4976. Walter Savage Landor to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 245.
[Florence]
[?8 October] [1861] [1]
Dear Browning, I find my strength decaying so rapidly, by total want of sleep and of appetite, that I think it impossible I can live thro’ the winter. Two of my sons, Walter and Charles, are very different from Arnold and from their mother and sister. It is equally my duty and wish that they secure for themselves what Arnold promist in writing. It is 500 a year. They would be contented with 150 each, but even this he refuses to pay. Julia, who follows the steps of her mother is sufficiently provided for. —My dear mother has been dead 42 years, [2] and what could be saved out of my encreast income was recieved by Mr W. Landor [3] for younger children. He has given no account of it. My good brother Henry proposed this. Surely in 37 years somewhat must be due, with interest. I am unwilling to trouble my brother with a letter on business, but as you are in correspondence with him, I hope you will add another to your many acts of kindness and speedily send this to him with every expression of my gratitude and love.
Yours affectionately
W. S. Landor.
Publication: BBIS-5, p. 51 (without assigned date).
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Conjectural date based on Landor’s reference to his mother’s death (see note 2 below) and to his son Arnold’s promise to pay an annuity of £150 to his (Arnold’s) brothers (see letter 4944).
2. Sic, for 32. Landor’s mother, Elizabeth Landor (née Savage, 1743–1829) died on 8 October 1829.
3. Walter Landor (1782–1864); see letter 4452, note 3.
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