SD753. Adam Cliff to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 326 (in part).
Liverpool
18th September 1832
Dear Sir,
As you will most likely be called upon ’ere long to appear as a party to a suit in Chancery, arising out of the affairs of the late Thos P. Thompson, I have, as a matter of courtesy, deemed it right to inform you thereof, and of the leading circumstances out of which it will originate; and shall be happy to give you any further particulars, that you may consider necessary–
Mr Thompson directed by his Will £60,000 to be invested for Mrs Edward’s Children, and their Issue; and in the want of certain contingencies happening, this sum would vest in you; which will cause you to be called upon in the Suit–
Of this Sum about £20,000 is realised, and there is a debt owing by Mr Jno. Simpson (formerly of Fair Lawn in Kent) to the Estate, of about £33,000; and for this Sum, & another of nearly the same amount owing to Messrs Hartley of Whitehaven, he has granted to them, and to me, jointly; a Mortgage in his West India Property——
Last year the late Mr Thompson’s West India Estates did not pay their own expenses; which has been the case with Mr Simpson’s, for two years——
The youngest of Mrs Edward’s Children came of Age in July last, and as I have not the means of paying them the Interest on the sums to which they expected then to be intitled; and owing to the difficulties in which I am placed by the falling off of the West India properties; I have been advised, for my own security and protection, to apply to the Lord Chancellor for instructions, how I am to act in future—Mr Appleton having declined to act under the Will, and Mr Simpson being resident in France; and an Executor and Trustee, nominally, but not virtually——
My Counsel has instructed me, that you can become the Plaintiff in this cause, if you deem it adviseable; and if such be your intention, I shall be glad to hear from you to that effect—otherwise, I shall proceed as Plaintiff and you will be called on as one of the Defendants, merely because the forms of the Court require it; for at present there is not much probability of your ever taking any thing under Mr Thompson’s Will——
I am, with respect, Sir,
Your very obedt Servt
Adam Cliff
Edwd M. Barrett Esqre
Address, on integral page: Edward M. Barrett Esqre / Hope End, Ledbury, / Herefordshire.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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