Benjamin Webster Actor Manager (8 results)

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Good, on lightly-aged paper, with small hole through both leaves. He will be too busy over the following days to visit Clark in person, 'and so I send you the first act of the MSS I talked to you about - I may say I read the 1st. act one afternoon to Miss Terry who wanted to take it to Webster - but I was disinclined'. If Clark 'had anything to do with it - the Blacksmith would be the [last word underlined] part'. He asks Clark to return it as soon as he can: 'as this is the American copy - and they expect it (but of course won't get it) by next mail'.

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. On a bifolium the blank second leaf of which is laid down on part of a leaf from an album. Folded twice for postage. The recipient is 'Henry Spicer Esq', presumably a relation of the artist of the same name (d.1804; see ODNB), several of whose theatrical portraits are in the Garrick Club collection. Webster has been given 'infinite pleasure' by his 'generous offer': 'Be assured the Dramatic College is a most prosperous institution & well deserving your patronage.' He asks him to 'call at our offices 15 Bedford Street Covent Garden', where he will 'see a full confirmation of what I state'. In a postscript he asks him to allow Webster to 'announce this extra Godsend this week. The cost does not exceed £250 as per agreement'.

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. The recipient is not named. An interesting letter, indicating the relationship between two major theatrical figures in Victorian London. The main body of the letter reads: 'Dear Sir, | You really must excuse my incurring any such responsibility as that you would impose upon me. I am unable to controul Mr. Webster's actions and do not see why I should take upon myself a risk in a matter in which I have no possible interest.' Mathews has added subsequently, in a smaller hand: '(especially as my private belief is that Mr Webster never reads the pieces at all. He has at least half a dozen in hand at this moment that I know of.)'.

The phrase 'Box and Cox' has entered the English language. See the OED, and the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, landscape 12mo. Neatly inserted in a trimmed windowpane mount. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Signed 'John M Morton'. Begins: 'Dear Webster. / As Mr Anson informs me that you are "on the forward course to regenerated health" I hope I need not apologise for writing again. I find a letter of your's respecting Woodcock's little game [produced in 1864] & two one act farces, you offer me £15 per Act with the privilege of repurchasing the pieces at the same price in the event of your not having produced them'. He asks if he will do the same 'in the case of the 4 Acts' he has recently sent him. 'If not, let me beg of you to return them by post, as I really cannot afford the expence of coming to Town!' He continues: 'I was served with a Writ yesterday for the first time in my life!!' and adds ruefully: 'I'm afraid the veteran farce writer's "little game" is nearly up!" He concludes with surprising candour: 'Thank God I could never get any children - not for want of trying I'm ashamed to say.'.

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. He has had a conversation with 'Tomkins', and as a consequence has 'made a few alterations in the last scene of the "Hulk"'. He asks him to read the last scene and 'manage, if possible, to get the Prompter's Copy set right before the reading of the Piece'. He feels his changes make the play 'more original, and more likely to render the Piece effective'. With postscript. 'The Haunted Hulk', a Nautical Drama in two Acts was performed at the Adelphi in 1831.

2pp, 12mo. Bifolium, endorsed 'Clarke' on reverse of second leaf. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded three times. The letter begins: 'My dear Webster, | Charles Kean has requested me to give him information respecting Theatres in England, in which it is probable he may form engagements on his return from America, as he wishes his plans to be arranged if possible previous to his departure from the United States, so as he may see his way clearly on his arrival in England.' He asks whether it would answer Webster's purpose 'to make any proposal to him'. Kean's 'new Play by Lovel [i.e. George William Lovell], the Wife's Secret, is effective I understand and the Play was written for Kean and Mrs. Kean, but the latter I learn is the feature.' Clarke will write to Kean 'in a few days and I shall have much pleasure in making any communication to him you may wish. His list of parts as well as Mrs. Keans is considerably extended sicne their marriage and you can best judge whether this fact may have attraction.' Clarke trusts that 'the Haymarket with its twin sister, the Adelphi are prospering', and his wife joins with him 'in best regards to the Managers of each establishment'. He ends with 'the Season's Compliments', and in a postscript thanks him 'for the Observers you send me'. In the event the Keans made a highly successful return to the Haymarket.

3pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. For information on the eccentric Moran see F. David Roberts' article 'Who Ran the London "Globe" in the 1830's, 1840's, and 1850's?' (1971). The letter begins: 'My Dear Webster | If you want a useful subsidiary piece producible without cost or trouble. It contains a part that of Frederick William of Prussia admirably adapted for your own filling up. The piece turns on subjects which at this moment specially engage public attention the aggrandizement of Prussia & Ranke's history just published gives the story & characters in the spirit of the play. The original was acted at Saxe Gotha before Queen Victoria during her German trip & has since been for some reason or other interdicted.' He briefly touches on the characters and the translation. Postscript reads: 'I forgot to say that the title is "Where's His Regal Highness?"' He forwards an address on the third page.

No Binding. Condition: Very Good. Various sizes and dates, 1847 to 1860. A rewarding little shard of an archive: correspondents include debtors asking for a few days' more grace, an eloquent 18 year old seeking work ("I am every day either arranging, copying or transposing music for our string band in Guildford . the instrument I have studied the most is the Pianoforte and this I presume you do not use in your orchestra but I could take either a second violin or Double Bass if you wished me Sir to be in such an occupation, that is supposing I were in your service"), a neighbour seeking comp tickets ("as I exhibit your bill will you oblidge me with an order for me and my wife to the theatre as I have not troubled you this season you will oblidge your obedant servant Sam Andrew Hair Dresser 19a Marquis Court Drury Lane.".