When you were in the City, I hinted to you, my intention of resigning at the end of this session of Congress, should nothing be done for the Navy--my only reason at that time was the blasted prospects of the service. I accordingly wrote my resignation and as usual offer'd it to Capt. Lawrence, for his inspection--he very warmly recommended to me to give the service the trial of another year or two--at the same time offering to procure me a furlough which would leave me perfect master of my actions in the interval--I thought it wisest to accept this proposition--at the end of this year I have it in my power to resign, should the situation of the Country warrant it. Like all the rest of the sons of Adam, I have bowed to the influence of the claims of a fair damsel of eighteen. I loved her like a man and told her of it like a sailor. The peculiarity of my situation occasion'd me to act with something like precipitancy. I am perfectly confident, however, I shall never have cause to repent of it--. As you are _cooly_ to decide, I will as _cooly_ give you the qualities of my mistress. Susan De Lancey is the daughter of a man of very respectable connections and a handsome fortune--amiable, sweet-tempered and happy in her disposition.--She has been educated in the country, occasionally trying the temperature of the City--to rub off the rust--but hold a moment, it is enough she pleases _me_ in the qualities of her _person_ and _mind_--. Like a true quixotic lover, I made proposals to her father--he has answered them in the most gentlemanly manner--. You have my consent to address my daughter if you will gain the approbation of your mother--He also informs me that his daughter has an estate in the County of Westchester in reversion, secured to her by a deed in trust to him--. I write all this for _you_--you know _I_ am indifferent to anything of this nature. Now I have to request--you will take your hat and go to mother, the boys, girls, and say to them have you any objection that James Cooper shall marry at a future day, Susan De Lancey. If any of them forbid the bans may the Lord have forgiven them--for I never will--. Then take your pen and write to Mr. De Lancey stating the _happiness_ and _pleasure_ it will give all the family to have this connection completed--all this I wish you to do immediately, as I am deprived of the pleasure of visiting my flame until this is done, by that confounded _bore_, delicacy--be so good as to inclose the letter in one to me, at the same time don't forget to inclose a handsome sum to square the yards here and bring me to Cooperstown. I wish not to interrupt you in your attempt to clear the estate--my expenditure shall be as small as possible. _Your brother,_ James Cooper.