SD1364. Mary Russell Mitford to Charles Boner
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 15, 363 (in part).
[Three Mile Cross]
[Postmark: 15 January 1849]
I begin writing to you at once, my dear Mr Boner, & I will take care that this letter shall be rightly directed. … we can consult Mr Lofton whose wish to engrave poor Haydon’s picture does me so much honour– Of course he would greatly prefer following the painting of so eminent a man as Mr Lucas to copying that strange exaggerated yet very lifelike head, even if it could be found. I have not the slightest notion what has become of it. I saw it last in Wimpole Street two or three years ago—a huge staring face, looking as if guillotined, so closely was it cut out of the canvas, & so oversized. I must ask Mrs Browning if she knows what has become of it– But surely you would prefer a head as you know me & by John Lucas. …
Mrs Browning used a good word about the Italians lately—talking of the safety of remaining in Florence she said “I rely upon the softness of my Tuscans.” She expects to be confined next month—poor thing! God grant she pass safely through that trial!
Address, on integral page: Charles Boner Esqre / St Emeron / Ratisbon / Bavaria / Germany.
Publication: Memoirs and Letters of Charles Boner, ed. R.M. Kettle (London, 1871), I, 148–155.
Manuscript: Yale University.
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