1 COPY
of letter received from
Rt. Hon. Sir Henry A. Robinson, Bart., P.C., K.C.B.,
Vice—Chairman, Local Government Board,

re
'THE SPANCEL OF DEATH.'
Note: Sir Henry A. Robinson expressed a wish to read the Play,
as his wife, Lady Robinson [nee Miss Harriet Lynch—Blosse]
is one of the present—day representatives of the Lynch—
Blosse family, to affect one of the early members of which
[Sir Harry] the spell was performed.] 'Lisnacarrig, Foxrock, Co. Dublin, 2nd April, 1916. 'My sear Sir, I have read your play and think it is the most
powerful and dramatic thing I have ever read. It held me spell—
bound. I wonder if the Abbey people have any women in their
Company capable of doing justice to the part of Sibby Cottle?
It would need a Maire O'Neill. My wife remembers Biddy Holian, — the last of the
witche's race, and she had a bad name — an inheritance, I suppose,
from Judy. Old Sir Harry Lynch—Blosse's evil reputation is a
tradition in the family even now; and my wife tells me that when
her father's generation suffered from gout, or other ailment, or
misfortune, they always regarded it as a visitations for the sins
of Sir Harry. There is one little mistake you make which is a pity
in a story which is otherwise historically accurate. You make 2 Lord Oranmore the person who is arranging the marriage with
Altamount's daughter. Now, the Oranmore peerage was only created
in 1836, and Sir Harry's period was nearly 100 years earlier. The play will create a great sensation if properly
staged. The dialogue is so natural that I can almost hear the people speaking. Wishing you every luch with it, and with many thanks for
your courtesy in letting me see it, I remain,
Yours sncy, H.A. Robinson. I omitted to mention that my wife doesn't see any reason why
any of her family should object to the play. I will register it
and send it back to—morrow.