. 12mo.

SMITH, CHARLES

Charles Smithwas born about 1768. He was for a time a bookseller in New York, and was the editor of theMonthly Military Repository. The following are all translations from Kotzebue:—

The Count of Burgundy.[A]A Tragedy in Four Acts. New York, 1798. 8vo.Another edition, New York, 1800. 8vo, pp. vi.-69.

Self Immolation; or, The Sacrifice of Love.A Play in Three Acts. New York, 1800. 8vo, pp. 54.

The Wild Youth.A Comedy for Digestion in Three Acts. New York, 1800. 8vo, pp. 74.

Le Perouse[A].A Comedy in Two Acts. New York, 1800. 8vo, pp. 40.

The Virgin of the Sun.[A]A Play in Five Acts. New York, 1800. 8vo, pp. 96.

Adelaide of Wulfingen.A Tragedy in Four Acts, (exemplifying the Barbarity which prevailed during the Thirteenth Century). New York, 1800. 8vo, pp. 67.

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