The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

Dawson Turner Esq. Feb: 15.1812

Dear Sir,

Enclosed is the Book of (1 word illegible) I promised Mr Ladbrook I would shew (sic) you, and which I forgot to bring with me to Yarmouth the last time I was over. The price he sets upon the book is two guineas. Enclosed also is another etching, begun on Sunday last, after I got to Norwich. I am afraid it will prove, by proof, rather too hasty a performance. Should it, I shall truly feel sorry for it, for I would much rather lose a few subscribers by allowing myself more time than lose them by the inferiority of the etchings. I have paid attention to your kind remarks and have endeavoured to give more force in the line of any foregrounds - both by using a broader tool and by letting the Nitric acid act longer.

After I wrote to you, which was on tuesday, I spent an evening with Mr. Stevenson, who informed us you had finally agreed to take the Piranesi. As an Artist I cannot but most sincerely congrat-ulate you on your purchase, for I do, without exception, think it the most superb book in your collection - and by far very far, the cheapest. Mr. S. has lent me Carter's Antient(sic) Architecture. It seems to be a very scientific book, and much to be gathered from it

Tomorrow I must set down again to my needle, for play I must not. I take the liberty of requesting you to cover the book you will carry the copper plate in, in a sheet of Paper, lest any sand or grit gets upon the surface - for the copper is most susceptible of injury by the smallest grit. Should you have leisure, I shall be thankful for your remarks on these my last plates. When I said twelve impressions from each it was said without thought, for that number will be too great a tax on the kindness of Mr. Edwards. Therefore two from every plate will answer every purpose. But this I leave entirely, dear Sir, to you. I am dear Sir, your obliged & obedient servant John S. Cotman.

(pencil note) * John Carter (1748 -1817) began "The Ancient Architecture of England" in 1795. issued in parts, till 1814. (Specimens arranged chronologically.)