My dear Sir
I hope you will not think me negligent that I have not sooner noticed your Letter: the fact is I have been from Town & I have been in treaty for the Sale of the Advowson<1> – indeed I had an offer of £1200 for it but owing to the Gentleman having a promise of some preferment, of which I was only apprized to day, I do not expect that he will purchase it.
Mr Finch cannot at Law or in Equity compel you to complete the Sale to him or to present his Nominee – but if the Money were forthcoming there need be no difficulty about the Presentation or Sale for having first filled up the Vacancy – the Sale might be completed. If you cannot meet with a Purchaser within the 6 months – you can then present some old Gentleman & take the chance of his death
I have written to Mr Awdry <2> to enquire if he has heard from Mr Comb <3> but unless he can find the Money I shod take no trouble about him or his Solicitor for he cannot enforce the Presentatn of his Nominee.
I am Dr Sir yours truly
W R King
Serjeants Inn
Fleet St
14 Nov 1836
W. H. F. Talbot Esq
Markeaton
Derby
Notes:
1. The advowson for Fisherton Anger, Salisbury, Wiltshire. WHFT had inherited the advowson (the right to present a new Rector to St Clement's Church) from his father, Davenport Talbot, and held it until 1849. The new Rector would enjoy the income and assets of the living, including the Rector's house.St Clement's was demolished in 1852 and parts of it were incorporated into the new St Paul's Church.
2. West Awdry (1807–1892), solicitor, Chippenham. [See Doc. No: 03392].
3. Misspelling for J. M. Coombs.