SD2390. George Goodin Moulton-Barrett to Henrietta Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 355 (in part).
2 Coronation Terrace,
Ilfracombe
Monday [23 July 1860]
My dearest Henrietta
I write this to you, but dont think of returning it, indeed, I beg, you wont– I would very much rather not see your handwriting– Arabel will doubtless kindly write for both.
Thank Charlotte for her thanks—very glad I am that little hat & cloak were approved of by her & Ocky. I should have sent something from Salterton but the barren place could produce nothing, so I relied upon the good taste & judgment of Arabel–
Thank Arabel also for her letter which I was glad of, tho’ it did not bring very favourable news of you. Do you think she will write soon to me again? What a tax I am!
I have left Salterton, & not without regret, as I found it pleasantly quiet, & quietly pleasant. The people got to be so civil in intentions, that I thought it necessary to send them from Exeter, an illustrated copy of Moore’s Poems; a handsome book enough as a ladies prize for the archery club, which this morning is gracefully acknowledged.
Tell Mary that a few days ago a man who used to attend to the coach horses, either fell or threw himself from the high cliff & was taken up with his neck, ribs &c broken– He was drunk at the time, & had before courted death by hanging. Our parson gave us (“improved the occasion“ is I believe the cant phrase) an al fresco sermon on the spot– Kiss Mary for me & give her the enclosed. It is not the best lace, & not worthy of thanks. I got it from charity, & have already been thanked for it more than either it deserves or I.
I came here on Saturday, & find a strange diff[e]rence to the south. The inland scenery tell Arabel is very inferior to that of Lynmouth; but the coast is really magnificent. I never saw such rocks, & a high sea tumbling among them, makes a very imposing scene– There is a harbour here too with some shipping. A friend of mine I found here owning a yacht, in which he is anxious to take me to Clovelly tomorrow, but if he does, it will be by a press gang.
I have got a long spirit story for Ba, but I cant tell it now.
God bless you dear Henrietta;
Ever yours
G.
Publication: None traced.
Source: Transcript in editors’ file.
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