Daily National Intelligencer

TO THE EDITORS OF THE INTELLIGENCER.

In looking over the play bill for Thursday, I perceive that a Mr. Thompson, from London, is announced for the representative of Lothair, in the delightful drama of "the Miller and his Men." Imitations of Mr. Kean, the most popular actor of the present day, in three prominent scenes of Richard the Third, are also promised from the same gentleman. Knowing the peculiar circumstances under which this young adventurer has visited us, I think it highly proper the public should be informed of them, as it discloses an act of great liberality on the part of the Washington performers.

Mr. Thompson had recently played in London with such prospects of success as justified him in making the stage his future profession: Conceiving that the theatrical field in America presented fairer prospects of advancement to the youthful candidate than any situation he could obtain in his own country, he embarked for our shores with no other recommendation but his talents, and a good share of enthusiasm, having neglected to provide himself with letters, or to make any enquiries that might facilitate his interest with the various managers.

In this unfortunate dilemma, hearing of this commonwealth, Mr. Thompson repaired to this place; where he has been kindly offered the opportunity of making a first exhibition of his professional powers, before an audience in the new world. This privilege, I have every reason to believe, has been allowed to Mr. Thompson, for the sole purpose of assisting him in procuring a permanent situation in some one of our theatres, should his talents, on trial, prove sufficiently promising to recommend him, and not with any view of speculation in the minds of our regular dramatis personae.

From a friend who has seen some specimens of Mr. Thompson's acting, the writer is assured that he possesses some strong stage requisites; and although my informant has never seen Mr. Kean, he states, that there was something in the young candidate's imitations of that great performer, which differed astonishingly from any style of acting he had before beheld; and so far as he could judge from descriptions he had read and heard, imagines there must have been a similarity.

Before I close this article it may not be improper to observe, that Mr. Thompson is but a youth of eighteen, which consideration alone should restrain the severity of criticism, independent of the natural timidity produced by a first appearance before a new people.

A FRIEND OF THE STAGE.