Chippenham <1>
12 Sept. 1862
Dear Sir,
The enclosed will speak for themselves – the Steward of the Lacock Branch Club has requested me to bring them before you as one of the Hony Members – before he closes his List of Subsns you may perhaps like to know how the matter has been dealt with by your Neighbours at Lacock I will therefore add that I observe Sir John Awdry <2> and his Mother has given £5 each – Mr Merewether <3> £2 – in addition to a donation of £25· to the general fund. Captn Gladstone <4> is still from home – The principal Farmers have given from £1– to s5/– and the Tradesmen – from 10/· to s5/·
The matter has been taken up kindly throughout the different Branches in this Neighbourhood and I believe a considerable Sum will be raised throughout the County –
I have not lost sight of the questions you put to me some time ago, but Mr Blomfield <5> as well as Mr Caldwell <6> has been away from home some time – I believe they are now returned and I will endeavor to see them –
I remain Yours obliged
West Awdry.
H. F. Talbot EsqNotes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Sir John Wither Awdry (1795–1878), JP & Chief Justice, Bombay Supreme Court.
3. Henry Alworth Merewether, snr (1780–1864), author, barrister, Town Clerk of London & Sergeant-at-Law.
4. Captain John Neilson Gladstone (1807–1863), MP.
5. Arthur Blomfield (b. 1827), curate of Lacock.
6. Henry Berney Caldwell (b. 1805), magistrate.