| Citation |
NYGWPB.766.024
8 May 1766:31 (1218)
The play advertised to be acted on last Monday evening,
having given offence to many of the inhabitants of this
city, who thought it highly improper that such
entertainments should be exhibited at this time of public
distress, when great numbers of poor people can scarce find
means of subsistance, 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 those who intended to have been there, from going:
however many people came, and the play was begun; but soon
interrupted by the multitude who burst open the doors, and
entered with noise and tumult. The audience escaped in the
best manner the could; many lost their hats and other parts
of dress. A boy had 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.
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