The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{typed transcript}
Addressed to Mr. J. J. Cotman.

My dear John
I am very glad you arrived safe and well in Norwich and free from a ducking for we thought of you during the heavy showers we had here, sufficiently heavy to have drenched you unless remarkably well provided against such. I am sorry to have disappointed My brother Edmund who appears so anxious about me but It could not be otherwise, therefore it is useless to say more about it. I am glad also to find you have seen in London so many fine things. My dear Boy try to turn them to account by putting them to practise by Making a Picture or Drawing. Alfred had been very ill before you came up, very ill, and violent but I hope he will do with us. Why do you change your Lodgings? My opinion, as to a Room, is, if you can get it, it is better in a private House than at the Assembly Rooms, and so I believe thinks Edmund but I have no doubt it is easier said than done. The best way of all is to have your Room and Bed Room together. viz. all under one Roof. Your Work Room and Sitting Room and Bed Room. Thats my opinion. But I do not know how to advise, so mch depends upon what you have to choose from. I again beg to say I think a private House better than the Assembly Rooms, more proper for a female to visit you in for a lesson. Many parents would not send their Daughters to the Assembly Rooms. Give my love to Ann. The Folio is for Mr. Geldart. I have both bad Pen and Ink, and nothing to tell you, so shall pack up.

God bless you and Ann
J. S. Cotman.

Augst 3rd 1836.