[this is written on the same sheet as a note from Lady Elisabeth - see Doc. No: 02139]
London
3d February
My dear Henry –
You & Kit <1> are to be ballotted for on the 17 March – I am to see Ld Lansdowne <2> tomorrow on the subject of emigration, on which indeed as Hay tells me a Cabinet was held to discuss the claims of the Bill you mention – They seem to be most anxious to forward the emigration system, & Mr Buchanan <3> is established at Quebec as agent by Government for the purposes described in The Quebec Gazette – I have no doubt they will get the Bill through as fast as possible – I will write to you again tomorrow when I have had a conversation with Ld L. & learned more particulars – They mean to establish several of those Agents, & indeed when they have done that, & enabled Parishes to borrow money, the business of Government is nearly finished – individuals must do the rest.
I fear the Snow will keep us till Monday
Yr aff
C F.
W. Henry Fox Talbot Esqr
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
2. Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne (1780–1863), MP, WHFT’s uncle.
3. AC Buchanan, Agent General for Emigration in Quebec.