Correspondence

161.  Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 158–159.

[London]

June 22d 1822—.

Upon my honor Miss Basy I hardly know how to express my indignation at the atrocious, barefaced, unpresedented, impudent, abominable &c lies that you are guilty of telling, dont think because yesterday the more urgent calls of hunger prevented me from paying you, that you will escape my clutches today, no, no, it is rather too good a joke to let you have your confounded whackers to pass with impunity. The charge is this that you, E.B.B. have been guilty of telling most unfounded falsehoods (alias confounded) concerning the Latin reading of Master E. M. Barrett, you said that the aforesaid youth declared he could read Latin better than any persons or person in the united states of Great Briton [sic] and Ireland, which declaration is as false as it is unfounded, he the said E.M.B______tt swears to the contrary and in consequence of this abominable falsehood in the presence of a Mr Mc S______y &c &c he was yesterday compelled to read aloud from the sixth book of the Æneid, and tormented most desperately. Sam has come and I am going for the first time walk, tomorrow I am to go with Sam to school. I must wish you good bye.

Ever believe me

your affectionately attached

Bro.

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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