SD923. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 337 (in part).
London
July 16. 1838.
My dear Sam
I write doubtingly, whether you have returned to Jamaica, or whether you may not be almost at our door– I write under this circumstance therefore very short, & only because you deserve to know my wishes as to the propriety of commencing Overseer on Cinnamon Hill. When I have again heard from you via New York, I will write more at large– I thought you had understood that your application as regards the Overseership had been acquiesced in by me, & why you should have questioned it now, I know not– I recollect one of your letters made this observation, that all your desires had been complied with by me, & I further recollect that the Overseership was certainly one of them– It certainly is a matter for consideration, whether it would be advisable for you immediatly to take the situation for the short time that must elapse previous to your leaving Jamaica; might it unsettle the Negroes’ minds, which I am told change inevitably does, but of this you must yourself be somewhat of a Judge, & previous to your decision you had perhaps better consult Mr Carey.
We are all very anxious to see you, particularly after the account you gave of your health; I think it is a great p<ity that> you did not come with Selby; America in Summer is even hotter than Jamaica, & therefore with the exception of the Voyage I fear you will scarcely derive much advantage from the change to your health– You did very right in sending over to Mr Carey the £600—you need not send the Vouchers– The Debts here are considerable I have already had sent in to the amount of £3000, & I greatly fear there are more, however there will be money enough to pay all, & I trust something to spare– I am sorry that you did not as soon as possible send me the Exemplification of the Will, as for want of it I was defeated before the Privy Council in asking for an early hearing of the appeal our Opponents had made against Ld Sligo’s Judgement, confirming McAnuff’s Report– I have written to Anderson to forward it as soon as possible. I sh<all en>close this to Mr Carey to give you if in Jamaica, otherwise to keep until your return– I write in great haste, & as I said very doubtingly & Believe me My Dear Son
Yrs very affectionately
E M Barrett–
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqre
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
___________________
