The Cotman Letters 1834

Addressed to Mr J. J. Cotman.

St. Martins at Palace
June 10./34

My dear Jack
I have not written to you for so long a time, that now – I really thought I had very much to tell you – Such is not the fact though for I have heard nothing, seen nothing, and have been doing almost nothing. I do go on drawing certainly – but I alter and alter, and so – get on cursedly slowly – have began a few things and have finished none.
I am about to make two drawings, one of the cathedral and one of the castle* for Freeman who is about to publish them – that I expect if it was not for the honor of the thing, will be little better than wasting my time, as I have the sketches to make. one of each already been made but will not do – – I think – I know, I mean, I shall commence the castle again tomorrow morning at 5 – that is if I wake in time – the cathedral in the evening. [Note in margin: A copy of the lithograph – ‘Norwich Castle’ drawn by M. E. Cotman on Stone by Day & Haghe ‘pub[lishe]d by W. Freeman’, is in my poss[essio]n – also the original sepia drawing. The drawing for ‘Norwich Castle’ was exh[ibite]d in the M. E. C. exh[ibitio]n 1927 (No. 11)]
I like your studies very much both those in color and those in chalk. the last head is very good so is the group from the Rape of the Sabines. ditto the rustic on horseback. The one from S[ebastiano] del Piombo I do not like, what for did you select it.
I shall be glad to see you as I really want to talk with you, about a few matters that concern us principally. yet I can ask you now if you are in particular haste to come down to stay? – I almost, – quite hope not – as I should like to stay here another year, very much indeed – what do you think? can you live another year in town? Well – more of this when I see you –