SD116. Helen Woolery Melvin to Elizabeth Barrett Williams

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 309 (in part).

Hamp House

Bridgwater

Somerset

Oct 7th 1808–

Dear Aunt.

We have this Evening received a letter from Mr Mountague of Bristol who owns the Minerva, the Ship that our goods are gone in, he wishes to know if you intend insuring yours, the freight of the different articles sent by you I have annexed, I think you did wrong in buying Mahogany in the Country there being a very great duty thereon. Melvin has got the bill of lading and has paid Mr Mountague therefore you have no further business with him, We leave this for London next Thursday. We cannot possibly call on you in our way but will take an opportunity whilst in London[.] |Mr & Mrs| Chapman and Melvin unite with me in kind regards to yourself and Edward[.] Believe me to be your affectionate Niece

H W Melvin

PS– Mr Mountague has not mentioned your box of China, I should suppose by that it was not sent on board–

Address, on integral page: Mrs E B Williams / Epsom / Surrey.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

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