SD9. Judith Barrett to Elizabeth Barrett Williams
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 304 (in part).
St James’ Jamca
16th Novr 1793.
My dear Niece!
I was extremely gratified at the receipt of your Letter, as it informed me of Pinkey’s being in good health and also your own family, & as it is a long time since I heard from you.– The Long Passage which this pacquet had out (8 weeks) made us very uneasy for fear She might have been taken;—if that had happened, our anxiety to hear of Sammy’s Safe arrival at Liverpool, would not have been removed till the next. We perceive by the Papers, the Barrett is arrived, and as Mr Gallimore saw him during the Voyage quite well, We hope he is still so. I imagine that your Cousin George has recd a Letter from the Captain—he is at present in Sp. Town attending the Assembly & we shall hear from him in 2 Days.–
I become every day more desirous to see my dear little Pinkey; but as I cannot gratify myself with the Original, I must beg the favor of You to have her picture drawn at full length by one of the best Masters, in an easy Careless attitude. As your Taste & Judgment cannot be excell’d, I leave her Dress to You.– You will therefore be so kind as to inform me by the first pacquet after you receive this, what the Amount will be, and I will get a Bill & send You as soon as possible.– I shall expect it out as soon as the paint is well dried & Seasoned– Let the frame be handsome & neat.
I am concern’d to learn that Mrs Gallimore still continues so ill.—a Voyage to this Island might perhaps restore her health.– Remember me Kindly to her and also to Helen—tell the latter her two Girls are quite well, as deserving and as pretty as ever.—they are now at Blue Hole with their G.Mama, who with the rest of the family are now hearty.– I saw Young O’Connor a few Days before the fleet sail’d. If Margery accepts of him I don’t think she will gain an Extraordinary good match.– He appears a Chip of the old Block with respect to the Glass.–
I congratulate you on the Health of all my little friends.– God bless them!– Kiss them for me– Sam is in Town with his Brother George. He was chosen Member for Trelawny the 6th inst. unanimously.– He is quite well.– Betsy joins me in best wishes & most grateful remembrances to Yourself & all your good family, & the rest of our friends. & I remain my dear niece
Your sincere & affect. aunt
J Barrett
I have mentioned to Mrs Fenwick to let Pinkey go as often as is necessary to sit for her picture.– When it comes, We shall then have an oppy of seeing your Elegant Taste.–
Mrs Williams
Address, on integral page: Mrs Williams / Richmond Hill, / Surry.
Publication: Philip Kelley and Ronald Hudson, “New Light on Sir Thomas Lawrence’s ‘Pinkie’,” The Huntington Library Quarterly, 28 (May 1965), 257 (in part).
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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