The Sun.
London, England, 1847-01-13 00:00:00

THE LEGITIMATE DRAMA.

A paragraph having appeared in The Sun of Tuesday,
announcing the probable engagement of Mrs. Butler
(Miss Fanny Kemble) at Drury-lane Theatre, we have
been authorised to publish the following correspondence
between that distinguished artist and Mr Bunn:---"„
"London, 9th Jan., 1847. ,

"Madam,—ln entertaining the question you were
polite enough to submit to me—that of your return to
the stage—l was actuated by a sincere desire to resusci-
tate, as far as the limited talent of the country would
admit, the preearious position of the drama—an effort
only to be made, with a chance of success, through the
moderate expectations of its professors. The establish-
ment of Drury-lane, being exclusively devoted to opera
and ballet, would require considerable reinforcement to
admit of your performances being sustained in a manner
due to the public, to yourself, and to;the character of the
theatre. My present expenses are nearly 2001. per night,
and I could not calculate on a less nightly addition than
501. in the engagement of extraneous talent, and in pre-
paration. If, then, this 2501. per night be added to the
100/. demanded by you, there would be a certain liabi-
lity of 350/. on each of your performances. I question
if an average receipt could be realised to that amount,
to say nothing of the detriment caused to three nights in
the week by a predominant attraction on the others. If
it would suit you to lend your powerful co-operation to
the re-establishment of the drama on the highest terms
awarded to your illustrious relative, Mrs. Siddons—viz.,
501. per night, I would devote all my means to the fur-
therance of so laudable an undertaking, and immediately
negotiate with those artistes essential to the upholding
of it. —I have the honour to be, Madam, your obedient
servant, " A. BUNN.
" Mrs. Butler."
" P.S. If, however, your performances were confined
to readings, and to dramatic scenes, I think the nightly
sum you ask might be realised,"

REPLY.
" Bannisters, Southampton, Sunday, Jan. 10, 1847.
" Sir,—You desired that I would state my lowest
terms for acting at Drury-lane, and I did so. I regret
that they do not suit you.—l am, Sir, your obedient
servant, " FRANCES ANNE BUTLER.
" To Alfred Bunn, Esq."

COURT CIRCULAR.
The Queen and Prince Albert took their usual early
walk yesterday in Claremont Park. Her Majesty and
his Royal Highness again promenaded in the afternoon.
His Royal Highness Prince Albert enjoyed the sport
of shooting yesterday morning, attended by some of the
gentlemen of the royal suite.
Lord John Russell arrived at Claremont yesterday
afternoon on a visit to her Majesty, and had the honour
of joining the royal circle at dinner.
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, Prince
walked Alfred,
andth e O
rce
Princessyesterday
Claremont. The Royal Family took airings in the of•
ternoon. Royal,in andthe the
pleasure Princess
grounds
e f

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge, ac-
companied by his Serene Highness Prince Frederick of
Hesse, and attended by Lady Augusta Cadogan and
Baron Knesebeck, has arrived at Belvoir Castle, Leices-
tershire, to honour the Duke of Rutland with a visit
from Belton House, Lincolnshire, the seat of Earl
Brownlow.
The Postmaster-General had an interview with the
Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday at his official
residence in Downing-street.
Lient.-Colonel Michell bad an interview with Earl
Grey yesterday at the Colonial-office.
Sir Henry Dunkinfield had an interview with Sir
George Grey on Monday at the Home-office.
Mr. Samuel Fox had an interview with the Right Hon.
B. Strutt yesterday at the office of the Commissioners of
Railways.
Mr. John Wood, Chairman of the Excise, had an
interview yesterday with the Chancellor of the Exche-
quer. Mr. Kay Shuttleworth bad also an interview with
the Right Hon. Gentleman yesterday.
Dispatches were received yesterday at the Colonial-
office from the Governor of South Australia.

THE COFFEE-HOUSE KEEPERS', &C., BENEVOLENT
ASSOCIATION.—The annual ball, by the proceeds of which
the benevolent objects of this association are partly
carried out, took place last evening in the great hall of
the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen-street. The com-
pany was numerous and of the most respectable descrip-
tion. Dancing was commenced shortly after nine
o'clock, and kept up with spirit till a late hour, to the
music of an excellent band, under the direction of Mr.
C. H. Lewis. Quadrilles, galopades, waltzes, the old-
fashioned country dances, and the novel interpolations
of the modern art, were all alternately introduced. The
whole of the arrangements were very satisfactory,
everything was well conducted.
CONVEYANCE OF THE NORTH MAIL.—We under-
stand that the Post-office authorities have just deter-
mined. that on and after the Ist of February next the
mail from London shall be conveyed by railway R 3 far
as Carlisle, instead of being so conveyed only to Lan-
caster as at present. By this arrangement the arrivals
in Glasgow will be considerably earlier than heretofore.
—Glasgow Argus.
JUVENILE NIGHT AT DRURY-LANE THEATRE.—
On Saturday evening the pantomine will be played at an
early hour, for the gratification of the juvenile visitors.