SD496. Frances Butler to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 336 (in part).

[Hope End]

[ca. 1825]

Mrs. Hetty—

You should I assure you have heard from me sooner had not the dreadful shock I received from hearing your having nearly killed My child by letting it fall deprived me of the use of My fingers until now. I certainly should have taken you up & had you tried for such wickedness but that I am become a little consoled by having had another child as beautiful as a Hebe which Goddess I have named her after. I send her to you to nurse & bring up as I am going to Ireland & I really have so many I do not know what to do– I expect next Spring you will bring her over to see me. I have had her vaccinated for fear she should imbibe any infection from her journey. Should any accident happen to her Jove betide you for I will not a second time shew you any mercy do not attend too much to what that old Hen wife Betty says or does I have no opinion of her.

Remember Hebe must always sleep with you & <take> her regularly out every day that she may not lose the lovely red cheeks she has now. Good bye Mrs. Hetty, as long as you behave well you will find me your very Sincere Friend & indulgent

Mistress—

Frances Butler

Address, on integral page: Mrs Hetty Barrett / N Crib Row.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

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