5179. RB to John Frazer Corkran
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 205.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Harrow Road.
Feb: 20, ’63
My dear Mr Corkran,
If I could have got at Forster, whose influence with Mr Wills [1] must be considerable, he would have helped us, I know—but he is in the country to-day, and you expressly say that promptitude is desirable in this case—so I send such a note as I can– I who am not quite sure that I ever saw Mr W.—but I fancy I did, and will take the chance gladly.
Why not go to Chapman? He may be something loose-brained, but generous he is—and just, with a little reminder, he will be, I hope & believe: I will add my word, but a word, spoken or written, of your own cannot but have a good effect: I am certain he intends to publish it [2] —and now is the favorable time. I am writing in great haste, in order to save the post—having, as it is, lost a day,—which you must forgive. When Forster returns I will get him to do what he can: he is most kind and well-disposed toward you. I shall only have time to wish you heartily good fortune, & write my note to Wills[.]
Ever yours most truly
Robt Browning.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. William Henry Wills (1810–80), assistant editor of Household Words and All the Year Round and confidant of Charles Dickens. He was also a friend of John Forster, under whom he had been assistant editor of The Daily News.
2. Bertha’s Repentance (see letter 5138, note 2).
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