[Charles James Mathews, London actor-manager.] Autograph Letter Signed ('C J Mathews.'), declining to 'risk' an association with Ben Webster, who 'never reads the pieces at all' and whom he is 'unable to controul'.

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. The recipient is not named. An interesting letter, indicating the relationship between two major theatrical figures in Victorian London. The main body of the letter reads: 'Dear Sir, | You really must excuse my incurring any such responsibility as that you would impose upon me. I am unable to controul Mr. Webster's actions and do not see why I should take upon myself a risk in a matter in which I have no possible interest.' Mathews has added subsequently, in a smaller hand: '(especially as my private belief is that Mr Webster never reads the pieces at all. He has at least half a dozen in hand at this moment that I know of.)'