The Cotman Collection | 7

The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/2
Page: 7


  • Description

    Transcription of letter from John Sell Cotman recommending Castle Acre to Dawson Turner. 9th August 1804

    Transcription of letter from John S. Cotman at Castle Acre, 09/08/1804.

    Date: 09/08/1804

  • Transcription

    Castle Acre, Thursday August 9th, 1804.

    Dear Sir,
    By Miss Hancock you have received, I hope, what I could have wished to have been called a portrait of Mrs. Turner and some of the sketches by La Cave for which I do not know how to thank you in a manner best suited to my feelings. I have been in so great a hurry since I left Yarmouth that I really could not write to you before this, and now it is to speak in praise of this place and to tempt you to come over. I left with my Father your portrait and Mr. H.G.’s [Hudson Gurney] poem to be forwarded to Yarmouth, which I should* be glad to hear came to you safe, and to know your exact opinion as to the similitude of my two Scratches. By doing this you will really much oblige me, but remember there must not be one particle of flattery, but genuine truth - like my Docks.
    I rather envied Miss Hancock her visit to you yesterday and to show you how much I esteem self shall do all in my power to get you to come here lest she should have too much of your company.
    Cove Hithe - pish, my dear Sir, must not be named with this. Oh! it is tremendously fine. Come! come! come! ye admirers of Beauties and escape from those galling chains of fashioned follies - Yarmouth Ball, a bad partner at Cards or - a Balydon Bog - Come! come! I say, and if you will I will make my time entirely yours. I shall stay here certainly till Monday morning, and then unless you honour me with a peep in the priory - return to Norwich.
    Yes, yes, Mr. Turner, do pray get your favourite Black Mare - or trust yourself in the Swaffham Coach, which sets out from Norwich Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7 o’clock in the Morning and arrives at Swaffham at 11 o’clock.

Transcription of letter from John Sell Cotman recommending Castle Acre to Dawson Turner. 9th August 1804