Autograph Letter Signed ('C: M: Young') from the actor Charles Mayne Young to his rival William Charles Macready, recommending an actor named Simpson for a position at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and wishing Macready success as manager there.

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! I am so well aware of the push that must be made upon you to find employment, under your approaching management, for all descriptions of people - that I will not venture to press upon your notice, a man who is sadly off and hard pinched only this, If the name of Simpson should present itself - a more honest man, I do not know - and capable, in many ways in the lower department of the Stage - Pantomime, Melo Drama &c - But, as Bread literally so, is what he is in want of - Should any lower office, of trust, be open, about doors as Check-Taker &c &c - I don't think Old Nick could make him false to his Trust - | The best Compliments of the approaching Season I can wish for you, is a hearty wish your undertaking may prosper' In a postscript Young states that 'Simpson is well known having been once a celebrated Harlequin - and employed years gone by, at Covent Garden Theatre, Mr Younge in your Theatre also knows him -'. The allusion is to Henry Younge, 'pantomimic director and writer, of Drury Lane theatre', who died in 1843.