New York Herald
April 28, 1861
We have noticed that during the prevailing war excitement the theatres and other places of public amusement are quite deserted. The Opera singers have become mute, concerts have been indefinitely postponed, and two of the principal Broadway theatres—Niblo’s and Wallack—will close their seasons this week. One of the managers, Mr. Fox, of the Bowery, has already gone off to the wars, and several privates in the Thespian ranks have followed his example. During the war of 1812, and the brush with Mexico, the player fold were always patriotic, some enlisting in the regular line, and others, forming themselves into small companies, hovered in the rear of the army, acting or fighting, as occasion seemed to demand. Undoubtedly the dramatic profession is one which inspires noble sentiments and stimulates public virtue, and this must naturally be the case with the performers as well as the public. We have no doubt, then, that our Thespians, finding their immediate occupation gone for the present will be glad to take parts in the drama of real life now being enacted hereabouts, and will, therefore, be off to the wars without unnecessary delay.