SD1795. Mary Russell Mitford to William Harness

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 21, 369 (in part).

Swallowfield

Dec. 16, 1854.

My dear friend,

Judge Edmonds’ book arrived Saturday afternoon, just before Messrs. Pearson and Bennoch, and I sent it off on Monday by Mr. Chorley. Before this time Mr. May had called; and I wish you had seen how much these two men (I mean Mr. May and Mr. Pearson), both accustomed to death-beds, were frightened to find me reading it. Of course they did not suspect me of believing, but they say that the hold which such subjects take on the nerves is extraordinary. Bulwer is in the hands of a set of mediums, and passes his time in conversation with his dead daughter. Mrs. Browning believes every word, and referred me to that very book for facts and proofs. The madhouses in America are overflowing with the victims of the delusion. …

Text: L’Estrange (2), III, 303–304.

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