Castleford <1>
16th Aug. 1816
My Dear Mamma,
I begin to think that I am not deriving much advantage from my stay here, by which I mean to say, that I think I could now forward myself just as well, or very nearly so, without assistance. This is my opinion at present, though perhaps it may be difficult to judge for one’self in such a question. I am doing with Mr Barnes <2> Quadratic Equations & Conic sections beyond which it does not appear to me that Mr Barnes has ever studied himself – In Classics I have certainly lost ground since I left Harrow; <3>– yet not much, & easily recoverable at any time.
I think I have gained a great deal from Mr Barnes’s instruction – but at the same time I think I have gained nearly all that I am likely to gain – You understand me I dare say – He has shewn me how to begin a course of study, & I think I can continue it, as well anywhere else, as here. If this is the case (& I think it is) my continuance here, which I know is very expensive, becomes needless.
I suppose you intend me to go to college in a year or two, & I think I could spend that time to greater advantage at home, than here. Mr Barnes dividing his time between four pupils, cannot of course give much to me – I like Baring <4> very well, but he is certainly idle, & I am afraid I am following his example. Nuttall is as stupid as ever, there seems no prospect of getting rid of him: tho’ in truth he is more bearable now, since Baring & Gordon are clever enough. I will not say any more on the subject, until I receive your answer to this – Give my love to Mr Feilding <5> – Tell him I have written two letters to him, & live in hopes of an answer. – I am apprehensive that Horatia <6> never received the letter I wrote her in obedience to your injunction – with all the hieroglyphics it contained.
I remain, Your affectionate Son
W. H. F. Talbot
The Lady Eliz. Feilding
Melbury <7>
Notes:
1. Castleford, Yorkshire, 10 mi SE of Leeds, where WHFT went to school from 1815-1816.
2. Rev Theophilus Barnes (1774 –1855), of Castleford.
3. Harrow School: WHFT attended from 1811–1815 and his son Charles from 1855-1859.
4. See Doc. No: 00704.
5. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
6. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.
7. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.