1003. RB to Rachel Talfourd
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 5, 196–197.
Hatcham,
Sunday. [4 September 1842] [1]
My dear Mrs Talfourd,
Out of great mountains come little mice, & out of certain projects of calling personally & saying my thankful say—comes this poor paper & ink acknowledgment of the Sergeant’s great kindness—to all his friends, in having written his most pleasant book—and to me, in having classed me with them on the occasion. It would, indeed, have been,—if I may say so—all but absurd in one—(whose notices of the most common-place Town—street (much more, Country Market Cross)—would be interesting in no ordinary degree)—to see Paris, & the Rhine, and the Alps, and be silent: I am, I know, grateful that he has spoken out; I have read the “Recollections” [2] with the greatest delight,—seeing in my mind, the whole party at every turn. Will you have the goodness to tell him this—mending my imperfect phrase?—And to believe that I am his, as yours,
Ever faithfully,
R Browning.
Pray remember me most kindly to all your Family– I go out of Town to-morrow for a few days.
Address: Mrs Talfourd, / 56. Russell Square.
Publication: BC, 5, 196–197 (in part, as letter 891, [ca. 1842]).
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. This letter is postmarked 5 September 1842, a Monday.
2. Recollections of a First Visit to the Alps, in August and September 1841. The volume was privately printed and is undated: the British Library catalogue gives [1842?]. This copy formed lot 1134 of Browning Collections, and is now at Armstrong Browning Library (see Reconstruction, A2245).
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