45. Elizabeth Moulton to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 36–37.
[?London]
[ca. May 1817] [1]
Thanks My Beloved Ba for your kind and charming Letter, it was read over two or three times– I have sent you six slips to wear under your frocks, you are now too big to go without them & they will also keep you warm—if they are too long or want any other alteration Dr Mama will let Maddox [2] do them for you also two frocks one for Harry, 7 India Handkerchiefs for Dr Papa, My Love to him tell him I hope he does not expose himself to this damp Weather if he does he may depend his pains will be as violent as ever– Our sweet Storm is ever in my thoughts, Dr George Goodin & himself must be a charming pair; the latter must now run all about, I shd think begin to talk—pray how comes on bro [3] & Sam– You my Sweet Ba dont say a word about your Musick—Harry I know is fond of it & therefore must in time play well, she is a dear good Girl.——
Your friend Trip is now writing you, you must write her & explain what you want, & you will have it——
Now My darling Child you must allow me to say I think you are too big to attempt fighting with Bro, He might give you an unlucky Blow on your neck which might be serious to you. He is strong & powerful– I have seen him very rude & boisterous to you & Harry He is now a big Boy fit only to associate with Boys, not girls– Give my Love to him & all our dear Pets Kiss & Love Storm, George Goodin for me– Trip joins me in Love to dear Mama, Papa–
Dearest Ba—
your truly affectionate GrdMama
EM–
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett.
Publication: B-GB, pp. 337–338.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. Dated by reference to EBB’s brother George Goodin Moulton-Barrett, who was born on 15 July 1816.
2. Mary Maddox, who acted as dressmaker and seamstress for the Moulton-Barretts. She was the subject of a poem by EBB, published in HUP, I, 128.
3. Underscored three times.
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