199. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 203.
[London]
[Postmark: 20 September 1824]
My dearest Bazy
I am to inform you that we arrived in town at five o’clock in spite of one or two of the little inconveniences which generally attend travelling, when we arrived in Cheltenham we got our tea and went to bed at nine o’clock by way of seasoning ourselves for the journey but I am sure I had twenty times rather have travelled all night than have slept in the bed they put us into, however to cut short a long story we had more bedfellows than were by any means pleasant, and we hardly either of us had a wink of sleep all night, for my own part I never closed my eyes, and I am sure Sam was not much better; but though this beyond doubt was bad enough, my new acquaintances formed such an attachment to me that I unknowingly carried a few away with me in the coach and I assure you I was most heartily tired of their company before we reached London; we went in new coach named the Berkeley hunt, which took us at a famous pace all the way, and as we arrived in London by five o’clock, I went to see Sam [1] on my way to Charter House, and staying with him some time we started once more and arrived here in excellent time. They seem to me to have made a very poor job indeed of the play ground, it is covered all over with gravel, but still retains the wet as much as ever, [2] and I dont think if left in this state it will ever be fit to play upon, McAdam I think has certainly completely failed here. My dearest Bazy I must now wish you good bye for dinner is just coming on the table.
Ever beleive me
your truly affect.
Brozy
Pray write directly.
Sam joins with me in love to all, and particularly happiness in all things to our sweet Ba
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqr MP. / Hope End / Ledbury / Herefordshire.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. i.e., uncle Sam.
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