The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{typed transcript}
not one space between - now for the sublime again. My dear John and Walter we look with delight for the pleasure of your arrival here (with Carlos to make up the trio) so come as soon as you can, Slip your cable and run along side the 42.
Yours truly and dearly
John S. Cotman.

Edmund, Ann and Alfred and I are still drawing mad. Ann and Alfred working for the College pupils with great effect every way, they have done crack subjects and they take wonderfully, little do they ken by Whom they are done when given under my name, mother's and baby work.
Present my Sincere regards and respects to your good friend Geldart, under my own hand and seal J.S.Cotman, and if those won't do - use your own, and tell him if he will come up with you that I shall be most happy to see him, to knife and fork, and a Bed in the neighbourhood, if he will but do me favor to say a day or two before hand that he will so pleasure me and us. You know how much I have ever respected him, but this of course you have no occasion either to let him see or tell him - if he comes he shall find out by My doing all I can to please him and My and your Friend for both he is and ever will be so long as we deserve it - and Mark me no longer - I know the Man. He has put up with language from (from I suppose) your given him love powders, for I can suppose nothing else that I could not stand from anyone, for even your Youth, is not sufficient to account for it. This my dear John must be restrained, for what Man be tolerated in youth by a steady friend cannot be so at a more advanced age or period. So don't try it on if you value him or anybody.
A Gentleman, a Man can never be supposed to tell a falsehood, therefore, never either (paper torn) or indirect tell him he has told a falsehood or that he lies - Either in fun, which is no fun at all or in earnest, for if he bears that