THEODORE E. HOOK - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/06/1819 - HFSID 296561
Price: $320.00
THEODORE E. HOOK
Pleading illness, the author seeks a delay in the Audit Board's
review of his conduct during a colonial posting.
Autograph Letter signed: "Theododre E. Hook", 1 page, 7½x9,
Grosvener Street [London], 1819 February 6. To "Grande Esq",
representative of the Audit Board, in full: The violence of the
cold under which I am suffering having increased during yesterday and the last
night, I find myself so unwell as really to be unable to leave the House. May I
beg you to represent this to the Board and request them to excuse my attendance
till Wednesday morning when (if it suits their convenience) I hope to be well
enough to proceed with the Examination. I have the honor to be Sir your very
obedient servant". Docketed on verso: "Th. Hook stating his inability to
attend the Board on acct. of indisposition".Theodore Hook
(1788-1841), the son of popular songwriter James Hook, starred in comic
operas and other musical entertainments from age 16. He was also a renowned
playboy and practical joker. In 1812, royal patronage secured him the
office of Treasurer of Mauritius, but in 1817 an audit revealed theft by one of
his deputies, and Hook was held responsible for the missing funds. Recalled to
London, he was cleared of criminal charges but subjected to a 5-year inquiry by
the Audit Board, held liable for the debt, and briefly imprisoned when unable to
pay it. Despite his financial woes, Hook founded a very successful
journal, John Bull, through which he gained a great reputation as a Tory
satirist. Several novels followed, racy and semi-autobiographical, making
Hook the best-selling British novelist prior to Charles Dickens. Toned.
Multiple mailing folds. Ink marks throughout letter. Corners crease. Light
mounting residue on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.
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