Browse Items (581 total)

Edwin Booth reports to Jervis McEntee that he is busy in London and praises McEntee's portraits. The Boughtons did not like Booth's costume in Hamlet and therefore found little merit in the performance; also, he didn't belch enough. At the end of…

Edwin Booth writes Jervis McEntee that he still socializes with the Boughtons but he questions their taste in artistic excellence, and asks MeEntee to keep that thought "twixt ourselves." Booth speaks of dear old Gifford (artist Sanford Robinson…

In his letter to Jervis McEntee, Edwin Booth goes on for a full page about difficulty getting this letter written. He mentions the Land League, and knows that McEntee is not interested in it. He talks about acting and his career saying that the…

Edwin Booth confesses to Jervis McEntee that he is very dispirited over his wife's illness. Doctors kept this news from him to prevent anxiety during his engagement; now he must keep the news from his wife "in order not to hasten the end" Sir William…

Edwin Booth tells Jervis McEntee that Mary McVicker Booth is even sicker, and has been insane for at least a week, which necessitates two nurses. Doctors advise Edwin to place her in an asylum but he doesn't have the heart to do that. Much…

Edwin Booth confides to Jervis McEntee that his life is troubled both professionally and personally. Mary's condition continues to deteriorate, and Edwina continues to accept more household responsibility. Mrs. McVicker is currently visiting and is…

Edwin Booth writes Jervis McEntee that Mary is still very, very ill, and the McVickers, who he would like to set adrift, are still staying with the Booths. Booth speaks of visiting several people and mentions others he should call upon. The in-laws…

Edwin Booth informs Jervis McEntee that Booth and Edwina have been to the Music Hall noting that Booth's mother is lonely and wants him to visit. Booth has a four week engagement that will keep him "on the road" until April and hopes to return to…

Edwin Booth confesses to Jervis McEntee that he is exhausted and far behind on his correspondence. Booth comments about his wife's expected death and the "slanders which the filthy minded parents still circulate about me."

In his lettter to Jervis McEntee Booth talks about ongoing in-law problems and his wife's death. Booth expresses the hope that the spirits will sway Mary's evil minded parents to do him right. He believes that Mary was kept under alcoholic…

Edwin Booth apologizes to Jervis McEntee for being a poor correspondent. Julia Vaux is with them and Edwina's health has returned, but she seldom visits with people. He talks of his travels and upcoming engagements.

Edwin Booth reports to Jervis McEntee that his travels continue. Booth, Edwina and Julia are disappointed to not receive letters from home. They had to skip Amsterdam because the dampness of Holland affected Booth and Edwina, but "Julia did not feel…

Edwin Booth begins his letter to Jervis McEntee by saying that he is "dumpy & dull as an old cat with the mumps." He thanks McEntee for the interesting letter which McEntee asked him to destroy. They won't be going to Rome for Christmas because…

On the occassion of his 49th birthday, Edwin Booth recalls in a letter to Jervis McEntee of how he spent some previous birthdays. Booth is worried about Downing Vaux, but Downing will be joining them for the remainder of their tour. Downing's…

Edwin Booth writes Jervis McEntee that Edwina has heard from Downing and looks forward to their meeting. Booth himself has written to Downing with some sort of proposition. He wants to read the writings of Fanny Kimble but hesitates to meet her,…

Edwin Booth shares with Jervis McEntee that he has received disturbing news about Downing Vaux's health, and is hiding it from Edwina. He wonders, "Will his brain be ever restored? Who can tell."

Edwin Booth shares with Jervis McEntee that Edwina is very depressed because she has just written to Downing Vaux concerning her doubts about their relationship. Although Edwina initially withheld the information from her father, she recently updated…

Although sick with bile and about to begin rehearsals, Edwin Booth writes a short note to Jervis McEntee to arrange for the shipment of some of his furniture to McEntee who has agreed to oversee the shipment.

Edwin Booth expresses his condolences to Jervis McEntee over the death of McEntee's mother. Booth is unable to write a longer note or comfort Edwina because of his excrutiating dyspepsia (ulcer?). A doctor told Booth to keep from acting, but he…

Edwin Booth unloads his worry and asks Jervis McEntee's assistance regarding Downing Vaux. Edwina has broken off the romance, but Downing is insisting to see her. Edwina is frightened by his behavior. Edwin is also concerned due to the fact that…

Edwin Booth complains to Jervis McEntee that the weather is rainy, causing "the blues & achey bones." Business is now good, but it was slow when he was in New York because his performances were too close to the 'scoop,' the operas, and the…

Edwin Booth reflects on his past, his career, the theater, etc. to Jervis McEntee. He confides that his expenses are up, his income is down, and he is currently unable to assist some friends, a totally new experience for him.

At the early morning hour of one o'clock, Edwin Booth writes to Jervis McEntee that he may not be able to write again for quite some time. As he ages, he is more reticent and less likely to gabble. "I was very old when I was born, and the many…

Edwin Booth confesses to Jervis McEntee that he has been busy, and thus has neglected to write until now. Booth talks about his schedule and having his wardrobe packed for the tour. He refers to "my domestic disappointment" and "home affairs." He…

Edwin Booth writes to Jervis McEntee because he has heard of the death of McEntee's father. Booth recalls his own reaction when he lost his own mother, and knows the grief that McEntee feels. Booth is concerned because McEntee has been ill,…