A Guide to the Papers of James Fenimore Cooper, 1813-1844 and n.d. Cooper, James Fenimore, Papers 6245-a

A Guide to the Papers of James Fenimore Cooper, 1813-1844 and n.d.

A Collection in
Special Collections
The Clifton Waller Barrett Library
The University of Virginia Library
Accession Number 6245-a

Special Collections, University of Virginia Library

Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
USA
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Reference Request Form: https://small.lib.virginia.edu/reference-request/
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Processed by: Special Collections Staff

Repository

Special Collections, University of Virginia Library

Accession number

6245-a

Title

Collection of James Fenimore Cooper, 1813-1844 and n.d.

Physical Characteristics

This collection consists of ca. 130 items.

Language

English

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Researchers must use the microfilm of The Pathfinder manuscript unless permission to use the original is obtained from senior Special Collections staff.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Papers of James Fenimore Cooper, Accession #6245-a, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

This collection was deposited on 1960 April 16 and made a gift on July 1, 1991.

Scope and Content Information

The bulk of the collection is dated 1813-1850 and consists of correspondence with literary agents, publishers, friends, business associates, historians, and literary figures, relating to Cooper's career, legal and financial affairs, travels in Europe, family, and social life; manuscripts for The Pathfinder (1840), The Two Admirals (1842), and Mercedes of Castile (1840), partial manuscripts for The History of the Navy of the United States of America (1839), The Pilot (1823), Afloat and Ashore (1844), and The Water Witch (1831), and printer's manuscript for Home As Found (1838) with holograph corrections by Cooper; legal documents relating to Cooper's libel suit against James Watson Webb and to his land holdings in New York; correspondence of Cooper's daughter, Susan Fenimore Cooper, chiefly with William Branford Shubrick, relating to her father's death, his religious beliefs, and Cooper family genealogy; book reviews, prints, and engravings.

Cooper's correspondents include William Cullen Bryant, Richard Henry Dana, Rufus Wilmot Griswold, Jay family, and William Gilmore Simms. Susan Cooper's correspondents include Felix Octavius Darley, George Washington Greene, and Charles Mathews. Many of the letters have been published in The Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper, edited by James F. Beard (1960).

Contents List

Manuscripts

Article (in French) on Cooper by George Sand.

58 p.
Title page The Chainbearer .

1 p.
Four sketches by Bensell for The Deerslayer .

4 p.
Four engravings of Cooper.

Grey Box 1
Leaf of The Headsman .
Fragments of The Headsman .

4 sheets
Preliminary draft of a report ("The Races") written for the New York Patriot .

1 sheet
Carey and Lea printed leaflet, 1 p., for (and some miscellaneous Ms booksellers' documents) Last of the Mohicans .

7 items
Preface to The Chain-bearer, or, The Littlepage manuscripts

2 p.

Miscellaneous

Various notes concerning Cooper's novels

18 handwritten leaves, 3 typed leaves
Typescript and photostats of 1850 preface to the collected Leather-Stocking Tales .

2 p. each
Typescript and photostat of introduction to the Spiller and Blackburn Bibliography.

1 p. each
The Wept of the Wish-Ton-Wish . Title page of the first printed edition, Florence, 1829. Biblioteca Nationale, Florence.

1 p. (photocopy)
Carte dressee pour la lecture du Pilote Roman de J. Fenimore Cooper, par A. M. Perrot [1824?]

1 p.
Page of Introduction to Naval History (The History of the Navy of the United States of America).

1 sheet, AMs
Fragment of manuscript on England - Notions of Americans .

1 p.
Page from Oak Openings.

1 p.
Page from Oak Openings, Chapter XX dealing with Indians.

1 p.
Fragment of page from Oak Openings
Fragment of page from Oak Openings
Postage Stamps - 5, 2c
Preface for revised Bentley edition of The Red Rover .

2 p.
Page from Satanstoe, or The Little Page Manuscript
Page from Sea Lions .

1 p., Ch.VI
The Spy

Printed Theatre Program, Philadelphia Theatre on December 11, 1823.
Parts of 2 pages with corrections

Regarding Admirals in the United States Navy.
Pages from The Water Witch

2 p.
Part of the original manuscript of The Water Witch

comprises chapters 12, 13, and 14 (pp. 144-186 of volume I, 1831) and chapters 10, 16 (pp. 138-251 of volume II.), ca. 150 pages (in the hand of an amanuensis but filled with Cooper's autograph corrections and revisions)
Original manuscript of Two Admirals .

257 p.

Bound blue volume, Barrett Room
Manuscript of the novel Mercedes of Castile. Ca. 1853

268 p. Bound blue volume
Original Manuscript of Afloat and Ashore .

6 p.
Original manuscript of Chapter 24 Afloat and Ashore .

13 p.
Framed portrait of Cooper in oil by Winlker.
Framed miniature portrait of Cooper by W. H. Powell.

Letters

Cooper to William Jay, [Re death of daughter] 1813 Aug 29

ALS. 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. 1, (page 29).
Mrs. (Mary A.) Isaac Cooper to Mrs. Banyer [Re death of Isaac Cooper] 1818 Mar 10

ALS. 2 p.
Cooper to L. Bradish [Re planned visit and meeting] 1820 Feb 9

ALS.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 38).
Cooper to General Peter Gansevoort [Re politics] 1820 Apr 19

ALS. 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 39).
Cooper to Captain Shubrick [Re Cooper's review of naval history in Scientific & Literary Reportage. Was something of Cooper's appearing there?] 1821 May 23

ALS. 1 p., w/env.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 68).
Cooper to Chief Justice John Jay [Re politics] 1821 Sep 6

ALS. 1 p. w/env.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 70).
Chief Justice John Jay to Cooper [Re politics] 1821 Sep 10

AL. 1 p.
Cooper (in Paris) to Mrs. Peter A. Jay [Long, gossipy letter on Parisian society, with some literary remarks.] 1826 [Oct 1-15?]

ALS. 4 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 158).
Cooper (in Paris) to Mrs. Peter A. Jay [More gossip re Paris. Mentions Lafayette. Includes drawing of LaGrange] 1827 Mar 26

ALS. 4 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 200).
Cooper to [Francis] Moore [Re Rover and other publications.] [1827?] [1821]

ALS. 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 228).
Cooper to [Hector] Bossange (his French publisher) [Re Rover . Has slip with dates of publication.] 1827 Nov [15-27?]

ALS. 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 239).
Cooper to Charles Gosselin [A short note re Rover .] 1827 [Nov 19-24?]

ALS. 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 239).
Cooper to Henry George Grey, Viscount Howick 1828 [Mar?]

ALS. [Not printed in Letters]
Cooper to Mrs. Alexander Baring [1828 Mar 30]

ALS. 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 260).
Cooper to Lord Howick [Re Navy.] [ca.1828 Apr]

ALS. 2 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 255).
Cooper to Mrs. Peter A. Jay [Gossip re English aristocrats.], 2 p. [1829?] [Jan?]

AL.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 353).
Signed draft agreement with Walther [1830 May 26]

1 p. Contract for Water Witch .
Cooper to F. Alph. de Syon [Invitation to tour Swiss Saxony. In French.] [1830 Jun]

ALS. 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 417).
Cooper to George Gallagher & Co. 1830 Jul 28

ALS. 2 p.
Cooper to Charles King for the New York American [Re Greenough's sculpture of the 2 cherubs.] 1830 Jul 29

ALS. 1 l. Above 2 ALS.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 431).
Cooper to Mr. Gosselin Re business. ca.1830

ALS. 1 p.

This letter is not printed in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper .
Cooper to James Postelt Jervey 1831 Apr 10

ALS. 1 p. Invitation.

Regrets. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. II, (page 67).
Cooper to Mrs. Peter Jay 1831 Jun 16

ALS. 4 p.

Comments on Water Witch pp.109-110, and literary popularity. Reflections on Americans in Europe and his wish that his daughters not marry abroad. Good letter. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. II, (page 102).
Cooper to Colburn and Bentley 1831 Jul 2

ALS. 1 p.

Literary matters. Comments re The Bravo . Mentions Spy and Pilot . This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. II, (page 115).
Cooper to David Bailie Warden [1831 Aug 15?]

ALS, 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. II, (page 135).
Cooper to Colburn and Bentley 1831 Aug 29

ALS. 1 p. Fragment.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. I, (page 136-137, last par. only).
Cooper to Vis. Chas. E. H. Dambray [Scandal re Friend's daughter's elopement.] 1831 Dec 3

ALS. 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. II, (page 161).
Cooper to Baron Camille de Varaigne du Bourg [Re Mrs. Cooper's health.] [1831-32?]

ALS.

Missing 3/27/68.
Cooper to Samuel G. Howe [Re cholera epidemic.] 1832 Apr 12

ALS. 1 p.
Cooper to Lombard, Odier and Co. 1832 Sep 5

ALS.

In French. Sending letter of credit.
Cooper to Pierre Alexandre Adolphe Jullien 1832 Nov 30

ALS.

Missing 3/27/68. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. II, (page 365).
Cooper to an unidentified friend [1832-33?]

AL. Fragment. 1 p.
Cooper to Henry L. Webb [1833 Apr?]

AL. Invitation. 1 p.
Cooper to Mr. Bentley [Requesting sheets for The Headsman .] [1833 Jul?]

AL, 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. II, (page 396).
Cooper to Peter A. Jay [Re Mrs. Cooper's financial affairs.] [1833 Nov 20]

ALS. 1 p.
Cooper to Dr. Matthews [1835] Jan 19

ALS. 1 p. Invitation.
Cooper to J. B. Longacre [Re Polish refugees in U.S.] 1837 May 28

ALS. 1 p.
Cooper to John C. Jay [Re the latter's wedding.] 1837 Jun 16

ALS. 1 p.
Cooper to Cary, Lea and Blanchard [Instructing them to send sheets of Homeward Bound to him.] 1838 May 23

ALS. 1 p.

This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. III, (page 325).
Cooper to James de Peyster Ogden 1839 Jul 8

ALS. 1 p.

Financial affairs.
Cooper to J. D. P. Ogden 1840 Jan 14

ALS. 2 typescript copies. 1 p.

Financial affairs. Refers to contract with Lea & Co. for 2 books which are already printed but not yet issued because of hard times. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 10).
Cooper to Mrs. William Heath-cote de Lancey 1840 May 15

ALS. 1 p.

Trip to N.Y.C. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 40).
Cooper to Joseph Ingersoll 1840 Jun 5

ALS. 1 p.

Re plans for latter's trip to Cooperstown.
(Closing) Cooper to [John A.]Dix [1840 Dec 15-16?]

ALS. Photo of Cooper by Brady. Fragment.
Cooper to George Roberts 1841 Jan 22

ALS. 2 p.

Literary, re Imagination and Heart. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 110).
Cooper to J. deP. Ogden 1841 Jan 31

ALS. 1 p.

Political views; comments re Whigs and Webster, and court battles (personal). This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 113).
Cooper to Webb and Douglas 1841 May 14

ALS. 1 p.

Re account.
Cooper to Richard H. Dana, Sr. [1841 Oct 15]

ALS. 1 p.

Social.
Cooper to J. Tomlin 1841 Nov 8

ALS. A Tenn. 1 p. postmaster.

Sending autograph; but mentions Mohicans, Prairie, Pathfinder, and Deerslayer. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 188).
Cooper to Thomas Baldwin 1841 Nov 24

ALS. 2 p.

Literary, re Gleanings and the disadvantages of being a writer in U.S. Good letter. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 194).
Cooper to David Low 1842 Apr 17

ALS. 1 p.

Legal matter.
Cooper to John L. O'Sullivan 1842 Apr 29

ALS. 1 p.

Re articles on naval history. Opinion against biographies of living men. Portraits. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 285).
Cooper to William Cullen Bryant 1842 Jun 29 [28]

ALS. 1 p.

Reviews Naval History litigation. Possibly good letter to show example of J. F. C.'s legal tangles. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 297).
Cooper to J. de P. Ogden [ca.1842 Jun]

ALS. 1 p.

Recommendation for naval duty.
Cooper to [J. G. Jarvis, Jr.] 1842 Aug 7

ALS. 1 p.

Autograph. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 308).
Cooper to T. W. [Failer] Fields 1842 Aug 17

ALS. 1 p.

Re Deerslayer characters of Judith and Hetty. Good letter. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 308).
Cooper to Charles J. Ingersoll 1842 Nov 7

ALS. 1 p.

Recommendation for a minister. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 320).
Cooper to R. W. Griswold(editor of Graham's Magazine ) 1842 Nov 26

ALS. 1 p.

Re publication of "Autobiography of a Pocket Handker- chief" and "Oliver Hazard Perry." This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 321).
Cooper to Mrs. Banyer 1843 Feb 27

ALS. 2 p.

Beautiful letter of condolence on the death of her brother, Peter Augustus Jay. Reflections on friendship and death. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 363).
Cooper to H. E. Parker 1843 May 27

ALS. 1 p. Typescript copy.

Autograph. Re spelling of the name "Fenimore" and its provenance. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 384).
Cooper to John H. Sherburne 1843 May 28

ALS. 1 p.

Declining to deliver the eulogy for Commodore David Porter. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 385).
1843 Jun 25 Cooper to [Horatio] Greenough

ALS. 1 p.

Funny. Re Greenough's naked statue of Washington. The mediocrity of American public opinion. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 389).
Cooper to W. G. Simms 1844 Jan 5

ALS. 2 p.

Vituperative letter about all his literary and personal woes. The decline of his career since Notions of the Americans . This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 436).
Cooper to Richard Bentley(London publisher) 1844 Jan 9

ALS

Literary-financial. Miles Wallingford and Ned Myers . This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 440).
Cooper to W. G. Simms 1844 Apr 22

ALS. 2 p.

Social.
Cooper to Wiley and Putnam 1844 Sep 29

ALS.

Afloat and Ashore conclusion ready to be announced. 3 lines only. This item is found in James Franklin Beard's Letters and Journals of James Fenimore Cooper vol. IV, (page 480).