The Cotman Collection | 54

The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/4
Page: p 99 recto


  • Description

    Letter from Ann Cotman to John Joseph Cotman about her proposed stay with Mrs Brightwen.

    Typed transcript with handwritten note in margin

    Date: 14 May 1836

  • Transcription

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

    Yarmouth May 14th. 1836.

    My dear Brother
    Your letter was quite an unexpected pleasure to me, I assure you, one I had not in the least calculated on receiving, none the less welcome for that though rest assured. The invitation you mentioned in it dear John I think I should like to accept from your recommendation of the person whose guest I may be, at the same time I think it is so exceedingly strange that a person like Mrs. Brightwen should think of inviting me, a poor little stupid thing that I know not what to make of it, I feel however, that her kindness to me must in a great degree be owing to her partiality for you, it cannot be for her regard to me for at present we are almost strangers to each other, however, if I stay I shall want one or two more things which I know not how exactly you will be able to procure for me, unless one of my Aunts would be kind enough to stand my friend in time of need, the things I want would be a night-cap, some handkerchiefs (perhaps two would be sufficient) and a nightgown which last mentioned article I think you will find in the portmanteau, the others perhaps my Aunt Susan would be so kind as to lend me, at least I hope she will, or I shall be placed rather in an awkward situation. I still continue to be very happy here dear John they are all most kind to me, and Mary

    {handwritten in margin}

    Mary Ann Turner

    {typed transcript}

    most kind indeed she has studied my happiness most entirely and I trust I may be benefited by her kind instructions which are most excellent ones I assure you. On Thursday she drove me to Caistor Castle in Mr. Gunn’s little poney-gig when I had an opportunity of seeing this picturesque old building which

Letter from Ann Cotman to John Joseph Cotman about her proposed stay with Mrs Brightwen.