[Dion Boucicault, Irish actor and playwright.] Autograph Letter Signed to Charles Manby of the Adelphi Theatre, discussing his difficult quest in Paris to acquire music for a production.

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, as well as that of Manby who had, as the letter indicates, strong French connections. In addition to his work as Secretary to the Institution of Civil Engineers, Manby was also the business manager of the Adelphi Theatre in London. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. Letter of thirty-eight lines on the first three pages, with address and four postmarks (two French and two English) on reverse of second leaf: ‘C. Manby Esq. / Institution Civil Engineers / 25 Great George St. / Westminster / London / Angleterre’. In good condition, lightly aged, on thin paper, with slight loss (not affecting text) to second leaf from breaking of the seal, and thin strip of tape from mount adhering at edge. Folded for postage. Addressed to ‘My dear Manby’ and signed firmly ‘Dion Boucicault.’ Begins: ‘I have seen your brother who says that St. Adam being out of town there may be some difficulty in getting the music. He advised me to call on the “Archiviste” of the theatre, but I found that there is no such office attached to the Opera Comique.’ He has ‘managed to ferret out an “employé” who promises to tell me to night if he can let me have the portion I require’. He discusses the owners of the copyright and his other activities in connection with the matter. He concludes by discussing a suggestion by the brother that he see an opera at a specific venue. In a postscript he asks him not to ‘call anybody for The Queen - neither Miss Hardy nor Chaplin - as I have taken another view of it - which I shall propose to you & I think you will like’.