| Citation |
CC-H.766.016
12 May 1766:32 (72)
New-York, May 8. The play advertised to be acted on last
Monday evening, having given offence to many inhabitants of
this city, who thought it highly improper that such
entertainments should be exhilated at the time of public
distress, when great numbers of poor people can scarce find
means of subsistence, whereby many persons might be tempted
to neglect their business, and squander that money which is
necessary to the payment of this debt, and support of their
families, a rumour was spread about town on Monday, that if
the play went on, the audience would meet with some
disturbance from the Multitude. This prevented the greatest
part of them who intended to have been there, from going;
however many people came, and the play was begun; but soon
interrupted by the multitude who had burst open the doors,
and entered with noise and tumult. The audience escaped in
the best manner they could; many lost their hats and other
parts of dress. A boy has his skull fractured, and was
yesterday trepan'd; his recovery is doubtful, several others
were dangerously hurt; but we have heard of no lives lost.
The multitude immediately demolished the house, and carried
the pieces to the common, where they consumed them in a
bonfire.
|