Laycock abbey
Tuesday 25 Oct.
My Dear Henry
We returned here yesterday from Bowood, <1> after a pleasant visit, & I was sorry you were not there as Sydney Smith <2> was so entertaining. His wit is so natural & without effort, he would have enlivened you. Mr Moore <3> came there much depressed but the second day with Sydney Smith he seemed quite another thing, & it certainly did him a great deal of good. Lord Lansdowne <4> regretted you were not there but desired I would ask you to meet Dr Buckland <5> who is coming to Bowood - Twice he repeated this message, so remember I have given it. You will see Caroline <6> in London soon, I believe - she will stay there only one Night. Mr Montgomerie's <7> House keeper has been shot at, in a most deliberate manner, as she sat writing in the Eveng & could be plainly seen from the outside, he was not at home. Her life was saved by her thick hair, but she is dangerously wounded. These atrocities are multiplied by the modern fashion of not hanging. Norfolk is reckoned a moral Country comparatively because of there being no rail roads or Manufactures.
Dr Buckland is not coming for a fortnight.
Caroline says she must be in town tomorrow Night
Notes:
1. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.
2. Sydney Smith (1771-1845), clergyman and author.
3. Thomas Moore (1780-1852), Irish poet.
4. Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne (1780-1863), MP, WHFT's uncle.
5. William Buckland (1784-1856), Dean of Westminster & scientist.
6. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808-1881); WHFT's half-sister.
7. Rev George Stephen Molyneux Montgomerie(1790-1850), close friend of Talbot family, artist, Rector of Garboldisham, near Thetford, Norfolk.