SD1739. Charles John Moulton-Barrett to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 368 (in part).
[Retreat Pen]
7 May 1854.
Poor Captain Barrett died last Monday. Latterly, since dropsey attacked him, he has wished for it. He expressed himself glad when his appetite left him as he then thought his end was near. Edward heard of it in the Mountains and came on to Retreat with the intention of attending his funeral, but by that time the Body must have reached Cinnamon Hill. Man in this climate, after death, soon turns into clay—before Edward could have got down there it would have been over. I therefore recommended him not to go, although I told him if he liked I would go with him. Before Captain Barrett died I was asked if you wd object to his being bured [sic] by the side of his brothers at Cin. Hill—besides that Edward when he came over asked it saying that as he knew I would grant the request the body had already been sent there—this was an amiable feeling, which I was quite sure you would be glad to gratify. I have just got a note dated May 5th from Jump to say that the funeral has been delayed waiting the presence of the Son. The latter started for the Mountains yesterday where he is to preach today. I have written to Jump to ask him to go on with the ceremony, if not already performed. Edward lives sixteen Miles from here and it would be late tomorrow before he could get to Cinnamon Hill and he has been so much harassed lately I don’t like telling him about it– I shall hesitate a long time before I offer advice again–
Captain Barrett’s properties owe some £2 or £3000 and perhaps a little more, but Edward is both prudent and clever and will pay the debt off if any one– He has left no will but expressed his wish to Edward that if the latter ever made one and had no issue, he should leave the pens to your Branch of the family. He will marry I think and that very soon. Besides all parsons do!– Edward left behind him the enclosed note for you–
Publication: Barrett, p. 136 (in part).
Source: Extract in hand of Alfred Moulton-Barrett at Eton College Library.
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