SD980. Samuel Goodin Barrett to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 345 (in part).
Schawfd
Jany 15th [1839]
My dear Sam
I fully intended to have written to you by the last packt but unfortunately I was layed up in Town with an attack of Fever & Erysipilus caught by my own imprudence in not changing my wet shoes after descending from the Blue Mountain Peak– I am now quite recovered by having had recourse to bountiful doses of Quinine– I have delivered yr messages to Carey, & Tinkler, the former I saw yesty at Falmouth & a sad account he gives of the Attorneyships under his charge. With regard to your Fathers properties little or no labour has he been able to obtain till last Monday at Cin hill they turned out very strong on Job work. I believe there were upwards of 90 at work cleaning the cane pieces & at moderate wages– Several Estates have commensed crop but have been obliged to stop in consequence of a strike for higher wages—on some Estates (Holland one) they have demanded 3/4 & 5/ for 9 hours– Irving |house| the same[.] I have not yet commenced although I have canes ready here that shd have been cut in Novr It is no use to attempt it, to be liable to yr yard being full of canes & not to be able to grind them off. I can assure you that this Island is in a most deplorable state & how the ensuing crop is to be taken off the ground I know not, even at a 1/9 a day, I doubt at the present reduced price of Sugar whether the proprietor will receive any profit.
There is one mode & the only one, & which every proprietor must have recourse to & that is to take away all grounds, the labourers will then be entirely dependant on the landowners for support & he will then be induced to work for fair & equitable wages.
Sam Williams wishes me to inform you that Mr Carey has refused to pay him any wages as his name is not down in his book– He was in Town with me I got him as all my servants were laid up with fever & sickness– Mrs Richd had been nearly walking off the irons but has now recovered– I hope you will soon come out Carey I think wishes it as much as I do as the Negroes at Cin Hill expect you are to be there [sic, for their] Basha, & are not steady under Hawes & will enter into no agreement till you come[.]
I saw your boxes, packages, Cigars &c at Harry & Darrells & have ordered them to be shipped to me at Montego Bay– I have taken the liberty [1] to put your name down for a £5/1s/8p as yr subscription to the St James races I was pestered by numerous applicants to do so. I guess I shall not be paid. Remember me most kindly to all yr circle wishing them many happy returns of the Season— Minto has arrived. I wish Bro wld come out we should then be able to have a small society & a conversationy [sic] of our own– Edward & Richard are arrived I have not yet seen them– I wish you could procure Sir Lionel Smiths recall & the dismissal of the Special Magistrates & if we are to have the latter to oppress us—let a new batch be sent out composed of Gentleman that ar<e Bar>risters & are well acquainted with the com<mon> Law of Engd I have an action out against <…> 2 in this parish for false imprisonment they incarcerated my two head people & my bookeeper. I have a capital case I have obtained Middletons opinion, damages 1000£ I am going for– Will you obtain for me the following articles, if you apply to my brother in law Matt Bell 6 Alfred Place Bedford Sqr he will pay for them– Procure them at Savoy & Sons Cornhill
2 pair plain threaded pattern candlesticks with 2 pair shades each
12 inches high candlesticks & plated
6 Table Spoons
6 ditto Forks
6 Tea Spoons Plated in German
6 dessert ditto Silver & Fid Pattern
6 ditto Forks
1 Mustard spoon
2 Salt Spoons
Will you take the trouble to call at Mc Dowalls boot Maker Regent St. & ask him if he intends to send me any boots I have written to him twice to do so, & he has never yet done it I wish 3 pair of riding boots & one pair of dress– Your God son has grown a strapping boy you will not recognize him again– Maria desires to be kindly remembered to you– Richd is moving about make a small quantum of noise[.]
Ever my dear Sam
Yours Very Sincerely
S G Barrett
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqr / 50 Wimpole St. / London.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Underscored three times.
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