Autograph Letter Signed to <J. J. Dolone>, and Hand-coloured Engraved Portrait.

Letter, docketed 'Mrs Honey', addressed to ' Esqre | York - Leeds - or Hull | Theatre Royal'. Three pages, quarto. Good, though aged and creased, and with small section cut away on breaking seal. Text clear and complete. Small strip of mount adhering to one edge. Interesting and intriguing letter addressed to 'Dearest Papa' and beginning 'Barnett has never been near me nor do I know where to find him - write by return and tell me where I commence and what you would like me to '. Ends by saying she is 'very busy indeed just now'. Signed 'Laura'. There follows a list, ending 'I can just think of these', of what appear to be the titles of eighteen songs, plays or burlettas (e.g. '70 and 17', 'She wants a Guardian' [with the note 'Barnett to read'], 'Womans the devil', 'Barrack room', 'Beulah Spa', 'Midas', 'Day in Paris', 'The British Legion' [with note 'very good']. The engraved portrait, roughly five inches by three and a half, is of Mrs Honey from the waist up, in country costume, with straw hat and straw basket on her arm, holding a flower. It is on what would seem to be the title leaf of a piece of sheet music (roughly ten inches by eight and a half; aged and frayed, with a couple of closed tears repaired with archival tape), and has the engraved title 'THE YOUNG COQUETTE. | THE CELEBRATED BALLAD, | Sung with the most flattering and enthusiastic applause by | MRS. HONEY, | to whom it is most respectfully dedicated by | The Composer | LOUIS LEO.'