[Henry Fauntleroy, banker and forger.] Autograph Letter Signed ('H Fauntleroy') to Sir Cuthbert Sharp, written from Cold Bath Fields Prison a few weeks before his hanging at Newgate in front of a crowd of 100,000.

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.