The Cotman Letters 1834

you, or any one ought to paint, it must be a good wholesome looking figure. J G agreed with me in all I have said about the boy so I will hear no contradiction.
It must have vexed you to find the National Gallery closed as I doubt not you could have found some otherwise unemployed time to spend there it will be opened again though shortly, will it not?
Good night. – 12 O Cl[oc]k Friday.
All this scrawling is performed after coming from the concert where I escorted Miss Dennington and my Sister again Good Night.
Saturday. We have received your note. I thank you for it.
With respect to Mrs. Chapman I shall as you said “deserve to be flogged if I am beaten.” I do not expect it however as she sent a note requesting me to attend her two young Friends. I did so and told her I hoped to make the other lady a proselyte. As for French. I go on with that of course. Dixon has joined my class so that we jog on merrily. He has by the bye not smoked a cigar for more than a week – are you not surprised? he was so much put out at your leaving he could not smoke.
I am very much pleased to find you have been to Cooke’s and were happy there – they are as you say “most delightful people” – and it does me good to find I am thought worthy of a place in their remembrance and esteem. Give my best love to them All. I fear the drawing hardly ought to have drawn such a remark from Calcott – be that as it may I am glad if it pleases them. Tell me though, truly, next time you write, what you thought of it, and I shall be more satisfied. I find by your hinting at E Cooke’s painting, your fingers are