The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{typed transcript}
Addressed to Mr. J.J. Cotman,
Bracondale.

Commodious C[[o]]pin. October 27th 1835

My dear John
Thursday's Log. - or a Picture of the remaining Crew of the 42 (Lieutenant Miles E. Cotman, Henry, Mrs. Roe and Ann Junior left this morning on a Cruise Westward with a fine breeze in high expectation of boardin the Windsor Castle, As they were not victualied from hence. I presume they must take Eton (Eating) as they can. - And if they can find no other Grog they will of course take their Mead (a Wine so called) at Datchet - as dash it may they find no worse Mead nothwithstanding they plundered my Cigar Box before they went. And left me one which I am now enjoying with you -- and my glass of Wine and water. Your Mother a Bed and my feet in a bath. A gross of pipe lights on the table as usual which will all be demolished as my Cigar is at his old trick of not smoking Whilst I am at work on another tack as you too well know, or may guess. The entire Crew are in good spirits and in good health. Mrs. Roe has given Ann a shawl and Henry has given one to Patty. So they are mainsailed for the Winter. End of Thursday's Log: for the three Bells - or the Twelve Bells or "Mid Watch is Come." /
I send you Tass's bill of terms for Miss Gunn. J.J. Gurney's terms must not be less than half a guinea a Lesson, fifteen shillings, is better and one guinea if you stop one Hour and half or two Hours ---- say, fifteen shillings, one Guinea if you see well how the land lies and can get it. - you gain no credit by working under price. if a man, does not value himself he will be undervalued by the World depend