SD685.5. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Messrs. Freshfield
Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 2.
(Copy)
Hope End
Feby 2. 1829
Gentlemen,
I beg to assure your that, among the distressing annoyances to which my situation has subjected me, the apparent want of courtesy on my part to Gentlemen, who stand so high in the profession & who are in every way so worthy of respect & attention as yourselves, has borne it’s share– The fact is the difficulty of satisfactorily answering your application, under my present circumstances & consistently with my earnest wishes, has been an inseparable one whenever I thought of the task: About three weeks ago a Bill for £1,000, which I then received from the West Indies, I anticipated would have in some measure removed my embarrassment, but unfortunately from some negligence on the part of the Drawer it was returned to me dishonored, and again was I reduced to my former perplexity– In a Packet or two however there can be no doubt, but that I shall be put in possession of this sum, when of course it will be my duty—as well as inclination to hand it over to your Clients– With respect to the deeds to which allusion is made in your former letter, I will endeavour to get them together & bring them to town with me when I come, which will be shortly– And as regards the threat you hold out, not knowing the full extent of the power which I may have given your Clients over me by the deed I signed in your Office, but supposing it to be ample & those Gentlemen disposed to exercise it with the utmost rigor, I can only say that the many & severe & heavy afflictions—which it has pleased a Gracious providence to visit me with for a few years past, have taught me to be prepared for any new & super added blow that may be aimed at the small portion of Comfort which yet remains to me.
With great respect
I am &c
E. M. Barrett
To,
Messrs Fresfield
Bank Building’s
London
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: NatWest Group Archives.
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