[Frederick Yates, actor-manager of the Adelphi Theatre.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Fred. H. Yates.'), accusing actor Thomas Cooke of breaking his word by mounting a production of Fitzball's 'Red Rover', whose copyright he owns, outside Edinburgh.

3pp, 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and worn, with closed tears and thin vertical strip of paper on reverse of second leaf, which carries a seal in black wax and Yates's address to 'T. P. Cooke Esqre. | 28 Manchester Street | Manchester Square'. An interesting letter regarding a Victorian stage dispute. In an understated style, Yates makes a serious accusation: Cooke has broken his word over the manuscript of Fitzball's play 'The Red Rover' (Yates had produced the piece with himself in the title role in 1828, and would do so again in 1831). The subtext is that by such an action Cooke is not a gentleman. It begins: 'Sir. | Since you have done me the honor to address me by Letter I conceive it incumbent upon me to return you a written answer. | The M S. of the Red Rover Mr Mathews & my property I allowed you to have copied upon an express understanding & pledge that you were to make use of it in the Edinboro Theatre only. Upon your refusal to comply with the terms of your Engagement here, you thought proper to make use of the copy I permitted you to take of our M. S. with an additional act compiled by yourself at the Surrey Theatre - which I consider to be a positive breach of your word.' He continues in the same tone, stating that he has learnt that Cooke has 'paid Mr Grove our Prompter a Guinea for making the Copy', and that Cooke is also claiming the first two acts as his property. As 'possessor of the Copyright' Yates can only return the manuscript with a 'veto that they shall only be made use of in Edinburgh', but as Cooke has 'already considered [his] promise as not binding', Yates does not expect him to 'pay any attention'.