The Cotman Letters 1834

itching to have a try at oils, plenty of time yet, you must draw more first – nothing like drawing!!
On again looking over your letter I find you advise me to make sketches from good old pictures. I think the advice good and hope you will follow it, you have or will have such pictures to look at that I cannot hope to find here, and I am sure to make studies from them must be serviceable though I have hitherto objected to it. The studies by West I should liked to have seen very much – to see the style in which they were done.
Now I think of it John I admire particularly your taking it in hand, to give me such sage advice London air does much. As proof of your goodness at least of some part of your advice I shall follow it, no one can want more substantial proof as to what I think of it. I have now said all I can about your letter and can find no news stirring here to tell you. I have been very busy mounting board and finishing drawings for pupils to copy though and had one weeks work to put the things a little in order – that I might know where to find them. I shall hope next week begin to work again at the brush. Oh! I spent the evening at Lounds with Geldart and Dixon last Tuesday. I leave room at the fag end as I expect some news from Dixon to tell you, when you can send a parcel free should you have one to send.
Your affectionate Brother
Miles Edmund Cotman.

I have sent you Dixon’s note to me – in which he tells me to tell you the days on which a parcel is coming to Norwich. I hope you will take advantage of the information conveyed in it. I have time to say no more save
Good by dear Jack and believe me to remain your affectionate Brother
Miles E. Cotman.