Article from

Illustrated London News

Jan. 15, 1848, Page 27

Mrs. Mowatt

This lady, who has just made a successful appearance at the Princess’ Theatre is a native of New York; her father being Samuel G. Ogden, Esq., and her mother’s grandfather, Francis Lewis, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  In her thirteenth year, Mrs. Mowatt studied Voltaire’s “Alzire,” and remodeled it for private representation; and her spirited performance of the part of the heroine is yet in the vivid remembrance of her friends.

After her marriage, Mrs. Mowatt visited Europe, and passed sufficient time in France and Germany to acquire the languages of those two countries.  While in Paris, she was a frequent student of Rachel’s classical and severe style of acting.  While here, Mrs. Mowatt also wrote a five act play, entitled “Gulzara,” of which the American critics speak very highly.  In 1845, Mrs. Mowatt wrote a comedy entitled “Fashion,” which was performed at the Park Theatre several nights, with greater success than had attended any other American comedy.

In June 1845, Mrs. Mowatt made her debut on state at the Park Theatre, as Pauline, in “The Lady of Lyons;” and, says the New York critics, “we doubt if ever debutante met with success so brilliant and unequivocal.” Her  Juliana, Juliet, Mariana, and Lucy Ashton, are spoken of with equal eulogy.

Mrs. Mowat has since produced a drama in five acts, entitled “Armand; or, The Child of the People,” in which she played the character of Blanche.  It was performed with triumphant success during Mrs. Mowatt’s last engagements in New York and Boston, previous to her sailing for England.

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