[ Charles Mathews, actor and dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C. Mathews') to Richard Wilson, declining an invitation because of 'so much responsibiltiy on my shoulders in the new farce'. With cartoon of Mathews, Yates, Reeves, and an elephant.

1p., 12mo. Bifolium, addressed on second leaf to 'Rd. Wilson Esqr | Lincolns Inn Fields'. In good condition, with light signs of age and wear. The letter begins: 'My dear Sir | I have so much responsibility on my shoulders in the new farce that I really dare not venture into society on those days on which I perform in it.' If he had a holiday he would accept Wilson's 'polite invitation', 'but so situated I am sorry to say it is impossible'. Laid down beneath the address on the second leaf is a cutting of an engraved cartoon titled 'A Great Friend in a Little House', captioned 'The greatest actor that ever appeared on any stage - saving Mathews, Yates, and Reeves', and showing an elephant and the three actors. According to the History of Parliament, Wilson was 'one of the Whig theatrical circle, Sheridan (whom he introduced to William Stone ‘the traitor’) and Joseph Richardson being friends of his'.