Bowden Hill
Monday Morng
Dear Sir,
I intended to call on you this morning as you requested but my poor Wife is so very ill that I do not like to leave her. I am afraid she is sinking very rapidly. I enclose a note which I have received from Mr Awdry of Melksham – I have enquired from several persons acquainted with the Property, as to Mr Burgess es right of way, and it seems clear that he has been in the habit of drawing his Hay out of the Pasture Field which was formerly Mr Montagu’s thro’ Wick Farm, but I do not see why you should not give up the third Bridge if you think fit – as Mr Burgess might avail himself of the middle one if he can establish his claim to any right of way.
If you will kindly call on me on your way to the station I shall be happy to attend to any instructions you may give on the subject. I am sure you will under present circumstances excuse my leaving home this morning. Will you kindly inform Mrs Talbot <1> how very ill Mrs Awdry is – as she has kindly made enquiries for her on several occasions
I am dear Sir
Yours obliged
West Awdry
Notes:
1. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.