THE FIRST DARTMOUTH DRAMATIC PRODUCTION
The article by Mr. John A. Bellows '70 in a recent number of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE on "Early Drama in Hanover" has aroused much interest and some investigation into other early dramatic efforts. What is probably the earliest extant material has just been sent to the editor by Mr. Matt B. Jones 94. It consists of two separate playlets-one entitled. "A "Dialogue Between an Englishman and an Indian ', date March 4, 1779 , the other, "A Little Teatable Chitchat, alamode:—or an ancient discovery reduced to modern practice :—Being a Dialogue and a Dish of Tea. Parturiuntmontes, nancetur ridiculus mus", dated June, 1781.
Mr. Jones has also sent a copy of a letter referring to the dialogues from John Smith, professor of Greek, Latin, Hebrew and Oriental languages, as well as Librarian and Trustee, to Doctor John Phillips of Exeter. Professor Smith writes:
Dartmouth College,
24 March, 1782.
Honored Sir,
Permit me to present you with two dialogues; the Englishman and Indian,— and The Teatable Chitchat.
As you have been pleased, heretofore, to grant me your attention to productions of this kind, I rely on your candor, even without an apology.
The first mentioned dialogue was acted pretty naturally, as a real Aboriginal defended the part of the Indian. The other incurred no censure; and passed for a humor.
I suppose Honored Sir, you have been minutely informed of the happy religious attention, that has obtained, and yet continues, amongst us. The work appears to be very genuine. Mr. Ticknor, who . will have the honor to deliver this letter, will be able to give you a particular, and, I believe, a very pleasing account of this important affair. He is a Junior Sophister, a young gentleman of modesty, and, indeed, a worthy member of this Seminary.
Mrs. Smith joins in presenting the greatest respect to you and Madam Phillips, with,
Honored Sir,
your very obedient and obliged humble Servant,
John Smith
Honorable Doctor Phillips
The Mr. Ticknor referred to would seem to be Elisha Ticknor of the class of 1873. father of George Ticknor 1807.
The earlier of the two dialogues is here printed as an illustration of the earliest efforts of the Dartmouth Dramatic Association.
