FANNY ELLSLER IN BOSTON.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 42, 23 December 1842, Page 2

FANNY ELLSLER IN BOSTON.

The following beautiful account of a Fanny Ellsler incident in Boston, beats anything ever conceived by the novelist; — I hasten to forward you some theatrical news that will be interesting. The town here this morning is in great commotion. Mademoiselle Ellsler, in return for civilities she had received a few days since on board the Columbus, invited the officers and crew to the theatre last night—she put the whole pit at their disposition; they all came neatly dressed in their blue shirts and round jackets, and their joyous faces made a sight worth seeing; as they came marching through the streets, under their officers, in uniform, in double file, their band playing the “ Cracovienne,” the whole town turned out to look at them. Gods ! what an uproar ! It was the queerest and most interesting sight the eye ever lit upon; there they sat, near two hundred of staunch, robust, noblelooking fellows, dressed in perfect uniformity, and manning the benches of the Tremont pit with an easy nonchalence , both sailor-like and

becoming. Once seated, their band played the “ Starspangled Banner,” and then, in compliment to Ellsler, some German waltzes. When the curtain rose upou.tfanny, in “ La Sylphide,” they gazed at her for a second, then rose to a man, and gave her three glorious cheers. She was greatly affected, and did not recover her steadiness for several minutes. Her light, airy appearance, her wings', and her mysterious comings and disappearances up the chimney, through the chair and. wall, all struck them strangely. When they were, several times, laughing heartily at Parsloe’s antics, La Sylphide appeared, and they were, silent instantly, straightened themselves up, and gazed at the “ bird” as they called her. The second act of La Bayadere confounded them, —they recognized Elssler under her diamonds the moment she came in, and the trial dance excited them greatly. They, took it all for. reality, and were laughing at the girl’s (Desjardin) coming up ,so often to try it, — “ there’s no use on’t-^-liowsome ver, she deserved credit for. her perseverance.” Ellsler’s pantomime scene, a hornpipe, seemed to affect them a great deal, and the “ JBay of Biscay” was added to the entertainment for their especial satisfaction, and the Bolero followed. At the close, they sent up a hoarse cry for “ Ellsler ! Ellsler !” In a few minutes, she came, —the sailors took off their hats, and one of the number stood up,—the poor fellow was greatly moved, or frightened,—it was difficult to hear him.

“ Madamoiselle Ellsler,” he said, “ I rise in behalf of my shipmates, the crew of? the Columbus,, to give you our most hearty and sincere thanks, for this noble act of generosity. In, our midwatches at sea, this night will often recur to us as one of the happiest of our lives. We, one and all, join in wishing you prosperity and hap r piness. Long may you live to enjoy life, and delight the heart of a sailor.” Tumultuous, applause followed. When silence was restored, Ellsler advanced, and in a manner and tone full of sweet benignity, she spoke—- “ I thank you warmly for your good wishes —I know your lives are rough, and your work is hard, and if I have given you a cheerful hour, it is a happy thought for me.” (The sailors broke out spontaneously into cheers.) “ I will long remember the Columbus and her gallant sons” (cheer). “ And (her finger raised with one of her archest looks) don’t you forget me.” Peal upon peal followed, till she was lost to their sight, when the boatswain’s whistle gave the signal for three times three. On leaving the theatre, they marched by Fanny’s windows at the Tremont Hotel, the band playing, “ Cracovienne,” and cheering *as they :, passed. Altogether, it was one of the most novel, remarkable, and delightful events that our theatrical annals will record. The talk of the town to-day, is the noble appearance of the men, the marvellous propriety of their demeanour—no irregularity or excess, not one coarse word or cry. Never did officer display better discipline than Lieutenant Goldsborough last night, in the perfect control of his men ; his manner was even affectionate towards them, and they obeyed him with wonderful alacrity. The band of the ship played frequently during the evening, and greatly enlivened the house. The audience was announced to comprise the whole force of respectability and fashion of Boston. The remark current to-day is, that sixty camel-hair shawls were counted last night. Everybody is talking loudly of Ellsler’s kind-hearted act; and yet few know the extent of her liberality; for though her “ sailor’s heart” would not cost her more than 200 dollars, yet she told the managers “ not to calculate the loss, but keep the salary of 500 dollars,” which made them as contended as the sailors feel. There were fifty boys in pretty uniform, ac- , companied the sailors, who behaved like men; and not the least remarkable thing is, that, to the surprise of Goldsborough himself, not a man run off in returning to the ship—every one came to call. Fanny’s delivery of her. little speech is immensely talked about; the emotion of the sailors at her speaking to them was. very great; a great many were passing their sleeves over their eyes. Indeed, Fanny carries all before her in Boston, but her bustle, and that she carries behind.