Lacock Abbey, Chippenham

Nov^r 23^d

My Dear Sir

We find here a very general reluctance to undertake the office of Guardian ^<1> – I therefore beg to enquire if it would be legal for the Parish to annex a salary to the Office and defray the same out of the Poor Rates.

My belief is that it will be found necessary, as a general measure, to make this office in some way advantageous to the holder of it, but that is what experience alone can show. – In the mean time we must endeavour to carry the law into effect, as well as we can. There is a double objection to the Office in the minds of most men; the loss of time, without remuneration; and the incurring odium from the poor – As a countervailing motive, I propose a good salary. –

Believe me Yours very Truly

Henry F. Talbot

J. S. Lefevre Esq^re
Poor Law Commissioner

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Notes:

1. Of the Workhouse.