SD1721. Edward George Barrett to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 364 (in part).

Alexandria P.O. St Ann’s

March 2. 1854

My dear Mr Barrett

It is with great sorrow that I sit down to address you for the first time–

The illness under which my father has suffered for upwards of three years, and which he has so long neglected, has at length attained such a height as to threaten in no long time a fatal termination– He has now placed himself in the hands of a medical man, but medecine [sic] appears to have no power over the disease so deeply rooted, and the physicians give but the faintest hope of his ultimate recovery. I have just returned from Kingston, from whence my father’s weakness will not permit him to remove– When there he desired that, as his own strength would not admit of himself addressing you, I would do so; requesting you to pardon the long intervals between his letters of late, & not to suppose from that circumstance that he has been unmindful of all the great kindness he has received at your hands, & begging of you to accept his warm gratitude for the many favours you have bestowed upon him & the protection you have so long accorded to my sister– Indeed of late years he has had little to write about which could make his letters wished for—failing health and sinking fortunes are not subjects in the discussion of which pleasure can either be given or received—but I know that he has never ceased to think with deep affection of the true friend from whom both himself & his children have received so many benefits.

I remain

My dear Mr Barrett

Yr most sincerely

E G Barrett

May I beg of you to forward the enclosed note to my sister– I am ignorant of her present address–

I have to thank you much for the trouble you have taken about my books, which I received quite safe–

Publication: None traced.

Docket: E. Barrett / March 2. 1854– / Recd April 1st / Ansd June 1st / Jamaica.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

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