The Cotman Letters 1834

figure (you know his way) tis so much better to take your time to it. stupid ass. to follow his way, to outline only the first, put in the shadows the second, and color the third night Oh David! David!! [Note in pencil in margin: ?David Hodgson (1798-1864)] This morning I breakfasted at Thorpe at 7 A.M. and drew the bones of the hand. took tea with Geldart at Dixons. T’was rainy or I was to have given Ann and Kitty a row. Mr C. Turner is elected Mayor. so has wagged this day and night – now half past twelve so tata
May 2nd. Have just received your letters and am very glad of it I assure you. I had determined to think no news, good news and so was not very dumpy, even though the [blank space] from two letters in the week to one in a fortnight was rather unexpected. I shall not in future look for one oftener then all I may have oftener will be wind falls. As to your keeping me in suspense, about who the Fashionable Arrivals may be, I must say you are I think monstruously illnatured and foolish into the bargain particularly as to the reason you give for it. I did not tell you my tale because I knew you did not like to see such things, perhaps not descriptions, no matter you have brought it on yourself and I have a great mind to give it you soundly. to draw the object, besides describing it.
The best minds are sometimes warped the best intentions sometimes not put in practice, why may not I change? it will save both time and trouble so I only say my horrid sight was a child horridly out of drawing – all alive even the thought is enough to make me shudder, perhaps spoil my sleep. I’ll turn to Hampstead, tis a fine place that!!!! I know a little about it and shall be most glad to renew and improve my slight acquaintance with it. and Epping another fine place for scenery; some of my most pleasant recollections bah –