Melbury <1>
22d November
My Dear Henry
I think it is very odd we do not hear again from you, I hope it’s a sign you are very happy, but I should like to know. Christopher <2> has had a most extraordinary accident happen to him at Harrow. <3> Another Boy fired a pistol in his face in the dark, & frightened him so much that he had a fit in consequence. Dr Butler <4> was very kind & took great care of him & put his feet in hot water. I have heard no further particulars & wish if you hear any you will let me know them. I suppose the Boy will be expelled, I am sure he ought. But I should like to know his motive. Whether it was to try the strength of Xtopher’s nerves, or mere simple mischief, or Malice. Your Aunt Charlotte <5> has been writing you a mossy Letter, I hope it was directed right. In a letter from William <6> at Xt Church he says, “My love to Henry & Cistus guttatus” <7> – What can he mean? pray explain
God Bless you
My Dearest Boy
Your uncle Ilchester, <8> Mr Lemon, <9> & Ste Digby <10> are gone away to day to meet Princess Charlotte <11> at Moreton <12>Sherborne Novr twenty two 1815 Auckland <13> –
Hy Fox Talbot Esqr
Revd Mr Barnes
Castleford
Ferrybridge –
Notes:
1. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.
2. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin. [See Doc. No: 00685].
3. Harrow School: WHFT attended from 1811–1815 and his son Charles from 1855-1859.
4. Rev George Butler (1774–1853), Headmaster at Harrow.
5. Lady Charlotte Anne Lemon, née Strangways (d. 1826), WHFT’s aunt.
6. William Thomas Horner Fox Strangways, 4th Earl of Ilchester (1795–1865), botanist, art collector & diplomat.
7. A plant. [See Doc. No: 01205].
8. Henry Stephen Fox Strangways, 3rd Earl of Ilchester (1787–1858).
9. Sir Charles Lemon (1784–1868), politician & scientist; WHFT’s uncle.
10. Lt. Col. Hon. Stephen Strangways Digby Fox-Strangways(1751– 12 March 1836), brother of the 2nd Earl and therefore uncle to Lady Elisabeth.
11. Princess Charlotte (1744–1817), daughter of George IV, Prince Regent, later King of England.
12. Moreton, Dorset: home of the Frampton family.
13. George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland (1784–1849), Governor General of India. He wrote the address panel.