Mantell writes that he hopes to see Winter before he goes and that he will be his son Willie's [Jefferson Winter] friend until the end of time. Encloses a check for books as explained by Jefferson in a note.
Mantell informs Winter that he has been kept busy with big parts and that he rests himself as much as he can. Thanks Winter for sending the Sun dial words to him in Cleveland. He is sorry to hear that Winter is under the weather.
Has met Winter's sister and her family in Los Angeles. He often thinks of Winter's father in times of sorrow and trouble. The last two weeks' performances in San Francisco were packed. Mantell doesn't think that he will play N.Y. this season but will play Philadelphia and Boston. He includes a letter which he thinks will interest the "Good Old Man." The letter enclosed is a fan letter to Mantell from Gertrude B. Weed and Raphael A. Weed, which includes a drawing of Winter (Sr.?) placing a laurel wreath on the head of Macbeth as a haloed William Shakespeare looks approvingly on. Also includes a note signed by J. Winter refuting a claim about Robert Mantell made in a newpaper clipping pasted to the front of the letter.
Compliments Winter's tribute to Robert Burns and Scotland. He expects to put on a big production of King Lear at the New Theatre, N.Y. on the 27th of March. He is happy to report that this has been one of the best seasons ever.
Mantell writes that he and his wife [Genevieve Hamper] are feeling fine but the change from New York makes one feel a bit down in the mouth. They will be going to Philadelphia next and then Michigan. Asks if Witner could drop a line to George Goodale about his wife's Juliet.
Mostly concerning Mantell's theatre-related work. Correspondent's locations include New York, Seattle, Winnipeg, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C. and Atlantic Highlands, N.J.
Mantell asks Winter to tell his son to write to him regarding Richard III. Also discusses a production of King John that Mantell has recently put on in Chicago, Winter's criticism on Shakespearean characters played by Signor [Ermete?] Novelli, and the controversy with Mr. Fiske.