SD960. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Messrs. Anderson & Kemble
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 342 (in part).
London
Novr 30. 1838
Dear Sirs
Having heard from my Son that our Opponents had made him, as Executor to my Brother, a Defendant in the Suit, & considering it altogether an act on their part of vexation in order to keep up the double expence of resisting their attacks, I had desired him to write to Mr Aikman to demure to the Bill & ask for his costs; my surprise was consequently great when I received your letter of the 13th Octr informing me that it was by your act that it had been done, the policy of which I do not quite understand; certainly if my Brother had left another than myself heir to his Property unentailed, there might have been prudence in bringing him in to divide the expence, but seeing I am in possession of all that was his, I should certainly have preferred being spared the charge of paying my Son’s expences, which of course I must do now. But I dare say that you will be able to afford me a satisfactory reason for the step. If you however agree with me upon further consideration that the thing be better undone, perhaps you will see Mr Aikman to whom my Son will not now write, & beg him in behalf of my Son to take the necessary measures, which the case requires.
An intimation has also been given us to prepare for a proposition to be sent from Jamaica towards a compromise, with a [illegible word] under circumstances to spare expences & stay proceedings, to which we replied that we were open to an offer, but the delay which had ensued, altogether owing to them, we were not disposed to [illegible word] it continue; since this another Packet has arrived but no terms yet, the fact is I suppose this, as well as that of last year, about which I never heard any thing more, is only put out as a feeler & means nothing more or less– Perhaps there may be something in the communication of Mr R. Barrett’s Solicitor, for I dare say they would be glad to have the money out, in order to supply them with Funds to fight me but I am not so to be caught, or disposed to commit so suicidale [sic] [an] act on my self–
At length after getting your Copy by the Packet of the Case connected with the Wharf, the original Copy sent by some Gentleman was delivered, & that with all the Papers relative to the business are now before Counsel, & when I get the opinion I will write to you– I fear the result, the term being indefinite is against me, as well as the old argument & feeling, public policy– To Mr Gordon I delivered my Letter, who has cut off what related to himself–
I am, dear Sirs
Yr truly
E M Barrett–
Best regards to your Mr Anderson–
Publication: None traced.
Source: File copy at Eton College Library.
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