SD739. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (uncle)
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 370–371.
London,
Feby 15. 1831
My dear Sam
When last I wrote to you it was my painful task to communicate to you the afflicting loss which we had sustained in the death of our beloved Mother, since which I understand that Trepsack has written to you & doubtless gave you more particulars as connected with this very distressing subject, therefore I will not further dwell upon it– It becomes my duty now to put you in possession of the Contents of a Letter addressed to me by our dear Mother & found in a Box of hers & to which there is no date, but Trepsack believes it to have been written long since, indeed from certain circumstances which occurred last year, of this I think there can be little doubt but the fact is of no moment as it is declared to be a good & efficient testamentary Paper & must be proved by me in taking out Powers of Administration, in order to get at the Residue of the Property. It has been very much against my wish to proceed to do so, without having your name joined with mine, but I am advised from the circumstances of your being out of the Country that there would be an objection in the Court to your appointment; & further that if this were got over, as in case of administration to a Will, it would be necessary that the administrators should be so near each other as to act in concert not only in Will but in deed & in our circumstances this would be impossible, I have thought it right to acquiesce in the advise given & shall immediately proceed to act upon it & I sincerely trust that it will meet with your approbation–
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Copy
My ever beloved Edwd
I know I can depend on you therefore I am certain this my last request will be comply’d with– You have six thousand pounds of mine in your hands, 4 thousand give to my darling Elisabeth with all my Trinkets, I wish it was more for her sake—the other 2 thousand with all my wearing apparel, Table Linen, Bed Linen, Plate, Books and the little furniture I have to my valuable friend M. Trepsack– My Dear Children, Edwd & Sam be a steady friend to her, let her never know nor feel the want of one for to your Mother, she was every thing my Heart could wish– God Bless you & family & my darling Sam–
Your affectionate Mother
EM–
Baker St
(addressed) Edwd M. Barrett Esqre.
Hope End.
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You will hence see that she has omitted to take any notice of Property now in the funds, & which I understand will amount to between 10 & 12 thousand Pounds if sold out– Trepsack thinks that she must have forgotten it, but now this is of little consequence; should the fund Property realise the latter sum, I shall feel grateful inasmuch as it will enable me to discharge & secure the purport of the proper<ty> left; the other half is of course yours & I shall wait your authori<ty> to pay it according to your direction after the several charges to be made upon it, are liquidated– Considering all that Trepsack has been to my Mother, I certainly consider the Legacy small & as there will be a duty of 10 per cent to be paid upon it which will considerably reduce it, perhaps you will agree with me in the propriety of paying it out of our shares. I think it is what we ought to do, more I have it not in my power & this may be grateful to her feelings as an evident demonstration of our entire acquiescence in the justice of the Legacy, & what I think our dear Mother would not have liked us the worse for. I am happy to hear continued good reports of my beloved Ba, & I trust to have them all confirmed by my own eyes, as I expect soon to return into Herefordshire, altho it will be for a distressing object, the packing up of all my things for removing thence. God only knows where, but He knows best; I dread much the effect on my dear Children in tearing them away from all their most happy associations, again I say He who has afflicted the chastisement will so temper it, as to enable them to bear it– When next you or your dear Wife write direct to me Messrs Anderson & Co Mincing Lane, London, who will forward your letters to me. Should you see Mr Reynolds, give him this information. God bless you my dear Brother & Sister & believe me affectionately yours
E M Barrett
Say nothing on the subject of removal to the Girls. They must forget it–
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqre. / Cinnamon Hill / P. O. Little River / St. James’s / Jamaica.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
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