[John E. McDonough: an American tragedian in Victorian London.] Five Autograph Letters Signed

A nice collection of material, including five letters in which an American actor writes to a London friend while on a visit to England. The recipient of McDonough's letters is John Jabez Stocken (d.1892), head of a leading City of London firm of tobacconists, and an antiquary. (His son Frank Lacy Stocken (1867-1937) was later an actor under the name 'Frank Lacy'.) From the correspondence it is clear that McDonough stayed with Stocken during his stay in England. Seven items, of which five are ALsS from McDonough to Stocken, totalling 12pp, written while on a visit to England in 1873; one is a letter written to Stocken by McDonough's agent the attorney D. S. Winebrener following the actor's death; and the last a long obituary of him from the Philadelphia Press. The seven in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. All signed 'John E. McDonough'. Spelling and punctuation erratic. ONE: ALS from McDonough to Stocken. Undated [early 1873]. On Stocken's own letterhead, 'London, 10, Gracechurch Street. E.C.' Headed 'God Save The King" | Greeting unto the House of Stocken -'. He explained that he 'arrived on Wednesday - Called her "by Cable Dispatch" So it will excuse my abrubt [sic] breaking in upon Your "Majesty". He ends by stating that he is 'at Haxells - Strand'. TWO: ALS from McDonough to Stocken. 'Sunday Night', 20 January 187[3]. '[...] And may your Fireside be always as warm as your welcome [...] I am awaiting my Mail from London which may direct my Course hitherward in which Event I will chop in at Croydon if only to return The Latch Key to "My Friend and Pitcher" | What a pity it is that the power of translating our thoughts into Language and transmitting Two miles away for the paltry Sum of Sixpence that the same privilege is not extended to having a "Hot Toddy" ever the "Shanker" of the Evening shall have departed. [...] My imagination sometimes wanders back to Buxton and the Old Smoke Room in which we indulged Romance with Reality. with Childlike Simplicity of the first born of Eden. It was to me a Paradise. though at times we had more smoke than fire. And the Scotch Man feet was alway in the Ashes. Still it was full of Shandean touches that gave releaf [sic] to the Picture in the gross.' He asks 'What has become of "Herne The Hunter." Mr Becker. has he still a prologue to the next Story.' He continues in the same tone of whimsy, before reporting his return from Reading, 'at which place I dilivered [sic] the closing Lecture of the Lyceum Cause My Subject Dramatic Literature and its Patrons.' He concludes with the news that he has 'just been presented with Home Sweet Home in the hand writing of The Author. John Howard Paine. I think I will have It Photographed and send you a Copy. The Poor fellow died without a House'. THREE: ALS from McDonough to Shocken. Endorsed with date 15 February 1873; on letterhead of Haxell's Royal Exeter Hotel, West Strand [London]. He 'returned quite late last night from "Shandy Hall" [Laurence Sterne's cottage, Coxwold, North Yorkshire] and but for an engagement to Dine at The "Savage Club" at 5 this P.M. would do myself the pleasure of coming down to see you to day'. He concludes by stating in florid terms how he will 'devote to thee and thine'. FOUR: ALS from McDonough to Shocken. 19 [February 1873]; Royal Haxell [Hotel], Strand. He 'returned to the City of Chronic Fog this morning meeting with Mr Creswick we had a "Tod" and he very kindly invited me to Dine with him at the Club on Friday [...] I will be in the Saddle at 3. P.M.' FIVE: ALS from McDonough to Shocken. 3 March 1873; on Haxell's letterhead. The previous day he 'clung to the House on purpose' of a day with Stocken, who 'did not put in an appearance'. He is 'to Dine to Day with W. S. Johnson of St Martin's Lane. Otherwise I would run out to Credwell - and pay my last Adieu. I leave for Home on Wednesday per Steamer [Greech?] and having business in Liverpool am Obliged to leave at 2/20 to morrow Monday.' He asks for 'The address of Mr Keeling', whom he has not seen 'since our meeting at The "White Horse." You mentioned that from his Letters he was well connected. He has behaved a little Shabby in money matters with me. I should like to [remind?] him that he held his reputation very light. I don't want to put You to any trouble but You may meet him, or hear of him, So I post You of his Character.' He concludes: 'If you get over before I go I shall be only too pleased to See You | If you Cannot I will herein bid You all an Affectionate Adieu'. SIX: Letter to 'John Stockin [sic] Esq.' from D. S. Winebrener, attorney and insurer. No date [early 1882]; from 261 N. 3rd. St, Philadelphia. Written by a secretary and signed by Winebrener. 2pp, 4to. Bifolium. It is his 'painful duty to announce' the death of Stocken's 'esteemed friend', 'on Wednesday morning the 15th. inst. at 1.05 O'clock, after great suffering from Cancer of the jaw, which had extended into the lip, and tongue, and was proceeding into the throat'. Stocken will recall that 'when it was his pleasure and mine to see you in June and July last the annoyance he experienced from his tooth, which so marred his pleasure; that was the cancer, but he had no intimation, nor I, of the Knowledge of his complaint'. He gives a brief account of medical treatment, adding that 'the hand of death was upon him before he crossed the water which separated him from Old England and his friends he loved so much to see. A few weeks previous to his death, he said to me, naming you, and three other friends in London, if anything happens to me, I want you to write to them and advise them, (you know what I mean:) I replied I would, and I have now discharged my melancholly [sic] office.' He ends by stating that McDonough's 'thoughts and mine, often recurred to the courtesy and civility we received from you when you honored us with your hospitalities'. In a postscript he explains that he is enclosing the following item, 'which is in the main correct'. SEVEN: Newspaper cutting from 'The Philadelphia Press. Wednesday. 15th Feb. 1882.' Headed: 'M'Donough's Death. | The well-known actor expires after great suffering. | A Sketch of His Life and Theatrical Career - The Manager Who First Brought Out Lotta - His Association with Annie Pixley and "M'liss."' 51.5 cm column of small print, laid down on leaf of ruled paper, with label stating that it was 'sent to me by' 'D. S. WINEBRENER, | INSURANCE, | 123 S. 4th & 261 N. 3rd. St., Phila.'