Supporting Documents

SD1122.  Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Mr. Kemble

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 365 (in part).

Sir

I had a letter by the last packet from our friend Mr Anderson by which I find that he was about to leave the Island, so that he will not be able to superintend the business connected with the Deeds of mutual Release between my late opponents & myself, which I trust are long before this in your possession, & to get the Suit dismissed by the Chancellor with the necessary attestations, in order that both Parties may obtain their compensation money in this Country–

The mode of Proceeding seemed to me so simple, & the directions sent out so explicit, that I should not have thought of troubling you on the subject, supposing that you could have no difficulty even in the absence of your Partner, in doing all that was required, if a passage in his letter had not struck me as intimating a doubt, for after stating that his friend & Partner Mr Kemble will he trust be able to do all that is necessary, he adds, “If there be any difficulty in the way I fear the matter must be over until my return in Decemr You are aware that the Suit has been attended to exclusively by me, which makes it somewhat awkward to refer the closing of it to another— Mr Middleton however is also well acquainted with it.” Now as it is of the first moment, that we should get this business settled as soon as possible, & seeing that it has advanced thus far, I should think, if there should arise the difficulty that Mr Anderson appears to anticipate, & that it should be out of professional Etiquette for Mr Middleton to advise upon it, which I cannot imagine, that my late Brother’s Solicitor Mr Aikman, who is perfectly conversant with the whole of the business, would kindly, as a personal favor to me, assist you in any way that you might need– But I again repeat I cannot even fancy that these can be a difficulty, as I presume, no alteration of the Deed is allowable, & all we require are the signatures yet to be attached, & the dismissal of the Suit by the Chancellor, which being asked for by both Parties, I should conclude will be immediately acquiesced in. We should then want an attested copy of such dismissal in order to make our claim inperative on the Commissioners here to pay the compensation. I directed Mr Anderson to forward the Deed of Conveyance, which accompanies the other of Release, to my Son S.M.B. who was to have got the necessary signatures to it, the Power of Attorney, left by Mr S. G. Barrett with his attornies in this Country, not authorising them to execute it, but it having pleased the Divine Disposer of all Events to remove my beloved Son, I would beg you to write & enquire whether his brother Mr C. S. Barrett is still in the Country, of which I have some doubts, & if so to forward it to him, & he will get Mr S. G. B’s signature & through him all the others required; his direction is The Retreat St Anns– All this is supposing that you connot[sic] come readily in contact with Mr S.G.B. when of course you would personally get it done. You will if it be forwarded to my Son instruct him how it is to be executed, as regards witnesses &c &c– Of course they will be recorded–

By the first packet after the receipt of this letter, may I beg you to acknowledge it, & say whether there is a likelihood of there being any difficulty, & if you have, time having permitted it, taken any steps & what towards the forwarding of the business– Mr |Londs|, I believe, is the Solicitor on the other side, & as the best understanding & the kindest feelings exist between the Principals, so I trust they will extend to the Agents, & that we may get this long heart burning & litigious business speedily & happily concluded–

I am, Sir,

Yr very obdt Servt

E.M.B.

Kemble Esqre

Publication: None traced.

Source: File copy at Eton College Library.

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