Lacock
June 17th 1830
Sir
I have taken the Liberty of Addressing these few Lines to you hoping that you will not be Offended at me by so Doing, but I wish to Inform you Sir that on Monday morning Last I waited for the Hamper as usual at Chippenham <1> but I could not have them before six a Clock then I Brought them over to Laycock and when I got there it was Quarter past seven and the Gardener <2> was very Angry with me for not being sooner and Ordered me a way for a Quarter of a day and I Stopped a way half a day and when I went again at two Oclock he would not Let me go to work then for what Reason Sir I don’t know since I have been in your service I have always Conducted my self Steady and Done my utmost to Serve you and if I am to be Discharged I should wish for you to Discharce <sic> me or Mr Awdry and I Should be glad if you will Authorize Mr Awdry to give me a Character but I should be very glad to Continue in your service Sir if you Please
I Am your Humble Servant
William Moore
W. H. F. Talbot Esqre
31 Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Cornelius Fitzsimmons, Scottish gardener at Lacock Abbey.