SD642. Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother) & Mary Trepsack to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 355 (in part).
33 York St
Sunday Feb 3d 1828
My dearest Henrietta
I now for the first time since my return sit down to write a few lines to you, but they must be a few lines, as there really is not the slightest bit of news. I had a very pleasant journey and astonished them all, I got here just as the bells began to ring for Church, I slept all the way almost, and got to Oxford when I thought I had only got the first stage,—but I enjoyed myself very much on cold meat, egg, coffee, Toast, Bread and butter and a good lot more,—but not having taken the Memorandum I have forgot the rest; And all the way to Oxford I had the coach to myself, but from thence I had a regular family Tea party, alias drinking party; a lady with a bottle of the real, Mountain Dew, and a little squa[w]ling brat just as fond of the Dew as its original, alias Mother,—and a kind of a Gentlemanly son of a Blaguard. I rather think one of Markley Perkins and Cos Pot house keepers, very fond of home Brewed, alias Swipes; well now I have given you an account of My family coach party I will give you an account of 33 York Str Granny I think is not so well as I should wish, but she is better now– Treppy very well, all but a little Ti[c]kling in the throat, now for Charterhouse—Mr Peney very well; Doctor Russell much better but I [sic] larger Car Buncle on his nose than ever, I have got a little cold, but nothing particular. I was rather disappointed not to hear from you, but as I know you are very busy, I shall not blame you. Write next week. I am going to write to Monies, so excuse me. Shooting over! I am glad to hear poor Mama is better, I hope she will continue to improve. Best Love to all. Your ever affectionate Sam. Treppy wants a few lines.
[Continued in Treppy’s hand]
[6 lines of text illegible]
Sam is a dear Creature, & I must offer myself as his second– Granny says she is afraid your remedy for a Cough is a most Satisfactory one but not exactly calculated for either her stomach, or pocket & without seasoning it wd be most unpalatable– Pray request Ba, when she writes to Foxley to offer Granny’s best Compts & thanks for a brace of pheasants we Have, it was most kind of Miss Price– It shews their Love for our dearest Ba—do not be astonished at the Changes in Mrs T– It ever was her nature– It gives us much pleasure to hear of dear Charlotte, & I trust she will continue to improve in strength. I cannot doubt her babe being all perfection, a parent is always allowed great latitude in the admiration of their children– Mrs Orm[e] has been sadly disappointed in the expected marriage of her daughter. The Gentleman went to Paris to ask the consent of his parents, they disapproved & he has written to the young Lady to that effect & says alrite [sic] to his father, deserts a fulfillment of his engagement– She is I understand a nice child in manner & appearance very differ<ence> not [illegible word] a good deal like her older sister–
Capt. Davies sails about the 10 or 15th of this Month therefore If any of you have any dispatches to make up & can get an opportunity of conveying them to us, we will put them with some which we are going to send[.] I dont <…> if I [illegible words] to you that Rebecca left a crimson China crape gown for you, only beg’d that you wd not be affronted[.] It is a dyed one, & wd have been sent with all the other Coloured Things that we got for all of you which as you cared not at present to wear were detained till you lay aside black[.] your favorite is as saucy as ever—he came to bid us good bye this mong at 8 o’clock[.] Our united & best Love attend all your Circle ever my dearest Addles
Yrs affectionately
Address, on integral page: <Mis>s H– Barrett / Hope End / Ledbury / Herefordshire.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
___________________
