Bagnères de Bigorre
Friday July 27th 1860
My Dear Constance
This is a very pleasant little town situated just at the foot of the Pyranees- The Bathing establishment is the most perfect I ever saw, all imaginable descriptions of baths vapour baths douches &c are to be had in profusion. The place is not inconveniently crowded while Eaux Bonnes it is said is so crammed full that even the Prefect, who went there officially to receive the Empress, could get no room for himself. The weather is very cool & cloudy which I prefer very much to the burning Sun. I propose to stay here 3 or 4 days & take some mineral water baths. A fine rapid stream runs through the Town, the country is very fertile, there are grand mountains in the background <.> This hotel seems cheerful and comfortable but you cant [sic] think what bad ruins there are in some places especially in Spain, they are almost past endurance-
Reading over old Galignanies <1> I was astonished to see that Mr Ross <2> who I think is Charless Companion at Whorlton <3> proved to be the best rifle shot in England, which is something so extraordinary that I must wait to hear whether it is really the same young gentleman or some namesake of his.
I suppose Uncle Wm <4> never went to the Pyrenees after all, for I have heard nothing of him. I staid 4 days at Biarrits by the sea & thought it a delightful little watering place- Such an azure sea dashing over the rocks, with a distant view of the Spanish Mountains on the left. I hope to be in England about the 10th of August. I have no news of you for a long time –
Adieu
Your affte
Henry
Notes:
1. Galignani’s Messenger, a newspaper that had a wide circulation among English residents on the Continent.
2. This was Edward Ross, declared the 'champion shot' of England. He was the 5th and youngest son of the famed Scot, Horatio Ross (1801-1886), MP, also crack shot and a fine photographer; the father corresponded with WHFT. The father and son were photographed with their rifles by Roger Fenton.
3. Charles Henry Talbot, 'Tally' (2 Feb 1842 - 26 Dec 1916), antiquary & WHFT's only son. This was the same Ross - see Doc. No: 08065.
4. William Thomas Horner Fox Strangways, 4th Earl of Ilchester (1795-1865), botanist, art collector & diplomat; WHFT's favourite uncle.