ARTHUR DACRE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/13/1894 - HFSID 304527

ARTHUR DACRE
Responding to a fellow actor, who hopes to join (an-ill fated) theatrical tour. Dacre and his wife, Amy Roselle, committed suicide while on that tour of Australia the following year.
Autograph Letter signed: "Arthur Dacre", 3 pages (integral leaf), 4½x7. St. Cecilia's College, Cliftonville, Margate [England], 1894 June 13. To "Dear Mr. Weatherly", in full: "If we go out - it will be simply under an engagement and I don't know whether the people will be wanting to take anyone else. You might, however, if you like, write to Mr. Chas. Mac Malion, say that you have seen in the papers the we were going - and ask him if he is likely to want anyone to support us. Should he say 'Yes' and a word from me would be of any help to you, I would gladly see him. With kind regards. Sincerely yours". Accompanied by a newspaper obituary. Arthur Dacre (d. 1895) was a physician before marrying actress Amy Roselle in 1881. Arthur then joined his wife in the acting profession, and they insisted on performing together, even though Roselle was in greater demand than her husband. They struggled financially, and suffered the death of their only child. In 1895, the couple embarked on a theatrical tour of Australia, no doubt the tour discussed in this letter, in hopes of recouping their fortune. Unfortunately, although critics generally praised their productions, they drew small audiences. Dacre argued with theater managers about a new production, for which he felt he was not ready. On November 17, 1895, Dacre shot Roselle to death, and then -finding to his distress that no bullets remained, slew himself with a straight razor. He left a note advising against the choice of acting as a profession, and willed the couple's remaining funds to help impecunious members of the company pay for transit back to England. One horizontal fold. Toned at top left of page 1. Foxing throughout document. Two pin head-size holes at top left. Slightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.