William Charles Macready (1793-1873) was a well-known and popular actor in England during the 19th century, having first appeared in one of his father's theatres in 1810 as Romeo. Within ten years, Macready would be playing in one of London's premiere theatres, the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. His prominence beginning with a successful portrayal of Shakespeare's Richard III, he became a regular player at the rival patent theatre, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where his success was cemented as he developed further in his Shakespearean repertoire. His biggest success was Sheridan Knowles' William Tell, however, which he first performed on May 11, 1825 after recovering from a three month illness. His next defining role would be Werner, in a play by Lord Byron of the same name. Originating this role in 1830, he added it to a repertoire which would eventually be replete with memorable performances in roles such as Virginius, William Tell, Macbeth, King Lear, and Othello. In 1826 he traveled to America for the first time, meeting with success. On a subsequent American tour, his now infamous acting feud with American actor Edwin Forrest fueled nationalistic sentiments on both sides of the Atlantic which erupted in the Astor Place Riot in New York City on May 10, 1849. Thirty-three persons were killed when the police shot into the crowds in an effort to quell the chaos. Macready retired from acting in 1851, and died in England in 1873. This item is a note written by Macready to an unknown recipient. Within Macready's circle of friends during his life were Charles Dickens, Sheridan Knowles, and other playwrights and writers of the time. In his diary, Macready records accounts of perusing and critiquing plays which friends gave to him. It may be this was the circumstance which led to the composition of this note. It reads: My dear Sir, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your M. S. [manuscript] to which I shall be most happy to give the very first interval of leisure I find. -- I remain, my dear Sir, very sincerely your's [sic] -- W. C. Macready 5. Clarence Terrace. Regent's Park. Thursday. Production(s) represented: Peter Pan. Character role(s) represented: Maude Adams (Peter Pan) Artistic role(s) represented: Maude Adams (Actor).