Your work was inadequate and inexcusably negligent

More proof, as if it were needed, that Hunter Thompson took no prisoners. Three years prior to his writing a now infamous rant to Holly Sorensen due to the painfully-slow-moving adaptation of his novel, The Rum Diary, it seems Thompson was granted a warm-up session courtesy of his apparently inept lawyer, George Tobia. It's worth noting that, despite then being re-assigned to 'movie money' matters relating to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Tobias is still representing the late-author's estate to this day and can be found listed as an executive producer for the Rum Diary movie on IMDB.

Transcript follows. Letter found at the website of Dunce Cap Quarterly.

Source

Transcript

HUNTER S. THOMPSON

George Tobia/Burns & Levinson/Boston/May 5, 1998

Dear George:

This is to alert you that now is the time to pay close attention to the box office gross for the Vegas movie. It's coming out in three weeks and people in Hollywood are working themselves into a frenzy about who owns exactly which gross points. There appears to be a shortage of them like a game of musical chairs about to run amok.

I need to know my position on this and I think you have the paperwork, or at least you should. So, please advise me ASAP inre: my my exact profit expectations, which has suddenly become a very important question.

The movie money(?) should be your highest priority now. Never mind the RUM DIARY contract, we got it worked out and I will no longer require your services on that matter. Your work was inadequate and inexcusably negligent. I have formally authorized John Clancy, general counsel for Gonzo Int., Corp. to execute the contract and to handle all legal matters regarding the RUM DIARY.

Ok. I have to go now. We are taking a raft down the river and into the swollen rapids. Let me know about the movie money this week and thanks for your work.

Sincerely,

(Signed)

Hunter S. Thompson