Autograph letter signed from George Bartley, London, to [merchant] [manuscript], 1818 July 12.
Items
Details
Title
Autograph letter signed from George Bartley, London, to [merchant] [manuscript], 1818 July 12.
Description
[3] p. ; 8vo
Associated name
Bartley, George, 1782-1858, correspondent. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/no91005687.
Note
This is a PRELIMINARY RECORD. It may contain incorrect information. Please email catalog@folger.edu for assistance.
From dealer's description: Autograph Letter Signed "Geo Bartley" about a tour of the United States to an influential contact (not named but a "merchant"). 27 Manchester Street, [London], 12 July 1818. Three pages, cr.8vo, bifolium, fold marks, minor stains, good condition. "The great kindness which you have so readily shown to Mrs Bartley [actress Sarah Smith] and myself induces me to solicit your interest and the exertion of your influence in pour favour on the most important occasion of our professional lives!- The deranged state of the Drury Lane concern has induced us to listen to repeated invitations to visit the United States of America for an indefinite period - probably not a protracted one - and in deciding upon this emigration from Europe, I have calculated largely upon the advantages I shall probably derive from the personal introductions and recommendations of my friends in England - and to have [end of p.1] these as effective as possible, I have particlularly enquired what kind of letters would be most advantageous and the inevitable answer is - Merchantile [sic] ones". He explores this idea a little, asking for his correspondent's (and his friends) activity on his behalf. He goes on to explore the sort of recommendations he and his wife would find effective. She was "the only successful follower of Mrs Siddons", her being the "best reader of Milton and Shakespeare and having been the only reader to the Queen since Mrs Siddons days - with also her intentions of givng private instructions, and courses of Public Readings in all the principal towns in the United States. - I have also been honored with Her Majesty's commands as reader to the royal family - and have personated Falstaff and other comic characters with some success,- " He repeats his request for letters to influential people, outlining travel plans (referring to "Liverpool merchants" and the House of Baring as possible support). Note (Wikipedia): "A trip of the Bartleys to America, which followed in 1818, proved successful." This statement reflects the lack of information available on pre-Dickens Reading Tours of the USA.
From dealer's description: Autograph Letter Signed "Geo Bartley" about a tour of the United States to an influential contact (not named but a "merchant"). 27 Manchester Street, [London], 12 July 1818. Three pages, cr.8vo, bifolium, fold marks, minor stains, good condition. "The great kindness which you have so readily shown to Mrs Bartley [actress Sarah Smith] and myself induces me to solicit your interest and the exertion of your influence in pour favour on the most important occasion of our professional lives!- The deranged state of the Drury Lane concern has induced us to listen to repeated invitations to visit the United States of America for an indefinite period - probably not a protracted one - and in deciding upon this emigration from Europe, I have calculated largely upon the advantages I shall probably derive from the personal introductions and recommendations of my friends in England - and to have [end of p.1] these as effective as possible, I have particlularly enquired what kind of letters would be most advantageous and the inevitable answer is - Merchantile [sic] ones". He explores this idea a little, asking for his correspondent's (and his friends) activity on his behalf. He goes on to explore the sort of recommendations he and his wife would find effective. She was "the only successful follower of Mrs Siddons", her being the "best reader of Milton and Shakespeare and having been the only reader to the Queen since Mrs Siddons days - with also her intentions of givng private instructions, and courses of Public Readings in all the principal towns in the United States. - I have also been honored with Her Majesty's commands as reader to the royal family - and have personated Falstaff and other comic characters with some success,- " He repeats his request for letters to influential people, outlining travel plans (referring to "Liverpool merchants" and the House of Baring as possible support). Note (Wikipedia): "A trip of the Bartleys to America, which followed in 1818, proved successful." This statement reflects the lack of information available on pre-Dickens Reading Tours of the USA.
Place of creation/publication
Great Britain.
Item Details
Call number
Y.c.7364
Folger-specific note
Adopted in honor of Helen and David Kenney, "brilliant, funny, kind, generous, thoughtful, wonderful people," Acquistions Night 2018.
Folger accession
270024