THEODORE E. HOOK - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/24/1819 - HFSID 298066

THEODORE E. HOOK
Handwritten during his long ordeal before the Audit Board, explaining that he has not yet obtained a requested document
Autograph Letter signed: "Theodore E. Hook", 1 page, 7¼x9. Tavistock Hotel [London], 1819 May 24. To G. W. Brande, Esq. in full: "I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of this day's date. I beg leave to reply that I did not attend in James Street because the Honorable Mr. Byng had explicitly stated what my attendance at the last examination intended to address. Unless I had obtained the document required by the Board through the office of His Excellency [?]. I have as yet received no answer whatever to my application for the papers, but the moment I do I shall proceed & submit them to the board. I have the honor to be Sir your obedient servant". Theodore Edward 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. Heavily creased at bottom edge. Corners lightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.