[ William Archer, theatre critic. ] Autograph Note Signed to W. J. Fisher, making a contribution to the 'Frederic Fund'.

1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Reads: 'Dear Sir | I have pleasure in enclosing a contribution of £1 . 1. 0 for the Frederic Fund. | Yours faithfully | William Archer'. The item relates to a celebrated Victorian scandal. In 1884 Frederic had come to England with his wife and five children as the London correspondent of the New York TImes. He set up a second household with Kate Lyon, with whom he had a further three children. Lyons was a Christian Scientist, and when Frederic suffered a stroke in 1898, she tried to cure him by faith healing. At the instigation of Mrs Frederic, Lyon was tried for manslaughter, but was acquitted.