The Cotman Collection | 96

The Cotman Letters 1834

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/3
Page: 167


  • Description

    Copy of letter from Miles Edmund Cotman to John Joseph Cotman, Summer[?] 1834

    Miles Edmund is sorry to hear that John Joseph is suffering from depression. He has few drawing pupils at present. He has not finished any sketches. He has spent a fine day in Yarmouth. He asks his brother to send paper and pencils for his pupils’ use. He forwards a letter from their brother (Francis) Walter.

    Date: Summer[?] 1834

  • Transcription

    (?) Summer of 1834

    Addressed to Mr. J.J.Cotman.

    Saturday.
    My dear John
    I am sorry to have such a bad account of yourself, you must not allow the devils blue to get hold of you, if you do you may confidently expect a good scolding from me when I write again. Nobody knows when that will be but still you may one day have such a thing as a scolding by post if you do not mend your ways. I did send the boots to Wrights as you wished me and they were sent home long ago, but the shoes came home only on Tuesday last when having heard Roe was coming to London I thought you could wait until then.
    I muster but eight at Mrs. Beckwith’s, five at Mrs. Chapman’s, none at Miss Dix’s so you see I do not muster so strong this quarter. The sketching goes on very poorly indeed, I have not yet finished one.
    I have just received a note from Miss Day (Kirby) requesting me to give her a few lessons in sketching in water colour (from nature) also a request from Miss J. Worship that I would call on her when next in Yarmo[uth]!!!! Have you called on Lady Palgrave? you will I hope Mr or Sir --- Hooker either is there or soon will be.
    Last week I had a beautiful day at Yarmo[uth]. T’was the regatta day, and the sea was alive with boats the beach and jetty crowded with people, and the day so fine. I gave my pupils a holiday and spend the day with Mr. Taylor (son of Adam Taylor) a Mr. Marriott two Mr. Spurgeons and some others. Taylor invited me and we were very happy together living like princes drinking claret and Champaine. Passed the night at Yarmo[uth] and home on Tuesday with Roe in his gig. Taylor gave me a pressing invitation to pass a week with him at Swaffham.

Copy of letter from Miles Edmund Cotman to John Joseph Cotman, Summer[?] 1834