SD671. Richard Barrett (1789–1839) to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (uncle)

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 360 (in part).

Greenwood

Aug. 29. 1828

My Dear Barrett

I received your letter of August 22 on Tuesday last on my return home. I have been looking for some paper to enable me to reply more fully to your application. The land you speak of commonly called Retreat was the subject of a law suit commenced against my brother by Philip Scarlett– The moiety of it only was recovered– Scarcely had I heard of this result to the suit when I was served with notice of his ejectment on behalf of Mr Thos Stirling. Hardly a claim, not disputed, to be undivided moiety, I have kept possession on behalf of my brother or his heirs, & I have always understood that your agents found they could not contest the matter with Mr & Mrs Stirling—— If I am advised that the right of the other moiety is in Mr & Mrs Stirling I certainly shall not surrender it to you & your brother—but if I am told that the right is in you & your brother, I certainly shall not contest the question a second time, & am ready to agree to a partition– The land is not valuable & the last law-suit cost each party double its value. If the right to the moiety rests in your brother & yourself why has the Claim remained so long neglected. I merely advert to this to shew that I have reason in doubting the validity of your claim, & in declining to answer your letter more decidedly |till| I can write to & receive the answer of my lawyers

I am yours truly

Richd Barrett

S. M. Barrett Esq.

C. Hi.

Publication: None traced.

Source: Copy at Eton College Library.

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