The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

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is my advice that You should do so, and a Father’s advice to you my dearest love. do this, do but that for but a short very short time longer, to oblige your Father. It will make him happy by your doing so, and the result, by God’s everlasting goodness and mercy, will be for your good and ultimate welfare. I am continually, almost daily hearing of you, therefore do not for one moment think you are not cared for. – You are cared for, and beloved by many most excellent Friends, dearly beloved by them. Your Name cannot ever be tarnished. No, no, John your good conduct, and kindness of behaviour cannot be forgotten. Keep but quiet at our particular wish but for a short time. And you will speedily meet them all, refined from the ordeal that it has pleased God to try you with. We do not always, My Love, know our own situation. In your present case trust implicitly in your friends, they are really acting for your good, - for your good alone. They all know your worth (paper torn) excellent disposition – oblige them and me but for a Short Short time longer. a very short time longer, and every hope shall be held out to you. – You speak of Mrs. Watson, as your second Mother for kindness - - You say “do not distress yourself for me,” My Love, I will not, well knowing how entirely you are surrounded by your kindest of friends. You say too, you are not quite unhappy And “That liberty is all you ask”, Keep, I again my love say, but a short span quiet, and that you will soon have. It is all our wishes that it should be so - - We are all well here, and your Mother, Ann, Alfred and your Cousin Kitty, desires their kindest love to you – as well, my dearest love, do I send to you my kindest love.
Your affectionate Father
John Sell Cotman.

Your Schools are all going on for you, therefore on this score rest contented. – Mine at King’s College is most