The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{Handwritten transcript}
To T. L. Donaldson Esq
Hon: Sec:
Institute of British Architects

April 28. 1837.

42 Hunter St.
Brunswick Square

Dear Sir,
I enclose a volume of my [[Norfolk]] (erased) Architectural Antiquities of Norfolk, which I beg you will do me the favour to lay before the Institute of Architects for their acceptance for this Library.
I must acknowledge at the same time the pleasure and information I have received from their meetings through their handsome Compliment of Tickets.
I have the honour
to be, Dear Sir
Your most obedient Servant
John Sell Cotman.

The above letter is pasted with the copy of the ‘Norfolk Antiquities (1818) which Cotman presented & which is preserved in the R.I.B.A Library.
A copy of reply of Thomas Leverton Donaldson (1795-1885) the first Hon: Sec is in the Institute of Brit: Archts’ Letter book, p 137, of the 1st Vol: beginning 1834.

To J. S. Cotman Esq
16 May 1837.

My dear Sir,
It is my pleasing duty to convey to you the cordial thanks of the members for your volume of the Antiquities of Norfolk, which I had the satisfaction of laying before the ordy meeting held on Monday last. The members derive their greatest encouragement in promoting the purposes of the Institute, from the co-operation which they experience [[on]] from the Profession and [[of]] from those who love the Art and this assistance becomes the more important, when this Library is enriched with those valuable contributions calculated to direct the taste and warm the imagination of the Archt.
Our obligations are especially due to you for your admirable illustrations of Edifices both English & French which are the best monuments of the taste & skill of our Forefathers –
Believe me , etc. T.L.D.