(Fanny Elizabeth, née Copeland, 1801-1854, Actress, Wife of Edward)
Enchanting and unusual Autograph Copy,
unsigned, of a topical verse she added to the popular song 'Rosin the Beau' at the Bristol Theatre, Then with gold ships will come in in such thousands / 'Twas the reason you all ought to know / They made a free port of old Bristol / Because she loved Rosin the Bo / For who would count up all the duties / When with gold dust they Rosin the bow / I cant write any more I am so tired, with a pencilled note Mrs Fitzwilliam... wrote this at my request one evening at the Bristol Theatre - it being a verse alluding to the Free Port Measure she added to the song... - It was received with great applause JDS., ½ side of a folio sheet, original blots and a smudge, [Bristol], no date,
'Old Rosin the Beau' is a pun for a Violin Bow dusted with a block of gold-coloured rosin or resin. The melody is still popular for the jig 'Hamilton House'. In 1848 the Corporation of Bristol bought out the docks company and abolished the duties.