Frank Mayo is one of the best actors in the country and is based in Nevada. He originated the role of Davy Crockett. The papers clamored for a benefit for him. He was only 34 and they wanted to see him do Hamlet. He wrote a letter back to the TE fearful of taking on the role. The benefit committee had casting suggestions for everyone. McKean Buchanan (bombastic and verbose) as The Ghost was a shaded compliment; Mr. Clifton as Horation, Mr. Leman was to do Polonius, Mrs. Hayne was Ophelia. He tried to learn the role in a week and flubbed several lines, the reviews were tepid but gave encouragement. Mayo cried at the curtain, ashamed. — [ST 164] — July 27, 1863 —
