4360. RB to Reuben Browning
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 88–89.
Rome, 43. Bocca di Leone.
March 17. ’59.
My dear Reuben,
I have to apologize for a matter having slipped my remembrance; Sarianna mentioned to me some weeks ago that you had not remitted to her the £25 I wrote about at Christmas [1] in consequence of there being an impediment to your receiving the Ship-money from Boddingtons: she says “the Executor who authorized the payments is dead, [2] and it will be necessary to have a renewed sanction from one of the surviving executors before the money can be had.” I know of no way to remedy this but to write a fresh application that the money they have apprized us is due, may be paid to you as the year before last—last year there was nothing to receive. Should there be some fresh difficulty, pray request them to state what they require should be done. You can show them your Power of Attorney to take our Bank Dividends. I am anxious that this business should be arranged and the £25 sent to Sarianna and if you will mention, when you next write, how our accounts exactly stand and what sum I ought to draw for next April, when the next dividends are due, I shall be much obliged. I drew on you Dec. 28. ’58. (thro’ Pakenham & Hooker) [3] for £40. to meet which would be the Jan. Div. and this £21.4.9 of Boddington—and any trifle from the E.C. Railway [4] that may have come to hand.
We are all very well and satiated with gaiety and abundance of company. My wife is particularly well, the boy well as usual. I trust all your family are as happily off. Do pray write a word. My wife’s affectionate regards go with those of
Yours ever gratefully
Robert Browning.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
2. i.e., John Kenyon. The “surviving executors” (i.e., trustees of the Brownings’ marriage settlement) were Henry Chorley and Joseph Arnould.
3. Banking firm at 20 Piazza di Spagna.
4. Eastern Counties Railway.
___________________
