Letter to the editor, November, 1862

 Negro Minstrelsy

From San Francisco we have the following, as extracts from a letter to us dated on the 1st Nov., written by our old friend, Ben Cotton, of Maguire's Opera House:—

"Thinking a line would be acceptable, I take the liberty of dropping a few to you. I am happy to inform you that I am in most excellent health, and hope this will find you the same. Tommy Peel is here with Birch and myself. Business is very good at present I take the CLIPPER every time it comes out.  In looking over one the other day I saw a notice in regard to Maguire's Opera House, stating that Birch and Cotton were at Maguire's, and that Billy O'Neil appeared when he was 'sober enough.' Now I wish it understood that it is false, for Billy appears every night; and more than that, am happy to inform you he has not drank a drop of liquor for over four months!  (You can rely upon this being the truth.) He is looking 'fine as a fiddle,' and is a big favorite here... By noticing this in your next, you will confer a favor upon one who likes to see 'fair play' (I am writing this without the knowledge of Billy) and as to myself, I think I shall stay out here until the war is over, and perhaps longer. I like the climate and it appears to agree with me, for I have gained twelve pounds since I arrived here. My line of business takes well here.'"

The New York Clipper, December 6, 1862, p. 267.