4963. RB to Frederic Chapman

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 231.

St. Enogat,

Sept 16. ’61.

Dear Chapman,

I have too long delayed thanking you for your exceedingly kind note, received six weeks ago: but the goodness which led you to write it will understand & forgive me.

I leave this place at the end of the week for Paris—where I only remain for a day or two– I shall then go to London. I have therefore to beg you to send the next “Athenæum” to me at 151. Rue de Grenelle, Faubourg St Germain, Paris.

You have acted very considerately with regard to the offer of any Portrait: with respect to a new Edition of the “Poems,” [1] we will arrange on my arrival. Meanwhile, do me the favour to send (to the address I have just given, the Account—which I am anxious to see at once[)].

You have quite misunderstood what I meant to say about the publication of new things of my own—at all events, I surely never spoke of “an advance”: we will talk it over in good time.

I should accept your offer to “make yourself useful” with great pleasure—but nothing occurs to me, for the moment, beyond the commissions I have just given you. Offer my best regards to Mr Chapman, & believe me

Yours very faithfully

Robert Browning.

Frederick Chapman Esq.

Your little friend is quite well & wishes to be kindly remembered to you.

Publication: NL, pp. 142–143 (as to Edward Chapman).

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.

1. Ellen Heaton had urged Chapman and Hall to reproduce the Field Talfourd portrait in their next edition of EBB’s poems (see SD2522 and letter 4979).

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