The Cotman Letters 1834

ought to find better figures than you have, more like Rustics if not more picturesque. I have done enough for to night so good night and pleasant dreams dear Jack.
29th. I am just returned after a tolerably long ramble, with Ann and Cousin, over St James’ Hill, Mousehold and home by Sprowston, have picked up a Rustic and am now smoking my pipe, puff, puff, puff, as soberly as a judge while the pen go scratch, d[itt]o, d[itt]o. I do think a pipe is as good a thing while writing as while telling a story, that monotonous puff!! it helps to spin out the yarn and hide the dullness of the talker or writer I mean from himself, do not you think so? be sure to tell me the next letter you send me. Now I think of it Master John you do not answer my questions, why don’t you? --- now eight and I promised to spend the evening with Dixon --- off ---- off ----- off ---- off.
May 1st/34. Huzza! the Rustic came (to the Academy) and was very much liked by the students – very much, even more than I expected. I have made a drawing which you receive with this, and shall make another of the same figure in another position next time Monday he stands twice as the other Gents have not done, perhaps thrice. I have followed the advice contained in one of your letters, have as you see used white paper and am quite convinced it is the best the colors are better and do not change so much in drying. upon ma-ture con-sid-e-ra-shun (as you know who says) I am con-vin[ce]d tis best. He is a rum fish and made a rum drawing - no hang it not a drawing as it was all out of drawing but a rum guy, he is beaten by every stick in the academy and there are several so thoroughly that he must be sore. I only wonder that he comes to shew off so delightfully. Would you believe it he says I draw too fast, and why forsooth? because he cannot do it!! he wants me to take three nights to a

[Note by Kitson in margin:] a very beautiful drawing of a rustic boy inscribed in M.E.C.’s writing May 1 ’34, is now on loan (J. S. Cotman Jun[io]r Coll[ection]) to the Castle Museum, Norwich, 21.6.30.