Thomas Woolner letter to Marian Lewis, 1876 January 16

"Jan 16 '76. My dear Mrs Lewis, the date of your last letter just now shocked me to see how long it was written: it has been on my desk ever since to be answered, and the answer was to be that I meant to jump into a train and to answer for myself. Now, unless I fix a time I shall go on for 3 months longer without paying you a visit, as I never by any chance have a day disengaged, therefore unless you forbid me to do so I shall come to see you on Sunday 23rd. - But if Sunday is a day with you so solemn and lugubrious as to admit of no pleasure to yourselves or anyone else, in Scotch fashion, then I will pick out some other day and learn your opinion upon it, for I intend to go on no longer in this indefinite manner.- I have lots to tell the great Oriental about the fights over the increase of Associates, and long for a wholesome gossip upon Art, men, and things.- Tell him I have to do a Colossal statue of Captain Cook for Sydney, N.S. Wales to commemorate that mighty hero having discovered the place about 100 years ago. I have heard from time to time how he has been going on, and am glad that on the whole he seems to have got on so for thro' the winter pretty well: but considering how long I have allowed you to rest I think you may send me just 2 or 3 lines to say how you are going on.- We have got on very well hitherto. Kindest remembrances from my wife - Ever truly yours, T. Woolner."