Apr 27, 2006 - Sale 2077

Sale 2077 - Lot 3

Price Realized: $ 8,625
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000
(AMERICAN REVOLUTION.) COOPER, SAMUEL. Retained draft of an Autograph Letter, to George Washington, congratulating him on America's victory over Great Britain, forwarding letters [not present] from Benjamin Franklin relating to the peace negotiations, discussing the proposed treaty and commenting on the turmoil within Parliament. Numerous cross outs and corrections. 4 pages, two small 4to sheets; separations repaired with tape, some chips, some staining. [Boston, September 1782]
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" . . . I can no longer forbear addressing a Line to you to congratulate you on the present Prospect of the fruits of your Toils & Hazards in the firm Establishment of the Sovereignty, the Independence & the Liberty of these United States . . . In another letter, the Dr [Franklin] uses this expression, 'In England all is amazement & confusion!' This appears in all their public papers. The Cabinet is greatly divided. Administration blames their Commanders in America. Burgoyne seems to be given up by them . . . I wish with all my Heart, the States may improve this happy opportunity and afford you the means of soon rendering completely triumphant one of the most glorious Causes in which any Country was ever engag'd; and . . . transmit your name with distinguish'd lustre to all Posterity . . ."
Cooper (1725-83), pastor of Boston's Brattle Street Church, was an important Revolutionary leader, advisor and confidant of Franklin, Hancock and the Adamses. At the start of the war a warrant for his arrest was issued by the British who had named him one of the top five most influential revolutionary leaders in Massachusetts. See the Writings of George Washington for Washington's 24 September 1782 reply to Cooper.