Dear Sir/
On reading over Mr Witham’s <1> pamphlet on Lacock, I must dissuade you from thinking of republishing such a slight, imperfect, & even frivolous essay – All its information might be comprised in 4 pages. – It may be presumed as a literary, or unliterary & typographic curiosity: but it would be absurd to republish such absurdity at the present time – If Bowles <2> declines publishing his vol, & you are willing to contribute towards the expence I will write a short Essay on the Architecture & history of the Abbey, with illustrations next Winter.
Will you be so good as frank <sic> the inclosed. & thus oblige
Yrs truly
J Britton
July 16 34
17 Bruton St
W. H. F. Talbot Esq M.P –Notes:
1. Rev George Witham, The History of Lacock Abbey, or Locus Beatæ Mariæ. From Dugdale, Stevens &c., with additions on the present state of the Abbey (1806). [See Doc. No: 05775].
2. Rev William Lisle Bowles (1762–1850), Wiltshire poet & antiquary.