Reading Time: 3 minutes [487 words]

THOMAS COOPER. 781

ing Dr. Priestley to take eare that Mr. Adams should not mistake
my polities. In eonsequence of this conversation, Dr. Priestley
‘wrote the following letter; not a few months, but above two years

ago.
August 12, 1797.

Dear Sir:—-It was far from being my intention or wish to trouble
yon with the request of any favors, though it is now in your power
to grant them; and it is not at all probable that I shall ever take a
second liberty of the kind. But cirenmstanees have arisen which I
think eall upon me to do it once, though not for myself, but a
friend. The office of agent for American claims was offered, I
understand, to Mr. Hall of Sunbury, and he has declined it. If this
be the case, and no other person be yet fixed npon, I shall be very
happy if I could serve Mr. Cooper, a man I doubt not of equal
ability, and possessed of every other qualification for the offies, by
reeommending him. It is true, that both he and myself fall, in the
language of our ealuminators, under the description of Democrats,
who are studiously represented as enemies to what is called govern-
ment, both in England and here. What I have done to deserve
that character, you well know, and Mr, Cooper has done very little
more. In fact, wa have both been perseeuted for being friends to
American liberty, and our preference of the government of this
eountry haa brought us both hither. However, were the accusations
true, I think the appointment of a man of unquestionable ability
and fidelity to his trast, for which I would make myself answerable,
would be truly such a mark of superiority to popular prejudice az 1
should expect from you. I, therefore, think it no unfavorable cir-
eumstanee in the recommendation, That you will act according to
your best judgment, I have no doubt, with respect to this and other
affairs of ‘infinitely more moment, through which I am persuaded
you will bring the country with reputation to yourself, though in
cireumstances of such uncommon difficulty, perhaps with less ease
and satisfaction than I could wish, With my earnest wishes for the
honor and tranquility of your presidency, I am, ete.,

Joseph Priestley.

This letter was accompanied by the following from myself.

Sir:—On my expressing an inclination for the office which Mr,
Hall has declined, Dr. Priestley was so good as to offer his services
with you on my behalf.

Probably the office ‘will be filled ere this letter can reach you.
Probably there may be objections to nominating a person not a
native of the country. Probably the objection mentioned by Dr.
Priestley may reasonably be deemed of weight in my instance. Bo
all this as it may, I see no impropriety in the present application to
‘be appointed agent of American claims, for it is still possible I may
suppose more weight in the objections than they will be found to
deserve, If it should so happen that I am nominated to that offies,
T shall endeavor to merit the character the Doctor has given me,
and your esteem. I am, ete, Thomas Cooper.

Related Posts