SD1121. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Septimus Moulton-Barrett
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 365 (in part).
[Torquay]
[Postmark: 4 May 1840]
My dearest Sette
I have enclosed you the overcharged letter, for the purpose of getting back what you can, & believing that it is only 3 oz we should have returned 5/– I do not know whether George understood that he was to accept the Bills by procuration or no, if he did not he must do so from the day they were presented, as is customary, making them payable at Messrs Andersons, Mincing Lane London– He will also observe that they correspond with the following memorandums—viz: Bill for £175 & another for £137.14.2 at 90 days in favor of P. Abrahams drawn by Wm Carey– Bill for £100 March 11. in favor of John Mitchell, & another for £200 March 12. in favor of John Billinger both at 90 days drawn by John Jump. I have no notice of the dates of the two former Bills, this George must take down from the Bills themselves, as well as the Estates for whose uses they are drawn. Beg him to be particular, & to write the acceptance decently across the Bill.
Are you not delighted with our beloved Stormie’s two letters, indeed these & the first that I received announcing our heavy calamity from him do form to me a source of sincere gratitude to God, Who has, through Grace, brought him to look for consolation, where he evidently has; truly he appears in relation to the comfort that people under similar bereavements expect to receive from their fellow men to have thought with one of old, “miserable comforters are ye all[.]” He has flown for refuge to Him, who is set before us in the Gospel, & he will assuredly find all there that he needs blessings in time, even peace, & blessings for eternity, even ineffable glory. May God prosper him in the thoughts & sentiments that are occupying his mind & carry him on to perfection. I have written to him to return, yet in such a way as to leave it much to himself. Poor Selby has lost his son George, who died 5 days after his arrival in Jamaica. May the Lord comfort him with the comfort, wherewith He has comforted me in my affliction– Dear Sette, why are we fretting & aspiring after earthly pursuits which we see perish in the very using; here to-day & gone to-morrow, & why then do we not as intelligent Beings, take the saving counsels of infinite wisdom. Seek first the Kingdom of God & his righteousness, being assured all that is necessary will be added unto us–
Our precious Ba, has certainly rallied a little since my arrival. When I saw her she appeared crushed by the intelligence; she has never wept, nor has ever alluded to the distressing subject– But what a Creature she is, I reverence her for the beauty of her character, so happy a specimen of christian submission & devotional feeling never was surpassed– No murmur is every heard to escape her, no wish uttered to be better, only once or twice I have heard her say, as to any future plan, if it should please God that I should be better &c– Humanly speaking I should say, her health & strength are desirable for the Chest, but I thank God, that I know, she is loved by one, far more than any can love her here, for He gave his life a ransom for hers, & He will order all things aright for her happiness & best interests. But let us never cease importuning the Most High to spare her to us, & “who knows but that He may return & leave a blessing behind”– Nothing is impossible to Him, either as regards Power, or the exhibition of His Love, with whom we have to do–
Bad news from Jamaica. The Crops not so good as expected—& the Negroes leaving the Estates– What will become of it all, I know not– It was very kind of you to think of me, & that I should like to know the state of the Market from Anderson, which by your desire, he immediately forwarded to me in a very friendly letter. Give my best love to all around you, & tell them I think of them at least night & morning, imploring God to bless them & make them all partakers of His pious mercy– Remember me also affectionately to Treppy– The Bible Meeting is Wednesday. I should like to be there, provided I could get in without squeezing– Adieu dear Sette
Yrs affectionately
E M Barrett
Has George got Rooms & briefs?
Address, on integral page: Mr Septimus Barrett / 50. Wimpole Street / London.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Gordon E. Moulton-Barrett.
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