SD987. Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother) to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 348 (in part).
London
Febr 26th 1839
My ever dear Henrietta
So long a time has expired since I wrote to you that I hardly recollect in what tone to address you: Our correspondence has been interrupted, as I thought Arabellas letters to dear Ba, would be much more interesting than any nonsense I coul<d> concoct– I ha<v>e been doing little or nothing since I last wrote, for with the exception of a<n> occasional visit to the city, & a few speculative purchases I have made for the Jamaica Market, my time has been very unsatisfactorily disposed of: Indeed if I had not felt your time was much better occupied in your attendance on dear Ba, I should often have wished you were here, if only, as an object to torment: I must however forego this pleasure, & be satisfied with doing so by means such as these. It is rather doubtful by what conveyance you will receive this, for Treppy says the Governor starts for Torquay today, this however I much doubt as we have had no hint either direct or indirect that such is the case, & it is now past Eleven: He certainly likes dealing in mystery, & I fear before he shakes off such a fanciful taste he must change his nature; <You> shall however certainly read this tomorrow, that is, if your other numerous gay engagements will allow y<o>u to sacrifice a few moments for that pur<p>ose: Our gaieties here have been on a more humble scale, Yesterday I dined at a Bachelors dinner party consisting of 7 very agreeable people, & I assure you notwithstanding the absence of any of the fairer portion of Creation, we enjoyed ourselves as well as any of us could desire “champagne[“] being not a bad substitute for “Les d..s“: I dine on Thursday at Mr Valpys, & with an occasional visit by Arabell & Co to Treppys Tea & Punch table, we allow nothing to disturb our quiet domesticated habits: Jamaica discussions have been completely superseded by games of chess, & why? because I will not consent to consider the Governor and company ruined by the present aspect of Jamaica affairs; discussions of this kind have lately unpleasantly terminated, in my being told I know nothin<g> of the matter, am, by inference an ignora<mus>; & their cheerful op<i>nions expressed of my attain<ments,> I think I theref<or>e wisely consent to desert the argumenta<ti>ve for the Philidorian field, for I see no pros<p>ect of convincing him that he is not a fit member for the Queens Bench. I called with George a few days since on your friend Mrs Martin who was not at home, I have however a favorable report to forward of her Baby’s health: I called the same day on Mrs R. Biddulph and left cards there. I called on your intimate acquaintances the Deffells some time since & have neither seen or heard anything of them since, so am led to suppose my society is not desirable. I have tried several times to get into the House of C. but having failed Intend giving up any intention of going again: Mr Gosset I have seen but he has not called here yet. My time & paper being nearly at a close I must before it is too late remind you that I have recd one letter from you within the last month, & if you can be so liberal should not object to recieve [sic] one other next month. Mrs Newdick this morning informed me of numerous presents she had for me, is she not liberal? they are going to Germany shortly & wish Harry to give them a letter of introduction or two. My best love to all your party. I earnestly trust now the Spring is rapidly approaching our dear Ba may as rapidly rally, my most affectionate love to her Bell Arlette Cissy Jane &c & Believe
me my ever dear
Henrietta Yr affectionately
attached S M Barrett
For my instruction can you inform me if Bro’s head dress be atall diminished in quantity?
Address, on integral page: Miss H. Barrett / Beacon Terrace / Torquay / Devon.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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