3850. RB to William Cornwallis Cartwright

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 42–43.

Ventnor, I. of Wight.

Aug 29. ’56.

My dear Cartwright,

I would not answer your first note till I could see Chapman: [1] this was difficult from his absences in the country: I called twice in vain,—at last he called on me– He had not altogether made up his editorial mind as to the acceptance of the article [2] —but was far from deciding against it. If I read the purposes in his face and guarded speech rightly, the Article will appear: he said, “You may conjecture what you like on your own responsibility”—so I do– He was to give you another & final reading, and then write to you of the result–

Next day, I was carried off hither by my wife & her sister: we had heard of you just before,—one or two days before,—from Mrs Sartoris: I was determined to go, &, if possible, bring my wife, room for her or no room: but poor Arabel Barrett’s pathos at having to go away for so long (she & her Brothers have a house here till November—& then we shall be far enough away)—this beat me fairly: we stay till next Saturday week & then go to Cowes for some days: on our return,—if I can go and see you, be sure I will—be sure I will profit by such kindness as yours if I can– My wifes kindest regards to Mrs Cartwright [3] go with those of

Yours ever affectionately

R Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Northamptonshire Record Office.

1. John Chapman (1821–94), owner and editor of The Westminster Review.

2. Unidentified. The first article attributed to Cartwright in The Westminster Review, according to The Wellesley Index to Victorian Periodicals, appeared in the April 1859 issue. The first article attributed to him in any publication, according to The Wellesley Index, appeared in the February 1858 issue of The North British Review.

3. Clementine Cartwright (1822–90).

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