171. Thomas Campbell to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 169–170.
10 Upper Seymour Street West—London
Decr 1. 1822.
My dear young Lady
I addressd you in the sincerity of my heart when I applauded the symptoms of promising talent in the Ms which you first sent to me– [1] It was very natural for your youth & ingenuousness to throw yourself again on my confidence—& I should be most sorry if this communication in the least annoyed your feelings– There is no necessity that it should do so– I like you nothing the worse for a mistake originating in simplicity– But, it is a mistake to suppose that with an incessant succession of papers which I must read as a matter of business I can possibly admit of renewd applications for criticisms on the worths of young authors however promising they may be– I have neither eye-sight nor leisure for it– I return you therefore the Ms [2] —& remain
Your very sincere well-wisher
T. Campbell——
Address, on integral page: Miss E. B. Barnett [sic] —
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: National Library of Scotland.
2. Possibly of EBB’s poem “The Enchantress,” the fair copy of which is on paper watermarked 1822 (Reconstruction, D232).
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