Correspondence

472.  EBB to Charlotte Griffith

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 72–73.

Sidmouth.

Tuesday morning. [ca. February 1833] [1]

My dear Mrs Griffith,

I hope you have not thought me very ungrateful in not replying sooner to your very kind note. I waited for some time until the MPs were MPs again; [2] and then I waited a little time, because unfortunately I am rather apt to put off until tomorrow the things which I ought to do today: not because I forgot you or the kind expressions which you have used towards us all. Thank you for saying that you will preserve the plants which Papa sent to you. I am sure you will; and that the recollections of those who once owned them, will not be less green in your thoughts than the plants themselves in your garden. I do assure you, our thoughts are not neglectful of the kindnesses & attentions you used to show us when we were within your reach: and tho’ we are now, by the wisdom & goodness of God, (for His wisdom must be goodness!) removed from the place which was so long our home, yet we shall always hope to meet dear Mrs Griffith somewhere or other, & shall always have pleasure in doing so.

I hope you are tolerably well during this mild winter; and that you are not tempted by it, to be imprudent & go out too much. I am very prudent indeed, & wrap myself up in flannel & a warm cloak; tho’ until the last few frosty days, the weather has been more like April than November or December or January. You know Sidmouth is celebrated for its mildness of climate. It agrees very well with me. My cough is no cough now, and I grow fatter & stronger every day.

How kind it was in you to go & see poor Mrs Barker. She speaks of you gratefully.

With our united best love, believe me

Your obliged & affecte

E B Barrett.

Do not forget to give our kind remembrances to all who are kind enough to remember us: particularly to Mr & Mrs Dean. How is Mrs John Drummond? Tell her that we hope she is better. Will you remember us to May Hilton? We were glad to read Mrs Peyton’s satisfactory account of her.

How pleased we are to think of Reynolds being so much better. It must indeed be a comfort to Mrs Peyton & all of you!——

Address, on integral page: Mrs Griffith.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Dated by the reference to the new session of Parliament.

2. Parliament was dissolved on 3 December 1832. The new, reformed Parliament opened its first session on 29 January 1833.

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