6061. Frederic Chapman to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 319.

193. Piccadilly, London. W.

May 21. 1868

My dear Mr. Browning,

Many thanks for your letter. I have no wish to hurry Mr Smith, but as I had no reply to mine of March 26 (a copy of which I Enclose) I felt bound to write to you–

I think that we have been doing pretty well with your books this half year, considering how dull business has been.

As soon as the half year closes I will send you the usual statement[.]

Ys very truly

Fred Chapman

Address: Robert Browning Esq / 19 Warwick Crescent / Upper Westbourne Terrace / W.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Manuscripts Division, New York Public Library.

Enclosure:

Copy

March 26. 1868

Dear Sirs

We are quite willing to submit to Mr. Geo: Bell [1] or any other person you may select, the Valuation of the Stock and stereotypes &c of Mr. & Mrs Brownings Poems–

The greater part of the Estimated Value sent to you the other day consisted of the stock of Mrs. Browning’s Poems, that in the course of 2 or 3 years would realise more than the Value we placed upon them.

Yrs faithy

C & H–

Messrs Smith Elder & Co.

1. George Bell (1814–90), publisher, of the firm Bell & Daldy, later (1873), George Bell & Sons.

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