[‘I’m afraid the veteran farce writer’s “little game” is nearly up!’: John Maddison Morton, playwright.] Autograph Letter Signed to the actor-manager Benjamin Nottingham Webster, negotiating terms and discussing his present penury.

The phrase ‘Box and Cox’ has entered the English language. See the OED, and the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, landscape 12mo. Neatly inserted in a trimmed windowpane mount. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Signed ‘John M Morton’. Begins: ‘Dear Webster. / As Mr Anson informs me that you are “on the forward course to regenerated health” I hope I need not apologise for writing again. I find a letter of your’s respecting Woodcock’s little game [produced in 1864] & two one act farces, you offer me £15 per Act with the privilege of repurchasing the pieces at the same price in the event of your not having produced them’. He asks if he will do the same ‘in the case of the 4 Acts’ he has recently sent him. ‘If not, let me beg of you to return them by post, as I really cannot afford the expence of coming to Town!’ He continues: ‘I was served with a Writ yesterday for the first time in my life!!’ and adds ruefully: ‘I’m afraid the veteran farce writer’s “little game” is nearly up!” He concludes with surprising candour: ‘Thank God I could never get any children - not for want of trying I’m ashamed to say.’