The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

rarely is. I am very impatient to hear from you from Norwich and to know that you find ye Turners art kind and generous friends to you as ever. I hope you will cultivate their friendship diligently and never by any indiscretion forfeit it. I am afraid you will think this letter a very dull one, but alas! Cotty, the truth is I am become miserably dull, my Spirits to lost when alone, that I am quite changed, but Effort can never supplant Nature The Sun-shine of my Character used to be that of a brilliant day. Now, “fitful gleams” alone enliven my gloomy path! My utmost hope is to keep up appearances at least and be chearful and lively in company for ye sake of my family and I continue this in general pretty well. Kitty, Doddy and I past (sic) two days last week at Newburgh. I never saw the place in such beauty the weather was glorious and Katharine who had never been there before, was highly delighted. I hope this will find you safely arrived and happy at Norwich and that you will write to me immediately and tell me your feelings and your plans of every kind. Many thanks for your Muslin gown which we all admire very much. I am very sorry you did not cheat me out of Pilkingtons Dictionary and beg you will get it and set it to my Account. Farewell and Heaven bless and direct you my dear Cotty. Whether prosperous or unlucky signifies nothing in my regard for you. Be virtuous be Steady, and nothing can influence the friendship and affection of your friends here towards you. God bless you dear Cotty “and forget me not”.
F. C.

I hope you had left London before that horrible Storm last friday. We had it here slightly in the Afternoon Many thanks for your sketches &c &c.