SD1252.2. Samuel Goodin Barrett to George Goodin Barrett (1792–1854)
Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 12.
Lannion Cotes du Nord
12th April 1846
My dear Uncle
I loose [sic] no time in replying to yr letter of the 21st of Feby. which only reached me a few days since & too late to send an answer to by the last Packet, I was much pleased to hear you had come to so satisfactory an arrangement with the Recr Genl & I think ere long you will be enabled to make yr pens more productive by having done so. The only information I can give you respecting the two sums of £100 & £350 so far as my memory serves me are that they were acceptances given to my late Uncle by Ewart either for rent of Barrett Hall, or the purchase of Stock sold to the latter from the pens– Every book & paper belonging to me went out to Jamaica in the David Lyon, are in Whitelocks care who will no doubt give you every information, but I ought to add I think you will find neither of the sums were paid on the bills arriving at maturity, consequently the Recr Genl charged my Uncles Estate with the amount as they were only transferred to him as a colateral security for his advances. And there was no use pressing Ewart for payment as he was close on the point of Bankruptcy on the expiry of his leases of Barrett Hall, & Easthams, & by some unintentional omission I suppose as they were considered bad debts by I. Greenwood they were improperly omitted in our arrangement but the Recr Genl’s & my private book on a/c. will clear up the matter for I may have paid him these two sums.– I am glad to hear you say that you think our prospects in Jamaica are on the ascendant. I wish I could bring myself to believe that mine were [.] I saw Whitelock whilst he was in Engd as I thought it was most necessary that I shd have an interview with him previous to his return to Jamaica, he exerted himself much in my behalf to endeavor to obtain a transfer of the Boddingtons Mortgage to some other house but owing to the existence of the Marriage Settlement he was unsuccessful but if it had not been for it he had got a home ready prepared to advance the full amount due to the Boddingtons. I only wish you could induce the Recr Genl to come forward to enable me to extricate myself from these hostile merchants, The Estates I understand are in good order & in a condition to repay him & under the skilful management of Whitelock I have no dread for the future I can live here or elsewhere abroad on my small means & I have no desire unless I could obtain employment of returning to Engd until the Properties are entirely freed from debt. I would give him a covering mortgage & every security he might desire. Pray think of me & consult him on this matter. Maria & the Children enjoy the very best health here, the count[r]y around is beautiful, living cheap & if we had only a little more society, & better education for the boys, we shd not desire a place better suited to our changed circumstances–. Maria & the children unite with me in kindest love to yourself & Edward & hoping you will write to me from time to time– Believe me your ever Affectionate Nephew
S. G. Barrett
Publication: Barrett, p. 130 (in part).
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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