The Anecdotes, &c. here offered to the public, are the gleanings of many years intimacy with the subject of these Memoirs, whose best conversation was in this line; yet even drawing from this source, (particularly in the latter part of his life, when his memory gave way,) much caution and comparison were necessary, in order to ascertain the authenticity of the facts. These have been as much attended to as was in the Editor's power; and as such, he trusts, will not be found unentertaining to the general observers on life and

manners.

To these observations it may be necessary to add, that the anecdotes, &c. which are included in this work, were first introduced to the world in that respectable publication, the EUROPEAN MAGAZINE. The avidity with which they were perused, and the very favorable, nay flattering, reception which they met with, from an extensive. and increasing circle of subscribers, induced the compiler to put them into the form in which they now appear, and consequently gave rise to this volume, which he has carefully revised, corrected, altered, and enlarged.

He

He has also availed himself of the assistance of a Literary Gentleman, to whom many of the characters delineated, and events recorded, were well known, who has made those remarks and correctious which his experience suggested, and his knowledge of the authenticity of many of the recited circumstances warranted.

MONG several Letters which the Publisher has received in Commendation of this Work, from Gentlemen who well remember the Subject of it, and were professionally acquainted with the Outlines of many of the Characters and Circumstances recorded, he felt a very high degree of Satisfaction in the perusal of one from that excellent Comedian of a former Age, MR. MOODY, whom those that have seen, must recollect with' Gratitude, for the Pleasure which they have derived from his Performances.

This Gentleman, who was one of that Old School' of Actors which he mentions in the subsequent Letter, though now retired, seems still to retain a warm Attachment to the Stage, which he once enlivened; and, as he personally knew the principal Figure in this Biographical Medley; was moreover acquainted with many of the other Characters that form the Dramatis Person; has unquestionably been present at many of the Scenes therein exhibited; and has also, in that Mental Mirror, which glances "from Age to Age,"

viewed those Performers who were antecedent to his own Times; the Publisher is happy in laying before the Readers of this Work, an Opinion of its Merit, founded upon such Experience. This, he thinks, cannot be better done, than in the Words in which it was communicated. He therefore deems any Apology for printing the Letter alluded to unnecessary; as he is certain, that, while it stamps an additional Value upon these Sheets, it will also afford Pleasure to the Lovers of the Drama to learn, that their old Favorite, MAJOR O'FLAHERTY, continues to enjoy both Health and Spirits; that he could, perhaps, still brandish his Cane over the Head of Lawyer VARLAND, and successfully correct his professional Errors; and

that,

that, like an old Coachman, although he has seen his Stage-Master, and most of his Company, set down at their respective Inns, he still loves. "THE SMACK OF THE WHIP."

32, Cornhill,

Dec. 1, 1804.

To Mr. ASPERNE, Bookseller, Cornhill. "MY DEAR SIR,

TEN

EN Thousand Thanks for your kind Remembrance of me, and for the Book; the best on the Subject that I ever met. Make my grateful Regard to the Author, for the kind Manner in which he has served up the Old School, and the delicate Veil that he has thrown over their Foibles.

The Book has, from the Beginning to the End, the glowing Finger of the Master. His Digressions (by far the best Part of the Work) are the Digressions of a Gentleman; and his Anecdotes: and Stories are supported by Truth, as far as oral Chronicle will permit me to say; and without the smallest Attempt to raise a ridiculous Laugh at Characters, the great Majority of whom, "All Qualities know with a learned Spirit of Human Dealing."

am fearful that his Hero will not meet much Respect from the rising Generation of Actors: he has been handed to them as a troublesome, turbulent Character; Half of which your Author has done away, and given him a higher Niche in Theatrical History, than any other Person has ever yet attempted.

Let the jaundiced Mind read, and he will join humble Effort to hold to the Public a Work worthy the Attention of any Man.

my

Barnes, Surry,

Your's very truly,

J. MOODY."

Nov. 21, 1804.

TO THE BINDER.

Place this Leaf facing the End of the Introduction.

MEMOIRS

OF

CHARLES MACKLIN.

OF MR. MACKLIN'S ORIGIN, WITH CONJECTURES RELATIVE TO THE PERIOD OF HIS BIRTH.

So many different accounts have been given of

the origin of Charles Macklin, that it would be very difficult for a person, carefully looking, for the truth, which to fix upon. The following sketch, however, is taken from himself above thirty years ago, when his memory and intellects were in their full preservation, and which he at different times confirmed by subsequent recitals.

Charles McLaughlin (for that was his original name) was descended from the M'Laughlins of the North of Ireland; a clan as much distinguished

B

I remember once to have heard Macklin say, that the M'Laughlins considered themselves as descendants of the anci ent Kings of Ireland; and that in his time, in order to recognize their alliance to royalty, the head of the family in the North of

Ireland,