The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

Addressed to Mr. Jn. J. Cotman,
Bracondale.

? May, 1835.

Monday Evening.

My dear Brothers
It is now a Week to-day since we last heard from you, and the news and account of yourselves given us, were then so scanty that it left us in doubt, whether you were ill, or well, how you had been employing yourselves, where you had been, and who, or what, you have seen, you will with great truth undoubtedly, say, you ought to be the last person to complain of our silence, I agree with you quite on this point, and it is not for myself that I complain, although it would have been a great pleasure to me to have heard from you but there are those at home who have felt more than usually anxious at your silence it is poor Walter whom I regret to say is very sadly, and in such a very weak state, from intense anxiety that unless something is soon prepared for him, he will sink under it, do John exert yourself if possible to procure him something, or at least to hear, at what time there may be a chance of a situation for him, Poor fellow he is looking dreadfully ill and is so shrunk you would scarcely know him. I hope my dear brother you will bear my request in view, and let us know bad, or good, the result of your inquiry, for he is constantly telling us he would prefer our telling him we could do nothing for him than to be kept in such a racking state of suspense. I often sit, and wonder in my own mind when our little difficulties will have an end; for year after year brings with it some new care, either for ourselves, or that of others, well for us most assuredly we are kept in ignorance of our fate or we should I fear too many of us sink under the prospect which lie before us. You have I hope my dear brothers been enjoying your holidays,