[ Richard Brinsley Peake, English dramatist. ] Autograph Signature ('R B Peake') and additions relating to 'Mr Mathew's entertainments', made out to 'Mr Gardner', added to a lithographed facsimile letter in his handwriting.

1p., 12mo. Bifolium, addressed by Peake, with broken seal in black wax, to 'Mr Gardner | Globe & Traveller Office | Strand'. In the following transcription the passages in Peake's actual autograph are given in square brackets, the rest being a lithographic facsimile of his handwriting: 'Theatre Royal | English Opera House | Strand | [March 2nd 1824 | Sir] | I am desired by Mr Arnold to present his Compliments, & to inform you that he has done himself the pleasure to place your Name on the Free List for this Season [of Mr Mathews's entertainments, also for the Lecture on Astronomy.] | Mr Arnold hopes frequently to be favored with your Company | I have the honor to be | [Sir] | Your most obedt Servt | [R B Peake | Mr Gardner]'. The first performance of Peake's 'Presumption' at the English Opera House on 28 July 1823, and the production was seen by Mary Shelley and her father William Godwin on 29 August. As a result of the success of the play the novel was reprinted in two volumes, with revisions probably by Godwin.