| Citation |
SCG-C.773.108
9 Aug 1773:31, 32 (1964)
[Article asking for assistance for Mr. Pike, Dancing master,
whose estate and personal effects are scheduled for sale]
Within a few days past, there has been a numerous
distribution amongst us, of printed copies of "An Address to
the Public by D. Douglass, " wherein "he offers an exertion
of the abilities of a Company of Comedians, under his
direction, the ensuing winter, to the favour and patronage
of the ladies and gentlemen of South-Carolina."
He begins with acquainting the public, that "a well
regulated theatre, wherever the polite arts have been
cherished, has been allowed to be a noble institution,
calculated for the improvement and refinement of human
society-- to be the most rational entertainment an enlarged
mind can enjoy-- and of the utmost utility to the common
wealth:" That he "has been repeatedly urged, by many
gentlemen of this province, to establish a theatre in
Charles-Town, where, they assured him, he might depend upon
the greatest encouragement:" That "his connections in New-
York and Philadelphia, had hitherto deprived him of the
pleasure of re-visiting this place."
. . . [Article continues to disparage the plan to build a
theatre]
Those who have money to spare, may easily find other objects
on whom it can be worthily be bestowed, and very little
enquiry is requisite to make the discovery. If they would
chuse to give it to people employed in "polishing the
manners and forming the taste, " let them turn their eyes to
an unfortunate man, the sale of whose estate is advertised
to be on Wednesday the 18th instant, when the whole fruits
of many years intense application and industry, without some
assistance, must be sunk, and lost to his family. Mr. P.
[Pike] is meant-- a man, who, tho' unfortunate in many
peculiarities, has nevertheless, had the charge and tuition
of most of the young people in this town, and of the
country, and conducted himself irreproachably in every
instance, and that too in a branch of education which not
many of his profession fail to prostitute to vile and
infamous purposes; He has been ambitious of gracing this
town with an elegant building; that has been his Hobby-
Horse, it has thrown him; but surely it is yet in the power
of the numerous parents and guardians of the children he has
taught to prevent him, at least his family, being deprived
of that building. He has merit, every man his foibles, why
then should not his situation be considered with candour and
generosity?
The writer hereof is not moved to throw out this hint, from
any connection or acquaintance with Mr. P.-- On the
contrary, he scarce knows him; but he has heard enough of
his character as a teacher, to influence him in his favour,
and to make him happy, should this in any way expiate to his
advantage.
[signed] Benvolus.
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