Letter from Henry F. Chorley to Charlotte Cushman, Oct 28, 1847

Chorley praises Cushman's performance of Queen Katherine and advises her not to be disappointed about less favorable critiques as critics tend to be harsh with new actresses.

postmark: Oc 28, 1847; on the first page, it says "Wednesday midnight" which suggests that Chorley must have written it on the night from October 27-28


Credit

Library of Congress, Charlotte Cushman Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 

[2951] Dear friend. I will try to call to day morrow [inserted] about 4— that is Thursday — with the M.S. & still a change or two to talk to you about — [last five words inserted] a +++ of Arnould's man — +++ it is too late to fish for this evening. Meanwhile, had I not found your note on coming home from the theatre, I must have written to you after the Queen Katherine. which I went to see quietly. You are wholly wrong about it! to fancy that the part does not do you good — & you good to the part! What will you say when I tell you that it has given me a higher idea of your powers[?] than any I have yet seen you +++ – I like it all. conception & execution

[2951 reverse] save one very tiny matter I must reckon with you about – I like the plainness. the simplicity, the queenliness of the playing — & the utter absence of all strain[?] or solemnity. You know I am difficult — & little given to praising any one. Most of all. was I delighted to hear how your level voice when not forced, tells — &  tells thoroughly. +++ believe, I don't say this to put you in good humour, or for any other reasons than because it is honest — & must come! As for the citics — Remember that from time immemorial, they have been always at first [last two words inserted] injust to new & natural readings. The house shows how little +++ good

[2952] they do — & of its humour. there was no doubt — though people who have been wiping their eyes on apricot-coloured +++ stings. As I saw one young Lady of nature long, can't find time or coolness to applaud as they ought. —In short, I was much – very much – pleased: & shall tell you yet +++ about the same When I see you: – and I am truly glad for your own sake you have played the part— In all earnest regards Y^rs

Henry F. Chorley

Arnould & I were two sitting notes of ad miration! He is going to write one as well as this [last four words inserted]!— believe I saw the Angelic manager on

[2951 vertical] the stairs — but I don't think he knows me if he sees me — or I would let my beard grow as far as possible and dye it black by way of mystification
Wednesday midnight