| Citation |
PL.778.031
28 Jan 1778:22 (122)
Extract of a letter from Nantz. Some very whimsical
incidents have happened since I parted with you, and went on
board the sloop Friendship, from Leigh to Aberdeen. The
company of Comedians of the Edinburgh Theatre, had, as a
frolick, taken their passage in that ship for Aberdeen,
where they intended to play this autumn. As the ship was in
ballast, they had smoothed and laid the hold with planks,
and fitted it up very conveniently for their own
accommodations, and laid in a sufficient stock of liquors,
tobacco-pipes, and provisions. when we set off, they
dressed for the representation of a new sea-piece, written
by Mr. Woods. During the performance, the sloop, being
unarmed, has struck to the Surprise, an American privateer;
just as the crew were entering the hold to examine the
cargo, Neptune was advancing, brandishing his trident, and
exclaiming with great fury against the pirates who now
infest his watry dominions, and daily insult his Great
Lieutenant of the Seas! and entreating the aid of the other
Gods to destroy them. The dresses and characters of the
persons of the drama, and the appearance of the Yankies,
made their surprise mutual; but the circumstances being
explained, the Captain insisted his prisoners should begin
the piece, which went off with great applause, till the
catastrophe in the third act, which the Yankies insisted
should be reversed; and Mr. Woods having promised to alter
the piece accordingly, the Captain and officers became very
fond of the sons of the stage; and after the representation
was over, were admitted brethren of the Sans Souci Society,
and spent fourteen hours in great festivity, Bacchus in the
chair, Momus on his right hand, and Jupiter, and several
other Gods drunk; till at last the liquors being exhausted,
we were brought in here, where the Captain assured us the
brandy was far superior to any of the adulterated liquors we
had been drinking. He has promised, that as soon as the
piece is altered, and played three times in Nantz, with the
Deserter, and some favourite farces, he will deliver back
the sloop, that they may proceed to Aberdeen.
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