Collection of Nine Letters, a Portrait Photograph and a Program

This collection consists of nine autograph letters signed by Crouch (18 total pages), one portrait photograph of Crouch by Busey of Baltimore inscribed by Crouch on the reverse in 1883 and a program of a "Crouch Testimonial Fund Concert", Baltimore, May 30, 1883. Crouch (1808-1896) was an English cellist and composer. He achieved early success as a cellist in notable orchestras and bands and as a composer. most notably for his song "Kathleen Mavourneen." In 1849 he emigrated to the United States where he had a varied career as a performer and conductor. Living in Richmond, VA he joined the Confederate Army and served throughout the war. He eventually settled in Baltimore and became a voice teacher in addition to his composing work. The letters in this collection are all written to Henry Whitney Cleveland, a Louisville, KY newspaper editor, historian and autograph collector. Crouch, in these letters, shows himself to be an energetic and strong minded individual, even as a man in his late seventies. He often sends Cleveland manuscript versions of his song "Kathleen Mavourneen" either for Cleveland's collection or for Cleveland to sell or give to others. Cleveland, in turn, has sent Crouch a copy of a play he has written which he wants Crouch to review and to put to music. Crouch declines, saying his preference is do do more serious composing. Crouch, in passing, asks Cleveland to publicize Crouch's work, says that most of his personal papers were destroyed during the Civil War and describes great playwrights and actors he has known. The collection is housed in a custom-made cloth slipcase and is in fine condition.…