SD1141. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Messrs. Anderson & Kemble
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 369 (in part).
Torquay
Novr 16. 1840.
Gentlemen
After the receipt of your letter of the 27 June communicating to me that you had neglected to carry into effect the plain & simple instructions, which had been so clearly pointed out to you for the purpose of getting the Suit dismissed, & in which you acknowledged the receipt of mine of the 12th May, written in consequence of your Mr Anderson having implied a doubt that his Partner might not be quite conversant with the business, not only to urge your immediate attention to it, but suggesting that if you had any difficulty I was sure my late Brother’s Solicitor would be happy to assist you in any way you required; after all this neglect, for what else can I call it, I had determined not to trouble myself or you any further on the subject. Hence when I wrote lately to Mr S. G. Barrett upon other matters I stated my disappointment & great annoyance at what had occurred, & that in consequence I had done with it: for I see no means of carrying my own arrangements [illegible word] into effect: I suppose that he must take the necessary steps, if it is to be ever settled–
In reference to your letter of Sepr 30th, I can only express my surprise, that you did not, when you met with the difficulty, arising out of my severe bereavement, but which your mode of proceeding alone created, immediately apply to my Son, to whom I referred you in my letter of the 12th May, for the purpose then of getting, should circumstances require it, the signatures of some of the Parties to the Deeds: you might easily have ascertained whether he was in the Island or not, & as he happened to be there, & also was the person instructed, as he is now my eldest Son, all might have been arranged. But you would not make the necessary enquiries to carry into effect your own purpose of proceeding, & here Mr S. G. Barrett would readily have supplied the information, or follow the instruction we forwarded to you.
I will not however go further into the subject: I have been a serious loser in not having attained at the time that which I had every reason to expect, & as I see that you are not disposed to act ministerial[l]y, which over all this business required, I will not run any hazard of expending what means this dreadful Suit, & the depreciated value of West India Property have left me, in further law, considering the first loss the best–
Upon my Son’s return to Jamaica, Who is now on his voyage hither, I shall be obliged to you to give him the Deeds, which were forwarded to you; and should he not return there I will write to you an order to deliver them into the hands of such person as I shall appoint—
I am, Gentlemen
Yr obdt Servt
E M Barrett–
Messrs Anderson &
Kemble
Publication: None traced.
Source: File copy at Eton College Library.
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