SD1066. George Goodin Barrett (1792-1854) to Samuel Goodin Barrett
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 360 (in part).
J.U.S. Club, London
Oct 31. 1839
My dear Sam—I am sorry that rumors of the most unpleasant character have reached me, which it is but fair that I should make you acquainted with—as for myself I attach no credit to them, but regard them as the inventions of parties, who wish to set us at variance with each other; for I cannot believe that you would so greatly exceed your legal powers, or so wantonly seek to injure me, who have already so cruelly suffered by your Father. The rumors are two. 1st that you have made a sale of land (it signifies not how small a quantity) in St Anns. 2d that you have disposed of some of the capital stock there. Although I am [certain] that both acts would be illegal: that as regards the first, I can get back the land, inasmuch as it is I alone, who have the right of conveying it: and as regards the 2d I have my remedy against the Executors in a Court of law, nevertheless I should be grieved to enter into litigation with the Executors either individually or collectively. Their course, duties and powers are perfectly clear; about them there can be no mistake: they are plainly defined and strictly limited in your Uncle’s Will. What they [(]the Executors[)] have to do, and have the power of doing, is to take the proceeds, and no more, of the Estates & Penns, and apply them to the payment of the debts; and if they find them not sufficient to give you to early possession of Barrett Hall & Harding Hall as you may desire, to dispose by Auction of the personal property, “meaning the furniture, plate, horses, carriages, books and other such household & personal effects, always excepting that devised to Emily Gagnon.” I do wish to secure the personal effects, principally out of affection for my dear Brother’s memory, but partly out of Kindness to you, who I suppose will benefit most largely thereby, and do not care much how long I may have to wait for possession of the Penns, so that I attain that object: but I cannot consent to secure them if I am to be seriously injured in the meantime. However I do not at this moment believe one word of those reports, but regard then as wicked fictions spread abroad to set us by the ears: for deeply would it add to what I have already suffered, of the harmony, which ought to reign between us, should be destroyed, or anything should lessen the load of thanks, which I owe you for your great kindness to my boys of which they so constantly speak in such high terms. By the by there is another rumor, which I may as well let you have. It is this: that you are about purchasing a Penn on your own account in St Anns, and purpose giving my Pennkeeper an additional salary of £50 to look after it. This arrangement I could not subscribe to, as it might interfere with the Pennkeepers duty towards me. I have written to Mr Edwards on the subject of the reports, but in no unfriendly spirit towards you, stating my disbelief of them, but warning him of his responsibility–
S. G. Barrett Esqr
Greenwood
Montego Bay
Jamaica
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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