SD2117. Charles John Moulton-Barrett to William Surtees Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 269 (in part).
Bryngwyn, Oswestry, Salops.
Monday Nov. 5. 1857
My dear Surtees
We were all glad to get your kind letter this morning. “Delighted” would be too cold a phrase to express the very great pleasure it gave us—only bring luggage enough for a long stay. Arabel thinks Frocester could be a good half-way home |delay|. I started from the Taunton Station by the earliest train, passing thro’ Chepstow & Hereford, & only reached Shrewsbury 7 p.m., & therefore I am afraid you will not be able to make the journey in one day. When you have decided upon the route let us know & we will send the omnibus to Oswestry for you. I am sorry you did not come a little earlier. The weather lately has been extremely cold & gloomy but even with that drawback Bryngwyn looks very pretty & I think you will like it. Sept goes on Tuesday to Mrs Sandback’s for a day’s shooting there & Sam Barrett did talk of going with him but of course he will not go now. Let Henrietta bring a riding habit with her if she has one, an old Welsh pony & another old horse of no particular breed to select from. A. & L. Barrett are consulting about the best road—I recommend you to go by Birmingham—starting @ 2 p.m., getting to Birmingham 3.10 p.m. & arriving at Oswestry @ 5.40.– The advantage, if any, of the Hereford route would be a rest of two hours.— If you accomplish it in one day the feat would be exceedingly fatiguing & therefore we all advise you to sleep at Frocester & come in the next day.– Many thanks to dear Henrietta for the towels—there is no other commission. Sept read yr. letter & appears to be highly satisfied with the result of yr exertions on his behalf. I do not see for my part how he can be in two places at the same time—With you & with me in Jamaica. In my opinion his military ardour will soon cool. Mary says she wishes to write a line to you she has won every one’s heart. My best love to dear Henrietta & believe me to be My dear Surtees
Your affectionately
C J Barrett
Address: Captain Surtees Cook / Wilton / Taunton / Somersetshire.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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