Joseph Cooper letter to Thomas Rotch, Coopers Point 6th Mo 21st 1806

              B-35-1
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                      Coopers Point 6th Mo 21st 1806
Respected Friend
           My Brother Samuel Cooper, informed me, that thee has paid great attention to the cultivation of the natire grape Vine; which I think a laudable practice,a nd worthy more attention than it generally recieves; as the native Vines, are generally proof against the severest WWinters, (so destructive to exoticks) and so varient in thier kinds and qualities, that they may be selected to suit various [illegible]  As to my method of making Wind from grapes, it has heretofore been experimental, but fortunately successful without exception. The first was made nearly, as currant Wine, with nearly the same proportions of sugar and water, as is generally used to the same quantity of currant Juice, and proved very good. I afterwards tried the juice only of sour grapes in hope of making clarret, that wine was made in 1793 and is now pleasanter than Clarret, but not so rough. I have been so fortunate as to find a native Vine, that bears a sweet rich grape, which I have planted in my Garden, he grapes are very