| Citation |
PJ.767.022
19 Feb 1767:11, 12, 13, 31 (1263)
I have with all the composure imaginable, overlooked the
torrent of incomprehensible abuse which has been, of late,
so plentifully bestowed on the theatre; those who
countenance it, and the performers; nor do I now intend to
enter into a controversy with the gentlemen who have
attacked me in so indecent, so illiberal, a manner: People
of understanding, who are unprejudiced, will judge for
themselves, nor will it be in my power, or that of my
doughty adversaries to bias them: but as I have reason to
think that the greater number by far, of those who are
enemies to the theatre, are unacquainted with the nature and
tendency of dramatic entertainments, I am of opinion that
the following essay, written at New-York about five years
ago, but not published, as the opposition to which it refers
subsided, will not, at this time, be an improper address to
them, as it presents an impartial view of the good effects a
well regulated theatre must undoubtedly have on the manners
of a people. However my profession may subject me to the
censure of that more rigid part of the world, I declare, and
it is my heart that speaks, I should look forward with
terror, if I thought myself engaged in a business that could
be productive of the horrid consequences imputed to it; on
the contrary, I am firmly persuaded that numbers may, and
daily do, derive singular advantages from the well wrought
scenes of plays, and in that conviction, I flatter myself, I
may, without arrogance, presume that I am not entirely
unuseful to society.
I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant, [signed] D.
Douglass. [3 column essay, then another letter.]
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