SD540. Henrietta Moulton-Barrett to Arabella Moulton-Barrett
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 338 (in part).
Hastings
August 18th [1825]
As Ba has usurped my Quill, to write to our dearest Papa, I must console myself by writing to you my own Arabel, but it is not with as much pleasure as usual, that I give myself this task as I have not the same good account I generally have to give you of all of us for poor Bro is now in bed where he remained all yesterday from a severe attack in the stomack, which produced a considerable degree of fever, so much so that the Physician ordered Leeches to be applied, unfortunately they would not bite, so cupping he had then recourse to, which has much abated the fever, he slept well, & the pain in his head, which he complained much of yesterday, is wonderfully better, he is to eat nothing till the fever is gone, nor at present has he any desire to eat. But do not frighten yourselves dearest Arabel, at this disagreeable news, as I can assure you he is much much better than yesterday, & will tomorrow I have no doubt be on his legs again, as well as ever. Whether Bathing was the cause of this indisposition (which we have lately heard from Doctor Nuttal ought not to have been attempted) or whether it is one of his old billious attacks, we know not but the Physician who attended him seems confident that it arises entirely from the stomack & illnesses of this kind he says are now very prevalent here owing to the dampness of the atmosphere. Mr Bankin has this moment made his appearance, he says that dearest Brosy is much better, no severe symptoms, but he does not think that he will be quite recovered before a few days have elasped [sic] as fevers in general are very obstinate. Do not worry yourselves pray, you may depend upon it, you shall hear regularly, precisely how he is, we shall conceal nothing from you. But you must acknowledge that this promise is returning good, for evil, not to let us know how you all are after having told us in your last letter you all had had colds, pray write if you have any compassion for us, in the mean time we shall console ourselves by thinking you are recovered as it is always the best way to look “on the white side of things.” Not any of us are now to bathe according to Doctor Nuttalls advice which Trippy would not be satisfied without obtaining, not even myself, with whom it agrees so well—is it not provoking! Ba you may suppose is delighted at the permission that our dearest Papa has given to to [sic] bathe, I am particularly pleased about it, as in my opinion I think it will be of great service to her– Are you not delighted about Charlotte? I have today heard from Mama who says she is doing well– Kiss beloved Setty for me I am delighted to hear from Papa that he attends to his catsimn [i.e., catechism] so well he is indeed a Darling-fellow, how does dearest Daisy go on? Tell dearest Henny to write to me, I want to know how his garden is going on, Kiss them all for me beloved objects of my affection, & think sometimes of me who must ever remain
Your most affectionately
attached Henrietta
Give dearest Minny my best love, & tell her not to frighten herself about the invalid, as he is already making great strides to complete recovery–
Mr Bankin says Bathing has had nothing to do with his indisposition. No post tomorrow therefore you must not expect to hear on Monday– Tuesday shall bring you a full account of dearest Brosy I shall write to dearest Papa then–
Address, on integral page: Miss Arabel Barrett–.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
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