Comment
Cross: This night the Riot was very great, the Gentlemen came with Sticks, & tho' the play went on quiet 'till the last Act, we had there a great Stop, notwithstanding we ended it, & then the rout went on, ye. Boxes drove many out of the Pit, & broken heads were plenty on both sides; the dance began, – was Stop'd – & so again & again – while this was doing numbers were assembl'd in the Passages of the pit, broke down & were getting into the Cellar, but were repuls'd by our Scene men &c – heavy blows on both sides – Justice Fielding – & Welch came with Constables & a Guard; but with out Effect, tho' the Justice stood upon ye. Stage – I thought ye. proclamation must have been read – after ye. battle in the Passages numbers went & broke Garrick's Windows in Southhampton Street, – part of ye. Guard went to protect it – Garrick was oblig'd to give up the Dancers – & ye. Audience dispers'd