[this is written on the same sheet as a note from Capt Feilding - see Doc. No: 02336]
Caro Henrico <1>
Will you let me cut down the sick Weymouth Pine which disgraces the dark green corner of noble Firs at the end of the water? We thought the vicinity of Terra Firma would recover it, but even that has failed. It is yellower than ever, & the under branches are dead. It happens to be a very backward Spring, which I am not sorry for, as by that means we shall be able to watch the opening buds & their progress from day to day, & have lost nothing by our various delays in coming here. I have been out all the morning & have quite a headache from the heat of the Sun, which is so powerful in the first days of Spring. We have a basket of the most lovely flowers, in the Library, Hyacinths Carnations, Narcissus, Lachenalia Tricolor cum multis aliis <2>. This tranquillity makes a delightful contrast to the busy haunts of men we have just left, notwithstanding which I should like to know what is passing there & beg you will tell me.
Affly yours
E F
W. H. F. Talbot Esqre
31 Sackville Street
London
Notes:
1. Dear Henry.
2. With many others.