['John William Calcraft' (stage name of John William Cole), actor and lessee of the Theatre Royal, Dublin.] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'J. W. Calcraft'), regarding debts and plans for productions.

Both letters 2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Cole's handwriting is difficult. The recipient is not named. The first letter, 34 lines long, concerns a bill which Cole has drawn on the recipient of the letter. It is coming due, and he is uncertain whether it is for £90 or £100. He asks him to withhold payment for a while, as 'Lent is always a dead time with me'. He is 'going to try the experiment of Mr Butter for 6 nights', and has 'good hopes of the result'. The second letter begins: 'My dear Sir | I have made most liberal offers to Farren, Mrs. Nesbitt & Mr. Glen, as Mr Lee will tell you, & with the exception of the old lady, none of the parties appear to have the least consideration or wish to accommodate or help a manager who pays them so liberally as you do - It is not I am sorry to say an uncommon case.' The latter part of the letter is not easily read, but concludes: 'I sincerely hope the Keans & the Wife's Secret are showing you full houses.'