Theatrical management in the West and South for thirty years

by Sol. Smith

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1868 edition. ...you? Alas! were I so inclined, the jealous scrutiny of my landlady would prevent it. It is probable that she will follow me, for she will never trust me out of her sight until I pay her for my board hire. I will conduct you to a retired dell where we may converse without the danger of interruption. Do not fail, as you value the peace of your unhappy " ' Eliza Pelling.' " I give the above as a specimen of the PelLing Letters, as they were called. Besides the genuine letters of Miss Pellirig (exclusively in the " Republican"), other papers had spurious letters purporting to be from the same party. The "Pennant" spread itself on the "Pelling Letters," all spurious, but excellent imitations, and greatly increased its circulation by their publication. At length the height of absurdity was reached by the fair Eliza (the spurious article) offering to attend the theatre on the occasion oj my benefit, if a box were offered her properlv decorated for the occasion; and some young men did actually go through the farce of taking a boy, dressed up in a very gaudy and fashionable way, into the box prepared for Miss Pelling, amid the plaudits of the audience. During the delivery of Mawworm's extemporaneous address, I took occasion to mention the visit of Miss Pelling, when she rose and courtesied repeatedly, to the great amusement of the people. I will give one more letter of Miss Pelling, and dismiss her for the present. Eliza Riling to Sol. Smith. " St. Louis, November 27,1839. " To Sol. Smith, "And is it true that you are about to quit St. Louis for the balmy South with your company of delightful players? Oh, do not go! I implore you, do not go! Your theatre is the solitary star of my destiny. How...

216 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2012

About the author

Solomon Franklin 'Old Sol' Smith, who published as Sol. Smith, was a lawyer, actor, and a key writer in the genre of Old Southwest humor who began his career as a theater manager in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1823.

Smith's works offer a unique view of Alabama through his treatments of the Native American and non-Indian populations. A Jacksonian and strong Unionist, Smith opposed both slavery and secession. He spent the last years of his life practicing law in St. Louis.