The Cotman Letters 1834

To Dawson Turner Esq
Yarmouth.
Feb: 1st 1834.
[note in pencil:] [Norwich]

My dear Sir,
I have not been easy for a long time in consequence of the great kindness Mr Hudson Gurney has shown me in a pecuniary point of view. I am just returned from an interview with that Noble, Noble Gentleman. In short this sort of favour, though it must, after all, be considered the greatest one man can possibly show to another – still it hangs on the person so favoured and obliged as an incubus & depresses the spirits and degrades the Man.
Mr H. Gurney would not recollect any such circumstance and the subject was of course dropped by me. I said I had never lost a friend and hoped never to lose one, tried and found to be a friend in time of need. He was most kind and said ‘he would never lose sight of me’ – took my address, and kindly said – ‘Mr Cotman, will a check for 20 pounds assist you up to Town? If it will, accept it.’ Of course I offered my warmest acknowledgements for such a favour, and declined it. He asked much about my appointment, and was much interested in what I said. I talked as little as I could, agreeable to the advice of Sir Francis Palgrave. Such, and such hints are kindly meant & useful – and, I trust, not thrown away upon me – for it is from such friends I must acquire the proper tone in society. You little think, with all my faults, that I have dressed myself at your glass – my dear & kind Friend.
Your obliged & devoted Servant
John S. Cotman.

I send you a piece of Coal – but have not begun to enquire from what mine it was taken.
Letter 3rd.