My dear Henry
Caroline sent me an attempt at a Photogenic drawing <1> the other day, which was shewn to the Queen, <2> who was very much interested with it, now if I should like exceedingly for her to see something more worth looking at, and if you could send me one of your own doing I should be very much obliged; Papa <3> is not in London yet or I would have begged one of those you sent him. I hope you had a prosperous journey to Laycock; Did you go by Railroad – Give my love to Constance <5> &c
Believe me Yr affecte cousin
Theresa Digby
Buckingham Palace
Monday April 8th.
Notes:
1. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister. The implication here is that Caroline made the photograph herself, not at all unlikely, but not documented elsewhere.
2. Victoria (1819–1901), Queen of the United Kingdom (1837–1901), Empress of India (1876–1901).
3. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
5. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.