The Cotman Collection | 12

Arthur Dixon letters

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/1
Page: 7 recto


  • Description

    Letter of Arthur Dixon to John Joseph Cotman, 27 March 1834

    Dixon declares himself happy even after losing JJC's companionship, since JJC writes so frequently. He has seen JJC's father. He professes admiration for some studies drawn by JJC. He recounts a recent walk with [Joseph] Geldart in Bracondale. He has visited the nursery with [Joseph] Geldart. He gives news of the health of Miles Edmund and Alfred. He looks forward to JJC visiting Norwich and hope to hear from him.

    Date: 1834

  • Transcription

    [Note added in pencil by Kitson:
    4
    Written on Thursday eve[nin]g after leaving J.S.C. as mentioned in his letter to John Mar. 29th.]
    Norwich March 27, 1834

    My dear John
    It is very very good of you to write so often. You wish to hear, you say it would complete your happiness to hear of mine. Know then that you preserve it by giving me so much of yourself as you do, that I am sometimes quite quite happy in the remembrance of our past converse, - & [though the – crossed out] if my days are too much tinctured by the regret which the loss of your companionship occasions, I am often (you fail not so faithfully & kindly to write) made completely happy in the perusal & reperusal of your letters. – It was with a feeling of this entire possession paradoxically asserting its inspiring power in the midst of a profound feeling of loss that I read yours of Saturday Evening. With this feeling I have read it by sunlight, by moonlight. [word crossed out] And in the confidence which its truth inspires I address you as my Friend. Happy in the power to claim you so, I subscribe myself Your Friend, for you persuade me to be happy in the belief that I stand in that relation to you. – I have just seen

Letter of Arthur Dixon to John Joseph Cotman, 27 March 1834