SD233. Richard Barrett (1791-1819) to Edward Barrett (1791–1819)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 316 (in part).
Montego Bay.
Oct. 3. 1815–
My dear Edward.
The victory of Waterloo countervails the loss of so many brave men & gallant officers. Had it been your lot to die, I cd have borne it with equanimity; the death of the brave on the field of Honor is not to be lamented but envied. Nothing therefore alloys the pleasure with which I congratulate you on your promotion. Your happiness has ever been my warmest desire, & your success as a soldier, has almost anticipated even my hopes. A progressive advance in your profession is secured to you, you are a young Captain to command a troop of Hussars, & your friends have only to wish you long life to enjoy your good fortune. I recollect with pleasure having once expressed a hope in my letters to you, that you wd obtain your rank from services in the field, not from the power of your purse– As your friend HWP observed to me, “you have earned your honours nobly, & they will wear well.” Had I not pitied my poor mother, I shd have wished George your companion in the short, but bloody, glorious decisive campaign–
You need not thank me for the 200£ it was your own, & perhaps I ought to have remitted it you before, for Mr Scarlett tho’ vexed on his arrival here, to find the bills gone, yet has taken no steps in consequence–
I have no[t] heard from George by the last pacquet Your letter, tho’ dated June 24th reached me a fortnight since–
My little girl has the whooping cough but is otherwise in health & spirits—my wife is quite well, & desires to be remembered to you– Mrs Dewar & her two Boys have also the whooping cough.
Yrs ever affy
Richd Barrett.
Edwd Barrett Esqr
Address: Capt Barrett / 15th (Kings) Hussars / 75 Gloucester Place / Portman Square / London.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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