1879-1880 Buffalo Bill Combination

Buffalo Bill.

Hon. William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) with a strong company, commenced a three nights' engagement at the theatre last evening to a pretty fair audience, which made up in enthusiasm what it lacked in numbers, and frequent rounds of applause greeted the hero whenever he appeared in his several characters.

The play is a melodrama written and dramatized expressly for Mr. Cody by Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. It possesses considerable merit and abounds with numerous comical and pathetic scenes. The field of action is laid on the plains of the far West, with the exception of the second act, which lies in Chicago and introduces the heroine, Rose Melton, whom Buffalo Bill had met and saved from death some time previous, but in doing so had lost his heart and fallen in love with the fair Rose, the feeling being reciprocal on her part.

Complications arise through the action of the outlaw Ralf Royston, who is ever seeking to take the life of the brave and noble scout on whose death his safety and fortunes depend, but a happy culmination is reached in the final act in the overthrow of the outlaw and the triumphant vindication of honesty and justice, with the union of the two loving hearts. The scenery used in the production of the play was made exclusively for use in its presentation. That used as the background in the first act is so arranged as at its close to vividly and strikingly represent a prairie on fire, with a herd of maddened buffaloes rushing wildly before it direct upon the Indian camp at which the scout is held a prisoner, bound hand and foot. In the last act the representation of the stage coach stopped by a gang of robber outlaws is very lifelike, and adds much to the effect of the scene. It can be truly said that since his last appearance in this city "Buffalo Bill" has greatly improved in his character of an actor, and where he is called upon to act a thrilling scene of border life his interpretation of the part is so real and true as to call forth a marked acknowledgment of his talent. His feats with the rifle are truly wonderful, but must be seen to be appreciated, as it is impossible to draw a pen picture of the situations under which he sends a ball true to its aim.

Miss Nellie Jones' acting of Rose Melton is well performed,and the Wild Nellie of Miss Lydia Denier could hardly be improved. Being the wife of Royston, wronged and deserted by him, her strong love turned to hate, and living the same wild life as her male companions, she carries the sympathies of the audiene with her until his tragic death from her own hands. Mr. J. J. Loudon as Ralph Royston is somewhat deficient in force, and his execution of the character is rather labored. Mr. Alf. Beverly as Judge Chincapin Shyster and Mr. L. R. Wilard as Moses Molock, the scheming Jew, create considerable amusement, and they are continually getting out of one scrape only to fall into another. The negro Buttermilk, by Mr. Harry Irving, together with his obstinate little donkey, also comes in for his share of applause. Anoher feature of the play is the introduction into the first act of a group of genuine Indian chiefs, and their war-dance and other antics seemed to be highly appropriated,especin the gallery. In view of the immense success of the programme last evening, "Knight of the Plains" will be repeated througout the week.

Buffalo Bill.

The Hartford Courant has this to say of the appearance there of Buffalo Bill in his new play, "The Knight of the Plains," which he is to present at the Opera House to-night:

Col. Prentiss Ingraham's new play, written for Buffalo Bill, was submitted at the Opera House last evening to public criticism for the second time. It is essentially a drama of the plains, yet far above the average in plot, in situations and in dialogue. These merits were brought out by a company of more than the excellence ordinarily found in performances of this particular character. Last evening 'The Knight of the Plains' was presented with special scenery, good costuming, and a spice of reality was added by the introduction in the opening act of a troupe of Nez Perce and Pawnee Indians and their interpreters. The galleries were crowded, as might have been anticipated; but for that matter so were the dress and parquette circles, and indicative that Buffalo Bill and his combined novelties in his new drama has a fascination for adults as well as the youthful portion of the community."

AMUSEMENTS.

LEUBRIE'S THEATER.

The late arrival of Buffalo Bill and his Combination prevented them from giving a matinee yesterday, as advertised, but the crowd that assembled at the Theater last night, in spite of the miserable weather, to witness the "Knight of the Plains," proved that a good performance was expected; nor was the audience disappointed. Buffalo Bill has a good company, and the scenes depicted in the play presented last night are realistic in every sense. There was a refreshing absence of the bloody murder business, which so often renders plays of the kind stale and unprofitable. Buffalo Bill alone is well worth seeing. He is no pretender, but a man who has faced death on the plains a thousand times, and knows the pathless plains better than the painted warriors that roam over them in search of buffalo or scalps. His acting is true to nature, and his shooting with the rifle was really wonderful. He was well supported by the members of his combination, who are far above the average of traveling actors.

Miss Lydia Denier, as "Wild Nellie," well deserved the hearty applause she received. Her enunciation is remarkably clear and distinct, reminding one of Kitty Blanchard.

Miss Nellie Jones is the ideal of the part she played. Her "business" is correct in the minutest detail, and her voice alone would entitle her to no mean position on the boards. She is not only distractingly pretty, but a true artist.

The Indians introduced in the first act are genuine red skins of the plains, and their war dances and other savage ceremonies excited great interest.

Buffalo Bill

This hero of many fights with Indians on the plains, and for the past ten years a successful actor, will appear at our theatre to-night with a combination in the thrilling drama, "The Knights of the Plains." Buffalo Bill is a wonderful shot with the rifle, and the Indians give a realistic effect to the play. He will be in the city until Sunday. An exchange says:

The Opera house was crowded last night, on the occasion of Buffalo Bill's first appearance. Every nation has an actor--a play which represents itself. England has her dramatic dukes and kings, and Austria her Philips. All nations have plays and characters peculiar to themselves. The true---the original representation of America is wild plains and uninhabited forests. A hero of these scenes is purely American, and his name is Buffalo Bill---W. F. Cody. Mr. Cody is not only the hero of a drama written for himself, but is the hero of a broad drama written by nature and by fate. He, as Eliza Cook would say, is one of nature's noblemen, and richly deserves the name.

The play last night was good, and the audience was peculiarly demonstrative. There is not so much of the blood and thunder as one would imagine, but it is ereplet with fine dramatic and "comedienic" points.

In fact, there is not a poorly selected character in the troupe, and we advise our people to patronize a purely American drama and more purely American actors.

Buffalo Bill.

Music Hall was packed in every nook and corner last evening, and what a cheer went up from the gallery gods as Buffalo Bill jumped upon the stage and pointed at the heads of a band of cut-throats two highly polished revolvers. And during the play, how opportune were all of B. B's arrivals when virtue was to be protected or a life saved. "Buffalo Bill at Bay" is like all his previous pieces, varying only in language and in the working up of startling incidents, yet intensely interesting to the crowd that always attend. The supporting company is a good one, the Indians are hideous looking, and Bill shows his remarkable skill at shooting. The orchestra is excellent. There will be a matinee this afternoon and another exhibition this evening. There is no gun firing, except when Bill gives his exhibition, and no slaughtering, so that timid women need feel no aversion to attending.

There is no humbug about Buffalo Bill's Indians, and their war-dances and camping scenes are well worth seeing.

A REMARKABLE MAN.

One of the best drawing stars on the stage to-day is the Hon. W. F. Cody, better known to the world as "Buffalo Bill," and a man who has won a name as an actor as well as scout.

Reared from boyhood amid the wild scenes of the border, Buffalo Bill is a hero who deserves every atom of praise bestowed upon him, and in appearing before the footlights he holds an advantage that his confreres cannot possess, id est, he plays himself, his dramas being founded upon incidents and scenes in his own life, and though sensational and real border plays they are free from the "terrible," and have gained the applause of the elite of our land.

Mr. Cody is now playing at the St. Charles Theatre, in the melo-drama, "Knights of the Plains," written for him especially by the distinguished author, Col. Prentiss Ingraham, whose work has recieved the most favorable criticisms from the press of the West and North.

AMUSEMENTS. MARTIN OPERA HOUSE.

Hon. Wm. F. Cody and company appeared at Martin Opera House last evening in his new play of "Buffalo Bill at Bay." While the piece is devoid of literary merit, it abounds in striking and picturesque tableaux, which bring down the house, so to speak, every time, and set the gallery crazy with excitement. The play also serves to introduce the famous scout in some of his marvelous rifle practice, which also attracted applause The war dance of the noble savages who accompany Buffalo Bill, was also a good feature. Miss Lydia Denier made a good looking Pearl of the Prairie, and Miss Nellie Jones as Corinne Kendall, was also received with much favor. The gallery was thronged last evening, and there was a large attendance on the main floor. There will be another large audience present this evening, when "Buffalo Bill at Bay" will be repeated.

MARTIN OPERA HOUSE - BUFFALO BILL - THIS EVENING. - Buffalo Bill and his big combination, including a band of genuine Indian chiefs, will open at Martin Opera House this evening. They bring out a new and exciting drama, entitled, "Buffalo Bill at Bay, or the Pearl of the Prairie." Buffalo Bill will be assisted by his military brass band and orchestra; also Eddie Burgess, Boy Chief of the Pawnees. During the drama Buffalo Bill will exhibit his marvelous rifle shooting.

Popular prices of admission. Reserved seats at Cluett & Son's musi store.

Matinee to-morrow at 2 P. M. "Buffalo Bill at Bay."

Third and last performance to-morrow evening.

The new play is full of life, action, Indian and shoot. One of the most exciting pieces that the Buffalo Bill troupe has yet appeared in.

The Knight of the Plains.

The Buffalo Bill combination, led by the noted government scout, guide and hunter, Hon. W. F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill) will appear as above announced. He comes this season with a strong dramatic combinaion, as his own brass band and orchestra, and a band of genuine Indian Chiefs, including Master Eddie Burgess, the Boy Chief of the Pawnees, the youngest chief of which any record is given in the entire Indian nation.

Few men have gathered in their real exi tence, enough of romance and adventure to make the theme entertaining or thrillng to others. This is one of the great charms of Buffalo Bill, for he presents incidents and accidents from his own stirring and eventful life, and presents, in his own personality, stage representations of his own escapes, triumphs and exploits beyond the bounds of civilization. He has a new play entitled "The Knight of the Plains," written by Col. Prentiss Ingraham, the noted novelist, who, by the way, will visit this city with the company.

Mr. Cody has wonderfully improved as an actor, and the author, in writing this new play introduces him in a variety of roles - or, rather, three disguises - his own original character of "Buffalo Bill," as an English nobleman, as a detective and as a pony express rider. In the first act as Buffalo Bill, he introduces his wonderful rifle shooting, and the act closes with a startling tableau of a prairie on fire, with scenery painted especially for the purpose, to which is added red fires and, other properties, making, it is said, the most realistic scene ever presented on any stage. The gambling scene in the third act - with the real implements of a Cheyenne gambling hell - is also said to be realistic in the extreme.

The press this season compliments Mr. Cody very highly on his improvement as an actor, and the audience on this occasion, besides seeing the noted scout and guide - the very impersonation of physical manhood - will be entertained with an interesting drama of border life.

There is nothing of the rough and boisterous nature about the play - no more than, is to be found in "Davy Crockett" or the "Danites" - and this new departure is drawing everywhere large audiences of ladies, and the best show-going people. Says the Philadelphia Times:

Long before the rise of the curtain every seat, yes, and every available space of standing room was occupied, all anxious and watching eagerly for the play to commence, and when the popular scout, Buffalo Bill, did appear, such an outburst of enthusiasm is seldom heard in any theatre. The drama presented "The Knight of the Plains," is far ahead of anything Mr. Cody has heretofore presented, and he is ably supported by a first class company, each one seeming peculiarly adaped to the part assigned them. The same programme will be carried out during the remainder of the week.

The Washington Daily Post says: The performance nightly of the Knight of the Plains elicited rounds of applause from crowded houses. Buffalo Bill pursues the even tenor of his way, making at once many friends and much money, with his interesting drama and band of genuine Indians from the wild West. He is supported by an excellent company, by which all the good points of the play are well brought out. Buffalo Bill, hereafter, need not merely depend upon his fame as a scout and guide, to draw an audience, as a scout and guide, to draw an audience, as he has exhibited a rare talent in portraying frontier life, and will compare vavorably with the average of actors.

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BUFFALO BILL.

Music Hall was never, but once before, so crammed with people as last night. There were at least 1600 in a house that should only hold 1200, and even women stood up all through the exciting scenes of "Buffalo Bill at Bay." The Hon. W. F. Cody is still a specimen of manly beauty and, as heretofore, always comes in at the right time in the play and excites the wildest enthusiasm of his audience. The play is in four acts, was written by Mr. Ingraham, who is to be congratulated on a work of more than usual merit. The boy chief of the Pawnees is good and so is the band of Indians that assist in the development of the plot. There will be a matinee this afternoon and another performance to-night.

Music Hall.

Buffalo Bill had the largest house of the season last night, reminding us of the old Tony Pastor crowds ; all the standing room occupied, the aisles choked, and many clinging to the window sash, standing upon the sills. The plays presented were the farce "Turn Him Out," and "Buffalo Bill at Bay," both tolerably executed. The audience was enthusiastic to an exaggerated degree ; bound to laugh at everything approaching fun and coming out with ringing cheers and yells at the climaxes in which the hero appeared in his well-known taking style. Col. Prentiss Ingraham tells us that he prides himself on having at last produced a border drama without a shot fired or a death upon the stage, toward which desirable point his writings have tended for some time. The result is that a better class of people are able to enjoy the presentation. Buffalo Bill's fancy shooting, especially on the lighted cigar, was fine and provoked great applause.

Buffalo Bill.

Next Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and Wednesday afternoon this celebrated scout and actor will appear at Music Hall in his new play "Buffalo Bill at Bay," supported by his own dramatic company, and a band of genuine Indian chiefs, in their camp scenes and war dance, Eddie Burgess boy chief of the Pawnees, and other novelties. Buffalo Bill is a good actor as well as a famous and daring scout, and has always been in favor here. During the entertainment he will give an exhibition of his famous rifle shooting. That there will be a crowded house there can be no doubt ; in fact he always has crowded houses, and with this new piece he cannot fail to draw. A sketch of one of Buffalo Bill's feats is given on our third page.

Over eight hundred dollars went into Buffalo Bill's pocket from his performance last night, and we predict a paying matinee to-day and another large house to-night.

Amusements.

The Buffalo Bill Combination drew 20,000 people last week at the Howard Athenæum in Boston, and the receipts amounted to $6,000.-Fall River will certainly turn out well to-night to see the famous scout and his real Indians.

"Buffalo Bill at Bay." This was the title of the extremely sensational drama represented by "Buffalo Bill" and his company at Smyth's hall last Saturday evening. The prediction of nearly every one that the house would be completely full, was amply justified. The hall was packed with people, standing room was even in demand, and the vast audience remained without an impluse to leave until the close of the play at eleven o'clock. It was an audience composed chiefly of the popular scout's old friends, with perhaps a half-hundred new comers who were unfamiliar with Mr. Cody's performances, and who came to be initiated into the mysteries of border life as revealed on the stage. A farce, " Turn Him Out," preceded the drama, but as "Buffalo Bill" did not appear in the cast it awakened little enthusiasm. When, however, the curtain went up on the first act of the evening's event, and the hero entered, attired in complete hunting-dress, with rifle swung carelessly across his arm, and a pair of handsomely mounted revolvers in his holster, the cheers and shouts that issued from the throats of three-fourths of the auditors present were almost deafening, and later in the piece when some thrilling situation was revealed, such as "Buffalo Bill" standing at bay with a revolver in each hand, facing a pack of Indians and a renegade chief, the audience fairly yelled with delight. Every point made by the scout was heartily applauded, and he received the honors, as usual, very modestly. The introduction of an uncommonly well-trained donkey was one of the leading features of the drama, while Mr. Cody's exhibition of rifle shooting was among the best ever seen here. The support of the scout was, in excellence, considerably behind his usual strong company, and the drama, also was less exciting than some of his others.

Buffalo Bill at Martin Hall. Last night at Martin Hall, in the presence of a crowded gallery and a fair house down stairs, Buffalo Bill, the trapper, scout, Indian fighter, guide, mail driver, justice of the peace, member of Legislature, actor, long-haired po--no, not that, but nearly everything else--appeared and pleased. The new play has not that alarming thirst for gore which its predecessors had. In fact, it is a neatly gotten up and interesting story, in which Buffalo Bill, like a modern Lochinavar, gets away with the prettiest girl in the country and treats her like a gentleman, we'll be bound. The Indians--of the up and up kind--gave zest to the performance, using their tomahawks and indulging in war dances of the most alarming nature. The play is not without the comedy element, and created considerable during the evening. Buffalo Bill at Bay will be repeated this evening and will also be given at a matinee performance, commencing at two o'clock.

During Buffalo Bill's stay in this city several gentlemen enjoyed a very pleasant chat with this noted scout, and learned from him the particulars of many an interesting circumstance on the plains.

Buffalo Bill in Albany. Hon. W. F. Cody, famous the world over as Buffalo Bill--hunter, trapper, trader, legislator, Indian fighter and actor, will appear in Albany, at Martin Opera House, Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday matinee, in his new play-- "Buffalo Bill at Bay." Although he brings a number of real Indians including the boy chief of the Pawnees, there is not a shot fired during the play save in the exhibition rifle shooting scene by Buffalo Bill, in which he executes some of the most marvelous of all the candle snuffing and other fancy shots ever seen.--Hence sensitive ladies may attend without endangering their nerves by hearing the banging of musketry and seeing cart loads of dead Indians shoveled off the stage. The company is large, and with its brass band will make a street parade--the Indians mounted on horses. Col. Ogden, one of the most able and strict managers in the profession and a newspaper man, continues manager of the Buffalo Bill combination. The comedy element in the play is particularly strong. Popular prices of admission. Reserved seats may be secured at Cluett & Son's music store.

BUFFALO BILL. The dramatic attraction for the next two nights is Buffalo Bill and his troupe at Music hall. The new play to be brought out to-night opens with a scene of Buffalo Bill's home in the Rocky mountains and the first act closes with a conflagration scene. In the second Buffalo Bill is pursued by Indians and brought to bay. Crow and his donkey Jerry are introduced in the third act, and make considerable sport. There are besides numerous thrilling tableaux and exciting incidents, and during the progress of the play Buffalo Bill will give an exhibition of his markmanship. There was a large crowd on the street to-day noon, to see the street parade of the Indians and Buffalo Bill on horse back headed by a brass band.

Martin Hall. Buffalo Bill and his company had a crowded house last night, as was to have been expected. For once Martin hall was too small to admit the numbers who desired to gain an extrance. The play is founded upon the experiences of Buffalo Bill as a hunter and trapper. The remarkable rifle-shooting of Hon. W. F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) was the chief feature of the entertainment. Buffalo Bill has improved in his acting most decidedly, and last evening proved himself an actor of no mean powers. The performance was applauded throughout the most enthusiastically. It was repeated at matinee this afternoon, and the last performance will be to-night, when a crowded hosue wil certainly greet Buffalo Bill and his companions.

Buffalo Bill at Bay. The eighth annual tour of Buffalo Bill and his monster combination brings him to our city in Smyth's opera house tonight. He has a new drama, new company, a military brass band and orchestra and a number of genuine Indians. The melo-drama was written expressly for this company by Col. Ingraham, and is entitled "Buffalo Bill at Bay; or the Pearl of the Prairie." During the play Mr. Cody will give an exhibition of his marvelous rifle shooting, and the genuine Indians will appear in their customary scenes of wild life on the plains. Tickets are selling with rapidity at Temple & Farrington's, and there cannot be the slightest doubt but that the hall will be packed, as is the case elsewhere. The company played to 20,000 people in one week at Boston.

"Buffalo Bill." This prime favorite with a large class of amusement-going people in this city is billed for the closing week day, Saturday, at which time he will give his highly sensational drama, "Buffalo Bill at Bay." Mr. Cody has played this piece all over the country with marked success, and both he and his company are thoroughly at home in their respective roles. A band of Indians is included in the party, and forms no small portion of the attractions offered. Of course "Buffalo Bill" will have a packed house in Manchester. He always has had, and probably always will have for many years to come. He is a man that advertises liberally, and never deceives the public, giving the people just what he purports to, and he deserves to have another big reception in this city. He will get it too.

MARTIN OPERA HOUSE--BUFFALO BILL--CROWDED HOUSE.--Buffalo Bill and his excellent dramatic troupe drew out an immense audience at Martin Opera House last evening. Hall packed--gallery packed. Receipts, $800. One of the largest houses of the season. The bill consisted of a new drama, "Buffalo Bill at Bay," and the farce of "Turn Him Out." In the first piece is intoduced a band of genuine Indians, who are accompanied by the United States Government scouts and interpreters Eddie Burgess; or, Pe-risk-y-la-abar, the Boy Chief of the Pawnees,-- the youngest chief of which any record is given among the entire Indian nations and C. A. Burgress, scout and interpreter. The drama is full of interest and excitement, and is well played in all its parts. W. F. Cody does three characters: Buffalo Bill, Denver Dick, and Capt. Hart Moline. The fine bill of last evening will be repeated to-night, and to another $800 house. In this city Buffalo Bill can draw larger houses than Edwin Booth.

Entertainments. --Buffalo Bill gave an entertainment at Rand's opera house last evening that filled the house from top to bottom. Bill gave the best program he has yet presented in Troy. It was a great success.

BUFFALO BILL.

He Discourses to a Democrat Reporter of Indians,

And Gives his Opinion of how the Vexed Question Might Readily and Simply be Solved.

"That's my purse, my pocket book," said Buffalo Bill to an attache of the DEMOCRAT yesterday morning at the American Hotel, referring to a good-sized russet leather satchel which the reporter had endeavored to push out of the way to make room for his hat on the desk. The bag seemed a part of the desk. It was weighty with silver, part of the $1,240 receipts at the Comstock the night before. When the scout and the reporter had sat down vis-a-vis and the famous frontiersman had been congratulated on his pecuniary success as an actor, the writer took the liberty of indulging in a critical look at him. Tall, straight as a straight line, with magnificent breadth of chest, small hands evidently of great power, a remarkably handsome though almost girlish face, hair of which a woman might be proud, and a soft melodious voice, it would be much easier to accept him as a very aesthetic model of a border hero than as the veritable man whom General Sheridan credits with having done more perilous services and killed more Indians than any other of the numerous hunters, scouts, and Indian fighters on the plains. Looking into his face one can find no feature that betrays even a reckless disposition. The outlines are all delicate, and speak rather of a gentle character; and the gentleness crops out in his conversation, though rather in a queer way. "I never sighted my rifle or drew my knife on an Indian but I felt almost sorry for it," he said, in speaking of him repuation for having been the cause of many a savage death-shriek. Still there was a calm expression in face and eye that seemed to indicate a tremendous amount of determination below the surface.

Having been led to talk of Indians, and of them especially with reference to their physical prowess and endurance, Buffalo Bill said:

"An Indian is neither as large nor as strong as the white man of the West; but he is full of courage, and his vitality is wonderful. He can't lift as much as a white man, but he is fearfully quick with his weapons and without weapons; if you fight him he'll stay with you all summer. The strongest of them are the Northern Indians--the Crows, Sioux and Cheyennes. When you get into trouble with one of these hostiles, the only means of personal safety is in killing him at once. But as to the management of the Indians there is first one thing to be considered. That is, that when you promise him anything you must keep your word; break it, and the trouble commences at once. Then again, you can't drive the Indian. You can educate him; force him you cannot. How to manage him is a problem. If the army takes him they are too quick to punish and the peace men are not quick enough. Treat him honestly, guide him firmly and the trouble would end by their all becoming farmers and stock raisers."

After pausing a moment to answer the questions of his business agent, Mr. Cody continued":

"While I have been in the East I have heard men say 'you ought to exterminate the whole lot of them,' and I have invariably replied, 'Did you ever take an Indian by the hand and make him a friend?' Of course they had not. Just as after the civil war everyone but the men who fought wanted to keep it up, so now those who know nothing of Indian war clamor most loudly for it. I have fought Indians since I was a boy and God knows I've killed many; but I never sighted a rifle or put my knife in one that I didn't have a feeling of pity for them and regret at the act."

"How would it do to let each State or territory take care of its own?" the reporter asked.

The scout trurned a look of mild suprise on his questioner as though he thought to himself, "well you are green." He answered:

"Why, if that had been done this last time," referring to the Ute war, "there would have been one of the most savage massacres ever heard of. No that wouldn't do."

Mr. Cody seemed to be of the impression that a joint government of the Indians by the Interior and War Departments was the most sensible and most likely to result in a successful conversion of the nomad into a farmer.

Speaking of his histrionic career he siad that his appearances in the West were as popular as in the East.

"I went into San Franciso," he said, "and said I would play there five weeks and everybody laughed at me. But I did and made money where evey one else had been losing. Then I went to the California theatre, that's the Wallack's of 'Frisco, you know, and the proprietor was angry because the manager had made the contract. I played there one week only because I wanted to get home to my ranche. The first night we took in $2.300 and the week brought in over $9,000. It was drawing near train time and the famous frontiersman bade his guest adieu with all the grace of a man bred in city maners.

Buffalo Bill.

A very interesting person indeed is Hon. William F. Cody, or, as he is commonly known, Buffalo Bill. A man whose reputaion was first gained through superior "backwoodsmanship," and whose greatest triumphs have been won through the double agency of rifle and lasso, would hardly be supposed a gentleman who betrays in the parlor no trace of the prairie or the rough manners of a scout. But during his short stay in this city we found Mr. Cody just the type of a man we had supposed he was not, and our opinion of mankind particularly of that portion whose home is the stage, rose above par. Not only is Buffalo Bill a gentleman, but he has, either by example or force, led all the rest of his company into the same good habits. Even the "untutored savages," who moped about in red blankets, had a courteous, considerate air which they never learned on the prairies. Cody has a figure to envy. His bearing is lordly and his physique splendid. The nobility which characterizes his part on the stage seems to cling to him after he has resigned his costume. If Buffalo Bill is what he seems, and we have no reason to doubt that he is, he is indeed an interesting man.

BUFFALO BILL.

Buffalo Bill, with the Indian chief, the donkey, and the features of his company drew two more very large audiences to Music Hall yesterday. The applause was most vociferous and the play went off with great spirit. There is no doubt that Mr. Cody reaches a large class of lovers of the drama that no other actor can.

BUFFALO BILL.

The renowned scout and his company played to a packed house at Music hall last night. Every seat was taken and about all the standing room occupied. The performance opened with a farce entitled "Turn him out." The drama is rather better than the last one played by Buffalo Bill here, and though there is little or no stabbing and shooting it contains plenty of exciting incident and striking tableaux. Buffalo Bill assumes three different characters in the course of the play. He was received with enthusiastic applause, and shows that as an actor he is improving. The Indians in full costume gave a specimen of Indian music and singing and their scalp dance was very realisitic. The part of the exhibition was completely novel. Buffalo Bill also gave an exhibition of his skill wih the rifle and the "bull whip." A matinee was given this afternoon, and to-night will be the last opportunity to see "Buffalo Bill at bay."

COUIERS.

The Remkable Rides of Buffalo Bill.

The English papers have recently been loud in praise of Mr. Archibald Forbes who made a really tough ride across the Zulu country. He rode 110 miles from 9 p. m. one day to 5 p. m. the next. His ride was in six stages, and at each stage he obtained refreshment and a fresh horse. He had guides and an escort part of the way, and followed a well marked trail across the country made by an advancing army of 6,000 men. The ride was really wonderful; but what would they say to such rides as those made across the trackless plains and forests of our great Western country with the dread probability that at any moment the flying hoof beats of the steed might be stopped by the whizzing of an Indian ball or arrow and the bones of both horse and rider left to bleach and whiten on the desolate plain? Rankin, the scout who rode out of Payne's lines and carried to Rawlins the intelligence of the plight of what was left of Thornburg's command, made a remarkable ride and well worthy the attention of the muse of history. Buffalo Bill, in his autobiography recently published, presents some figures which are worthy the attention of those who are disposed to glorify dangerous and difficult rides.

In August, 1868, Buffalo Bill rode in twelve hours from Fort Larned to Fort Zarah and back, sixty-five miles; in the succeeding twelve hours he carried dispatches to General Sheridan from Fort Larned to Fort Hayes, sixty-five miles. From Fort Hayes he rode in the next twenty-four hours to Fort Dodge, ninety-five miles; on the next night he went to Fort Larned. thirty-five miles on foot and thirty miles on a mule; and again the next night from Fort Larned to Fort Hayes, sixty-five miles. He made on horses, mules, and afoot 355 miles, and he was in the saddle or afoot fifty-eight hours. These successive rides were made through a rough, irregular country, swarming with hostile Indians, where there were no roads and hardly a perceptible trail, which had to be followed in the obscruity of the night. Early in life Buffalo Bill made a continuous ride of 322 miles, making that distance in the incredibly short time of twenty-two hours, a wonderful feat of human endurance.

AMUSEMENTS. BUFFALO BILL AND HIS AUDIENCE

As a young gentleman of tender years, and countenance very much tougher than his raiment, was coming out to the Comstock last night he exclaimed to another young gentleman, who was his counterpart. "I tell you, Cully, Buffalo Bill's a daisy. I'd bum my chuck for a month to see him again." The criticism thus expressed in the vernacular being translated freely meant, that the Hon. William Cody was an ideal actor, worth making some sacrifice to see. The opinion was that entertained by nine-tenths of the immense audience; and it was an immense gathering. It was most likely as large an audience as the building ever held. The orchestra was crowded, the dress circle was packed, the lobby was thronged, ladies stood on the window sills. men covered the stairs leading to the gallery and the gallery itself was a dense mass of humanity. Each box had a large party, too. When the farce was over and the play proper began the vast mass of people were agog for the first sensational incident, and when Buffalo Bill's magnificent proportions clad in long black coat, gray pants, and extensive hat, dashed between the lively heroine in tears and the base rogue who would have abducted her, the enthusiasm was tremendous.

"Hit him! Bill," yelled a gallery boy. "Knock him down, Bill" yelled another. "Scalp him, Bill," suggested a third.

The curtain had to be rolled up on the tableau and held up while the crowd vented their admiration on the tall hero with the sobbing heroine folded to his broad breast and one scornful finger presented at the cowering rogue near the proscenium box.

So the play ran. Buffalo Bill in good luck was the object of glorious enthusiasm. Buffalo Bill was the source of all the emotions. The drama ran on replete with incidents the most appreciable of which, to a large number was his magnificent marksmanship in the camp scene. As a whole it was enjoyable to the audience. They went to see the man who had been the hero of many a hunt and scout, and the tale of whose perils was as long as his hair. They wanted to look on the Buffalo Bill who had wrenched scalps off real Indians, admire his proportions and realize from the mimic what the actual was like. If they weren't satisfied it was their own fault.

Buffalo Bill, the famous scout, guide, trapper, pony express rider and Indian fighter, who lifted the hair of the celebrated chiefs Yellow Hand and Tall Bull, arrived in the city to-day, with his band of Indians and dramatic company. A street parade was made during the afternoon, and this evening "Buffalo Bill at Bay" will be played at Music hall, to a crowded house.

Martin Hall. Buffalo Bill and his company had a crowded house last night, as was to have been expected. For once Martin hall was too small to admit the numbers who desired to gain an entrance. The play is founded upon the experiences of Buffalo Bill as a hunter and trapper. The remarkable rifle-shooting of Hon. W. F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) was the chief feature of the entertainment. Buffalo Bill has improved in his acting most decidedly, and last evening proved himself an actor of no mean powers. The performance was applauded throughout most enthusiastically. It was repeated at matinee this afternoon, and the last performance will be to-night, when a crowded house will certainly greet Buffalo Bill and his companions.

AMUSEMENTS. LEUBRIE'S THEATER. Another good audience greeted Buffalo Bill and his Combination last night in "Knight of the Plains," and the uproarious applause of the audience at every telling hit of the play showed that it was fully appreciated. The most significant proof of the prestige gained by the great scout and frontier hero was that the majority of that audience were people who had attended the first performance. The central figure of the play, the Knight himself, was applauded to the echo whenever he came on. He is not a professional actor, and for that reason is always natural, even if he did not conform, in every instance, to stage rules. Miss Lydia Denier, as "Wild Nellie," confirmed the favorable impression she had made in her previous performance. She is graceful, and entirely devoid of heckneyed modes of expression, and false sentiment. Miss Nellie Jones as "Rose Melton" is a success. She is especially strong in society business and in the scene with Noel Marmaduke who wants to court her, but hasn't sense enough to do it. She is the ideal of a keen witted girl imbued with an intense appreciation of the ridiculous, who is bothered by a suitor whom she deservedly hold in contempt.

Alf Beverly as "Judge Chincapin Shyster," gave as an exhibition of character acting as has been seen in Memphis for many a day. He showed up the tricky, hald drunk and wholly villainous jackleg lawyer to perfection. Harry Irving made a decided hit as "Buttermilk," and his scene with the trained "gentleman mule" on the stage kept the audience in a roar as long as it was on. The rest of the support did well, but their parts were not of sufficient importance to warrant special mention.

Matinee to-day at 2 p.m., when "Knight of the Plains" will be presented.

To-night the new frontier drama, May Cody; or Lost and Won. Monday night, December 1st, Lotta in "Musette,"

Buffalo Bill's Show. A rousing audience, filling Smyth's Hall to overflowing, greeted Buffalo Bill and his company Saturday night. The drama of "Buffalo Bill at Bay; or the Pearl of the Prairie," was presented after the manner of other plays which this combination has given heretofore. It was received with much favor, Buffalo Bill in every instance eliciting the heartiest of applause. His rifle-shooting was a feature of the play that was very much admired. In addition to the above four-act drama the laughable farce "Turn Him Out" was presented.

Hon. Wm. F. Cody ("Buffalo Bill") and his dramatic company, which have been meeting with their usual success everywhere this season, present a new drama, devoid of the old blood-and-thunder features, at the theatre to-night. Still the play is by no means a tame one, and a band of "big Indians" (chiefs and braves of reputation in the far West) incidentally illustrate the customs of the red men, and Buffalo Bill enhibits and skill with the rifle, by introducing a number of difficult feats of marksmanship.

"THE Knight of the Plains" is not a "flash and fire" drama, but one that has refinement and pathos in it, intermingled with border scenes that are from real life.

-- The drama Buffalo Bill plays to-night is founded upon incidents in Mr. Cody's life and the author is Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

--"The Knight of the Plains" is pronounced by dramatic critics the best sensational melodrama now before the public.

AMUSEMENTS. MARTIN OPERA HOUSE. Hon. Wm. F. Cody and company appeared at Martin Opera House last evening in his new play of "Buffalo Bill at Bay." While the piece is devoid of literary merit, it abouds in striking and picturesque tableaux, which bring down the house, so to speak, every time, and set the gallery crazy with excitement. The play also serves to introduce the famous scout in some of his marvelous rifle practice, which also attracted applause. The war dance of the noble savages who accompany Buffalo Bill, was also a good feature. Miss Lydia Denier made a good looking Pearl of the Prairie, and Miss Nellie Jones as Corinne Kendall, was also received with much favor. The gallery was thronged last evening, and there was a large attendance on the main floor. There will be another large audience present this evening, when "Buffalo Bill at Bay" will be repeated.

As usual Buffalo Bill had a large house at the theatre Saturday night, the gallery being packed very much on the sardine plan. The leading actor was received with most enthuiastic applause, and the entertainment was evidently a source of delight to many.

"Buffalo Bill," The trapper, scout and successful actor, makes his annual visit to Manchester tomorrow evening. Ever since "Bill's" life and startling adventures on the plains among the Indians were so vividly depicted by "Ned Buntline" in the New York Weekly, he has been the idol of a certain class of the community, and has rarely failed to command enormous audiences wherever he has appeared. The story of his life seems to be invested with an indescribable charm, and is full of wondrous interest to thousands who have studied it. Possessing a magnificent physique and a dashing style, he is a character well calculated to attract crowds of people by the bold and exciting dramas in which he always figures as the hero. In Manchester he has a warm and numerous number of admirers, who never fail to evince their delight at his coming, or to accord him a rousing greeting. In the drama of "Buffalo Bill at Bay" he has never been seen here, and its presentation to-morrow evening is sure to be witnessed by an audience limited only by the seating capacity of the hall.

Josh Ogden. Every year he comes-- this pleasant showman-- and every year he is followed by W. F. Cody's "Buffalo Bill Combination." Mr. Ogden says that in the new play by Colonel Ingraham, entitled "The Knight of the Plains," Buffalo Bill has the finest show yet-- and we have known this man Josh, lo! these many years, and he always makes it a point to tell just what his show is in advance, and-- who was ever disappointed in Buffalo Bill?

IF you never saw a gambling hell, you can see one in full operation in the play of the "Knight of the Plains."