Cooper, James Fenimore

Autograph letter signed ("J. Fenimore Cooper"), 1 page plus integral address leaf (10 x 7 7/8 in.; 254 x 200 mm), Hall, Cooperstown [NY], 6 July 1841, to Matthew C. Patterson; formerly folded, short fold-tears, clean tears in address leaf without loss. In a blue cloth folding case.

Christie's NY, 20 November 1992, lot 171 (unnamed consignor) — R.M. Smythe, 29 September 1994, lot 70

Not in Beard edition of the Letters

formerly folded, short fold-tears, clean tears in address leaf without loss.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The delights of Cooperstown.

Matthew C. Patterson was a District Attorney in New York City, and an officer of the New York Historical Society, apparently interested in renting a house in Cooperstown, and Fenimore Cooper describes the attractions of the house and the setting: "Your friends and yourself can be accomodated on the following terms. A private parlor, pretty well furnished &c, and quite well situated, good enough bedroom, a separate plain table, at your own house, and a respectable, new, quiet tavern, agreeably placed, for $6 a week each, for grown person, and half price for servants and children, children under five, three for one. The house is at my gate, has a piazza on two sides ... and is as good as can be generally found. There are about a dozen regular borders who breakfast 7, dine at 1, and take tea at 6.

"I can tell you no more of the house, than that it has been badly kept; has changed hands this summer with a view to improvement. It is in ambitious hands, and may be run well enough, but of all this I know nothing. We have an exceedingly healthy and cool country; pleasant rides and drives, a lake, excellent water, ice, and no fruits but apples and the smaller kinds. Chickens will soon abound. I have wine, but whether there is any in the tavern I never asked. We have two rotten eggs [sulphur] springs within fifteen miles of us."