Autograph Letter Signed

This American dramatist became one of the most popular playwrights of the late 19th century, both in the U.S. and the U.K., with such syrupy affairs as "Saratoga" (1870), "Young Mrs. Winthrop" (1882), "Shenandoah" (1998) and others. ALS, 3pp, 5" X 8" (lettersheet), London, England, 25 October 1881. Addressed to Mrs. Barrow. Near fine. Faint mounting trace along original fold. Amusing chatty letter to a fellow expatriate on the verge of sailing back to the States. "I really do not know what you can do about those miserable Continental railways. If you were English, of course you would write to the Times, and then your feelings would be soothed & you would be perfectly happy. Being an American woman, you can only stamp your feet, and ask your American gentlemen friends, who may be going to the Continent, to get themselves up in French oaths, and make it a warm winter for them over there...." Boldly penned in his large and legible script in brown ink. Nice example with interesting Americans-abroad content.