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Anecdote of La Fayette

From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol II. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.

The theatre being open last evening, the Marquis de La Fayette being in company with his Excellency the President of Congress, asked him to accompany him to the play. The President politely excusing himself, the marquis pressed him to go. The President then informed the marquis that Congress having that day passed a resolution, recommending to the several States to enact laws for the suppression of theatrical amusements, he could not possibly do himself the honor of waiting upon him to the play. “Ah!” replied the marquis, “have Congress passed such a resolution? then I will not go to the play.”1

 

1 New York Journal, November 2. On the 16th of October, the Congress passed the following resolve:—

Whereas frequenting play-houses and theatrical entertainments has a fatal tendency to divert the minds of the people from a due attention to the means necessary for the defence of their country and preservation of their liberties.

Resolved,—That any person holding an office under the United States, who shall act, promote, encourage or attend such play, shall be deemed unworthy to hold such office, and shall be accordingly dismissed.—Journals of Congress.