Supporting Documents

SD104.  Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Philip Scarlett

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 309 (in part).

April 1808–

My dear Sir

I return you many thanks for your letter by the last Packet, it has relieved my mind of a great deal of anxiety in regard to the two Claimants on Oxford, I shall according to your advice always refer them and future ones to the Trustees. I thank you for your early attention to the wish I expressed of having Cocoanuts planted upon my Estates. From your advice to my Cousin and myself to settle our claims in an amicable and mutual release, it strikes me you consider the negroes upon Oxford as part of the property my Grandfather meant the Proprietor of Spring should relinquish as a compensation for the Money he himself had advanced on account of my Uncle’s Estate. If that was the Case I should make myself very easy, as the money my Grandfather pd. must be nearly double of any Claims they can possibly have against Oxford, But in turning to the last page of the Will you will find “that Parcels of Land and premises” are only particularized no mention is there of Negroes and therefore I much dread a decision against me, altho from what I have gathered there can be no doubt in whom is rested the real right. I will thank you to desire my Solicitors never to lose sight of the business as I am, afraid from the notorious Characters of the Opposite Party that they may steal a march upon us.

My Brother will send you by the present Packet a power of Attorney. Remember me to Mrs. S.

Yrs. most truly

EMB

As soon as you have had any conversation with H. Plummer in respect to his trust I will thank you to inform me and how I am likely to stand with with him.

Publication: None traced.

Source: File copy at Eton College Library.

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