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14 - The Seventh Continental Tour

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 May 2021

Bernth Lindfors
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Summary

A month later, Aldridge set out on his next extended Continental tour. A report in the Era said he was on his way “to fulfill engagements at St. Petersburg and other places in Russia.” When he passed through Paris en route, a local theater there offered to employ him, but he proceeded directly to Rybinsk, where an important market fair was being held. There he started performing during the last week in May.

At the conclusion of his run, he wrote to Amanda with disappointing news:

[Rybinsk], Russia

May 30, 1864

My dear Amanda,

I [gave] my first appearance (Othello) to a good but not great audience. Things are very bad in Russland at present and I intend please God, to finish as it will not be worth while returning, particularly as I am not allowed in St. Petersburg.

The weather is still warmer, but I have caught a bad cough. I have played six times and am now going straight to Astrakan [sic], so that I can make the return journey before the cold weather sets in. I am most [impatiently] waiting for a letter from you, my dearest Amanda.

The post goes for home from here three times a week. I am very miserable and quite alone all the time. Business was bad on Thursday. Has Angelina visited you.

My greetings to Madam Molte and her son.

Kiss my Luranah and Fritz for me. I hope the two of them are well and you also. I have [seen] a nice little dog who is very intelligent. If I had known things were so bad in Russia I would have stayed at home. I hope however, to do good business in Astrakan, but even so you must economise, and I must do the same.

I am very anxious to sell my equipage if it is possible.

Enclose your next letter in this envelope, so that it will not have to delay by first of all going to Moscow. Write me a long letter when you are able. Have you any news of Mr. Stirling, wife and friends. I have had no communications from one or the other, the Prince of Light is forgotten perhaps. I am anxious to hear from Luranah Villa.

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Ira Aldridge
The Last Years, 1855-1867
 , pp. 204 - 218
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
Print publication year: 2015

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