The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

encounter this villainous Rabble. Tomorrow I certainly shall quit this place, and I hope with my Head on.
Should you have any vacancy in your Bank or know of any (as Clerk). It would be particularly obliging me by informing either myself or my Father of such vacancy, as I have a Brother at Home who has been unfortunate as to his choice in Life, having been apprenticed to the Grocery business which he now does not like. Therefore to find something for him becomes necessary.
Peterborough (Tuesday). As I suspected they would not let me alone and I left Croyland last night, partly on account of their ill-treatment and partly on my own pleasure for I have by some how or other finished three Sketches, which are quite sufficient to give a good representation of the place. I wish I could show you them.
I missed the Lincoln Mail this morning, it being quite full, and I am told I may probably be detained for a week - one coach only going through the place. I am sorry for it as I want to be off, and Peterborough has only a front to boast of, the inside, I think, is paltry. The weather keeps on very bad, constant rains and cold.
I forgot to mention in my last Mrs. Leith will send you two or three Sketches which when Mrs. Turner has finished with them should be forwarded to Miss Hancock.
I visited Ely from Cambridge. The Day was bad, but the Minster is superb - very superior to Peterborough in my opinion as to grotesque beauty. I saw it during my getting completely wet, though to great advantage - lighted up by the last rays of the sun and a violent thunderstorm passing over. The lightning seemed to dart immediately upon the Roof. King’s College Chapel I need not speak of, it is so well known.

            D*ear* Sir,
                Your obliged s*ervan*t
                    John S. Cotman.