From 1822 to 1838 his starring tours (including two visits to England, where his splendid abilities were finally acknowledged), brought him increasing fame and fortune, but both were sadly interfered with by his unfortunate intemperance, approaching at times to insanity. After 1838, when an accidental blow of his friend, Tom Flynn, broke his nose, defacing his handsome visage and spoiling a splendid voice, he played but seldom, passing his days on his farm in Maryland. His last years, clouded by his growing infirmity, ended with his performances in New Orleans in November, 1852, and he died on the boat, on his way home, on the 22d of that month.
Alexina F. Baker.[G]
From an engraving by H. B. Hall, after a crystalotype. In the collection of Peter Gilsey, Esq.
Mr. Kemble and his daughter Fanny acted in Washington in 1833. Of course, it may be said that I was too young to judge, but I shall never forget either of them. Mr. Kemble was the only Sir Thomas Clifford I have ever seen, and he gave to the character a dignity and pathos without parallel. As Julia Fanny was really great, as she was in Bianca.
At the close of the season we drifted to Richmond, Va., under the management of Mr. Phillips, known to the profession as "Nosey" Phillips. He did finely with such stars as Booth, Hamblin, Cooper, and Miss Vincent.
I never heard any one read just like the elder Booth. It was beautiful; he made the figure stand before you! It was infinitely tender. Some of the passages of "Lear" were touching in the extreme, though he used Cibber's frightfully bad edition of that sublime tragedy. He had some very odd ways at times. We were playing "Hamlet" one night in Natchez, and during Ophelia's mad scene a cock began to crow lustily. When the curtain fell upon that fourth act this crowing became more constant; and when the manager could not find Mr. Booth to commence the next act, he looked up and saw him perched on the top of the ladder, which was the only way to reach the "flies" in that primitive theatre. The manager ascended the ladder and had quite a lengthy discussion with Mr. Booth, who at last consented to come down on condition that he should resume his high position after the play, and remain there until Jackson was re-elected President.
