SD1692. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Arabella Moulton-Barrett
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 376 (in part).
[London]
[ca. 7 October 1853] [1]
My dearest Arabel
Stormie’s letter goes with this—you will see that he is rather brisker in spirits, & full of occupation, besides being anxious for means for further employment, is for instance a wish to get a circular Saw– If all Proprietors were as fond of the Country as he is, it would be well filled & a respectable Society would be established there– Jump is also somewhat an enthusiast in its praise. I find him an agreeable sensible Man, knowing something of most things yet I must admit a little pedantic, however not offensively so–
George wrote to me that your term would be up on the 12th inst but you must endeavour to prolong it until the end of the Month, for sooner I cannot possibly be ready for you. There was so much to do, & not having many hands to do it, we could not effect as much as if we had put on 20– I have a capital Man, H. Bainbridge’s Brother, a most civil & obliging Person, besides being an excellent workman, & in consequence I have been more comfortable with him than any one I ever employed before in London–
I suppose that your School is almost in despair at your long absence, but they will have enough of you, or rather I should say, you will have enough of them before the year is out– How is Lizzy, almost out of patience to be in Ireland; give my love to her & tell her the Books for her Brother are ordered & will be sent by the earliest conveyance–
Sept’s letter I received this Morning, & the idea of bathing such a day as yesterday almost chilled me into an Iceberg– If it may interest any one, say that the seasons are good in Jamaica, but the Crops this year very short. They have unfortunately sold much of them in the Island, certainly at a good price, considering what it has been for many years, but much below what it would have brought here at the extraordinary rise of that Article in our Market–
Treppy was to have returned yesterday from one of her Country visits, but whether she did so I know not– Henry Trant is looking very well & as usual in good spirits—doubtless owing to his neglect of abstinence–
I must close, or I shall be too late for the Post–
Yrs very affectly–
E M Barrett
Take care of Storm’s letters.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Dated by reference to the order of books for E.G.Barrett. See 85310121 for the account of and receipt for the books.
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