SD1630. Robert Browning, Sr. to the Governor of the Bank of England

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 18, 378–379.

Paris

14th Jany 1853

Sir,

Permit me to solicit your favorable consideration of the following statement—

I have now been in the service of the Bank of England upwards of Fifty Years, and during the whole of that time I trust my conduct has obtained the approval of the Directors.– Within the last few months my health has been so impaired that I have no longer been able to discharge my official duties, and I have now no hope of recovering the degree of strenghth [sic] requisite to enable me to resume them.– I therefore throw myself upon the indulgence of the Court, and beg to be permitted to retire from the service, assuring them of the deep gratitude I shall ever feel for all the favours I have received during the long period I have passed in it–

I am,

Sir,

With great respect,

Your obedient faithful Servant

Robert Browning

To the Governor of the Bank of England

[Enclosures:]

Paris

January 13 1853

I, Daniel Joseph MacCarthy, M.D., of Paris, 33 Rue de la Madeleine—certify that I have seen Mr Browning professionally, and that although his general health appears tolerable,—still, his advanced age,—& his decreasing strength,—require permanent repose,—both mental & bodily,—and that it is desirable that he should altogether abandon his professional occupations.

D MacCarthy M.D.

19 Jan 1853

The Comee of Treasury recommend to the Court of Directors to accept the resignation of Robt Browning in consequence of the ill state of his health and that in consideration of his faithful services of upward of 49 years he be allowed £203.6.8 p ann during pleasure being 8/12 of his Salary and emoluments[.]

Publication: BSN, 4 (July 1974), pp. 13–14.

Manuscript: Bank of England.

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