SD276. Samuel Barrett (1788–1824) to George Goodin Barrett (1792–1854)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 319 (in part).
Ham Common,
Jan. 12. 1818.
My dear George–
I am truly happy to congratulate you on yr late escape from yr Adversaries Pistol which I assume has done you much Honor among the good folks of England[.] I trust it will not give you an Itch for duelling for this may not end so well We have had terrible sick |Hours| nearly all on the List but are Now in a progressive state of improvement– I have been looking all over my Papers and have called several times on Robinson but he was out, however I shall try again in the course of the week and hope to render you the account you wish for[.] I am ordered by Bailly to quit England immediately and have thought it advisable to try a voyage to Jamaica for a few Months after arranging Money transactions then I shall proceed to America view This new World and be Home towards the end of the year, Edward is to accompany me and intends to realise a large Fortune, by turning his sword into a Hoe, and Manfully attend the Sugar boiler[.] We probably shall sail by the 25th How do you intend passing this year in France or Germany– I shall envy you the latter– My Mother is now under the Hands of Sir Henry Balfourd[.] I am in hopes he will be of service to her, she still talks of visiting the Continent in the Summer you must be her Chaperon– I should think a very small acquaintance with its delights will suffice and render her anxious for Gloucester Place– Have you much Society at Paris, and of what kind Yours appears the Winter quarter of the English– Margaret purposes taking a small House in London during my absence, it will be more lively and cheaper than in the Country– Economy being the order of my actions, a few crops will br<ing i>t round, and enable me to clear all these incumbrances– I should wish to know the different periods you would wish the |Interest| paid you that I may make arrangements with Lushington to that effect. Write the word and be as moderate as possible in short I know you have discovered how necessary economy is as well as Myself. I dont think my Friend Edward much better off, or Martin either to be envied[.] A neat set, no doubt, but I trust now on the improving List– Adieu Mon cher as our Italian Friend used to say and believe me
Ever affect yrs
SB
Margarets Love
Address, on integral page: A Monsieur / Le Capitain G. G. Barrett / Chez Mrs Perigueux of |Le Gaillon| / Paris.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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