145. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 142–143.
[Hope End]
December 31st [1821] [1]
My ever dearest Ba
Papa will by this time have arrived at Gloucester unless he has taken a ride down the Severn with the flood, [2] and I dare say you are too busily engaged talking to him, to attend much to any thing else, however I shall trouble you but a short time to day as the post is now going. Mr Bayford yesterday evening gave us another sermon. [3] I certainly think it was much better than the morning as he was much more collected and I [4] think upon the whole it was much better, for though the matter was capital in the morning he delivered it in a confused an[d] hesitating manner. Today being the first fine day we have had for so long we enjoyed it extremely and Henrietta rode down to Mrs Hartfords your childs house and gave her, your clothes with which she was delighted. I must wish you good bye my dearest Ba, for today;
Ever believe me
your devotedly attached——
Bro —
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Dated by reference to their father’s going to Gloucester. Letter 147 reads as if he had done so.
2. The river Severn was notorious for its tidal bore, which was capable of reversing the flow as far upstream as Tewkesbury, often causing considerable damage and flooding.
3. John Bayford and his family, who lived in London, were on friendly terms with Elizabeth Moulton and Miss Trepsack. His wife Frances (née Heseltine) was Mary Moulton-Barrett’s first cousin.
4. Underscored twice.
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