The Cotman Letters 1835-1837

{Typed transcript}
of 500 years. A few others of taste as the Iliad and Odyssey of Homer, translated by Wm. Sotheby, illustrated by the most elegant designs by Flaxman 4 Volume 8ts. This will add to the value of my Argonautic Expedition, and Pageant. I am not – nor ever was a Man for Secrets. But still I can and have kept them inviolably. Certainly not from my friends, especially those friends long tried and esteemed, consequently, as it will give such great pleasure you are directed if it suits your pleasure to read this entire Letter to my brother Edmund, long dear to me, - and to our excellent and most valued friend, Geldart.

Mr. Maw has given me a splendid Letter to the Lord Mayor, with whom his Family is intimate. The Late Ld Mayor I shall call upon and tell him I did him the honor to dine with him in our College Hall (at its opening) to which he is a liberal donor. He is also a Brother – Mason. Which is enough to make us equal. He is bound to serve a Brother to the best of his abilities.

That I may not forget. Ask Thirtle to lend Edmund the two Drawings I saw framed, opposite the Windows, if he will lend them send them up without the Frames, and thank him for the kindness from me, for doing so.

“God Save the King”, is the order of each Evening, save omissions “Rule Britannia”, will form an excellent divertissement. Therefore ask our liege Lady Mrs. Beckwith to send the best edition of that National air. or rather what is the best, and where to get it.

Could you make out the last Yarn, with all its 203 P S.S.? Keep it John, if you choose to sell it 2000 years hence it may make your fortune. Yours, My Love, Ever J.S. Cotman.

I am afraid you will be obliged to come up for a day or two to drink to our great Man. If he gets it he may fairly and truly be said to be in the land of Milk and Honey. The