My dear Henry
Will you allow Franklin <1> to enquire the proper direction for Sir James Grahams <2> Brother who is his private secretary – I cannot recollect his Xtian Name – I believe also that he is a Captain in the army – be that as it may the Porter at the Admiralty <3> will know how he should be addressed, & having ascertained that Fact pray direct the enclosed & send it – We go on very comfortably here. Vivian <4> comes Monday & the Valletorts <5> Thursday or Friday possibly – but he has the Gout, at present they intend passing through London so you will see them – I hope the House is comfortable – & that you have got your Ménage in order – I cannot find Smiths Botany <6> in my Catalogue – & suppose it must be yours. – Blunt <7> I am not so sure about – till I see it – but it matters little – How many more Days is your debate to last. Tell us a little who spoke well & some House of Commons anecdotes. Kit <8> I hear is going quietly to hunt at Melbury <9>
Goodbye
Yr aff
CF
H. F. Talbot Esq M.P.
31 Sackville St
London
Notes:
1. Franklin, servant.
2. James Graham, 4th Duke of Montrose (1799–1874).
3. Government department that managed naval affairs.
4. Possibly Sir Richard Rawlinson Vyvyan, 8th Baronet (1800–1879), Tory politician and student of science. He was a contemporary of WHFT at Harrow. [See Doc. No: 01711, Doc. No: 01722].
5. Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797–1861), WHFT’s brother-in-law and Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.
6. Sir James Edward Smith, Compendium Florå Britannicæ (London: 1800). [See Doc. No: 00576].
7. John James Blunt, The Veracity of the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles (John Murray: London, 1828). [See Doc. No: 02587].
8. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
9. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.