SD899. Richard Barrett (1789–1839) to John F. Badley

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 336 (in part).

Moneague

April 25. 1838

My dear Badley

So, if a man with an income of 9000 a year lays out 3000 on landed property, he causes a stir amongst his neighbours– Is it this you |dream| in the Recr Genls timidity– He does not wish to buy, & that is a good reason– By the bye did the Recr Genl get Ewart’s receipt for the 100£–

I certainly did not understand you & [illegible word] & I beg to be enlightened therein.

Did any one ever have before wonder expressed at the desire of a man to acquire Landed property– I consider it as the most secure of all investments far more so, than the English |pound|– I have not yet more than 11250 acres– If I live I shall buy more & more, because the more I buy the greater my disposable income– I have 10,000 a year more than I spend—shall I send it to be invested in New York Fire insurance shares, or in a Kentucky Bank, or in |Monte| Canal shares? No—I answer timid persons, & I like to see what I buy—& land is a very conspicuous object[.]

Address, on integral page: J F Badley Esqr / Recr Genls Office / Kingston.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

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