The Cotman Letters 1834

May 22, 1834.

Addressed to Mr J. J. Cotman.

My dear Jack
I thank you for your letter, tis very kind of you to spare that which is so valuable, time, for our amusement. It was more than I expected after what Mother said in her letter. I knew too how much you were engaged. Dixon did not, and was much hurt that two Sundays should pass and no letter from John – therefore in future do not think of writing to me, I shall be satisfied if you do not, knowing that you are better engaged. I send you another study or two but the academy has been undergoing a great change, three nights have been spoiled for drawing by business, tomorrow we commence regularly drawing from the rustic. Love is to choose the figure, then my turn, and so on in rotation.
You were right, my figure did want force – and so does this the rub in chalk is the head of the boy.
I send too 3 rubs of pencil drawings I have been finishing. but they are failures. the old work does not come off so readily as the new so that they are really nothing like the originals.
Do you see that Kitty’s portrait is sent down by Geldart.
I should like too to have my chalk sketches I mean those at Gunton that were sent to you to shew Mrs Reve as I want to make some for exhib[i]t[io]n with best love I remain
Your Brother
Miles E. Cotman.
May 22nd/34.
I have lately been often to Thorpe to breakfast (as usual at 7) and have twice slept there.