To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 2 February 1781
From Samuel Cooper
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Boston Feby 2. 1781.
Sir,
I repeat the Honour I have already done myself of writing to your Excellency by this Opportunity,1 on Purpose to mention to you M. de Corney, a Gentleman of Distinction, and Member of several literary Societies in Europe, who came to America with the Marquiss la Fayette before the Arrival of the Brest Fleet, and on public Business preparatory to the Reception of that Armament. An Acquaintance with him has afforded me no small Entertainment.2 He loves Letters, and has Reason to love them, since they have been so friendly to him. His Philosophic Mind appears congenial to your own.
I warmly wish him a good Voyage, and an happy Interview with Your Excellency, the Pleasure of which will, I dare say, be mutual.
With every Sentiment of Respect and Friendship, I have the Honour to be Your most obedient humble Servant
Saml. Cooper
His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr.
Addressed: His Excellency Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / Minister Plenipotentiary from the / United States of America at the / Court of Versailles.
Notation: Dr. Cooper Feb 2. 1781
1. He had written on the previous day, above.
2. Cooper had arranged membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for Dominique-Louis Ethis de Corny, the commissaire de guerre sent with Lafayette to prepare for the arrival of Rochambeau’s army: XXIII, 332n; XXXII, 414n. During his stay Corny received a brevet commission as lt. col. of cavalry in the American Army: JCC, XVII, 487–9. After traveling with John Laurens to Lorient and then to Paris, he was appointed Vergennes’ liaison with the new minister: François Caron, La guerre incomprise où la victoire volée (Bataille de la Chesapeake—1781) (Vincennes, France, [1989]), p. 369; “Mission of Col. Laurens,” I, 213–14.