[Letter] 1826 May 23, New York [for] James Fenimore Cooper / Dewitt Clinton.

See also additional letters from Cooper in the collection as well as manuscript fragments for the _The Headsman; or, The Abbaye des Vignerons. A tale_ (1833). For information on Clinton's biography and to see a guide to research collections of his papers, see (http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=C000525).

Clinton writes a formal letter recommending Cooper as a citizen of the United States of "respectable character" and "distinguished talents" to all whom he may meet. At the time, Cooper was preparing to serve as a Consul to Lyons, France. Clinton served as Governor of the state of NY from 1817-1821 and 1825-1828, during which time he founded the New York Historical Society and the Academy of Fine Arts; prior to holding this office, he also filled a Senate vacancy (1802-1803) and served several terms as mayor of New York City. Cooper, the 11th of 12 children born to the man who founded Cooperstown and built Ostego Hall, is remembered for his books of sailing and wilderness adventure, including the Leatherstocking Series featuring Natty Bumppo, the most well-known of which is _Last of the Mohicans_ (1826). In addition to enjoying the life of a country gentleman in New York, Cooper also traveled and wrote extensively in Europe.