SD1883. Journal Entry of Elizabeth Clementine Kinney
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 22, 262 (in part).
[Florence]
November 24th / 55.
Old Mrs Trollope, from having been a materialist all her life, has thro’ these manifestations become not only a spiritualist, but a Swedenborgian, & now expresses her desire to depart when her time comes. Hundreds have had like experience thro’ Mr Home’s presence, & blessings fall on him from every quarter. In short, of those who have seen him the unbelievers form only the minority. Among these is Mr Browning, the poet, who, after witnessing these extraordinary things, & seeing a wreath placed on his wife’s head by a spirit-hand (as crowning her with the poet’s-laurel) insulted Mr Home in presence of others, & called him “an imposter!” Dear Mrs Browning cried when he did so; for she believes in all these things. I received a letter from her this week dated at Paris where they are passing the Winter. She says her husband’s new book is out & well received. I have written her our experiences in “Spiritualism”, which I know will delight her. She is going on with her poem & it will be out in the Spring.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Columbia University.
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