SD2487. Arabella Moulton-Barrett to William Surtees Cook

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 299 (in part).

[Tiverton]

[Postmark: 26 July 1861]

My dearest Surtees,

Thank you for sending Robert’s few lines, which I return—& for your previous most affectionate little note. I have not answered it, for I felt it was something worse than useless to write & sadden you & others with my sadness. You have had trial enough without that– Let us realize the thought that those beloved ones who are gone, are near very near. “Encompassed about” we are said to be, “with a great cloud of witnesses.” I have to thank dear little Altham too for his kind letter. I will answer it soon, tell him. Those darling children will be ever very near & dear to my heart– I owe yr sister Mary a letter—but I know she will understand & forgive my silence. Say so to her, with my love– George was pleased with your kind thought & promise—but he wonders whether he will be able to keep the wild ducks on his little piece of water. Ocy took us by surprise on Tuesday, & staid till Thursday– He was on his way to see a place beyond Carmarthen. Yr letter came when he was here, & he saw what you said about Henlade. He seemed to think the rent more than he could afford £150 is a large sum for him to give of course the land wd relieve it– Tell us about your |fray|. Is it all safe? Harry has gone, I believe, to see a place near Totness– George’s dinner is ready– I can write no more– Have you seen Aunt Bell since she went to Sidbrook? Believe me to be, dear Surtees,

Yr ever affecte sister

A Barrett

Address: Major Cook / Stoke Court / W. Taunton.

Docket: Letter from R.B.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.

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