William Worthen Appleton papers 4078653Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Butler Library, 6th FloorColumbia University, Mail Code 1127535 W. 114th St.New York, NY 10027Business Number: (212) 854-5153Fax Number: (212) 854-1365rbml@libraries.cul.columbia.eduURL:

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This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2023-10-10 22:19:25 -0400.Description is written in: English, Latin script.Describing Archives: A Content Standard2009-06-26File created.2018-10-10Updated and container list added, converted from HTML finding aid. kws2019-05-20EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.2021-03-30Description of Thomas Moore letter added to the EAD container list from the earlier HTML finding aid by CCR. Rare Book and Manuscript Library William Worthen Appleton papers Appleton, William W., 1915-2014 4078653 MS#0040 English . 0.5 linear feet 1 box (44 letters) 1773-1853 Arrangement

Organized by series.

 Restrictions on Access

This collection is located on-site.

 Restrictions on Access

This collection has no restrictions.

 Summary

The 44 letters related to British theater in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, dating from 1773 to 1853. The collection is divided into five series: I. Letters to William Kenneth (8); II. Letters to or about Richard Brinsley Sheridan (3); III. Letters to James Winston (5); IV. Theatrical letters arranged alphabetically by sender (26); and V. Non-theatrica l letters (2). The two letters in the 5th series are a letter from a solicitor to Lady Emma Hamilton dated 1806 and a letter from Irish poet Thomas Moore dated 1832. Most of the theatrical letters deal with the engagement of players and theater personnel.

 Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); William Worthen Appleton papers ; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

 Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

 Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Appleton, Professor William W. Date of acquisition--1969. Accession number--M69.

 Ownership and Custodial History

Gift of Professor William W. Appleton, 1969.

 Processing Information

Processed 1969 and revised 1999.

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 03/24/89.

Finding Aid Prepared by GC, February 11, 2000.

 Biographical / Historical

William Worthen Appleton, born December 31 1915 in New York received his Masters 1939 and Ph. D. 1949 from Columbia University after graduating with a BA from Harvard University in 1938. He taught at Columbia from 1941 until 1977 having been appointed Professor Emeritus in 1976. His area of interest was early English Theater as evidenced by the several books he wrote and edited including (1960). and In 1969, Professor Appleton donated this collection of 44 letters to the Rare Book and Manuscript Library to augment the performing arts holdings of the Brander Matthews Collection. The letters relate for the most part to early 19th century British theater and in the words of Professor Appleton provide 'a sort of cross-section of rather typical professional theatrical correspondence of that era.

 Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

 Theater -- England Theatrical managers -- England Theatrical agents -- England Poets, Irish Kenneth, William Winston, James Moore, Thomas, 1779-1852 Milliken, Richard, 1783 or 1784-1834 Series I: Letters to William Kenneth, 1825-1835Scope and Contents

William Kenneth appears to be a London theatrical agent for the provincial circuit. The letters usually concern the engagement of performers by provincial managers or, as in the case of Edwin Simpson, requests for plays and musical pieces to be sent to New York. The 8 letters are in chronological order.

Barnard, S. W., Brighton To Mr. Kenneth, London, October 3 [n.y.]1Scope and Contents

3 p., a.l.s. Discussing performers including the young Kean

Brunton, R., Swansea To Kenneth London, [n.d.]1Scope and Contents

1 p. a.l.s. About getting players for Plymouth and Bristol

Cairnes, Catherine M. To My Dear Kenneth London, June 3, 18251Scope and Contents

3 p., a.l.s. Authorizing a Miss Phillips to accept offer from Mr. MacReady. [Actor/manager Charles William MacReady, 1793-1873]

Waldsor, R., Glasgow To Mr. Kenneth London, April 11, 18311Scope and Contents

3 p., a.l.s. Regarding engagements

Simpson, E[dmund Shaw, 1784-July 31, 1848] New York To Mr. Kenneth Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, May 31, 18321Scope and Contents

2 a. l. s. Asking that music and titles be sent. Simpson was manager of the Park Theater

Stanley, G. F., Theatre Worthing To Mr. Kenneth London, October 1, 18331Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. On reverse, contract for theaters in New Orleans.

Mangeon, Augusta, Warwick To Kenneth London, October 2, 18331Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s.

Simpson, E[dmund Shaw]1784-July 31, 1848, New York To unknown [n.p.], November 7, 18351Scope and Contents

1 p., a. fragment s. Discussing business and mentions Stephen Price who with Simpson managed the Park Theater. See also letter dated May 31, 1832

Series II: Letters to or about Sheridan, Richard Brinsley 1773-1775Scope and Contents

Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1861), dramatist, theater manager and statesman, is best known for his 1777 play.

Stott, C. To Sheridan [n.p.], July 8, 17731Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Asking for money

Portal, Abraham To Sheridan Orchard Street, Portman Square, London, November 27, 17751Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. Complimenting him on his comic opera [The Duenna]

Sheridan, Thomas To Will, envelope addressed To Knight [n.p.], [n.d.]1Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. About father, Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816)

Series III: Letters to James Winston, 1799-1826Scope and Contents

The actor and theater manager James Winston (1773?-1843) became the proprietor of the Richmond (Surrey) Theatre in 1799 under the name of James Neville. In 1805, as James Winston, he purchased an interest in the Haymarket Theatre in London. From 1819 to 1927 he was acting manager of the Drury Lane Theater on behalf of the actor/manager and lessee, Robert William Elliston.

Baker, Robert, town functionary To James Neville [Winston], Proprietor of Richmond Theatre, Surrey [n.p.], Oct. 1, 17991Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Refusing permission to perform masquerade

Reeve, Thomas, Jr., nephew of composer W. W. Reeve, (1715-1815) To Winston, Haymarket London, March 31, 18071Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Asking to be engaged

Faucit, I., Actor, Theatre Royal, Norwich To James Winston, Haymarket Theatre London, January 23, 18131Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. Faucit and wife will remain with Norwich Company.

Bellamy, B. P., Theatre Royal, Norwich To Winston, Haymarket Theatre Dean Street, Soho, London, April 28, 18131Scope and Contents

1 p., Regarding his engagement at the Haymarket for the 1814 season

Penley, W., Windsor Envelope To Winston with letter To Mr. Dunn Drury Lane, London, July 8, 18261Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Concerning a promissory Note from Mr. Elliston. Actor/manager Robert William Elliston (1774-1831) was the lessee and Dunn the treasurer of the Theater Royal, Drury Lane

Series IV: Theatrical letters in alphabetical order by senderBarnett, Edward To unknown [n.p.], June 6 [n.y.]1Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Concerning casting

Bass, Charles, Actor-Manager, Perth, Scotland To unknown n. p., October 7, 18291Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. Requesting players

Bucke, Charles (1781-1846), Dramatist and author, Suffolk To Mr. Wood, Bookseller London, May 23, 18021Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Proposing the publication of a writer's Notebook

Cushman, Charlotte, American actress To unknown [n.p.], [n.d.]1Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. End of letter asking for a residence and to be met at the train. Cushman was acting in London 1845-1849

Cuyler, Mrs. [Margaret], Actress To Mr. Peake [n.p.], September 19 [n.y.]1Scope and Contents

1 p., a.n.s. Requesting back pay. Peake was the treasurer for Drury Lane appointed by Richard Sheridan.

Dobbs, J., Actor, Brighton Theatre To Mr. Abbott Theatre Royal, Dublin, November 21, 18241Scope and Contents

2 p. a.l.s. Requesting employment

Elizabeth, Margravine of Brandenburg-Anspach To unknown [n.p.], March 26, 17941Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Receipt of a loan. The Margravine put on private theatrical events

Emmet, Robert, New York To Charles MacReady (1793-1873), actor/manager London, October 6, 18411Scope and Contents

3 p., a.l.s. Letter of introduction

Fairbrother, Robert, Coburg Theatre To Peter Moore London, September 21, 18181Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Theater job recommendation for Peter May

Fawcett, Anne To Mr. Brandon Covent Garden Theatre, Nov 27, 18131Scope and Contents

1 p., a.n.s. Pay Mr. Prickett by order of Mr. Harris [Thomas Harris, Manager]

Foote, Sam G., Brighton To unknown [n.p.], June 2 [n.y.]1Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. Invitation to visit Brighton

Grove, D. To J. P. Harley, Actor, St. James Theatre London, [c.1835?]1Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Plans to see play at St. James. Harley was in the St. James Theatre Company for a short time c. 1835

Hippolyte, N., Dublin To unknown n. p., August 2, 18451Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. Concerning terms of a lease

Holcroft, Fanny To J. Cooper (1810-1870) London, [n.d.] [after 1820]1Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. Complimenting his performance of Henry VIII at the Drury Lane. Cooper's first performance at Drury Lane took place November 1, 1820

Inchbald, Elizabeth (1753-1891), playwright To Mrs. Pope. [Elizabeth (1744?-1797)] [n.p.], [n.d.] [c. 1791]1Scope and Contents

3 p., a.l.s. Is altering play in favor of the part Mrs. Pope plays. Possibly referring to Lady Eleanor Irwin, a part Mrs. Pope originated in the playEveryone Has His Fault.

Killigrew, William To unknown [n.p.], [n.d.]1Scope and Contents

a.env.s., empty envelope

Knight, Thomas (d. 1820), actor and playwright, Liverpool To unknown [n.p.], July 28, 18141Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Unable to hire. Knight at the time was leasing the Liverpool Theatre

Love, E. To Mr. Cooke [n.p.], [n.d.]1Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Asks for appointment to discuss a part

MacDonald, Andrew (1755?-1790), Playwright To John Murray, bookseller London, May 18, 17881Scope and Contents

1 p., a.n.s. Receipt for Vimonda

Northcote, James To Mr. Cooke London, February 2, 18251Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Wants to buy print of his playing in Shakespeare's King John

Raymond, George To unknown London, March 24, 18301Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. Apology for the behavior of Miss Cubitt. Raymond is possibly the biographer of the actor/manager Robert William Elliston (1774-1831)

Stephens, George (1800-1851), Dramatist, Hertfordshire To J. Webster [London], October 21, 18401Scope and Contents

3 p., a.l.s. Asking Webster to advise his brother to produce Stephens' playThe Patriotnext season at the Haymarket. Quotes from a letter from the actor-manager William Charles MacReady. The brother in question may be Benjamin N. Webster (1797-1882) who was managing the Haymarket at the time when another brother, Frederick Webster, was stage manager.

Tilbury, W. H. To T. F. Robson (1822?-1864), Actor, Haymarket London, December 13, 18531Scope and Contents

3 p., a.l.s. Complimenting his performances. Robson played Desmarets inPlot and Passionby Tom Taylor and Jem Bags inWandering Minstrelby Henry Mayhew, both in 1853

Webster, Benjamin N. (1797-1882), actor-manager, dramatist To Mr. Cooke, London, November 18, 18331Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. Will accomodate him at any time

Welch, J., Buxton To Mr. Westmore London, July 15, 18011Scope and Contents

2 p., a.l.s. Terms for engagement

Yarnold, George, Theatre Royal, Worthing To unknown [London], September 26, 18241Scope and Contents

1 p., a.l.s. Has Elliston signed articles for Yarnold? Elliston is actor-manager Robert William Elliston (1774-1831).

Series V: Non-theatrical lettersHaslewood, William, solicitor To Lady Hamilton London, February 1, 18061Scope and Contents

3 p., a.l.s. Statement of efforts on behalf of Lady Hamilton

Moore, Thomas (1779-1852), Poet, Wiltshire, to Richard Milliken, Chichester1832 July 261Scope and Contents

[n.p.], 1 p., a.l.s. Note: General news and progress of book.