4689. RB to Thomas Woolner

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 43.

Florence.

June 15. ’60.

Dear Woolner,

I happen to have an occasion of sending to England. I was your debtor for a long, kind—most welcome letter, introducing Mr Wilson to us. [1] I don’t write often, & may easily do myself great injustice—but not, I really think, in your mind—so fresh is its kindness in my memory. I follow your career with true delight, as I see one work succeed another in the registry of the newspapers—but I need no assurance of your genius.

Will you like to have, for our sakes, these photographs, [2] just done in Rome? The horseman is Pen on his pony, from a capital little painting by Hamilton Wild, an American artist of achievement & promise besides.

We have just returned from Rome—& go presently to Siena for the hot months. Anything directed here will reach us—who knows but you may goodnaturedly incline to write? There is no England for us this year—but next year, if all goes as we hope, you will see us again. Meantime be sure of the true regard of my wife &

of yours most sincerely ever,

Robert Browning.

You will find the photographs left for you at Chapman’s, 193 Piccadilly.

Publication: LRB, pp. 54–55.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Edward Wilson; see letter 4581, note 1.

2. Presumably, RB meant to send, in addition to the photograph of the Wild painting, the same photographs that were being sent to other friends and family members (see, for example, letter 4680, note 5). However, see the second paragraph in letter 4724.

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