Hugh Town
St Marys
Scilly
Wednesday 10th Septr 1873
My dear Henry
I think you will like to receive a letter from this strange, out-of-the way place. We had always been wishing to see these islands, & as the Liddells & Bessy Edgcumbe <1> were staying with us, & are always up to expeditions, we settled to make one here with them. It is rather a long way – 40 miles from Penzance, tho’ only 25 from the Land’s End. We got up very early from at Penzance, & after a very rough passage of 4 hours & ½, & heavy rain & wind during a great part of the way, we landed here at ½ past two.
The islands look extremely bleak at first sight – but with splendid rocks in every direction – & many others unseen, which make the navigation excessively dangerous. This is the capital of the group – & is on one’s left hand entering the Sound – on the right is Tresco & it’s [sic] Abbey, the residence of the Proprietor – nephew to Augustus Smith. <2>
We are now going to see it’s matchless gardens (as we hear) full of all manner of rare plants growing luxuriously.
The first thing that met my eyes on landing yesterday, was that large leaved mesembrianthemum of Cannes, growing in masses, & hanging over the walls – & 2 or 3 other sorts – & large Aloes in the open ground. This actual spot is called the “Garrison”, a curious shaped fort stands just above, built by Qn Elizth <3> in 1593 – Her initials & the date are carved on the doorway. The Bishop of Exeter <4> came in the train with us from Saltash. He is most agreable [sic] & jolly. He came over here today, to hold a Confirmation.
I must say good bye as we just [sic] going to start for Tresco –
Yr affte Sister
Caroline
[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq,re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Caroline Cecilia Liddell, née Edgcumbe (d. 1909), niece of Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe; and her 1st husband, Atholl Charles John Liddell, 3rd Earl of Ravensworth (1833-1904). Bessy Edgcumbe was probably a relation of the 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.
2. Augustus John Smith (1804–1872), lessee of the Scilly Isles, where his despotism earned him the nickname ‘King’. [See Doc. No: 09800].
3. Elizabeth (1533–1603), Queen of England and Ireland.
4. Frederick Temple (1821–1902), Bishop of Exeter (1869–1885).