SD148. Richard Barrett (1789–1839) to Elizabeth Barrett Williams
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 312 (in part).
Barrett Hall
June 22d 1811
My dear Mother,
Nothing has occurred here worthy of being transmitted across the Atlantic since you left us, except that by a mere chance S M B. met with two wills of my Grandmother’s among some old papers in a bureau of the old gentleman’s– I was fortunately at Cinnamon Hill at the time & of course laid claim, & now have them in my possession– One of the wills was made in the life time of my Grandfather Mr H. Waite the other I think in seventy five– These papers I have transmitted to Mr Waite (I mean to say copies) but I suppose he wishes to hear his lawyers opinion before he determines how to act– His situation if he has any spark of feeling must be very awkward– He disputed his mother’s will as invalid, because part was missing, and positively refused carrying into effect its provisions for the benefit of her other children– Another & former will is found by which an equal division is made of the property in dispute, in which his name is only mentioned with his brothers & sisters, & without one flaw to lay hold of by whh it’s legality can be question’d– He must acknowledge the validity of one of these papers– The last is most in his favor & I suppose he will revert to that, but by so doing he confesses the justice of his former opposition– This truth is clear that one must be good, & the negroes must be delivered up– I have already retained Hinchliffe shd Mr W be obstinate, & if he forces me into Chancery. I am resolved to attempt the recovery of my Grandmother’s thirds notwithstanding his boasted releases[.] I have got likewise his bond in her favor 2500 Sterg dated 1785– The second day after your departure I gave up to him the possession of the house you occupied—it is still Empty—he sent word to Sarah Bell to take care of it for him & was astonished at her refusal & denial of his right over her– She refused to go to Mrs Plummer’s & begging me to give her a ground here, I cd not refuse, tho’ I expected an attempt on the part of Mr W to repossess her, however he has not yet done it– I have not found a purchaser for your carriage, all complain of it’s weight– I expect 200 curry per annum from Anchovy for negro hire you have eleven that work, Able, invalid & children I think it is a high price, & am convinced no other estate cd afford so much–
The repairs of my late purchase <…> is not yet half shingled and the rain <…> every where– Mrs Lockhead wrote to me from [illegible word] in respect to the small articles you left behind, warning me against the negroes– Mrs Plummer took possession of every thing but the heavy furniture and what you had specifically given me, even the Ps de Ch______e she carried off complaining at the same time that you had given me all that was worth having– I did not dispute her claims, she took what she wanted unmolested to Charlotte’s great annoyance who got nothing but a goat & wht I gave her of those you left behind– The other three I had given to Billy James & Sarah Bell before your wish that one shd be kept for Laura reached me I will however get one for her– I heard that two of the bed ste[a]ds at MoBay had been given you by Mr W. of course I left them[.] One letter arrived for you by this pacquet from Mrs Lee[.] I thought it right to open it. It contained Nothing of importance—Dearest Mother. Best love to Mrs M. & Trip.
Very affy
Richd Barrett
Address, on integral page: Mrs Barrett Williams / Messrs Plummers & Barham / Philpot Lane / London.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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