Harrow <1>
Nov. 15. 1814.
My dear Mamma,
Kit <2> & I arrived here very safe yesterday morning, but too late for school; because the postboy drove so very slow. – I told him to drive faster, but he would not. I only gave him two shillings, which was plenty for a man who was so very tiresome, but he did not think so; & so departed in a rage. I explained to Dr Butler, <3> that we had set out from London early enough; & that it was owing to the postboys being an hour & three quarters, that we were too late. So he excused us. – I received my watch very safe in its snug little box yesterday evening. This morning I thought it advisable to take some Epsom salts, & stay out: which can be accomplished without any disparagement to my studies, as it is an whole holiday. – I feel very well now, except the languor which physic occasions. I received a message from Dr Butler before I was up, to know how I was, because you had written to know. Perhaps you expected me to write to you yesterday; but I did not understand that you wished it, or else I certainly would. I must wait till Christopher comes in, to ask him how his throat is today. – Tell me what day you leave Town. I ordered my bookcase to be Gothicised in my absence, but on my return find it à la Chinoise. <4> [illustration] I shall not order any mutton chops till I come out. Is it not an extraordinary fact, that a person who is staying out, can cease to do so by coming out? – Kit says that his sore throat is gone.
I remain Yr Affte Son
W H F Talbot.
Lady Elisabeth Feilding
31 Sackville St.
London
Notes:
1. Harrow School: WHFT attended from 1811–1815 and his son Charles from 1855-1859.
2. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
3. Rev George Butler (1774–1853), Headmaster at Harrow.
4. Chinese.
5. Jane Harriot Nicholl, née Talbot (1796–1874).
6. George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland (1784–1849), Governor General of India.