Edwin Booth to Epes Sargent

54-AA

April 19th 1868?

Dear Mr. Sargent:

I thought I should have seen you ere this-but I have had long rehearsals every day, and on Sundays have been compelled to act on to business connected with my New York theaters. Having now no wardrobe the few leisure moments I usually have between rehearsal and the play are employed in looking up the many little articles useful to my costumes, and so I have been kept on 'tenter-hooks' all this while. In a few days I hope to have the pleasure of driving out to see you.

I enclose tickets for my next performance of 'Hamlet'-I think after a change I act with more spirit and feeling than when wearied by routine, acting the same character successively for several nights is apt to make me dull and heavy and therefore I wished you to see me after having broken the monotony by acting other parts. I hope you will be able to visit the theater next Tuesday evening, and that I may not disappoint you.

With many kind wishes for yourself and family, believe me, most respectly and sincerely yours, Edwin Booth

P.S.-I do not hesitate to send these tickets, believing that you will grant me the privilege to do so when I tell you it affords me great pleasure.

From Edwin Booth, the actor