p.

Woodlands So. Caro.
Dec. 22. 1854.
Robert Balmann Esq.
dear Sir:
Received your note last night,
with the volume of Mr. Irving, which accompanies it,
and read the latter through with great pleasure. It
is a fair specimen of the modern classical drama, after
the new model, a [litch ?] two [??] mistaken of "Jon".
You, my dear sir, know too well the requisitions of the
Gotchic [??], and the post stature of Shakespeare, not to
know that the classical drama can have as living uses.
We have savoured it. Say this to you young friend that
he may waste no more time upon a dead thing. let him [sa ??]
his model among the living. This, [??] [??], this [??]
from that he has stiff in [??]. and he must work. [??]
[??] dialogue, however good, in [??] in a drama, [??] the chac-
action are [??] in actual flesh & b lood action. I will take
note of this performance somehow, & hand you the [??].
Meanwhile, thank Mr. Irving for me for his book. Pray
present me, with affectionate respect to Mrs. B. and [??]
me [??] truly [??] to
[Signature] W. Gilmore Simms