SD859. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (uncle)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 333 (in part).
[London]
Jany. 1 1837 [sic, for 1838] [1]
My dear Sam
In consequence of the Packet’s arrival just as I was about to write to you, I was obliged to go into the City in order to get my letters, the consequence is that it has become so late that I have but a few minutes to save the Post– I am sorry that I did not hear from you, and I am grieved a letter from Sam does not afford as much comfort, as regards your condition, but I have great faith in the Pills, Sughrue took out with him, which I trust you are now using– Oh may the Lord bless this means to your perfect restoration– Now I want to give you some information respecting the Proceedings here as regards the Suit.– You know that I felt it would be necessary to urge our opponents upon the subject of the Appeal, as I was sure after the Judgement last given they would not be very anxious to hurry its coming on & I think I told you, we meant to get our Case ready, Papers printed, & then if they hung back to petition the Council to bring it to a speedy hearing; now I suppose as this activity has had its influence, & I suspect notwithstanding all Richards boasting, Cook the Attorney has had his orders from him to feel his way & see what could be done towards an arrangement, without Law—ever giving him full authority to settle all– The Sum is, that Cook has sent to my Solicitor a proposition, a Copy of which I will send you by Selby, who sails in ten days, wherein after much unnecessary observation, he comes to the point that we should withdraw our Counterclaims from Spring Sam getting his compensation, & they would do the same as regards ours; that they should convey the Lands at Oxford to me, that releases be exchanged between the Estate of Edward Barrett & G. G. Barrett; that further proceedings be stayed in the Suits, excepting in so far as may be necessary to carry the arrangement into effect, & to vacate the recognisance R. Barrett entered into, each Party paying his Costs;—that the Appeal now pending be withdrawn without Costs; that Sam of Spring be put in quiet possession of the Negroes the subject of the Suit– To all which I said, before I entered into discussion upon the subject, I must know what Authority you have to fulfil these or any other terms, for I could not submit to have th<ese> terms, after you had got from me the extent of my inclinations on the subject, sent again to Jamaica, likely enough to be cavilled at & perhaps another demand attached to them– I declared whatever we determined on should be binding on absent as well as present Parties—Cook means to write to Jamaica for this power; will Richard give it; in the mean, seeing how very important this Appeal is, we are to go on, for in the hopes of an arrangement to delay proceedings, would be most injurious to our Interests– Pray dont talk about it not even to Tinkler, for it is important to be very cool & quiet in it—only let me know your Sentiments as well as Andersons– The Terms are certainly the best we have had yet offered, still considering the high ground we stand on now, I have a regret to look for better– I forgot to say I am to forego my claim for the Legacy– I have been sadly afraid that Farquharson had spoiled all– I must close–
Dearest Sam, God bless you!
Yrs most affectionately
E M Barrett
The 50,000 Bricks are on board David Lyon[.] I hope you will be able to read this, but I am nervous to a degree–
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqre / Cinnamon Hill / Little River / St. James’s / Jamaica.
Docket: 1838 / E. M. Barrett / Febr 19th
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Year provided by postmark.
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