From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 7 April 1782
To Samuel Cooper
Copy: Library of Congress
Passy, April 7. 1782.
My dear Friend,
This will be delivered to you by Mr. le Comte de Segur, (Son of the Marquis de Segur Ministre de la Guerre) a Young Nobleman whose amiable Qualities and sensible Conversation will I am sure give you Pleasure. I therefore make no Apology for the Liberty I take of introducing him to you, recommending him to your Civilities and Friendship, and requesting you would do the same by him to your Friends, the principal Gentlemen of your State, civil & military. He goes over to fight for a Cause he loves,7 and on many other Accounts will merit the Attentions that may be shown him. Your Grandson8 is well and I am ever with sincerest Esteem & Respect. Dear Sir, &c.
Dr. Cooper.
7. Many years later, Ségur wrote of the general enthusiasm in Europe for the American cause, “On appelait alors les Américains insurgés, et Bostoniens; leur courageuse audace électrisa tous les esprits, excita une admiration générale, surtout parmi la jeunesse, amie des nouveautés et avide de combats.” Louis-Philippe, comte de Ségur, Mémoires ou souvenirs et anecdotes (3 vols., Paris, 1827), I, 77.
8. Samuel Cooper Johonnot, BFB’s schoolmate in Geneva.