SD124. James Scarlett to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 310 (in part).
Temple
May 17h 1809
My dear Barrett
I am surprized at the mistake which Alic tells me you mentioned to him—not indeed upon your own authority but on the information you had at the Counting House of Messrs Boddington Philips Sharpe & Co I have once more looked at the receit & I find no mistake. Their receit is on the 19th Jany 1809, for 1800l to be placed to your account by name. And what is more I have their letter inclosing the receit in which your name & not your brothers is mentioned. The payment lately made of 1198l they have not sent me a receit for. In fact I had not made up my mind what form of receit was necessary & I thought it sufficient to have an acknowledgement from you when we come to our final settlement. If you can conveniently spare them I think you had better let me see your two last accounts with Mrssrs B P S & Co as I then can compare them with mine to ascertain whether there be any other error. If you wish it I will send you their receit for the 1800l that you may shew it to them. I do recollect that in my account with them for the last year they stated the sum of 1140l as paid to your brother whereas it was paid to your account & I had their receit for it accordingly. I mentioned the mistake to Mr Bellen who said it was an error in the clerk who copied my account & who might very possibly put S. instead of E. but that it was right in their books. You of course ought to find in your account with them up to May 1808 credit for this sum of 1140.
I hope you find your Estate in Herefordshire answer. I am very anxious that you shod get fixed to your satisfaction; any where, tho’ if I was to choose, I shd have preferred Yorkshire. I hear nothing of Sam. This would be the best time to pay his money, if the title deeds are ready. If you write to him pray tell him I shall be glad to hear in what stage they are.
My brother is better, but is very thin. I think the Summer will recruit him. With best regards to Mrs Barrett I am My dr Barrett
Ever yours faithfully
J Sc—tt
PS. If you wish to make sure of seeing me you must come to dine with me. I shall dine at home tomorrow & friday—& if you will allow me to treat you en famille you will be sure of finding me at a little after five– On Sunday I am going for two or three days to Salt Hill—but from Wednesday in the next week to the Saturday I shall most likely be at home at dinner every day.
Address, on integral page: Edwd M. Barrett Esqr / C. Moulton’s Esqr / Hammersmith.
Docket, in the hand of EM-B (father): Mr J Scarlett / May 19. 1809. / London.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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