JOHN GIBBS GILBERT - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/1888 - HFSID 157150

JOHN GIBBS GILBERT
One year before his death, he cites exhaustion from his demanding acting schedule, and discusses the state of American theatre, lamenting the closing of Wallach's Theatre and the decline of legitimate comedy, an extremely rare piece!
Autograph Letter signed: "John Gilbert", 4 pages, 5x8 (integral leaf). Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts, 1888 June. To Fred Partington, Esq., in full: "How can I excuse myself for neglecting to answer your valuable letter? I have many reasons to offer, and the chief one is that for more than four months prior to the final closing of Wallach's Theatre for the legitimate drama I have been constantly employed with various rehearsals, as well as acting every night, and on several occasions eight times a week! Rather exacting work for a man at my time of life - so much so that I was completely worn out - and in addition I have a serious attack of illness that kept me in bed for three days, and nothing but my vitality and strong constitution enabled me to keep on the boards. At the melancholy finish of what has been the only true model of theatre in this country - it's with deep regret I am compelled to say that the drama has a poor look-out, for with the exception of Mr. Daly's and Mr. Palmero's houses, which offer a pleasant but very different class of plays - the public will sign and in vain for classic legitimate comedy as provided at Wallach's for very many years. I have made no arrangements for the ensuing season, and shall take a much needed rest, and quietly look on. It gives me great pleasure to hear of the prosperity of the Arthur Winter Library - and that it is on so solid a basis. This bequest you mention will be a noble addition to its present wealth of literature. I am glad that it is so firmly fixed, and that it has a charter. It is not improbable that at some future time I may be able to contribute some volumes from my little stores. Just prior to the departure of Mr. Winter for England I received a charming letter filled with kindness and good wishes, and a portrait of his dear lost Arthur. So marked a proof of his sincerity and affection, was touching indeed. It would give me great pleasure to meet you again, and I hope on my return to New York - you will favor me with a call - not a formal one, but as friends. I shall probably be at my old quarters, the Westminster Hotel Broadway, about the middle of October. I am very sincerely your obedient servant". Notable American stage actor John Gibbs Gilbert (1810-1889) originally aspired to be a tragedian, but his success in Sir Anthony Absolute and similar plays persuaded them that his talents lay in comic character roles. Attached in his early years to the Tremont Theatre in Boston, he performed at Wallach's Theatre in New York from 1862 until is closing, lamented in this letter. Among his best known roles were Sir Peter Teazle in The School for Scandal and Old Domton in The Road to Ruin. The Arthur Winter Memorial Library was established on Staten Island in 1886 by William and Elizabeth Winter, in honor of their late son. Its collection of rare volumes and letters, particularly strong on theater, did include contributions from John Gilbert, as anticipated in this letter. The collection no longer exists, having been sold at auction by another son in 1922. Toned and creased. Multiple mailing folds. Pin size holes at top edge. Corners creased and worn. Otherwise, fine condition.