Description:

Cooper James



James Fenimore Cooper Announces His Impending Arrival to His Publishers


Autograph Letter Signed "J. Fenimore Cooper," written aboard the U.S.S. Macedonia off the Battery [New York, October 16, 1840; one page, 8.25” x 9.” The letter is gently toned, with bold ink and has been tipped into a slight larger sheet. Docketed at top left by the recipient.


Cooper is writing to his publishers, Lea and Blanchard of Philadelphia:


"Gentlemen,


I sail for New York to-morrow in this ship. We shall probably get in on Monday, and I hope to be in Philadelphia by the 20th, when I wish to finish printing Mercedes, without delay. I write that the printers may be in readiness, as I desire to return home by the 3d prox. In order to assist in making Martin Van Buren, President of the U. States of America.


Yours in haste,


J. Fenimore Cooper"


Cooper, a prolific writer, had published his History of the Navy of the United States of America and a book on the USS Constitution the year before. A few months prior to writing the letter offered here, Cooper had published the final installment of his Leatherstockings series, featuring his most famous character Natty Bumppo, the central figure of The Last of the Mohicans. In Mercedes of Castile, the book referenced in this letter, Cooper tells the story of Christopher Columbus, marking his literary return to the sea, his first love.


It is important to note that Cooper is writing from aboard the USS Macedonian, an active Navy frigate carrying 36 guns assigned to the West Indies squadron as a deterrent to Caribbean pirates. Cooper had served in the Navy and dedicated much of his life to recording its history. His work as a historian as well as his political connections would have given him access to use of naval frigate for his personal travel. The Macedonian was assigned to scouting the Caribbean seas and was likely on its way to another tour.


Cooper is anxious to return to the campaign trail, as he notes in his letter. Despite his efforts to get President Van Buren re-elected, William Henry Harrison would prove victorious. Although letters by Cooper are not uncommon, those referencing his literary work in any way appear with far less frequency. The letter offered here is particularly desirable as it evidences his political interests. The last Cooper letter to appear at auction with literary content sold in excess of $7475 in 2013.



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