991. RB to Unidentified Correspondent
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 6, 48–49.
New Cross, Hatcham.
Saty Mg [late July 1842] [1]
My dear Sir,
If misfortunes come “in files & close batallions,” [2] pleasant matters may also troop in a squadron—as your kind packets abundantly testify: many thanks (on my Sister’s part as well as mine) for all & every thing—the music shall be tried, the review read, and the invitation accepted most readily: (that for next Friday Eg, I mean—to-day I am, as it happens, engaged till night.)
I am very glad of the prospect of seeing Mr Hunt—you are aware that, on the Sunday you have appointed, Mr Melvill [3] preaches in the Evening?
I have not seen a copy of “Strafford” these three years & more—but have had occasion, a couple of weeks ago, to apply for a few copies to Messrs Longman .. thro’ a slow friend: when his “frozen kindness” [4] thaws, and I get the books, I will beg your acceptance of one. [5]
Pray believe me,
Yours very
faithfully,
R Browning.
My Mother, and Sister (whose sincere thanks, I have tendered, I believe—) desire their best regards to you.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: R.H. Taylor Collection.
1. Dated by the reference to Strafford.
2. Cf. Hamlet, IV, 5, 78–79.
3. Henry Melvill (1798–1871), the incumbent of Camden Chapel, Camberwell (1829–43) and later (1856) Canon of St. Paul’s, was the author of numerous published sermons. His eloquence caused him to be styled by his parishioners “Melvill of the Golden Mouth” and he quickly became the most popular preacher in the Camberwell area. RB and his sister attended evening services at Camden Chapel (see Maynard, pp. 51 and 309). Several of Melvill’s works formed part of Browning Collections (see Reconstruction, A1582–86).
4. Gray, Agrippina (1775), line 158.
5. RB sent Powell a copy of Strafford with an inscription dated 1 August 1842 (see Reconstruction, C588); we assume it was one of the “few copies” requested from Longman, hence the inference that this letter preceded receipt of those copies. It is quite possible that Powell was the recipient of this letter, as RB later (letter 1015) speaks of their being neighbours, which could explain the reference to Melvill’s preaching.
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