Before the close of the season, Kean, the joint manager, withdrew,
announcing in a formal card to the public that he had resolved to quit
the stage, by the advice of several gentlemen in town who were his
friends, and follow his employment of writing; that his co-manager,
Mr. Murray, had agreed to give him a night clear of all expenses for
his half of the clothes and scenery of the play-house, and that by
his Excellency the Governor’s permission he would, on the following
Monday evening, enact the part of _King Richard III._ for his benefit,
being the last time of his appearance upon the stage. On the Monday
following, April 29, 1751, the performance for his benefit was changed
to “The Busybody” and “The Virgin Unmasked,” and in announcing the
change he informs the public, as an additional attraction, that there
will be singing by Mr. Woodham, and particularly the celebrated ode
called “Britons’ Charter,” closing with this appeal: “As this will
positively be the last time of Mr. Kean’s appearing upon the stage, he
honestly hopes all gentlemen and ladies, and others who are his well
wishers, will be so kind as to favor him with their company.”
[Decorative Illustration]