Melbury <1>
Wednesday
My Dear Henry
We think that when John Quil married Mary Gold she must have had Miss Ann Bryanthemum for her Brides Maid -is it so? -
My knee is so much better that I have hopes of being able to go to Moreton <2> - Harriet <3> has put me off to Monday but if my knee has a relapse I shall set off as fast as 4 horses can carry me, which may happen any day. Tell Constance <4> I desired Wright <5> to do up the Examiner & send it her yesterday, which I hope he did. John <6> is going to Penrice <7> tomorrow
Affly Yrs
E F
Venetia Theresa is to be Christened Tuesday - this is all the family news I have for you.
I wish you would write to Horatia, <8> you see how regularly your letters are received.
I have a torpor about writing which perhaps may last some time
[envelope in a private collection]
Henry Fox Talbot Esre
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.
2. Moreton, Dorset: home of the Frampton family.
3. Lady Harriet Frampton, née Fox Strangways (d. 1844) .
4. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811-1880), WHFT's wife.
5. James Wright, footman to the Talbots & Constable for Lacock.
6. John George Charles Fox Strangways (1803-1859), MP.
7. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
8. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810-1851), WHFT's half-sister.