SMYTH, Dame Ethel Mary (1858-1944). Composer, writer and suffragist.
Autograph Letter Signed to Merrick, 2 pages 8vo (tipped to an album leaf together with transcription of the letter, a newspaper photograph and an obituary of Dame Ethel), Hellens, Much Marcle, 2 July 1938. Lamenting a disability ('I won't inflict the details of the horrible complaint on you'), which distorts the sound of music, preventing her from complying with Merrick's request.
A postscript reports

'I am very busy just now in furthering the future and going into the whole business of women orchestra players. But within the next few weeks you will see all about it in the papers. ...'

[No: 24922]