The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{typed transcript}
satisfaction, for I only said I would give him a Guinea a piece for them, they are at least three Guineas a piece, all this with a good feeling on both sides you will say. He has made them at least twice the size I asked, this is all his own fault a blockhead (Artists in this at least the best of them) are all fools, they don't like to be out done. I am quite delighted at his taken up the thing so well, and in the way that I would have done so circumstanced. We are all sailing with all sails full and canvass new and strong the port I ever aim at must be gained, I never doubted it, nor you or he either under such an Admiral notwithstanding x (a long word this by the bye, that ought never to be used in good writing but I have no other at hand so take it for better or worse)
(The parenthesis so long is also bad, and two I have now given you strung together, the very devil or worse).
x Now for the subject again x Notwithstanding the number of cross winds and swells and little Rocks that will cross us in the Voyage of life. Our Party was composed of Mrs. Reeve, Mr. Reeve, Mr. Simpson, John, Rev. James Bulwer, Revd. H. Coxe, and Mr. Maw. Mrs. Maw was invited but did not come being in the country. Mr. Lewis, Mr. John Lewis and Mr. Charles Lewis, Mr. Varley, Mr. Rivington, one of the great publishers. Stark and a few others were invited but did not come. All's well at King's. I now teach the little She Otters and a very Charming little class they form, for they really are a very nice group of sensible and handsome girls. Mother and all. Your opinion of Mr. Otter you know. You may see by the sitters that I am at least alive and kicking, and so we are all, as must suppose, for when I am dumby so are you all, for the tone must ever be given by the head of a family especially if that head is beloved and respected. Walter's shirts are on the Stocks, there is a change of subject for you. What Effect! What contrast!!! from the sublime to the ridiculous,