Papers of John Adams, volume 8

288 From Samuel Cooper, 14 November 1779 Cooper, Samuel JA

1779-11-14

From Samuel Cooper, 14 November 1779 Cooper, Samuel Adams, John
From Samuel Cooper
My dear Sir Boston 14th Novr. 1779

The very kind Readiness which you express'd to me, to allow my Grandson1 to be a Companion to your Sons in the Voyage to France has laid me under an Obligation that I can never forget: Accordingly I now commit him to you happy in the Perswasion that he will pursue his Studies with them under your Eye, and Direction. His Father who accompanies him to the Ship will most gratefully acknowledge your Goodness in this Trouble, and will put into your Hands what shall be necessary to defray the Expence, and will make further Provision as it shall become necessary. Allow me to ask the Favor of you to treat him as your own, and return him with your Sons. I shall not fail to write you by the next Opportunity to France. May God preserve and bless you my dear Sir, and prolong your Life an important Blessing to your Country and the World. I have not had an Opportunity to speak to Mr. Dana of my Boy. You will be so kind as to present my best Respects and good Wishes to him, and commend my Son to his kind Regard.

I am Sir, with the greatest Esteem an Affection Your most obedt. humle: Servant Samuel Cooper

RC (Adams Papers).

1.

This was Samuel Cooper Johonnot, the eleven-year-old son of Lt. Col. Gabriel Johonnot, who was being sent to Europe for his education, first at Passy and then at Geneva. For sketches of father and son, see JA, Diary and Autobiography , 2:418; and JQA, Diary , 1:2–3.

To Samuel Cooper, 14 November 1779 JA Cooper, Samuel

1779-11-14

To Samuel Cooper, 14 November 1779 Adams, John Cooper, Samuel
To Samuel Cooper
My dear Sir Le Sensible Novr. 14th. 17791

This Moment I recieved your kind favor of this day's date. Coll. Johonnot and my young Friend, Sammy Cooper, are well on Board. This young Gentleman, Sir, shall have the best Care taken of him, in my power, and the same with my own.

Your kind Assurances that you will inform Me of what passes, give me great pleasure, and will be of great use to Me. I shall write You as often as possible. My best Respects, Compliments, Affections, Duties &ca. to all I leave behind, to whom they are due. Your Friend

John Adams

LbC in John Thaxter's hand (Adams Papers). This is the first of JA's letters to be recorded in Lb/JA/8 (Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 96). This Letterbook is discussed in part 2 of the Introduction: “John Adams and his Letterbooks” (above).

289 1.

JA, JQA, and the rest of their party had gone aboard La Sensible on the previous day. Later on the 14th the frigate sailed out to King's Roads (now President Roads), the main harbor entrance, between Deer and Long islands, and on the 15th set sail for Europe. For accounts by JA and JQA of their leave taking and the sailing of La Sensible, see JA, Diary and Autobiography , 2:400, 402, note 3; 4:191; and JQA, Diary , 1:2–3.