The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

none other in Yarmouth. To be parted from such an observer of my movements - which in the event of my success (for so I must call it) will be the only sting I shall feel, save the loss of family intercourse. The kindness shown me by all your family can never be effaced, but with a total loss of memory. My drawing may be even better than heretofore, and the intercourse of Coaches makes a long arm. When I no longer want your money I shall teach you all for nothing, and with double the pleasure. Anything like a bargain has eve offended me, and the shew of undervaluing my exertions has uniformly stopped the current of them, which one day I will illustrate by facts and shew to you what seeds do we lean upon instead of oaks. The interest Mr Palgrave takes in my welfare will quite charm you. I must suppress what I feel lest even you should think even the language of simple facts is flattery, aye, gross flattery. His friendship I shall ever be most eager to cultivate and deserve. He is indeed a most amiable creature and highly [cultivated] gifted. The female part of his family are lights eminating (sic) from yourself. Dr Burney has been tried and found sterling as many others that I had no right to depend on. Let me but get Chatham and you shall see I cannot forget such friends as I have found. There is such a thing a gratitude. If there is not there is nothing valuable on earth. Wednesday was, [and] but now Friday is, to be the day of final settlement of the committee. Present my warmest regards to Mr Turner & believe me to be, dearest Madam, your most devoted & most grateful servant.
J.S.Cotman
Last Monday I sent a copy of your letter to the Earl Spencer about my boys. My mind has been so much excited that I can find no sleep. Thought treads on thought till I’m bewildered and distracted.
Mrs Brightwen’s drawings all are safe to hand. The country here, Chatham & Rochester is most delightful. I cannot speak on too high a terms of it.
I have been a sad spendthrift about prints & drawings.

/
[pencil writing in margin]
The Rev C. P. Burney D.D. (nephew of family) J.S.[ painted] Exhibited. "Abbatial House, Rouen painted for the Rev C. P. Burney D. D". at Norwich 1824.

D 10 MR 10 1825 Chatham 31.