The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{Typed transcript}
Addressed to:
J.S. Cotman

Septr 2. 1837.
Hay Market.

My Dear Father
Your letter gave me much pleasure even though the account given of John is not so good as I had hoped to hear. He will I hope however in time regain his spirits, to do which I request you will do all you can to keep him employed, as I feel convinced that is the best medicine he can have, idleness is poison.
He told me on leaving Norwich that he should make some drawings of figures that would do for the College, or for specimen drawings should any thing turn up worth trying for, Keep him to it!!! and I cannot help feeling confident as he finds himself usefully employed his usual flow of spirits will return.
I am much in doubt about the reports at Heigham, there must be some foundation for them.
Uncle Edmund gave me a good account of Mother’s and Ann’s health which you may be sure gave me much pleasure, as I had got it in my head “they were unwell”. He also has given me a long account of you, the first part of which I did not like at all, but he made me more comfortable in the end by saying you were put on your legs again, and by proper management could go on.
I am quite well and for a batchelor, comfortable, as I really do not feel any inconvenience save that my linen are not so nicely mended as they were at home, so that sometimes I am rather annoyed. T’is no great matter tho’ for in all other respects I am happy. By this, my dear Mother and Sister, you find I do miss you just a little.