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 from Macready to a lawyer on June 6, 1846. According to Macready's diaries around this time, engrossing business possibly refers to the recent falling out he had had with friend and critic John Forster, or to the various dinner parties he had been attending of London's elite. It reads: 5: Clarence Terrace [Macready's home]. June 6, 1846. Dear Sir I had purposed talking on [to] you before this, but have been prevented by engrossing business. I wished to say, that it is with very great regret I find myself compelled to relinquish what was my earnest wish - to arrange for the occupation of Mrs. ------ house: but unluckily the loss, that it would unavoidably fix on me in the attempt to alter and adapt my furniture to the rooms in it, obliges me to give up the idea. Your's [sic] very obediently W. C. Macready. F Cran Litte Esq. Artistic role(s) represented: Sir Henry Irving (Actor, Manager).