Cooke, Edward William, 1811-1880

Scope and Contents: Cooke thanks Redgrave and his wife for their hospitality in looking after Conrad. Cooke writes that Conrad "enjoyed his little taste of the country immensely and he returned much better for the change." Cooke remarks upon the "pleasant improvements" in the weather and inquires about the harvest. Cooke had a "agreeable" weekend with his friend "Jas[?] Salter," "Sailing & dredging" in Poole and Swanage. Cooke writes that he then traveled to the Isle of Wight to meet up with a fellow...

Scope and Contents: Cooke tells Redgrave that he is to "relinquish" a parcel of land he was intending to buy at Dorking as the price has been raised, the acreage reduced, and there is to be a charge for the timber on the land. He writes that he is "glad" to be "free of it for who knows what still further demands the rich nabob might make on the poor devil artist." He adds "The farm on the opposite hill might be let to speculators who possibly might cover it with small snobby villas." Cooke "now cling[s] to the...

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Cooke says he will take a pony from Redgrave. Cooke is situated "some distance from Reigate and Abington[?]" and cannot make arrangements to collect the pony and suggests Redgrave bring it to Mr. Hughes's house near Reigate Heath. Cooke includes a sketched map. Cooke writes that he is to visit Milton Hall near Dorking.

Scope and Contents: Cooke thank Redgrave for his "kind repeated thoughts." Cooke's mother is unwell and Cooke is suffering from a headache after his own recovery from a "Bronchial attack." Cooke writes of the pheasants on his land. He "must tell Lady Dorothy some day of [his] move to East-Sussex & how he shall go in for Conifers and American[?] plants which will blend so harmoniously with [his] woods & rocks." Cooke writes that Redgrave will have heard from "Gilbert" that the "weather in Paris is much...

Scope and Contents: Cooke writes that he would like Redgrave to visit. He suggests Redgrave will need a break from Town and not to worry about the "late season" as the "scene" surrounding the house is "just as charming in winter as in summer." Cooke writes of plants and trees on the land and states that "our great work is finished & most successfully viz the Deep well & pumping [...]." Cooke states that the "house is almost finished." Cooke hopes to go to Coombe with Veitch and offers to meet Redgrave...

Scope and Contents: Cooke has "longed" for Redgrave to visit his "new home" and apologizes for not sending a formal invitation due to the hot weather and then the Saturnalia, which "absorbed all [his] servants." Cooke states that it is now peaceful and the rain is "making everything look marvelously lovely - the autumnal tints have command & the effects are charming." Cooke describes the various trains Redgrave could take. Cooke writes " I cannot express my vexation that I am debarred from supplying the...

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Cooke is disappointed that Redgrave has yet to visit and informs his about various trains by which to travel to Groombridge. Cooke spent "4 hours with the Rector planning and taking out a new approach & gates steps to Willingham[?] Church Yard."

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Cooke writes that he will not give up hope of Redgrave's visit. Cooke describes the sunsets as "Venetian." Cooke briefly describes the garden. He states that Mary is in Bournemouth and Laura is in Venice. Conrad "is going shortly to Constantine - W. Falmouth before coming home." Cooke has had "Veitch & 4 men" bring "Exotics" which have been planted "between the solid rocks of the Fernery." Cooke briefly refers to pipe-work to do with the ferns.

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Cooke invites Redgrave and asks him to bring Francis. He writes that the "Rhodos still have some blooms remaining." Cooke describes the various trains Redgrave might take.

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Cooke writes that "the woods and groves" look "glorious & rich in colour (which I know you like)." Cooke makes "another attempt" to get Redgrave to visit. Cooke describes various train schedules Redgrave might use to visit.

Scope and Contents: Cooke thanks Redgrave for his letter. Cooke is bereaved at the death of his "little girl which took place on the 11th last." Cooke has "barely touched a brush since [he] saw [Redgrave] from weakness of sight and trouble of mind." Cooke describes his daughter's illness and writes that he and his wife will visit Dover when the weather improves. Cooke regrets to hear that Mrs. Cope has been unwell. Cooke would like to see Redgrave as he has "something to show [him] that [he] is sure [Redgrave]...

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Cooke has received an invitation from the Lord Mayor for his "connection with the educational Institutions." The invitation is for June 8. Cooke writes to cancel his and Redgrave's trip to "Greenwich by Water" which was to have taken place on the same day. Cooke has heard from Mrs. Semp[...?] that her father, Mr. William Scrope, had "purchased the Rubens[?] box at [...] Sir. T. Lawrence's sale - about 22 years ago - at Mr. Scrope's death his daughter presented it to [Cooke?]."

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Cooke enjoyed his visit to Redgrave's home in the country and asks if he can have Redgrave's pony when he is "finished with it for the season." Cooke writes that a Mr. Hughes will take care of the pony until Cooke is ready to use it. Cooke discusses land he is in the process of leasing.

Scope and Contents: Cooke lets Redgrave know that the pony arrived safely with Mr. Hughes. He inquires whether the pony is "accustomed to a stable or the field - or both." Cooke is to go to Milton House and will see "what sort of country it is about Cold Harbour." Cooke writes that "the new line from Horsham to Box Hill probably is what [Redgrave] refers to near Harleswood Common." Cooke asks Redgrave to send him "a line to say anything to aid my finding the spot you say is serviceable." Cooke thanks Redgrave...

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Cooke has been "moving about the country seeking a farm or a plot of ground commanding a fair view." Cooke describes various places he has visited near Dorking. Cooke writes that a new railway will be constructed between Box Hill station and the West End. Cooke is disappointed in the land he viewed near Hazlemere. Cooke describes other possibilities. Cooke inquires after Redgrave's pony and assures Redgrave that he will look after it well.

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Cooke asks if Redgrave knows anything about "'Milton Court' an ancient Elizabethan House with 10 or 20 Acres" near Dorking. The house is "the property of Mr. Evelyn of Wootton." Cooke remarks that the property is "to let" but that he wants to buy. Cooke describes the particulars of the land around Milton "according to [his] geological map." Cooke discusses the particulars of other properties for sale.

Scope and Contents: "My dear Reddy, I saw the announcement of the Royal Artillerymen just after my note was dispatched to you. I must say it is rather surprising that some of the great guns should still be […]. I felt confident that our good friend Cope would have been […] (not killed) from the strife & [...]. Surely "Pretty Painting" cannot be preferred to the thoughts, fine drawing, sound judgement & arduous study exhibited in such works as Cope's - However, this is entre nous - of next...

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ALS concerning the printing of his illustrations, and containing two pen and ink sketches.

Removed from Days and Nights of Salmon Fishing in the Tweed by William Scrope (London, 1843).