1608. EBB to William Harness

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 8, 312.

50 Wimpole Street

May 11. 1844.

Miss Barrett begs to be permitted to thank Mr Harness for much kindness, in sending her through the hands of their mutual friend Miss Mitford, his play of ‘The Firstborn.’ [1]

A kindness, appreciated at the first glance, shd have been thankfully noticed many days ago—but having wished to qualify herself for full thanks by that careful reading with which the pressure of other occupation interfered,—she is able, only today, to acknowledge Mr Harness’s courtesy, together with the grace & purity of his poem.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Huntington Library.

1. The First-Born: A Drama (1844) by the Rev. William Harness (1790–1869).

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