Chippenham <1>
14 March /62
Dear Sir,
I have paid Russell <2> the Coach Builder £24· 12/· and Mr Blomfield <3> £10· – and a further sum of £1 – which he told me he had advanced by your (or Mrs Talbots <4>) direction towards the expences of their School feast last year. I thought you would like it to be repaid.
Our Assizes will commence on the 26th inst at Devizes – There is a case of murder to be tried – very similar to that which was tried two years ago – the Scene is in South Wilts, the Victim a Game-keepers Wife – the spot a lone Cottage at Everleigh – but the man charged an Englishman – an underkeeper – I will take care to send you a local Paper unless a full report appears in the Times. I am still Undersheriff (thanks to you for my first appointment) I believe I have now held the office for a greater number of consecutive years than any professional man in the County – since 1803 – I suppose being less lucrative than it was it is not so much thought of
I hope Mrs Talbot and all your family are well. With best Compts to them
Believe me Yours obliged
West Awdry.
[envelope:]
H.F. Talbot Esqr
Millburn
Edinburgh
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. J Russell, carriage builder, Chippenham.
3. Arthur Blomfield (b. 1827), curate of Lacock.
4. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.