The Cotman Letters 1838-1864

To/Rev: J. Bulwin. 129
Aylsham 42 Hunters St.
Norfolk. July 23. 1839. Brunswick Square

My dear Sir,
I want fifty pounds the latter end of this week. Can you in
any way accommodate me with that sum, or put me in the way
of obtaining it?
I will draw a bill for that amount, payable the 29th of September, which
shall be duly honoured by me.
Part of this sum is to pay my Insurance on my Life, which is now
due. I had laid that sum by -- but on looking for it I regret to say I
cannot find it, and I am afraid it is lost (£30) -- for I only
found fifteen -- so much for business.
*A short time ago I received a Manchester circular which offered
a prize of £20, and a Silver medal, for the best picture of a
Marine subject. I urged Miles to paint one, but he declined,
feeling himself too unwell to undertake it. I gave him full
time for consideration, but he persisted in his refusal. 'Well,
then, if you will not try, then I will”. So that evening the
sketch was made & the sky laid in the following day, and on
thursday I hope it will be finished & off on Saturday. The
subject is the Phantom ship, or Flying Dutchman, by Captain
Marryatt -- and the act where young Vander Decken leaves the
Staunch Ship, the Lady of the Mount, for his father's ship, the
Amsterdammer, which is seen looming large in the distance
under a stormy sky, the sun just breaking out, to denote
his stormy life setting in peace & happiness. The size of the
Jay is three feet six {added – inches} by 2ft 6 inches. I have had no difficulty with
it; it went off quite as a play thing, and I have enjoyed my
labours hugely. You may suppose by this I am better. I am so,
but very far from well I feel terribly the ? masting
or something or other I lost not of. If I gain the prize, I
travel by rail road, & shall surprise my son Walter with a
visit, & enjoy my laurels. Oh! What a fine thing is
Castle building, after all. There is nothing like it.
Edmund & Ann are in Norfolk, at Mr. Wrightup's,
Bintry. John is at present home but leaves on Monday

*Transcription written at 90 degrees in the margin*

The late [ ] Bolingbroke picture up in Norwich. C.1927 a sketch on grey paper in
charcoal of a ship, r, & other ships, l, in
distance. On reverse is written in J.S.C's hand- Philip Vanderdecker & his Pilot Shriften
putting off from the Spanish ship the Nostra Giyooca da Moute for the Amsterdammen,
the Phantom Ship of Captain Marryott.
This fine drawing now belongs (Sept:1930) to Mrs. Bolingbroke, Ferryside, Norwich.