Circus Historical Society
Excerpts From the New York Clipper - 1860s
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The New York Clipper was a weekly trade newspaper for the entertainment industry from 1853 to the 1920s, when it became Variety. Microfilms of the Clipper are available from various libraries and other sources. The Clipper contained regular news about circuses. These excerpts are not only interesting for the information on circuses, acts, personnel and circus life; but also some mentions regarding the effect of the Civil War. Included here are a limited number of dates and amount of information on circuses published in the Clipper. Note: the Clipper had typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Transcribed by Judith L. Griffin. For an excellent account of circuses from 1860 to 1865, read Clowns and Cannons by William L. Slout.
Note: the microfilm of the Clipper is sometimes difficult to read. Information with a word or words underlined indicate that the transcription may not be correct. Unreadable words are indicated by ___. There will be typographical errors.
New York Clipper, January 7, 1860, pp. 302-303. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, January 14, 1860, pp. 310. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, January 14, 1860, pp. 311. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, January 28, 1860, pp. 326, 327. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 4, 1860, pp. 334, 335. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 11, 1860, pp. 342, 343. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 18, 1860, pp. 350, 351. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, no date, n.p.n. [probably April 21, 1860] All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, April 28, 1860, pp. 14, 15. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, May 12, 1860, pp. 30, 31. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, May 26, 1860, p. 46. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 2, 1860, pp. 54, 55. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 9, 1860, pp. 62, 63. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 16, 1860, p. 71. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 23, 1860, pp. 78, 79. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 30, 1860, p. 86. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, July 7, 1860, p. 94. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, July 14, 1860, p. 102. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, July 21, 1860, pp. 110, 111. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, August 4, 1860, pp. 126, 127. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, August 11, 1860, pp. 134, 135. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, August 18, 1860, pp. 142, 143, 144. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, August 25, 1860, pp. 150, 151. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 1, 1860, pp. 158, 159. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 8, 1860, pp. 166, 167. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 15, 1860, pp. 175, 176. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 22, 1860, p. 183. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 29, 1860, p. 191. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 13, 1860, p. 206. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 21, 1860, pp. 214, 215. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 27, 1860, pp. 222, 223. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 3, 1860, pp. 230, 231. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 10, 1860, pp. 238, 239. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 17, 1860, p. 247. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 29, 1860, p. 255. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, December 1, 1860, p. 262. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, December 8, 1860, p. 271. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, December 15, 1860, pp. 278, 279. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, December 22, 1860, pp. 286, 287. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, December 29, 1860, p. 294. All information should be checked with additional sources.
Note: the microfilm of the Clipper is sometimes difficult to read. Information with a word or words underlined indicate that the transcription may not be correct. Unreadable words are indicated by ___. There will be typographical errors.
New York Clipper, January 5, 1861, p. 303. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, January 12, 1861, p. 311. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, January 19, 1861, p. 318. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 9, 1861, p. 342. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 16, 1861, pp. 350, 351. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 23, 1861, p. 359. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, March 9, 1861, p. 375. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, March 16, 1861, pp. 379, 382. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, March 23, 1861, pp. 390, 391. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, March 30, 1861, pp. 398, 399. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, April 6, 1861, pp. 406, 407. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, April 13, 1861, n.p.n. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, April 20, 1861, pp. 3, 7. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, April 27, 1861, pp. 14, 15. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, May 4, 1861, pp. 22, 23. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, May 11, 1861, p. 31. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, May 18, 1861, pp. 38, 39. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, May 25, 1861, p. 46. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 1, 1861, p. 55. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 8, 1861, pp. 62, 63. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 15, 1861, pp. 70, 71. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 22, 1861, p. 79. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 29, 1861, p. 87. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, July 6, 1861, p. 95. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, July 13, 1861, pp. 102, 103. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, July 20, 1861, pp. 110, 111. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, July 27, 1861, p. 118. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, August 3, 1861, pp. 126, 127. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, August 10, 1861, pp. 134, 135. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, August 17, 1861, pp. 142, 143. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, August 24, 1861, pp. 150, 151. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, August 31, 1861, pp. 158, 159. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 7, 1861, pp. 166, 167. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 14, 1861, pp. 174, 175. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 21, 1861, pp. 182, 183. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 28, 1861, pp. 190, 191. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 5, 1861, p. 198. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 12, 1861, p. 206. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 19, 1861, p. 214. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 26, 1861, p. 222. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 9, 1861, p. 238. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 16, 1861, p. 246. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 23, 1861, pp. 254, 255. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 30, 1861, pp. 262, 263. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, December 7, 1861, pp. 270, 271. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, December 21, 1861, p. 286. All information should be checked with additional sources.
1861 items, from "Review of Circus News from the Clipper, beginning February, 1861." (not complete) Items reprinted in the New York Clipper, July 8, 1911, p. 6; July 15, 1911, p. 9. These are only dated 1861, and some may also be found above:
The following is an extract from the report of a debate that took place in February, 1861, relative to the taxing of shows in South Carolina. It will be found to be of an extraordinary characte, and to exemplify in a striking degree a combination of gross ignorance and injustice on the part of certain "Solona" in authority. But before we give the extract in question, and that we may the more strongling indicate the lack of fair play of which the showman has been the victim, and is still likely to be, we may perhaps be allowed to refer to the inequality of a vexatious burden on the providers of a truly popular amusement. Letting the disparity so manifest between a theatre tax of $1 and a show tax of $20 per night (the latter, be it remembered, only a modification of the usual $100 tax) rest for while, we cannot help remarking on the crushing weight of the demand upon the proprietors of our shows. In the year of 1860, P. Antonio (of the Brothers Antonio) paid $38 for a llday license in the rural districts of a county, and $50 for the same in a city. This was in Kentucky, and in neighborhoods containing only sparse populations. So much for the enormity of the tax. Now, mark its inequality as shown in the case of St. Louis, Mo., where a show license for one month can be had for $25 - an average certainly more near reason than even what is called the "liberal sentiment" in South Carolina seems willing to extend to our show proprietors there.
W. C. Coup and George S. Cole arrived in Philadelphia early in February, 1861, on their return from Port au Prince, Hayti, where they had been with an exhibition of "wax figures." They showed two weeks, with middling success, and then sold out to a resident of the place. President Geffrard paid them $200 to exhibit the last day free, for the benefit of those unable to pay. Messrs. Cole and Coup were to leave Philadelphia for Delavan, Wis., there to await the opening of the Spring business.
G. F. Bailey & Co.'s French and American Circus started on their travels from Danbury, Conn., about the middle of April. The company comprised: E. W. Perry, __ and four horse rider; John Foster, American clown; W. H. Cavanaugh, Shakespearean jester; Jas. Dermott, Conrad Brothers, Jenny Perry, Mad. Perry, the Tournaire Family, and S. C. Woolston, ring master.
The Antonio Bros.' "Great World Circus and Gymnasium" exhibited at Indianapolis May 15 and 16.
Robinson & Lake's Circus and Menagerie, after a brief peregrination in Kentucky, struck the margin of the "beautiful river," and exhibited at Newport May 11; horses, ponies, animals, biped and quadruped, made the 11th a merry day in Newport.
Dan Rice, with his "Big Show," appeared and performed at Cincinnati May 13. The city lot was devoted to Dan's special "use and behoff" on the occasion.
North's Circus Company spread their canvas at Prescott, C. W., on the 3d, where, notwithstanding the cold weather, they did a fair business. A. Pierce, H. Johnson, Matt Thompson, H. Coyle and A. Levi composed the band of the company, and served up the melodies in an acceptable manner.
Howes & Cushing's Circus, with the British lion of the P. R., were at Hartlepool, Eng., April 29.
Many reports are in circulation concerning Dan Ricer, some asserting that he talks "sesesh" in the South and Union in the North. The latest report comes from Cincinnati, as follows: "Dan Rice's circus flotilla was menaced by the mob last midnight. They demanded that Rice should hoist the Union flag instead of his own. He replied coercion, brought a howitzer charged with slugs to bear upon the mob, and defied them; put on steam, and stood for the Kentucky shore, where he is now safely moored." This report may be correct, or it may not. If true, then Dan Rice's occupation as a showman is gone in the Northern and Western sections of the country.
Lent's National Circus was at New Haven, May 14; Waterbury 15, Briston 16, New Britain 17, and Hartford 18. On the 20th the show was at Middletown, Colchester 21, New London 22, and Norwich 23, all in Connecticut. Business is said to have been fair. Joe Pentland, the clown, met with favor.
Madigan's Great Show seems to be one of the very few companies out this season that have met with anything like a paying business. On May 23, 24 and 25 they performed on City Hall lot, Brooklyn, and during their stay there were crowded every night, the afternoon attendance being small. Spalding & Rogers' Circus showed there a short time previously, but did a wretched business. Since the company left Philadelphia, man very valuable additions to the concern have been made, and at present it is one of the largest now traveling. The bright particular statr seems to be Mons. Sebastian, one of the best double act bareback riders in the country. Mons. Sebastain performs the very difficult feat of leaping through a balloon (apparently almost too small to crawl through) while the horse is at full speed, and without pad or bridle. He is one of the most graceful riders with have had in this country for some time. Master James Madigan's feat of throwing a double somersault while in the air, is a very difficult feat. Mr. Wolfsohn's light and heavy balancing is one of the great features of this show. He balances on his chin a large sized plow, with eight chairs and a ladder piled on it. The leaping and tumbling by Messrs. James Madigan, ___, Armstrong, Devere, De Winnie and Delavante, was most extraordinary, and we doubt very much if Tom King would not find himself pushed very hard, were he and James Madigan to compete for the championship. Jule Kent, a pupil of Dan Rice, pleased as jester. He is also a very clever singer. We have reserved for the last the most attractive part of the performance, the four wonderful performing elephants - Antony, Cleopatra, Victoria and Albert. Among the most difficult and at the same time most surprising of their performances, is that of mounting a pedestal and standing on the head; also playing the hand-organ, and a great many more wonderful feats, too numerous to mention. We understand that his is the only company out this season that has, so far, remained out and not reduced salaries one-third or one-hlad. This speaks well for the management, and as everyone knowns Hank Madigan as an old performer and a very deserving man, we trust that he will meet with a prosperous season. They opened at Albany the 27th.
Charley Whitney, of Spalding & Rogers' Circus, was married May 25 to a young lady of Albany.
Wambold & Co.'s Menagerie and Whitby's N. Y. National Circus, traveling as a combination concern, made a stand on the Public's Garden, Boston, June 3-5.
Since the R. Sands' Circus left Chicago, May 6, they have traveled alternately in Illinois and Wisconsin. They showed at Beloit, Wis. and Rockford, Ill., week of May 20. The company remains the same, with the exception of Julia Price, who is with Bunnell, the side show proprietor. The band attached to the circus has as its leader, Billy Post. He has with him John Freeman, better known as "Old Ironsides," formerly leader of the Pennsylvania Band, Phila.; Bill De Hart, "the Count," is also in the band. June 3 the circus was in Galena, Ill., and in Dubuque, Ia., 4. On May 26, at Monroe, Wis., two of the volunteers stationed there met with untimely deaths; one was struck by lightning and the other drowned.
Mabie's Menagerie and Nathan's Circus opened at Chicago June 9, where for three days they did good business. J. J. Nathans is manager; W. Waterman, equestrian director, and G. S. Cole, treasurer. In the company are: Philo Nathans, J. and F. Tournaire, S. Schappe, J. H. Whitney, George Sloman, Bob Smith, T. Armstrong, S. Craven, George Woodruff, Sidney Webb and Harry Buckley.
Levi J. North & Co. were at Toronto on the queen's birthday. They report the season - owing to wet weather and troublous nature of the time - as having been very dull there. The Union feeling in Canada is intense, and Kennedy's (one of the attaches of the show) Union songs take better than any other he sings.
Dr. Bassett's United States Circus is now on tour through California. They performed at Benicia May 20, Sonora 21, Petaluma 22, Santa Rosa 23, Healdsburg 24, St. Helena 25, Napa 27, Vacaville 29. Connected with the troupe are some of the best gymnastic and acrobatic performers that ever visited California. Mrs. W. B. Aymar makes a grand ascension upon a single wire at an elevation of sixty feet every evening.
John Robinson's Circus played Goshen, Ind., in June.
N. White's "Great Union Show" was at Hornellsville, N.Y., June 15. Yankee Miller was the clown.
The R. Sands' Circus is still in Iowa, but business has compelled the manager to reduce salaries, to which the company has acceded, knowning, as they do, how hard it is to buck against the times. The following letter, dated Washington, Ia., is from Garry De Mott, clown: "I see from your paper, which finds its way out on these Western prairies, that you have not been posted as regardes the whereabouts of the R. Sands' Circus. Our business has been very bad since we started from Chicago, caused by the excitement which prevails throughout the country, public attention being called to a different sort of amusement, that of drilling and preparing for war. In fact, the times are so hard that the management of this time-honored concern has had to deduct a third off of each man's salary. We all stood it with a good grace, and every man has his shoulder to the wheel to keep it moving. Our company consists of Madame Virginia Sherwood, Miss Ida; Ben Huntington, master of the circle; Old Bobby Williams, the veteran of the sawdust and tanbark; W. H. Ashton, H. Berdeau, Nat Rogers, Mons. Deverna, contortionist, late of Niblo's; Mr. Martenl, slack wire performer; Master Charles Sherwood, also Charles Sherwood, the Pete Jenkins; Charles McLean, and, though last, not least, our gentlemanly manager, J. W. Foshay, whose untiring energy has kept us together. We all look for better times and trust it will not be long before we see them. We will show at McGregor's Landing, July 4, and from thence work our way into the Northern part of Wisconsin."
The hippopotamus is on exhibition in a store in Washington Street, Boston.
Spalding & Rogers' Circus exhibited at Buffalo, July 3 and 4. On the 4th they gave four performances and did well. On the 12th they showed at Cuba, and in Wellsville 13, Andover 16, Almond 17, Hornellsville 18, Nunda 20, Warsaw 22, and Attica 23.
Worrell & Gardner's Circus was at Hobart Town, at last advices from Australia.
G. W. De Haven's Union Circus was at Salem, Wis., July 5; La Crosse 6, Winona, Minn. 8; St. Charles 9, Rochester 10, Wabasha, 11, 12, Lake City 13, Red Wing 15, Hastings 16, Prescott 17, Hudon 18, Stillwater 19, Minneapolis 20, St. Anthony 22, and St. Paul 23. Business through Wisconsin was much better than anticipated, the twenty-five cent rate causing the country people to flock in.
Robinson's Show was in Toronto, July 8.
Van Amburgh's Show was in Toronto 22, for afternoon and evening performances.
On Friday, July 5, Robinson & Lake's Great Circus showed at Pontiac, Mich., to large houses. Their performances were good, but most striking features seemed to be Madame Agnes, on her trained horses, and with her two lions, and the bareback riding of Mr. Robinson.
Madigan's Great Show made a most successful Fourth of July stand at Rochester, N.Y. They gave a morning performance at 10 o'clock, and had a fair house, notwithstanding a long procession was going on. In the afternoon their two centre pole canvas was so full that hundreds were unable to get even standing room, and a large number of extra seats were put down in the curb. So great was the rush for the afternoon show that the performance was hurried up, and the canvas was no sooner cleared than they commenced selling tickets for a second afternoon performance, which commenced at 3 o'clock, and the canvas was again filled to overflowing. An immense multitude of people were attracted to the ground to witness the rope walking of De Lave, but he was so long in getting ready, and the sun was so hot, that the people sought shelter under the canvas. In the evening De Lave walked the rope again, and the show was so crowded after his performance that the side canvas had to be let down. Messrs. Winne and Delavante, on the trapeze, gave general satisfaction. The Motley Brothers, by the Burdeau Brothers, the riding of Jas. Madigan, and the jests and original funny sayings of Willis Armstrong, were well liked. The company showed at Penn Yan 11, Dundee 12, Watkins 13, Dryden 15, Auburn 19, and Syracuse 20. The side show with this company, consisting of a cage of animals, Swiss stone eater and sword swallower, and the Gypsy Queen, under the direction of the expert sleight of hand performer, Spaf Hymon, has bee doing first rate business.
Van Amburgh & Co. showed at Coburg, C. W. July 11, and had a good attendance, notwithstanding bad weather.
Levi J. North's Circus showed at Culborne, C. W., July 17.
Robinson & Lake's Circus spread their canvas at Grand Rapids, Mich., July 19, 20. Their performances gave satisfaction to the people.
Spalding & Rogers' Railroad Circus commenced the month of August at Corning, N.Y., on the 3d; Lawrenceville, Pa., 5; Tioga 6, Mansfield 7, Blossburgh 8, and Elmira, N.Y., 9. Powell has been engaged to take the place of Tony Pastor. Charley Whitney and Sam Wilde conduct the business arrangements of the company, and spread their "wall literature" profusely and discriminately, and as a consequence, their business is not so much subject to the "war fever" as it otherwise would be.
Shappa and Whitney, gymnasts, belonging to Nathan's American Circus, recently fell from the trapeze prepared for them, suffering some injuries thereby. They have, however, recovered. Master Philo Nathan also hurt himself while performing at Toronto, and was left behind for a time. The young man joined the company at Detroit. Shortly after the above accident, another occurred to George Woodruff, at Brampton, a lioness biting him in the thigh.
Robinson & Lake's Circus was at Marshall, Mich., Aug. 10. Little Alice Lake is well spoken of and is one of the features.
Dan Rice's Show was in Winona, Minn., July 30.
Madigan's Great Show is still peregrinating through New York State. On Aug. 2 they showed at Saratoga Springs, and notwithstanding Bailey's Company, billed very strongly against them, the Great Show did well and gave general satisfaction to all. Mr. Gibbons, the contortionist, has been added to the company. On Aug. 3 they showed at Galesville, Salem 5, Cambridge 6, and Hoosick Four Corners 7. The four performing elephants, under the management of George Hall, astonish everyone by their wondrful performances.
R. Sands' Circus showed at La Crosse, Wis., Aug. 12. De Haven's Circus Band passed there on the steamer War Eagle July 29. The troupe passed 27. Financial embarrassments, it is said, have dissolved the concern. Dan Rice showed at La Crosse Aug. 19.
Ciniselli's Circus is the great rival of Price's Circus in Portugal. Both were performing in Lisbon. Ciniselli's party have not so splendid a building as Price's, but it is handsomely situated in the Plaza de Torrois, well covered, and thoroughly illuminated within and without. Two of the horses, Monte Cristo and Victoria, are admitted to be the finest animals of the kind in Europe. Among the company are Mr. and Mrs. Cooke (from Astley's), Charley Keith (a rival of Billy Pastor as grotesque tumbler), Fillis, clown; Marlonis, gymnast; Buislay, pantomimist, and Amaroso, a frog and monkey imitator hard to equal. Every department is well represented. There is also a very smart mulatto, named Miller, who wins great applause as a bareback rider. The stage and circus appointments are unsurpassable.
[Note: some or all of below may be 1862]
George S. Cole left Montreal April 28, 1862, to join the roster of Mabie's party at Delavan, Wis., being engaged with them for the Summer.
John Nathans is engaged for L. B. Lent's Circus, which will soon start out.
R. Sands is mustering his forces at Chicago, and will make a dashing start soon.
Mabie's elephants will be under Craven, their usual performer, for the ensuing season. George Woodrull, who was so much injured by the lioness last year, is already at the rendezvous, Delavan, Wis., but is obliged to walk on crutches.
D. J. Fillmore, the show bill painter, is in Buffalo.
Herr Driesbach intends to be before the public once more about May __.
Joe Pentland, the clown, has arrived in San Francisco, where he is engaged to perform with Wilson's Troupe. His wagons, etc., which reached there March 30, on the ship Radiant, 110 days distant from New York, wre being taken from the ship when the last steamer sailed. Wilson's concern was expected to commence operations in a few days. Wm. Prindham, advance agent, being in Stockton, making arrangements for the advent of the great show.
Bobby Williams, the equestrian clown, has been engaged by Goodwin & Wilder, who commence the circus season at Roxbury, Mass., April 28.
John C. Rivers, the "Great Union Clown," has been engaged to join Goodwin & Wilder's Circus for the approaching season.
Note: the microfilm of the Clipper is sometimes difficult to read. Information with a word or words underlined indicate that the transcription may not be correct. Unreadable words are indicated by ___. There will be typographical errors.
New York Clipper, January 4, 1862, pp. 299, 302. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, January 11, 1862, p. 310. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, January 18, 1862, p. 319. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, January 25, 1862, p. 326. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 1, 1862, pp. 331, 334. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 8, 1862, pp. 342, 343. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 15, 1862, pp. 350, 351. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, February 22, 1862, p. 358. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, March 8, 1862, n.p.n. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, March 15, 1862, n.p.n., pp. 382, 383 All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, March 22, 1862, p. 387. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, March 22, 1862, p. 390. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, April 5, 1862, pp. 406, n.p.n.. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, May 3, 1862, p. 23. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, May 24, 1862, p. 47. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, May 31, 1862, p. 51. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 7, 1862, p. 62. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 14, 1862, p. 70. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, June 21, 1862, p. 79. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, July 12, 1862, p. 103. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, September 6, 1862, n.p.n. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 11, 1862, n.p.n. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 18, 1862, p. 211. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, October 25, 1862, p. 223. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 1, 1862, 227, 230, 231. All information should be checked with additional sources.
New York Clipper, November 8, 1862, pp. 235, 239. All information should be checked with additional sources.
1862 items, from "Review of Circus News from the Clipper, beginning February, 1861." (not complete) Items reprinted in the New York Clipper, July 22, 1911, p. 9; July 29, 1911, p. 9. These are only dated 1862, and some may also be found above:
Robinson & Lake's Circus started out from Cincinnati, April 28, 1862, and have visited Reading, Hamilton, Lebanon, Dayton, Xenia, Springfield, Delaware, and open at Columbus, O.,May 5, next proceeding to Zanesville. They have Messrs. Robinson, Lake, Gibbs, W. Aymer, Rhinehart, Blood, Little Willy Lake, Little Charlie Seamon, etc., with Madams A. Lake, A. S. Seamon, Little Alice Lake, Little Emma Lake, etc. W. Aymar and P. H. Seamon are the clowns.
Goodwin & Wilder's North American Circus postponed their intended grand entry into Roxbury, Mass., April 28, on account of the death of Reuben Winslow, a prominent citizen of Roxbury.
Gardner & Hemming's Great American Circus has now got fairly under a good headway. They started April 28, at Frankford, Pa.; Germantown 29, Chester 30, and Wilmington, Del., May 1 and 2.
The Joe Pentland Great New York Circus, which was to open in San Francisco about May 1, consists of Joe Pentland, Sebastian and wife, the Orrin Family, J. S. K. Nellis, Geo. Peoples, W. Franklin, D. Long and wife, and others.
The night after the exhibition of Van Amburgh's Menagerie in Plainfield, N.J., the elephant, Tippo Saib, broke loose from his fastenings, pulled down a panel or two of fence in front of a private dwelling, and regaled himself on the verdure of the lawn.
Goodwin & Wilder's Circus and Mrs. Dan Rice's Great Show exhibited at the following places in Massachusetts: Abinton May 19, Weymouth 20, Canton 21, Roxbury 22, South Boston 23, and Charlestown 24.
Charles Reed, of Madigan's Show, was instantly killed May 17, 1862, by falling upon his head from the top of the centre pole, while assisting to put up the tent at Greenpoint, L.I.
Gardner & Hemming's Great American Circus is on the move Northwards again, as the weather gave them rather too warm a reception while heading for the warlike districts. A few changes or additions have taken place among the company, the principal of which is Mr. Hill, formerly with Spalding and Rogers, who is now ring master. Master Edward and Miss Eliza Gardner are agreeable exponents of young America. Dan Gardner and R. Hemmings are known to all.
Joe Pentland's Great World Circus opened in San Francisco, April 27, and it was a perfect ovation. Long before the time to commence, the spacious pavilion was crowded to its utmost capacity - it is what is called a 110 ft. round top. Of the company it is hardly necessary to speak, as they are all well known. Young Sebastian has won all by his graceful and daring feats of horsemanship; the Orrins are as popular as ever, and Joe maintains his reputation as an excellent clown.
Van Amburgh & Co.'s Show closed its exhibitions in Philadelphia, May 24.
Goodwin & Wilder's North American Circus, in conjunction with Mrs. Dan Rice's Great Show, finished last week in doing Boston and its Western suburbs.
We are given to understand that some of our traveling circus companies have been quite successful so far this season. Thayer, Noyes & Co.'s Great United States Circus is among the fortunate ones. Among the company is Eaton Stone, the great rider, who has achieved a high reputation in Europe as well as in America. Eaton performs his great Indian act, while Jimmy Robinson appears in those special acts which have given him such a name in the business.
Antonio Bros.' Great World's Circus played in Madison, Ind., May 30.
The R. Sands Circus performed in Ann Arbor, Mich., May 23, and Detroit 28 and 29.
Robinson & Lake's Circus billed for Detroit June 6, 7. Dan Rice's concern will follow 9 and 10.
De Haven's Union Circus pitched tent for one day only at Madison, Wis., May 30. Ten per cent of the receipts were given to the Soldiers' Aid Society.
E. D. Bassett, a brother of Dr. Bassett, arrived in New York, May 31, from Peru. He stated that Doctor Basset's Circus was doing a fair business in the Northern part of Peru.
Antonio Bros.' Great World Circus performed at Madison, Ind., May 30, to good houses. Silas Baldwin, and the "Hindoo Juggler," is clever.
Yankee Robinson is on the move again. He has got together a show which he calls the "Great Histronis," and which is made up of various attractions. The company give representations of the lives and times of our ancestors, and of events happening at the present day. The concern numbers one hundred women, men and horses. The following is a list of the company: Messrs. Yankee Robinson, H. Clayton, J. G. Lester, T. J. Oldfield, G. Mathews, Johnson, Lyons, Wilcox, Thompson, Williams, Pemberton, Burnham, Marble, Perkins, Brooks, Fisher, Franklin, Potter, Roome, Rice, Robie, Martin, and Misses Anna Reignolds, Boyd, Burnham, Juliette Murray, Sarah Brooks, Cole, Franklin, Datey Burnett, and others. A new style of pavilion has been gotten up by Mr. Robinson, in which the show is given. A band of mistrels, accompanies this concern, and give extra entertainments in the tent. The new company started out at Hornellsville, N.Y., May 24, making a tour of New York, Canada and the New England States.
Mabie's Great Show opened in Cincinnati June _, and continued for four days.
Robinson's Great Show exhibited in Toronto, May 24 and 25, and did a very fine business.
Goodwin & Wilder's Circus and Mrs. Dan Rice's Show exhibited at Nashua, N.H., June _. Two side shows accompany this concern. Judge Ingals, with snakes and other curiosities, and the Whitney Bros.' Minstrels. They showed at Concord June 7.
Joe Pentland's Great World's Circus was to have closed in San Francisco, May 19, and starte on its mountain tour immediately.
Robinson & Lake's Circus and Menagerie seems to be making out very well. The company is composed of Wm. Lake, Agnes Lake, Little Alice Lake, Emma Lake, P. H. Seamon and lady, A. F. Aymar, Francis Starkarini, John Robinson Jr., Master Leon Armand, Master Hernandes Seamon, Henry Blood, C. McCay Gibbs, and the Rolland Bros. At Detroit, June 7, they were visited by Major General Russell and suite of Canada West. From Detroit they proceeded through Canada.
Madigan & Carroll's Union Circus Co. were at Albany, N.Y., June 12 and 13.
L. B. Lent's Hippozoonomadon opened at Little Falls, June 18, and played Utica 19.
Recent events in New Orleans have brought forward the fact that Boyd Robinson, the former chief of police there, was considered the best man that ever held the office. He is also the chief of the "Circus Robinson" family, and is now farming for his brother John, near Cincinnati.
Detroit had a couple of "loud" calls lately, Robinson & Lake's Circus was there June 6 and 7, and Dan Rice's Big Show 9, 10 and 11.
Stoke's National Circus filled up a high old time in Brooklyn, week of June 30-July 5.
The Antonio Bros. are out on the spread with their Grand Pavilion Brass Band and all the "etceteras." They were at Evansville, Ind., week ending June 28, and are on a general tour, intending to wind up at St. Louis., July 30.
Goodwin & Wilder's North American Circus was at Fredrickton, N. B., Aug. 25, 26; at Tilley's Half-way House 27, and Woodstock 28. Mrs. Dan Rice's Great Show continues with the great concern in combination.
Yankee Robinson's party were at Hudson, N.Y., Aug. 30.
Thayer, Noyes & Co.'s Great United Staes Circus opened at the Red Lion lot, Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 3.
The Antonio Bros. were in Chicago week of Sept. 29.
De Haven's Circus was a Dubuque, Ia., Oct. 3-4.
Mabie's Great Show has visited the principal towns in Wisconsin, and is now in Iowa. They were to cross the Mississippi Oct. 4.
Dan Rice's Great Show was at Lockport, N.Y., Oct. 4.
Goodwin & Wilder's Circus and Mrs. Dan Rice's Great Show are on the move for home down the Connecticut Valley. They were at Littleton, N.H., Oct. 7, Haverhill 8, Lebanon 9, and Claremont 10. In Lebanon, a town of 2,550 inhabitants, the license is $50; and the official deadheads added, of course.
R. Sands' American Circus, on their homeward journey, stop in New Haven, Oct. 13.
Nixon's Circus, in Washington, has Dr. Thayer and his comic mules, the Conrad Bros., Barney Carroll and daughter, Harry Whitby and family, Charley Madigan, William Naylor, Thomas Armstrong, Col. Small, Com. Foote, etc. Of course Col. T. Allston Brown is also along.
Van Amburgh's Menagerie Company is sweeping Ohio in fine style. A deranged man at Caldwell, having unfortunately provoked the war elephant, Hannibal, so that the enraged animal killed him. Mr. Van Amburgh has had old Hannibal's tusks sawed off. At present the concern is not likely to go into winter quarters. They will play Medina,Oct. 20, Wadsworth 21, Lodi 22, Ashland 23, Shelby 24, and Grafton 25, if possible.
Goodwin & Wilder's Circus was in Boston week of Nov. 20, where they tie up for the winter.
Dr. Jas. L. Thayer had a benefit at Nixon's Cremorne Circus, Washington, Nov. 14 and realized $584.
Charley Campbell is engaged for Spaulding & Rogers' Ocean Circus, and is to jin the company Dec. 1.
Col. T. Allston Brown soon leaves the Cuba ballet troupe and J. M. Nixon's Circus, to take a trip through California, Australia, etc., with Com. Foote and Col. Small.
1860
Melodeon [New York] Frank Rivers, proprietor. . . . Conrad Brothers, late from Spaulding & Rogers' Amphitheatre, New Orleans. This troup consists of four brothers of European celebrity. . . . Their graceful and classic grouping, attitudes and evolutions are exhibited almost without an efford, and their whole performance has been characterized as the ___ of gymnastic excellence. The celebrated Masters Hernandez, Ducrow, Forrest, and Adolph Gonzales, late of Col. L. B. Lent's National Circus. . . .
The Cooke equestrian troupe (part of which is engaged for Niblo's) presents the singularity of a family devoted to one pursuit through many generations. It is almost a century since the professional founder of the name flourished. Since then, he and his descendants have been identified with "scenes in the circle" in several European countries.
At Dan Rice's Great Show, Philadelphia, performances have been given every afternoon and evening since our last. . . . On the 2d Herr Cline made his debut . . . Miss Sallie Stickney, the celebrated equestrian also appeared. Extensive alterations are being made preparatory to bringing out in rapid succession all the old favorite horse pieces, for which a dramatic company is being engaged. . . .
Donetti's Dog and Monkey Show is in Charleston, S.C. . . .
Rivers & Derious' Circus was sold out at auction, at New Orleans, recently, and the company broke up.
The veteran circus man, "Yankee Robinson," called at our office one day last week, and gave us a long account of all his recent travels. Independent of the loss of his wife, our old friend has met with troubles in galore - many of them professional; among which were his sudden departure form the South and the breaking up of his entire troupe. With true Yankee courage, however, he is determined to go ahead once more.
John Wilson's troupe of trained elephants were a Vislia, Tulare Co., whence they had arranged to sail for Mexico and South America, about the 1st of January, 1860.
Yankee Robinson's Circus closed up at Charleston, S.C., week before last.
Orton & Older's Circus was at Galveston, Texas, on the 17th.
Jas. M. Nixon's European importations for his circus at Niblo's Garden will make their bow to a New York assemblage . . . The principal members of the troupe are of the Cook family . . .
Jim Myer's American Circus is making a tour of the English inland counties.
Antonio & Wilder's Circus company concluded their performances at Wood's Theatre, St. Louis, on the 2d inst. Though an excellent troupe, no great success had attended them in St. Louis.
Herr Andre Cline made his first appearance at the "Great Show," Philadelphia, on the 2d, and astonished all by his graceful manner in walking the elastic cord. He also, to the astonishment of the spectators, danced a jig on the rope. . . . Herr Cline made his first appearance in this country . . . at the Old Bowery, and is now about sixty years of age. . . .
Rivers & Derious' Circus company, which recently left New Orleans for Philadelphia, are reported to have been wrecked off Cardenas.
. . . the latest news concerning theatricals, circuses and show people in Havana. Havana, Dec. 29, 1859. Dear Frank: Chiarini's Circus . . . are now performing under canvas on the "Puerta de Tierra." It is a finely fitted up establishment, something after the style of the one we had with James M. Nixon at "Palace Garden," New York, twelve months ago. . . . Madame Tournaire and her beautiful menage horse . . . Mlle. Josephine Tournaire has also astonished the Cuban public with her daring bare back act. . . . Madame Tournaire's mare, that got hurt on the passage out, is dead. Chiarini is a great and deserving favorite here. He retires from circus business after this season, and commences a riding school here in Havana. . . . Connor and Lopes' Circus is still traveling in the country . . . We have just received a telegraphic despatch stating that the vessel that started with part of the stock and company of Rivers and Derious' Circus, from New Orleans for Philadelphia, after being out five days, got wrecked off Cardenas. . . . Tom Lenton
[Advertisement] Niblo's Garden, Cooke's Royal Amphitheatre. The equestrian troupe of Mr. William Cooke, late of Astley's London Amphitheatre . . .
We visited Niblo's . . . the great equestrienne M'lle Zoyara, who intrepidly attempts apparent impossibilities in which she is not entirely successful. . . . the great feature of the week's performances, viz., the truly wonderful and perilous feats of agility and strength exhibited by Thomas Hanlon on the aerial apparatus attached to the proscenium of the theatre. . . . the Japanese games, by a troupe of acrobats . . . Master Barclay's spirited exhibition of the dangers of English hurdle racing. . . . Mr. Ward goes through some creditable exercises on the slack rope, concluding with throwing himself from the rope with one round his neck . . . Joe Pentland is the clown of the troupe . . .
Hyatt Frost, former manager for Isaac A. Van Amburgh, the "Napoleon of Animal Tamers," is at present in Cincinnati laying on his ___. Mr. Van Amburgh's Southern Collection of Animals and Union Circus, is at present governed by that able manager, Ira W. Gregory. We understand that Mr. Gregory is now associated with Mr. Van Amburgh as a partner in both of his immense traveling establishments.
North's Circus having collapsed "away down south" was to have been said at auction at ___ Ga., on the 16th. Like our Union saving friends, the people on the other side of the line know no North, and that provoked the ruin of our circus friend.
Levi North's stock of horses, ponies, wagons, carriages, tents, and all other ___ connected with his circus, including the steam calliope, were sold at public auction at Columbus, Ga. . . . The horses sold low, the property not bringing over ___ thousand dollars. The calliope was sold for fourteen hundred and seventy-five dollars. Mr. North will shortly arrive in New York . . .
The circus at Niblo's is still doing well, but not quite such a reaching business as inaugurated the company's opening here. We perceive that quite a stir has been caused by the announcement that the person called M'lle. Ella Zoyara, "equestrienne," is not a female, but a boy in disguise. What gives some weight to this announcement is the fact that this exposition is advertised in the bills of the circus, without contradiction; thus endorsing, as it were, the truth of the fraud. If this person is a boy, as represented, than a most bare faced imposition has been practiced upon the American public by the management of the concern, and the sooner the public resent the fraud the better. With the exposition of one deception, the patrons of our entertainments naturally begin to inquire whether the entire concern is not a imposition. It was announced as Cooke's company, from Astley's Amphitheatre, London. We have been given to understand that such is not the fact - that with the exception of the Hanlon Brothers, Zoyara, and one or two other, the company is composed of Americans, many of them engaged in New York, Philadelphia, and elsewhere throughout the country. This fact does not lessen the excellence of the performances, however; for (as we said a couple of months since, when we stated that Messrs. Moore and Nixon were in Europe, looking up circus celebrities) the best performers in that ___ are American, and it is unnecessary to go out of the country to find them. What we do object to is the manner of introducing these parties to our ___. The people of the city are ever ready to encourage talent, in any and every line, from any and every clime; but when it is discovered that their patronage and favor have been enlisted by deceit and fraud, they are equally ready to resent the ___. We have heard rumors of the deceptive character of Cook's circus ever since their opening night, but as we judged they might have emanated from those envious of their success, we gave but little credit to such reports; when, however a color of truth was given to them by the management of the concern actually advertising the Zoyara exposition, we naturally came to the conclusion that where there is so much smoke there must be some fire. We therefore respectfully ask the co-operation of our friends to place the real facts before the public, as to the character of the circus, and those who compose the company. Any truthful evidence on the subject will be thankfully received, and honestly made use of.
Blondin has at length decided on giving the folks of Quebec a treat during the coming season. Having inspected several localities, he has fixed on a ___ close to Montmorency Falls, from point to point, immediately below the cataract. He says the span he intends to walk is . . . 200 feet longer than the span he walked at Niagara Falls. . . .
[Advertisement] Melodean . . . Model concert hall . . . Conrad Brothers . . . Mr. Rolla Rossiter, the best wire performer in the world. Mr. James Given (late of Yankee Robinson's Great Show), the greatest contortionies or bender of the age. . . .
The Hanlon Brothers continue their perilous performances at Niblo's Circus, and nightly receive the most deafening plaudits. We believe there are six brothers in all; a portion of them only have so far appeared. One of them sustained an injury to one of his arms some time ago, and has not yet been able to make his appearance; he is on the mend, however, and will shortly join his brothers in their marvelous performances. Some of the feats of the Hanlons are entirely new to us, never having been attempted in this country before . . .
As it is now generally concluded that the person called Zoyara, at Niblo's, is a male, the novelty of his riding has lost its charm, with the gentlemen, at least; many of whom had made ___ of themselves by sending him bouquets and tender ___, and other expressions of their good feeling. Before the reality of his sex was established, and while the question was still in doubt, some one suggested that a committee of strong minded women be selected to wait upon Zoyara, and examine the facts of the case; but the boy repudiated the matrons, and before another committee could be ___, the thing was out, the whole secret exposed, and the strong-minded committee exploded. Humbug is the order of the day, and he who is the cleverest in imposing upon his fellows, is sure to draw the dollars. Barnum was successful until he exposed his deceit and duplicity in his "book," when that, and eight day clocks, would him up with a round turn. So will it be with Zoyara. . . .
Tom Lenton, clown and gymnast, in the following letter gives us the principal items of show news in Cuba: Havana, Jan. 22d, 1860. Dear Frank. Chiarini's Circus. . . . the management have concluded to stay in Havana one month longer . . . Our company now consists of Chairini, manager; Mad. Tournaire, equestrienne and menage; Mdlle. Josephine Tournaire . . . Mr. R. Hemmings, equestrian and rope dancer; Mr. Edgar Jones, equestrian and slack rope performer; Masters Theodore and Ferdinand Tournaire, equestrians . . . George Sharp, lown; Senor Enrico, ring master; Mr. Quick, business manager; and your humble servant, Tom Lenton, clown and gymnast. . . . Mr. A. Smith went by the last steamer to New Orleans in search of more novelty, and to endeavor the make arrangements for the elephants to come for two or three weeks. . . . Miss Josephine Tournaire took her benefit on Saturday, Jan. 14th . . . when she rode her bare backed act, she was called before the audience twice, and showered with boquets and wreaths. One wreath . . . contained a fine diamond ring. She was also presented with two other diamond rings from the same audience. . . . Donnetti, with his troupe of performing dogs and monkeys has been doing a very good business at this house during last week. They make a tour through the interior . . . Connor and Lopez' Circus still traveling in the interior. The were at Santa ___ a few days ago, when I received a letter from Prof. Orrin . . . Rivers and Derious' stock, that I before reported being in the hands of the wreckers of Cardenas, was sold to defray expenses. . . .
We regret to state that a very severe accident occurred to Mr. W. Armstong, equestrian, . . . at Niblo's. It appears that while Mr. Armstrong was riding in the ___, in the new spectacle entitled "Sports of Old England," and while attempting a leap, he was thrown by his horse, falling heavily, the left arm being under him, and the weight of the horse coming upon him at the same time. Upon being picked up, it was found that his arm was fractured in two places. . . . Mr. James Robinson, we hear, had a narrow escape about the same time; he was thrown, and nearly "winded," but with great presence of mind he gathered himself up, shook himself together, and finished his performance . . .
The circus at Niblo's . . . Among the most noteworthy feature of the entertainment is Mr. Charlton's act on stilts. . . . How he manages to maintain his equilibrium, for such a length of time, perched as he is on two slender pole, is a wonder and a marvel to the beholder. Mr. Duverney's contortion act is also worthy of mention; among other feats he performs a "walk around," . . . with his head resting on the platform, he actually takes a complete walk around it, (the head) without, apparently, moving the latter from its original position. . . .
Odell & ___ American Circus Company left this part on the _d inst., in the bark "Virginia and ___," bound for South America. Among the company are Jno. Noble and lady; W. T. Odell, lady and children . . . Adolphus L. Odell . . .
Myers' American Circus had been doing a splendid business in the town of Birmingham, Eng. . . .
Adams and his California menagerie sailed from San Francisco for New York on board the Golden Fleece. There are sixteen cages in all, varying in size . . . Sampson, Lady Washington and Fremont being the largest of the bruin family, occupy separate cages, all the others, except the buffalo and elk, having two, and some, three of the large animals. The collection consists of seventeen performing bears, embracing ten different kinds, two California lions, two do. tigers, two do. cougars, two lynx, seven coyotes, one white wolf, one ant eater . . . one full grown buffalo, two elk, two wild mountain goats, snakes, two large California condors, two do. vultures . . . two white doves . . . two white pelicans, two gray do. . . . two black Lower California eagles, two California American bald eagles, several small birds, three monkeys, three legged dog, two half breeds - making in all over a hundred live animals, birds, &c. on board. . . . Adams has two assistants. . . . He [the agent] leaves on the steamer of the 20th, taking with him the bear Sampson and the largest sea lion, intending to exhibit them at Havana, and New Orleans; from thence to New York a month or more in advance of the Golden Fleece, to make the necessary arrangements for their reception there. . . .
Old Sam Lathrop, the funny fellow, has opened the Metropolitan Circus; he has a fine ___ horses, a magnificent band wagon, paraphernalia, and first rate performers; in fact, he has all the equestrian talent now in the States. He is doing a rushing business; to use California lingo . . . He starts out in eight or ten days, with the intention of traveling through the mining regions of the State, and takes with him everything in the way of performers, music, and equipment necessary to do a big business. . . .
Spalding and Rogers' company gave two performances at ___, Miss., on the 4th and 5th inst.
Van Amburgh's show is in St. Louis, where it opened for two weeks.
[Advertisement] Mons. De Lave, the celebrated rope ascensionist, is prepared to negotiate with managers, or others, for the season, to cross falls or any other places requiring extraordinary daring and intrepidity. Address Mons. De Lave, Florence Hotel, N.Y.
Barnum, of the Museum, and J. M. Nixon, of Niblo's Garden, have entered into a joint engagement with Mr. J. C. Adams, the "Old Hunter of '49," for the exhibition of the "California Menagerie" . . .
Van Amburgh & Co.'s Menagerie, with the war elephant Hannibal, etc. will show in Hartford, Conn., on the 27th and 28th inst. Horn's Cornet Band furnish the music. . . .
Circus and other traveling companies are starting out for the season of 1860. This being Presidential election year, the chances are against our traveling friends, but we hope, nevertheless, to hear that all have done well. Care should be taken to keep clear of each other while on the move.
Van Amburgh's show which had been traveling in the Southern contry all last winter, was at last accounts, in St. Louis . . . Mr. James Melville, the Australian rider, and Eaton Stone were rivaling each other in feats of horsemanship. The company consists of James Melville, and sons; Eaton Stone (who it was said would leave the company when they started from St. Louis); Nat. Austin, clown and equestrian manager; Dr. James L. Thayer, clown; Tom Lenton, clown and gymnast; Frank Carpenter, Willis Armston, George Sloman, Fred Reetz, Thomas Shields, Frank Nash, and the following ladies: . . . Mrs. Jas. Melville, Mlle Fredericks, and Mrs. Eaton Stone. Manager and director, J. W. Gregory . . . agents in advance ___ and Chas. Wheeler.
Spalding & Rogers gave their closing performances at Memphis, Tenn., on the 24th. Tom Watson, the clown (with his tub, and team of geese) was a great feature of the show.
Myers and Wallett, well known in their respective capacities of American clown and jester (both of whom went over to England with Howes and Cushing) have lately had a difficulty, resulting in an action at civil law. It seems that Wallett took for his own use a band carriage and other "professional" property, let out to him by a third party, to whom Myers, on his becoming lessee of the Pavilion theatre, London, had returned the articles, which subsequently became connected with some intricate money transactions between the trio. It was evident that Wallett, in claiming the property, acting under an idea of his right; although the same opinion was not entertained by the jury, who returned a verdict for 19 pounds (the value of the articles) in favor of Myers.
Frank Drew is engaged with Dan Rice the coming season as clown. Dan Rice's Great Show is now at Annapolis, Md., from whence they go to Washington City to play a two weeks engagement before starting on a traveling tour.
S. P. Cornwall, late agent for J. H. Taylor, is engaged with "The Christy Show," L. B. Lent, manager. They make their first stand at Chester, Pa., on 30th of April. Ned Smith, the old stand by, goes with this company. Frank Kelsh, Lent's business man, is now in Philadelphia making arrangements.
By the Pony Express, we have been placed in possession of the following itmes concerning some of our traveling friends in the Golden State: Placerville, April 21st, 1860. Dear Clipper. The equestrian members of the Metropolitan Circus drop you a few lines by horse power. Our company have been seen performing for upwards of eight weeks to a very good business, although they have experienced some rainy weather. The place is crowded with strangers, en route for Washeo - loads of the precious arrive every day from the diggns. . . . Sam Lathrop, George Peoples, Wm. Franklin . . . proprietors, Metropolitan Circus.
Herr Lengle, animal performer, left the Van Amburgh show at St. Louis . . .
Mr. Oliver Dodge, "the circus man," is in Indianapolis, where he shortly intends to open a riding school for the summer, under canvas.
L. B. Lent's Great National Circus is in Pennsylvania, and ___ show at West Chester on the 4th inst. In the company are: R. Stickney, Harry Bartine . . . W. Ducrow . . . the Roman Brothers, George Sweet, R. Hernandez . . . O. W. Ross, H. Forrest, John Thomas . . . The clowns are Wm. Kennedy, John Franklin, Sam Stickney Jr. We should not forget to mention the educated mules "Dan Rice" and "P. T. Barnum," are a feature. . . .
[California] Joint Stock Circus Company, consisting of Peoples, Franklin, and Lathorp, have started for the mines, but if the present weather ___ but a few days longer, they will have a very fine prospect of being washed out. Their principal attraction is Miss Long, a very accomplished and graceful equestrienne . . .
Our London correspondent, under date of April 14,sends us the following items: . . . In the equestrian (or sawdust) line, the news is varied and interesting. Howes and Cushing have dissolved partnership, the former carrying on the business in the original name of the firm. Howes has divided the establishment into two of three smaller concerns, all going by the same name. One is how playing in Ireland under the management of Egbert C. Howes, and another will travel over England and ___ this spring and summer. This last intends starting out early next week. Col. Joseph Cushing has purchased, as a private speculation, the splendid specimen of a hippopotamus now on exhibition at the Zoological Gardens, Kensington. It is a great undertaking to travel this gigantic monster - the finest ever exhibited - and ___ the expense of many thousand dollars; but he is confident of making it pay. He may pay a visit to America with it towards July. . . .
Dan Rice's Show is in Virginia, and show at Fredericksburg on the 9th and 10th, Richmond, 11th, 12th and 13th. In the company are Mr. and Mrs. Dan Rice . . . Frank Drew, F. Jones . . . C. T. Monroe, and others.
The R. Sands Circus Company have not had the sands of their existence "run out" during their recent stay in New York . . . on the contrary, have been receiving new vitality from the great ___ of public patronage. On Tuesday, the 22nd inst., they were announced to enter into competition with Levi North and Son, at Troy . . .
Oliver Bell's Railroad Circus commenced business at Freeport, Ill. . . . en route for St. Paul, Minn., wher the company take steam and follow the big waters.
The Van Amburgh show was at Chicago on the 176h, 17th, 18th, and 19th inst.
[Advertisement] The Great National Circus, from the National Circus Theatre, Philadelphia, Niblo's Garden, New York. L. B. Lent, manager. . . . Will exhibit at Peekskill, May 29th; Coldspring, 30th; Husenville, 31st; Poughkeepsie, June 1st; Kingston. Admission 25 cents. . . . On all such occasions will be produced the Golden Dragon Band Chariot, drawn by a long line of cream colored steeds. Attached to this establishment is the renowned Mddle. Heloise, queen of the arena and premier equestrienne, late reigning attraction in Cooke's Royal English Amphitheatre, of Niblo's Garden, New York, and Academy of Music, Boston. The acknowledged best female rider ever seen on either continent. Miss Emma Stickney, the child rider. Mr. S. P. Stickney, the veteran of the ring. Mons. Bennoit, the French rider. H. Bartine, the great bareback rider and slack rope vaulter. Three great clowns, Wm. Kennedy, the Tom Hood of the circus, and original jester and delineator of human nature, assisted by John Franklin and S. Stickney Jr. James Hawkins, the one hundred somersault man, and impersonator of Pete Jenkins, or "Our American Cousin's Visit to the Circus." The four Roman Brothers. Robert Stickney, the trick act rider. . . . the beautiful trained Arabian charger Abdallah. And those two comic mules, Dan Rice and P. T. Barnum. The music will be furnished by G. R. Choat's National Brass Band.
The rope walkers promise to eclipse their performances this season. On the 31st, Mons. De Lave will walk on a rope strung across the Passaic river, at Patterson, New Jersey. ___ season, De Lave proposes to walk on a rope over this river with his wife with him at the same time. Blondin is preparing __ season at Niagara. Among the feats which he announces to perform, is that of walking on stilts on a rope across the Niagara Falls.
Spalding & Rogers Circus will show in Cincinnati the three last ___ of this week.
"Orrin Family of Gymnasts" . . . letter from Prof. Orrin . . . ___, Cuba, April 27th, 1860. . . . we performed at a small __ called Colere . . . we performed there five nights to crowded houses, and opening in this place, under canvas . . . G. F. Orrin.
Madame Tournaire (Mrs. Brown), the well known equestrienne, has been for some time past rusitcating on her farm in New Jersey.
The great "Van Amburgh Show" will exhibit at Madison, Wis., on the _th of June. C. L. Wheeler, the agent, was in New York last week.
The mother of the Antonio Brothers (of the Great World Circus) died in St. Louis on the 14th ult.
Levi J. North's Big Show is now on its travels in New York State. The forces consist of Levi J. North . . . Herr Cline . . . Mons. Du Bach, Bob Smith . . . William Naylor, Mr. Whitney . . . F. Whittaker . . . Master G. North, Master H. North . . . Masters Frank and John Whittaker; dancing horse, Tammany . . . and the clown Bob Smith. They were at Mechanicsville on the 26th. Miss Castella gives a free show on a wire before the regular performance commences.
[California] John Wilson, who returned from the Atlantic States about a month since, has at length organized his Mammoth Show for 1860. He has taken the American Theatre, which will be transformed into an immense and magnificent amphitheatre, and will be opened on the 26th, with a powerful combination, including the mules, elephants . . . Walter and William Aymar, Wm. Painter, Wm. Durand, James Mason, Miss Selma Long, Dave long, and Dr. Basset, the equestrian manager. . . .
[California] Dan Rice's Great Show, under the management of John Wilson, is at present at the American . . .
The Metropolitan Circus, with old Sam Lathrop, Peoples, Franklin, and Hinkley, are in the South.
Joseph W. Brewer, the celebrated gymnast, died at St. Helena, Napa Co., California, on the morning of the 23d of April . . . Mr. B. was a native of Boston, and about 38 years of age; he went to California in 1849, in company with several circus performers, most of whom are now dead. His first appearance there was under a tent . . . Mr. B. was well known throughout the States as a performer of great merit, his horizontal bar and bottle acts having gained him a great notoriety. He has been afflicted for a long time with a pulmonary complaint, from the effect of which he died. . . .
A large crowd of people assembled on the 22d ult., at Pittsburgh, anxious to witness the feat performed by Tom Watson, the clown at Spalding and Rogers' Circus. This consisted of being drawn on the river in a tub harnessed to four geese. At the time appointed, Tom embarked in his tub, which was placed in a skiff, and so was towed to Chestnut street bridge, where the tub and the geese were launched, and Tom, taking the "ribbons," went off in fine style. The "party" floated gracefully down the stream, passing under the Stand street and St. Clair bridges . . . During the performance, a band discoursed musically at the place of starting, which our worthy friend found no difficulty in reaching on his return. On stepping from the tub, however, he had a mishap, which elicited the mirth of the spectators. Placing his foot on an oar, he lost his balance, and was so precipitated into the water. But, with the agility of a squirrel, he regained his "perpendicular," and showed he could be as merry as the rest. . . .
[Advertisement] The celebrated Orrin Family, now performing through the Island of Cuba, have returned to New York. Address Clipper office, G. F. Orrin.
G. F. Bailey & Co.'s Circus and Menagerie showed at Bangor, Me. on the 1st inst.
The circus folks, thus far this season, may be said to have done remarkable well, taking the rough weather into account; nothing disastrous having attended any of them up to this time. A summary of the movements of the various companies may not be uninteresting in this connection. Van Amburgh's Eastern Menagerie has been quite successful, and Levi J. North has also made a hit. The R. Sands American Circus, owned an managed by Mr. Jas. Forshay, will shortly appear at Rochester and Buffalo. Live North, en route for Montreal and Quebec, showed at Port Henry one day last week. L. B. Lent will try Poughkeepsie on the 4th. George Bailey is in Maine. Dan Rice was advertised for Lynchburg, Va. Robinson & Lake have made a pile in the South during the winter, and will be in Washington city in a few days. Orton & Older are in ___. Harry Buckley started from Delavan, Wis., about a week ago. Spalding & Rogers are doing the river business with the "Raymond" - no land show this season. The "Floating Palace" is laid up. The Amphitheatre of New Orleans is open for ___ business. Nixon was in Brooklyn lst week, and this week at Williamsburgh and Jersey city. Bacon, Col. Wood & Co., traveling exhibition, on the island of Cuba.
Prof. Orrin, who arrived here last week, gives us the following items: "Left Sagua la Grande on the 25th ult., and just before leaving, Mons. ___, Charlie Rivers, George Sharpe and a family of ___ rope dancers, arrived there, and were to give their first performance on Sunday evening. Upon arriving in Matanzas the same day, found two companies there, the first was the big canvas, with Col. Wood's Menagerie, and Donnetti's troupe of dogs and monkeys. They were engaged for seven months, at $12,000 . . . Arrived in Havana on the morning of the 27th. . . . G. F. Orrin"
R. Sands circus was at Seneca Falls, on the 6th inst., where it gave an afternoon and evening performance.
Some of the circus people came near getting into trouble in Virginia a few days since. It appears that while Robinson & Lake's circus company were temporarily exhibiting at Port Royal, near Fredricksburg, Va., a difficulty occurred between the doorkeeper and Mark L. Boulware, a young man residing at Port Royal. Angry words were exchanged, blows followed, and Boulware was knocked down and beaten. His uncle interfered, and he was also knocked down. After the affray the circus men were ordered to leave town, and a half past ten at night a party of some ten men went up and challenged the circus men to a fair fight, the proprietor preventing them from accepting. Afterwards a circus man was pursued into a private house and beaten severely. The circus men ___ out with sticks, overtook Mark Boulware, three blows were heard and he was found with his forehead crushed and in a dying condition, and subsequently died. The next day the company proceeded to Fredericksburg, and put up the canvas in which to exhibit, and at night a deposition of citizens from Port Royal arrived to effect the arrest of the murderer of young Boulware. They waited on the Mayor, and after a short conversation he, with two subordinates, escorted by the military of Fredericksburg, proceeded to the circus and entered just as the performances were about to conclude, and announced that the whole party were arrested, and took possession of the concern. The entire company was arrested, taken before the Mayor of Fredericksburg, and ___ as examination were discharged, on the ground that the party or parties who committed the murder could not be identified by name. It seems to be the general idea in some portions of the country that circus men are to be imposed upon with impunity; that as they are mere "traveling showmen," they have no rights, and in many instances that have come to our knowledge, gangs of ruffians have made attacks on circuses merely because they were denied free admission. Let it be understood, henceforth, that though "mere itinerants," our circus friends, and other traveling showmen, have equal rights with others, and if officers of the places where they show do not protect them from the assaults of brawlers and ruffians with which almost every town is ___, they will protect themselves, and these self same "traveling showmen" are men who know how to use themselves when once aroused. (Since the above was in type, we have received a full account of the disturbance by a member of the company, and which will be given in our next. - Ed. Clip.)
Robinson & Lake's Circus will exhibit at Washington, D.C., on the 14th, 15th, and 16th inst.
Nixon's Equestrian and Gymnastic Company opened at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, on the 11th inst.
In our last, we gave an account of a difficulty in Virginia, in which some of the members of Robinson & Lake's Circus Company participated, and, as then promised, we now insert the following communication from an eye witness: Madison, C. H. Va., June 6, 1860. Editor Clipper. At the suggestion of "divers of individuals" of our company, I drop a line, for the purpose of giving a true account of the difficulty which occurred between the employees of this establishment (Robinson & Lake's Circus and Menagerie) and a parcel of drunken, boisterous rowdies at Port Royal, Va., on the night of __th of May. This concern has been traveling in the course of the pst year, through the principal portions of the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Virginia, and we've had no disturbances, of a serious nature at all, until we exhibited at Port Royal. There they commenced their disgraceful conduct during the afternoon's performance, by throwing stubs of tobacco on the pad cloth of the horse "Joe." This insult, gross as it was, we had to brook, knowing well, that in attempting to resent it, there might arise a riot, which, in all probability, would end greatly to our disadvantage. Previous to this, an egotistic limb of the law, under the influence of fighting whiskey (his master being with the title of sheriff) tride, but did not succeed in it, to extort from the manager, the exorbitant sum of forty dollars for license, when the cages were run out from under the canvas and thrown open to all who chose to look at them, free of charge. However, that ___ quietly settled by construing the law in the right ___ to the ___ of a numb-skull, most obliviously unconscious of his post. When night came, there being but a few people in town, and the license heavy, the management concluded not to show, and accordingly the canvas was taken down, and everything belonging to the big show was packed up; although Master Jack Robinson, proprietor of the negro show, left his small canvas up, intending, if he could get an audience, to perform, and having succeeded in getting a "good House," the show was commenced, and all was going along in a pleasant way, when this party of rowdies made their appearance at the door and attempted very rudely to walk in without paying. This denied the, they became noisy, and swore they would go in and pull the d__d show down. No attention being paid to them, they tried to force their was again; again repulsed, the commended swearing and blaspheming, and making mouths at some ladies and gentlemen who were passing in. Being requested politely to stand back by the door-keeper, they declared they would go in, and, suiting the action to the word, the leader struck Mr. Adams, the door-keeper, and knocked him down. Several pistol shots were fired by the opposite party, severely wounding one of our grooms in the thigh, though not seriously. Our company drove the rowdies off the grounds, and it was quiet for a time; in fact, our men, supposing the difficulty all settled, retired to the house; but no sooner were they to bed, then these bullies went in front of the hotel, hallooing and swearing at a shameful rate, disturbing the whole neighborhood, and threatening that if we did not leave the town in half an hour, they's shoot every one of us. No notice was taken of it by any of our establishment, all wishing to avoid, if possible, another difficulty. Mr. Gibbs, the landlord, in the interim persuaded the intruders to go away, by appealing to them as his fellow citizens, and in behalf of his wife, who was lying sick abed. Thinking all danger over, our men quit the lot, leaving but three to watch, and went to supper, when these villains made an assault on the baggage wagons and cages. One of our men, in remonstrating with them, was beaten most shamefully. It was in this last ___, that young Boulware was killed - it is supposed by one of his own party. He was a resident of the town, but a great drunkard and rowdy. There being no further attempt to molest us, we all drove off for Fredericksburg where we arrived safely, about 11 o'clock the following day. No exhibition was given there in the afternoon, but at night we showed to a good house - at least we were showing, when the sheriff, with five military companies, ordered out by the mayor, came down to our lot and arrested all the company, and marched them to the mayor's office. After giving all our names, securing counsel, &c., &c., the trial commenced . . . and ended in our company all being acquitted. The hotel at which we were stopping was guarded at the front and rear by a ___ of soldiers; in fact, they quite honored us by gallanting each one of us wherever we went. Mr. Gibbs of Port Royal, in his testimony, corroborated all that had been sworn to by our men, which was an item in our favor. On the morning of the 1st we left Fredericksburg, taking with us the sympathy and good wishes of the best citizens of the place. Our company now consists of the following performers: Mr. Wm. Lake, Orsby Campbell, Thomas King . . . Eugenie De Lorme . . . Boyd Robinson, Mr. Dick Seymroe . . . Billy Donevan, W. C. Ducrow, Michael Gordella . . . and Yours, Harry Keyes, gymnast.
Nixon's Circus, at the Walnut, Philadelphia, has been drawing excellent houses ever since the opening. This is announced as the last week. They go next to Baltimore.
On the 13th inst., Blondin crossed the Niagara, on his rope, in presence of a great crowd of spectators, some of whom had a free sight, while others were obliged to pay for theirs. Owing fo a brief delay in the preliminaries, the "dead heads" became exasperated, and made some manifestations not exactly correct. . . .
Goodwin and Co.'s Royal Menagerie and "Great Moral Exhibition," has been doing a good business in Lawrence, Lowell, and Framingham, Mass., and Nashua and Manchester, N.H. Flint Peasley is with them, as agent.
[Advertisement] Fun for the Fourth! On the Fourth of July, the great American trick clown, Sam Welser, will descent the Yough river, at McKeesport, Pa., in a wash tub, drawn by four geese; wearing his national dress of red, blue and white, and with the colors of the Union floating above him.
Niblo & Sloat's New York Circus and performing elephants (from Cooke's Amphitheatre, London) were at Lowell, Mass., last week. The Madigan Family, acrobats, Sam Long, clown . . . Charles Shay, Japanese jugglers, and other performers are among the company.
[California] John Wilson, and his Great Circus and Animal Show, are in the vallee.
[California] The Metropolitan Circus is in the Southern mines.
The Antonio Brothers, with their Great World Circus, have been on the move for some time past. During the week ending the 23d ult., they were at Ottawa and a few other towns. They commence the present week at Chicago, and will be at Milwaukee on the 4th of July.
Van Amburgh and Co.'s menagerie is announced for the Fourth of July week, at Boston, commencing on the 2d.
Charley Whitney, the bill poster, who has been traveling for some time past with the Antonio Brothers, will, with those clever performers, be at Milwaukee, Wis., on the Fourth. Charley has prepared a big poster for the date, which, if not a "declaration of independence," is one of skill in the department our friend has chosen for himself.
Wilson's "Dan Rice's great show" seems to be making capital headway in California. The San Francisco Evening Telegram thus speaks of the troupe: "Crowds still continue to flow into the American Theatre to witness the wonderful performances of the troupe brought to our state by the indefatigable John Wilson. The riding of Walter Aymar has never been excelled by any person. He not only is daring but as graceful while riding as full speed as if passing ___ to a lady in a parlor. The perilous feats of Mr. Painter . . . have won the admiration of our best gymnasts . . .
Van Amburgh's Circus is expected at Cincinnati about the 18th inst. Among its company will be found Mr. Melville, the equestrian . . . During the past week or two, Mr. Wheeler, one of the managers, was in the city, making arrangements for opening . . .
De Haven's Circus had been in Indiana, but there appeared to be a screw loose somewhere, the advertiser striking out in one direction, and the company branching off in an opposite course.
Spalding & Rogers' New Orleans Circus performed at Quincy, Ill., July 4th. They were at Cairo at the time of the explosion of the ill-fated steamer ___ Lewis, and the members of the company rendered invaluable assistance in rescuing the burning and drowning passengers. Tom Waton's "Here we are" was never more welcome . . . he reached the yawl belonging to the steamer James Raymond, and with William Teal, gymnast, and a deck hand, proceeded to the scene of the disaster. On arriving at the wreck, which was ___ in flames, they discovered one boy, and six men, all clinging to the rudder of the burning hull, praying for help. In their imminent danger, nothing but manly courage could save them, they cried again, and Tom replied, "Here we are!" The ___ were saved . . . The old clown's words, "Here we are," will be long remembered . . .
Antonio & Wilder's Great World Circus is in Wisconsin, and show at the following places: Green Bay, 9th, Appleton 10th, Neenah 11th, Oshkosh 12th, Ripon 13th, Fond du Lac 14th, Waupun 16th, Horicon 17th, Beaver Dam 18th, Columbus 19th, Madison 20th . . . Freeport 24th.
After making a tour of Texas and Louisiana, Mabie's Circus and Menagerie are now in Arkansas, and was to have exhibited in Little Rock on the 9th and 10th of July.
Dan Rice's show is expected in Cincinnati towards the later part of this month. The show is in Tennessee now . . .
[California] Rowe, the great pioneer circus proprietor, has just returned from Australia.
[California] The Dan Rice Show, under Wilson, is in the North, doing finely. The Metropolitan Circus Troupe are in the same region, doing well.
Goodwin & Co.'s Royal Menagerie is said to be doing a good business in Vermont. Flint Peasley is the agent.
Antonio Brothers' Great World Circus performed in Green Bay, Wis., on the 9th inst., it being the second circus that has ever appeared in that town, and it drew immensely, the tent being crowded in every part, and hundreds were unable to obtain ___. There were nine hundred Oneida Indians present, which was a show in itself, the cause of so many being in town, was, that ___, the chief and his family attended the show, and one of his daughters got smitten with ___ Antonio, one of the brothers, and followed him to Green Bay. Being reported in the tribe that they were to be married, the Indians came in numbers to Green Bay. After the show, the wedding in reality came off under the canvas, in the presence of the audience, proving a new and interesting afterpiece. Antonio has left his Indian bride in charge of her parents, and will return to her in the fall, when the company breaks up for the season.
Sloat and Niblo's circus is in Connecticut, and showed in Danbury . . .
Nixon, with his circus, and old Adams, with his "bear," open in Hartford, Conn., on the 28th.
Yankee Robinson's dramatic and gymnastic troupe will appear in Albany on the 18th and 19th, under cover of a colossal Grecian tent. Frank Phelps is the clown of the arena performances.
[Advertisement] Card. Taunton, Mass., July 28, 1860. Editor Clipper - I should like to inquiry, through the columns of the Clipper, what has become of the following persons who were members of Welsh & Mann's National Circus, which traveled through this section of Massachusetts during the year 1846 - J. G. Cadwallader, manager; N. Johnson, ring master; John Wells, clown; John Glenroy, equestrian; C. D. Jenkins, comic singer; Jim Carter, John Smith, Master Coleman, Ethiopian Minstrels; S. V. W. Post, leader of band. Are the above persons living or dead? If dead, where did they die? I joined the above company in Mansfield, Mass., June 4th, 1846, and traveled that summer with the show. George P. Sweet, Taunton, Mass.
[Advertisement] To circus managers. Having left E. F. & J. Mabie's Show, I am now anxious to obtain a situation as performing clown. Letters forwarded to me at No. 52 Fifteenth street, Cincinnati, Ohio. Pete Conklin, clown.
G. F. Orrin, the well-known acrobat and gymnast, left New York on the 24th, for Boston, where he took passage on the steamship Europa for England to see his family, this being his first visit there in fifteen years.
Mr. Wm. Armstrong, who was so badly injured in February last, while performing with Nixon's Circus at Niblo's, is slowly recovering, but will never, probably, have the complete use of the injured arm. He is now with the company at Niblo's, but is not able, as yet, to perform any of those special acts for which he is famous. By December next it is thought he may be sufficiently recovered to take a prominent position once more.
Messrs. Hemmings and Gardner have added to the attractions of the Camac Woods Circus, by raising a mammoth tent. New performers have been engaged, and the attraction is a credit to the managers. Richard Hemmings makes ascensions on the cable wire, and ye facetious Daniel Gardner puts forth his claims in the ring.
The R. Sands Circus is said to be doing an excellent business in Michigan. The canvas was spread in Hillsdale on the 23, Coldwater 24th . . . Although in the midst of harvest, the farmers all go to see the show. The Sherwood Family is a grand card in the company, being well known through the country. . . .
Card. Warren, Wis., July 25, 1860. Frank Queen. Dear Sir. Having seen in your last weeks Clipper (July 21st) that I was married to an Indian chief's daughter, at Green Bay, Wis. . . . the joke was played on me by some of my friends at Green Bay. I must say it was rather rough on me. I expect what started the joke, was, in coming from ___ to Green Bay, my horses ran away and broke a wheel of my buggy, and while I was trying to fix it, an Indian and his daughter came along in a wagon, and I ___ him to take my buggy back to be repaired, and took his wagon, in which I hitched my horses, and went on to Green Bay; he asked me if I would take his daughter on to the town with me. I did so with pleasure, for she was devilish pretty, and when I drove up to the Hotel, some of my friends asked me if I had been getting an Indian bride. I told them yes, and to carry out the joke I presume they must have written you the item. Yours truly, P. Antonio.
[Advertisement] Complimentary to Major C. Forbes. The friends of Mr. Forbes, connected with Goodwin & Co.'s Royal Menagerie, now at St. Hyancinth, Canada East contribute the sums . . . towards assisting the proposed benefit to be given the present week, at Tremont Temple, Boston . . . Geo. K. Goodwin, Charles Gassert, Nathaniel Johnson, James Cameron, Nap'n Harvey . . . Wm. Coleman, A. S. Merrill, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Priest . . . Oscar Schaffer, Wm. Dodge, Joseph Dodge, Mr. Cobb, Mr. Freeman, Jos. Kennedy . . . Frank Carron, Geo. Lawrence, Alex. McCarty, Henry Harvey . . . Master G. F. Goodwin . . . John S. Forbes, Henry Curtis, J. S. Niles, Wm. Sterns, Mr. Johnson, A. F. Smith, Chas. Rowley, Chas. La Meer, T. Williams, Mr. McLeon . . . Wm. Page, A. Massey . . . Mr. Kendall, Mr. Woodward . . .
A fearful accident, and one which might have proved fatal, occurred to Mr. Thomas Hanlon, at Niblo's Garden, on the evening of the 31st ult. Mr. Hanlon is the performer who has made ___ in this country by his daring feats on the "Perilous Ladder," suspended from the "upper regions" of the theatre. On the evening in question, the performer had gone through a number of feats on the ladder, swung horizontally, and prepared for his fearful swing from one end of the ladder to the other; and having been troubled with several water blisters on the palms of his hands, he swung ___, intending to catch the rung by the ends of his fingers . . . he missed his calculation, however, by a mere fraction, the ends of the fingers clutching the rungs, as he swung across, but being slippery from perspiration, he was unable to maintain his hold, and fell to the stage, a distance of forty feet, at least. In falling, he managed to turn so as to strike on his feet . . . bu perserving him from more serious injury. . . . Mr. Hanlon was led off the stage, but subsequently reappeared, and was enthusiastically cheered on it being stated that his injuries were not of a serious character. This is the second accident only that has happened to the brothers Hanlon, which fact, taken in connection with the perilous character of the performances, is as much a wonder as some of their feats. We saw Thomas Hanlon on the 3d, and he was in hopes of being able to reappear on the stage during this week.
Nixon's Equestrian Company commence their second week at Niblo's tonight (Monday), with almost the same performances they opened with - including the "Fox Hunter's Holiday." Though a well conceived and executed scene, lost much of the desired effect, through the comparatively small dimensions of the arena. . . .
W. N. Smith's Band of Ethiopian Serenaders are now traveling with Van Amburgh's Eastern Menagerie. They comprise the following: W. N. Smith, bones; A. Pierce, tambourine; Master Smith, banjo; Otto Horn, violin; M. Corrigan, triangle; L. C. Bremmer, banjo solo; Bobby Williams, clog dancer. They show at Concord, N.H. on the 4th inst.
Goodwin's Menagerie will winter in Boston. An Aquarial Garden will be attached to it, and a ring performance given at each entertainment.
Goodwin & Co.'s Royal Menagerie moored safely at ___ Garden, Montreal, on the 23d, 24th, and 25th, ult., and out of six shows given, four were so crowded that the sale of tickets has to be stopped. At ___, St. Hughes, they did only a moderate business, but at Richmond, Aug. 1st, and Sherbrooke Aug 2d, many people were unable to obtain admittance. Goodwin has Flint Peaslee for his agent.
Van Amburgh's Great Moral Exhibition of pious and wll disposed animals was at Concord, N.H. on the 6th inst., and at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on the 11th; and will appear at Montpelier, Vt., on the 18th inst. . . .
A few days since, while Dan Rice's great show was on the move in Ohio, a very melancholy accident occurred, which, probably has terminated in death. A young man, named Charles Hawley, who had been attached to the troupe as a musician for a long time, was having a friendly tussle with Frank Drew, the clown, in one of the carriages, when, in trying to get a pistol away from Drew, poor Hawley caused its discharge, and received its contents in the left side - the ball wounding in the lung and lodging in the back. He received due surgical aid, but was in an exceedingly critical condition. The company was to show in Cincinnati on the 8th, 9th, and 10th inst.
Dan Rice's Great Show will be in Madison, Indiana . . .
Van Amburgh & Co.'s Circus is still traveling through Ohio, and showed at Zanesville on the 9th, Newark 10th, Mount Vernon 11th . . . to show in Louisville, Ashland 14th, Wooster . . . and Cleveland . . . Mr. C. L. Wheeler undertakes the management of the company, while T. W. Gregory passes a couple of weeks in New York city.
The R. Sands Circus showed at Kalamazoo, Mich., on the 8th inst., to a large gathering. The Sherwood Family, consisting of Madame Virginia Sherwood, La Petite Ida, Charles E. Sherwood, and little master Charley, are among the principal attractions.
The last performance of Dan Rice's show at Cincinnati, was announced for the 11th inst.; after which the troupe would appear at Laurenceburg, Florence, Ky. 14th, Williamstown 15th, Georgetown 16th, Frankfort 17th, Shelbyville 18th. The show will then slowly progress towards New Orleans.
Wash. Chambers' Union Circus was announce to commence a series of performances at Ottway, Ill., on the 15th inst., with the following talent: Mlle. Louise, John Glenroy, Oliver Bell, Charles Brown, Henry Morrast, Billy Sparks, Master Fred. Warner, Washington Dehaven . . . the Motley Brothers, and the two American clowns, Burgess and Huntington.
G. F. Bailey's Circus and Menagerie have, it appears, "done it" at last. They showed at ___ a few days since. The fine there for "showing" is ___, but a few of the "upper tens" told them to "go it," as they (the former) would test the law. In consequence, several writs were sent out, it being the firm resolve of the "powers" to prosecute in the matter. As the defendants are men with the "golden key," powerful in picking all kinds of locks, the probabilities are that they will carry their case successfully through the courts, in opposition to a ridiculous law. The show on the occasion of exhibition was crowded.
History of the American Stage . . . by T. Allston Brown . . . New York. The first circus performance given in this city was at what was then called "The Collect," located on Broome street . . . A stage was built in the open air, it was merely a platform about six feet high ___ or twelve feet wide, and about sixty feet long. There was no ring for the display of horsemanship, nor any charge for beholding the performance . . . The soon afer removed to the lot now occupied at Prince and Broadway streets. A ring was formed, and the performance commenced every day (except Sunday) at about four o'clock and was kept up till dark. A stage was erected, and so was a shanty or ___ in one of the corners, wherein thirsty souls might indulge their ___ inclinations, in the intervals of the performance. The tambourine that at first had served in the double duty of orchestra . . . had now grown into a band, consisting of three drums, a trumpet and two fifes.
At Niblo's Garden . . . we are glad to say that Mr. Thomas Hanlon has quite recovered from the effects of his late fall, and that he will reappear.
Tom King, the famous vaulter, is traveling with L. B. Lent's great National Circus, which we hear has been doing extremely well. The show was recently in Toronto, and was announced to appear at London, C.W., Lincoln . . . St. Catherine's 29th. The company consists of the following: S. P. Stickney, veteran of the arena; Tom King, champion vaulter; Master Campbell, monkey performer . . . Harry Bartine, bareback horse rider; Robert Stickney, boy rider; Young Sam Stickney, hurdle rider . . . and William Kennedy, joker. Besides these, there is a juvenile company, comprising Masters Ducrow, Hernandez, Forest . . . The lady equestrians are Miss Heloise (Sallie Stickney, Adelaide, Augusta, and Little Emma. A large band of brass and stringed instruments is attached to the show.
One of the riders belonging to Niblo and Sloat's Circus, while stopping at Webster, Mass., a short time since, became ___, and while in that condition, met with an accident. It seems that one of the elephants had been rather troublesome, having broken one or two baggage wagons . . . Th rider, while asleep, fancied the elephant was after him, and leaped from the loft to the barn door, by the shortest though most dangerous route - alighting upon his head among a number of horses. Not exactly admiring the intrusion, one of the animals with which the rider came in contact, made a violent demonstration with his heels, which had the effect of bringing back the somnabulist to his perfect senses very soon. One of his wrists was found to be dislocated, either through his fall from the loft, or the blows received from the horse.
Signor Farini, a rope dancer of some notoriety in his profession, calls Mons Blondin a bungler, and threatens to eclipse him in his Niagara Falls rope-walking feats. He has stretched a wire cable nineteen hundred feet in length, across the river, just back of the Niagara House. Blondin and his new rival met on the 13th inst. at a Buffalo Railroad depot, where they had a "passage-at-arms" in which Farnini came off conqueror.
Frank and William Pastor have been performing for some time past at Gibraltar, Spain. Frank is in partnership with Mr. Thomas Price, and seems to have been doing a splendid business, bot in Cadiz and Gibralter. William Pastor made his debut in the former city . . . and took the Spaniards by surprise, as they had never seen anything like his tumbling before. Frank was riding a splendid principal act . . . One of his tricks is exceedingly difficult and remarkable. After placing two canvases together, he throws a back somersault, and while in the air, passes a small hoop over his body.
On the 9th inst., the announcement that Dan Rice's elephant, "Lalla Rookh," would "take the water" from Cincinnati to the Kentucky shore drew together an immense assemblage of persons. At the hour appointed she was seen approaching, flopping her ears quite majestically. Dan himself was on ;the other side, while her elephantine highness was accompanied by her keeper, Mr. C. W. Noyes. At the signal "Lalla" plunged into the water, and so pleasant seemed to be the change that she commended to ___ almost as gaily as she could, altogether forgetful of the task asked of her. The exertions of her keeper, who accompanied her in a skiff, soon, however, brought her back to a sense of propriety, and she struck out like an Amazon. At times nothing but the end of her trunk could be seen, presently the top of her head. By and by she would dive entirely out of sight, and remain under water till the people on the shore began to think she was drowned; then all of a sudden, she would come to the surface, with a surge that forced her body half way out of the water. She then continued till opposite the Covington landing . . .
The R. Sands Circus company performed at Niles, Mich., on the 11th inst., to very full audiences - the price of admission being fifty and twenty-five cents. For the past two weeks there had been more than an ordinary influx of visitors - the general account being good crops and plenty of money. In connection with the circus, is a side show, under the management of John Bunnell . . . An animal side show is also connected with the circus. It is under the management of Charley White, animal tamer, and will be in Fayetteville, Ind., on the 21st inst. The circus itself is announced to be at Indianapolis, about the 27th.
We append a condensation of an extremely graphic description of John Denier's tight rope performance at ___, Mass. . . . "At half past four, the champion artist made his appearance in silk tights and glittering jacket. After trying the rope, his "___ power" was handed to him, and at the report of a pistol, he commenced his journey. A breathless silence reigned, as almost every person present expected some accident, more or less serious. He was high over some jagged rocks, and a fall at that moment would have dashed him into pieces. Mr.Denier, like a true American citizen, entertained no idea of a dissolution of the union - in his case, of body and limbs, and went on quite calmly. He did not stop to dance, lie down or roll over, but was content with a firm footing and a sure balance. At length, he got upon terra firma, when such a shouting, clapping of hands, and other demonstrations of enthusiasm ensued . . . The performance occupied about five minutes.
Mabie's Circus and Menagerie perform at Centralia, Ill., on the 21st, Carlyle 22d, Greensville 23d, and Vandalia 24th.
Goodwin's Menagerie is at present on its way to the British Provinces, having done a good business of late.
[Advertisement] Harry Evarts, of G. F. Bailey's Circus and Menagerie. You will confer a great favor on your distressed wife by writing immediately. Hatty Evarts.
[California] The Metropolitan Circus Troupe, after a tour through the hills has returned, and have been treating us San Fanciscarns to Horse Opera for the past few days.
[California] Joseph A. Rowe, the pioneer circus manager, who returned a few days since from Australia, will be the recipient of a complimentary benefit this evening.
The route of the Antonio Brothers Great World Circus during the past week was as follows: At Tapton, Ia. . . . Dewitt 22d, Maquoketa 23d . . . During the present week the troupe will appear at . . . Amboy City . . . They are wending their way toward Indiana . . .
James Robinson, the bareback horse rider of celebrity, has ___ from the Nixon Troupe, now at Niblo's. He is in Cincinnati, and intends leaving for Europe shortly.
Cooke's Circus, after showing at St. Paul, Minn., gave two exhibitions at Winona, on the 24th and 25th.
Wash. Chambers' Union Circus was at Bristol on the 20th . . . Geneva . . . His present great novelty is an act of equestrianism entitle "Mother Goose" . . .
At Niblo's, the Nixon equestrian company remain two weeks longer, and then start on a Southern tour.
G. F. Bailey's Circus and Menagerie showed in Watertown, N.Y. on the 25th ult., and are now homeward bound. In the company we find the following: Dr. Woolsten, ringmaster; E. W. Perry, equestrian director and bareback rider; Mrs. Perry, little Jemima Perry, and Master Tom Perry, equestrians; W. Conrad, globe and trapeze performer; Harry Evarts, gymnast; W. W. Nichols, pad rider; Master Tommy Brent, tumbler and bareback rider; and Signor Monteverde, the man of many forms; the regular performances are interspersed with comicalities by the clowns Johnny Booker and Jack Foster. . . . Atwood's brass and stringed band accompanies the big show.
Buckley's Circus is making for Wisconsin. Hiram Marks, Mike Simpson, O Dale, and the Holland Family are included in the company.
Lake & Robinson's Circus was at Chillicothe, Ohio, last week.
Reynold's Floating Menagerie and Varieties are making for Red River.
Van Amburgh & Company performed at Brattleboro, Vt., Sept. 1st and will be in Rutland . . . on the 11th and 12th at Burlington, for the State Fair, proceeding afterwards to New York State.
C. W. Parker, posturer and contortionist, late at Niblo's, who left New York for Philadelphia last week, starts today with Gardner and Hemming's Circus on a tour through the states.
The performances of Blondin and Farini . . . Commencing with Blondin, the writer states: First, he lay full length upon the rope, then turned a number of back somersaults, then he hung by both feet, then by one foot, then by one leg . . . Then he placed his stomach upon the cable and went throught the ___ of swimming. Monsieur Blondin made his appearance on the Canada end of the cable, bearing his agent, Mr. Concord, upon his back. Mr. Concord weights one hundred and forty-three pounds, and Blondin himself weights but one hundred and twenty-five. Concord left his perch but twince during the entire walk, and then merely stood upon the rope for half a minute or so, for the purpose of "straightening out." Of Farnini, this is the record: he started with his man - a Canadian, by the name of McMullen - at 5 o'clock. He entered upon his task with evident fear and trembling. Having gone about fifty feet he compelled his animate load to descent from its position, stretch out its legs, place its hands upon his shoulders, and trudge along after him. It was carry and unload, unload and carry for the three quarters of an hour that he occupied in his "performance."
Van Amburgh's Menagerie exhibits at Whitehall, N.Y. on the 17th, Sarasota Spring, 19th, and Schenectady 20th.
Levi North was announced to be at Olean, N.Y., Hornellsville 10th, Corning 11th, Elmira 12th, Owego 13th, Binghamton 14th, Courtland 15th.
Trexler, the Pennsylvanian clown and contortionist, is now performing at Cincinnati, assisted by Alexander Macoy, who, though new in the business, is well spoken of.
The Little Giant of the Arena, Levi J. North, and Jack Sloat were advertised to show at Hornellsville, N.Y., on the 10th inst., the two companies appearing on the same day. This is rather too intimate and close an acquaintance for the good of either, and it will be well for our equestrian friends if they agree not to ___ any longer. Whether Sloat's elephants will save him as they did the election of Levi to the office of Alderman in Chicago, remains to be seen. Our advice is to take different tracks.
Dan Gardner & Hemmings' Show is still in Pennsylvania, and would appear at Norristown on the 10th . . . Old Dan is playing first clown, and his son Billy second. Miss Eliza, the child rider, pleases the country folks amazingly . . . R. Hemmings, the tight roper, add to the interest of the exhibition in connection with the Leon Brothers, C. W. Parker, etc.
Yankee Robinson's hippodramatic ___ continues to tour through the western part of this state, in the ___ of successful experiment. The novelty of stage and ring under the canvas is a decided success. The Yankee is taking carts of money in the small villages . . .
History of the American Stage, by T. Allston Brown . . . Albany. The first circus that ever visited Albany (as far as he ascertained) performed on the open lot near old Fort Orange. The riders were Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, from England. They had no canvas - nothing but stakes and ropes, forming a ring for the riders. Collections were taken up by the clown among the audience outside the ring. Mrs. Stewart was a fearless, graceful rider. Ricket's English Circus, after being burnt out at . . . Philadelphia, in 1795, proceeded north, performing in New York and Albany, and thence to England. . . .
L. B. Lent's circus performed in Buffalo on the 3d and 4th inst., and did a fair business.
The The Van Amburgh circus performed in Buffalo on the 4th and 5th inst. to crowded houses day and night. Mr. James Melville is creating more excitement now than when he first came here. The horse h bought of James Robinson has turned out a most excellent ring horse, and the consequence is that Melville rides better than ever. . . . Tom Lenton, the favorite clown, is still with the company.
The "Dan Rice Show," under the management of Wilson, in California . . . made arrangement to tour Oregon . . . Wm. Painter, ___, and D. Bassett were about to leave them and form a company for South America. They will open first in Lima, where they expect to arrive some time in November. ___ and Wm. Aymar are to go with them.
Sam Lathrop's party, the Metropolitan Circus, are still in California . . . they intend to make tracks for the Sandwich Islands for winter. Joe Rowe had returned to California from Australia, and report says that he is considerably "bent," if not altogether "broke." Joe seems to have had a hard row to how.
Buckley's Circus was at Peru on the 10th, Wabash 11th, Manchester 12th . . . Fort Wayne . . . The route this week . . . Muncie, Indiana 21st. The principal performers are the Buckley Familykl the Holland Family, W. O. Dale, Hiram Marks . . . Frank Robinson . . .
We have on more than one occasion called attention to the imposition practiced upon traveling circuses, menageries, and such like shows, and circumstances have recently occurred, which impels us to revert to the subject, and show the wrong done our traveling friends. In New Hampshire, they extort from circus people, for a license to exhibit in each town, thirty dollars a day; in Vermont, they won't allow either circus or caravan to appear at all; while in Tennessee, and one or two other southern states, the tax amounts almost to a total prohibiton, being one hundred dollars for each show - or two hundred dollars a day - and fifty dollars an evening for musical entertainments. It is proper to state, however, that the mass of the people are everywhere are in favor of the show, it is only the puritans and narrow-minded others stupidly put in office by them, who make the decisions. There never was a more reviled, slandered . . . than show people. . . . The state of these would not exist if the people would show less apathy at their elections, and chose honest, capable and liberal minded men to represent them.
G. W. De Haven's Great Union Circus showed recently at Kalamazoo, Mich., performing three times each of four days it remained there. On the 17th inst., it was at Marshall, and on the following days of the week, at Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Marengo and Homer, from which it was to proceed to Dexter and Adrian, and then back to Illinois. P. H. Seaman, the well known Yankee clown (late with Levi J. North), belongs to the troupe . . .
[Advertisement] Lent's Great National Circus. L. B. Lent, manager. Will perform in the city of Brooklyn on October 9th and 10th. . . . M'lle Heloise, the great feature of Niblo's Garden last winter, during the sojourn of Cooke's Royal Amphitheatre in this country. . . . Mr. Robert Stickney, champion somersault rider; W. Ducrow, hurdle rider and leaper; Mons. Rochelle, daring feats on L'Echelle Perileuse; Miss Emma Stickney, child of the arena; Thos. King, vaulting phenomenon; M'lle Virginia, lady equestrienne; Hernandez, flying rider and acrobat; Forrest, the contortionist; M'lle Augusta, Parisian equestrienne; Sig. Adolphe Gonzales, the Chilian artist; Four Roman Brother; Bartine, bareback and rope vaulter; three great clowns, W. Kennedy, J. Lee Powell, S. Stickney Jr. . . . magnificent orchestra, led by Adam Probst.
[Advertisement] Circus establishment for sale. The Messrs. Antonio Brothers, wishing to retire from the business, offer for sale the whole of their establishment, known as the Great World Circus, consisting of forty five first rate horses, forty sets of good harness, eight baggage wagons, band carriage, advertising wagon, three buggies, entree trappings and entree dresses (only used one season), __ feet round top canvas, with 40 foot dressing room (only used five months), pads, chains, poles, wood cuts, and everything complete for a traveling company, and all in the best condition. Address P. Antonio, No. 33 La ___ st., St. Louis, Mo. N.B. Terms, cash on delivery of property. Will be delivered up on the 1st of November.
[Advertisement] Cannon ball exercise, Cincinnati, Oct. 2, '60. Before taking my departure for Europe I do hereby challenge any man in the United States, in any sum from five hundred to ten thousand dollars, to compete with me in cannon ball exercises - the weight of balls to be from thirty five to sixty pounds, the contest to take place in Cincinnati or New York City. The amount of forfeit required, two hundred and fifty dollars, to be deposited at ___ Hall's Saloon, No. 201 Vine Street, Cincinnati, within ten days after the first issue of this challenge, and the remainder to be deposited any time previous to the time set for the contes. The exercises are to consist of strength, attitudes, grace, style, &c. John Conklin.
Mr. Gerard C. Quick, of Zoological fame, has shipped for this city a living hippopotamus of enormous dimensions as being one of the only ___ that has been on exhibition for many years. It is one of those recently captured on the river Ganges, and placed in the London Zoological Gardens, where it was purchased by Mr. Quick, at an almost fabulous price, for exhibition in this country. This rare and monstrous creature will be shown to the public soon after its arrival.
C. W. Parker, contortionist and performer . . . left Gardner's show and is now traveling through Ohio, exhibiting at fairs.
George K. Goodwin & Co.'s Menagerie exhibited in Portland, Me., on the 5th and 6th inst. . . . announced to show at Great Falls, N.H. on the 10th, Dover 11th, Newmarket 12th, and Porstmouth 13th.
The Metropolitan Circus, still in the hands of Old Sam Peoples and Franklin, has been showing a few nights at San Francisco, previous to a tour through the mining country. Sam Lathrop, the clown, was among the company. From reliable accounts, it seems that circus business in California is very uncertain, and the offenses surrounding the pains of performers generally very numerous, partly through the high charges for travel and the monoply in theatrical property. The result is that persons going out and ___ in their endeavors to make a gerat hit, are left in a condition of comparative if not positive distress.
Dan Rice was in Philadelphia last week, his circus was then in the Sucker State, and will quarter on the Mississippi. He confirms the report of the demise of Lalla Rookh. It is uncertain whether there will be a circus in Philadelphia this winter or not . . .
[California] The Metropolitan Circus Company . . . proprietors and principal performers are Peoples, Franklin, and Lathrop.
Lent's Circus closed the season, in Williamsburgh, last week. Miss Sallie Stickney, one of the most graceful and pleaseing equestriennes in the profession, and a general favorite, returned to Philadelphia, where she resides. Mr. Samuel Stickney, Mr. Gilbert Eaton, and others of the company, remained a few days in New York.
. . . The Old Bowery . . . Suddenly, another change is announced, and this time Messrs. Spalding & Rogers, of the New Orleans Amphitheatre, assue the managerial reins. We understand that they have secured a lease of the establishment for three years, and early in November they will introduce to our notice, horse, acrobatic, and other entertainments. . . .
Mr. Rarey had publicly contradicted the rumor of his connection with Bell's Circus. It is supposed that he will devote the rest of his time in England to the training of horses belonging to the British cavalry.
Nixon's Circus was in Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va., last week. Business excellent.
Buckley's Circus was at Hillsdale, Mich. and will close the season at Goshen, Ind., when they will ship to their farm in Wisconsin, to spend the winter.
[Advertisement] American Concert Hall, 444 Broadway. . . . Mons. La Thorne, the greatest Hercules of the age. The Orrin Family, and Don Santigo Gibbonnoise. Prof. Nicholls and son, in their beautiful and classical gymnastic groupings . . . Mons. La Thorne, stage manager.
As we stated in our last, Messrs. Spalding & Rogers, a firm of extensive operations South and West, have leased the Old Bowery Theatre for three years, and closed the building at the expiration of last week, to alter and embellish. Their New Orleans amphitheatre is a prominent insitution of that gay city, and it is intended to conduct the Bowery Theatre upon the same liberal and energetic plan. For this purpose, they have contracted for the construction of a moveable stage, so as to be used as theatre and amphitheatre on the same night, and have diverted their New Orleans circus from its usual stamping grounds to this city, all the way by rail and special train. To enable the change to be effected, they have hired Dan Rice and his "Great Show" for the equestrian season at their New Orleans Amphitheatre. Many of the most distinguished performers in this country and Europe are from the South and visitors from that region report that the New Orleans Circus has plenty of the same material left. It includeds a ballet and pantomime department, as well as equestrian, and with the Old Bowery metamorphosed into an elegant theatre, it may again take the important position it formerly had. It will be re-opened, under the new administration, on the 1st of November.
[Philadelphia] At the Continental Theatre,a consolidation circus company has been holding forth. The principal performers are the Madigan and Gardner families, Dick Hemmings, Tom King, Wm. Smith, Frank Whittaker, and Sam Long. . . . Mr. Hemmings is particularly good in his tight rope exhibition. Mr. James Madigan does the double somersault, and Mrs. Eliza Gardner is the principal terpschorean performer. Tom King's battoute leaping is as good as ever. Frank Whittaker is ring master and eccentric comedian. But the event of each evening is the performance of L'Echelle Perileuse, by Mr. Smith. This is by far the most wonderful display of intrepidity ever witnessed in this city. It is a great improvement upon Hanlon's performance. . . . When jumping from the rack to the rope, instead of hanging by the hands, he clings by the feet. . . .
[California] John Wilson, with his great Dan Rice Show, has returned to this city after a most extended tour through this state, Oregon, Washington Territory, and Victoria. They have been traveling for about six months, and have realized for the management quite a snug little fortune, notwithstanding the great loss caused by the death of the performing elephant Victoria. The company consists of Walter and Wm. Aymar, Wm. Painter, Wm. Durand . . . Dave Long, and Mrs. Aymar, together with the trick mules, Pete and Barney, the performing elephant Albert, and a magnificent stud of horses. Messrs. Hendrickson & Wilson are the proprietors, Wilson, manager; Thompson, treasurer . . .
"Dan Rice's Great Show" is on board the James Raymond, and last week was between St. Louis and Memphis, en route to Spalding & Rogers' New Orleans Amphitheatre.
Messrs. Spalding & Rogers have sold one of their steamboats, the James Raymond, to Dan Rice. Within seven years they have built five steamboats for circus menagerie, theatre, museum, and minstrel purposes on the Mississippi, viz.: The James Raymond, Floating Palace, Banjo, ___, and Humming Bird (the latter at Albany, in this state, to be taken around, but never used in consequence of some fault in the construction), and for seven years preceding they purchased five steamboats for hte same purposes, viz.: The Alleghany ___ (also sold to Dan Rice), ___, Jenny Lind, North River and Fairy, all now worn out or sunk.
George W. DeHaven's circus broke up for the season the 5th of October, at New Carlyle Hill, Indiana. . . .
Van Amburgh's Menagerie, under the management of Hyatt Frost, opened in Philadelphia on Monday.
Van Amburgh & Co.'s Circus brought their season to a close in Camden, N.J. on the 25th ult. After the performance, Mr. Chas. Wheeler, on behalf of the artists and employees, presented to Mr. Jno. W. Gregory, the acting and managing partner, a gold tobacco box as a token of their respect and esteem. In this company were Jas. Melville, wife and son, Nat Austin and wife, Dr. Thayer, etc.
[Advertisement] Yankee Robinson's Double Show for sale, including horses, ponies, harness, carriages, wagons, tents, seats, stage scenery, ____, trappings, wardrobe, &c., &c. Address the subscriber at De Ruyter, N.Y. The above property will be sold at a bargain, as he is fitting out an entire new establishment on an original plan "for the epoch we live in," to travel through his favorite territory, the Great West, in the spring of 1861. Yankee Robinson.
Mons De Lave, the well-known rope walker . . . sailed for Cuba on the 30th ult. He intends to give a series of rope walking performances at Havana, and other points on the island.
Neal and ___, gymnasts and acrobats, late of Nixon's Circus, are engaged to accompany Sloat and Niblo's Company to the West Indies Islands.
Rarey, the great horse tamer, it is expected, will shortly return to the United States . . .
Quite a rumpus recently took place in Paris, the principal parties being the manager of a circus in the Champs Elysses, and a gymnast named Leotard, whose trapeze performances have made him celebrated. It seems that the manager had required Leotard to appear in the ring in the livery of the establishment when not engaged in his feats, and that the latter, feeling his dignity hurt, refused. The manager then brought an action against his rebellious employee, who was fined by the court, whereupon he ventilated himself in a flowing card, full of self glorification. This was taken up by the humorously inclined, and suggested such an attack of ridicule as to compel poor Leotard to pay an indemnity to his manager, and then to quite Paris.
[California] Wilson's Dan Rice Show is performing on the old circus lot, near the Hotel International, and doing well, the company including Walter Aymar and wife, Wm. Aymar, Wm. Painter, Durand and Dr. Bassett have formed themselves into a joint stock company, and have purchased a vessel, for the purpose of visiting South America, at least that is what they tell me. Wilson's intentions are not yet known.
Yankee Robinson's Double Show (circus and theatre) Company is to be disbanded . . . Friend R. will, we hear, start with a new theatre in the large towns of Michigan, associated with R. J. Miller.
Dan Rice's big show was announced to commence at Memphis . . . with the learned rhinoceros, the educated kangaroo, Madame Ella Zoyara, and other "curiosities."
M'lle Ella Zoyara, of Dan Rice's Show, is reproted to have been married on the 28th ult., at St. Louis, to Mr. Frank Drew, the well known comedian, also of Rice's company. . . . We find the above announcement traveling the rounds. It may be true, for all we know to the contrary. The Zoyara named, however, is not the one that created such interest here with Nixon's circus, for Nixon's Ella is of the masculine persuasion, and "two of a king" wouldn't agree, you know, especially in the holy bonds of wedlock.
[California] Dan Rice show closed a moderately successful engagment here a few weeks since; they have divided into two companies, and are going, so it is said, to South America.
Nixon & Co.'s Circus was advertised to open at the St. Charles Theatre, New Orleans, on the 19th ult. Dan Rice's Show was expected to open at Spalding & Rogers' Amphitheatre, about the same time.
New Orleans . . . somersaults of Kincaide, the aerial leaps of Zoyara . . . the Hanlon Brothers . . .
During the last two weeks of November, the Brothers Denier performed at the Museum, St. Johns, N.H. John Denier made an outside ascension on the tight rope, at which it is reported, 15,000 persons were present. The rope was extended between two poles, for a distance of about 300 feet, 50 feet from the ground, and the acrobat walked both forwards and backwards on his frail footing, with the utmost agility and confidence.
Dr. Jas. L. Thayer, American clown, is now enjoying his ___ in the beautiful village of Girard, Pa. A correspondent, "J. Moatre," who recently visited Girard, says: In as pretty a place as our land affords, the 'Dr.' is living, enjoying the best of health and good humor, with his father-in-law, the 'old showman,' 'Grip Martin, upon whom time seems not to make its impress . . . The Dr. has had erected a large building, not as great as the 'Circus Maximus' of which we read; but certainly a very fine one, for the purpose of training stock, and for acrobatic exercises. He is now learning a pair of mules 'wonders,' whose progress, judging by the time he has had them in charge, will by next spring earn them a reputation world wide. To these the Dr. has given names of 'famous ones.' One he calls 'Uncle Sam,' after the popular and well known propritor of the Chestnut street house, Philadelphia, Uncle Sam. Miller; and the other, 'Dr. Jones,' after Dr. Jones, of reporter notoriety. We feel confident that their 'muleships' will do credit to their popular namesakes, for we have that confidence in the Dr.'s ability to accomplish whatever he undertakes.
[Cincinnati] Robinson's Circus commence here on the 3d of December. They play by themselves for two weeks, then they are joined by the leading member of Elisler's Company, "who, in the interval fill up their time in Dayton." Then we expect to have the best horse pieces ever produced in this city. Among Robinson's company are Mr. Lake, manager and principal clown; Master James R. Robinson, one of the best riders in the country; Albert Aymar; Mr. Cyrus Baldwin, the great Japanese juggler, and infant dwarf; Mr. Jerry Horland, the great leaper; Mr. Harry Kee, the invincible; La Petite Alice; Mrs. John Robinson, Mrs. Wm. Lake, Mrs. Horland . . . Mr. Adams is treasurer, and Fred Baldwin, agent. . . .
Blondin, the hero of Niagara Falls, is still the luminary at the Continental Theatre. . . . In conjunction with M. Blondin, who "totes" a man on his back over the rope nightly, an extraordinary one-legged Frenchman exhibits his powers of strength and activity in a wonderful L'Eschelle Perileuse performance. One of his legs being chopped entirely off renders his display slightly indelicate, but none the less remarkable. . . . Thus far the "consolidated circus" has been a success. [probably Philadelphia]
[California] The Hippodrome. Manager John Wilson, has transformed the Mechanics' Pavilion into an immense Hippodrome, which in extent almost rivals that of New York in '52, in which he has collected all the circus talent in the state, including the Aymars, Durand, Painter, Long, Lathrop, Peoples, Franklin, Le Roy, Bassett, the brothers Hinkley, Mrs. Aymar . . .
Dan Rice has rented the Amphitheatre, New Orleans, formerly known as Spalding & Rogers', and after performing there a short season, will visit Mobile and other Southern cities. Charles Warner is no longer connected with Dan Rice's Show.
[Cincinnati] Wood's has been closed all the past week, in order to make the necessary preparation for the reception of the circus; and now at the corner of every street flaming show bills announce that Robinson & Lake's Great Combination Circus opens on Monday, Dec. __.
[New Orleans] . . . Also tonight, sawdust, or gutta percha, covers the boards of the time-honored St. Charles, to fit it up for Nixon's Royal Circus . . .
It appears that the town of Elmira, N.Y., has become the winter quarters of many shows, although Yankee Robinson's company recently broke up there
[New Orleans] Avery Smith and Col. Quick, of your city, have put up an elegant circus building on the ___, and under the title of "Chartal's Circus," are taking over $1,300 per night. First week's receipts nearly $10,000. They have Melville, and Sallie and Bob Stickney, as "stars," residue of company, indifferent. . . . Five leading showmen, Col. Wood, Avery Smith, Col. Quick, Dr. Spalding and an associate, have organized a stock company, under the laws of the state of New York, with a paid capital of $100,000, under the title of "The West India Manufacturing and Machine Company," and are making great preparations for a sensation speculation in the West Indies. They have the exclusive right to introduce and use steam plows, and steam as a motive power on common roads in Cuba, and ship out next week from Philadelphia a steam plow . . .
The Front Street Theatre, Baltimore, was announced to open on Monday, Dec. 3d, with Madigan & Co.'s Circus, from Philadelphia. Mons. Blondin, the hero of Niagara Falls, will appear in conjunction with the circus. The equestrian corps will consist of some of the most talented gymnastic and acrobatic performers this side of the Atlantic. In the troupe will be found old Dan Gardner, clown, H. P. Madigan . . . W. H. Gardner, J. Foster, James Madigan . . . Willis Armstong, Masters Charles and John Madigan, Young Dan, John Franklin . . . D. Garry . . . Johnson and Petit . . . Mrs. H. P. Madigan, Mrs. F. W. Whittaker . . . F. W. Whittaker, equestrian director, and La Petite Camille. Mr. T. Allston Brown, has been secured as advertising agent.
Herr T. Trexell, clown, from Rivers & Derious's Circus, commenced an engagement at the Gaieties, Pittsburgh.
[Advertisement] A circus on its travels. The circus company favorably known as Lenton, Nicholls & Co.'s, will perform at Buenos Ayres and the principal points along the Atlantic coasts, and at Rio Janeiro, immediately on it arrival at those places, expecting to be at the latter about Mach. The following are among the engagements - Mr. Lenton, W. W. Hicholls, Mr. Fred Rentz, Master Bliss, Master John Lenton, Miss Bliss, Charles Bliss.
The New Orleans Circus not being as good a troupe as has been represented, some additions have been made, some of whom are Levi J. North, and Robinson, the bareback rider . . . business fair.
Robinson & Lake's Equestrian Company commenced at Wood's Theatre, Cincinnati, on the 3d inst. The following names will be found in the programme: W. Lake, Jimmy Reynolds, Albert Aymar, S. D. Baldwin, Jerry Worland, John Conklin . . . James Oliver, Charles Burgess, Homer, and Donaldson, Little Alice Lake, La Fairie Kate, and Mlle Ayres.
Niblo & Sloat's Circus Company, which sailed from New York on the 13th of November fo a tour through ___ and the West India Islands, was "spoken" to a few days since by the bark Kate Weston, on the latter's homeward passage . . . All were reported well, and in the best of spirits. The following comprise the troupe: L. B. Lent (manager), H. W. Ruggles, Jas. De Mott . . . Stephen Brenen, Joseph Neal, Monteverde, Adam Probert, William, Edward, Thomas, and Charles Smith . . . J. McManus . . . J. Whipple . . . John Wicklow, J. M. June, Thomas Niblo (treasurer), Mrs. Mathews, Emma Matthes, and four boys.
The following . . . sent to us from a correspondent in California, San Francisco, Oct. 21st, 1860. . . . The most exciting tipic at present among showmen in this city is the contemplated departure of a splendid acrobatic, gymnastic and equestrian troupe on a five years cruise. Among those engaged . . . C. H. Bassett, familiarly called "Doc," . . . Wm. T. Aymar . . . Walter B. Aymar, his brother, also Messrs. Painter and Durand . . . these five gentlemen are the proprietors. Dr. Bassett has been chosen manager, and Walter Aymar equestrian director. They have purchased the valuable bark ___ for $12,000, and have painted, decorated and fitted her up in a most elegant and substantial manner. A beautiful stable has been built in the hold, capable of comfortably containing sixteen horses, which will be as many as they will have __ for. . . . The following is a full list of the company: C. H. Bassett, manager; Walter B. Aymar, the great bareback and four horse rider, equestrian director; W. T. Aymer, leaper, rider and general performer; Wm. Painter, L'Echelle, trapeze and general performer; A. P. Durand, gymnast, acrobat, &c.; Jerry ___, Spanish, American and French clown; T. ___, Spanish, American and French ring master . . . Wm. Alexander, the great contortionist and trick clown; Mrs. Walter Aymar, equestrienne; Little Lottie, the equestrienne phenomenon, Mrs. A. P. Durand, together with trick dogs, talking horses, and trained ponies, forming a company second to none in the world. Our first stand will probably be the Sandwich Islands. We shall next proceed to South America, and the, in secession, to Chile, Japan, the East and West Indies, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales - winding up in New York and the ____ American parts. . . .
[New York City] The New Orleans Circus Company, as Messrs. Spalding & Rogers style the troupe now performing at the Old Bowery, under their management, has experienced quite a falling off in patronage during the week. . . . For the first two or three weeks business was really good, but since then the novelty has worn off, and though additions have been made to the troupe for the last week or two, the attendance has not come up to expectations.
The "Twin Yankees," Yankee Miller and Yankee Robinson, will open the season at Coldwater, Mich. . . . and proceed to Grand Rapids (New Opera House) for the balance of the season. Their old show stock was all deposed of, and new traps procured, with facilities for representing the nautical drama of "Capt. Kyd," and such pieces.
The Front Street Theatre, Baltimore, now open with Madigan & Co.'s Circus Company, is doing a very fine business. "Blondin, the Hero of Niagara," has been the attraction during the past two weeks . . . On Friday last he took his farewell benefit . . . Mr. James Madigan's equestrianism batteute, leaping and somersaults are among the very best . . . Mr. Willis Armstrong is one of the best "general" performers we have seen in the city for sometime. His leaping is very graceful. Mlle. Elise Gardner, the wonderful child rider . . . This company intend remaining in that city during the holidays, after which they return to Philadelphia.
[Havana, Cuba] Niblo's Circus had arrived there, and the fever had already prostrated some of the company. Melville's groom had died, and his boy was laid up. Sallie Stickney is also reported to be laid up.
[New York City] The circus folks at the Old Bowery have felt the tightness of the times during the past week . . . the troupe, however is but a second rate concern, although brought before the New York public as an extraordinary company.
G. W. DeHaven's Great Union Circus was at Freeport, last week, re-organizing. In addition to the usual building, ___ had been put up, for the purposes of breaking horses. The company contains the following names: Oliver Bell, John Glenroy, C. Williams, W. Sparks . . . John Vore, P. H. Seaman, Thomas Burgess, Hiram Marks, Masters Willy and Johnny Marks, Madame Celestine, and Little Minnie Marks. The stud of horses is spoken of as being a fine one. A clever trick pony, named "Abdallah" belongs to it.
1861
Yankee Robinson's Double Show was at Coldwater, Mich., on the 22d of December.
[California] John Wilson, with his great Dan Rice Show, sailed for Honolulu on board the bark Yankee, on the 26th ult. He takes with him his elephant "Prince Albert," the mules "Pete and Barney," Geo. Peoples, Wm. Franklin, J. Le Roy, Dave Long, Signor Gordello, Saml. Able, the Great Arabian Giant, and Mrs. Long. It is the intention of manager Wilson to visit the entire coasts of South and Central America before returning to California.
[California] There is a rumor that the American will shortly be opened for the production of horse pieces by the Aymar troupe . . .
The Denier Brothers have been performing for the last two months in the British porvinces. They opened at St. Johns, N.B., Nov. 7 . . . then they proceeded to Fredrickton . . . they next went to ___, Prince Edwards Island . . . They opened in Halifax, N.B. on the 10th of December. The gymnastic feats of John Denier surprised and pleased the provincials.
Van Amburgh's Zoological Institute, located in ___ street, Philadelphia . . . The collection consists of wild animals, and rare and valuable birds. . . . Van Amburgh has appointed T. W. Gregory as his principal business manager, in place of Hyatt Frost, who departs for the West in a few days, with a view to locate on a large farm which he has recently purchased in the state of Indiana.
From accounts from Havana to the 23d ult. we see that Chiarini's new circus was getting along very ___, notwithstanding the counter attraction of the rival organization (Nixon's) . . . The company engaged by Chiarini, including among its principal Miss Stickney, Master Stickney, Mr. Melville, and the Orrin Family . . .
Nixon's Circus Company commenced at the ___ Theatre, Havana, the last week in December, since which "crowded houses" are the report. The artistic operations of the Hanlon Brothers on the trapeze, with the equestrianism of Zoyara, and numerous other features . . .
H. P. Madigan & Co.'s Circus closed at the Front Street Theatre, Baltimore, on Christmas night, and returned to Philadelphia.
[Havana, Cuba] Avery Smith & Co.'s Circus, under the name of Chiarini, is at Nixon's Royal Amphitheatre . . .
Niblo & Sloat's Circus Company arrived safe at Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I., early in December, after a passage of 17 days. They performed there one week, but business was not very good. They next post of destination in ___, on the Spanish Main, which the expect to reach in time to show during the holidays. . . . The circus company were all well, with the exception of Sam Long, the clown, and Jas. DeMott, the principal rider. Long had a severe cold, which troubled his speech, and DeMott had the fever and ague. Sig. J. Monteverde, the contortionist, had sprained his ankle. The gymnastic feats of S. H. Brannan and J. Neal had given great satisfaction and their dancing globes greatly astonished the Bridgetowners . . . Neal fell from the trapeze pole on the 7th December, but, fortunately, did not sustain any great injury.
For the following authentic batch of news from Havana, we are indebted to Prof. Orrin, the celebrated acrobat and gymnast, whose communications we have always found to be reliable and trustworthy. . . . We opened with Chiarini, the day after my arrival, in his new amphitheatre, a splendid building with 118 foot canvas top, and the interior most beautifully fitted up. . . . Jim Melville's style of riding pleases the Havaners wonderfully . . . The Stickney family are also great favorites, especially Sally's bareback act, and young Bob's new act, a la Zoyara, riding in petticoats, he is called out three times nightly; the second time ___ runs in, throws a dozen flip flops across the ring with hoops and skirts flying in the air . . . The two clowns are Lorenzo Mays and George Sharp . . . Tom King and W. Smith arrived here on the __th, in the steamer DeSoto, and opened with us the next night. They made a great hit, and were called out for all their acts, and three times for Smith's L'Echelle Perilleuse. Smith had a very narrow escape on the third night; he was swinging from his hands to his toes, when one foot slipped, and he went flying, bringing up in the chandelier, which broke his fall; out went the gas, and Smith fell to the ground amid the screams of women, and the greatest excitement. He was not much hurt, however, merely spraining his wrist; he got up again, and went through the performance in fine style, and the people were delighted. Only a few nights before, William Hanlon was doing the same performance at Nixon's, when, in making the leap for the rope, he missed his hold and fell to the ground; he is injured intensely, and will not be able to perform for some time. Little Willy Witby fell from the pyramids, and broke his left arm. There has been the greatest kind of excitement and opposition ever since Nixon's company arrived here. They did a crowding business for the first week, performing at the Villanneva Theatre . . . Last Sunday business was only midling, for Mons. De Lave made a rope ascension in the afternoon, from the top of the ___ Theatre, which drew such a crowd that it hurt both Nixon and Chiaraini's houses. . . . Nixon's houses beat Chiarini's a little on the start, but not so now; they have a splendid company, and so has Chiarini; but the old Villanneva Theatre is played out, and Chiarini's Amphitheatre is the favorite place. . . . Col. Wood's Bear Show is still here and doing well, he expects the hippopotamus and other novelties on the next steamer from New Orleans. The three seals died within a week after their arrival; they could not stand the hot climate. . . . Charley Jakesworth, Chiarini's boss hostler; William Perkins, Melville's groom, both died of small pox within two week. George Sloman was taken sick last night, during the performance, with bad fever. Jim Melville was down with fever for five days, but Doctor ___, the best doctor in the city, soon got him up again, and he is now performing, although he feels rather weak. I saw by report in the papers that Sally Stickney had been sick. I am happy to contradict that report. The family have all enjoyed good health since their arrival here. . . . Yours truly, G. F. Orrin.
Robinson and Lake's equestrian season at Wood's Theatre, Cincinnati, terminated quite suddenly, on the 4th inst., alleged cause, tightness of the owner.
By a letter we just received from Vera Cruz, Mexico, we learn that Conner & ___'s Great American Circus Company had arrived there after a disastrous passage . . . During the voyage they were caught in a severe gale on the 6th of December, in which they lost all their horses and properties. Everything was a complete wreck, but the company finally reached their port of destination. The troupe comprises the following named performers: . . . Madame Edger, ___ Edgar, John D. Conner, J. Edgar, Charles Rivers, John Sanders, E. W. Walcott . . . The company had secured a place, and were giving entertainments at the date of our letter, December 22.
Levi J. North is residing at his place about 14 miles from Chicago. He will visit New York shorty, to make up a company for the spring campaign. His stock is now at Utica . . .
Herr Driesbach called in to see us last week. He has been ruraling during the past seven years, having withdrawn from public life. He has just had a "call," however, from Mr. Barnum, and will perform with the bears, and other animals now on exhibition at the Museum. Herr Driesbach has recently been presented with a son and heir to his fortune, the first "blessing" of the kind vouchsafed to the lion tamer, notwithstanding he has been a married man several years.
The New York Circus, under the management of Mr. L. B. Lent, was at Trinidad, Spanish West Indies, doing well, it is reported . . . Its next place of destination was Grenada. Among the company, we find the following names: H. W. Ruggles, Samuel Long . . . De Mott, Ducrow, Hernandez, Gonzales . . . S. H. Brannan . . . and Juan Monteverde; Miss Emma Long, Miss Madigan, Miss Emma Madigan . . .
[Havana, Cuba] The Nixon Circus closed its exhibition on the 16th ult., and has since gone to Matanzas, to commence a series of performances in the principal cities of the Island. Zoyara had left the company, and joined Chiarini's. . . . Mons De Lave had made three ascensions from the wall of the Monserrate gate to the top of the Tacon theatre . . . A grand tournament, the work of the Nixon Troupe, at the Piaza de Toros, had turned out a perfect failure.
P. H. Seaman and Tom Burgess, clowns, and the "Union Circus Company," dropped the circus business, made up a band of minstrels, which they called the "Campbell's," as a matter of course, and are giving entertainments in Illinois.
Dan Rice and the Great Show is still in New Orleans, giving day and night performances, the former chiefly for the accommodation of ladies and children.
[New York City] Den Stone, a favorite clown some years ago, but who for the last two years has been helping to bleed Kansas by tilling the soil in that new and yet loyal state, is among the recent arrivals in this city. He has don but little in the circus line since he appeared here some four or five years ago, with Van Amburgh's company, at the Broadway Theatre. Mr. Stone expresses the opinion that Kansas is a great country, but it is destined to become speedily greater. We do not know whether Mr. Stone means to enter the arena again. He may, however, should circumstances make it worth his while. Den Stone is the brother of the celebrated bare back rider, Eaton Stone.
[Havana, Cuba] The two circus companies, "Nixon's Royal Troupe," and "Chiarini's Havana Company," are showing side-by-side, or nearly so, on the ground opposite the Tacon Theatre. The Chiarini party seem somewhat exercised by the invasion of the Nixon Troupe to their territory, and resented it by hiring away from him the "Zoyara" individual. Nixon, in the meanwhile, strengthens his forces by engaging the Spanish clown, Hernandez, the two Siegrists, and Madame Zanfretti, the tight rope dancer. . . .
Spalding & Rogers' Circus entered on its second week at the Boston Academy of Music . . .
[Philadelphia] The Continental Circus and Theatre closed on Saturday, 3d inst. Business was so bad that the managers were obliged to close. The receipts did not reach the "sales."
The Union Circus, under the management of Sam Weaver, was performing at Freeport, Ill., last week. Among the company we find Hiram Marks, master of the circle; P. H. Seaman, Yankee clown; Tom Burgess, Southern clown; the Williams Brothers and Henry Gardiner, double sommersault throwers. As a novelty likely to "take" in these times they recently got up a scession burlesque, which is spoken of as a right merry affair. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" has also been given, with Seaman as the uncle and Mrs. Seaman as Topsy. The company would be stationary at Freeport for a time. Meanwhile, a new circus for the Unions would be erected, with wagons and other indispenceable ___. In the course of the year the company will travel through Minnesota.
W. C. Coup and George S. Cole arrived in Philadelphia last week, from their return from Port au Prince, Haiti, where the had been with an exhibition of "wax figures." They showed two weeks with middling success, and then sold out to a resident of the place. . . . Messrs. Cole and Coup were to leave Philadelphia for Delavan, Wisconsin, there to await the coming of the spring business.
We append an extract from the report of a debate that took place recently, relating to the taxing of shows in South Carolina. . . . Here is an account of the proceedings: On reading the clause pertaining to the licensing of shows, &c., Mr. Allen said, I move to strike out $100, and insert $10, as the tax per day on circuses. Mr. Cannon - These circus men are dangerous people, and we should tax them highly. Mr. Allen - I think circuses advance education. They are recreation for the people. I think they exert beneficial influences and should be encouraged. I have seen five thousand people at a circus in this city, and have seen as many in Barnwell. Mr. Mazyek - This bill is to raise supplies. If we make the tax $100, none will ever come here. Our object will be defeated. If we make them pay a moderate tax, they will put money into the treasury. Mr. McAuley moved to substitute $20 as the tax on circuses per day. He also thought circuses had a beneficial influence. Agreed to. . . .
L. B. Lent's New York Circus was at St. Kitts, West Indies, in the early part of February. . . . They had only two more islands to visit, viz., St. Thomas and Puerto Rico, when they will leave for New York, where they expect to arrive about the 1st of April.
Chiarini's Circus, Havana, was to close on the 7th. Nixon's was still under way, but business was poor. . . . Havanna is about played out for the season.
[Advertisement] Mr. Charley Whitney, late advertiser of Antionio Brothers, will please send his address to Samuel Weaver, proprietor of Circus, Freeport, Ill.
[Advertisement] P. Antonio (of the Great World Circus) will be in New York about the 26th of March. Equestrians wanting engagements to travel the coming season will address Clipper office.
[New York City] Professor Orrin and his three sons, comprising the celebrated Orrin Family of acrobats and gymnasts, arrived here last week from Havana. They were at once engaged by Mr. Butler, of the American Concert Hall, and commence there on the 20th.
The "Zoyara," the Hanlons, Duvernay, Chariton, and all the rest of the "Royal Equestrian Troupe," that went out with Mr. James M. Nixon, on his Southern tour, in October last, are to embark on the 18th inst., at Havana, and will probably arrive here on Friday or Saturday. This company left New York on the 1st of October, exhibiting at Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington City, Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, and the principal cities in North Carolina. The next struck the cotton country, and gave entertainments along the route from Charleston to New Orleans, at which latter place they performed in the St. Charles Theatre, and also in the Theatre d'Orleans. From New Orleans they went to Havana, where they played several weeks, and then made a tour of Cuba. The troupe has not lost a single member, by sickness or any other casualty, during their absence from New York. At present we do not know what the future destination of the company will be. How was the entente cordiale between Zoyara and the manager brought about? He left Nixon, it will be remembered, in Havana, and joined a rival troupe. What brought him back to his first love?
Eaton Stone, the circus rider, is about to commence a tour through the states for the purpose of exhibiting the herd of buffaloes he described in a letter written by him . . . Mr. Stone has these animals so well under his command, that he can hitch and drive them around the ring as common cattle. He has also a buffalo calf which he attaches to a cart, and seating himself in it, takes the lines in his hands and so takes a pleasant ride once in a while. This calf is exceedingly docile, and goes to its owner as though thoroughly domesticated. Exclusive of these, Mr. Stone has two antelopes which he has succeeded in completely habituating to home life.
The following well-known professionals, recently belonging to Chiarini's Circus, Havana, arrived in New York, from Cuba, on board the steamship, "De Soto," on the 14th inst. J. M. Melville, lady, and son; Professor G. L. Orrin, lady, and three sons; N. Robers, lady, and child . . . George Sharpe, J. Ward . . . Charles Rivers, George Derious.
R. E. J. Miles is performing his horse and dog pieces at the Troy Theatre.
A. M. Hernandez, the clown, pantomimist, contortionist, musician, and almost everything else, is one of the attractions at the Melodean, In Baltimore. The great impalement feat is a feature of his performance.
Nixon's Circus Company, from Havana, arrived here on Saturday last. . . . Among those who came passengers were J. M. Nixon, M'lle Zanfretta, A. Siegrist, F. Siegrist, Ella Zoyara, J. P. Stickney and family, etc. We do not see the names of the Hanlon brothers in the list of passengers, nor the names of Charlton and Duverety. Were they left behind? or have they seceded from the "Royal Troupe," and set up their own book?
Mr. Geo. K. Goodwin, of Boston, was in town last week making arrangements for his traveling tour of '61. We understand that Wambold & Co., of London, have arrived in this country with their collection of animals, and that since their arrival, they have leased Mr. Goodwin's collection, and the two will be exhibited in connection. In addition to the combination, they have also added Whitby's National Circus, the whole making a very attractive show. The company will take a tour through the United States until September, when the entire collection will be shipped for Europe.
[Detroit] Metropolitan Theatre . . . under the management of S. T. Sherlock, Esq., who has recently succeeded Yankee Robinson; the latter having been rather unsuccessful in his short career as a manager.
[Philadelphia} There will be an unusually large number of circus companies on the travel this summer, considering the hard times. The most ___ one will be that of Mr. Henry P. Madigan, one of the oldest equestrians living. At one time, Mr. M. was one of the best of general performers; and of late has figured as master of the ring. Mr. Madigan intends starting about the 15th of April, with one of the most complete and extensive companies that ever traveled on wheels. He has already engaged some of the best talent in the profession and I promise the citizens of the West and South West, one of the best performing companies ever seen in that section of the country. Mr. James Madigan, his son, is one of the best general performers in the profession. Old Dan Gardner, whose name has become a household word, is organizing a company in conjunction with Mr. R. Hemmings, the rival of Blondin. Van Amburgh's Menagerie gave its last performance in this city last night. This week will be devoted to arranging the animals in their traveling cages. At the latter part of the week, all the appurtenances of the "Circus" department, including a few horses and wagons, will be sold at auction, as it is the intention of the menagerie to travel this summer with the animals only. They start for their annual tour the following week.
[Advertisement] People wanted to travel. A gymnast to do "L'Eschelle Perilleuse," . . . and a lady dancer. Campaign commences May 1st. Address manager, Yankee Robinson's Double Show, De Ruyter, N.Y.
[New York City] Nixon's Circus is now performing on the off nights at Niblo's. The company is not the same that performed here last season. The manager has engaged a number of Americans and other performers, gives them Spanish names and so makes a burlesque of ___, while imposing upon the public. . . .
[New York City] Niblo & Sloat's Circus company arrived here on the 29th ult., in the schooner Kate Weston, from Nassau, N.P.
G. F. Bailey & Co.'s French and American Circus will start on their travels from Danbury, Conn., about the middle of April. The company will comprise E. W. Perry, two and four horse rider; John Foster, American clown; W. H. Cavanaugh, Shakesperian jester . . . Conrad brothers . . . Mad. Perry, the Tournaire Family, M'lle Louise Tournaire, M'lle Josephine Tournaire, etc. etc., and S. C. Woolston, ring master.
Charley Devere's Circus, from Calcutta, bound to New Orleans, in the bark Judith, was recently wrecked off Cape San ___, south coast of Cuba, all the horses and baggage were lost, but the company were all saved.
P. H. Seamon, Yankee clown, and his wife and son, together with Johnny Glenroy, bare back rider, are in Freeport, Ill., waiting for something to turn up, so that they may turn up themselves.
[New York City] Spalding & Rogers commence a short circus season at the old Bowery this evening. Among those announced to appear are Mellville, the Australian; Nat Austin, from California; Wm. Kennedy, "great American clown" . . . M'lle ___ Loyale, etc. This not the "Great New Orleans Circus Company," which made such a lamentable failure the past winter.
[New York City] Charley Devere, who, with a number of others, was recently wrecked on the coast of Cuba, is now in the city. He lost pretty much all he had, and was just returning home after nine years absence from New York. A little incident, connected with Charley's misfortune, occurred in Havana, and as it is one of those rare cases of generosity which come to light now and then, we ventilate it through the columns of the Clipper. Mr. Edward Potter, dealer in horses in Havana, and who resides at the La Grand Hotel, heard of Devere's wreck and losses, and having known him in other days, called upon Charley as he was about leaving Havana, and in a very gentlemanly way, said he was sorry to hear of his mishap, and placing a package in Devere's hands, told him there were five ounces of gold in it, which he wished him to accept. Devere very kindly thanked Mr. Potter, said he would accept the sum as a loan, and would return it as soon as he was placed in a position to earn it; but Mr. Potter replied that as a gift he was welcome to it, but not as a loan; whereupon Devere said he could not impose upon such generosity by accepting more than one ounce, which he took, and embarked for New York.
[New York City] American Concert Hall . . . The Orrin Family, father and three sons . . . Master George gives equilibriums on the Magic Bottles, piling up plates and bottles to the height of three or four feet, and then doing all kinds of impossibilities with them, such as standing on his head and balancing on one foot, etc. . . . Little Ned, besides having improved wonderfully, does comic songs . . .
[New York City] Three of the Hanlon Brothers have returned from Havana, leaving the balance in Cuba. They came here with the intention of engaging talent for a tour to Mexico, Chili, etc., but since their arrival they changed their minds, and will remain in New York during the summer, taking a rest after the severe labors they have undergone since their arrival in this country. They will not appear in public until next season, but in the meantime they intend practicing two entirely new, very difficult, and very dangerous gymnastic performances, which, with other novelties, will be introduced to the New York public next season. . . . The brothers now in Havana will return to New York in the course of a week or two. Their engagement with Mr. Nixon terminated in Cuba.
Two equestrian establishments were preparing for a start at Cincinnati, one to be under the management of John Robinson, and the other to be managed by James Robinson, bareback rider, the latter to travel by railroad, while the former "___ for the wagon."
L. B. Lent starts from New York state with a very efficient show on the 10th of May. His tour will lay due North, visiting all the towns throughout the Canadas. The celebrated Stickney Family, including Sallie, who is now starred at Niblo's as Madame Heloise. Joe Pentland has been secured as Jester.
John Robinson and his brother James start two shows from Cincinnati about the 8th of May, one will be on wheels, the other by railroad.
Messrs. Spalding & Rogers are at present organizing their company at the Bowery Theatre, New York. They start a railroad show, and visit all the New England states and the Provinces. During Fourth of July week, they pitch their tent on Boston Commons. . . .
Dan Rice, the humorist, is at present on the Mississippi River, and it is very likely that he will remain there during the coming season.
Messrs. Bailey & Co. start out on the 8th of May from Danbury, Conn., with a good ring company. Among the talent already engaged by them, are the Tournaire Family.
Mr. Henry P. Madigan, long known in the profession, starts out on the 27th, from this city, with the largest show that will be on wheels this season. The outfit is of the most splendid character, and the double establishment, with its long train of beautiful horses, elegant carriages and baggage vans, will make a very imposing appearance. The collection of wild animals, trained horses, and ponies, is one of the largest in the country. Five lady equestrians, three clowns, and a host of celebrated riders, gymnasts and acrobats, are included in the two troupes, and I understand that all the properties and paraphernalia of the exhibition are new, and of the most gorgeous description. A striking effect will be produced in the processions formed by the entrance of the cavalcade into the different towns of exhibition, by the very costly and magnificent band chariot, being drawn by four of the largest elephants in the country. These elephants (two of which are performing ones) were brought to this country several years ago by Messrs. Sands, Nathans & Co., at an expense of $40,000, and now form one of the principal features of the "Great Show." Col. T. Allston Brown has been engaged as treasurer for Madigan's Great Show.
Old Dan Gardner, the well known clown, and Mr. Dick Hemmings, tight rope walker, start a very good show from this city about the middle of May.
Levi J. North's Circus is completely organized, and will start on its travels for the spring and summer season, on Thursday, 18th inst., making the first stand at Utica, N.Y., on that day, and continue the two following days. Among the principal members of the troupe, in addition to the well known Levi, are Wm. Kennedy, clown; John Robinson, bareback rider; Burris and Smith, gymnasts; Luke Rivers; Low Low, a Southern clown; Masters George and Henry North; Mrs. Robinson, Miss Robinson, La Petite Henrietta, a little body, but a big performer on the slack wire, only six years of age; Miss Castella, ascensionist; Matt. Thompson, Hughes, etc., etc.; besides the usual complement of trick horses, and dancing ponies.
Branna and Neal, gymnasts and acrobats, will travel with Niblo & Sloat's Circus again this season.
Van Amburgh & Co.'s Menagerie. Van Amburgh, Hyatt Frost, Mr. Gregory and Frost Bros., managers. Started from Philadelphia on the 7th . . . Travel with animals only.
Dr. Thayer (clown) and Frank Phelps start a variety show, consisting of gymnastic and acrobatic performers, &c. . . .
Goodwin, of Boston, will start a circus and menagerie from that city about the 1st of May. The Whitby Family are engaged with this company. The manager is at present experiencing considerable trouble with artists, several of whom have broken their contracts, owing to some misunderstanding. I know of several parties that are engaged elsewhere that have been telegraphed for to break their present engagement and join them. Everything may be fair in war, but this kind of business is not. The Goodwin party take the New England states for their route.
The Antonio Brothers leave ___ with a small but efficient equestrian troupe during the first week of May. James Melville, the Australian bareback rider, and Nat Austin, clown and general performer, are engaged with this company.
John Sloat starts a good equestrian corps from the city of New York, about the first week in May. . . . They have engaged the very valuable services of Charley Castle, undoubtedly the best advertiser in the show business.
[New York City] Eaton Stone, the great bareback rider, who has been in Kansas for the past year training buffaloes, arrived here on the 19th, and on Friday night created much excitement by driving then buffaloes, tandem, through Broadway, on their route to Harlem, where they are now located. . . . Mr. Stone brought with him two beautiful antelopes . . . It is not yet settled where the performing buffaloes and antelopes will be open for exhibition.
John Myers, of Philadelphia, goes with Bunnell's (Russell's?) side show that accompanies the Sand's Circus.
Maby and Nathan's Circus are to start out about the 1st of next month, in Illinois. Rhodes and ___ go with them with an outside show.
George DeHaven's Union Circus will start from Freeport, Ill., the 1st of May.
Charley Whitney has been engaged by Spalding and Rogers as their advertising agent. John Williams has been engaged to assist him.
Card. Boston, April 18th, 1861. I was much surprised today, to see in the Clipper an unfair statement in regard to Mr. Goodwin, from one of your correspondents. It was in effect that Mr. Goodwin was acting dishonorably in endeavoring to engage talent away from other parties in the business. The statement was false. Mr. Lent engaged Mr. T. King, and his partner Smith, after they had arranged with Mr. Goodwin for the season to travel with Wambold & Co.'s Double Show. Mr. Tom King did receive one hundred and fifty dollars in advance from Mr. Goodwin, and agreed not to call on him for any more advance money; in a few days he (King) wrote for one hundred dollars more, and I was about to send him fifty dollars, when a letter arrived per Adams' Express, with the advance money enclosed, the letter stating that Kind had made other arrangements for the season. Now, for Mr. Goodwin telegraphing to performers after they were engaged, Messrs. ___ & ___ applied some weeks since to Mr. Goodwin for an engagement, and He (being unaware they were engaged) telegraphed to them to come on, when he received Tom King's letter. Mr. King, by agreeing to travel for Mr. Goodwin, and taking money in advance, did obtain money under false pretenses, and if he does come into the New England states this season, he may learn what is legal; if not, what is fair. Mr. Goodwin does not start out himself this season, but has disposed of his establishment to Wambold & Co., who will endeavor to convince the public by the reality rather than boastings, what a good show is, and who has got one. Truly yours, Flint Peaslee, agent of Wambold & Co.'s Double Show.
At Taunton, Mass., last week, where the Denier Brothers have been performing, John Denier made an outside rope ascension. The rope was stretched from the top of the Taunton Hotel to the top of Central Hall Buildidng, a distance of some 300 feet . . . The brothers start this week for Canada West. W. Warren is business manager for the Deniers.
[Philadelphia] Madigan's Great Show and Zoological Institute leave this city on the 29th, and make their first stand at Camden, N.J., where they show afternoon and evening. The following is a list of the company: Manager and proprietor, H. P. Madigan; treasurer, Col. T. Allston Brown; advertiser, W. June; masters of the ring, Frank Whittaker and Thos. Snyder . . . James Madigan, leaper and vaulter; Chas. Madigan, juggler and bareback rider . . . Chas. Devere, vaulting on the corde volante . . . Charles Monroe, delinator of Ethopian eccentricities . . . Geo. W. Morgan, general performer; Master Jno. Madigan, the infantile wonder; Spafford Hyman, magician; Julian Kent, musical clown and stump orator; Willis Armstrong, performing clown; Md'lle Marie, Mad. Whittaker and Md'lle Ida, also a full corps of gymnasts and acrobats. Sands, Nathan & Co.j's four performing elephants will be one of the principal features of the show.
The Sands Circus commence operations at Chicago, Ill., on the 24th inst.
Spalding & Rogers' Circus commences operations in Brooklyn and Williamsburg this week . . .
Yankee Robinson's Theatre and Circus Company will leave DeRuyter, near Syracuse, N.Y., on the 1st of May.
[New York City] At Niblo's the bills announced a benefit to James M. Nixon, lessee and manager. We are sorry to say that the benefit was only on the bills, notwithstanding "forty celebrated artistes" volunteered for the occasion, including a troupe of gymnasts and acrobats, of more than medium excellence. The house was not one quarter full.
[Chicago] Mabie's and Nathan's Circus will start from here about the 10th of May. Sand's advertises here for the 2d, 3d and 4th of May; Waukegan the 6th and 7th; Racine the 8th; Kenosha the 9th; and Milwaukee the 10th and 11th.
A complimentary benefit to Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Seamon was given in Freeport, Ill., on the 20th inst., after which they were to start for De Ruyter, N.Y., to join Yankee Robinson's Show, which starts on the 1st of May.
[Philadelphia] Mr. Van Amburgh arrived in town last evening, and no sooner arrived than I saw him and learned from him the following facts: After starting out from Philadelphia, they visited Chester, Wilmington, &c.; their first week's business averaging $700 per day, which was a big business so early in the season. The second week they averaged $600. About this time Fort Sumter was fired on, and the excitement gaining ground all over the country, their business fell off to a loss to the managers every day. The advertiser continued on, and by this time (being two weeks ahead) reached Talbot County, Maryland, where he had made arrangement and billed about five stands . . . The company were now approaching this county, and when within one or two stands of it, Mr. Van Amburgh received a letter from the States' Attorney, a copy of which I send you: Easton, Talbot Co., Md., April 24, 1861. To the proprietors of Van Amburgh & Co.'s menagerie - Gentlemen. You are hereby notified that a mass meeting of the citizens of Talbot County, on yesterday, resolved that your exhibition should not be permitted to take place in this county as advertised by you. There is great excitement among our people, and they require the civil authorities, with the aid of the military (if necessary) to prevent your coming here at all hazards. I, therefore, give you solemn warning not to come at all through the county, and have directed the sheriff to summon the "posse comitatus," and the military companies, to be ready, at a moment's warning, to use any force that may be found necessary to enforce the demand of the community and preserve the public peace. You will, therefore, understand that your exhibition cannot take place under any circumstances in the county, and you will not be permitted to pass through our limits. Very respectfully, J. C. M. Powell, State's Attorney. The company very wisely resolved to turn back, not wishing to run the risk of losing their horses and other property. Mr. Van Amburgh informs me that they will lose over $___ by this outrageous proceeding, for they not only lost the stands that were already advertised, but they were obliged to return by the same route that they went, thus losing three days travel, and when they did show, which was at Kennett square, Pa., yesterday, they did so without any notice of it except a procession through the town on the day of exhibition. On Monday, the 29th, they show at Uniontown, Pa. If Mr. Van Amburgh had entered Talbot county, and been attacked, he had only to let loose the dogs of war (the animals) and I feel certain the, in less than twenty-four hours, "States' Attorney, posse comitatus," and all such ___ would have been suddenly ___ in Talbot County. In several places that the company visited, they were not allowed to hoist the glorious stars and stripes; but Mr. Van Amburgh being a Union man, would not display any other, nor ___ the canvas when the flag of our country was not flying from the centre pole. When the company left this city they were cautioned by the managers not to express any sentiments whatever in relation to the present difficulties, and all along the eastern shore of Maryland it was a daily occurrence for parties to ___ some of the company to say something in order to commence a row, but they were [not successful]. It is the intention of the managers to try Pennsylvania for a short time, and if business should prove bad, to find a good barn, and plenty of grass, and stow away their stock until the present troublesome times are settled.
[Philadelphia] In consequence of the printing for Madigan's great show being delayed in New York, the opening has been postponed from the 29th inst. to Wednesday, May 1st, when they will make their first stand at Camden . . .
Fron Owensboro, Ky., we learn that on or about the 27th ult., Dan Rice's show was to pass through there, but would not exhibit, owing to the high figure the license is set at, $50, higher than in any other town in Kentucky, except Louisville, which is the same.
The brig ___ Squall, Welch & Brothers owners, having on board James W. Nixon's Equestrian Troupe, from Cuba, bound for Philadelphia, was wrecked at ___, near Cape Hatteras, on the 19th ult., vessel and cargo a total loss. Two members of the troupe and one of the crew were drowned; one of the former was Wm. Nixon, an adopted son of Mr. Nixon. Geo. Ross, the equestrian, and Mr. Van Orden, well known as an equestrian advertiser, had their legs broken by the falling of a boom. By this catastrophe Mr. Nixon loses all his valuable horses, property, and wardrobe of his great southern show. Mr. Nixon had no insurance whatever.
Levi J. North reports bad weather since he left New York, and when at Utica, they were olbiged to melt the snow under the canvas by lighting fires. Matters improved, however, before they reached Watertown, where they were favored by sunshine. The war excitement ___ to a certain extent against business. They were to have been at Kingston, C.W., on the 4th inst.
Dr. Bassett's Circus Company were performing at San Francisco, Cal. . . . Sam Lathrop, the clown, took a benefit
[Chicago] Mabie's opens here one week from tonight. The travel this season in conjunction with J. J. Nathans. They will perform here on the 9th, 10th and 11 inst., Michigan City 12th and 13th, from there to Laporte, South Bend, Niles, etc. They have a tip top company: Philo Nathans, Kincade, Tournaire Brothers, etc. Bob Smith and Tom Armstrong as clowns. Geo. Woodruff the celebrated lion tamer, Stewart Craven . . . Dan Rhodes, formerly advertising agent for Mabie, and Loyd Howes have the side show. They exhibit the Japanese twins (2 heads, 4 arms, 2 legs), also a two year old bull as white as snow, but without a particle of hair on its body, and other curiosities. Their canvas is "Red, White and Blue." Dan says that that canvas is sure to win. Burdell who has the "Aztec Children and Earth Woman" travels with Sands. He has the side show.
The following card, to answer to one from Mr. Flint Peaslee, which appeared in the Clipper two weeks since, we publish, by way of showing fair play to both parties: Dear Sir, I do not supposed your readers take any particular interest in my private business transactions; but as one Flint Peaslee, who signs himself as agent for Wambold & Co., people that I know nothing about, has seen fit to charge me with "obtaining money by false pretenses," I beg room for a few words of reply. First, ten dollars, instead of one hundred and fifty, is the total amount of money which I received from Goodwin, and that I returned to him. I did engage to travel with Goodwin, provided he made me an immediate advance of $__; but after repeated applications, that individual failing to fulfill his promises, I came to the conclusion that the concern must be "shakey," and after due notice to Goodwin that I considered the engagement off, made arrangement to travel with Lent's National Circus. As far Wambold & Co., I know nothing about them, as I have already stated. These are the simple facts of the case . . . Yours, Thomas King
Lent's National Circus shows at Mount Vernon, N.Y. . . . They go next to Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury, and Bridgeport, Conn.
[Advertisement] Card. I am obliged, in vindication of myself, to answer the card of Tom King, and I will give the public the facts as they are. In April, I went to New York to engage talent to work in connection with the Whitby family. King applied for a situation, as he had done previously in Boston. After consulting Mr. Whitby, I engaged King, his wife, and Smith, at a salary of $__ per week for the three, and to pay $_ per week extra if they traveled the season. I drew up the contract, King signed it for himself and wife, and Smith for himself. It was witnessed by Mr. Shepard; and after this was done, King said to me, "Mr. Goodwin, I shall want a little money. I said nothing before I signed the contract, as I thought it best not to." I asked him how much he wanted, and he replied, "$150, but Mr. Whitby will let me have $100, and I will draw an order on you; but don't you tell him I have asked you for money." "I will give you an answer in the morning," I replied. I went direct to Mr. Whitby, told him the conversation; also told him King was on the beat. Mr. Whitby said, "Do not advance him too much, it will not do." Next morning, Smith came in first, and said King was to let him have $50, or he should go to sea. Mr. Whitby's reply was, "Then you had better go." King came in, and after talking the thing over, agreed that if I would advance $40 to Smith he would get along with the $100 from Mr. W.; and he did agree not to ask for more money until I sent for him to come on to the company. The next morning, King came in and wanted $25. I reminded him of his agreement. He then said, "I have no money, my board is due," &c., &c. He then agreed if I would give him ten dollars he would give me his word not to ask for more, as he wanted to go to Lancaster to get the money Mr. Whitby promised him on the engagement. I advanced him $10, making $50 to him and Smith, for which I have his note. I told him at that time this looked more like my old business with my sign up. "Money to Loan," than it did like show business. King went to Lancaster, and did obtain of Harry Whitby $100, and gave an order on me for the money, and that still remains unpaid. In a short time after my return from New York, I received a letter from King, saying he wanted $__ more; I did not send it, but intended to do so the following week. On the Tuesday previous I received a note from him saying I had not sent the money, and he had made other arrangements. He did return to me my $60, but has refused, and does still refuse to return the $100 he obtained from his friend Whitby, but repaid him in his style of doing business - ___. He says our concern must be shakey. I think I know my business, and do not mean to let a man like King get the advantage. As regards a one horse show, I would say we have in the train 90 good horses, part of which formerly belonged to Mr. Jas. Nixon & Co.; and as regards our talent, the name of the Whitby Family is sufficient of itself to guarantee to Mr. Tom King that his professional reputation would not suffer by being connected with it, and as regards him personally, I trust for the good of the profession there are but few like Mr. King. This is a true statement of facts, and can be proved. I will leave the matter with a generous public to judge this Mr. King, and I trust when this one horse show comes along that we can please our patrons, if we do not have the "Champion Leaper of the World," (I will vouch for one, that he can leap from his word); and if any company can compete this year with Wambold's Double Show, I will be done with talk,not show. George K. Goodwin, manager of Wambold's Double Show. The above is a true statement of facts, as set forth by Mr. Goodwin. H. Witby, of Wambold & Co.'s Double show, the only complete Circus and Menagerie that ever traveled. Providence, May 8, '61.
The Antonio Brothers' "Great World Circus and Gymnasium" was to exhibit at Indianapolis on the 15th and 16th inst.
[Indianapolis] A. S. Burt, late agent for Yankee Robinson, has opened the Metropolitan Saloon. Andy Springer, the wall decorator of the Antonio Brothers is springing about this town.
Robinson & Lake's Circus and Menagerie, after a brief peregrination in Kentucky, struck the margin of the "beautiful river," and exhibited at Newport on the 11th inst. . . .
Dan Rice, with his "Big Show," appeared and performed at Cincinnati on the 13th inst.
The Denier Brothers opened at St. Johns, N.B. on the 6th inst., from whence they would proceed to Halifax. . . . Denier was to cross St. John's Falls, a la Blondin, before leaving, at a point were they are about 1500 feet across, and at a height of about 100 feet from the water. The people there consider it a "big thing," and $500 had already been offered for the carrying out of the feat.
North's Circus Company spread their canvas at Prescott, C.W., on the 3d inst., where, notwithstanding the cold weather, they did a fair business. A. Pierce . . . B. Coyle, and A. Levi compose the band of the company . . .
G. W. De Haven's Circus will start from Nora, Jo Davis County, Ill., on the 18th inst., going through Galena, Dubuque, and so on to Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. The following persons are attached to the company: Oliver Bell, Hiram Marks, Wm. Sparks, the cannon ball performer; the Holland family; Tom Burgess, court jester; Henry A. Gardner, known as "old Rock Gardner," double somersaulter - he has bid his adieu to old "Burbon county," and is himself again; etc. The minstrel band is composed of Charley West . . . W. D. Tory, Little Isaac La Rue, the infant drummer, and Ned Straight.
[Chicago] Sam Porterfield is here, expecting to go with the side show of Mabie & Nathans. Picayune Butler and H. B. Clark arrive here last evening. They travel also with the side show attached to M & N's Circus, under the management of Mr. Geo. Bunnel. The opening of Mabie and Nathan's menagerie and circus . . . it rained hard, the canvas was extremely well filled, the receipts were over $400 . . . Mr. Kincade made a decided hit, his personification of Pete Jenkins is nearly equal to Charlie Sherwood's Geo. Sloman was loudly encored. Phil oNathans, J. J. N.'s son, is a capital little rider; but the best act in the ring this evening was Ferdinand Tournaire's. . . . Bob Smith and Tom Armstrong appeared as clowns; Tom is quite unwell, and it is doubtful if he travels this summer. George Woodruff, in his performances in the lions and tigers' cage, created an immense sensation, ad did Stewart Craven, with his performing elephant. The Sands party had an awful time getting through to Waukegan. The roads were very bad, they did not get there in time to give their day show. Mr. W. Waterman is the master of the circus with Nathans.
[Advertisement] Card from Thos. King. After wading through the long winded card in the last Clipper, from G. K. Goodwin, who now turns up as "manager for Wambold & Co.," (who are Wambold & Co., anyhow?), I find that he simmers down from former statements, and acknowledges that instead of my obtaining $150 from him "by false pretenses," he only loaned me ten dollars, which I returned to him. Whatever pecuniary transactions there may have been between my friend, Mr. Whitby, and myself, is a private mater, which will be satisfactorily settled by ourselves, without any interference from Mr. Goodwin. Mr. G. says he intended to have sent me more money, as he promised. I have only to remark that the most orthodox clergy say that "h_ll is paved with good intentions." May 14th. Thos. King.
Lent's National Circus was at New Haven on the 14th, Waterbury 15th, Bristol 16th, New Britain 17th, Hartford 18th. On the 20th the show will be in Middletown, 21st in Colchester, 22d in New London, and 23d in Norwich, all Connecticut. Business is said to be fair. Joe Pentland, the clown, meets with favor in the Eastern country.
Antonio Brothers circus was at Indianapolis on the 15th and 16th instant.
Jno. Robinson's Circus show in Indianapolis on the 22d.
Dr. Bassett's Circus was making a sucessful tour of the Southern mines, and appeared at Sonora, Cal., on April 27th
Madigan's Great Show seems to be one of the very few companies out this season that have met with anything like a paying business. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, of last week, they performed on City Hall lot, Brooklyn, and during their stay there, were crowded every night, the afternoon attendance being small. Spalding & Rogers' Railroad Circus "showed" there a short time previously, but did a wretched business. We attended the Great Show on Saturday last, and were very much pleased with hte entire performance . . . The arena "star" seems to be Mons. Sebastain, one of the best double act bareback riders in the country. The piece of horse flesh which he rides, is one of the handsomest we ever say. Mons. Sebastian performs the very difficult feat of leaping through a balloon (apparently almost too small to crawl through) while the horse is at full speed, and without pad or bridle. . . . Master James Madigan's feat of throwing a double somerset while in the air, is a very difficult act. Mr. Wolfson's light and heavy balancing is one of the great features of the show. He balances on his chin a large sized plow with eight chairs . . . The leaping and tumbling by Messrs. James Madigan, Willis Armstrong, Devere . . . are most extraordinary, and we doubt very much if Mr. Tom King would not find himself pushed very had, were he and James Madigan to compete for the championship. . . . We have reserved for the last (because last on the bill) the most attractive part of the performances, the four wonderful performing elephants, Anthony, Cleopatra, Victoria dn Albert . . . mounting a pedestal, and standing on the head, also playing the hand organ . . . Hank Madigan is an old performer and a very deserving man. They opened at Albany on the 27th, then to Troy, Syracuse, &c.
[Indianapolis] Robinson & Lake's Circus and Menagerie held forth here on the 22d to a glorious house. Business has been bad with them through Kentucky. Enclosed find list of their company, as copied from the hotel register of the Little House, and a copy of their programme sent in my last. John Robinson, Wm. Lake, W. Odell, J. R. Robinson, J. C. Robinson, J. Robinson Jr., W. E. Ducrow, W. B. Keeges, S. C. J. Thayer, Costello & Willie, Shone & Rhinehart, Gibbs & Blood, Campbell & Robinson, Robert Balck, HIram Birkey, Croford & Conrow, Bruffo & Wingfold, Crudell & Morris, Smith & Brockin, Adams & Eldred, Ayers & Raymond, Deforest & Perkins, Blant & Fitzpatrick, Ormson & Hickory . . . F. Sackett, J. D. Roach . . . Charley Rivers. The lovers of the cirque here were delighted with the bold, daring riding of James Robinson; the graceful, agile, fairy sprite, La Petite Alice; the witty sayings of J. Reynolds; and the broad jokes of Archy Campbell. B. H. Lake looks as gallant as ever. The trapeze, by Messrs. Keyes and Ducrow was the best I ever saw. Mr. Thayer, the treasurer, is a gentleman that will bear endorsing.
[Chicago] Sam Porterfield did not go with Mabie's Circus . . .
Charley Whitney, of Spalding & Rogers' Circus, was married on the 25th ult., to a young lady of Albany. . . . she does not belong to the profession. . . . It is thought that Charley will shake the show business . . .
Wambold & Co.'s Menagerie and Whitby's N.Y. National Circus, traveling as a combination concern, make a stand on the Public Garden, Boston, June 3d, 4th, and 5th.
Madigan's Show spread their tent in Albany on the 27th ult., a sudden gale came upon them, and carried away their tent, destroying their centre pole. Spalding & Rogers boss canvasman, Mr. McCormick, happened to be present and loaned them his pole, and thus enabled Hank to give his entertainment. . . . Spalding & Rogers will show in Albany on the 3d, 4th, and 5th; West Troy 6th, Troy 7th and 8th, Schenectady 10th.
Since the R. Sands circus left Chicago on the 6th of May, they have traveled alternately in Illinois and Wisconsin. They showed at Beloit, Wis., and Rockford, Ill., week before last. The company is the same as recently announced by us, with the exception of Miss Julia Price, who is with Bunnell, the sideshow proprietor. The band attached to the circus has as it leader, Billy Post; he has with him John Freeman, better known as old Ironsides, formerly leader of the Pennsylvania Band, Philadelphia; Billy De Hart is also in the band. On the 3d of June, the circus will show in Galena, Ill., and on the 4th in Dubuque, Iowa. Our correspondent, writing from Monroe, Wis., says that on the 25th of May, two of the volunteers stationed there met with untimely deaths, one was struck by lightning, and the other was drowned.
Dr. Bassett's United States Circus were to give two entertainments at Stockton, Cal., on the 6th and 7th ult.
Mabie's Menagerie and Nathan's Circus opened at Chicago on the 9th inst., where for three days they [did] good business. J. J. Nathans is manager, W. Waterman, equestrian director; and G. S. Cole, treasurer. In the company are Philo Nathans, J. and F. Tournaire, S. Scheppe, J. H. Whitney, George Sloman, Bob Smith, T. Armstrong, S. Craven . . . Sidney Webb, and Harry Buckley.
Phelps & Thayer's party, now making a tour of this state, have been doing, all things considered, a fair business. Silas Baldwin joined them in Rome . . . They were at Utica on the 4th, Mohawk 5th, Newport 6th, Trenton 7th . . . They show at Watertwon on the 12th.
Levi J. North & Co. were at Toronto, C.W., on the Queen's birthday. They report the season, owing to wet weather and the troublous nature of the time, as having been very dull there. The Union feeling in Canada is intense, and Kennedy's (one of the attaches of the company) Union songs take better than any other that he sings. They are en route for Montreal.
Bailey's French and American Circus spread their canvas at Compton and Sherbrooke Canada, on the 1st and 3d.
Dan Rice's Circus erected its canvas at Madison, Ind., on the 6th inst.
Madigan's Great Show has been doing good business during the past week in the Mohawk Valley. On Saturday last they were at Whitesboro, three miles from Utica. On the 10th they will show at Clinton, 11th at Waterville, and 12th at Hamilton. . . . Mdlle Camille La Rue, equestrienne, is the bright particular star of the company, always excepting the successful trained elephants Anthony and Cleopatra.
Gardner and Hemming's Circus will exhibit at Quakertown, Altoona, and Boynstown, Pa., on the 1th, 18th, and 19th inst.
Mabie's Menagerie in conjunction with Nathan's American Circus, showed at Detroit on the 7th and 8th.
Spalding & Rogers' Circus will show at Clyde, Lyons, and Palmyra, N.Y., on the 22nd, 24th and 25th, also at Rochester on the 26th and 27th inst. They are making tracks for Canada as fast as possible.
Dr. Bassett's United States Circus is now on tour through California. They performed at . . . Sonara 21st, Petaluma 22d, Santa Rosa 23d . . . St. Helena 25th, Napa 27th . . . Connected wit the troupe are some of the best gymnastic and acrobatic performers that have ever visited California. Mrs. W. B. Aymar makes a grand ascension upon a single wire at an elevation of sicty feet every evening, previous to the performance.
Yankee Robinson's Show was a Dunkirk on the 12th. The afternoon performance was not well attended, but in the evening the tent was filled.
The R. Sands' American Circus is now the only traveling show in Iowa, and this company is suffering from the bad reputation that "one horse inferior ___" have left in this western country. The managers have got the best average lot of tumblers and athletes that ever traveled together in America. . . . Sherwood, the manager, is not only a splendid rider, but is equally a good actor and gentleman . . . Little Charley, a brother to the late Dick Sands, is a brilliant card . . . Bobby Williams, the veteran English clown, fifty-two years of age, . . . funny as ever. We doubt if in athletic execution there is any man of his age who can equal him. Garry De Mott, the American jester, is rapidly making for himself a fame both valuable and honorable. His jests are related in the purest of English, are sharp, pungent, chaste, and popular with people of brains. Signor Gibbonoise, the contortionist, can be compared to nothing by a wet string. He reminds one of Dickens' best novel, all of a twist. Signor Martinez, the slack wire performer, is a card that adds greatly to the fame of the company. Messrs. Rogers, Huntington . . . Ashton and Nathaniels, are all good performers . . . This company remains in Iowa until October next. Their business is light . . .
Circus business has its share of ups and downs, the same has the dramatic profession. We are glad to learn that John Robinson's Show has done much better the past two or three weeks than those immediately preceding; and the chances ahead were encouraging. On the 17th they made their first stand in the Badger State, at White Pigeon. . . .
Mr. Wm. Ashton, of the R. Sands' Circus company, met with a slight accident recently; while performing the Motley Brothers with his partner, Nat Rogers, he slipped and ___ one of his knees. . . . There was a "scare" in the company week before last at a small town called Mount Vernon, Iowa, where the company were exhibiting. While the watchman, Mr. Brown, was going his usual rounds at night, he heard screams in the direction of the sideshow, when he discovered that the leopard had a woman fast, having struck his claws in her dress, and held her there, the keeper having let the bottom side of the door down to let in air. Mr. Brown speedily had the woman released. What bothers us, is, what the woman could be after about the sideshow at night. The company were to show in Davenport, and Dewitt, Iowa, and Rock Island, Ill., and then make tracks for Iowa City about the 25th. Post, leader of the band, was sick.
Madigan's great show . . . through the state of New York. On Tuesday, __th, they pushed canvas at that pious town called Greece. The ground was between two churches and just as the citizens were about coming to the show the church bells commenced chiming for evening devotion, a meeting being ___ especially to preach down the arrival in town of a wicked ___ of people known as showmen. The bells continued to put forth in the loudest strain, but our young friend, Col. T. Allston Brown, treasurer of the show, not be out done in that way, and believing that "music hath charms to sooth the savage breast," ordered out the band, and placing them between both temples of worship, rent the air with ___'s band . . . This brought together not only all the show people, but all those who felt a little inclined for spending a few ___ in harmless amusement. The consequence was, the church bells almost instantly stopped ringing, the show was well filled, and, there not being a very crowded auditory at either church, they were obliged to dismiss. It being impossible to hear anything on account of the great excitement of applause and music kept up during the entire evening in the show. . . . Jule Kent, the clown, is becoming a favorite . . . M'lle Camille La Rue, the daring prima dona equestrienne from Howe and Cushing's London Circus, is now attached to this show . . . They have remained out eight weeks, have done a paying business, which is all any company can expect these times, and will continue to spread until the 20th of October next.
G. W. De Haven's Union Circus is in Wisconsin, and will show at the following places: . . . Oconomowoc, Waterloo 19th, Columbus 20th, Beaver Dam 21st, Fox Lake 22d . . . Cambric, Pardeville, Kubourn City 27th, Baraboo 28th . . . New Lisbon 3d . . . Sparta 4th. They are showing at "25 cents to all parts of the house," "All box, and no pit."
[California] The United States Circus has been doing an immense business, and is at present in the Valleys.
This season, as be have before remarked, show business is "killed dead" out West, especially in Indiana and Ohio. Antonio's Circus started out on the 9th of May, from Noblesville, Ind., and have only paid expenses in two or three towns. The proprietors are so far out about $3000, and have come to the conclusion that it is a misdeal. They will run the company into quarters after the 4th of July. They show in Marion, Ind., on the 4th, and make their last stand this season at Tipton, Ind., on the 6th of July, when they will drive on to the farm, and turn out to grass until the times improve. Nearly every show out West is losing money, so the Antonio concern is not alone in misery.
Lent's National Circus was at New Bedford on the 27th, and did very well; from there they went to Fall River on the 28th, Newport 29th, and shoe in Bristol July 1st, Taunton 2d, Providence 3d and 4th.
The R. Sands Circus is still in Iowa, but business has compelled the managers to reduce salaries, to which the company have acceded, knowing, as the do, how hard it is to buck against the times. The following letter, dated Washington, Iowa, June 25th, is from Garry De Mott, clown: I see from your paper, which somehow finds its way out on these western prairies, that you have not been posted as regards the whereabouts of the R. Sands Circus company. (Yes, we located you last week - Ed. Clip.) So I shall take it upon myself to give you a brief description of our travels, etc. Our business has been very bad since we started from Chicago, caused by the excitement which prevails throughout the country, public attention being called to a different sort of amusement, that of drilling and preparing for war. In fact, the times are so hard that the management of this time-honored concern has had to deduct a third of each man's salary. We all stood it with a good grace, and every man has his shoulder to the wheel to keep it moving. Our company consists of the following ladies and gentlemen, viz.: Madame Virginia Sherwood, Miss Ida; Ben Huntington, master of the circus; Old Bobby Williams, the veteran of the sawdust and tan bark; W. H. Ashton, H. Berdeau, Nat Rogers . . . Master Charles Sherwood; also Mr. Charles Sherwood, the Pete Jenkins; Charles McLean, and your humble servant; and though last, not least, our gentlemanly manager, Mr. J. W. Foshay . . . We will show at McGregor's Landing on the 4th of July, and from thence work our way into the northern part of Wisconsin.
Gardner & Hemmings Show was at Minersville, Pa., on the 25th June. On the 22d, while Mr. James Ward, the clown, was vaulting on the slack rope, one of the hooks that held the rope gave way, and Ward was precipitated with great force to the ground. He was carried out of the ring insensible, but by the application of proper restoratives he was soon after brought to. . . . on the 4th of July they appear in Wilkesbarre, Pa.
Canada has ben, and is still, pretty well favored with show people. Van Amburgh's show was at Kingston on the 29th of June. G. Bailey's circus was at Montreal on the 20th; where, also, Quick was showing the hippopotamus. . . . Mabie's Menagerie, etc., was at St. Mary's on the 22d. Alexander Robinson & Co. were at London on the __th. Canada seems to be the centre of gravity for showmen. Robinson & Co. entered Canada at Prescott; Van Amburgh, ditto; Mabie & Co. at Port Jamica opposite Port Huron; Geo. BAiley through the Eastern townships, Canada East. Wambold & Co. were working their way to Canada East.
Madigan's show ___ tent at Geneva, N.Y. on the 29th June, and was crowded both afternoon and evening. . . . While at Waterloo, Mr. Joseph Burdeau, while performing as the motley brothers, met with a severe accident; he fell while doing the double "head act," and sprained one of his fingers so badly that he has been unable to perform during the past week. . . . Willis Armstrong, one of the best general performers in the business, and a very promising clown, has been doing the motley business since Mr. Burdeau's accident. . . .
Nixon's "Royal Circus" is on its travels again. On the 1st they were in Jersey City; on the 2d they appear in Bridgeport, and on the 3d and 4th in New Haven. On the _th they show in Harford.
Robinson & Lake's Circus and Menagerie did a good business at Adrian, Mich., on the 25th ult. They showed at Sylvania 26th, Toledo, Ohio, 27th and 28th; Monroe, Mich. 29th, and then, probably to Detroit.
Bailey's Circus performed recently in Montreal, Canada East, with great success; performances were given in conjunction with the hippopotamus twice a day, and crowds attended afternoon and evening. The success attending the circus is said to be more on account of the novelty of the thing in that part of the country, than anything extraordinary in the entertainment. A great outcry had been made against permitting circuses to enter the city, and they show at Guildhall's Gardens, not being allowed in the city, as formerly. It is thought that stringent laws will be ___ against such exhibitions, as is contended by the East Canadians that they "not only take a great deal of money out of the city, but are the harbingers of juvenile depravity and street rows."
Mabie's Menagerie, in conjunction with J. J. Nathan's American Circus, showed at the following places in Canada, viz.: Stratford 24th June, Hamburg 25th, Waterloo 26th, Preston 27th, Guelph 28th, Georgetown 29th. They are advertised to appear at Toronto on the 10th and 11th of July. Levi North has been to, and Van Amburgh was approaching the above place, show business in Canada seemed to be pretty good. With Mabie's party Bob Smith's Union songs take very well with His Majesty's subjects. George Sloman had been speculating in Union badges, "no go;" and Kincade was in his glory in consequence. Phil Nathan and Ferdinand Tournaire were well received in their somersault acts. M'lle Janbert, the French lady, who has recently been engaged by the company, takes capitally in her riding without saddle or bridle.
Van Amburgh's menagerie will be in Coburg, Canada West, on the 11th inst.
De Haven's Union Circus celebrated the 4th of July in Sparta, Wis. They show in La Crosse on the 8th, and in St. Paul on the 17th inst.
Another trapeze accident occurred last week. The many accidents occurring can only be attributed to the new and dangerous feats which have recently been introduced among the acrobats and gymnasts. The affair alluded to took place in Newark, at the Olympic Music Hall, on the evening of the 3d of July. The well-known Orrin family are performing there and on the night in question, two of the boys, George and a younger one, were on the double trapeze; George on the upper bar, and the other on the lower. George was doing the "drop act," that is, balancing himself on his back, on the bar, ___ edging along, so that, when the proper moment arrives, he relinquishes his back hold, and swings by the knee joint, the hands not being used at all. He had got through successfully, and was swing by the knee joints, and the next phase of the act was about being done. This consists in losing the knee hold, and in dropping over and catching by the ___ to the side ropes. Unfortunately, the left ___ missed its hold, and George came tumbling from a height of twenty feet, head foremost. He had presence of mind to clutch at the lower bar in his descent, and this turned him over, a regular somersault, broke his fall, and landed him on his back. He was picked up insensible, and carried off the stage. The little one, who was on the lower bar at the time, concluded his part of the feats, and retired. Restoratives were applied to George, and he was brought to sufficiently to enable him to appear with his brother, and make is obeisance to the spectators, who cheered him loudly. But for catching at the lower bar, he would have struck upon his head, and perhaps broken his neck. It was a miraculous escape.
Gardner and Hemmings' Circus gave performances for two days at Wilkesbarre, Pa., the former part of last week. A correspondent states that "they have a tip top show, but their wagons and horses were sorry looking." They were to be in Scranton and Carbondale, Pa. We are informed that they have done a moderately good business in that part of the state.
[Advertisement] Caution. I hereby caution the public not to trust Flint Peaslee, on account of Wambold & Co.'s Double Show, he having been discharged from that establishment on the 27th of last May. Geo. R. Goodwin, manager of Wambold & Co.'s Double Show.
Spalding & Rogers' Circus exhibited at Buffalo on the 3d and 4th; on the 4th they gave four performances, and did well. On the 12th they showed at Cuba, and will be in Wellerville on the 15th . . . Almond 17th . . . Warsaw 22d, Attica 23d.
Charley Whitney, advertiser for Spalding & Rogers' Show, has turned wood sawyer. It appears that while at Hornellsville, waiting for show bills, and time hanging heavy on his hands, he made a bet with Mr. Grey, a hotel keeper with whom Whitney was topping, that he (Grey) could not saw more wood in one hour than Whitney. The stake was a basket of wine. Both men got to work, in the hot sun, at the station of the N.Y. and Erie Railroad Company, in the presence of a number of ladies and gentlemen of Hornellsville, and some reporters. . . . Outside betting was quite free. After an hour's very hard work, Whitney lost the wine, and his friends their outside bets. . . .
G. W. De Haven's Union Circus was at Salem, Wis. July 5th, La Crosse 6th, Winona, Minn. 8th, St. Charles 9th, Robhester 10th, Wakeshaw 11th and 12th, and will be at Lake City 13th, Red Wing 15th, Hastings 16, Prescott 17, Hudson 18th, Stillwater 19th, Minneapolis 20th, St. Anthony 22d, St. Paul 23d. Business through Wisconsin, so far, is much better than had been anticipated, the 25 cents rate causing the country people to flock.
Robinson's Show was in Toronto, C.W., on the 8th. They were to break off at that place for the United States.
Van Amburgh's Show will be in Toronto, C.W., on the 22d, and give afternoon and evening performances.
Lent's Circus was at Concord, New Hampshire . . .
On Friday, July _th, Robinson & Lake's Great Circus showed at Pontiac, Mich., to large houses . . . Their performances were good, but the most striking features seemed to be Madame Agnes, on her trained horses, and with her two lions, and the bareback riding of Mr. Robinson. . . .
Madigan's Great Show made a most successful fourth of July stand at Rochester, N.Y. They gave a morning performance at 10 o'clock, and had a fair house, notwithstanding a long procession was going on. In the afternoon their two centre pole canvas was so full that hundreds were unable to get even standing room, and a large number of extra seats were put in down to the curb. So great was the rush for the afternoon show, that the performance was "hurried up," and the canvas was no sooner cleared than they commenced selling tickets for a second afternoon performance . . . and the canvas was again filled to overflowing. An immense multitude of people were attracted to the ground to witness the rope walking of De Lave, but he was so long in getting ready, and the sun was so hot, that the people sought shelter under the canvas of the show. In the evening, De Lave walked the rope again, and the show was so crowded after his performance that the side canvas had to be let down. We understand from a reliable correspondent that the treasurer informed him that their receipts for the entire day amounted to eleven hundred and sixty eight dollars . . . Messrs. ___ and Delavante, on the trapeze, gave general satisfaction. The Motley Brothers, by the Burdeau Brothers, the riding of Jas. Madigan, and the jests and funny sayings of that promising clown, Willis Armstrong, left being the stamp of true artistes. The company showed at Pen Yan on the 11th, Dundee on the 12th, Watkins 13th . . . Auburn 19th, and Syracuse the 20th. The sideshow with this company, consisting of a cage of animals, Swis Stone Eater and Sword Swallower, and the Gipsy Queen, under the direction of the expert slight of hand performer, Spaf Hyman, has been doing first-rate business.
Van Amburgh & Co. showed at Coburg, C.W., on the 11th . . . Levi J. North's Circus shows at Colborne, C.W. on the 17th inst.
Yankee Robinson's Show was at Adrian, Mich., on the 11th inst., afternoon attendance slim, evening tent filled.
Wambold's Great Circus performed at Montreal, a short time since, for six nights. "Small returns" is the report.
[St. Paul, MN] G. W. De Haven's Union Circus will show here two days, Saturday and Monday, 20th and 22d; and the R. Sands' Circus commence here on the 30th, giving two performances.
Spalding & Rogers' Circus commences the present month with the following route: Corning, N.Y. August 3d, Lawrenceville, Pa. August 5th . . . Elmira, N.Y. Powell has been engaged to fill the place of Tony Pastor. Charley Whitney and Sam ___ conduct the business arrangements of the company, and spread their "wall literature" profusely and discriminatory and as a consequence their business is not som much subject to the "war fever" as otherwise would be.
[Winona, Minnesota] De Haven's Circus found the people and money ready to give them a huge benefit. In the evening all the seats were full, and a neighboring wood pile was drawn upon to furnish 'sit downs' for a couple of hundreds who did not wish to take a 'standee.' Their route from here was interior and up to St. Paul, where they are now, the 20th and 21st. Sand's Circus is advertised for the 24th at this place, making from here the river towns to St. Paul, where they held forth on the 20th and 21st. Our town is pretty well plastered over with their huge posters . . . Following close on the wake of Sand's, we have Dan Rice's Big Show here on the 25th. They come by steamboat from down the river and will reach St. Paul simultaneously with Sand's . . . From there, probably, one company will take the Minnesota river, and the other scour northern Wisconsin. Dan travels by river and rail, the other by wagons.
Dan Rice's Great Show gives afternoon and evening performances at La Crosse, Wisconsin, on the 24th utl.
Madigan's Circus showed at Syracuse, N.Y. . . . and did well, both day and evening; it is said to have been the best day's business they have had except the 4th of July, since they started out. . . .
Shipps and Whitney, gymnasts belonging to Nathan's American Circus, recently fell from the trapeze prepared for them, suffering some injuries thereby. They have, however, recovered before now. Master Philo Nathan, of the same troupe, hurt himself while performing at Toronto, and was left behind for a time. The young man will join the company at Detroit. Shortly after the above accident, another occurred to George Woodruff who is "on duty" in the same establishment, at Brampton, a lioness biting him in the thigh.
Gardner & Hemmings' American Circus and Gymnastic Show was to exhibit at Watertown, N.Y. on the 2d inst.
Robinson & Lake's Circus is to be at Marshall, Mich., on the 10th inst. Little Alice Lake, of this establishment, is well spoken of, and is called "one of the features."
From Toronto, C.W. . . . Van Amburgh & co. came there on the 22d utl., continuing two days, and giving five performances. It is said that the canvas was full each time, the gross amount of visitors coming up to 15,000.
Madigan's Great Show is still perambulating through the interior of the state. On Friday, August 2 they showed at Saratoga Springs, and notwithstanding Bailey's Company "billed" very strongly against them, the Great Show did well . . . A party of gentlemen visited the ___ towards the wee hours, and gave the manager and performers a grand serenade. . . Mr. Gibbons, the contortionist, has been added to the company. . . . they showed at Galesville . . . Salem, 4th at Cambridge . . . The four performing elephants, under the management of Mr. George Hall, astonish everyone by their wonderful performance.
R. Sands' circus shows at La Crosse, Wis., on the 12th inst. De Haven's circus band passed there, on the steamer War Eagle, on the 19th ult. The troupe passed on the 27th. Financial embarrassments, it is said, have dissolved the concern. Dan Rice will show at La Crosse on the 19th inst.
Lent's National Circus was at Calias, Me., on the 7th and 8th inst., and gave afternoon and evening performances. Among the company as presently organized are Mlle Heloise, Mlle Virginia, Miss Emma Stickney . . . Robt. Stickney, Joe Pentland, S. P. Stickney, Tom King, Wm. Ducrow, Charles Rivers, R. Hernandez, H. Forrest, S. Stickney . . . Jas. Paulding, Adolph Gonzales, &c.
Wambold & Whitby's Circus and Menagerie, after a tour through Canada, is now on the way to the Lower Provinces.
[California] Dr. Bassett's United States Circus still continues to please the people in the interior.
Little Charley Sherwood, of Sand's circus, had the misfortune of falling from his horse and breaking a leg. Buck Gardner, formerly of De Haven's circus, left that establishment at this place, and joined Sands'. Tom Baker, late of Chicago, is with this show, in association with Garry DeMott, as clown.
Van Amburgh's Menagerie left Canada . . . and exhibited at Buffalo on the 6th and 7th inst. They will show at Rochester, N.Y. on the 13th and 14th inst., and from thence will proceed to Auburn, N.Y.
Mabie's Menagerie and Nathan's Circus combined, made their last stand in Canada, at Windsor from whence they beat a retreat to Detroit, Mich. on the 6th, Wyandot 7th, Flat Rock 8th and 9th, and Toledo, O., on the 10th inst. . . . G. Woodruff still remains in Canada, from the effects of wounds. . . . Tommy Armstrong left the company at Detroit; also, Mrs. Rogers, the sideshow lady.
[Chicago] Antonio Brothers are announced here for the 15th, 16th, and 17th. James Melville, the celebrated rider, is a great favorite here. Mrs. Melville, Mdlle Jennette Ellsler, Nat Austin, Jerry Worland, Bill Donnovan, &c. are all well known here, and will be a great attraction.
[St. Paul, MN] De Haven & Co.'s Union Circus was the first on the lsit and in two days and nights reaped quite a harvest. The troupe is an old fashioned one, 'tis true,still the programme is full and well varies. The favor they met with must have been quite flattering to Mr. De Haven, who, when he last exhibited her, about a year ago, met with a serious accident, by the breaking down of the seats, and the injury sustained by a number of ___. He was ___ for damages, and forced to pay several thousands of dollars. That nearly broke him. . . . He has a valuable adjunct to Oliver Bell, the equestrian manager, who, independently of his artistic ___ in the ring, ___ each performer's act in the arena in the most acceptable manner. . . . Dan Rice's Great Show, and the R. Sands American Circus were both in the city on the 29th, 30th and 31st of July. Rice got in the first day, and did an excellent business. The Sands party also did well. . . . His agent is Lewis June, Esq., one of the best of the thoroughly educated advertisers who are now traveling. There was no bitterness of feeling evinced between Rice and the Sands people . . . There will be a plethora of shows in and about Milwaukee and Chicago. Nathans, Robinson and Lake, Antonio Brothers, Dan Rice, and Sands will all meet in convocation. The frontiers will reap some dollars, and the bill editors will be quite lively.
[Advertisement] G. Chiarini, circus manager from Havana, is not in the city, negotiating with all the talented artists he can find; his agent sails on the 28th inst., in the steamship ___, to engage all the novelty to be found in Europe, regardless of expense, being determined to have the best company ever seen in Havana, where he intends opening about the first of November. . . .
[Advertisement] Challenge. I hereby challenge Mons. Blondin or any other prson to walk a rope of $,000, and perform tricks upon it that John Denier cannot do; the rope to be as high as it possibly can be rigged; over the most dangerous place that can be found (immediately over the Falls of Niagara, if possible, and not a half mile below or above it) the title of Champion Rope Walker to be awarded to the person doing the most tricks in the neatest manner, and giving the most dangerous performances. Any responses to this, addressed in care of Frank Queen, Clipper Office, New York City, will receive prompt attention, and a deposit put up. Harry Gilbert, agent for John Denier.
Nixon's Royal Circus, late of Niblo's, show at Brooklyn, N.Y., this (Monday) evening __th inst., and also give day and evening performances during the week. Mr. Eaton Stone, the celebrated bareback rider, and his herd of trained buffaloes, from the wilds of Santa Fe are with the concern.
Nixon's Circus, after showing at Brooklyn, for a week, has removed to Williamsburgh, where two entertainments will be given this Monday, evening, and tomorrow. The introduction of Eaton Stone's herd of buffaloes has been a great hit. These animals, it will be remembered, were caught on their native grounds by Mr. Stone himself, who has since devoted his energies to the proper training of his "friends."
[California] Dr. Bassett's United States Circus is in Washoe. Dr. Foster's Union Circus is on its last legs in or about Iowa Hill.
R. Sands' American Circus was in Portage, Wis., on the 23d inst., and expected to be at Fond du Lac on the 30th. Burndage and Clark have left Brunell's sideshow, and are giving entertainments down the Mississippi on their own hook.
Mabie's Menagerie and Nathan's American Circus are still in Ohio, doing a fair business, but not equal to what it was with them in Canada. They were at Wellington on the 19th, Medina 20th, Frafton 21st, Elyria 22d, and Cleveland on the 23d and 24th inst. Geo. Woodruff, who is still laid up in ordinary in Canada, owing to a recent accident, is improving fast, and is expected to join the establishment soon.
Yankee Robinson's Double Show exhibited at Flint, Michigan . . . They had previously showed at Saginaw City, Bay City and East Sagnaw. . . .
Dan Rice has been "doing things" in Wisconsin. His show was at La Crosse, Sparta, New Lisbon, Kilbourne, Portage, Fox Lake and Beaver Dam, on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22d, 23d, 24th and 26th inst. He will "put up" at other towns during September, commencing at Horicon, visiting in turn, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Neenah, Appleton, Ripon, Berlin, etc.
Antonio Brothers' Circus was at Beloit, Rockford, and Belivdere, Ill., on the 27th, 28th and 29th insts.
[Vermont] Madigan's Great Show gave a performance at Plattsburg, on the 18th, to a great crowd. The show is now in the northern part of this state, and is working its way down towards New York City, where it will open about the first week in September. Is is rumored that Hank has taken a short lease of Niblo's Garden, for the purpose of showing one of the best equestrian and gymnastic companies ever seen. I understand that one day in each week is devoted exclusively to a benefit towards the wives and widows of the Volunteer Fund. The company now consists of the following: Jas. Madigan, Jas. Gibbons, Winnie, Delavante, Armstrong, Chas. Madigan and the Burdeau Brothers. Mr. Frank Howes is connected with the show, and superintends the general business of the company. Miss Mary Phelps . . . has been added to the company, and pleases all by her elegant and modest dancing, Messrs Winnie and Delavante have improved wonderfully of late, and their performance on the double trapeze is one of the principal features of the show. The elephants, under the excellent training of Mr. George Hall, are as attractive as ever . . . Col. T. Allston Brown is treasurer for the show at present, but we learn that he soon leaves for England as ___ courier for one of the most promising female "stars" now in the dramatic profession.
Herr Driesbach is located at Wooster, O., engaged in the very laudable occupation of raising game chickens and (fighting) pigs, quite a contrast to lion taming and keeping school for bears, which he had been engaged at for so long a time in the past, and with success in more ways than one, principally in so managing the wild beasts so to escape comparatively unhurt, or the worse for wear.
De Haven's Circus has not suspended, as has been stated, but has bee perambulating Wisconsin of late.
[Wisconsin] The Sands Circus in this state, showing against Dan Rice. At Portage City they were side by side with Rice, and agreed to give a military company one 20th of their receipts. Of course this caused some activity among the soldiers, but a failure was the result, their share amounting at but $42. Rice took in about $425.
Nathan's Circus and Mabie's Menagerie showed at Cleveland, O., on the 23d and 24th ult. . . . The "combination" was to be at Mansfield on the 30th ult, and at Lima and Sandusky on the 1st and 2d insts.
Alexander Robinson & Co.'s Great Show appear in Montreal, on the 2d, 4th, and _th inst.
[New York City] Nixon's Circus commenced under a capacious and well arranged canvas, at Palace Garden, and a large attendance was the result. The show is not first class, that is, judging by Monday evening's performance. A novelty of the exhibition, however, and one that will contribute to its success, is the introduction of a herd of buffaloes, driven in harness. . . . A very pretty act was performed by Signor Zoyara and a little girl, his pupil, on one horse. Every position was a picture, and both master and pupil were deservedly applauded. It might be well to state, in this connection, that the Signor Zoyara referred to is the identical Ella Zoyara, who performed at Niblo's, with Nixon's Royal Circus a season or two ago. . . . A Mr. Armstrong was down on the programme for a "wonderful stilt act," but the most wonderful thing about it was, that Mr. Armstrong did not perform upon the stilts at all. He came into the ring, stilts in hand, and fastened them to his feet, while seated on the ground. In a few moments we were surprised to see Mr. Armstrong remove the stilts, as he sat, and immediately after make his way out of the arena, without a word of explanation; nor was any explanation made on his behalf during the evening. Eaton Stone appeared during the week.
Gardner and Hemmings' circus appeared at Schuykill Haven, Pa., on the 7th inst., and open at Allentown, Pa., on the 9th and 10th inst. At Frenchtown, N.J., they show on the 11th inst.
Lent's National Circus will exhibit at Lacosta, N.H. . . . Grafton 17th, Lebanon 18th . . . In this troupe are the Stickney Family, Tom King, W. Ducrow . . . Joe Pentland, Chas. Rivers, H. Forrest, J. Renshaw, R. Hernandez . . . Sig Gonzales, and Mlle. Virginia.
Levi North, with his circus, was in Montreal the early part of last week, and from there intended to work his way by land to Quebec, and finish and ___ season in Canada. During their travels they have made a living in Canada, and therefore thought it advisable to finish the season there, rather than risk chance, under present circumstances in the States.
[Chicago] Dan Rice, with his "big show," is advertised here for the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and __th. Circuses, as a general thing, pay better in Chicago than any other kind of performance. How Dan will do in Chicago remains to be seen. Mabie and Nathans were to be here through the fair week, but as yet they have not advertised, I supposed they have concluded to give it up. I understand from good authority that they ___ breaking up for the season on Saturday (tomorrow, Sept. 7), eight miles from Chicago. The Antonio boys did a tip-top business here, and went away perfectly satisfied with Chicago. Melville was the reigning star.
Alex Robinson, of Robinson's Circus, was at Utica, N.Y., last week. The troupe will winter there, it is thought.
Gardner & Hemmings' Show was at Schuylkill Haven on the 7th inst. On the 11th they were in French Town, N.J. Signor Parker, contortionist, is with the company.
Madigan's Show has run the gauntlet through Vermont, and done a lively business. The following letter from our young friend, Col. T. Allston Brown, treasurer for Madigan's Great Show, give the particulars: Northfield, Vt., Sept. 13. . . . I now propose to give you a short sketch of our travels since entering the state of Vermont. When our manager first proposed visiting this state, it seemed almost a mattr of impossibility to do so, on account of the very strict law which prohibits any kind of circus performances under a penalty of $200 to the manager and every person connected with the show. The landlord that receives said company into his house, the owner of any lot leased for such purposes, and in fact any persons co-operating for said performance, are each and all liable to said fine, and imprisonment. Taking these things into consideration, it seemed almost impossible to think of getting the State's Attorney at Montpelier to grant the permission. But being resolved not to leave a stone unturned, Mr. Madigan secured the services of Mr. Philo A. Clarke as his advertiser. Mr. Clarke immediately proceeded to Montpelier, and calling upon the State's Attorney, obtained the consent of that gentleman to give our performance ___. One reason for this was the good report of the respectability of the company, and of its being a first class show, endorsed by the press of the state of New York. Having satisfactorily arranged everything, Mr. Clarke commenced advertising the state. . . . Notwithstanding we had the sanction of the State's Attorney we were playing against the law, and had any ___ person felt so deposed, he could have persecuted, and doubt put us to some trouble. . . . in every town we have visited, guaranteeing that should anything of the kind happen, they would "take the responsibility." . . . Phillipsburg and ___ were the only stands in Canada, preferring a good thing in Vermont to an uncertainty in the Provinces. . . . Ever since we entered this state our business has been very encouraging indeed, and I doubt very much if any company out this season, can show two thirds the receipts that we can. And other thing most gratifying to all, and certainly to the artists engaged, is the fact that this is the only company, but one or two exceptions, that has paid full salaries from the day of starting out. For Hank Madigan has done to every member of his company except two, and they were not deserving of the two-thirds salary which they did receive. Jealousy and an ugly disposition are bad friends to introduce to any company, and this was the cause of their dismissal from the "Union." . . .
Mabie's Menagerie and Nathan's Circus were at Delphos, Ohio, on the 11th, and at Fort Wayne, Ind., on the 14th.
Alex. Robinson & Co.'s circus will be in Quebec on Sept. 16, 17, 18 and 19.
[New York City] Nixon's circus, under canvas, adjoining the Palace Garden grounds, on Fourteenth Street and Broadway . . . Eaton Stone will probably appear in his bareback riding act this week, his benefit takes place Monday evening, 30th inst. Den Stone's benefit takes place tonight.
Maurice Sands was in to see us on Tuesday last, having arrived here from Havana on the previous Saturday. He reports that the war in the States has depressed all kinds of business on the island of Cuba. There are two circus companies there, one called the ___ Circus Co., then giving entertainments in the vicinity of Havana. Attached to this troupe are Frank Robinson and Charles Wood, of Cincinnati . . . Maurice Sands expects to return to Havana this week. He contemplates starting out in the spring with a company of his own, giving exhibitions in the West Indies, South America, etc.
Thinking about Sands, brings to mind the will of Richard Sands, whose sands of life ran out some months ago, in Cuba . . . Mr. Sands was quite wealthy at the time of his decease, and for a time there seemed to be some difficulty getting at the will of the deceased showman; but it eventually turned up, and on the 17th inst., it was admitted to probate in the Surrogate's office. The will appropriates $4,000 for his funeral expense and a monument; to his brother Elbert, he bequeaths $10,000; to his sister ___, $12,000; his two half-brothers, each $1,000; to the children of his brother Henry, $2,000; to his adopted children, Maurice and Jesse, $2,000 each; to three friends, $1,000 each. By a codicil, the sum to his brother is increased to $15,000; increased to his sister Rosa, $18,00, all other legacies are increased in similar proportion. To George Sergeant, equestrian, $1,000; to Sands Haviland, $1,000; to Thomas Brooke, for faithful services as door-keeper, $,000; to his aunt Phoebe Smith, and two cousins, $1,000 each; Richard Sands Pousall, $1,000. The residuary estate goes to his brother, after various other bequests of landed property. . . . We see no mention of any ___ being made for the mother of "Richard Sands Pousall, and to whome, it was thought, the building in which they resided would have been left. It is possible she has been entirely overlooked in the general distribution.
Dr. Bassett's United States, and Geo. Bartholomew's Southern Circuses, have combined, and were performing under the title of the "Grand Combination," at San Francisco, Cal. . . . where they were to remain for "five nights only." There were twenty-five performers in the arena, including M'dlle Camille, and Miss Emma ___. A free exhibition of Blondin's feat, by Mrs. Walter B. Aymar, was announced for each evening, a wire, from the ground to the fourth story of the International Hotel, said to be at an elevation of 75 feet.
Wambold and Co.'s Circus and Caravan opened at Bangor, Me., on the 13th inst. . . . Messrs. Wambold and Co. state positively that they have always raised the American flag, and performed under it wherever they have been, that they never raised a secession flag . . .
Madigan's Great Show pitch tents and drive stakes in Vermont . . . The company then take Massachusetts, playing on the 30th at North Adams. The company will reach New York about the 20th of October . . . The four performing elephants under the very able tuition of Col. George Washington Hall, are the main feature of the exhibition. . . .
Spalding and Robers Rail Road Circus was at Allentown, Pa., on the 30th ult. They show at Bethlehem, Pa. on the 1st inst.
Van Amburgh's establishment is just finishing up its career in the state of Pennsylvania. It was at Covington . . . and Troy . . . en route for New York City, where it expects to arrive in about four weeks. A number of the attaches, when they disband, intend entering the service of Uncle Sam.
[California] The Union Circus belonging to Dr. Foster, collapsed somewhere in the mountains and has not been heard of since.
Gardner & Hemming's Circus has returned to Philadelphia, after a tour in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, etc. The canvas is spread this week on a lot in Twelfth street below Spruce, to be continued as long as business and the weather will warrant it.
[Advertisement] Lent's Great National Circus, will exhibit in Brooklyn . . . Oct. 14th, 15th and 16th, when the following talent will appear: Joe Pentland, clown; Madlle Heloise, Miss Emma, Madlle Virginia, S. P. Stickney, Mr. Robert Stickney, Tom King, Mons Rochell, W. J. Smith, William Ducrow, Sam Stickney Jr., Masters Johnson, Forrest, Gonzales . . .
[New York City] Nixon's Circus continues to pay at Palace Garden. Eaton Stone, Den Stone, Mme Tournaire . . .
[New York City] Mr. John Wilson, the great California circus manager, is in the city, after having made an extensive trip with his company through South America. Mr. Wilson left San Francisco in November last for the Sandwich Islands, where his company performed three weeks. . . . exhibiting all along the coast of Peru . . . He next proceeded to Equador . . . to Guatemala . . . Mr. Wilson comes to New York from Guatemala, the company is to go to Mexico, exhibiting in the interior . . .
[New York City] We spent the evening, the 14th, at the circus in the old Bowery. . . . The show was very fair, one of the features of which being a double somersault by Jimmy Madigan. The run was made from the back of the stage, the leap taken, and the performer made two clean and complete turns in the air before lighting on his feet, as touching the ground he immediately leaped up and turned another. . . . In his riding act, Mr. Madigan was not so successful, probably owing to the great rider Sebastian having preceded him, and Zoyara doing an act afterward, creating a feeling of timidity. Sebastian is great, his bareback act is well worth witnessing; he seems to ride with ease and grace, and his postures are very daring. How he manages to hang on with one knee only is a puzzle to us. Messrs. Hogle & Keefe were very clever in their performances on the trapeze; their dropping feats being both startling and astonishing. Bobby Williams was announced to clown, but he was not there. Messr. Armstrong doing the funny business. Zoyara was as great as ever in his leaping act. There was some trouble about ___ matters next day, and on Tuesday evening, with about $__ in the house, the orchestra refused to play; and there was no performance. The manager could not be found, and the money takers had taken income ___ off. There were symptoms of a row, and the police were caled in to prevent any outbreak. The audience were dismissed without having their money returned. There was every prospect of a good week's business, and what could have determined Messrs. Tilton & Ashley to act as they did, we cannot conjecture. 'Twas bad policy, money might have been made, as it is, the troupe is injured, the managers are injured, and the house is injured. Bad management seems to the fate of this house. It has since remained closed. P.S. We have since been called upon by Mr. Ashley, who requests us to state tht a suspension of public ___ is desirable for a few days, when a card will be issued revealing the true state of the facts. Mr. Ashley states that it is the intention of Mr. Tilton and himself to offer a free performance to the public for the damage incurred by ticket holders.
[Advertisement] Notice to managers. Yankee Robinson will negotiate for engagements after Dec. 1. Having the best ___ of Three Act Dramas extant, mammoth lithographs, engravings, cuts, &c. (drawings taken from actual representations), enables managers to secure a style of advertising entirely new and free of cost. Address Yankee Robinson, care of New York Clipper.
Yankee Robinson, we are pleased to learn, has recovered from his recent indisposition. His "Double Show" was disbanded on or about the 10th inst., previous to which, however, they will show at Little Valley, Cuba, Angelica, Hornellsville, Bath, Penn Yan in this state, staying one day in each place.
[Advertisement] Bowery Theatre. S. P. Stickney, lessee and manager. Stickney's Great National Circus, being the only circus company now performing in the United States. . . .
During the past week, manager Stickney has met with a great loss. His charming daughter, Sallie (announced on the bills as Md'lle Heloise), was married on the morning of the 7th, to Md'lle Ella Zoyara, known to a few as Omar, but whose right name is Samuel Yale. At last his (her) trune sex has been discovered. The happy couple immediately withdrew from the above establishment and left for parts unknown. Madame Rumor, with her thousand tongues, has been very busy during the week as to the cause of Sallie leaving her fathter thus abruptly . . .
Tom King's National Circus, located on the theatre lot, Washington, has been doing, it is said, a splendid business during the past week. Dan Gardner is clown. Ella Zoyara is announced to appear this week.
Robinson & Lake's circus and menagerie was at Orleans and Salem, Ind., on the 7th and 8th insts.
[New York City] Mr. Lingard, of the New Bowery, has engaged the New York Academy of Music for a short season, where he intends to bring out the celebrated Hanlon Brothers, in some new and wonderful entertainments which they have been engaged in getting up for several months past. Among the new feats to be ___, we hear, is the extraordinary "Flying Trapeze" performance, of which we have heard so much, in connection with the great Leotard, in Europe.This feat has never been performed in public in this country, that we are award; and as it is one of the most exciting and dangerous looking performances ever attempted, it will, in all probability, attract large audiences, for it is an uncontroverted fact that the greater the chances of a man breaking his neck, the greater the attendance to see him do it. We believe it is Thomas Hanlon who has been practising the Leotard feat, and not only can young Hanlon do all that Leotard performs, but, in the performances, we understand, he will introduce some points never attempted by Leotard. A few months since, one of the Hanlon brothers made a flying visit to London, saw Leotard, witnessed his Flying Trapeze exhibition, and at once made up his mind that if Leotard would not come to America to astonish the natives, he, Hanlon, would do it himself. Leotard objected to coming while the war fever was on, contenting himself with remaining among the Britishers, who patronized him very extensively. So young Hanlon "saw, and over came." He swas Leotard, and now offers to go one better. It is to Mr. Lingard's enterprise that we will be indebted for an opportunity of witnessing one of the most marvelous undertakings in the gymnastic ___. The first exhibition, we learn, will take place in about three weeks, and . . . will be continued through the holiday season. . . .
Whatever we think of Eaton Stone, we feel like telling that old joke concerning him; but, at present, we desist; for Eaton has met with a mishap which is anything but a joke to him. You know that we some time since called attention to his herd of buffaloes, performing at Nixon's Palace Garden Circus. There were eleven of them at that time, all alive and kicking. Now, they are all dead, the last of them having died last week. The immediate cause of their death is unknown, by some it is ___ that they have been foully dealt with; by others it is said that they died of dyphteria, or something of that sort. The loss of these animals is a severe blow to Mr. Stone. . . . Eaton has since purchased three buffaloes, and will endeavor to replace those he has lots by fresh draughts upon the western prairies.
Who has not heard of Sam Stickney, of circus fame? Sam, in his day, was the great four-horse rider, and was a favorite wherever he appeared. Well, Mr. Stickney has taken the old Bowery theatre, in which he has been giving circus performances during the past few weeks with fair success. Mind, the houses have not been full, but just good enough to reward the manager for his efforts . . . The company last week numbered some few artists of repute . . . Eaton Stone, the well known bareback rider, was there. He is not quite as dashing as he was in his younger days, for time will tell upon any man, especially where a man neglects the practice of his favorite pursuits; but there are still but very few in the business who can equal him in that devil-may-care style of riding which he has made his specialty. A rising member of the profession is master Robert Stickney. A mere boy as yet, he exhibits points which older heads might profit by. His positions are not so free and easy as they will be as he increases in years . . . he is true and steady, and leaps the flags, and goes through the balloons without a baulk. His turning a somersault while on the horse, is a remarkable performance . . . Signor Sebastian is coming with a rush into public favor. He is a bareback rider, and very graceful in his movements. His horse is a very fine animal. Sebastian, while standing on the bare back of a horse, puts the animal into a trot, during which he passes over bars, the rider still maintaining an erect position. It is a difficult performance, the motion of trotting having a tendency to jolt the rider off. In his act with his little boy, Sebastian exhibits some beautiful effects . . . This week some additions will be made to the company, among whom may be mentioned M'lle Castillo, from Levi J. North's Circus. In the latter part of the week, the veteran rope walker, Herr Cline, will appear on the scene of many of his former triumphs. Nearly thirty years ago Herr Cline performed in the old Bowery . . .
[New York City] Kate Ormond, a very neat and pretty equestrienne, connected with Spalding & Rogers' Circus troupe, is in town, the company having disbanded for the present.
[New York City] Mons. Hubbell, the strong man, performed with Stickney's Circus, at the old Bowery, last week. The Monsieur does not seem to be at home in the sawdust arena, moving here and there, apparently undecided what to get at. He is a strong man, however, and performs some remarkable muscular feats. His feat of pulling against two draught horses looks wonderful.
George K. Goodwin & Co.'s extensive menagerie was destroyed by fire on the night of the 12th inst., in Boston, Mass. . . . All the wild animals, about one hundred in number, were smothered to death by the smoke. They were in cages on the second floor, while the horses, wagons, &c., were in the lower story. Five horses, three trick ponies, and two trick mules also perished in the flames. Most of the horses and ponies were kept elsewhere, thereby escaping the conflagration. . . . There were thirty-three cages, which contained, among other animals, three lions, four leopards, one Bengal tiger, two African tigers, one hyena, two bears, an African goat, a Mexican wild hog, and musk cat, a leopard cat, a horned horse, and between thirty and forty monkeys. There was a large boa constrictor which perished in the flames. . . . Two cabinets of wax figures were destroyed with the other property. The whole collection was valued at from $10,000 to $15,000. It was insured for about one-half its value. . . . The fire is considered the work of an incendiary. A man who was sleeping in the building at the time, barely escaped with his life. Seven watch dogs perished in the flames.
[New York City] It was Wm. Hanlon, not Thomas, who is to execute the "Flying Trapeze" performances at the Academy of Music shortly.
Herr Cline made his appearance with Stickney's Circus at the Old Bowery . . . He appeared on the tight rope, going through a number of those feats which have made him famous as a rope walker. Mr. W. F. Smith, who performs "L'Eshelle Perileuse," is said to be practicing some new and difficult evolutions . . .
Chiarini's new circus establishment in Havana, Cuba, was to have been opened on the 16th inst. . . . "Foremost among matters of amusement and interests of New York, is the safe arrival of the troupe of equestrians, acrobats, gymnasts, &c., who have been engaged for Chiarini's Circus in this city. Mr. Chiarini, Mr. Avery Smith, and Mr. Quick, have outdone all former efforts of theirs, in the erection of a most magnificent amphitheatre . . . I saw it lighted up the other evening, and I must say I was surprised, for it seemed to have sprung up like Aladdin's palace, and looked like a magic bower. The ring is lighted by eight splendid ___ and gold chandeliers, having six large cut jets each, which throw a most brilliant light upon the performers, showing to good advantage, the gaudy dresses and decorations that are employed in the various representations that are to be gotten up at the Arenic Temple. In addition to the blazing light produced from the unique chandeliers, there are about one hundred and fifty other jets emanating from elaborately worked brackets, giving the whole interior and exterior the appearance of an illuminated temple. . . .
The United States Circus was to have sailed from San Francisco, California, for Callao, Peru, on the 21st of October, in the clipper ship Santa Claus. They have with them eight horses broken to the ring, including one trick horse; all the necessary canvas, seats, properties, etc. The company consists of Doctor Bassett, William Aymar, Walter Aymar, Wm. Painter, George Constable, John Reese, Little Wonder - a Spanish boy, Mrs. Walter Aymar, Lottie Aymar, and Mrs. Emma Pastor.
[New York City] Mr. Stickney is carrying his circus season through very cleverly at the Old Bowery. Sig. Sebastian, the bareback rider, has closed his engagement there and leaves for California this week, where he is engaged to join Mr. Wilson's forces. . . .
Geo. Goodwin, whose menagerie was destroyed by fire in Boston some time ago, has connected himself with Wilder, the circus man, and on the 21 inst., their troupe commenced operations at the Howard Atheneum, Boston. A list of the company: Messrs. Jas. Mellville, Tony Pastor, Nat. Austin, James De Mott, James Barry, Albert Aymar, Rogers, Ashton, Ducrow, King, Barclay, Mme. Tournaire; Mlle Jeanette Ellsler, the tight rope walker; Miss Rogers, danseuse . . . Messrs. Austin and Kennedy, jesters of the arena.
[New York City] A great sensation of the week past, and of the season is the feat performed by Wm. Hanlon, and termed "Zampillaerostation." It is in the style of the Leotard fete, which has created so much interest in Europe during the past few years; but the Hanlon feat is a more difficult performance than the Leotard swing. The Hanlon Brothers have been performing in private for some months, for the introduction of this startling performance in the circuses of New York . . . The centre point of attraction was of course the great Zampillaerostation act, and the appliances for its performances. From the first tier of boxes, which is about 24 feet from the floor of the parquet, a standing place was erected, to which an iron ladder was attached. Twenty feet from this, in the parquet, an iron frame-work stood, from which the first trapeze, or swing, was pendant; and fifty feet from this a second iron frame-work, with the accompanying trapeze. Thirty feet further, the third trapeze hung, suspended from the proscenium; and eighteen feet beyond that stood the wooden frame-work, which formed the landing place of the daring acrobat. These several frame works, from which the trapezes were pendant, were all firmly secured, by iron wires of half an inch in thickness - to the boxes on each side, in order to prevent any accident resulting from the giving way of any portion of the iron frame work, which did not look strog enough, although it was so, to sustain the strain it was subjected to. Between the two stands, a passage was laid, consisting of a thickly carpeted pathway of the same width as the frame work. By an ingenious arrangement, this passageway - which, previous to the performance, was on a level with hte seats in the parquet - was raised about six feet above the heads of the audience. At a given signal the Brothers Hanlon made their appearance, two of them being neatly attired in black, with while vents and kid gloves . . . William Hanlon proceeded to take his position on the stand at the ___ circle, his brothers taking theirs by the two centre trapezes, in readiness to assist him in his aerial flight. The first trapeze, or swing, consisted of two separate ropes, with a handle attached to the end of each; the others were each connected by a bar, instead of having handles. Those handles and those bars were what the performer swung by, he holding on to them by his hands, his body being pendant therefrom. After briefly testing the strength of the frame work by a graceful swing of two on the first trapeze, which at once convinced the anxious lookers on that he had everything under perfect control, he took his first leap, and as he arrived at the end of the first swing; he left it, and catching the other as it was sent up to meet him by his brother, he was carried by the impetus of his movement to its extremity, and again passing through the air, seized the third vibrating trapeze, and finally landed on the stand located on the stage, in the midst of plaudits that shook the building . . . Again and again did he pass from one to the other, occasionally varying the performance by turning a backward somersault, and alighting on the passage way. Finally, he took his place on the stand by the boxes for the last time; and taking the first leap, he passed from one trapeze to the other, actually turning a somersault as he proceeded through the air, catching the flying trapeze as he turned. . . . The performance is not really so dangerous as it looks and were the acrobat to fall, it is not likely that he would sustain very serious injury; still, it is a very effective and wonderful act, and as performed by Hanlon, eclipses that of Leotard, at least so we have been informed by gentlemen who have witnessed both. . . . The new feat was preceded and followed by a pantomime, in which the G. L. Fox troupe of pantomimists figured. They were not really well don; but, aside from this, they were old, and apparently worn out by long usage . . .
[New York City] Ella Zoyara, just returned from Washington, arrived in this city last week. It is a remarkable fact, that thousands of persons who have witnessed the feats performed by this rider, are yet in doubt whether Zoyara is a male or female. Large sums of money have at various times been wagered on the gender of this remarkable rider. We understand that George Goodwin, of Boston, has effected an engagement with Zoyara, who will be brought before a Boston audience on Monday next, 23d inst., at the Academy of Music.
[New York City] Stickney's National Circus, at the Old Bowery . . . Several additions have been made to the company, among them Miss Kate Ormond, a clever little equestrienne, but who, we believe, does not appear in the arena at present; but confines her performances to dancing, etc. . . .
[Havana, Cuba] . . . the opening night of Chiarini's Circus was a success . . . The building is about 500 feet in circumference, a perfect circle . . . It is perfectly ventilated, having an entire row of lattice work around the circle, of four feet in depth, and an open space at the top, covered with a canvas of 120 feet in circumference. In addition, there has been erected a stable, 80 feet in depth, and 50 feet in width, with accommodations for 20 horses, with abundant space for feed, etc. M. Chiarini is winning laurels by his success in training trick horses. . . . The company engaged here is composed of Mr. Charles Sherwood, lady and two children . . . Charley has successfully produced his "Pete Jenkins," . . . Mlle Zoyale, the fearless and graceful horsewoman, Miss Lizzie Frances, Messrs. Hoyle, Donaldson, Hemmings, Conrad Brothers Burt McClane, Teresa Mayo, George Sharp . . . Hercules Libby with his easy handling of cannon balls . . .
We now append the extract promised - In the debate upon the amount of license to be levied upon the various descriptions of shows which may visit South Carolina there were conflicting opinions. The liberal sentiment, however, prevailed, and in furtherance of the view of raising supplies, the majority were correct, for a heavy license is the next thing to a prohibition. Here is an account of the proceedings:
On reading the clause pertaining to the licensing of shows, etc., Mr. Allen said: "I more to strike out $100, and insert $10, as the tax per day on circuses."
Mr. Cannon - "These circus men are dangerous people, and we should tax them highly."
Mr. Allen - "I think circuses advance education. They are elevating in their tendencies. They are recreations for the people. I think they exert beneficial influences and should be encouraged. I have seen five thousand people at a circus in this city, and have seen as many in Barnwell."
Mr. Mazyek - "This bill is to raise supplies. If we make the tax $100 none will ever come here. Our object will be defeated. If we make them pay a moderate tax, they will put money into the treasury."
Mr. McAlley moved to substitute $20 as the tax on circuses per day. He also though circuses had a beneficial influence. Agreed to.
Mr. Allen then moved to cut down the tax on theatres, etc., to $1 per night.
Mr. Moses - "I thnk that is right. I think we should exempt the permanent theatres. I think theatres improve the people. They keep young men out of the worse places."
The tax on theatres was cut down to $1 per night.
Mr. Allen then moved to cut down the tax on negro minstrels, and to charge them $5 per night, and to charge $10 on wax figures.
Mr. Palmer - "I think we should favor wax figures. I want to see Gen. Scott down here some times, and I do not thing [sic] I shall have a chance to do so unless he comes down in this shape."
Mr. Moses thought there should be no discrimination between wax figures and negro minstrels. He though the negro minstrels should be taxed for exhibition. They made dirty puns and said things the people should not hear. But circuses, he thought, belonged to the country. The horses were fine. They do not speak, but something entertaining can be had by looking at them. The dirty negro minstrel, however, was no good to anyone.
Mr. Allen - "I am in favor of the negro minstrel, and I think he should be protected."
Mr. Wilson - "I would like to know the difference between the dirty clown and the negro minstrel. The gentleman (Mr. Moses) would license the clown in his vulgarity, yet would restrain the negro minstrel."
The amendment of Mr. Allen was agreed to.
Madigan's Show spread their tent in Albany on the 27th, but a sudden gale came upon them and carried away their tent, destroying the centre pole. Spalding & Rogers' boss canvasman, Mr. McCormick, happened to be present, and loaned them his pole, and this enabled Hank to give his entertainment. Spalding & Rogers showed in Albany June 3, 4, and 5, West Troy 6, Troy 7 and 8, and Schenectady 10.
1862
Angelo Chiarini, the rope walker, was advertised to make an ascension with a wheelbarrow, from the ground to the top of the pavilion at Hoye's Park, San Francisco, on Thanksgiving day, 28th Nov., but we regret to learn that when about half way up, he lost his balance and fell, receiving injuries which subsequently proved fatal. He was attached to the Martinetti troupe.
Goodwin's Circus, at the Boston Academy of Music, has not done much business. The company is pretty good, but the manager does not seem to understand the business very well. It is not every man that can come from behind the counter, and manager a show successfully. Zoyara appeared in petticoats last week, and this week he will put on male attire.
[New York City] Hanlon's Zampillaerostation, and Fox's pantomimes, at the Academy of Music, did not prove very attractive last wee, and they were accordingly brought to a close on Saturday evening, Dec. 28th, the occasion being for the benefit of Mr. Fox, from which it would seem that Mr. Fox and his pantomimes were the features of the entertainment, rather than Mr. Hanlon and his aerial feat. Peculiarly, the speculation may be set down as a failure. What the effect of this failure may be in other places that the Hanlons and their partners in the business may visit, it is not for us to say; but if such a novelty failed to pay in the city of New York, it is not very difficult to guess what degree of success may attend it in lesser cities. Other performers, we understand, are about to appear in this new performance, and as there is very little danger attached to it, we presume Zampillaerostation will very soon ___ among a large class of gymnastic performers.
[New York City] We hear no more of "Zampillaerostation." The sad pecuniary results of the speculation at the Academy have probably deterred the parties from ___ a "season" elsewhere. It was the first attempt of a Bowery management to cater for an Academy audience, and the introduction of worn out Bowery pantomimes was a bad move for a beginning. . . . Wm. Hanlon's feat was the feature of the performance, but it was not sufficient to make an entertainment in itself, and owing to this, and other reasons, the whole thing was a lamentable failure.
[Washington, DC] King's Circus is doing well with Dan Rice's. . . . Mr. King has erected a very substantial and commodious building, and has got together a very good working company. Among the artists engaged, are the following: The Rolland Brothers as the Motley Brothers and upon the trapeze are very fine indeed. . . . The perche equipoise by Messrs. King and Smith meets with great applause. Billy Kincaide is master of the tumbling act. . . . Old Dan Gardner loses nothing of his youthful fire, and cracks his jokes with an unsparing hand as characterized his bygone efforts. Dan is a great favorite with Washingtonians. The 'star' of the show, little Eliza Gardner, styled in the bills as Petite Eloise, is merely a child - a half grown Zoyara - a little Queen of the circus. She dashes through balloon after balloon with much ease . . .
[Advertisement] Bowery Theatre. S. P. Stickney, lessee and manager. Stickney's Great National Circus . . . a brief engagement with the celebrated humorist and conversationalist, Dan Rice . . . will introduce the blind horse, Excelsior Jr. . . . the comic mules Pete and Barney under the auspices of Dan Rice. Madame Louise Tournaire, the popular French equestrienne . . .
The four Antonio Brothers, having lost two of their number by deliberate matrimony, seem to be winding up their business in St. Louis. After twenty-eight years of fraternal activity . . . With their father (Diavolo Antonio) they performed at the old Park, and at Niblo's Garden in 1835. They also introduced the risley business of the four brother acrobat acts. We believe their last performance in New York was at Col. Mann's Old Washington Circus, during our World's Fair.
[Advertisement] For sale. Antonio Brothers' Great World Circus. Owing to tow of the brothers wishing to retire from the business, the offer for sale the whole or part of their establishment, consisting of forty number one horses, eight of which are beautiful matched cream colored for band carriage; eight godd spring baggage wagons, band carriage, advertising wagon, two two horse barouches, two buggies, forth set of good harness, eight of which are heavy silver mounted head harness, made by Mr. Couch, of Philadelphia, only used five months; entire trappings and entree dresse, riding and entree pads, one 90 foot round top canvas, with 40 foot dressing room, seats, poles, guy ropes and chains, wood cuts, ring tools, etc.; everything complete and ready for the road. The property can be seen at H. Shepard's farm, Hamilton county, Indiana, 25 miles from Indianapolis. Address P. Antonio, St. Louis, Mo.
[New York City] Linton, Nichols & Co.'s circus, that departed from this city in the ship Utah, Dec. 6th, 1860, for Buenos Ayres, Rio Janeiro, etct, ahs not been heard from for a long period, and much anxiety prevails among the families of thsoe connected with the troupe, here, in regard to them. Mrs. Bliss, whose husband, Charles Bliss, travels with the concern, calls our attention to the fact.
The Hanlons will soon zampillaerostate back again from Havana. Three weeks are nothing there - a mere step, hop, skip, and jump - for William, George, Thomas and Alfred.
[Washington, DC] January 31st. At the circus business is very good. Joe Pentland is the principal attraction. Little Eliza Gardner is very popular. She is improving every day. She can new jump ten balloons with much ease. On Tuesday last, Tom King took a benefit and was rewarded with a fine house. He was presented with a splendid gold watch.
[New York City] Messrs. Spalding & Rogers, the well known circus managers, are now in this city, engaged in fitting out a company of equestrians, acrobats, gymnasts, etc., for South America. This great novelty in the show business is called "Spalding & Rogers' Ocean Circus." Everything connected with it will be new, and of a style never witnessed in this country; being peculiarly adapted to the comfort of residents of the tropical climates. Cane seat chairs and settees, of an ingenious contrivance, are being manufactured by E. Chichester, Pearl stree. The extensive pavilion is being prepared by Henry Dougherty, South street; while Messrs. Cornelius & Baker, of Philadelphia, furnish chandeliers, etc. . . . The company will comprise some of the best equestrian, gymnastic and musical talent in the country. The stud of horses will include the choice of the market, the wonderful horse Hiram being included in the number. The junior partner of the concern, Mr. C. J. Rogers, will accompany the expedition, which is expected to remain abroad two years, with the probability of sontinuing the voyage around the world. This "Great Southern Exposition," or "Ocean Circus," will sail from this port on or about the 1st of March, direct for Rio Janerio. . . .
Our old friend, Levi J. North, has turned up at ___, Cook county, Ill., and, as is the case with all our subscribers, he bears his retirement with Cincinnatian fortitude, enjoying a little hunting, gunning, fishing, etc. Master George and Master Henry, both clever chips of the old block, however, induce Levi J. to once more come before the public. . . .
[New York City] H. P. Madigan and J. Madigan, were among the arrivals from Havana, in the steamship Columbia, on the 13th inst. The Hanlons had appeared at Chairini's Circus, in "Zampillaerostation," before an immense audience.
[New York City] The Sherwood family have been playing an engagement at the Circus de Chiarini, Havana, Cuba . . . The drunken act of "Pete Jenkins" took the Habaneros by surprise, and for a while they were under the impression that a drunken loafer had made his way into the place to create a disturbance. A complimentary benefit was given to Charley Sherwood on the 31st January . . . The Sherwoods will arrive here some time this week . . .
[New York City] A version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," on the equestrian plan, has been played at the old Bowery during the past week. . . . On the 4th of March, John Foster, clown, had his night; on the 5th, Joseph C. Foster has a benefit, when he will produce the spectacle of "Ivanhoe," and on Saturday, March 8th, a complimentary benefit is to be given to manager S. P. Stickney, on which occasion he announces his intention to ride, being the first time in this city for thirty-two years.
Among the artists engaged to accompany Messrs. Spalding and Rogers to South America, are Wm. H. Ashton and Nathaniel Rogers, two live Yankee lads . . .
[Philadelphia] The celebrated Hanlon Brothers sail from Havana this week, Saturday, and will arrive in New York during the following week. On the following Monday, after their arrival, they appear at the Academy of Music in this city, in their several performances. Their father and businnes agent have been in this city for some time, and have made all the necessary arrangements for their appearance. . . . Thomas is the original performer on the L'Echelle Perileuse. William and George achieve miracles on the trapeze, Alfred creates surprise by his ladder feats; whilst the two younger achieve wonders on the La Perche Equipose. William's last great feat of Zampillaerostation, combined with the above performances will attract the curious and lovers of the gymnasts during their stay here.
[Philadelphia] Dan Rice opens at the Walnut, on Monday next, with a small equestrian company, consisting of the following: Dan Rice, jester . . . Ella Zoyara, James Melville . . . and Madame Tournaire. . . . A fence ring will be located upon the stage, and the "___" will be composed of several loads of dirt.
The indomitable Herr Driesbach keeps a dry back under good shelter at his cozy little farm in Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio. The show business this winter has not been very ___, and the Herr thought that something ought to be kept going, so he gave five "dances" at his private residence. . . .
Mr. Geo. K. Goodwin is getting ready for a start some time in April, the weather admitting, and he has already engaged Nat Austin as clown, Miss Janette Essler as tight rope performers; and the Snow brothers as gymnasts. The outfit, it is said, will be one of the best upon the road, new wagons, harness, etc., the cost of painting each of which will be $120. To each panel a beautiful equestrian figure is painted. This year the concern will bear the name of G. K. Goodwin & Co.'s North American Circus.
Showmen must keep their eyes open this season, and avoid those places where extortion is practiced in the shape of license fees, etc. In the city of Battle Creek, Mich., the license is one dollar, in current money, and thirty two admissions, including the Mayor, Recorder, eight aldermen, city attorney, chief engineer, four constables, and their ladies collectively. The bill poster has no boards, and the privilege of putting up a bill on a shed, fence, or house, will cost a "family pass" for its owner or occupant. . . .
[Advertisement] Old Bowery Theatre. S. P. Stickney, lessee and manager. Samuel P. Stickney, Esq., will, by special request, repeat the great six horse act, The Courier of St. Petersburgh.
[New York City] The circus is an institution which has its admirers in every quarter of the habitable globe, and in many places it finds more favor in th eyes of the people than does the theatre. This city, however, is not one of those places. Occasionally, a good circus show may meet with success here for a month or two, but it can never "take root," solely as a circus. On the east side of the twon, at the Old Bowery Theatre, Mr. Samuel P. Stickney has held the reins for several months, giving us a little of everything, from lofty tumbling down to Uncle Tom on horseback. Think of that, ye Greeleys, and sons of Greeleys, and Beechers, and sons of Beechers, and sons and daughters of the Pilgrims! Uncle Tom on horseback! Ah! But, though Mr. Stickney has run the season through, under the most discouraging circumstances, we do not believe the veteran will become round-shouldered in carrying home the surplus revenue. Nevertheless, he has given employment to many who might otherwise have been left out in the cold, and we presume he has paid his way, if nothing more. A complimentary benefit was tendered Mr. Stickney on Saturday evening, March 8th, on which occasion a number of volunteers appeared, in addition to the regular company. The house was good, but not great. It was a paying house, and we are glad to learn that many tickets were sold outside that were not used by the purchasers. The entertainment offered by Mr. Stickney for the amusement of his patrons was of an attractive and varied character. There was some very clever leaping by the company, some lofty feats over men and horses by J. Madigan and Wernel, being beautifully executed. . . . Jimmy Madigan is no stranger here, and he also came in for a full share of approbation. The concluding feat of the leaping business was the extraordinary double somersault by young Madigan. This is one of the most difficult feats known to the profession, and many who have never seen it done, insist that it cannot be fairly accomplished. Mr. Madigan, however, places the matter altogether beyond dispute. On Saturday evening, he performed it in the most artistic and beautiful manner, leaping into the air, after a short run, and turning twice before alighting on his feet; the evolutions were not too rapid, but so well timed that every movement could be distinctly seen by the audience. Mr. C. Foster read an address, which had been written for this occasion by W. O. Eaton. It alluded to times past and present in the show business, and referred to Mr. Stickney in happy terms. . . . The event of the evening was the re-appearance of Mr. Stickney, in the New York arena, being the first time in thirty two years. He was announced to appear as the "Courier of St. Petersburg," and ride, drive, and manage six horses. "Old Sam" received a most hearty welcome, for which he bowed his acknowledgments. But "youth must be served," and "age will tell," and it was plain to be seen that the Stickney of the present day has lost the agility and stamina which he possessed "in the days of auld Lang Syne," and which contributed to make his name familiar throughout the land. He did his best to please, however - showing that he does not lack the will, but the ability; for when age creeps on apace, a man's physical system becomes enervated, and what was so easy of accomplishment in our younger years, cannot now be achieved even byt the most extraordinary efforts. But the mantle of the sire is falling upon the younger branches of the family, of whom several are now before the public. Eaton Stone appeared as a juggler, or, classically speaking, a "manipulator." He spun around dishes upon the ends of sticks, one, two, and three times at a time, and never cracked a plate. We never saw Eaton in that light before. Among the clowns present were Sam Lathrop, Sam Long, and Sam Stickney, three Sams . . . Devere gave his great contortion performance, in which business he excels. Master Charles and Miss Ada Sherwood, who have just returned from Havana, danced a double Irish jug very cleverly indeed. . . . Two other little ones, Master Bob and Miss Emma Stickney, closed the entertainment in a riding act, called "The Rural Lovers; or, Match Making in Harvest," this being Bob's first appearance since he broke his arm.
[New York City] Zanfretta, the great female rope walker, commences an engagement at the beautiful Canterbury Music Hall this evening. Mlle. Marietta Zanfretta is deservedly acknowledged as one of the most graceful and daring rope dancers in the world. . . .
George W. De Haven's circus troupe collapsed some time since in the North West, and several of the performers, who had been long with De Haven, were left very "short" at St. Paul, Minnesota, which proved anything but a haven of rest, for the people there . . . The performers engaged with De Haven when the concern disbanded, were Oliver Bell, bareback and trick rider; Hiram Marks, single, double, and treble horse rider; Wm. Sparks, strong man and balancer . . .
[Advertisement] E. H. Ludow, auctioneer, the survivors of Sands, Nathans, & Co., will sell at auction, athe the Merchant's Exchange, on Tuesday, March 25, 1862 . . . four performing elephants (Anthony, Cleopatra, Jenny and Mary), one zebra, one four horse baggage wagon, one gold watch, one bond of Edwin Lawrence and Robert Safely for $1,000, secured by mortgage on a house and lot in Lansingburg . . . one bond for $4,000, secured by mortage. . . . Also, notes and accounts against different persons . . . Avery Smith, John J. Nathans, Gerard C. Quick, surviving partners.
[New York City] Mr. J. C. Rivers, the Union clown, late of Wambold & Whitby's Double show, is at present in the city, and ready to negotiate with managers for engagements.
[Advertisement] Tom King's Mammoth Circus and Animal Exhibition, from the new Amphitheatre, Washington, D.C., opens in Baltimore, on March 31st. In the company are the following equestrian artists: Ella Zoyara, Jemma Zoyara, Mlle Virginia, Mlle Rosa, Spencer Stokes, R. Hemmings, Tom King, W. F. Smith . . . Wells Armstrong . . . Geo. Ball, Z. Cole, and Masters Robert, Jame and Henry. Old Dan Gardner, clown; R. Ellingham, equestrian director. In addition to the above, are the performing buffaloes, deer, goats, monkeys and poney riders, etc. The pavilion will accommodate 4000 persons.
[Advertisement] Wanted. A situation for the summer of 1862, to take charge of any good show, or otherwise. Address Levi J. North ___, Cook Co., Illinois.
Spalding & Rogers' Ocean Circus departed last week for Rio Janeiro on bord the clipper brig Hannah. The expedition is under the management of Mr. C. Rogers . . .
[New York City] J. M. Nixon's circus will open in this city this evening in a lot on 14th street.
[New York City] The Hanlon Brothers left us in the California mail steamer of the 21st April.
Geo. S. Cole left Montreal on the 28th of April, to join the roster of Mabie's party at Delavan, Wis., being engaged with them for the summer.
John Nathans is engaged for L. B. Lent's Circus, which will soon start out.
R. Sands is mustering his forces at Chicago, and will make a dashing start very soon.
Mabie's elephants will be under Craven for the ensuing season. George Woodruff, who was so ___ injured by the lion last year, is already at the rendevous, Delavan, Wis., but is yet obliged to walk on crutches.
Herr Driesbach intends to be before the public once more about the 15th May . . .
Joe Pentland, the clown, had arrived in San Francisco, where he is engaged to perform with Wilson's troupe. . . . Wilson's concern was expected to commence operations in a few days. Wm. Pridham, advance agent, being in Stockton, making arrangements for the advent of the great show.
Bobby Williams, the equestrian clown, has been engaged by Goodwin & Wilder, who commence the circus season at Roxbury, Mass., on Monday, April 28.
John C. Rivers, the great Union clown, has been engaged to join Goodwin & Wilder's Circus Company, for the approaching season.
The Joe Pentland Great New York Circus, the title, we believe, of John Wilson's California Show, which was to open in San Francisco about the 1st of May, consists of Joe Pentland, Sebastian and wife, the Orrin Family . . . Geo. Peoples, W. Franklin, D. Long and wife, and others, those named being the principal performers.
The night after the exhibition of Van Amburgh's menagerie in Plainfield, N.J., the elephant Tippoo Saib broke loose from his fastenings, and strolling down one of the streets, pulled down a panel or two of a fence in front of a private dwelling, and regaled himself on the verdure of the lawn. . . .
Goodwin & Wilder's Circus and Mrs. Dan Rice's Great Show will exhibit in Massachusetts during the current week: Abington, Weymouth 20th, Canton 21st, Roxbury 22d, South Boston 23d, and Charlestown 24th.
Gardner & Hemming's Great American Circus Company are on the move northward again, as the weather gave them too warm a reception while heading for the warlike "distreeks." A few changes or additions have taken place among the company, the principal of which is Mr. Hill, formerly with Spalding & Rogers, who is now ring master. The biz. has been fair, ever since commencing the season at Frankford, Pa. the last week in April. . . . Master Edward and Miss Eliza Gardner are agreeably exponents of Young America. Dan Gardner and R. Hemmings are known to all the faithful. Of course C. W. Parker keeps on packing himself up and sending himself off by express, in all sorts of postures and contortions, as usual. This "high old party" have just been doing Little York, Pa., and intend making "a loud call" at Harrisburg pretty soon.
Joe Pentland's Great World Circus opened in San Francisco on the 27th of April, and it was a perfect ovation. Long before the time to commence, the spacious pavilion was crowded to its utmost capacity; it is what is called a one-hundred-and-ten-foot round top, and is elegantly fittled up. . . . Young Sebastian has fairly won the hearts of the girls in San Francisco by his graceful and daring acts of horsemanship; the Orrins are as popular as ever, and Joe maintains his reputation as an excellent clown and clever business man.
Van Amburgh & Co.'s Show closed their exhibitions in Philadelphia on the 24th.
Goodwin & Wilder's North American Circus, in conjunction with Mrs. Dan Rice's Great Show, finished last week in doing Boston, and its western suburbs, but commence this week at East Boston on the 26th, and Lynn on the 27th. . . . will show this week at the following places: Salem 28th, Newburyport 29th, Amesbury Mills 30th, and Haverhill 31st.
Our circus folks have already touched Hartford, Conn. . . . Lent's Hippozonomadon, or, as the contrabands call it, "Hooping Jerusalem," showed for two days at the corner of Market and Talcott streets. . . . The "Hop on Thomas" proves an immense attractions - so much so, the ministers and other piously-inclined people, who can't reconcile spangles with Christianity, sent in a request that a show be given for their particular kind, minus the circus abominations. Accordingly, the hippopotamus and elephant were trotted out, and put through their paces to quite a crowd of brothers and sisters. A very good idea, that introducing the subdued and sancitfied hippo on a religious trot, surrounded by appropriate quotations from the Bible, and Frank Howes and Kennedy in white chokers and spectacles. This entertainment, sandwiched between the spangled and sinful shows of the afternoon and evening, would pay. With this really fine troupe, can be found the "Evergreen," better known as Mr. Stickney, his charming little daughter Emma, and son Robert, who well deserves the championship he claims; Tom King, with Mdlle. Virginia, rides several very fine acts, just taking by storm with theri maginficent appearance, before they reach their horses. Bill Kennedy is responsible for much distress in county towns, in the loss of buttons, and bursting of good clothes; while Messrs. Rochelle and Jim Crow, in La Perche, cloud swing, and the famous "Leap for Life" act, render this show immensely attractive; though last, not least, Mdlle. Coriana Felicia, the rival of Zoyara; Miss Mary Phelps, the fascinating rider and graceful danseuse, and the gentlemanly Frank Howes, who seems equally at home as rider, clown, ring master, or lecturer, giving a touch of each during the entertainment, combine to make a good show. Mr. Lent has able assistants in every department. A good Shepherd to watch his legal tender, and one Quick to look after his interests when he secures the services of the subscriber to give tone to the establishment, and an air of fashion to the circus. . . .
[Advertisement] Card. Charlestown, Mass., May 26, 1862. Last Saturday, May 24th, was the advent of Goodwin and Wilder's North American Circus and Mrs. Dan Rice's Great Show, in this city. The exhibition was well advertised, and might have done a fine business had not one of the employees, instigated by Goodwin, at least so I have been informed weeks since, made a cowardly attack upon a citizen of Charlestown, who was formerly the agent of Goodwin when, he G., traveled under the style of Wambold & Co. I was standing in the doorway, waiting for a car, when some one approached me from behind, and struck me a heavy blow behind the ear, felling me to the floow, and then he exclaimed, "I'll whip you, d__ you." He then struck me several tiems, when some one said there somes a policeman, and the valiant side showman who had been so brave as to attack a man from behind, ran like a Southern rebel; and for ought I know reached some friendly ditch where he might hide himself for awhile, to rest from his prodigious labors of attacking a man far inferior to himself in strength. Mr. Goodwin followed me into the City Marshall's office, and stated that if his man was arrested, he (Goodwin) would swear that he saw Peaslee strike the first blown, when, in fact, I did not strike the man at all. Under the circumstances, the Marshal advised me not to have the man arrested, as it was probably that Goodwin's men would swear to anything he might wish them in regard to the fracas. But he informed Mr. Goodwin, afterwards, that Mr. Peaslee would visit the show in the afternoon or evening, and that sufficient police force would be detailed to protect him from any further attack from Mr. Goodwin's employees, and he advised Mr. G. R. Goodwin to use the one who had been his agent, formerly, as well as any other man, as he was bound to protect the citizens of his own city against any and all attacks from traveling showmen. I accordingly visited the exhibition and was not interfered with in any way by the man who had endeavored to beat me before. The house in the afternoon was very light, and at night not nearly full, notwithstanding a liberal distribution of free tickets, a dozen of which were sent to Mr. ___, the Superintendent of the Middlesex Horse Railroad, on which I am employed as conductor. This endeavor of Mr. Goodwin to injure me, arose in the first place from my writing a rather tart letter to Mr. Goodwin on the 14th of May, 1861, resigning my situation, and my afterwards leaving his employ, for the reason that he did not pay me as he had agreed to for obtaining several free licenses; after I did leave him, he caused to be published in your paper, an advertisement cautioning the public against trusting Flint Peaslee on account of Wambold & Co., as he was discharged from that establishment on the 29th of May, which statement I can, and will, whenever required, prove to be false. I was employed by Goodwin till June 6th, 1861, can produce proof that he did on the 31st of May, 1861, employ a party to come to me and persuade me to continue in his employ. Last winter his menagerie was destroyed by fire. Goodwin settled with the insurance companies by receiving $2500. As it was insured for $___, the insurance companies were dissatisfied in regard to the circumstances attending to the fire, and the large amount which it was claimed the concern was worth, and they declined paying the risk without further investigation, and their agent applied to me to act as a referee, estimate the value of the animals, and state what was paid for various animals, and other property. I did so, and gave a higher valuation than any one else by 25 per cent, but Goodwin seeing it in a different light, commenced a malicious attack on my character, and endeavored by all means in is power to prevent my remaining in the business where I was employed. He even stated that he would prevent it, and he has not ceased to persecute me in every possible way since. Is this right? I claim a right to obtain an honest living, and trust that Goodwin may always meet with as square a man as Marshal Swift, who is worthy and well qualified for his duties towards brothers or cousins. Yours truly, Flint Peaslee.
[Advertisement] Yankee Robinson's Great Histronis. The only establishment of its kind ever organized. Over 100 men and horses. Three great epochs of our beloved country. The Days of '76, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and the Days of '61 and '62. Consisting the great moral exhibition, suited to the era we live in. New style pavilion, new and improved portable box seats, large elevated stage, elegant scenery and complicated machinery. Will make a tour (being Yankee Robinson's eighteenth annual campaign through New York, Canada, and New England, commencing at Hornellsville, N.Y., May 24. Triple band, brass, string and military. Remember! Yankee Robinson is the only individual that has ever successfully "Done the drama up in a rag."
Robinson & Lake's Circus and Menagerie, seems to be making out very well. The company is composed of Wm. Lake, Madame Agnes Lake, Little Alice Lake . . . P. H. Seamon and lady, A. F. Aymar . . . John Robinson Jr. . . . From Detroit they were to go into Canada, visiting Hamilton, Toronto, Belleville, Kingston, and then on the Montreal.
Stokes' National Circus filled up a high old time all last week at Brooklyn. This week they begin . . . commencing at Williamsburgh on the 7th, Greenpoint 8th, Harlem 9th, Hoboken 10th, Jersey City 11th, and on the 12th they start on a steamboating trip among the towns on the Hudson. Sam Lathrop has been added to the company . . .
The Antonio Brothers set out on the spread with their grand pavilion, brass band, Bob Smith, and all the "etceteras." They are at Evansville, Ind., during the week ending 28th June, and on a general tour, intending to "fetch up" at St. Louis on the _th July. . . .
Thayer, Noyes & Co.'s Great United States Circus company open in Pittsburgh, on the 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th Sept. . . .
Goodwin & Wilder's North American Circus company were at Fredrickton, on the 25th and 26th Aug., at Tulley's Half-Way House, 27th, and Woodstock 28th. Mrs. Dan Rice's Great Show continues with this great concern in combination.
Yankee Robinson's party were at Hudson, N.Y. on the 30th August.
From St. Louis . . . writing on the 25th Aug., that G. W. De Haven's Circus spent the past week in this city, and did an immense business, as circuses always do here. They have now chartered a steamboat, and go up the Illinois River, with a view of exhibiting at the towns along its banks.
De Haven's Circus Company were at Dubuque, Iowa, on the 3d and 4th.
The Antonio Brothers are still on the move. They were in Chicago all last week.
Mabie's Great Show has visited the principal towns in Wisconsin, and is now in Iowa. They were to cross the Mississippi at McGregor's Landing, on the 4th.
Yankee Robinson has come and "went." He came with great hearlding and he "went" with lots of ready. Blessed by the name of Robinson. The Histronis exhibited in Schenectady on the 29th Sept. . . .
Dan Rice's "Great Show" was at Lockport, N.Y. on the 4th.
Lent's National Circus and Hippozoonomadon show at Waterford, N.Y. on the 22d.
Dan Rice shows in West Troy on the 22d, and for the next three days in Albany, which will wind up the season.
Yankee Robinson had the tent of his Double Show blown to atoms lately at Little Falls, N.Y. Took first train for Madison, where he had a spare tent. Rejoined his party at Newport and Utica. Looked in "home" at Waterville. Found a new male performer in the house. "Mother and child doing well." The company are to disband at Syracuse on the 25th.
Nixon's Circus, in Washington, has Dr. Thayer and his comic mules, the Conrad Brothers, Barney Carroll and daughter, Harry Whitby and family, Charley Madigan . . . Thos. Armstrong . . . T. Allston Brown is also "along."
Van Amburgh's Menagerie Company are "sweeping the State" of Ohio in fine style. . . . At present the concern is not likely to go into "winter quarters."
Charley Campbell is engaged for Spalding & Rogers' Ocean Circus . . .
Goodwin & Wilder's Circus was in Boston last week, for a day or two, where they tie up for the winter.
[Quebec, Canada] 20th October . . . Mr. Lent's receipts must have been enormous, for at every exhibition during the first three days the wagon had to be shut ere the performance opened up, and he gave two shows each day. On the fourth day, to meet the public demand, he ave what has never been done by any other company in Canada, if in the U.S., four performances.
We have received a letter, signed, R J. Prosington, giving an account of the doings of Dr. Bassett's Circus since leaving California for South America. Great complaint is made against Bassett, whos is represented as having sailed from ___, leaving some of his company to get along as best they could.
[Boston] Oct. 24th . . . Mrs. Dan Rice's Great Show combined with Goodwin's Circus, made a great splurge last week, opened at the foot of the Common on Monday, and "bust up" on Wednesday. The cause of the break was said to be the wind, which blew their canvas down, but as it did not go up again, it was though there was a 'blow up' in another direction.
[California] Sept. 30 . . . John Wilson's Joe Pentland Show has just concluded a most successful season, and are now performing at the capital. John has a capital assistant in this agent, Wm. Pridham, whose popularity and business tact much of this season's success is due.
[California] Sept. 29 . . . Joe Pentland's Circus performs at Sacramento during the week, appearing at Stockton on the 29th. Signor Sebastian, Master Romeo . . . and the Orrin family, are performing with this circus. Bartholomew's Circus was in Nevada on the 24th, and Marysville on the 29th.
Thayer, Noyes & Co. will winter at Girard, Pa.
Van Amburgh & Co.'s Menagerie Company wound up last week at Urbana, Ohio, and wind up the season at Clifton. The show animals will be wintered at Dayton, and the horses about ten miles from the latter place.
. . . particulars about the Aymars and Dr. Bassett in South America. . . . the following facts connected with the "United States Circus," organized in California by a party ___ the cognomen of Dr. Bassett . . . Bassett was taken ill, and became unable to attend to anything about the establishment, but in his turn required attention, and, independent of dramatic affairs, this task was carried out in the most humane and benevolent manner by Mrs. Aymar, while the whole machinery of the concern had to be worked by her husband. It being impossible to take Bassett with them, he was ___ to San Francisco, under proper medical treatment, while the company made their final arrangements. I have said that he promised $___, it was only a promise, and, as is invariable with all such frail material, it was now broken, so things could not come up to scratch. What was now to be done? There were creditors demanding money. There were many articles in use still unpaid for. Five thousand dollars were procured by the Aymars, and, as I have been informed by persons of the highest respectability who knew them in California, things began to assume a more pleasing shape. In spite of all obstacles, the company at last started, highly elated with the hope of returning and ___ to may friends the narrative of their travels in South America. If I remember rightly, the whole cost of the ___ was about $8,000, so persons can see that the wealth of Bassett was only imaginary from the beginning. After getting in performing order, Walter Aymar immediately began to sent remittances to Bassett to cover the loan, and in a short time succeeded in transmitting to Bassett the whole of the borrowed money . . . he being still in San Francisco; after which he continued to receive all the money taken by the company, except expenditures. They then traveled through the season, and ultimately returned to San Francisco, after doing a successful business the whole time. The company then broke up. Bassett selling off most of the properties, except some few thing which he thought requisite for another expedition. The circus company now embarked in the ship ___, and after a good passage all arrived well in Callao, where the commenced playing as soon as possible. After performing two nights with success, I witnessed their efforts in the bull-ring in Callao, and ding a magnificent business, they next took the theatre in Lima, where they met with equal success, and continued to have crowded houses for the space of one months. Then, as soon as business began to get slack, the abandoned Lima, making a start along the coast. They intended to be only ten days away, but finding success attending them, they continued their travels from place to place, and continued to play, not even passing a village in their route. Mr. Walter Aymar now began to think of money, and wished to know how he stood with Bassett with regard to financial affairs, and as the latter kept the books, he found himself as much in debt after performing two years, as when he started, although things seemed throughout to look favorable enough. Aymar, as a matter of course, wished to withdraw, and go by himself, as he was certain he could not be much worse off, but Bassett knowing he could not do without him, or even either of his brothers, proposed to sell out to them and Painter; in fact, there was not a great deal to sell, as most of the best of the horses belonged to the Aymars. From the 6th of April, the management devolved on Walter Aymar, Bassett being book-keeper and treasurer. After this the company took a mountain trip, proposing to come back by way of Lima, in which city they arrive on the 29th of July, after having plenty of hard work, and well filled houses; they performed in the Bull Ring on the ___ Sunday of their arrival, and ast the anniversary of the independence of Peru was near at hand, they, in the middle of the week following, performed twice in Callao, then on the next Sunday, 27th, they ahd again a giant performance in the Bull Ring in Lima. On the 28th a grand performance took place in the principal square in Lima . . . for which the ___ paid Bassett on the 29th, the some of $___ . . . Here Mrs. Walter Aymar caused a great sensation for the admirable feat of walking from the centre of the principal square to the ___ of the Cathedral on a wire rope half an inch in circumference. On the 30th July the regular steamer sailed from Callao, and with her Mr. Bassett, and all the money belonging to the circus company; also, wages belonging to Mrs. W. Aymar exclusive, to the amount of from $700 to $___ in cash. This, then, was his return for the kindness shown back on a bed of sickness, and this was the way Bassett took advantage, leaving the whole party involved in debt. It now became necessary to make the best of a bad bargain, when the Aymars did to the most credible and honorable manner, by using their utmost endeavors to pay off the debts, little by little, although some debts were not known until the bills were presented. They were now beginning to get over it, when ___ of the company made up their minds to follow Bassett, viz., Conatable, Painter, and Reese, which made the whole affair look as if it was a premeditated thing. They said they were only going back to California, which at the same time they had no other intention than following the fortunes of Bassett. As they went on ther voyage, two of the party had a regular set-to on board the steamer. By the last accounts I received they were performing at ___, in company with Bassett. Now to return to the company under Mr. Walter Aymar; every one seemed to take them by the hand . . . Their houses are nearly always crowded. They have had notification that they have the just sympathy of the Governor, and also most of men in office, for the honorable manner in which they discharged their debts. The performances of Mrs. Aymar are hailed nightly with shouts of applause, as also little Lottie. Every now and then there is a grand ascension on the rope. They have now (as I am informed) better chances of making money than they had under Mr. Bassett's superintendence. They are thinking of having another tour before going back to California. Anyhow, when they again arrive in California, they will be able to tell their own story much better than I can. I witnessed their last performance in Callao prior to their starting. The brothers seemed to be always before the audience. I have seen them assume eight or nine different characters each during the evening. Mrs. W. Aymar sings a favorite ballad during each night . . . Little Lottie also receives her share of public favor. . . . R. J. Pennington.
Mabie's Circus and Menagerie company are now at Chicago for wintering. . . .
Some of the Van Amburgh's animals seeem to have given some trouble in their travels in New Jersey. We now learn that the monster elephant, Hannibal, came near losing his life a few days since, while traveling from Keyport to Freehold, in that State. His an unsafe bridge, when, in crossing a tract of swampy land, the ground gave way beneath him, and the enormous animal sank up to the middle of his sides in the yielding mud, where he floundered away for some time without being able to extricate himself, his struggles, on the contrary, resulting in rendering his situation each moment more dangerous, until it was feared it would be impossible to save him. The heavy shackles with which he was fettered, preventing a free movement of his limbs, made his position still more critical until help arrived, when, by placing timbers in front of and around him, he was enabled, after a time, to extricate himself.
Montarz, the skeleton, under Dr. Bassett's management, was doing very well, and made considerable money in exhibiting from ___ to Valparaiso.