SD146. Elizabeth Barrett Williams to George Goodin Barrett (1792–1854)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 312 (in part).
75 Glocester Place Portman Square
1st April 1811
My dearly beloved George,
Being ever anxious about you, every thing new from Portugal interests me the first intelligence of the Battle gave me the most serious alarm[.] I wished yet dreaded to hear particular’s[.] Mr Nesbitt called and informed me that he had seen the Gazette & your name was not among the unfortunate[.] This kind information greatly relieved a Mother’s fears but yet I could not as a Mother be perfectly satisfied, your letter which I received a few days since was some consolation but you have been ill and perhaps have been in want of comforts and friendly attention, I return thanks for your recovery and pray for your health & safety and a happy meeting with a Parent whose chief happiness is the welfare of her children– Martin is married and the amiable disposition of his wife promises much happiness– Richard also has entered into that state—your Cousin SMB. is returned to this Country likewise his Father—both in perfect health—your Aunt M—& Trip remains at Cheltenham with Edwards Family, but I hope to see then in Town soon– I understand Martin means to quit the Army and has se<nt> in his resignation, but I am not qualified to say if there is tru<th …> but knowing my aversion to the Army you m<ay> easily suppose on which side my wishes leads– I hope you have received your Tent &c, and it may answer every purpose required– I could not send any of the Books you mentioned as I was at Cheltenham when I got your letter and the Tent had been sent off before, Whatever is in my power to render you any little comforts you are well convinced will never be refused, but my dearest child I found so very little in Mr Plummer’s hands on my return to this country owing to the very high bills paid to Doctor Bathis in my absence which obliges me to wait for remittances from Jamaica before I can promise any thing. I found but three hundred due from P B & Co where I expected one thousand, since my being in England I have been at great expence in getting a House and settling myself tho’ I am as economical as I possibly can, if you should indeed be distrest and in real want write me immediately[.]
Sam is with me and has been very ill but is now on the recovery he is confined to the House and will be so for sometime longer as soon as able he talks of returning to the <Nor>th– Young John Clarke is not yet married neither is his <…>ny it rest I understand with the old People & the Lawyers—<b>ut Edward is well and often visits me, his quarter’s being at Ilford in Essex[.] I showed him your letter and suppose it will not be long before he writes you as he is so particularly fond of his Pen– Barrett is with me but talks of returning to Jersey in about 10 days—I think her wrong as there is every preparation being made there to receive <the> Enemy as the Island is daily expected to be invaded– We have extreme wet weather scarcely any stirring out of the House, if you have the same and on the March what an unpleasant situation must be yours I feel for you and think with horror on your hardship[.] Write me immediately[.] and say if you are in real want of an advance to your Agent or if you can wait till I get remittances[.] My means are very small, and but a Widows mite can I offer you[.]
Adieu my dearest child may every blessing attend your prays[.]
Your ever Affte Mother
E B Williams
Address, on integral page: Cornet G. G. Barrett / 4th Dragoons / British Army / Portugal.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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