3478. EBB to Isa Blagden
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 324–325.
[Florence]
[mid-October 1854] [1]
Dearest Isa,
See what weather? How can one drive out in it—I at least? I am afraid of damp & cold.
But do come to us this evening, if it should be possible.
I heard from Capt Aidè last night that the Hendersons died from poison, not from cholera, & that the alarm was false– [2] On the other hand Mr Irving has been here this morning explaining to us that the “poison-story” is an agreeable fiction got up by the government in order to prevent the truth of the increase of the cholera interfering with the coming of winter visitors. He read a letter he had just received from the English consul at Leghorn– [3] Six persons of the Henderson household died suddenly of virulent cholera– You may believe this even though Annette Black [4] may ignore it altogether. Would it be wise in you under such circumstances to take a house at Leghorn—at fifteen pauls a month even? Do come this evening.
Ever your affectionate
Ba
Mr Norton is talking here.
Publication: B-IB, pp. 58–59.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
1. Dating suggested by EBB’s reference to the Henderson deaths (see note 2).
2. The Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh) of 23 October 1854 carried the following death notice: “Suddenly, at his residence, Villa Varsovano, Leghorn, on the 11th current, Thomas Henderson, Esq., merchant, Leghorn, and on the same day, his second son, Mr Thomas Henderson, junior” (p. 3). In a letter to Admiral and Mrs. John Pakenham, dated 21 October, Robert Maxwell Hanna indicated that Henderson and his son, along with “four of Mr. Henderson’s contadini” had died of cholera (Frances Julia Pakenham, Life Lines, 1862, p. 152).
3. Alexander Macbean (1790–1883) held this post from 1843 to 1882.
4. Frances Annette Black (afterwards Hayllar, 1835–1906), eldest daughter of Charles Christopher Black (1809–79) and his wife Catherine Frances Marcia (née Elderton, 1811–91).
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