2069.5. RB to Christopher Dowson, Jr.
Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 11.
[London]
Monday Night. [20 October 1845] [1]
My dear Dowson,
What kind of “engagement” that may be which would “put ours off” next wednesday—I am puzzled to conceive!—never was more sacred engagement than this of ours, with me, at least; &, I make no doubt, F. Dickens is of the same mind as when we parted company the other night. The time appointed was half-past four, I beg to remind you—I shall have little enough of your presence, without being cribbed of half an hour—say nothing of Five therefore, as you regard
Yours ever faithfully
R Browning.
I enclose the Bill—it promises, decidedly—“Paul Jones” [2] —nautical element—nailing flag to masthead—British lion,—sprigs of laurel—double-hornpipe—cork-screw-curls, purser’s jacket,—much swearing as “striking topsails, shiver my timbers &c”—with bang, bang, BANG at the end! It promises, I say.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Tentatively dated by RB’s reference to a production of “Paul Jones” (see note 2).
2. “On Wednesday [22 October 1845], Paul Jones; with the Cattle Stealers; and the Daughter of Fire” was performed at the Royal Albert Saloon, Shepherdess Walk, City Road (see The Era, 19 October 1845, p. 4). Several works by this name were produced in the late 1820’s, including “Paul Jones, or, a Storm at Sea,” written by W. H[enry] Wallack. It was first staged 21 March 1827 at the Chatham Theatre, London.
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