[Samuel Phelps, actor-manager, the finest King Lear of his age.] Autograph Letter Signed ('S. P.') [to his wife] describing his activities, including angling, whilst on holiday with his sons in his native West Country, and plans for his return.

Phelps's entry in the Oxford DNB gives the background to the present letter, stating that Phelps 'married Sarah Cooper (1810/11–1867) on 11 August 1826; she was just sixteen. However, their marriage was very happy: they were a devoted couple, and Sarah later served as Phelps's dresser. Phelps preferred home life with her to clubs or social gatherings. His other delights were angling and shooting, and he purportedly knew every trout stream in England. They had three sons and three daughters, including William Robert (1828–1867), who became chief justice of St Helena, and Edmund (d. 1870), who became an actor.' 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded twice. The first three digits of the year are printed in the letterhead, and have not been completed. The letter begins: 'My dearest/ | I promised to write to-day I believe, though I can only tell you that I am well and getting lots of fresh air - Yesterday the boys and I went fishing but found the river flooded - it was showery but still delightful - To-day the weather is better and we think of going off to morrow and trying our luck at Axminster'. With reference to his son William Robert (noticed above) he writes: 'I took a long walk with Bob this morning and had a long talk with him - he seems perfectly settled - Latimer says he gets on famously - his health is very much better and he looks well'. He asks her to write and tell him 'how the Concert went off last night and what was in the house - Mr Latimer is laying down all kinds of plans for my going to all sorts of places, but I think I can come home at the end of the week'. If he finds 'any difficulty in getting away', 'Greenwood' - i.e. Thomas Greenwood, the lessee of Sadler's Wells - is to 'send a line to say I am wanted'. He ends by asking her to 'have every thing ready to start off for Farningham as soon as I return - the holidays are short and I must make the most of my time - Kiss the boy all over for me | God bless you | my darling | S. P.'