SD13. Henry Waite Plummer to Elizabeth Barrett Williams

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 304 (in part).

Cinnahill St James’ Jamca

Decr. 9th 1794

My Dear Aunt!

You will no doubt be surprised at the Signature at the End of this Letter, which I Sincerely wish there never had been any occasion of writing—particularly as the unpleasant task has fallen to me, at the request of my afflicted Uncle Barrett, to inform You of an Event which has pained him to the Heart & will be highly distressing to your own feelings. The family here are in great want of Consolation, which time & a Resignation to the will of Providence may in Some degree afford to them as Christians, however great the Misfortune proves to his Parents, Brother & Sister and the rest of his Relations.– Our Cousin Sam Barrett is no more!– He died the 7th inst in Spanish town in the Arms of his Bror George, whilst attending the assembly—& if the high Character for Talents & ability which he has left behind, can’t console his friends here for his Loss, yet it may in some measure alleviate ye weight of this melancholy Event.– We are ignorant of the particulars:—but I hope the unpleasant task which I have now perform’d; will awaken yr fortitude to enable you to Support an Evil to which we are all liable!– My Uncle Barrett & the family desire their Kindest remembrances—& with the most Earnest Wishes for yr health & happiness I remain

My dear Aunt!

Yr mo. affect. nephew–

Henry W. Plummer

As We are ignorant here of the proceedings necessary to be followed in Case of Officer’s Deaths for the Recovery of the purchase money of the Commissions, my Uncle desired me to hint it to you, that you may take the necessary Steps, if any thing can be done.– I have heard myself, that in Such Cases the Money will be Lost.–

Mrs Elizabeth Williams–

Address, on integral page: Mrs E. B. Williams / Richmond Hill / Surry.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

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