My dear Henry
The Seeds were most joyfully received by Lakin <1> & he will be very thankful for "as many more as Mr Talbot will please to spare him" – Will you direct them to
Mr Lakin
Gardener
Markeaton
Derby
as we are going into Dorsetshire – Noel <2> and Mr Thomson are already there & I want to see my Father <3> who has not recovered entirely from his sad illness –
You do not mention Constance <4> whereat I am wrath as I want sadly to hear about her as I much fear she is still very unwell –
Will you write me a letter to Moreton <5> telling me some particulars of you all? – and also what you hear from Rome? – Where are the Mt E’s <6> going next? The Shrewsburys <7> are at Torquay where they seem very happy & like the place much.
Yr affte cousin
H Ga Mundy
Markeaton <8>
Tuesday Feby 13th
[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. See Doc. No: 00274.
2. Francis Noel Mundy (1833–1903), WHFT’s nephew.
3. James Frampton (1769–1855), High Sheriff.
4. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
5. Moreton, Dorset: home of the Frampton family.
6. Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797- 3 Sep 1861); and his wife, Lady Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding (1808- 2 Nov 1881); WHFT's half-sister; Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, 1840–1854 & 1863–1865.
7. John Talbot, 16th Earl Shrewsbury (1791–1852), and his wife, Maria Theresa, née Talbot (d. 1856).
8. Markeaton Hall, Derbyshire, NW of Derby: home of the Mundy family.