Jany 11th
1819
My dear Henry
Your book tho’ sent from Town the 27th Decr did not reach me for a long time. I like it very much but more particularly your kind remembrance. I think your critique of it very just – I should think the engraver was a man whose mind was not much elevated refined by the company he associated with & that his talents paid him but indifferently – is it that he meets with little encouragement? or is he idle & dissolute
Kit <1> goes tomorrow to Fulham as much against grain as usual – however Easter promises a break in the dismal prospect of absence & I wish you could afford time to accompany him when he comes down here. Your Cousins <2> have got Colds & sore throats but not of a lasting sort I hope, they were well enough on Twelfth night to demolish the Cake & dance very merrily to J: Georges <3> poor fiddle – on these occasions we always wish for you as one of the family – I suppose this will find you returned to Cambridge <4> but [illegible] fear doubt I shall direct it to Sackville Street <5> – does your Mother & Mr F: <6> keep their intention of going to France this spring? –
I am affly your Aunt
M: L: Cole
Henry Talbot Esqr
31 Sackville St
London
Notes:
1. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
2. Mary Thereza Talbot (1795–1861), WHFT’s cousin; Jane Harriot Nicholl, née Talbot (1796–1874); Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin; Isabella Catherine Franklen, née Talbot (1804–1874); Emma Thomasina Llewelyn, née Talbot (1806–1881), photographer, WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
3. A servant of the Cole family.
4. Trinity College, Cambridge.
5. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
6. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother, and Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.