The Cotman Letters 1834

If unwearied industry will do it – and it is that, that must do it. He will ’ere long be one, for with it he unites judgement & great vigour of hand, and also – a fault of mine – a warm & hasty temper (tolerably concealed in me) – but with real & excellent affections. Edmund has been steadily keeping together the pupils in Norwich & otherwise acting as myself there for the benefit of all. He will leave Norwich at Xmas for London, where I believe he wants to see what is going on, though I am afraid the artists here are in but a languishing condition.
Harding, a most proper Master, tried for the same appointment as mine at the London University & failed in his attempt – a most decided loss to that Institution, for he certainly was the man for it, beyond all doubt.
I am aware of your most kind & friendly cautions in my present situation – of ‘carrying too much sail’, of ‘acquaintances’, of exactness to time, etc, at the College, and they have been strictly attended to. It has been, and I hope ever will be, my chief care. I have often heeded your remark that ‘a word to the wise will always suffice’. I say I have often heeded it, I have not the vanity to suppose myself wise, or ever shall be. But I will do all I can not to disgrace the little understanding I may have.
Yours most gratefully,
My dear, kind Friend,
John Sell Cotman.