The Cotman Letters 1834

Addressed to Mr. J. J. Cotman.
March 31. 1834.
St. Martins at Palace.

My dear Brother
It was very stupid and forgetful to omit sending you some buttons as a fairing. It was not that I did not buy enough for I really was so extravagant as to buy four pounds and a half, but the number of customers was so enormous, Father so fond of them, and so generous that I had none to do as I wished with. I did not besides think to send you any I am sorry to say – as I should [have] liked to have sent them without being asked – You shall have some, John, so don’t cry. I was tolerably well when Father came home I really do believe, only because I had determined to be so. He said I did not look well though.
I am just returned from giving Miss Thurlowe a lesson, it went off so pleasantly that I unknowing staid two hours instead of the hour.
Dixon has made a color’d portrait of Geldart, forcible in color, but deucedly bad, this is between ourselves mind ye – let it go no further.
I am glad you liked the appearance of your sketches now they are mounted, we had a debate as to how they should be done. Father intended to mix them in a book, I objected to the mixing and was told the books would be kept in London after that I merely said What, will John thank you for keeping his sketches away from him? the matter drop’t, and I had my wish complied with. I can tell you no news, nor can I say if I am to have Turners boys yet. I shall most likely know tomorrow as I intend calling to have it decided. Today Father was to have