SD879. Edward Moulton-Barrett (father) to William Wemyss Anderson

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 335 (in part).

[London]

28 Feby /38

There is but one circumstance attending this melancholy event I wish undone, that his Remains had been removed to Cinnamon Hill: there is every probability that one or other of my family will reside there from time to time and the knowledge that his dust was contiguous would convey a melancholy satisfaction: there is no reasoning upon it, as it is all a subject of feeling only, to the gratification of which I know nothing in the New Testament to assure it, whereas, old scripture History abounds with instances of its being done. “Where the tree falls there let it lie,” which my dear brother as many others have quoted are clearly done so by way of accommodation: the passage has nothing to do with the locality for the interment of the body, therefore I deeply regret he was so minded. I would it had been otherwise.

Publication: None traced.

Source: Copy, in the hand of William Wemyss Anderson, at Eton College Library.

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