4718. Alexander Munro to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 88–89.
[London]
6th August 1860
My dear Sir
I was immensely obliged for the kind remembrance which gave me these most interesting photographs [1] which have given joy to many a friend of mine here and to Mrs Browning I owe more thanks than this late acknowledgment may indicate—for the “Poems before Congress.” [2] which I appreciate all the more as giving the very view of L. N’s character which I have always been abused, if not stared at for entertaining– Spite of Savoy & Nice annexation he is the Saviour of Italy—and if any one is to be vilified in that affair surely the people who sold it should get the chief share of blame—but the idea of constitutional Sardinia being wrong can never be entertained by constitutional England. How I should like to have a talk on this subject with you and Mrs Browning!—and to go on to higher better subjects– I fear there is little likelihood of your being here this year—and my hope of getting to Italy cannot be realized before November when perhaps you will be going again to Rome—and where I shall, if alls well, certainly go too. I should indeed do so at the end of this month but for two or three things half done in clay, and which must not be left till finished: and then right joyfully I shall wend my way southwards hopeful of finding you all well and Pen grown not quite out of remembrance of me. In truth the photographs make me believe he is altered no other than in height—and except that Mrs Browning looks happily so much stronger—all your pictures were to me exactly the counterpart, of what they would have been if taken at Casa Guidi in November 1858. I can’t tell you how joyfully I look forward to the next November which I trust will again bring me near Casa Guidi and its happy recollections—how long do you remain at Siena? if I got away from London earlier I might find you there—but no, I am sure not to be able to leave before the last days of October, and so till then must live in hope & with all kind regards to Mrs Browning & dear Penni I am always
My dear Browning
most truly yours
Alex Munro
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: In private collection.
1. As indicated below, these photographs were probably the same ones EBB had been sending to other friends and family members (see letter 4680, note 5).
2. This presentation copy was in the possession of Katharine Macdonald, London, as of 2015.
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