SD366. Samuel Moulton-Barrett (uncle) to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 324 (in part).

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18th January. 1821.

My dearest Addles.

I should be ungalant as well as ungrateful if I did not on the receipt of your letter warmly express both my devotion & my obligation to you for your condescension in writing to me—knowing my dear Addles how much it must have cost you, an increase of palpitation, a spasmodic head ache, ten nails bit to the quick, the inking of a gown, cutting of fingers, consumption of 100 pens, a quire of paper, & various other little items too numerous to specify, I say knowing all this, I must sincerely avow that I feel flattered by the compliment, grateful for your Motive, & quite upset by the manner in which it is executed– Really if a little present of plaid is to produce me such a manuscript, I shall be tempted to turn manufacture of it, & smother you in tartan– I am truly glad you like it my dear Child, & hope that you may always be equally pleased with all future presents, whether more or less valuable– Mama tells me that you wish to have a cloak made of the plaid; I wish you would not, as I am anxious to see you all dressed alike, & moreover I have ordered two cloaks similar to Ba’s, for yourself & Arabella. But do as you like, because I sent it to please you, & not myself– I came here yesterday, I go South tomorrow, where if I do not see you, I at least hope to enjoy the pleasure of hearing from you–

Adieu—My dearest Addles

Ever your most affectionate

S M Barrett

Henrietta

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.

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