1628. RB to Henry William Field
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 9, 16.
New Cross, Hatcham, Surrey.
June 14. 1844.
My dear Sir,
Mr Carlyle has commissioned me to say, that he fears he has not succeeded in making you acquainted with his precise object in regard to the Autograph Letter of Cromwell, [1] on the subject of which you so kindly communicated with him a few weeks ago: he apprehends you may suppose that his business is with all of the interesting documents, illustrative drawings, &c. which you mention—whereas his only concern is with the letter itself, of which a copy will greatly oblige him; a pre-eminent feature in the work on which he is engaged, being the number of similar inedited manuscript papers of the Protector, contributed by some of the most distinguished personages in the Country.
He desires me, therefore, to beg on his part that you will have the goodness either to furnish him with an accurate copy of the Letter, or to allow me to call on you, at any time you may appoint, and make one—Mr Carlyle’s engagements unfortunately precluding the possibility of his visiting you in person. He will however be happy to see you any morning after 2. p.m.
Pray believe me,
My dear Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Robert Browning.
H. W. Field Esqre
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: University of Texas.
1. For the background to this request, see Carlyle’s letter to RB (no. 1612).
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