Six Autograph Letter Signed to J.T.J. Hewlett, author of "Peter Priggins" and other books.

Frederick Oldfield Ward, temporary editor of Hood's Magazine (see "The Letters of Thomas Hood", passim). He discusses the prestige of a name (such as "Peter Priggins") and speculates that authors write better under the name "to which their fame is attached". Colburn is trying to insist that Hewlett cannot use this name, but Ward advises a "more independent and more honorable position with regard to Colburn." He mentions Hood's health on several occasions, later mentioning his death. He asks for stories not dependent on College life, explaining why. He makes other suggestions, and reveal a plan to get Spottiswoode (see #3151), proprietor from early 1844) to expand the magazine and pay more to contributors.Charles M. Westmacott (Boase)(2; 1838), thrash-able proprietor and editor of The Age, reveals that his retirement has been deferred by the persuasions of "certain noble friends" and that he is now planning a new weekly, The Argus. He invites Hewlett (one of his "old friends") to contribute to its first number [3 February 1839], suggesting something on the "Pusey controversy" or any congenial subject. He outlines his ambitious plans for the periodical ("full grown giant at its birth") and the political standpoint to be adopted, essentially "liberally conservative".George Byrom Whittaker* (1; 1842) bookseller and publisher (BBTI). To "M. Holl[?]". "I cannot acquiesce in your wish of sending copies of Books on Sale, it being contrary to our custom." Frederick Yates* (1; 1839), actor-manager, making a suggestion to make something (a play) of his "sketch" (perhaps an episode later used in Peter Priggins?). Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.