Cotehele House ^<1>
Calstock
Tavistock
Nov^r 6^th 1873

My dear Henry

I was very much obliged to you for giving me notice of the eclipse–^<2> & I used all diligence in trying to observe it – but alas in vain! the elements were unpropitious – & as Ernestine says, writing from Mount Edgcumbe, ^<3> “the Sun & Moon were both most effectually & simultaneously eclipsed”. It was a pity – I should like to have seen such an unusual occurrence.

I have no news here – & see no one – but I expect Ernestine back today – & she may bring some.

What do you think of the political prospects of France?

I suppose Constance ^<4> will soon go to Bath now – tho’ the weather has been milder again – & I hope you will migrate soon too – for that cold house is very bad for you.

I shall be very glad of the Solanum Jasminoides in course of time.

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline

[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham

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Notes:

1. Cotehele, Cornwall: ancient house, seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe, now a National Trust Property.

2. The 'Great Lunar Eclipse', on the night of 4 November, unusual in that it happened from 4:37 to 5:25 pm, right when the moon was emerging from the horizon.

3. Ernestine Emma Horatia Edgcumbe (1843-1925), WHFT’s niece. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.

4. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.