SD1007. John Altham Graham-Clarke, Jr. to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 351 (in part).
Frocester. Stroud.
June 3rd [1839]
Dear Sam–
It was a matter of a very agreeable surprize to me, to receive your letter, which having gone round by Kinnersley only arrived yesterday morning– As to our being men of sense, in taking time for consideration in our correspondence, I am sorry that such a tortoise-like system of things meets with your approbation, inasmuch as it angers, but little in favour of a quicker circulation. I shall not however be quite so methodical in my proceedings, so here goes for a most ”x-temporaneous xtravaganza[.]” My pen is something like a high trotting horse, he runs away with me, & the links of my curb chain being broken, he bumps away with me to the no small confusion of my head piece, from the constant pounding à posteriori. I make a fresh trip into the world out of my present snail-shell, (for I believe I could carry the house on my back with furniture and all other appurtenances) on saturday next in order to be present at the grand commemoration, festification jollification rabandsurlification, botheration, with ations & “rations[”] whatever, (which last I consider the most rational word of the lot[)], to be enacted in Oxford in the beginning of the week next ensuing– Balls, concerts, routs, masquerades, donnish fooleries, & undergraduate flarings up all mixed in the same dish, a pretty compound of ingredients for an Irish or English, or British stew. “Oh sich a getting up stairs and playing on the fiddle oh–” Next I intend running up to see the boat race at Henley which will we [sic] worth seeing I should think the grandest thing in the rowing live ever witnessed– Open to all England. Oxford has entered 5 8 Oared boats, Cambridge 1—Etonian Club 1—Eton 1—The Leander, & I believe the guards. I suppose I shall see some of your party there. If not perhaps—but I shall say no more, The governor liketh not to hear of me roving about further than my letter goeth, otherwise perhaps—that word carries a good deal in it. It is pronounced sooner than that once celebrated paragon of brevity in so much repute among our ancestors and even ourselves during our Schoolboy days, “Jack Robinson”; Perhaps or vulgo P’raps and that one little trifling motion of the lips which serves as its master of the ceremonies, to introduce it to the understanding make carry a signification of two hours duration possibly more. Strange instance of human invention a regular Bus load of ideas in one syllable. My brother thanks, I can assure you in most heartfelt terms, for your kind enquiries after him since his most serious and alarming accident, viz his safe deliverance from the pains and perils of a stiff examination and a head disordered by repletion. He came down here after it was over in a very weakly state for change of air, which so much revived him that he (I think it ought to be she) was enabled to get up again (|pr.| Mazeppa.) and to put on his gown, since which joyous event he has been revelling in the sunshine of the country like a juvenile butterfly– When do you set sail, I hope not yet, could you afford time to run down to Oxford & see the fun, I can provide you plenty of quarters and as much in the eating drinking or any other way you may desire come down if only for a day, you will find me in Brazenose or at least you will hear something of me, and then like some of the old musty lexicographers we may sit down and discuss the meaning of that important word “perhaps” over a bottle of somebody’s best port. The Boatrace at Henley will be really worth seeing if you cannot come to Oxford. You will be surprized to see the bearer of this who starts this evening I cannot exclaiming with Sam Veller “What’s the old un up to now?[”] I should like to set my eyes on the light of your countenance for perhaps (that word haunts me you see) I might take it into my restless pericranium to start and steam it down to Jamaica, and visit you at your mansion & look at the governors (if he has one[)], and on this issue is joined their being a dispute amongst the know-nothings which might end in a quarrel did not “perhaps” come to the rescue and then yellow Jack and word, but that is a perhaps with a vengeance. What are the odds on this Calten Gentleman? Who’ll bet.? Are these mighty matters I want to know? Perhaps we may meet? I hope on that score. Perhaps you may hear from me, you may dread a collection of nonsense my pen runs away with me. Perhaps I from you which will please me much. With my kindest regards to all separately and collectively believe me in haste.
Your very affectionate cousin
J A G Clarke Jr.
Address, on integral page: Saml. M. Barrett Esqre / 50. Wimpole St.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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