BIB_ID
107560
Accession number
MA 9145
Creator
Burgoyne, John, 1722-1792.
Display Date
"Monday" [1774 November 7?].
Description
1 item (3 pages) ; 22.6 x 17.9 cm
Notes
Burgoyne's play, "The Maid of the Oaks" opened in London on November 5, 1774 at the Drury Lane Theatre.
This letter is simply dated "Monday, 5 o'clock", however Burgoyne refers to the "author's benefit" being given that night. At the time it was customary for the author of the play to receive the revenue on the third night of the production. The Maid of the Oaks opened on Saturday, November 5, 1774 which would make this letter written on the third day, Monday, November 7, 1774.
This letter is simply dated "Monday, 5 o'clock", however Burgoyne refers to the "author's benefit" being given that night. At the time it was customary for the author of the play to receive the revenue on the third night of the production. The Maid of the Oaks opened on Saturday, November 5, 1774 which would make this letter written on the third day, Monday, November 7, 1774.
Summary
Discussing their relationship, his gratitude for producing his play and expressing his desire not to derive the author's benefit; saying "For some days past I have frequently smiled in thinking upon your situation & mine. It is something like that of two lovers who flutter as the thoughts of an interview where a proposal is to be made. They feel awkward, & hesitate, & procrastinate, & always resolve to explain the next time they are alone. From this embarrassment I was determined to releive [sic] you this evening; but reflecting that in the usual course of proceeding the author's benefit might be given out tonight, I think it expedient to anticipate my original intention & at this earlier hour to declare in the most positive terms a renunciation of any profits whatsoever arising now or hereafter from the Maid of the Oaks. My view in this busyness was to introduce myself to a more intimate connection with you; & my poor efforts as a writer are greatly rewarded indeed if they have laid the foundation of a solid friendship between us. Exclusive of the assistance in writing from which the peice [sic] derives its chief merit, your partiality towards me has led you to an expence in the representation that the most successful reception will hardly answer. From both these claims, as well as my own determination, the peice [sic] is justly & absolutely your own. Should you be still scrupulous, & I be mistaken in my supposition of the revenues of Oldworth's Oaks - should they really rise sufficient to indemnify & more than indemnify the expence & personal trouble of the manager - I will consent to one sort of appropriation for the overplus viz. that it be given to the fund for supporting decayed actors, or any other purpose you may judge more expedient for the encouragement of Theatrical merit. These points being thoroughly understood between us, I leave it to your discretion & friendship how to act in regard to the publick. I rather wish no mention was made of author's benefits because I hate deception where it can be avoided - If you think it absolutely necessary to my concealment act accordingly. Should you think at any period of the run that a declaration of an appropriation to the actor's fund will help the popularity of the peice [sic] it may be made - I do not see how silence in the one case or declaration in the other will lead to any further discovery than that the author does not write for profit. I have only to add my request that not a word more may be said upon this subject & adieu till later this evening."
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