The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

141
December 31, 1833.

No. 7 Old Burlington Street.

My Dearest Wife and Children,
I am glad to find by letters that you all are in such good spirits. I am but this moment returned from delivering all my Credentials and Drawings for the committee. I have obtained Turner's, Calcott's and W. Wilkins - The latter acknowledges his schoolfellowship with me and my honourable conduct through life and by high character as an Artist, delivering in a Drawing for me with a quotation from Sir Thomas Lawrence in my favour - he having admired that drawing and did me the favor (sic) to say how it could be amended.

The Game is all alive. You would none of you know me. But still I am firm and I trust in God, prepared for what may turn up - aye or no. Should it be the former such a sense of advantages is likely to be heaped upon you all that I dare not think how happy we all shall be. I, the Captain - for Captain I must be, of so gallant a Crew. Mr. Bernell [Ralph Bernell, d. 1835] has honored me with his interest and friendship. He is a M.P. and Chairman of the Committee of the House of Commons - Bulwer is acting as a Father to me and offers, should I succeed, his House and Table till April or May, when he expects Mrs. Bulwer. My credentials I have begged to be returned at all events. I shall bind them up - and leave them to you as a Coat of Arms that can only be disgraced at your peril. How do I now find that a good Name is above all Price.

By all means tell those friends what has transpired - thos I mean who are in the secret. They are firm and true and can be relied on.

I can now take a day's rest - but this excitement suits me, you all know. I die in a calm - I have gained orders already, and been promised pupils.