SULLIVAN, Sir Arthur (1842-1900). Composer.
Autograph Letter Signed to [William John] Beale (1807-1883, founder of Beale & Co. solicitors), 2 pages 8vo, Hotel Chauvain, Nice, 4 February 1878. Lamenting the behaviour of Jack and promising to write on his return to London, explaining that he has gone to France to recover from feeling seedy and to get some rest.

'... He got into these unhappy habits at the time when he was alone with me, & my poor brother was so ill. I was constantly away from home - very often sitting up all night. & then Jack abused the free & uncontrolled position he found himself in. ...'

Sullivan refers to his valet Jack, whose services were terminated in 1877. Sullivan's brother Frederic also died in 1877, the year preceeding this letter. Sullivan took on the support of his family, which consisted of the widow and six children. The eldest son was taken under Sullivan's wing and remained with him.
[No: 25669]