As the three successful books which the author had now written dealt with the strength and struggles of liberty-loving Americans for their new country, his wide sense of justice suggested writing on loyalty from the other point of view—­the Mother Country’s—­as held by men of birth and honor.  This loyalty to England Cooper made the subject of his next book.  It was a dangerous venture, and a time too near the dearly-bought laurels of our young republic in its separation from England.  But the author made every effort for accuracy on all points; he was tireless in his study of history, state papers, official reports, almanacs, and weather-records.  A journey “to Yankee Land” familiarized him with every locality he so faithfully described in the pages of “Lionel Lincoln.”  “A Legend of the Thirteen Republics” was an added title to the first edition only (1825) of “Lionel Lincoln,” for Cooper’s intention to write a story of each of the thirteen states was given up later, and the title “A Narrative of 1775” took its place.  The author himself was not satisfied with this work, nor with the character of “Lionel Lincoln,” whose lack of commanding interest makes “Job,” his poor half-witted brother and son of “Abigail,”—­a tenant of the old warehouse,—­the real hero of the book.  Of its author, Bancroft the historian wrote:  “He has described the battle of Bunker’s Hill better than it has ever been described in any other work.”  Another high authority says:  “‘Lionel Lincoln’ certainly gives spirited battlepieces—­notably the battle of Bunker’s Hill, which is a masterpiece.”  Rhode Island people may care to know that a part of this book was written in Providence, in the home of Mr. John Whipple, which stands on the verge of the old elm trees of College Street.  Here, too, Cooper may have studied on the opening scenes of “The Red Rover.”

[Illustration:  LAFAYETTE.]

[Illustration:  LAFAYETTE’S BRANDYWINE VASE.]

[Illustration:  JOB PRAY.]

[Illustration:  THE BURNING OF CHARLESTOWN.]

Early spring of 1825 found Fenimore Cooper in Washington, whence he wrote:  “I have just witnessed one of the most imposing ceremonies of this government; I allude to the inauguration of the President of the United States.”  It was that of John Quincy Adams, who succeeded James Monroe.  Elsewhere one learns that Cooper had dined at the White House; he gave a description of Mrs. Monroe as first lady of the land.

[Illustration:  WHIPPLE HOUSE, AT PROVIDENCE, R.I.]

[Illustration:  MRS. JAMES MONROE.]

[Illustration:  PRESIDENT’S HOUSE, WASHINGTON, D.C., 1825.]

Up to this year the author had signed his name “James Cooper”; then, in remembrance of his mother’s wish, he changed it, and by the April, 1826, act of Legislature the family name became Fenimore Cooper.