Papers of John Adams, volume 8

Bidé de Chavagnes to John Adams: A Translation

To Samuel Cooper

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