5136. RB to William James Linton

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 160–161.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Harrow Road.

Nov. 20. ’62

Sir, [1]

I beg to say that Mr Landor desires me to transfer to you Two Pictures [2] which he lately sent from Florence with instructions to “sell them without reserve and deduct the expenses of packing & transport from Florence”:

these are as follows—

£. s. d.

Aug: 24. Case and packing, (28 francs)= 1. 2. 6

Oct. 15. Agent’s Bill, viz:

Disbursements 2. 14. 4

Freight 7. 6

Customs Entry & Stamps 3. 6

Lighterage & Landing charges 8. 6

Examination & coopering 3.

Rent, Three weeks & loading 4.

Cartage 7. 6

Agency & clearing 5

Oct. 17. Carpenter opening case &c 2. 6

£5. 18. 4

Should you accept the pictures, subject to this deduction, they are at your service: I shall be much obliged by a word on the subject at your earliest convenience, as, in the event of a decision to the contrary, I will comply with Mr Landor’s original desire and endeavour, by selling the pictures at once, to recover, or partially meet at least, the charges to which he is liable.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient, humble Servant,

Robert Browning.

—Linton Esq.

Gang Moor House,

Hampstead.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. William James Linton (1812–97); see letter 3978, note 13.

2. “The Last Judgement” and “Christ and St. Peter on the Coast of Galilee.”

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