Supporting Documents

SD67.  Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Philip Scarlett

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

January 4th, 1807

My Dear Sir,

I yesterday received your two letters one dated the 8th Oct. Enclosing the valuation of my Properties! The other Novr.

From four preceeding letters of yours I was prepared to hear the poor Negroes had been badly dealth [sic] with; it gives me great concern that any dependants of mind [sic] should suffer any species of cruelty. I now feel happy they are under your Protection, for I am sure they will be well taken care of and made to bear no unnecessary hardship. You draw a miserable picture of the Estates, let me beg the Bills from Jamaica may be as small as possible indeed if that expenses of the Properties cannot be paid by the sale of the Rum, I should prefer a part of the Sugar to be sold in the Island to clear the amount. I wish what is sent home to be unencumbered. I wish you always to write to the house of Boddington &c &c for insurance. When is the difficulte respecting the Negroes between Spring Estate and mind [sic] likely to be settled and what do you think will be the result? Your Brother thinks I have a very fair claim. Your accounts gave me great satisfaction[.] I was aware the expenses of the Estates for the last year must be very large from the dreadful state things were in when you got possession.

My wife joins me in best remembrance to yourself & Mrs Scarlett, and I remain

My dear Sirs,

Yrs most truly

E M. Barrett

I cannot say I am sorry to inform you that I lost 270 hogsheads of Sugar in the storm for had they arrived they would not have fetch’d so much as what they were Insured at 250 were at £25 and 50 hds at £20.

Publication: None traced.

Source: File copy at Eton College Library.

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