The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

Norwich & Yarmouth, it appears to me to be indifferent at which of the two he resides; and indeed there would be one advantage in his family living in Yarmouth , that where he is himself in Norwich he may board at your house, whereas in the other case he is obliged to fix himself at an inn.
I have urged to Mr Cotman as strongly as I am able, that if in the mode of living now necessary to be adopted, a smaller house and a more contracted scale be required, there is in reality in these no diminuition of comfort, & no disgrace in the eyes of those whose applause or answer could alone be valuable. On thecontrary I feel that any step towards this purpose would have the effect of raising his character; and it would most certainly give him that satisfaction which arrives from the consciousness of having done his duty.
This is a point on which I cannot too earnestly recommend to his friends to lay all possible stress: for it is here I am apprehensive that his great weakness lies. The letter I had from him last night alarmsme, lest of brooding on his misfortunes, his mind should become unhinged, the effect of which could scarcely fail to be fatal to his family & his future prospects. At the present moment when the vacation is just closed, your representations are particularly necessary, and may be attended with the happiest effect.
I would come over to Norwich, and add mine to thine, but that I have already by lettersaid all I can; and if there be anything more I can do, it may be done next Friday when we look for him here in the regular course. Both Mrs Turner and I [would] will gladly attend to any suggestion you may give us. We have known Mr Cotman long & value him greatly & have his welfare deeply at heart.
I am, dear Sir, Very faithfully yours, Dawson Turner.
Yarmouth. 22nd July 1826.
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(pencil note)
Printed in full in James Reeve's introduction to Cotman's Exhibition (1888) Catalogue in Norwich.