Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/5
Page: 119
Description
Letter of John Sell Cotman to James Bulwin, 31 May 1839
Date:
Transcription
To Rev Jas Bulwin 119
Aylsham. May the last. 1839
Norfolk 42 Hunter St.
My dear Friend,
“I did intend long before this to have” - (question from Rev Jas
Bulwin's last letter), answered your kind remembrances of me, but
could not [ ] of my own informative concerns.
In answer to your first question – Your letter found me getting up
to an 8 o'clock breakfast. My Drawing Rooms are entirely cleared.
I have been to the Water Colour Gallery & the Royal Academy. Bur on
Tuesday I visited the latter with my family, I rode there & not
knowing it was so cold a day (feeling always so cold) I walked
back, and to bed for two or three in consequence – in short was
made very ill by it. I have been, and am, painting hard, and
so fond {added – am I} of it that I think I shall never execute another drawing.
Tomorrow I intend, please God, to visit the college & look at
my pupils & to pay my compliments to Rev D. Major D.D-
in short, to show my face, for the second time this half year.
As you have been a good prophet in many things I will leave this
account to tell you how I am – not that I now can dress
myself beyond my stockings & Drawers!!! But we may be
happy by comparison.
My dear Friend, I miss you much, and I know I sh[oul]d, for you
have always been most kind to my failings. Therefore this shall
be my last expression of regret to you on your leaving London, &
I shall always be most happy to hear of your health, enjoyments
& well doings in the Country.
I have sketched from recollection a Clock I etched, which I think I
must have given you - which would build up beautifully &
W[oul]d. answer your purpose, if not too expensive, which I am
afraid would be the Case. If you have not this etching, tell
me so, & I will give another rummage, and if I find one
it shall be yours
Have you the pencil sketch of the one made for Lady Suffield?
Will that sort of thing do for you? I confess I liked it.
Can't you manage to buy from some of the firms in your
neighbourhood some old Gothic ornament to work up?