SD1534. George Goodin Barrett (1792-1854) to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 17, 277 (in part).
Spanish Town
December 25, 1851
My dear Edward.
A very happy new year to you and all your family, and many returns of the same. I need not say how glad I should feel in being one of your party, but Sam has put that out of my power for this year and I am afraid for ever after, for I can see no chance of my getting away from here even for a few months for a run to Europe.
I am in this delightfully dull place for the benefit of the island. All the country members have gone home for the holidays, and I am left alone, and as I associate with but few of the officials, and as the “clique,” who numerous enough here, are not the persons with whom I communicate on familiar terms, I seem likely to have a heavy week or two–
So far as the House of Assembly is concerned, the commission, which I told you I was going to apply for, is safe: but I understand that the council, under the apprehension that I may pry too closely into the labors of the judges, are likely to reject it. Should they do so, of course I shall appeal to the island, and I have no doubt but that next year, the public voice, will force them to grant it. Already there is great alarm amongst the officials of all grades, & attempts to misrepresent its objects, and to make its labors appear necessarily interminable, are put forth—but I have been strongly supported in the House, 26 to 13, and I doubt not of ultimate success– To every application for retrenchment, the answer has been, “you are acting from caprice, your object is to attack a few officials against whom you have taken a spite—if you are really seeking for retrenchment, why dont you take evidence and go through all the establishments in the island, &c &c.” These remarks have always been made by the Council hitherto, and therefore how they can now refuse a commission, whose sole duties are to take this evidence, none of us can make out. But the Council are wise as serpents– The House were willing to give us three guineas a day, to cover our expenses, but I at once refused to take more than two, feeling convinced, that with œconomy, we may make that do– I said I should vote against £3.3—and so we are to have 2 guineas– The enquiry I calculate will take about a year to accomplish. Should you have an opportunity of seeing the “Morning Journal” of Friday, 12 of December I wish you would therein read what I said—as that is the only paper, which has a correct version of my speech, and objects–
Edward passed a “brilliant” examination, as it is epithethed by his examinant, Dr Twist on friday last, 19th—and on Sunday, 21st he was ordained by the Bishop, who has behaved very kindly, and has appointed him as curate to Mr Stanislay at Stewart Town, near to The Retreat– He is now “The Revd” The Bishop told him that he entered the church under the “very best auspices,” and I hope in due time that he will obtain the living of Claremont, which is our post town, and within three miles of The Ramble and 4½ of Albion, where he could reside, it being within the district, which extends many miles beyond.
I have said that the Bishop behaved very kindly– He forewent the “Baptismal certificate,” but as it is absolutely required, I promised to procure it as soon as possible. I therefore want you to procure it for me. I would not trouble you did I know how to send to the clergyman 2s/6d which I understand is the fee– Edward was born at Coventry, 30 August 1822, and was baptised or christened in September following, or it may have been October, at St Michael’s church in the same town, so that if you will be so kind as to get me the certificate you will have to write to the Rector of St Michael’s church, Coventry– Edward’s names are Edward George– He is described as son of George Goodin Barrett, Captain 14 Light Dragoons, and Elizabeth Jane Barrett, his wife—&c.–
Sugar, I am sorry to see, is getting fearfully low—yet there is some hope still alive as I understand that it is owing to the unsettled state at the moment, more than to any oversupply of the market, that the quantity of sugar on hand is so large—that the merchants on the continent are afraid of laying in any large stock, and that therefore the article is collected in masses in the English warehouses—but of course you know all about this– I am also sorry to say that we find great difficulty in disposing of our planter’s stock, although they are also very low. I was glad the other day to get £8 a piece for 16 of them from the collecting constable in payment of taxes—when the schedule in the Import bill shall come on for discussion, I intend to propose that the duty on foreign-horned stock shall be restored from 10s/ which it is now to 30s/ which it was formerly per head. We cannot compete with cattle imported and sold at £5—and we penkeepers do not think it fair that the estates should close our own markets upon us, seeing that it is our being made to pay a share of what ought to be their own peculiar burthen, viz immigration expenses, which raises the price of our stock beyond that of foreign—for no pen has yet received an immigrant, so far as I know, excepting John Wilson Davis’s which got 8– William Smith has signally failed in the disgraceful and selfish attempt to hand us over the the Colonial Office under the veil of giving us “responsible” government. I intended to have spoken, but it became so late, and the house was so full and ripe for throwing out the measure, that I contented myself with giving a silent vote. I believe we are to be bothered with the question again next year, as William Smith is desirous of £1000 a year, ambitious of power, and a willing tool of the colonial office. At present the general voice of the island is against him, and I do not think it will be more favorable to him next year–
I am glad that Mr Stewart gives so good a report of you: he says you are not at all altered since he saw you in 1843, I think, and that your spirits are as good as usual. I wish that I could dine with you on new year’s day– Edward holds himself as particularly fortunate in getting an appointment so very near to his cousin, for whom he has a great affection– My desire however is to get him appointed to the church at Claremont. However he is very lucky so far– I have been disappointed selling my steers up to this time, so that I cannot just now send any money to lessen your claim against me, but I will do so by the first opportunity in my power.
With kindest regards to all your circle, and love to Lizzy, when you see her– I am, my dear Edward
Very affectionately yours
G. Goodin Barrett
Docket: Captn Barrett / Recd Jany. 24th 1852 / Ansd Feby. 14. / Jamaica.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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