SD234. Richard Barrett (1789–1839) to Elizabeth Barrett Williams
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 316 (in part).
Montego Bay.
Octr 3d 1815.
My dearest Mother/
I have recd your letter of Aug. 5th it gives me the greatest joy to hear of Edward’s promotion. War may be considered as having expended it’s shafts for half a century, so that my brothers have only to enjoy the honours they have gained, in peace & security, & to wait patiently for their slow but sure advance in their profession, which time must give. I trust your health is not so bad as you concieve, allow me to attribute your painful account, somewhat to downess of Spirits–
George may have written me a long letter (as you say) but it has not reached me. I have heard some where that he is negociating a change into the foot. Give him my love, & sincere wishes for his happiness–
Sam will, on knowing from you my desire, charge me with the 240£ he accommodated you with—he owes me much more—but I draw as lightly as possible till his affairs are arranged. I have not mentioned it to him, having sent my letter to him to be copied, without recollecting the business. I have not applied to Mr Waite for your 15£ on account of the land, hoping to manage including it in the wharf rent which will be due next pacquet.
Do not think that my neglect in remitting you money on my own account is attributable to any desire of withholding the money due to you—but I have lately persuaded my Uncle to join me in procuring the office of Clerk of the Peace for G. Ricketts—it cost us near a thousand pound Stirg to obtain this act of justice from Jackson—George has no fund of his own, & his own situation & that of his sisters wd have been very precarious indeed, but for this act of Relationship & Humanity– I have also had to pay Chas Moulton 1800£ Stirg to get back my house, which with the purchase of Rose Hill has kept me poor ever since you left the Country.
My little girl has tongue enough; her coral necklace being the first object of her admiration, she was easily taught to speak up, & love her Grandmama. The poor little thing has now the whooping cough, but is otherwise in health & spirits. I shall send her to England next year– Mrs Dewar and her two children have also the whooping cough—they have gone to Mr Plummer’s at Richmond Hill (N Bay) to avoid the additional evil of the Small Pox which now rages on the Bay.
My election is quite secure. Mr Lawrence has resigned the contest. The poll will be held in about a fortnight or three weeks–
Ever affectionately Yr’s
Richd Barrett.
Mrs E B Williams.
Address: Mrs Barrett Williams / 75 Gloucester Place / Portman Square / London.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
___________________
