5272. John Forster to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 288–289.

[?London]

[early September 1863] [1]

<***> get myself now into the position of one reading it for first time—but certainly I can see that gleam of light come streaming down from the headlines–

You kindly said that your good father would look out for my wanting volumes of the “Supplément” to the Biographie Universelle. [2] My last vol is the 74th of the Supplément. I want from, and including, Vol 75 to the end: and I will gladly give a reasonable price for them. [3]

The publisher (now I believe dead) was

“Michaud—Rue du hasard

Richelieu—13–”

Perhaps all necessary information is here given–

All happiness to you & yours My dear RB—and an early & happy meeting to us once more! Most Affecte regards to yr Sister & Father[.]

Ever Affectionately yrs

John Forster

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.

1. Dating based on Forster’s request for “volumes of the ‘Supplément’” (see note 3 below).

2. Biographie Universelle, ancienne et moderne (52 vols., 1811–28) was published in Paris by Louis Gabriel Michaud (1773–1858). Four volumes on mythology were added (1832–33), then 29 supplemental volumes (1834–62).

3. Forster’s request was passed on to Joseph Milsand. In a letter to him, dated 12 September [1863], Sarianna writes: “Many thanks for your kindness in attending to Forster’s commission” (see SD2657).

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