3283. EBB to Sarah Blake Shaw

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 330.

Casa Guidi

Saturday– [?5 November] [1853] [1]

My dear Mrs Shaw, [2]

I am very disappointed about the decision for tonight, even though it may be wise perhaps. One’s wisdom seldom consoles one for one’s misfortunes, you know. Do at least let me see you as often as possible in the mornings–

We send Tennyson—& I remain

affectionately yours

Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. The Brownings met the Shaws sometime after the former’s return to Florence from Bagni di Lucca on 10 October 1853 but before their departure for Rome on 15 November. Of the five Saturdays between those two dates, we suggest 5 November.

2. Sarah Blake Shaw (née Sturgis, 1815–1902), second daughter and third child of Nathaniel Russell Sturgis (1779–1856), a successful Boston merchant with a sizable East Indies trade, and his wife Susan (née Parkman, 1780–1827). In 1835 she married her half first cousin Francis George Shaw (1809–82), son of wealthy Bostonian Robert Gould Shaw (see letter 3262, note 12) and one of the principal figures in the abolitionist movement. The Shaws, both of whom were friends with Margaret Fuller and other Transcendentalists, had been travelling in Europe with their children since 1851. They had four daughters and one son. The latter, another Robert Gould Shaw (1837–63), became famous during the Civil War for commanding the 54th Regiment, which consisted of African-American soldiers.

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