n manifested itself in social slights that could be felt but
could not well be resented. This was especially noticeable in the case
of the legations, the conduct of which was largely under the control of
the home government. The English policy was here in marked contrast to
that of Russia, which, even at that early day, cultivated almost
ostentatiously friendship with America. Between the legations of these
two countries there was always the best of understandings. The direct
contrary often prevailed between the ministers of Great Britain and of
the United States. The influence of the former was frequently thought to
be exerted to the social injury of the latter. Whether true or false,
this was generally believed. Cooper certainly credited it and looked
forward to the time when the whole attitude of England would be altered.
We were then less than twelve millions in population; but the day would
come when we should be fifty millions. The existing state of things
would then be changed. You and I may not live to see it, he wrote
substantially to his friends, but our sons and grandsons will. They may
not like us any better, but they will take care to hide their feelings.
Strong resentment sometimes drove him into taking up positions he would
not in his cooler moments have maintained. "As one citizen of the
republic," he wrote, "however insignificant, I have no notion of being
blackguarded and vituperated half a century and then cajoled (p. 096)
into forgetfulness at the suggestion of fear and expediency, as
circumstances render our good-will of importance." Not one of these
slights and insults would he have the fifty millions forget. He did not
bear in mind that fifty millions could not afford to remember. It was
like asking the man of middle life to revenge upon the sons the
indignities which the boy had received from the fathers.

Cooper's residence in England was only for a few months during the first
half of the year 1828. With his feelings towards that country and with
the feeling entertained in it toward his own, nothing could have made
his stay highly pleasant. But it is one of the numerous minor falsehoods
that came to be connected with his life, that it was unpleasant. On the
contrary, his company was sought by many of the most distinguished men,
though in accordance with his usual custom he carried no letters of
introduction. At a later period he said that in no country had he been
personally so well treated