Chapter 8

ASTOR-PLACE RIOTS, 1849.

Rivalry between Forrest and Macready.--Macready's Arrival in this Country.--The Announcement of his Appearance at the Astor-place Opera House, and Forrest at the Broadway Theatre the same Night posted Side by Side.--Bowery Boys crowd the Opera House.--Anxiety of the Managers.--Consultations and Dramatic Scenes behind the Curtain.--Stamping of the People.--Scene on raising the Curtain.--Stormy Reception of Macready.--Howled down.--Mrs. Pope driven from the Stage by the Outrageous Language of the Mob.--Macready not allowed to go on.--His foolish Anger.--Flees for his Life.--His Appearance the Second Night.--Preparations to put down the Mob.--Exciting Scene in the Theatre.--Terrific Scenes without.--Military arrive.--Attacked by the Mob.--Patience of the Troops.--Effort to avoid Firing.--The Order to Fire.--Terrific Scene.--Strange Conduct of Forrest.--Unpublished Anecdote of General Scott.