The New York Journal, And Daily Patriotic Register

For the Daily Patriotic Register.

MR. GREENLEAF,

I am not a constant visitor of the Theatre but, after having seen the advertisement of the managers, in your paper of Monday last, I found the inducement, to become one of that respectable auditory, irresistible—I accordingly posted to the Theatre, in full expectation of being entertained with a performance that would make sport for either one or both of our political parties; and, in fact, by the assistance of a boy imagination, the whole auditory had taken their sides, and a kind of "battle of the kegs" had already commenced.

I took my seat in critic's corner, and gave the strictest attention to the performance, called, by its authors, "the Convention."

My intention was, to discover the plot, but I must confess, that the amiable, the truly enchanting appearance of Mrs. H-y, in the character of Maria, so diverted my mind from the designed application, that the thread was nearly lost before I awoke from this pleasing reverie.

Rousing myself, and upbraiding truant recollection, I recognized a performance that was both amusing and instructive to every lover of moral sentiment! Disappointed. -I even rav'd;--Convention!--COLUMBIAN FATHER! what can the man mean-why call it Convention! The triumphant sortie of the thirteen representatives of the union, from the temple of liberty, it is true, was a kind of political compliment- but the STORY, upon which the PASTORAL is founded, if recollection deceives me not, is nearly as follows

In the midst of war, and all its concomitant evils, a tender parent is deprived of his only daughter. The war rages; the father becomes disconsolate: he erects a monument, sacred to the memory of his darling child, and religiously visits it, to remind him of this supposed irreparable loss. The child is carried off by the enemy to a distant land: arrives at the age of discretion--is beautiful. A gentleman of merit becomes enamoured of her, and makes his suit--they become mutual lovers. The amiable Maria, having often heard Columbia (the country which she knew gave her birth) much extolled, is anxious to see it again, and refuses to give her hand to the man she adored, unless it be after their arrival at Columbia.--This injunction proved no bar to his affections,— preparations were made; and they happily arrived to this our native land. Here they were to be received by the fathers of the land, who, with christian benevolence, throw aside the doors of naturalization: they become Columbians; and their nuptial feast is celebrated after the Columbian mode. The couple were amiable-they sought happiness: They were recommended to the good old man, who was nearly worn out with grief, for a blessing. The solemn scene arrives; the old man is discovered paying his evening devotion at the foot of his lost daughter's monument, when the amiable pair are introduced. The old man receives them with affection; makes enquiry of their connections, and, recognizing features which were not strangers, requests Maria to relate her story- speaking of her mother, he enquired—whether she ever spoke of Columbia ?--to which the gentle Maria replied nearly as follows :

"It was oft her subject. And she would tell such wonders of Columbia; So boast its joyous skies; where love, where truth, And fair felicity reign'd undisturbed. That, all entranc'd, I heard her; and my soul Dwelt on her story, till it pin'd to see Those heaven distinguish'd regions--this soil That nurtures heroes: Heroes, whose noble minds, By justice rous'd, for liberty have rush'd on Death determin'd—Montgomery, Warren and All the patriot chiefs, who bravely fell in Sacred freedom's cause—Illustrious shades! Long, long enjoy the honors ye receive From this united land—teach it to prize The blessings ye bequeath'd—and give them pure To late posterity."

To which our hero tremourously replied :-- "When late affliction came She call'd forth virtues, that from the sunshine Of success, shrunk their diminish'd powers. Tho' now the olive branch adorns our fields, Yet late our brethren's blood hath tain'd them red; When civil strife, waving its crimson banner, Call'd to arms, and bade the furies, who await Its nod, spread desolation. Yes, our states Have shook with danger—have felt the hostile Feet of Hessian legions; felt the oppressive yoke Of arbitrary rule.—Then, were ye—.. glorious hero. Exalted WASHINGTON—then were ye dauntless seen, Zealous to curb the insolence of power. And claim what nature gave ;-their vaunted Threats produc'd a race of heroes, who, with thee, Dar'd, 'Spite of a royal menace, to throw off Chains, disgraceful to your country, and restore Her, happiness and freedom."

The mention of a name, in further converse, disclosed the joyous secret—when, overwhelmed at joy's transporting shrine- grateful to heaven—he received his long lost daughter—forgave his enemy—and blessed the pair.

MORAL-How great soever your sufferings, mortals--there is yet room for hope.

I am persuaded, Mr. Printer, no one will say, that vice or immorality is here inculcated; but, on the contrary, if such were the theatrical performances in general, even divines would send their children-and, since it is a new production-a production that takes its origin from our own country- I presume to hope, that it will be patronized, and that thus will be rewarded the ingenuity of its author.

IMPARTIALIST.

Friday, April 11, 1788.