Autograph letter signed : [London], to George Goodin Moulton-Barrett, 1889 February 24.

Thanking George for the packet of materials connected with EBB; telling him he will consider what to do with them, "always wholly with regard to what I conceive would be the wish of the beloved author"; writing that he has seen Ingram's book (possibly Ingram's biographical and critical study of EBB, published in 1888) and finds it inoffensive; relaying news from Pen and Fannie; writing that they have given two housewarming parties to celebrate the newly restored Ca' Rezzonico, and "were congratulated by everybody on what they had done for Pope Clement XIII [see MA 2148.86]... it is pleasant to hear how grateful the old Venetian families are at the palace having fallen into such reverent hands"; mentioning that he is particularly happy that Fannie, "a woman of whom I can imagine no greater praise than I imply when I say Pen's Mother would have thoroughly loved and esteemed her", is pleased with the house and her situation; recounting an unusual coincidence, namely that the last member of the Rezzonico family was named Widmann Rezzonico, which is strangely similar to RB's mother's maiden name, Wiedemann, which was also Pen's middle name; writing that Pen's mispronunciation of "Robert W.B.B." is how he came to be called "Pennini"; discussing the character of Venice and the Venetians: "I fancy few cities are--at least outwardly--so decorous. It may come of the universal poverty, too probably"; encouraging George to go to Venice, and also to visit him and Sarianna in their "small quiet but comfortable house, with a room for you, and a welcome to make all insufficiences disappear!"