4972. RB to Octavius Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 242.
7. Delamere Terrace.
Monday Mg [Postmark: 7 October 1861]
My dear Octavius–
Even in your own heavy affliction [1] —how heavy, God has given me to know—you will, I am sure, be anxious for a word from this sad house. Arabel bears up under this fresh calamity as only a Christian can & her grief has been poignant [2] —but her anxiety for the last two days was as much as she could well bear; and now that the worst has befallen you, the impulse to comfort you & yours is already taking possession of her mind, and will do her good. I will take care that you are spared this further anxiety and duly informed of her state.
I was to have gone into my own apartment to-day, but shall remain as long as I can hope to be of the least use: I remove to a few yards’ distance. To yourself, what should I venture to say? I know too well what you are called on to suffer. May God sustain you, and enable you to sustain those depending on you!
Ever yours most affectionately
Robert Browning.
Address: Octavius Moulton Barrett / Mr Gibb’s, / Parade / Taunton-Somerset.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Gordon E. Moulton-Barrett.
1. Octavius Moulton-Barrett’s wife, Charlotte (née McIntosh, 1829–61), died on 6 October of complications arising from the birth of their second son, Francis Altham Harry, who was born on 29 September. The child died three days after his mother on 9 October. In his journal, William Surtees Cook recorded Charlotte’s death. See SD2528.
2. Arabella had been close to the McIntoshes, especially Charlotte. They both attended James Stratten’s church, Paddington Chapel, and Arabella had stayed with the McIntoshes in September 1855 in order to spend time with EBB (see letter 3632, note 11).
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