Supporting Documents

SD70.  Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Charles Moulton

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

Feby 13. 1807–

My dear Father

Your letter of this day has relieved me from an embarrassment you had unknowingly occasioned me by not dating your first letter. I therefore knew not whither to direct to you.

It gave me great pleasure to hear your mind was in some degree set at ease by the assistance of your friends in America; But how much more sincere joy should I experience could I here insert that I had it in my power to entirely release you from your difficulties.

You must be aware that even those Planters who are happily free and uninvolved are somewhat shockd by the present melancholy state of West India Affairs, in what a situation then must those be, who are in debt and more than trivially so, I speak feelingly on the subject, I, my Father am so, owing to extreme prodigality, and found myself when of age pressed on all sides for money, the consequence of which was my being compelled to apply to some Merchant to assist me in my difficulties, I therefore entered into an agreement with the house of Boddington and Sharpe to allow me a specific sum for my own private expenses and other Sums that they were to advance for the payment of these injudicious debts I had contracted which arrangements it is absolutely impossible for me to infringe on; How astonished will you be when I tell you that even the Crops of three years will scarcely suffice to make me an independent Man, I have parted, as I wrote you when in Town I should do, with many of my horses and their Attendants and mean still further to diminish my establishment in order to accomplish it even in that time. I cannot sell out of the funds to relieve myself or even you, for, as you know, my Grandfather left no provision for Wife or younger Children nor will they have any thing but what they get from me, you will not blame me for my resolution when I tell you Mary is again the the Family way. Viewing these reasons in the light you ought, You cannot, you will not accuse me of unkindness in not relieving you to any degree, indeed my dear F. I require it myself. Having said thus much you will not expect me to accept the Bill. I have enclosed a draft of £50, more I could not for I had it not. I remain My dear F.

Yrs. Most affectionately,

E.M.B.

Let me hear of the receipt of this

Publication: None traced.

Source: File copy at Eton College Library.

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