Sir,
Altho' a stranger and totally unknown to you I take the Liberty of writing this Letter on the Behalf of one who is not only entitled to Consideration from his worth, but to every effort which it is in my Power to make in his Behalf, and which my gratitude calls on me to evince. This person is The Revd Henry George De Starcke <1> the present curate of Fisherton Anger<2> - you are the Impropriator<3> as I am told of that living - I hear that the present Incumbent is dangerously ill - if anything should happen to him may I venture to prefer a claim on your kindness and beg you will present Mr De Starcke to the next Incumbency - I am stirred up to intrude my Letter on your notice because of his Kindness to me - I have five Brothers (two Clergymen) all of gentlemanly profession besides a mother - they have one and all disowned me - had it not been for Mr De Starcke, another Clergyman, and a Gentleman who remembered me in prosperity and happiness, I, my wife and Son should have starved - let these my motives I intreat you, plead as an apology for this intrusion - Mr De Starcke on hearing of my Imprisonment was coming to me yesterday but it should seem by the following Copy that he is now in Bath - he sent me two Guineas
(Copy)
May 10
My Dear Sir
Since I heard from you yesterday I have had information that my rector Dr Nicholas<4> is dying I must therefore be off - and lose no time in doing what I can to secure the if possible this living. I am going to Bath this morning at 11 oClock - I hope the inclos'd will answer for the present
Yrs faithfully In great haste
H.G. De Starcke
W. Arney Esqr
I have heard that he has been in adversity - bespeaks for another I resolved upon this to second his views - therefore without his Knowledge or even approbation or the Knowledge of any body else I obtained from our Chaplain the names of the Impropriators of the Incumbencies of the four Churches in this place and thus without disclosing my motive obtained from him the desideration - if my friend meets with Success I shall be as happy as in my enlargement from prison
I have the honor to remain Sir your most obedt Servt
Wm A. Arney
Fisherton Gaol
11 May 1836.
Talbot Esqr
Laycock Abbey
near Chippenham
Mount Edgcumbe <5>
Devonport
Notes:
1. Henry George De Starck (1796-1865), clergy.
2. Fisherton Anger, Salisbury, Wiltshire. WHFT had inherited the advowson (the right to present a new Rector to St Clement's Church) from his father, Davenport Talbot, and held it until 1849. The new Rector would enjoy the income and assets of the living, including the Rector's house. St Clement's was demolished in 1852 and parts of it were incorporated into the new St Paul's Church.
3. The layman who was in charge of church property.
4. The Rev Dr John Nicholas (1764-1836), Rector of Fisherton Anger and Vicar of Westport, Wiltshire.
5. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.