The Cotman Letters 1834

[in pencil] 15 [March 1834]

Dear John
Saturday 15.
I told you in the last letter we were going to Morgans, this I commenced on purpose to tell you all about it and who we met there but find upon consideration it will occupy so much room that I shall enumerate part only.
We had a very pleasant evening cards, music, books, and dancing and singing; with all this you may well believe it was or ought to have been pleasant.
We were surprised though at the size of the party when we arrived for Harriot M- when she came down to ask us said it would be only a few friends, only a few! why there were, I should think seventy people assembled even before I made my appearance, how many after I do not know, all I know is that Miss A. Drake came after, and that I found room to squeeze myself on a chair next her and Mrs. Crome who with Miss D. kept me fully employed till tea when I was obliged to stand and could then look round to see who was who. Miss Steward was most conspicuous. Mrs. R. Chamberlin, Mrs. Massey, Mrs. Ninimo [sic, i.e. Nimmo?], Mrs. Athowe, Mrs. Crome, Mrs. Brown with their Husbands and many other Mrs’s, I knew not. Miss Browne the one engaged to C. Turner who was there, C. Turner Sen[io]r also. Miss Pratt’s, Miss Popplewell an old schoolfellow and other Misses without number. They were at cards before Tea. After, we young ones adjourned to another room and had dancing nicely mixed with songs and music, (these came between each quadrille) C. Turner sung, I sung, Miss Morgan sung, many sung. I do not know but think each time I see Miss Stewart we pick a quarrel, you know who I mean, that enormously tall girl, we met at Morgans 3 years ago, that graceful and affected lady!!