SD1199.1. Richard Barrett (1824–44) to Georgiana Elizabeth Barrett
Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 8.
Nonsuch Estate
Port Maria & Po.
Saint Mary
1st January 1844–
My dear Missy
Having just this moment concluded a long letter to my Father it reminds me of one that I owe you; it certainly grieves me much to discover that I have been so exceedingly dilatory in my correspondence but in future I will not allow my Pen to remain idle for such a length of time, but in making this declaration, of course I fully intend, that you on your part should write with a corresponding frequency– I find by your direction, that you are now residing in London, you must admire the change as undoubtedly you must have more amusements, than you had during your residence at Leamington– It is now approaching the fifth anniversary of my landing on these shores, and the same number of years, with a few months added, since I last saw you, this long period must have wrought great changes in the appearance of each of us, but more particularly you, as at that time you were a mere baby, but now I suppose you must have altered to a fine handsome young lady, pray excuse the flattery. I suppose you must have heard from Mr Stewart all about my Brother and myself, how did you like him? did you see Mrs Stewart?– Tell me in your answer all about the interview–
I have commenced the life of a “Planter” upon Nonsuch Estate in St Mary. It is a remarkably fine Property, and is renowned for its being the spot, where Mr Bryan Edwards, wrote his excellent history of Jamaica. We have been visited with an extraordinary large and brilliant “Comet,” it will be unnecessary for me to detail its beautiful appearance, as undoubtedly it must have been visible to you in England, but perhaps not so clearly as it was to us in the West Indies, it placed the old female inhabitants in a direful state of alarm, in consequence of its appearing, at the same time we were rather severely shaken by Earthquakes. They thought that, if not the world, at all events Jamaica was at an end, however I am glad to say their evil predictions, have not been confirmed, for it now remains the same beautifully luxuriant Island as before– We are in daily expectation of the arrival of our cousin Long Sam, do you know him?– You will be surprised to hear, that my duty as Senior Bookkeeper as well as to make Sugar, is, to read over every person that dies upon the Estate, this is an old Slavery practice, and not yet abolished. I have now during the last 4 months buried 7 dead people– You must excuse the brevity of this letter, but the next will allow for this in consequence of my intending to write a much longer one. Hoping you are quite well
Believe me to be
My dear Missy
Your ever Affece Brother
Richd Barrett.
P.S. Pray write directly as you receive this– Merry Christmas, &c &c
Address, on integral page: Miss E. G. Barrett / 20 York Buildings / New Road / London.
Docket, in recipient’s hand, on slip of paper: Letters relating to Poor Richard’s illness & death. Also His last letter to me.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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