Cooper, James Fenimore

Autograph letter signed ("J. Fenimore Cooper"), one page bifolium with integral address leaf (7 1/2 x 5 1/4 in.; 190 x 130 mm) to Peter Augustus Jay and 9 other prominent individuals from New York City and New York State, Paris, 28 March 1831, introducing Alexis de Tocqueville and another French official for the purposes of inspecting penitentiaries in the United States; ink oxidation causing several small holes in the script and flourish below Cooper's signature, second leaf inlaid to another sheet, short centerfold separation.

Sale, Christie's New York, 14 December 2000, lot 307 (undesignated consignor)

Autograph letter signed ("J. Fenimore cooper"), one page bifolium with integral address leaf (7 1/2 x 5 1/4 in.; 190 x 130 mm) to Peter Augustus Jay and 9 other New Yorkers, Paris, 28 March 1831, introducing Alexis DeTocqueville and another French official for the purposes of inspecting penitentiaries in the United States; ink oxidation causing several small holes in the script and flourish below Cooper's signature, second leaf inlaid to another sheet, short centerfold separation.
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.

A letter of introduction for de Tocqueville. Cooper, who had been living in Europe since 1826, writes to Peter Augustus Jay, the eldest son of John Jay, and other prominent individuals, that the French government had appointed de Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaumont to inspect various American penitentiaries. "I take the liberty of recommending them and their object to your friendship with the certainty that a desire to do all that is agreeable to a nation with which we formerly entertained so intimate relations, no less than a wish to serve the cause of humanity will insure for them your friendship and council. Will you permit me to hope, that our ancient and personal intimacy may have an additional weight in introducing these gentlemen to your acquaintance."  Eighteen months after their arrival in the United States in May 1831, Tocqueville and Beaumont published Du système pénitentiaire aux Etats-Unis et de son application en France, with a view toward prison reform in their country.