[on mourning paper]
Markeaton
Feby 10th
My dear Henry
I cannot let you & Constance <1> hear first through Newspapers of the sad event which occurred at Moreton<2> last Thursday – and which was quite as sudden as the death of dear Aunt Mary <3> a few days previously – Tho’ my poor Father <4> had been very unwell with a bad cold for about a Fortnight he was convalescent again & wrote to me himself on Monday, so that Henry’s <5> letter which I received last night to tell me that all was over, was a most unexpected blow. – Charlton <6> was gone for a few days to see my sister Louisa <7> who is now at Sidmouth, but Henry was with him at the time, & the Doctor (who was in the Village) in the course of a few minutes, so we have at least the satisfaction of knowing that all that human skill could attempt was done. –
I know that I ought to feel that at his age, 85 & a half, it is a subject for thankfulness that he should be spared a lengthened illness &c, but his mind was so alive to passing events & he took so strong an interest in all our joys & sorrows that we must long feel the want of his affectionate sympathy. Give my very kindest love to Constance, who will most sincerely sympathise with Me I know – I trust you are all recovered from the Influenza she said pervaded the House when she wrote. How sad is the loss at Penrice <8> – I feel for them all much, particularly Mary who was so devoted to her Mother. –
Your affte cousin
H Ga Mundy
Mr Mundy returned from Town last night – He will probably go to Moreton in the course of next week.
Notes:
1. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (30 Jan 1811 - 9 Sep 1880), m. WHFT 20 Dec 1832.
2. Moreton, Dorset: home of the Frampton family.
3. Lady Mary Lucy Cole, née Fox Strangways; first m. Talbot (1776- 3 Feb 1855), WHFT's aunt.
4. Lt Col James Frampton (1769- 8 Feb 1855), High Sheriff, of Moreton, Dorset.
5. Henry Frampton (1804-1879).
6. Rev William Charlton Frampton (1811-1898), Rector of Moreton, Dorset.
7. Louisa Charlotte Frampton (1808-1885), author.
8. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.