4999. RB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 9.

1. Chichester Road,

Upper Westbourne Terrace,

Monday. [Postmark: 23 December 1861]

Dear Mrs Eckley,

Had I known whither to address my letter I would have thanked you at once for your great kindness in sending the Picture which arrived quite safely. [1]

I shall be sorry indeed if this miserable business of the “Trent” obliges you to leave England.

Love to your Husband & Boy from Peni as well as

Yours very faithfully

Robert Browning–

Address: Mrs Eckley, / Bath.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. A photograph of Michele Gordigiani’s 1859 portrait of EBB, which was commissioned by Mrs. Eckley. The portrait is reproduced in vol. 26 between pp. 208 and 209.

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