[Illustration:  JAMES FENIMORE COOPER.]

It is of note that Mr. Cooper’s personal appearance in 1850 was remarkable.  He seemed in perfect health and highest energy and activity of faculties, but the autumn of this year found him in New York City under mild ailments.  His friend, Mr. George Washington Green, regretted not noting better his last talk with the author about this time, of which he says:  “He excused himself that morning at Putnam’s for not rising to shake hands.  ‘My feet,’ said he, ’are so tender that I do not like to stand longer than I can help.’  Yet when we walked together into Broadway, I could not help turning now and then to admire his commanding figure and firm bearing.  Sixty years seemed to sit lightly on him.  After a short stroll we went to his room at the Globe and sat down to talk.  I never found him so free upon his own works and literary habits.  He confessed his partiality for Leather stocking.  Said he:  ’I meant to have added one more scene and introduced him in the Revolution, but I thought the public had had enough of him, and never ventured it.’”

[Illustration:  THE SWEDISH NIGHTINGALE (JENNY LIND).]

Cooper’s enjoyment of the marvelous voice of “The Swedish Nightingale,” as Jenny Lind was called, the publication of his daughter’s “Rural Hours,” and the active progress of his own book sales are noted in his letter to his beloved wife.

     BROADWAY HOTEL, Friday, Nov. 15, 1850.

MY DEAREST W.,—­Julia and Miss Thomas came down with me to hear Jenny Lind.  “Have you heard Jenny Lind?” “How do you like Jenny Lind?” are the questions which supplant “Fine weather to-day” and other similar comprehensive remarks.  I am patiently waiting for the “Lake Gun” [a magazine article].  I am well and shall commence in earnest next week.  Tell Sue [his daughter] I have seen Putnam, who will be delighted to publish her new book.  “Naval History” is a little slack for the moment.  There are less than a hundred copies of second edition on hand and the third must be shortly prepared.  The fine edition will be published to-morrow.  About two hundred copies have been sent to the trade and with that issue he will start.  He has had five and twenty copies done up in papier machia at $9.00.  N——­ is well.  D.Z. is still here.  Old Peter is not yet married, but the affair is postponed until Spring, when the bride and groom will return to America.  They wish to prolong the delightful delusion of courtship.  I hope they may be as happy as we have been and love each other as much forty—­days after their union as we do forty years....  Yours J.F.C.

[Illustration:  JENNY LIND AT CASTLE GARDEN, NEW YORK CITY, 1850.]