SD769. George Goodin Barrett (1792–1854) to Richard Barrett (1789–1839)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 328 (in part).
Malverton Lodge
Leamington Prior.
Jany 8. 1834.
My dear Richard
Since my last letter to you so full of afflictions, my mind has become more tranquillized, and I have been enabled to proceed in, although not yet to complete, the proceedings necessary to arrange my Mother’s affairs. I have taken out the Probate to the Will from Doctors’ Commons which is (the probate) date of Decr 23. 1834, but owing to some delay amongst the lawyers, have not received a copy of it to send to you. The Will is very simple: the heads of it are; My Mother assigns to Martin upon his signing a release to any claim which he may imagine he possesses against his Estate for some negroes upon the Wharf, the Bond for £4000. (This release he has executed.) To Barrett she leaves all her wearing apparel & trinkets, and to yourself twenty Guineas to buy a mourning ring. Whatever other property remains, of every description, is bequeathed to me as Residuary Legatee. The Executors are E. Moulton-Barrett, and myself: but as Edward has refused to act, I remain sole Executor. My Mother’s Memorandum book begins at Oct 2. 1812, and brings her account down to Oct 2. 1834, both dates inclusive, during which time her claim for dower would amount to: [1]
I understand from John Plummer that it is not intended to allow the claim against Anchovy for the ½ years dower due Oct 2. 1830, as my Mother accepted a bill at 3 months from Plummer & Wilson, but that it will only be considered as a claim against their late House, that being the year in which it failed. However I have retained it on the Statement above, as it can be settled afterwards. Besides the above there are 6½ years of negro time due, amounting to £975–
I have written thus far, assuming that you will have the kindness and friendship to act for me, and that you will not be offended at my feeling so confidently that you will. The amount of dower being the first claim upon Anchovy I trust that you will have no difficulty in obtaining payment of them. The negro time being a contingent, I am afraid will be lost. The Compensation from Government for the Negroes, I likewise hope will occasion you no trouble.
I purpose resigning to Martin all claim upon him for interest due upon his bond for £4000: this sum will amount to nearly £4000, if not quite: which I think ought to satisfy him. There will then remain to me due by him, the bond for £3000 with the accumulated interest: without which I hope to be able to manage, so as not to call upon him for any part of it, during his life time, or whilst he is in distress.
I do not know whether it will be in your power to obtain anything more from the Wharf, or the land.
Elizabeth is still under care at Cheltenham; Poor soul! I am afraid that her sufferings can only terminate with her life. I have the only consolation which I could receive, and that is, that every attention and kindness are shown her by Dr Conally & his wife. Like all people in her state at one time there is a glimmer of hope breaks out, at another all is darkness. The Children have all coughs, but the two oldest send you their very best love. I hope by the next packet to transmit to you all the papers regularly drawn out regarding my Mother’s affairs.
We are all shivering with cold. The frost is very severe.
Yours very affectionately, G. G. Barrett.
I hope that you will not refuse my request.
Address, on integral page: Honble Richard Barrett / Spanish Town / Jamaica.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Here follows a brief statement that indicates the claim for dower was £2,439.11.11.
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