The following spring Cooper again went to New York City, whence he dates a letter to his wife:
Saturday, March 29, 1851
COLLEGE HOTEL, NEW YORK
Your letter of Thursday has just reached me. I am decidedly better.—Last night I was actually dissipated. L.—— came for me in a carriage and carried
me off almost by force to Doctor Bellows, where I met the Sketch Club, some forty people, many of whom I knew. I stayed until past ten, ate a water ice, talked a great deal, returned, went to bed fatigued and slept it off.—My friends are very attentive to me, they all seem glad to see me and think I am improving, as I certainly am.... I shall come home shortly—I want to be in my garden and I wish to be in your dear hands, love, for though you know nothing you do a great deal that is right. Last evening I passed with Charlotte M.—who wanted to take me home to nurse me. There is no chance of seeing S.——.
Adieu, my love.... My blessing on the girls—all four of them.