SD742. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 372 (in part).
London
July 18. 1831.
My beloved Daddles
I was detained so long in the city on Saturday that I was unable to write, & tho’ I have but a few minutes to do so this morning, fearful you may be disappointed or may suspect that I am ill or what is worse forgetful of you all; I shall employ the minutes in writing to you– Thank you for your Letters & all your affectionate expressions contained therein; also tell Ba with what real delight I read her Letter with the exception of that part announcing the melancholy death of poor Jack-Old Boy; Poor Stormy, I deeply sympathise with him in his loss, but I am glad to find that he is likely still to have been in possession free from the possibility of his escape from him– I went yesterday Evening for the first time since I have been here, to hear Irving; He is certainly at best on that occasion, to wit; He told us a curious thing of the casting out of a Devil, which I will keep for you when we meet– They are looking for plague, pestilence & famine, & consider the gifts conferred on various persons as conveying evidences, that the same proofs, which accompanied the Apostles that their power was from on high, are still in the Church & were always but from want of faith & honoring the saved held back for ages; but more of this when I see you– I have been several times in the House of Commons, & must confess that the opposition to the Great Bill is worthy of a better excuse, never did men die harder than they do; I find the fatigue severe, but having not much to do, I am upon the whole interested & amused with the debates– I hope you will exercise your discretion in calling upon Bro for means to contribute to the necessities of our neighbours, when you see occasion– I am realy [sic] very unwilling to send this scrawl, but as 10d will not be indifferently spent in telling you I am well, I shall let it go, with all its imperfections on its head– Remember me to all my beloved ones, & tell him I am fairly miserable in the deprivation of not seeing them daily, a blessing I trust that will soon be offered to me– God bless you,
Yrs most attached & affectionate
E M Barrett
Tell our dear Bell that I have her note to James by me which I have not forwarded supposing it of no great consequence, but that if she wishes it to be sent to the north I will hasten to do so upon receiving her w<ord.>
Address, on integral page: Miss H. Barrett / Hope End / Ledbury.
Publication: Diary by E.B.B., pp. 280–281.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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