Off Mount Edgcumbes
Malmesbury Steam Yacht
Sunday July 25th 1858
My dear Henry
Many thanks for your kind little note of congratulations. I could not answer it before, having had so many letters to write – besides which we have been moving about – & leading a scrambling life for the last month. I got your’s at Falmouth on the 16th
Val <1> came down to see us for two days this week – He seemed quite beside himself with happiness – & I do hope he will be happy – for I am sure he deserves it. Charlie <2> says he is sure to make an excellent husband, for he is the best brother alive! I hear charming accounts of Lady Katherine Hamilton <3> We go, weather permitting, to Teignmouth tomorrow, en route to Cherbourg. It is now blowing half a gale. Write to me at Teignmouth or to Stonehouse, <4> & Douglas <5> will send the letter on –
Yrs affly in haste
Caroline
Notes:
1. William Henry Edgcumbe, ‘Val’, 4th Earl Mt Edgcumbe (1832–1917), JP & Ld Steward of the Royal Household; WHFT’s nephew ‘Bimbo’.
2. Charles Earnest Edgcumbe (1838–1915), JP, WHFT’s nephew.
3. Lady Katherine Elizabeth Edgcumbe, née Hamilton (1840–1874).
4. Winter Villa, near Plymouth: estate of the Earls of Mt Edgcumbe.
5. <Servant?>