From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol II. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.
An American correspondent says, that the officers of the army in New York, concerned in the management of the theatre there, form a body like any other company of comedians, and share the profits arising from their exhibitions. To people in England it may seem mean for British officers to perform for hire; but in New York, necessaries are so extremely dear, that an inferior officer, who has no other resources than his pay, undergoes more difficulties than the common soldier; and circumstanced as many brave men now are in America, such an exertion of their talents to increase their incomes, deserves the greatest encouragement.1
1 Upcott, vi. 231.