Dear Talbot,
We (i.e. Spencer Perceval &c & I being one) are agitating a subscription for the purpose of giving Butler a piece of plate on his retirement <1> – The Subscription (the maximum) will be £5–. And the names of sundry Butlers Harrovians will be attached to the Advertisement as decoy ducks – You cannot have any objection to be one. I promise you good Society. Let me know as soon as possible.
Yrs sincly
Ch: Ed: Long
43 Duke St Grvnr Square. <2>
Notes:
1. Rev George Butler (1774–1853), Headmaster at Harrow. The Times of 24 March 1829, p. 1, announced the managers of this effort: Earl De la Warre; Viscount Garlies, MP; H Dundas, MP; J Stuart Wortley, MP; THB Estcourt, MP; Thomas Dyke Acland; James Wentworth Butler; Charles Edward Long; WH Fox Talbot; Earl of Clare; Viscount Grimstone; E Perceval; Sir Rowland Hill, MP; Spencer Perceval, MP; Charles Bruce; George H Cherry; Robert Ingham; Henry Lloyd; John Wildman.
2. Grosvenor Square, London.