The Cotman Letters 1834

[in pencil:] [March 1834]
Addressed to Mr. A. Dixon
Norwich.

My dear Arthur
I received your parcel as you must have ere this found, by my Father’s letter, I should have written but for this as you requested, although sorely pressed for time. This is the first leisure hour I have had lately for I am much engaged, four nights at the rustic and one at Howards lectures at the Royal Academy each week. on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the College where we go on swimmingly 212 Pupils. on Fridays from ten untill five at the National Gallery on Thursdays at the British Museum Mondays and Tuesdays are not fixed but I daresay I shall draw at the Museum on those days. The likeness Geldart has made of you is most admirable I like it very much indeed he has hit the expression exactly. Father is very much pleased with it. you are always before me with all the temptations of your little sanctum. I assure you my dear friend that although you may not be disappointed I am very much obliged to give up my intended visit to Norwich only imagine to lose Tombland Fair. Oh “what a shame”, I shall hardly survive the disappointment. I am going to make some splendid sketches from the pictures in the National Gallery, no doubt you’ll say, well so much for that. I shall send a specimen of my doings by Father so you will see what I am about I am now really at work in earnest and intend to stick to it hard and farst [sic]. I have seen your Brother Sam who is well, I am now expecting Gurney Turner and two Mrs. Woodhills of Yarmouth who are to spend the evening with us so I must soon end my scrawl but Sunday is quite a Norwich day with me so that I like to know that you are engaged for a few minutes in hearing of us. I am quite well and happy here shall be