SD983. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 346 (in part).
[Torquay]
[Postmark: 29 January 1839]
My dear Sam–
Here goes for a very little letter indeed, & a little for two good reasons,—first because this post will carry a long dispatch from Henrietta to some member of the Wimpole St division of the family, & secondly because it is past eleven o’clock, & my eyes have found it out–
The answer to your question, is easily given & need only occupy a very small space, & as “ex nihilo nihil fit” [1] no conclusion is to be drawn from it– The Govnr whilst he was here never said a word either about your coming down here, or your departure for Jamaica, I do not however see why this silence would form any impediment to your plan of visiting us; why not say to him at once, that you only paid us a flying visit on your way from Falmouth, that the time of your remaining in this country is fast drawing to a close, & that now there is accommodation for you here without inconveniencing any one? putting this & that together, I do not see how he can object to your coming, at all events if he has any sound objection to your doing so, he will tell you so & that will be more satisfactory than wasting your precious time by playing at see-saw with procrastination, & keeping us in so disagreable a state of expectation & suspense– Now do set about this directly & let us have the pleasure of introducing you to all the Torquay belles at Jane’s ball on Tuesday next; it will be a most desireable [sic] field of action for a young gentleman in your peculiar situation, for out of what G. Robins would call “the numberless beauties in which the place abounds” you will have an opportunity of selecting a long rib, a short rib, a round rib, a spare rib or any kind of rib your taste may demand, & that I promise you upon my magnanimity, without my forming any let or hindrance to your choice wherever it may fall– Henrietta desires me to beg that some one of you will procure for her at the usual place in Regent St a pair of white satin shoes No 52 (in anticipation of three balls white satin shoes are looking up here, & hers are looking out at the toes,) she wishes likewise for a pair of long Kid gloves, & desires that both these articles may be put under the same cover as is to contain the yellow satin which Bell has sent for in the other letter of today– Well you bring down with you for me a pair of boots from Judd’s of that convenient substance which will enable to me wear them either in the morning or eveng. of course rather thin– My candle is getting low, my paper is getting full & I am getting starved, so with poor Tom I must “get to my cold bed & warm me—” before doing which I have just room & patience to subscribe myself
Your affecte
Bro–
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqre / 52 George St / Portman Sqre / London.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Nothing comes from nothing.
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