SD25. Robert Moulton to John Graham-Clarke
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 305 (in part).
St James– Jamaica
ye 23d Oct. 1798
My Dear Sir
The arrival of our late and long lookd for Packet—has brought me your Esteemd favor of ye 2d August. I notice with considerable pleasure the account you are pleased to give of the dear Boys They and all their Connexions will I trust ever feel a just sense of your Paternal goodness among them. I shall always be ready to testify my sincere acknowledgement. Whenever you see the dear fellows pray tell them my affectionate remembrances, and if they commence a correspondence with me—I will not be deficient—but it is probable I will write them–
The same Packet brings us the account of the Fleet arrival—and poor Carby’s death—which I do most sincerely lament[.] To the scourge of War, surely has been added the melancholy fever that has carried off so many valuable People—and created such universal distress– It is for us to view with awfull astonishment the dreadfull Catalogue of Events that have happened in the late few Years.– Carby was an Excellent fellow and possessed my highest Esteem—he is much lamented in this Community by all who knew him—the Mortality on Board his Ship must have been dreadful; or can I presume to account for it– I admire the Vessel much and thinke her well calculated for the trade– In that Good Man you will no doubt sustain a great loss—he had some few difficulties to Cope with in his loading—but do not allow that to deter you from sending her back– I shall willingly exert myself to get her loaded—and among our several friends, She cannot want a Cargo.
As our accounts of the July Fleet on their Passage—were favorable I trust they have reachd you safe—and the Rebecca among them I am sure there would be nothing wanting on the part of Capt Benson—of whom I think very highly[.]
I fear my predictions of the affairs of Moody have been verified and if a power does not soon come out, to some person that will act with Energy—his Relatives will suffer materially. It will be an act of Justice to acquaint them with it–
Our prospects in this Country are extremely favorable and as the period for hurricanes is now nearly over—I think we may count with security on an abundant Crop–
Mr Barrett is I think hearty as Ever—he sometimes talks of visiting you—but I do not think it very probable—his moderate income this Year is full £50,000 Stg—and is likely to be more the Next. Enough—we moderate People will admit—for fifty Families—and what is no way extraordinary is desirous to accumulate the heap– When the good Old Gentleman is done with it—may it scatter for the benefit of those that deserve it– Adieu My dear Sir. I beg my sincere respects to your good Lady—and with my best wishes for the happiness of your Family–
I am Ever—Your’s most faithfully
Robt Moulton
Address, on integral page: John G. Clarke Esqr / New Castle / Upon Tyne–
Docket, in unidentified hand: Jamaica 23rd Octor 1798– / Robt Moulton / Reced 23rd Decr / Answd
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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