Dear Talbot
I have no guess from whom the letter came which I marked to Aix Fr. as it was put under cover to me directed to Corsham <1> without one word beyond the direction itself.
I have now sent it to Sackville St <2> Repére says – The D. of W <3> will try to get on with the present Parliament. The blunders of our friends – to say nothing of their disputes – have encouraged the Tories and Their devoted admirer the King to upset the government.
One comfort is no government can exist three days without giving way to the demand for “Reform of all existing abuses”
The Chamber had better not have said that “we had done enough and that less would be done next Session”
I hope to be down soon and to have the honor of being introduced to Mrs Talbot <4> who I hope is quite well.
You will be sorry to hear that Mrs M’s <5> sufferings have lately renewed upon her, and that I have not much reason to hope that her cruel disease is capable of cure though not beyond control
It is most fortunate I brought her to Town on Time as we had need of the best advice. Think her a little better again but it is a very severe business she has constantly to bear up against.
you talk of canvassing immediately. If I hear any thing I will let you know that moment I shall be at the service of my constituents if they like to have me again With all my imperfections among the rest so much absenteism but the cause is beyond human control and I wish I could Flatter myself with my being able to be more at home than I lately have been but while Mrs M. remains as she is I cannot contrive it
Believe me vy Truly yrs
Paul. Mathuen
Park St
Monday
Henry Fox Talbot Esq M P
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
<illegible>
Notes:
1. Corsham Court, Wiltshire, 3 mi NW of Lacock: seat of Ld Methuen.
2. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
3. Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852).
4. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
5. Jane Dorthea Methuen, née Mildmay (1789–1846).