92. EBB to Mary Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 81–82.
[Hope End]
[August 1819] [1]
My dearest Mama
To set your heart at ease at once from all anxiety I must leave all the flowery sentiments of oratory and relieve you with the welcome tidings that little Henry is a great deal better he slept last night without either coughing or waking—so much as he [h]as done since the unfortunate colds began. Bro Henrietta Sam Storm and George are equally improved in health and in that appendage to health—Spirits– As for myself the violent cough that I had when you were last here has not left me and I fear will accompagny [sic] me to the end of my life– My constitution and my appetite is as bad as ever! But do not be uneasy for you know that natural ill health generally continues to death so it is nothing outrée. [2] And have you really the assurance to suppose that in this short period of separation buried as we are amidst hills rocks and woods that we have any news or even scandal to regale your ears! Alas if you have I fear you will be terribly disapointed– Mr Mac Swiney is rather better I wish he was well: indeed his illness has not the best effects—those of preserving his natural good humour. Love to dearest Papa I dare say he is now wishing to be in his own dear home in spite of all the Hereford gaieties and our noise. If I was not writing to you I should be half tired for this pen is stiff and lazy & it requires great muscular exertion to drive it on– Pity me & forgive the shortness of this letter–
Ever your affecte child—
Elizabeth B Barrett
I hope to have a good deal of my Preface done by the time you return. [3] Thank you for your kind permission about the gooseberries
Address, on integral page: Mrs Barrett / Hotel / Hereford.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: British Library.
1. EBB’s mother and father were in Hereford, pursuing political interests. An oath “taken by those that are admitted Freemen or Guild-Merchants of the City of Hereford” was sworn by Edward Moulton-Barrett on 23 August 1819 (SD320).
2. “Excessive.”
3. Presumably that of The Battle of Marathon, published in the following year. The manuscript (Texas) is dated: “Hope End, 1819.” See Reconstruction, D69–70.
___________________
