219. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 220–221.
[London]
[Postmark: 15 June 1825]
My dearest Bazy
You were no doubt surprised at not hearing from me for so long a time, but as I met my very great friend Mr Webb at the Bull and Mouth and he promised to convey the news of our safe arrival, [1] I thought there was no occasion to hurry myself particularly, in setting your anxious fears at rest for our safety, which I am sure must have been very strongly awakened. When we left you and arrived at Chances Pitch [2] we waited for more than a quarter of an hour for the Mail but when it arrived we were lucky enough to find two places vacant, and arrived in Worcester about half an hour before the London coach started, nothing of any importance happened to us all the way except that we both slept extremely well, and drank a very comfortable tea at Oxford, instead of arriving at the Bull and Mouth as we expected at seven we did not get in till past nine, when after a good breakfast we tumbled into a coach and got here a little before eleven. We met with a very civil reception from Russell who was not the least angry at our not returning in time.
We have had a letter from Treppy who talks of returning to Hastings very soon, but talks of coming to see us before they go. I must wish you good bye for the present, but shall spare a little more time to you next Saturday
Beleive me
your ever affectionate
Brozy ——
Remember me very kindly to Emily and Angela [3] and tell them I disspatched their letter immediately on our arrival, and I hope it has been safely received.——
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett / Hope End / Ledbury / Herefordshire——
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. A reference to meeting a neighbour, Richard Webb, and sending a message by him to Hope End.
2. A place on the turnpike road, about two miles from Hope End, where the public coach could be boarded en route from Ledbury to Worcester.
3. Emily and Angela Bayford, daughters of John and Frances Bayford, were visiting their cousins at Hope End.
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