The Cotman Letters 1834

[Note in margin:] Letter inserted in Spelman’s copy of the Cotman Sale, 1834.
To William Spelman Esq.
[Auctioneer.]
Duke’s Palace.
Norwich, Norfolk.

43 Gerrard St, Soho.
Sept 9, 1834.

Dear Sir,
On the other page I have sent what I consider a better order of sale for the Copper Plates which I shall be obliged by your adopting.
My last letter to my son instructed him to nail down the Box of Copper Plates as they are most liable to injury and the Printed Works are best able to shew the state of the Plates. They are all in a good & perfect state. I wish you success with them.
Dear Sir
Your ob[edien]t humble S[er]v[an]t
J. S. Cotman.

The order of Sale for the Copper Plates.
[Note referring to prices given below:] Reserve bidding.
Lot 1. No. 4. Engravings of the most remarkable sepulchral brasses in N[or]f[ol]k, tending to illustrate the eccles[iastica]l, military & civil costumes of former days. 110 plates. 150 g[uinea]s.
Lot 2. No. 5. Engravings of the most remarkable sepulchral brasses in Suffolk. 42 plates. 50 g[uinea]s.
Lot 3. No. 6. Antiquities of St Mary’s Chapel at Stourbridge near Cambridge, & Cambridge Castle. 10 plates. 20 g[uinea]s.
Lot 4. Miscellaneous Etchings in Yorkshire, Lincs Norfolk & Suffolk. 24 plates. 50 g[uinea]s.
Lot 5. No. 1. Specimens of the Arch[itectura]l Antiquities of N[or]f[ol]k, 60 folio plates of the most celebrated remains of antiquity. 120 g[uinea]s.
Lot 6. No. 2. N[or]f[ol]k Arch[itectura]l Antiquities. 50 plates. 100 g[uinea]s.
Lot 7. No. 3. d[itt]o. About 50 plates. 100 g[uinea]s.
-----
590 g[uinea]s.
Should there be under 50 plates in Lot 7, 2 g[uinea]s each plate to be the reserve price.