21 Chesham Street Place S. W.
July 10th 1866
My dear Henry
I believe I wrote to you on Friday, before I had seen Louisa Howard. <1> I went to Lansde House <2> & asked to see Winifred <3> – & as Louisa heard I was there, she sent for me. They were all, of course, in great grief <4> – & I have heard nothing more from any of them since. I knew however, indirectly, that they all go to Bowood <5> today – & I believe he is to lie in state there tomorrow. So, as I conclude, the funeral will be on Wednesday Thursday, I write to tell you all I know, in case you wish to attend it.
We were at the House of Lords yesterday, & heard Lord Derby’s <6> speech. He spoke very well, & was quite Ému <7> when mentioning his offer of the Foreign Secretaryship to Ld Clarendon <8> & his refusal. His allusion to poor Shelbourne was also exceedingly feeling & solemn.
I have a good deal to do just now – so must say goodbye. I am sorry we shall not see Matilda <9> in London. It is very unlucky. Please thank Ammandier <10> for her letter. Don’t forget.
I wonder whether we shall have peace! I am told that Bernstorff <11> is not the least Elated at the success of the Prussian arms – & that Mme B. who is a Saxon, & has a brother in the army, is very much the reverse. Poor Apponyi <12> did not appear at the Princesse’s Wedding.
Love to all
Yr affte Sister
Caroline
[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Louisa Howard, née Fitzmaurice (d. 1906), daughter of Lady Louisa Emma Fitzmaurice.
2. Lansdowne House, London: home of the Marquis of Lansdowne, WHFT's uncle and cousins.
3. The daughter of Louisa Howard.
4. She refers to the recent death of Henry Fitzmaurice, Lord Shelburne, 4th Marquess of Lansdowne (1816–1866), MP. [See Doc. No: 09105].
5. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.
6. Edward Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869).
7. Moved.
8. George William Frederick Villiers (1800–1870), 4th Earl of Clarendon, statesman.
9. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.
10. Amélina Petit De Billier, ‘Mamie’, ‘Amandier’ (1798–1876), governess and later close friend of the Talbot family [See Amélina's journal].
11. Count Albrecht Bernstorff (1809–1874), German Ambassador.
12. Count György Apponyi, politician. [See Doc. No: 08265].