221. EBB to James Graham-Clarke
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 222–224.
1 Kentish Buildings. [Hastings]
[Postmark: 12 November 1825]
My dearest James,
Hearing that you have been so very unwell, & finding that, from the purposed journey of all your dear companions, writing to them would be vain, I cant help sending you one line to enquire how you are. If it is fatiguing to you to answer this enquiry, you will make us uncomfortable by doing so, but otherwise you must not refuse to give us one bulletin (however short) of your health. In the health of one whose kindness to us has been so great, how could we feel otherwise than interested? Believe dearest James, that we are not ungrateful!
Henrietta and I have been four months from home, & our visit seems inclined even now to lengthen itself. Hope End letters make no very pathetic lamentations over our absence, & Hope End seems to do well enough without us. For ourselves we are as happy here as we well can be, eschewing every human discontent to good purpose. We find Hastings an exceedingly pleasant place, and our loved Granny more than kind—while letters from home, bringing us tidings of the health & well doing of all there, set our hearts quite at ease.
There has been a pleasant degree of romance in our situation during the last week,—inasmuch as this time last year the inhabitants of the house we inhabit were put to flight by a holy alliance between the sea before our windows & the adjacent river on our right. A like route seemed to be in reserve for us, when on waking this morning we found the meadows behind us completely flooded, & the sea advancing in three leagued boots. High tide has past however without attempting our security, a little to my disappointment– We are in search of a more sheltered habitation, but one much less attractive.
I hear constantly from the Bayford’s who speak of you with eloquent gratitude. And indeed dearest James the extreme kindness with which you lent yourself to our convenience must be long remembered by all of us. We spent some happy days, and had to thank you for so spending them.
Have you met with Southey’s new Poem “The Tale of Paraguay[”]? The extracts I have seen delight me maugre the reviewing commentary which speaks I think much too harshly and partially. If I do not mistake, the style appears to be a remarkably good imitation of “Gertrude,” given with a high degree of Campbell’s characteristic feeling. One line delights me, & I must mention it; because I admire it myself, & because it seems to be admired by no one else!
“With a slow smile that touched him to the heart”. [1]
I think the epithet exquisite!–
We long to hear thro’ Mama, that all the dear Travellers have reached Cheltenham, in safety, & well doing. Henrietta, Bro, (who leaves this place shortly for school) Granny & Trippy tell me to say every thing affectionate from them to you!
Believe me, dearest James,
Yours always affectionately
E B Barrett.
I open my letter to tell you with Granny’s love .. “that October is past, & the needful is wanted.” [2]
Addressed and franked by EBB’s uncle on integral page: London Novr twelve 1825 / James G. Clarke Esq / Fenham House / Newcastle on / Tyne / S M Barrett / [and in EBB’s hand on reverse when folded] James G Clarke Esqr / Fenham.
Docket, near foregoing addresses, in James Graham-Clarke’s hand: Ansd 8th Decr 1825
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. A Tale of Paraguay (1825), canto 4, v. 47.
2. Mrs. Moulton had been left an annuity by her brother, George Goodin Barrett (1760–95). His executor was his partner, Leonard Parkinson (John Altham Graham-Clarke’s father-in-law). After Parkinson’s death, responsibility for the payment of the annuity passed to the Graham-Clarkes.
Two paragraphs follow in the hand of Henrietta (SD543).
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