Supporting Documents

SD1542.  Sarianna Browning to Jonathan Wood

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 17, 278 (in part).

Hatcham

Jany 12th [1852] [1]

My dear Mr Wood,

I cannot express how deeply I sympathise with you in your heavy affliction, [2] nor how I myself grieve for the loss of my very dear old friend—I had none older, and none dearer. Her letters prepared me for it,—yet I still hoped change of air might restore her. I loved her most dearly, as all who knew her must have done. Yours is indeed an irreparable bereavement. I hope God will strengthen and comfort you.

Poor dear Charles! my heart aches for him. Such a loss, so young—and so soon after the other dear child had been taken away. I feel how useless all words of comfort are at such a time, and I will not intrude upon your sorrow.

Believe in our heartfelt sympathy,—my father’s, and my brother’s, when he learns the sad tidings,—as well as my own. Pray remember me affectionately to poor Charles, and believe me to be,

My dear Mr Wood,

Very truly yours,

Sarianna Browning.

Publication: None traced,

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Year provided by Sarianna’s reference to the death of Mrs. Wood.

2. The death “Of consumption, on the 7th inst., at the house of her cousin, Mrs. Spencer, Nottingham, Ann, the wife of Mr. Wood, of Low-house, Brackenthwaite, Cumberland” (The Times, 13 January 1852).

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