SD157. Edward Barrett (1791–1819) to George Goodin Barrett (1792–1854)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 312 (in part).
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Jany 6th 1811 [sic, for 1812] [1]
My dear George
I have a thousand apologies to make for my negligence in not writing to you before this– I can plead no just excuse & must therefore trust to your goodness for my Pardon–
I am very happy to hear of your recovery from going to the India |Locations| & believe me my sincerest wishes are that you may continue to enjoy that |health| so essential for your own Glory & for advancement in your Profession– Accept my dear Friend, my heartfelt congratulations upon your late Promotion & rest assured nothing can give me so much pleasure & satisfaction as your success in Life & Good Fortune–
The fifteenth are at Nottingham save a squadron which still remains at Romford– The Nots which have enlisted there more than a month are the cause of the regiment having been ordered there |& will| remain there during the Winter–
I am at present quartered at Romford & the Duke has taken the Command– He comes there two or three times a week– We are completely Sick of his Interference for Never was there a system of more contemptible annoyance or ridiculous Hum-bug adopted before– Indeed I cannot promise that I can long support it & were it not for the hopes of going abroad this Spring I positively would cut the whole Concern– Martin certainly leaves the Army as to live upon half Pay–
Mr Barrett has sailed I believe for his home & intends making a tour to Cadiz & Sicily &c[.] Mr & Mrs Tripsack are now at Cheltenham waiting Mrs Barrett’s confinement which is daily expected–
My Mother is not in the good Health I could wish & I am sorry to add is still much troubled with her side–
Parliament meets on the seventh Inst: The restrictions on the regent will be taken off & I fancy there can be no doubt the present Administration will retain their places– For my Part I am glad of it, convinced the times are too bad, to hope for any change for the better– The King still remains the same & all Hopes are now entirely given up of his ever recovering[.] The melancholy but the excellent qualities <of the> Prince can leave us no room to despair– He is a good friend to the Army & I am told intends relieving us from the Income Tax– The Uniform of the whole Cavalry is to be altered & the new Appointments are certainly more adapted to Service Stability– They are [illegible word]– The Hussars continue as they now are–
You will receive a very fine reinforcement of Cavalry in the Heavy Brigade of |Jamans|– They are much admired & I think will be of advantage to the Army– Pray write to me as minutely as you can concerning the Cavalry & tell me if the Army is really as [illegible word] as represented. I am anxious for Particulars of all the [illegible word] of the [illegible word] Company– Lord grant we may share its Glories & its danger– We shall be in good order for [illegible word] Establishment of Horse having again been increased to 85 per Troop– My Mother desires her Love & believe me–
My dearest George
Most affectionatey Yrs
Edwd Barrett
Direct to |Great Yardley| Place–
Address, on integral page: Lieut George G. Barrett / 4 (or Queen’s own) Dragoon / British Army / Celerico Portugal.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Year provided by postmark.
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