My dear Henry
The manuscript is very safe. Think of Aunt Harriet <1> discovering the date! by the merest chance in the world, looking for Sheringtons in the Hist. of Norfolk, she happened to light upon Dionise de Mountchensy, the very person it was composed for – & some grant to her by Henry 3rd <2> which at once fixes the time –
I have a tree carnation flowering in my garden,
Yr affte sister
Horatia
W. Henry Fox Talbot Esqre M.P.
31 Sackville Street
London
Notes:
1. Lady Harriet Frampton, née Fox Strangways (1778-1844).
2. Henry III, King of England 1216 to 1272