1130. EBB to John Kenyon
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 6, 296–297.
[London]
[mid-January 1843] [1]
My dear Mr Kenyon,
It has occurred to Papa—altho’ we both see some difficulties—that it might perhaps be well to make some prefatory overture to Ld Redesdale or Mr Mitford, the heads of the family,––& that they as rich men, might possibly pay the debts at once to prevent the appeal to the public .. for mere family reasons. [2]
Will you consider this, dear Mr Kenyon, & reject it at leisure? Dont take any trouble about writing to me about it, since it is only a thought––& we already see certain difficulties in the way. I believe that Mr Mitford has shown some letter-kindness or courtesy to our beloved friend Miss Mitford, & it might go farther.
Ever affectely yours
EBB–
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. In letter 1129, EBB says that Kenyon knew nothing of the proposed subscription until she told him of it; in letter 1135, she tells Miss Mitford she approves of the public appeal. As this letter attempts to avoid that necessity, we place it between these two letters.
2. EBB obviously did not like the prospect of a public subscription as a means of rescuing Miss Mitford from her financial difficulties. John Thomas Freeman-Mitford, 1st Earl of Redesdale (1805–86), Miss Mitford’s cousin, was the nephew of William Mitford, the historian. The nominal head of the family was Robert Mitford (1781–1870) of Mitford Castle.
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