9.--Mr. Kean, jun., made his first appearance at Norwich Theatre in the
character of Romeo. During his engagement he appeared also as Jaffier
("Venice Preserved") and Felix ("Hunter of the Alps"). "It is difficult,
indeed, to imagine," says the critic, "what besides an irresistible
_penchant_ for the stage and an hereditary attachment for the most
elevated dramatic work, could have induced this gentleman to choose the
profession of a tragedian. Of a stature rather below the middle size,
and with a countenance that forms no index of the heroic mind, the
younger Kean seems studious of displaying all those peculiarities of
attitude, action, and intonation which we have been accustomed to regard
rather as defects than as excellencies in his justly celebrated father.
The genius of the elder Kean does not shine forth in his son."
--A prize-fight took place between Warren and Cocks, light weights, for
50 pounds a side. The gathering, which was at Mattishall, was attended
by many of the principal gentry in the county, and by several members of
the London ring, including Phil Sampson (conqueror of Big Brown), Dick
Curtis, Tom Oliver, Frank Redmond, Ned Stockman, and Frosty-Faced Fogo,
"the Poet Laureate of the Ring." The combatants met in a meadow
belonging to Mr. Petchell, but a magistrate interfered, and a move was
made to Elsing Common, where the fight was brought off. Cocks was
attended by Ned Painter and Ben Gale, and Warren by Curtis and Redmond.
Forty-one rounds were fought in 56 minutes. Cocks, who won, threw his
man 23 times in the first 25 rounds.
17.--Guild Day was celebrated in Norwich. Mr. Alderman Thurtell, on
being sworn in as Mayor, stated that he stood in rotation for the office
in 1818, and to his utter astonishment the late Mr. Back was put in
nomination and elected. "I thank God," he added, "I have had nerve
enough to break all connection with a set of men who have acted with so
much duplicity and injustice towards me." The Guild feast at St.
Andrew's Hall was attended by 460 guests.
24.--Died, Captain John Murray Browne, of the 75th Regiment, aged 36,
only son of the Rev. M. Browne, Minor Canon of Norwich Cathedral, and
grandson of Dr. John Murray. Capt. Browne, who was drowned while fishing
on a Lake near Mullingar, had been in the Army from his youth, and served
throughout the Peninsular War. He was the author of a work entitled,
"The State of Portugal, by an eyewitness."
26.--Died at Hingham, suddenly, Charles Alexander, aged 23, "an excellent
cricketer, and the fastest length bowler in the county."