The Cotman Collection | 121

The Cotman Letters 1834

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/3
Page: 211


  • Description

    Copy of letter from Miles Edmund Cotman to John Joseph Cotman, 2 November 1834

    See page 209

    Date: 02/11/1834

  • Transcription

    view of the City: the other, a view of the Valley of Thorpe. Whether I shall do them or not, I know not as tis deucedly cold for sketching and they are hard subjects. Muskett is so much displeased with Hodgson’s Castle that he will not use it but has engaged Ninham to make one. I saw Hodgson’s drawing and it was really if you can imagine such a thing, worse than bad. he asked me my opinion and I only said the Castle no doubt was very like. Oh yes said he I know tis. I have measured every part. I then said he must put an apple on some stall in the foreground, but he said it was too much trouble, and yet I see tis done. and such a stall! Oh Me I certainly had not bargained for such a one or I should not have said put it in, why he has made it and figures so large and gay that the castle is sent miles off (tis a near view mind you) this is the sort of thing [inserted sketch of the Castle with stall in foreground] what he could have been thinking about the devil knows I don’t. do you? or do you give it up? ha?
    Now I look at my sketch I have done him injustice, I have made it better than his. but all this is shocking scandal so I’ll have no more of it. I dare say you exchange letters with Father so for more I must refer you there (if you want more).
    I thank you for the coat and send you the Cloak. You will also find several letters in the parcel which I would thank you to put in the post or deliver as may best please your august self.
    Father tells me to get money of Blake. send me the amount of his bill and his address as soon as you can also all monies Father may have own him here.
    When you write again tell me what you think about Hunter St. and make your letter fuller than full if you can.

Copy of letter from Miles Edmund Cotman to John Joseph Cotman, 2 November 1834