Description:

James Fenimore Cooper
Philadelphia, PA, April 17, 1839
James Fenimore Cooper ALS to James de Peyster Ogden Requesting a Loan, Ex-Forbes
ALS

James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851). Autograph Letter Signed, "J. Fenimore Cooper", with his paraph, 1p bifolium, 7.5" x 9.75", Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1839. Integral address leaf with opening tear at red wax seal. Docket of receipt at verso. Expected mailing folds and creases. Minor toning and scattered foxing. Smudging to a few words at the start of the letter not affecting legibility. Loss at top right not affecting text. In near fine condition. Accompanied by an 8" x 10.75" engraving of Cooper featuring his facsimile signature. Ex-Steve Forbes Collection.

To New York businessman James de Peyster Ogden (1790-1870) in full:

"I want $1000 for 60 days to complete the payments of my late Cooperstown purchases. If you can lend it me - of course without due harassment to yourself - have the goodness to say so, without delay, in a letter, and I will send my note. I would give you notes here, but the dates would be longer then you like, and I shall draw at the time mentioned. The note can be settled when I draw.

The History is done. I have sold one edition, not a large one, well, and am negotiating for a stereotype. We leave here next week, I think, but cannot stop in New York, on account of the expense, and because the ladies do not wish it. Dr. De Lancey is to be consecrated, and we all flie from this place in a body. I shall probably not be in New York before June, unless compelled to go to raise the money mentioned.

Those who have read The History like it, I think, and I confess it is rather to my own fancy, though a second edition may be better. Whether you say yes, or no, say it at once, that I may make my arrangements. If you prefer six month's paper say so too."

The Dr. DeLancey mentioned in Cooper's letter is his brother-in-law, William H. DeLancey (1797-1865), the first bishop of the newly created Episcopal Diocese of Western New York. He was consecrated on May 9, 1839, and remained in that position for over 25 years.

Cooper is considered to be America's first major novelist. His historical romances depicting colonial and indigenous characters from the 17th to the 19th centuries brought him fame and fortune. "The History" referred to in Cooper's letter is his "History of the Navy of the United States of America", an account of the U.S. Navy in the early 19th century through the Mexican War. Cooper's close association with the Navy and its various officers, and his familiarity with naval life at sea provided him the background and connections to research and write this work.

Cooperstown, New York, is named for the author's prominent federalist father William Cooper (1754-1809), who developed and founded the Cooperstown settlement.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.5" x 9.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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