SD996. Arabella Graham-Clarke (aunt) to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 349 (in part).
3 Beacon Terrace
[1 April 1839] [1]
My dearest Sam–
Thank you for your kind few lines, and your Willingness to be of use to your Uncle & Aunt She objects as much as yourself to any Espionage but clings to the hope of your having the goodness to forward your opinion, whenever you may have an opportunity of forming it, of either or both the Properties as I am so little Conversant with all business I will state her wishes in her own words. That your Superior understanding and judgement may read them more clearly than I would pen them!! I should be really obliged to Sam if he could at anytime look at those Properties White Hall & Mount Tirzah & give us his opinion of what they are, and what they are Considered in the Neighbourhood by those who know them; pray observe that I an far from Suggesting to Sam to ask any questions or do any thing that may cause suspicion to those who have the charge of the Estates nor would I for a moment Subject him to being a Spy, but I think every reasonable person will allow it fair for us to request a relative residing in The Island to look at a Property we are never likely to see, if it fall in his way in travelling both W. Hall & Mt Tirzah are I believe in Westmorland The latter near Savannah le Mar. The other distant more than 20 Miles. Mt Tirzah in Consequence of the late change is wholly thrown up, all the Stock & valuables removed to Wt Hall; the land therefore will soon be a Wilderness as it is said to require More Money than would be Convenient to reinstate it as a pen or Sugar Work. So much has it been neglected that for years past it has only Served for jobbing Negroes & Mr Atkinson has advised its being Sold either in Lots or any way than can be Managed to avoid further loss. White Hall has had 256 acres added to it within the last year, and is Said to be improving annually altho’ Mr Hutton’s Statement by last packet was anything but favorable. Mr Atkinson informs us that Mr Hutton was desirous of purchasing it before The change took place, and it Now Seems he wants to Lease it, neither of which proposals will be listened to. Mr Atkinson’s advice is to Sell when you can obtain a Sufficient number of year’s purchase, but that will not be got awhile. We have had little to rejoice in our Agents hitherto So that one becomes a little wary & unbelieving– Now dear Sam these are her statements, and I leave you to draw your own opinion there from. if you can give her any advice before you return to Jamaica I wish you would sent it to me. This I confess is begging a favor with your eye Shut but perhaps you may know Something of Mr Hutton’s character both as regards his honor & knowledge. I am glad my dearest Sam you are Still in England as I do hope I May have The happiness of Seeing you before you bid adieu to it but whether we Meet or not, My Most anxious wishes & prayers for your Welfare & peace will ever attend you– I am sure you will all rejoice that dearest Ba is so nicely & that Dr Barry pronounced her yesterday to be improving during The last fortnight but Henrietta is writing So I will not say More on the subject of our dearest Ba in case by Comparing our bulletins any variation Might cause doubts: we are almost washed away by rain Night and day Since Friday. Arlette & Sissy are just gone to Spend This Easter Monday with Jane and Their Cousins but I am sure I may give their love to you & thanks for your remembrance of them– Now dear Sam do not think me toublesome in writing This sheet on White Hall &cc but I have great faith in yr opinion & still greater in yr affectionate kindness which you have ever shewn towards me. My best love to all around you ever dearest Sam.
Yr aft attached
Arabella Graham Clarke
How is dear Setty after his visit here.? We miss him very much & I hope he & others will come again[.] Tell dearest Arabel with my kind love I do not write to her because she hears so regularly from Henrietta–
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Dated by reference to Easter Monday and Sam’s departure.
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