6th July 1838
My dear Henry
The packets sail from Bristol next week at very early hours, taking for granted that in summer people enjoy the cool morning breeze. on the 10th the Cardiff packet sets sail from Bristol at six in the Morning which will probably be sooner than you like, therefore I recommend your coming by the Newport Steamer which tho’ they are not such nice clean vessels will land you without any trouble at Newport 24 miles from hence – viz: 12 to Cardiff & 12 here. The new passage is quite given up & the old passage is sadly round about but there is a sort of steam boat there & the Mail passes that way but I have been disappointed more than once – At Clifton <1> the Gloster Hotel is the one from which the passengers emerge & they conductors are very civil people, perhaps you had better sleep there & then you will be sure to know what hour you are to sail – it takes half an hour or more to embark the Carriage tho’ not 3 minutes to land at Newport. I shall hope to hear whether I am to expect you on 10th or 11th – when you have made up your mind – or if there is any other information wanting. – the Inn at Newport I recommend is the Kings head.
Your affe Aunt
M: L: Cole
The sailing hours are very early all the week as it is spring tides. –
Henry F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Clifton, Bristol, on the Avon Gorge.