The Cotman Collection | 68

The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/2
Page: 68


  • Description

    Costs for Etchings of Cambridge.

    Letter from John Sell Cotman to Dawson Turner, (date? 18th May 1819).

    Date: 18/05/1818

  • Transcription

    Dawson Turner Esquire. Sunday
    (pencil notes:) Morning? May 18th? ?1818/9
    Watermark C Wilmot 1814.

    Dear Sir,
    To differ from you upon any subject distresses me - but most part-icularly so upon any you may do me the favour to give me advice upon - as in the present instance. I left your house with a firm intention of going to Cambridge. Arranging for my journey ( which took me till past 12 o'clock) left me no time to reflect. On my Pillow I did reflect, and a very restless night I had of it. The result of which is I give up Cambridge, as it forms the part of my first arrangement for Mr Davy, * nor could anything I might bring away from that quarter furnish work for him. which is my only object in leaving Yarmouth. My present plan is to see into all the churches in Norwich. to go to Dereham & perhaps to Reepham - and the neighbourhood of Norwich. Should all these sornees fail I have then only to go to Cambridge .
    Cambridge has cost me 7£
    do it may again 7£
    14£

    Suppose the sale of 50 Copies - a Pound each} 50 £
    Distribution & expenses attending Printing} 25£
    25£
    14£
    11£

    Eleven pounds only remains for 8 plates, ** two of which are to be begun! Suppose I get in Norwich, etc, only twelve subjects I can employ in my work - I must value them at 24 Pounds, clear of every expense, to say nothing of what I shall not make use of. These are my reasons for giving up Cambridge: my motive for laying them before you is to do away any underhand appearance it might have in my saying one thing and doing another - which is the last thing I would have the kindest of all kind friends think of me. With my feeling of gratitude & affection to you I remain very sincerely
    your obliged Servant
    John S. Cotman.

    [pencil notes on R hand side] Henry Davy (1793 - 1868 of Southwold, Etvher. in 1818 he publishe*d a set of 10 Etchings, illustrative of Beccles, Ely & other Suffolk antiquities.
    * There are 6 etchings of Stanbridge Chapel 1817 & 1818 - Then two of Cambridge Castle are 1818- & n.d.(no date) but original sketch is dated 1818. The book is publishe*d 1819 -

Costs for Etchings of Cambridge.