[Charles James Mathews, actor and playwright.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Mrs Williams’, regarding a change in their plans and the gift of ‘some chops’.

See his entry, and that of his father Charles and wife Madame Vestris, in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 8vo. Bifolium with mourning border. In fair condition, on lightly aged paper, with slight damage at head of second leaf, the blank reverse of which carries traces of glue from mount. Folded once. Madame Vestris had died two and a half months before the writing of this letter, which evinces a surprising intimacy. Begins: ‘My dear Mrs Williams / Here’s a pretty business! Was there ever such disappointment. On looking at the newspaper (12 o clock) I see the opera is not done tonight and the “Busy Body” put in its place at the beginning of the evening, so farewell to our plans for to-day.’ He asks her to promise that she will visit soon, in order to ‘make up to me for losing you to-day’. He has ‘a great mind to send some chops in my letter for perhaps you have no dinner and when G[?] comes home ravenous his eyes will be like saucers with rage.’ He ends ‘Pray for my sake send to the Butcher’s at once. / In great dudgeon / Faithfully yours / C J Mathews’. Postscript: ‘When I left Drury Lane last night at a quarter to 12, Lucia di Lammermoor was settled which would have given till 10 o clock at home. Now I must leave at 1/2 past 5.’