Autograph letter signed, by James Fenimore Cooper. [likely Switzerland, ca. 1828.] 8" x 6.5". Ink on wove. Accompanied by 19th c. portrait of Cooper. ************* Cooper speaks mostly of the recent financial crisis (presumably the Panic of 1825), "Twelve months hence the scenes of the present day will be looked at like a field of battle that has not yet quite gotten clear of its bones." It is possible that this leaf may have been part of a book or journal, as Cooper apologizes for "having written this letter on the wrong page." Near the end of the letter, Cooper writes, "Should curiosity ever draw you in the direction of Megave, you will pass at no great distance from this place, and I should be glad to see you in our mountains." Cooper and his family spent 4 months in Berne, Switzerland in 1828.

Archival tape repairs to verso (repairing splitting along folds, one small burn-hole to lower right (removing one word,) a few very small chips to corners/edges. Refer to photos.