HARLEQUIN

Paper, 18 x 4cm, laid down on paper, 15 x 24cm, grubby, Signature of John Rich with note and a title[?], as follows: Mrs Rich's Ground | Mr Linley | 5 Guineas for Fülling | Jn. Rich. No illumination from Google. John Rich's signature and autograph apparently hen's teeth. Perhaps Rich is best remembered for the success of John Gay's Beggar's Opera and the 'invention' of Pantomime..

3pp., 12mo. 37 lines. Fair, on worn and discoloured paper. An interesting letter, casting light on the relationship between two great actors who, according to the Oxford DNB, 'disliked but respected each other'. Macready is not named, but Young ends by sending his 'Kind Comts to Mrs Macready'. Macready had taken over at Drury Lane on 4 October 1841, but the season would not begin until 27 December. The letter begins 'My dear Sir!