The Cotman Letters 1838-1864

(31.5.'39) 121
(2)
Try. But few pieces will do of the right sort.
Oh! how you are to be envied in your occupation of planning
& building & refitting -- so say nothing of superintending your
Garden & watching the ripening of your first Strawberries.
I know nothing equal to all this but painting. There is to be
a splendid Sebastian del Piombo at the Gallery in a fortnight.
Edmund has commenced a picture for you - not the size
but he says, no matter. He will commence de novo. I hope to
see your Boys tomorrow.
My the Spring in your Well flow to the Sea & become a
Diocese -- and may you endure the translation - and
forget my folly.
Yours very sincerely
John Sell Cotman.

                               SKETCH

Saturday. I have seen your two sons, and they very dutifully sent their
love to you. They are quite well & in full spirits. Dr. Ingram advises
me not to attend this half, fearing the fatigue may throw me back
again.
Edmund has done my work so well I am glad to find I am not
needed. I am just from Etty's & Proserpina. I hold it by far the
best coloured picture in the Academy. The Postman's bill warms me to
have done – what a convenience!