94. Mary Moulton-Barrett to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 83.
Foxley. [1]
Wednesday. [Postmark: 25 August 1819]
My beloved Elizth
I fear you will be sorry to hear that you will not see us till Sunday Morning; We are obliged to stay till after Saturday, and you will I trust my darling Children be all well & happy; if othewise pray send off to me instantly and we will be with you: I feel very impatient to hear from you, and trust I shall do so today– you are never out of my thoughts, & dear Papa thinks not less of you in spite of the Election– Col: Mathews opposes Mr Scudamore, & it is going on very actively, & must be a very severe contest [2] —this is the reason we delay returning, in great measure. I had a delightful walk in the beautiful valley before breakfast this morning, by myself, & wished I had my dearest children with me– I write in such haste and in so much talking, that you must forgive it my beloved Elizth Write to me directly, and kiss all my darlings for me.
Ever, my sweet Childs
Affect Mother
MB–
Order our letters to be forwarded here, until Saturday—& remember us kindly to Mr Mc S– do not let this scratch be seen.
Tell me exactly how the coughs are, & do not stay out late—or sit on the grass——
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett / Hope End / Ledbury.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: British Library.
1. Foxley, seat of Uvedale Price, 7½ miles N.W. of Hereford. This is the earliest letter of 20 that EBB wrapped in a cover sheet which she labelled “Letters of my for ever beloved & kindest Mama.” The last of the series is letter 321 and carries a notation by EBB “The very last I ever received from her....”
2. A parliamentary election had been necessitated in Hereford by the death of a sitting member, Col. Symonds. Despite Mary Moulton-Barrett’s forecast of “a very severe contest,” The Times reported on 24 September 1819 the election of “R. P. Scudamore, Esq. … without opposition.” Col. John Matthews, of Belmont, had been M.P. for Hereford 1803–06.
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