In opposition to this we have the testimony of Benjamin Franklin, who writes:
“Our people, having no publick amusements to divert their attention from study, became better acquainted with books.”[83]
So, too, a correspondent in the Weekly Mercury writes:
“Here are no Masquerades, Plays, Balls, Midnight Revellings, or Assemblies to Debauch the Mind or promote Intrigue.”[84]
When, however, we read an advertisement in the same paper about a month later like the following, we may be permitted to doubt somewhat the statements of the last two men.
“The Art of Dancing Carefully Taught (as it is now Practic’d at Court) by Samuel Perpoint, at his School ... where for the Recreation of all Gentlemen and Ladies: There will be Country Dances every Thursday Evening; likewise he teaches small Sword.”[85]
From this time on, we notice the advertisements of various dancing masters, who, often were school masters at the same time. Not only did these Philadelphians enjoy dancing, but they were partial to late suppers and card playing as well,—playing cards was a staple article of importation after 1736.[86] Another favorite amusement, we may be sure, was playing on the Jew’s harp, for after 1733, this instrument frequently is advertised.[87] The Jew’s harp must have been considered a harmless instrument by all sects, for as early as 1675 in one State of Puritan New England it is stated that a law was enacted, “that no one should play on any kind of music except the drum, the trumpet and the jewsharp.”[88]
Besides the amusements already mentioned, the Philadelphians had an opportunity to see a rope-dancer in 1724,[89] “Punch and Joan his Wife,”[90] “Magick Lanthorn” exhibition,[91] “Camera Obscura and Microscope,”[92] a musical clock with a man and woman appearing as mountebanks.[93]
Music was evidently popular at society meetings, banquets, etc. Perhaps there was nothing more than singing, but possibly a violin and spinet helped to while away the time. For instance, in 1731 at the celebration of “St. David’s Day,” by the “Society of Ancient Britons,” the evening ended with “Musick, Mirth and Friendship.”[94]
In the two items which will be given now, may be detected, perhaps, the incipient germs of musical criticism, or at least the idea, which most people probably had of what a professor of music should know and be able to do: