account of the beginning of his naval career include the good-conduct certificates written by Sir John Gore and letters of recommendation accompanying the petition from captains of other ships in which he served. The latter part of his petition is probably false with the exception of his self-appointment as Consul in Venice. One further clue about the truth is found in The Times of 1827. In it the reporter states that "amongst his papers was found a letter written in French and addressed to the Princess Charlotte of Wales in the handwriting of the late...Queen Caroline. It contains a...request that the princess would use her interest to induce Lord Castlereagh to restore the bearer in the situation of consul of Venice". This letter suggests that Cooper was forced to relinquish the post of Consul but does not give any information as to how long he had this position. There are also other mysteries remaining about his life, particularly his early years, the gap between approximately 1817 and 1825 and the year of his death. Finally there is the question of his physical features and perceived character. His appearance was unremarkable as during his trial he was described as being "about 5ft 9in in height, stout made, bald at top and before and a strong north country dialect". However, his manner must have convinced as William Powell wrote that "the world could not produce a more religious, charitable and humane man, nor one on whom I could with more safety bestow the hand of my child" References English fraudsters 1775 births People from Hackness Convicts transported to Australia Year of death missing