Bowden Park <1>
15th March 33
My dear Sir
I feel it some in some degree incumbent on me to make you early acquainted with measures I have at last been compelled to adopt in consequence of very unfair and indelicate advantage being taken of the offer I made Yourself and Mrs Talbot <2> of making use of my grounds when it suited your convenience which Capt. Feilding <3> has exceeded to the annoyance of my Family not only from the frequency but in a way and manner not consistent with the usual custom in these matters paying no attention to keeping the road but riding over the grass as it suited his purpose and often making the upper part of the grounds a place for galloping I have no hesitation in saying that the interdiction left at the lower hedge was intended for him understanding as I did that he has considerably annoyed the late Mrs Dickinson <4> and no difference was made on my coming I find also he is tho unacquainted with Mr Fuller <5> in the habit occasionally of riding through Monks which has never been done even by intimate friends this also evinces a want of proper delicacy indeed the contiguity of both houses to the road makes such frequent visits an interruption to that privacy which every one wishes to enjoy
I am at all times and I trust on all occasions disposed to accommodate my neighbours but can never submit to have advantage taken and that done which is rather abusing than properly using a liberty granted – and which the party themselves would be the first to object to. I feel persuaded you will see the force of my reasoning
I trust your health does not suffer by your exertions at the Commons early rising & exertion will contribute much to counteract the ill effects of a hot house & sedentary occupations. I am expecting to hear from You and
remain Dr Sir Yours very truly
Ez Harman
Notes:
1. Bowden Park, Wiltshire, 1 mi SE of Lacock.
2. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
3. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father. [See Doc. No: 02648].
4. Elizabeth Dickinson (d. before 1833), of Bowden Park.
5. John Bird Fuller (1801–1872), High Sheriff.