The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{typed transcript}
Addressed to J.J.Cotman, Esqr.
London Street
Norwich.

Brunswick Sq.
Feby 25th. 1836

My dear John
I must confess that I am very much surprised at your Silence for I think, in fact know that I particularly requested you to send me an answer by return of Post or by the next. The parcel I sent last Wednesday week contained Plans of my improvements and a letter, Mr. Geldart’s Pallet was in it also.
You may judge that I am rather anxious about knowing whether you have received the parcel alluded too for [[as]] it contained an elaborate description of the Lamp, consequently if it has not reached you it may have fallen in persons hands who may make use of it to my disadvantage. I hope you will write to me my return of Post saying whether you have received the parcel I allude[[d]] too and also the persons to whom you have mentioned the improvement and whether they have mentioned it again. In fact I want you to send me word the persons to whom the improvement is known, caution them not to drop any hint about it for it is of more importance than you may think. Papa went last night to Mr. Maw’s he said he would come to look at it on Monday. He told Papa what I knew before that there was one upon a similar principle but managed to. as the air on the globe was expanded by the heat from the burner. Well the consequence was that after the Lamp had been lighted a minute or two it burst. So I am safe from all Danger. All I want is Money, Money, Money.
I shall, if Mr. Maw likes the thing well enough offer him a quarter of the profit for the risk he runs in supplying the money for taking over the Patent. I hope