Correspondence

1725.  Harriet Martineau to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 9, 163–164.

Septr 28. 1844

My dear Miss Barrett

I am ordered to be a good woman, & not write letters, & I mean to obey—but little notes may be an exception. I must just tell you that I exceedingly enjoyed your last, & can send you an account, to repose on with pleasure till you hear next–

I have a Bonnet now! Yea & a Parasol!! Shoes, gloves, & shawls I had happily not given away– My mesmerist here proposes that my Bonnet be exhibited on the Flag staff of the Garrison, like the cap of liberty [1] on a pole, in glorification of her wit– It is no joke however that I walk a mile with ease, & bask on a headland like the youngest person in Tynemouth. I have no feelings of illness—only of infirmity—& natural remains of nervous weakness when business accumulates on my hands—but we mean to discountenance all business, & devote ourselves to fresh air & sunshine so long as the season permits. Think of us thus dear friend, & be thankful with & for us. Yes, I really think I shall give you a call some day—but I will not speak of the future now—for the present is enough. One thing in the past I grieve over—in our past—that I put you in a fidget by my delay in writing. It was wrong—but it would not have been if I could have conceived how you would care for that letter. Oh! that you could write to me of a more rapid convalescence—& I should not despair of it, if the same means were used—but I do not know enough of them to say much. You understand that I do not make sure of cure, as some of my friends naturally, but hastily do—the fact is we do not think about it—and now goodnight– Give your Flush a caress for me– I think of him whenever I meet a Dog in my walks, tho’ perhaps he may turn up his nose at this compliment–

Yours affectely

H. Martineau. [2]

Address: Miss Barrett / 50 Wimpole Street / London.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. A symbol of freedom given to Roman slaves when they had been freed; it was usually a small Phrygian cap of red felt.

2. Signature is in Miss Martineau’s hand.

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