Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-09-07
JAMES F. COOPER, ESQ.

The return Of this distinguished novelist TO his
native country, after So long an absence. and the
anticpatory pleasure his admirers have in his
Forthcoming work, "The Headsman," may add
to the esteem in which he is held among US, and
NAV warrant brief notice OF him.
Cooper is a native of New Jersey. having
been born in 1888, at Burlington, on the Della.
ware, where his father then resided. but IRON
which the family soon afterwards removed -
His father, William Cooper, was native OF
Bucks county, in this state, and had been taught,
and practised the trade of cabinet maker, till
his removal to the state of New York,-when
his acquisition of land and wealth procured him
the acquisition Of influence and of Office; tor
he became Judge in the neighborhood, the banks
Of the Osego Geographically described by the
son in his - Pioneers"
HIS early education was superntended BY the
Rev. Mr. Donaid, Of Cooperstown; but lie was
soon placed under the tuition of the present
President of Union College at Schenectsdy-
preparatory to his being admitted into Yale Col.
ege. Having passed through his sludirs there
with credit he entered into the merchant service,
and made some coastIDg voyages, and II Is SAID
some foreign; but in what capacity, We have not
ascertainpd.
The merchant service OF the sea not being
cOnsanant to the ardencv Of his mind, he pro
cured warrant a. miishipman IN the navy; but
it does not appear that lie either rose or sought
to rise higher; although 1t is evident that in that
station he had rendered himself conversant with
nautical science and subjects
Disllkins the inactive service consequent up
on the peace OF 1915, he returned home; and
commenced his career OF authOrship-fortunatelv
striking out for himself new path to fame and
profit; but unfortunately finding his first work
'Precaution,' almost still born from the apathy
Of his countrymen-wh" did not notice it TIL
their sentiments were out the enfeebIed echoes
Of the transatlantic presses; for Britain first
taught US to estimate the worth of our novelist.
as she has since taught US properly to appreciate
his after works; and shown our novelist how
and why he failed 10 some OF them. She re-
ceved him with courtesy aud treated him with
candor; while we at first neglected or derided
his carly efforts, aud have rdIcuously lauded his
later.
The Spy followed; and much as il is now
justly esteemed, the publisher first found it al,
most dead weight on his hands. But again the
British critics perceived. acknowledged and en-
forced the merits Of the work also; and their de
cIded communication was decisive with u.s. We
shall MOI enter into the respective merits of his
works; but il may he interesting to know the or
der and time of the publication Of each of his
wa,ks. Tins 'Precautlon' was published the
first, but date not known. Cd. The Spy was
published in 1921; Sd. Pioneers, 1928; Alb. Pi.
lot, 1924: 5th. Lionel Lincoln. 1925; 9th. Last
of the Muhicans. 1896; 7h Prairie, 1897; 9th.
Red Rover. 1928; 9th. Notes Of a Travelling
Bachelor. 1929; 10Th. Wept of the Wishton
wish, 1929; 1lih. Water Witch, 1881; 18th.
Bravo. 1882: 18th He,depmauer. 1882; and
18th. soon. The Headsman of Berne.' BY Ca
rey & Co of this city. These works have bren
translated into most Of the modern languages Of
Europe; and are welcomed into every library.
MIR. Cooper was formerly our Consul at Ly
ons, and lately our Charge d'Afa're, at PARIS.
Phil Sen.