The Cotman Collection | 147

The Cotman Letters 1838-1864

Archive: SDK Sydney Decimus Kitson Archive
Reference Number: SDK/1/3/1/5
Page: 147


  • Description

    Letter of John Sell Cotman to F. Walter Cotman, 12 September 1839

    Date:

  • Transcription

    (Sept 12. 1839.)
    (5) 147

    Such a day as it has been. I called on Col: Cockburn. He was out,
    but my Flora danced downstairs & would have me in, dogs &
    all. 'You will stop to dinner with us? Papa will be so angry
    if you do not, for there is a gentleman in the drawing room who
    was his companion in Canada, & he will be so sorry not to see you'.
    Alfred was with me, and I was forced to decline. We chatted
    about her dear Charley (the Pretender) & promised to dine {crossed out – with} {added – there}
    tomorrow. She is, by God, a rare ? ? ? & Flora MacIvor -
    and I told him so!!! She is a lass that blemished
    warriors - or anything she pleased, I am afraid, for
    she has talent, spirit & modesty to the greatest perfection, &
    so devoted to the memory of her Charlie - 'tis quite
    funny & most romantic. But no wonder, one of her
    ancestors died in his defence. Ann might have been as
    fine a lass & finer, with the same culture - but that, &
    what's more, the ambition to be such. This I regret,
    knowing her powers, if properly directed & not suffered to
    humdrum over a pair of damned stockings - the curse
    of women.
    J. S. Cotman.