Richmond Enquirer

EXIT MR. KEAN.

The following is the farewell Address of this celebrated actor. Many of the sock and buskin have visited the U. States—Incledon, Phillips and Wallack, &c. &c. have returned, leaving behind, as well as carrying with them, the most agreeable impressions, "Mr. Kean quits us in ill humour, for which we repay him with our disgust. Unfortunately for him, his head has been turned by the ridiculous incense which has been served up—and his morbid sensibility would bear no disappointment or reproof. America will have his curses, both loud and deep. We sincerely regret that the opportunity has been denied us of witnessing his histrionic talents—his generous monument to the memory of Cooke is honourable to himself, and softens all our feelings towards him.

[From the N. Y. Nat. Advocate.]

Mr. Kean,—This distinguished performer has taken his departure for England: and, as he intimated in his letter, that it was his intention to return to Boston, it may be well to account for this change in his original determination.

[The Advocate here makes some remarks upon the hostility shown towards Mr. K. in the Boston papers:]

Viewing this increasing hostility, and not being desirous of exposing himself to the ill will and asperity of such persons, Mr. Kean wisely determined to return to his native country, where no temporary disappointment could overwhelm him, and where some charity would be afforded to his errors. I have very little personal knowledge of Mr. Kean: I have not spoken fifty words with him: I only know him as an actor, and unquestionably the greatest since the days of Garrick. I wish men of genius to visit our country. I wish them to admire it, and to esteem the people: and this can only be effected by a liberal and enlightened policy. I received the following note from Mr. Kean on Wednesday.

Sir—As I find it impossible for individual efforts to stem the torrent of opposition with which I have to contend, & as I likewise consider it inconsistent with my feelings and character to make additional apologies, I have resolved to return to my native country, and beg leave to offer to the public my thanks for that portion of favour bestowed upon me, and respectfully bid them farewell.

Had I been aware of the enormity of the offence which has excited so much indignation, I certainly should not have permitted my feelings to interfere with my interest. The "very head and front of my offending" amounts to this: An actor, honored and patronised by his native country, and enjoying a high rank in the drama, withheld his services under the impression that they were not duly appreciated; and so much do I fear the frailty of my nature, that it is not improbable, under the same circumstances, I might be tempted to act in the same manner. I therefore think it proper to leave the Theatre open to such competitors; whose interest it may be to study the customs, and not offend them by my presence any longer.

Before I left England, I was apprised how powerful an agent the press was in a free country, and I was admonished to be patient under the lashes that awaited me; and at a great sacrifice of feeling, I have submitted to their unparallelled severity & injustice. I was too proud to complain, and suffered in silence—but I have no hesitation in saying that the conduct I pursued was that which every man of reputation pursued under the same circumstances in "that country where Shakespeare was born, and Garrick had acted."

Again, I disclaim any intention of offending: and although every natural domestic tie, as well as the public love, await me on my own shores, it is with reluctance and regret I leave my friends in America.

EDMUND KEAN