s blackguardism of personal and political foes, so many of the
American editors seemed anxious to realize, so far as it lay in their
power, the picture that had been drawn of them in the character of
Steadfast Dodge. Papers containing offensive paragraphs about Cooper
were carefully sent, not directed to him personally, but to his wife and
daughters. The fear of punishment is the only motive by which those who
commit acts of this kind can possibly be influenced. On the other hand,
it is an idle claim that the character of the press has been elevated by
libel suits that Cooper or any one else has ever brought. Such
prosecutions may be both justifiable and necessary; but the agencies
that form and build up intelligence and taste and high principle are not
of this negative and restraining character.

CHAPTER X. (p. 200)

1839-1843.

On the 10th of May, 1839, appeared Cooper's "History of the United
States Navy." The work was one which he had long contemplated writing.
As far back as 1825 there were newspaper reports that he had the
undertaking in mind. He himself, in his parting speech at the dinner
given him in May, 1826, just before his departure for Europe, had
publicly announced his determination of devoting himself to this subject
during his absence abroad. "Encouraged by your kindness," he said, "I
will take this opportunity of recording the deeds and sufferings of a
class of men to which this nation owes a debt of lasting gratitude--a
class of men among whom, I am always ready to declare, not only the
earliest, but many of the happiest days of my youth have been passed."
The necessity of providing for his family and of paying off debts
incurred by others, but for which he was responsible, had prevented the
immediate carrying out of this resolution. But it had always been in his
thoughts. The delay in the preparation probably added to the value of
the history; but its reception would unquestionably have been far
different had it been brought out in the height of his popularity.

It was a work which for many reasons it was a hard task to make
accurate, and a still harder one to make interesting. With slight
exceptions the history could be little more than a record of (p. 201)
detached combats; and a string of episodes, no matter how brilliant, can
never have the attraction which belongs to unity and grandeur of
movement. These last can alone char