BECQUE Henry (1837-1899) auteur dramatique. L.A.S. "Henry Becque" to an academician; 3 pages in-8. Becque asks for a prize from the Academy. Becque sent to the Academy his last play in the competition of the Montyon foundation "for works useful to morals. I hoped that this competition was not the only one and that the Academy for theatrical works had a reward debated between art and morality. [] It is true that my play contains scabrous characters and violence of language but one cannot refuse it a rather severe whole which constitutes after all a fortifying spectacle. You have allowed me to hope [] that the Academy, at your request, would not dismiss my play without taking an interest in its author and I am also applying, thanks to you, for all the prizes one after the other. For lack of the watch, I will be satisfied with the kettledrum.