The Cotman Letters 1834

Addressed to J. J. Cotman.

Sunday. Yesterday afternoon I took Kitty, Ann and Alfred down the water in the Cecilia it was a very fine afternoon and every thing look[e]d very beautiful. we saw too [sic] three vessels tow[e]d by a steam tug and that helped very much to enliven the scene. there are now a tolerable number of vessels in port here, and one sees (rather a novel thing) groups of sailors lounging on the Gentlemans walk of an evening – in such numbers as to remind me strongly of the sea and to make me fancy I smell ships and tar for half an hour afterwards.
I have sent to pencil case you wrote for and wish you would see that the folio, the paper, Kitty’s portrait and the rustic are returned when Geldart [comes down]. Walter’s portrait also, as that is Dixon’s. [ ] [Note in margin: [ ] = paper missing.] your drawings I like them much and think my rustic is better than it would have [been if] I had not seen them. what do you think of it? just let me know next time you write will you? I have sent you a rub of a portrait I made of my own pretty phiz I think ’tis something like, though deucedly ugly, what do you think?
This is for Mother as well as you – I had intended to write one to her but I have done so much already that I can do no more, give my love to her, and long life to her, darling!!!!
My dear Jack
Yours
Ned
Please to put the enclosed note in the 2 penny post, or leave it as you will wish. 21 Southampton St.
We are just home from a long walk in Sir R. Harveys park.
Dont forget the enclosed.