The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{typed transcript}
(Postmark MY 11.1837).

Addressed to:-
Mr. J.J. Cotman
London St.
Norwich.

My dear John
Papa was much vexed to hear you express yourself so disappointed at receiving no answer to your letter, and fearful of any further [[of any further]] delay has requested me to write to you, he is fully occupied to-day at the College and will have only time to write a few lines to you on his return. We were, as you will easily believe, very glad to hear of your being so well, and are, dear John, counting much of having you with us again, do not, however forget the advice given you, to keep yourself quiet, this, dear John, is the most essential thing for you to attend to. The lines, dear John, you sent Papa, do not meet his approbation, he considers them very poor, and although he does not for a moment doubt but they are, as you say, heartfelt still he does not approve of your turning your mind to such an occupation.
Papa is now in want of pencil drawings for the College and thinks you might be of great assistance to him were you to come and be with us a little while in London and assist him in making some, I have been idle lately with regard to drawing, but but should take it up again with double zeal were I sure of my dear John being a companion with me in this pursuit, I am in hopes, dear John, you will approve of this plan, it would indeed be a source of great delight to me. I have lately been fagging very hard at my piano, and Papa knowing how fond you were of music has very kindly allowed me to take some lessons and I am now learning the air you wished me to get “[illegible] (?) and also one of your favourite songs “Farewell to the Mountain” we