Supporting Documents

SD678.  Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother) & Mary Trepsack to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 361 (in part).

Sunday– [2–4 November 1828] [1]

My ever dearest Henrietta

I do again, through Grannys wish, take up my pen, to write a few lines to one I love so dearly that you and all who are it [sic] this moment so deeply afflicted may not be made uneasy at not hearing from us, dearest Granny is not to day so unwell, as she was yesterday for last night she was rather unwell, and I am glad to say to day she is much better, and has not coughed so much. I am happy to hear that our dearest Papa is so reconciled to the loss of our beloved one; I am sure we ought not to grieve, but to follow his example, for it was all for the best. Dearest Treppy is quite well, I suppose she will as usual write a line in my letter to you, and I know you will be glad to see her hand, she really is very, very kind to me, and I am sure to all of us, we ought really to be grateful to her, she has done every thing in her power to make me happy, I shall never forget her kindness; you have no idea how delighted they would be if Papa would let you all come up here, they are always talking of your coming up to them. They have got again once more settled in Baker Str I was very much dis-appointed when I arrived here on Saturday not to find a letter for me from you, I hope not again to be disappointed—pray write me if it is only a few lines, that I may know you have not forgotten me. Give my very very best love to all the dear group at Hope-End and ever remember and believe me your affectionately attached

Sam

[Continued in the hand of Mary Trepsack]

As I am forbidden my dear Addles to read this Letter I have only to conclude that your Corespondent has mention[e]d Granny’s request to Bro, that he wd be kind enough to order our things at Malvern to be sent here, giving the proper address, & to put a seal upon the Trunk—also to pay the person who has had charge of them whatever they ask– When you write say what day they will be sent off– Bro is not to go on purpose, it will do any day that he visits Malvern[.]

Our dear Boy left us yesterday Mng for School, & I wd have sent this yesterday, but not a moment have I had the last ten days—as soon as I sent off one large Commission for Sam, three others arriv[e]d, & scarcely as many days to do it in, such is the hurry to have them reach Jamaica before Xmas– I was doubly anxious to do my best, for he writes, They were for brown people who on all occasions of sickness attend night & day with the greatest kindness, such persons are always to be prized, for few like that office– You have had early experience my dear Child in the performance of that duty, & sweet must your consolation be in this after time—to know & feel that we have perform[e]d our duty as far as we, as human Beings are able, is what will give comfort & happiness, & relieve the Mind of much pain in the hour of trial—many are now labouring under heavy affliction—Mrs Garyman has lost her Mother to whom she has ever been dutiful– She was also Sir James Scarletts Mother—poor William Gordon is also gone, never was there a finer youth, they are most religious people, therefore feel all the comfort of their dependence– Tell your father that Mr Doman is arrived from Jamaica & is most anxious to see him, he sent to say he could speak most satisfactorily on subjects in Jamaica—the poor man is come to put himself under Doctor Nuttalls care in the last stage of a Dropsy, he just came in time to see his daughters before they embark for Jamaica—two days later, & they wd have sailed, he has nine children, he gives a great character of Sam, says he is beloved by every one—& was looking uncommonly well– Chief Justice Scarlett & his wife are arriv[e]d from Jamaica[.]

Give our best Love to darling Ba that she must consider that when I put a few lines in your Letter it is equally addressed to her[.] When we hear from Sam, I will send a few lines[.] Affectionate Love to dear Bummy[.] Granny is very naughty she has begun the Winter badly—but is better than she has been[,] Granny unites in hoping every good for all our precious Children & may he who rules all—protect you all

ever my dear Addles

Your affectionate

T

Enclosed is one Pound note of the Ross Bank which was sent up—Bro must pay for warehouse room–

Address, in Samuel Moulton-Barrett’s hand, on integral page: Miss H Barrett / Hope-End / Ledbury / Herefordshire.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.

1. Inclusive dates provided by Mary Trepsack and postmark of 4 November 1828, a Tuesday.

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