SD62. James Scarlett to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 307 (in part).

74 Guilford Street

Nov. 8th 1806

My dear Barrett

I have only time to tell you now that if you can be in town by the 28h or 29h of this month I think I shall be most at leisure within three or four days after that time to settle all our affairs little & great. One of Mrs Scarletts Sisters is in town with us just now. I am not certain whether she will leave us before that time. If she does we can offer you a tolerable bed & a hearty welcome if you will take up your quarters in Guilford St. whilst you stay. Let me your pleasure therefore a day or two before hand & I will take care to secure you a bed somewhere. The second fleet is arrived, but sadly mauled & many of your Sugars lost. They are however insured & you will lose but little if any thing by them. My brother has sent you a turtle by the Ann, & to my great surprize it is still alive after a voyage of three months. I fear however it will not live many days, nor indeed long enough to know your wishes about it. I have therefore desired the Master of the London tavern where it now is, to look sharp & cut its throat if he thinks there is immediate danger of its life, & he will in return next year allow you a turtle of the same size. I thought it better to secure you one by this bargain than to take the risk of sending you a dead one now.

With best regards to Mrs Barrett in which Mrs S. begs to join me I am My Dr Barrett

Most faithfully yours

J Scarlett

Address, on integral page: Edwd M. Barrett Esqr / Coxhoe Hall / Durham.

Docket, in the hand of EM-B (father): Novr 8. 1806.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

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