The Cotman Letters 1838-1864

To/Francis Gibson Esq. 133
42 Hunter St.
Aug 21st 1839. Brunswick Square

Dear Sir,
I received your letter, dated June 28th, which I am ashamed to
find unanswered up to the present date.
Your wish in it respecting 'The Lady of Alencon, I immediately
complied with & marked it as yours – as it still is unless
you choose to change your mind on seeing the one I commend
for you, yesterday, which I hope will be a much better drawing
in every respect. The price, however, I beg to say shall remain the
same. I will send them both that you may make your own choice, &
you can return the other at your convenience. That the drawing may be
identified as being executed expressly for you, pray do me the favour to
send me a sketch of your Arms, or a letter {added – sealed} with them, and I will in-
sert them in a shield that is on the side of the Porch. You must not, I
regret to say, expect the drawing under a month, as I am a Slow Coach from
the various stoppages I am compelled to make in the way of my occupations,
but I think I can promise it within that time. A very serious accident
(a fall of twenty feet) and in consequence an injured spine and other ills is
my excuse & apology for this very long delay, for my misfortunes have been
excessively heavy, both bodily& mentally, so much so that even on taking
up my brush with colour, before I could apply it I knew not where it was
to go! Besides two of my children being insane I had the pleasure
of seeing you in Gerrard St. These facts I trust will wipe away the
Stains that must, without such {added – an} explanation, remain on my character
in your mind for ever. I am, dear Sir, your obliged & obedient Servt/
John Sell Cotman.
As an amateur artist I take the liberty of recommending to your notice a
little volume of 79 pages with about as many illustrations -- 'The Sketcher's
Manuel' by Frank Howard, whose name as an artist was all sufficient
for me to become a purchaser. Its price is 7/6, published by Darton &
Clark, Holbrous Hill. If you sketch, as I believe you do, you must
not be without it, for I will hold it to be a useful & sterling little work.
I shall be most happy to see you if you will favour me with a
visit, when I will show you a few volumes of sketches
and what I may be about.