1781 1849 Sharp Cuthbert Sir (3 results)

Paperback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days.

12mo bifolium: 2 pp. On laid paper, with strip from previous mount in right-hand margin of recto of first leaf. Good, with a little wear at gutter, and slight damage (not affecting text) to second leaf from breaking open of red wax seal, parts of which still adhere. Twenty-two lines of text, clear and entire. Smith's uncle 'Mr ' is 'very glad to hear that you are well & desires to be remembered'. Asks if Smith has 'ever found me a portrait of Sr yet'. 'I trust that you will lay every thing aside belonging to the County of Durham & let me know what falls in your way.' Asks if Smith knows of 'a print in which Frederick Prince of Wales & [are dressed?] as Hen 8 & Ann Bullyn'. Asks Smith to send letters via Col. Graham, M.P., 27 Bryanston Square. Address, with oval red postmark, on verso of second leaf.

See Fauntleroy's entry in the Oxford DNB. Although accounts of his depravity are exaggerated, Fauntleroy led a dissolute life, and appropriated securities worth around £360,000. During his trial at the Old Bailey he called seventeen merchants and bankers to testify to his integrity, but his defence was unsuccessful, and he was hanged outside Newgate, before a crowd of 100,000. The present item is 1p, 4to. Bifolium, addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Sir Cuthbert Sharp | &c &c', with endorsement. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight damage to inner edge of second leaf caused by removal from mount. With several folds. Written in a clear hand with a good bold signature. Reads: 'My Dear Sir Cuthbert | I have heard from you with every attention what you have proposed from the Assignees to me I will give it every consideration & shall hope in a few days to communicate with you upon the subject | I remain | Most faithfully Yrs | H Fauntleroy'. Sharp was presumably an assignee of an estate which had suffered as a result of Fauntleroy's forgeries.