The Cotman Collection | 47

The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/4
Page: p 85 recto


  • Description

    Letter (cont) from J. S. Cotman to John Joseph Cotman. Edward Cooke's accident. Cockroaches.

    Typed transcript

    Date: 23 Feb 1836

  • Transcription

    {typed transcript}
    that he had not, No, -- he fairly left it for me to say I possess it. I should have been miserable had I lost it, you see John What a lucky fellow I am in hobbies. They all like to be rode by me I suppose, at least I think so certainly or they would not come so entirely to my hand against all odds against me.
    Mr. Cooke of Charlotte St. was at the meeting and I am very sorry to add told me of a wretched accident poor Edward Cooke met with on Wednesday last. He ran against a Sneek of a Door, which Sneek pierced his right Eye, and he is now in a very doubtful State as to his ever being able to see with it again, poor fellow I pity him from my soul, for he is I am afraid the main support and hope of his family. He exhibited Saturday week last some most beautiful Sketches (colored) at the 1st Conversazione, he is obliged to keep in a Room wholly darkened. He is well attended and nursed of course by a very fond and most affectionate Mother, and that is all the consolation we can give him. I will call upon him if possible on Sunday. Stark and myself were nearly doing so last Sunday, without having heard of his accident, and was prevented only by two of Stark’s friends calling in. I dined took tea and supper with him on that day, and called on Bulwer at 12 o’clock on business that regarded himself nearly, and I hope successfully, but at present the subject of that business is a profound secret. When I find the thing is successful to him I will tell you all about it.
    I think, tell Master Harry that I have killed for the last 9 months upon the average 50 cockroaches per night -- making a total of 12600!!! Why Rabbits are fools to such active gentry, and they are prolific enough, so the world says for all reasonable creatures. Here ends my epistle. Good night to you and God bless you, it is the constant prayer of your affectionate Father
    J.S.Cotman

Letter (cont) from J. S. Cotman to John Joseph Cotman. Edward Cooke's accident. Cockroaches.