160. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 157–158.
[London]
June 20th 1822.
My ever dearest Ba
On tuesday evening just as we were sitting down to tea we heard a rap at the door[.] Trepy run to the top of the stairs to tell Tomkins to say not at home however he is fortunately so deaf that he could not hear her, and presently an[n]ounced Mr Cockral or some such high sounding name we all expected some grand acquaintance of Sam’s one was putting [on] her petticoats Granny pulled off her apron and put herself in her most elegant position, in short we all put on our most insinivating [sic] appearances when who should walk in but little Tommy Cooky, he had a dish of tea with us and said the reason he had come to town was that during his illness a gentleman had given him a carriage & he had come to see about it, he is on his way to Mr Hunter at Brighton and above all what do you think he has never seen the sea yet, he says [he] is in a most debilitated state from his late illness and a dip will brace and strengthen his nerves. Yesterday who should walk in but Mr McSwiney I dont know when I have seen him looking so well he is realy very much improved he says the second day he was at the school he knocked a boy down in his own words gave him his full length on the ground, he has bought a net for one pound and fishes every day with it, in giving a description of the country he says there is very little wood but remarkably fine hedges I with my usual wit answered can you turn a coach and six on them sir, rather sharp eh! By the by I have had a blister on Miss Basy in spite of you and your medical experience, yes and it drew too famously what do you say to that eh, <as> it was put on on tuesday night we cannot yet tell if it has had the effect of reducing the swelling now because I have a blister on do not set your imagination to work and swear you saw me with my legs swelled and in blisters (you understand me), for Mr Green says I am coming on as well as possible but that the blister will hasten my recovery: Good bye my dearest Bazy ever believe me
your affectionately attached
Bro
Trepy’s love and she meant to have written to Mama today, but has not time.
Address, on integral page: S M Barrett Esqr MP. / Hope End / Ledbury / Herefordshire. “Ba” is written below the seal.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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