The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{typed transcript}
have not, you see, quite forgotten you though we may have kept silent, it has been solely from the idea that you would be the better for it, no other motive, you may rest assured, but when we meet this will be all explained to you. We have not seen Mr. Geldart, nor do I think he is in London, we heard that he had been staying in Yarmouth. We have now almost a clear house, Alfred returned to Norwich with my Uncle, and Kitty is gone to stay a short time with Mr. Leek a, she is become quite a Londoner and does not appear to count of returning home in the least. On the first of May the National Gallery was opened to the Public and we all went on that day. I was much pleased with some of the pictures but I hope before long you will be able to give your opinion upon them. Mr. Priest has a nice little bit there, Mr. Daniells speaks very highly of it, which I consider rather a wonder for him to do.

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{handwritten note}
Ann Cotman’s writing to here

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{typed transcript}
My dear John
I am just returned from the College but too much fatigued to finish this Letter of Ann’s. It is a very nice Letter, but still there are one or two expressions that I shd not have used, therefore suppose I did not authorize them vexed is one which I, you see, have erased. Her remarks on your poetry are not mine, or hers perhaps, as she mistook my meaning as to what I told her about it – no, John, I merely wished her to express my wish that you would not turn poet. And that was all. Of your affection to me and us all, there can be no doubt.

I find you have been visiting your Brother, and your Uncle Henry and Miles have taken their tea with you, all this is as it should be, [[by]] my dear John, and looks quite right but still dont depend too much on your own opinion. Be advised by others who are I am Sure acting for the best for you. Think two three four or five times, or any number of times