SD1394. Mary Russell Mitford to William Cox Bennett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 16, 288 (in part).

[Three Mile Cross]

Saturday night. [?12] [January 1850] [1]

I write to you dearest friend as soon as I possibly can now that one poor little boy is better– [2] He has had a terrible struggle, but is now I hope quite out of danger. Thank God you did not come here! If you had and had caught the disorder I would never have forgiven myself– It really seems to me that vaccination is no security let the medical men say what they will. Both our cares have been very heavy indeed—and I have heard of above 30 others in the neighbourhood—four of them fatal.–

I have not seen Mrs. Browning’s Poem.– [3] Perhaps when you come you can bring the Athenæum for the day– Mr. Noel sent me some extracts, beautiful thoughts, but such rhymes as are really an insult to her readers– Alfred Tennyson says she has no ear—and I know she has none—for she spent two days spoiling the rhythm of The House of Clouds. And yet she is always talking of art.– …

Publication: None traced.

Source: Typescript at Berkshire Record Office.

1. Letter sent in a reversed envelope bearing a postmark of 7 January 1850 and addressed to Miss Mitford. The following Saturday was the 12th.

2. Henry Taylor and his mother “K.” had been ill with smallpox.

3. EBB’s verse, “A Child’s Grave at Florence” appeared in the 22 December 1849 issue of The Athenæum.

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