SD15. Judith Barrett to Elizabeth Barrett Williams
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 304 (in part).
Cinnamon hill Jamaica
12th January 1795
My dear Niece
I received your esteemed favor dated 4 Novr and I am truly obliged to you for your care and trouble in procuring Miss pinkeys pincture [sic] as also the Gloves for my self– I now enclose you a Bill for £14 on Mr Hibberts house to reimburse you, for the deficiency in the Bill remitted you to pay for pinkeys picture &ca–
Long before this reaches you, you will be informed of the severe blow we have met with in the death of our beloved Sam, which happened on the 7th. december at Spanish town whilst he was attending his duty in the house of Assembly with the highest reputation to himself and the applause of all good Men—he was interred with Military honors in Spa: Town, the Governor Council & Assembly attending—Mr Barrett has sustained a rude Shock by this melancholy event as well as the rest of us– God of his infinite mercy grant you fortitude to sustain you under the pressure of so heavy an Affliction—remember of what value is now your life become to those dear Children, who will require your maternal tenderness and care, you may always depend on my Affection for you and them. and that I shall regard you all with maternal affection, as I never mean to desert those who were so very dear to my beloved Son– The family desires to be affectionately remembered to you, and I hope you’ll Let me hear from you as often as you can & let us know the state of yr health and those of yr Children– I remain
Dear niece
Yr sincere friend
J Barrett
Address, on integral page: Mrs Elizabeth B Williams / 2 Richmond hill / Surry.
Publication: Philip Kelley and Ronald Hudson, “New Light on Sir Thomas Lawrence’s ‘Pinkie’,” The Huntington Library Quarterly, 28 (May 1965), 258 (in part).
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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