1232. Benjamin Robert Haydon to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 111.

London

May 4th 1843.

My dearest Friend /

I am bitterly touched to tell you—a decline exists, which I have long suspected—& to day it has been confirmed by medical report!–

Mary has not been told and what to do I do not know—pretty dear she has had an anxious life, & will perhaps be glad to escape– [1]

I fear she was not nourished by Society at a budding time—when sweet girls require admiration—& lovers—— God knows, I shall do nothing but reflect on myself.——

Yours affectionat[e]ly

B R Haydon

Miss B B

Tell Mary Mitford if you write her.

I am happy you have changed rooms [2] —take care—take care–

God bless you my sweetest friend.

Address: Miss B. Barrett / 50 Wimpole St.

Publication: EBB-BRH, p. 93.

Manuscript: University of Vermont.

1. Presumably the medical report on Haydon’s daughter’s illness mentioned consumption, as EBB refers in the following letter to the condition of the lungs.

2. As mentioned in the previous letter, EBB was using her father’s room, in order that her own could be cleaned.

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