| Citation |
SCAGG.768.039
19-26 Aug 1768:22, 23 (11/511)
London, June 20. Since the conclusion of the theatrical
season, the feuds between the Covent Garden managers have
arisen to a greater height than ever. About a week ago, the
two malcontent proprietors, Messrs. Harris and Rutherford
forcibly dispossessed Mr. Garten, the treasurer, of his
books, and insisted on his quitting their service. In
consequence of this, and some subsequent attempts to possess
themselves of the wardrobes, the stage-door keepers house,
and the rest of the theatre by violence, the acting manager,
Mr. Coleman, ordered the doors of the theatre to be shut up,
with no admission but through Mr. Powell's house, which has
a communication with the theatre, and at that entrance only
to Messrs. Harris and Rutherford themselves, to whom it was
signified that due attendance would be given them whenever
they had a mind to inspect or survey any part of the play-
house. About five on Friday morning two gentlemen, at the
head of a posse of nearly threescore furnished with iron
crows, axes, sledge hammers, &c., made a forcible entrance
by breaking open a window near the play-house door in Hart
Street, Covent Garden, after which they expelled by violence
Mr. Sarjant, the house-keeper, all his family, and others;
one man, who opposed their entrance, was knocked down and
wounded in the head, but happily no further mischief ensued
from this fray, at which, it is said, a certain lady
assisted.
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