The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

of my first movers in this business, the Palgraves. But one thing he will do, he will give me a testimonial of my abilities to teach the A.B.C. of the Art, which up to this time has been lost sight of. At the same timeSir Fras. P. told me Sir Robert Inglis (the great wheel in this machine) was perfectly satisfield my testemonials were complete. Phillips has added his - I can get Sir M. A. Shee's, Calcott's and Turner's. But I shall consult (as before stated) the Palgraves on this and on every other point. You know I have long enjoyed the friendship and good wishes of all the Turners, consequently that of Lady Palgrave, and for some time I believe the friendship of Sir Francis. But I did not expect to find the deep interest that he has taken for me in this matter. I have not words to describe the warmth and ardour of his exertion. May I be successful for his own sake.
Now with all this - I am calm, cool and collected; prepared for both events, though believing from the play of the Parties that the Game is mine. Be you all calm,and prepare yourselves for both events. Alas! You all know I have now nothing to lose. The Game is gained! The World and I hope (once more) a sunny one is before me and you. My friends are strong and powerful. They have done their all. I am doing all I can, and will once more with God's help put my shoulder well to the wheel. I am well, quite well, and feel nerved for the task. Let me but see my way and I have but to move on. But I cannot work against impossibilities. Poverty and the want of the Sunshine of Friendship I had never calculated upon.
Teaching here I am told from all quarters I shall have, I wish you to send this to my Yarmouth Friends. Erase the direction, and simply add the address Dawson Turner Esqre ,. Yarmouth.
It is now past 2 o'clock, Dec. 26th. My candle a bit for another minute or two, stuck on by tallow to burn to the last.