My dear Henry,

I am delighted with the good news from Chippenham ^<1> but remember that a storm sometimes follows a Calm & be on the alert –

I send the cutings which if you do not like or Phelps ^<2> should find any difficulty in fixing may be put aside without regret as they only cost a few shillings we had a very good music Party last night –

They say that some plot is in agitation against the ministers – but what can the Duke of W. ^<3> do? to be sure when Parliament is prorogued ^<4> – he might be minister & so remain till it met again – but such a trick would be unworthy even of L^d Carnarvon ^<5> –

Y^r aff

C. F

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Notes:

1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.

2. Philip Phelps, Surveyor of Taxes & Bailiff, Lacock.

3. Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (1769–1852), was in command of the forces which defeated Napoleon. In 1832 Wellington was unsuccessful in forming an alternative government.

4. To be discontinued without being dissolved.

5. Henry George Herbert, 2nd Earl of Carnarvon (1772–1833).