SD653. RB, Sr. to Thomas Coates

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 357.

Hanover Cottage

Southampton Street Camberwell

April 22d 1828

Hon Sir

As a parent anxious for the welfare of an only Son and desiring to avail myself of the favourable opportunity that now offers of placing him in the London University, I find myself at a loss to know in what manner I should best proceed, & therefore trespass upon you, in hopes you will put me in a way most likely to attain the object I have in view.–

I have an only Son—now in his Sixteenth year,—& have brought him up in strict conformity with every requisite mentioned in page 23 of the Prospectus;—and can add, moreover (with the most grateful feeling of a Parent) this Test of his Moral character—that I never knew him from his earliest infancy, guilty of the slightest deviation from Truth.–

His abilities will undergo a scrutiny before judges, better qualified than I am; but I can answer for his unwearied application, for the last 6 years to the Greek, Latin & French languages;—and he so earnestly desires I would interest myself in procuring his admittance, that I should feel myself wanting, as a Parent, were I to neglect any step to procure what he deems so essential to his future happiness.–

Under these circumstances, I should be greatly indebted to you, Sir, if you could inform me, how I may become a shareholder, & what steps will be requisite, for the attainment of my object; especially, whether it would be proper to make a personal application to Mr Horner? and the communication will greatly oblige,

Your obedient Humble Servt

Robt Browning Junr

Address, on integral page: Thomas Coatts Esqre / University Chambers / No 7 / Furnival’s Inn. Redirected: Percy St. Tottenham Court Road.

Publication: The Times, 17 December 1926.

Manuscript: University College, London.

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