143. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 141.
[Hope End]
December 26th 182[1] [1]
My ever dearest Ba
I can not say we spent a very Merry Christmas day for there were too few of us Georgy and Heny went to bed soon and then there were very few of us however I dressed up as an old woman and frightened <poor> Heny out of his wits I dressed Henny in his nightgown and nightcap and whitened his face all over. Sam was dressed up too in Papa’s clothes short knee breeches and a tremendous paunch stuck out with a pillow and an Opera Hat on, he certainly was a most capital figure he looked very much like what I could imagine an old French Doctor. We made an attempt at Grand Muffty but as there were so few of us we soon gave it up as a bad job. Papa And I are going this evening to ride to Mrs Griffiths [2] this evening to dine and I fear we shall be wet through before we get half way as it has been snowing all the morning and is now snowing and seems likely to snow the whole evening. I must wish you good bye as the post is going.
Ever believe me
your devotedly attached
Bro——
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqr M P. / Spa Hotel / Gloucester.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Bro wrote off edge of page. Year determined by reference to the following letter.
2. Charlotte Griffith (1762?–1837), widow of Thomas Griffith. Her residence was Barton Court, the estate adjoining Hope End.
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