[engraved address:]
Markeaton Hall
Derby
December 10
My dear Henry
I am much obliged to you for having allowed Mr Wilkins<1> to execute the Commission for the Coccygria [sic] plants which arrived safely yesterday.
I am very glad to possess again my old favorites – it is ages since I had seen one untill [sic] it caught my eye in driving past the Cemetery at Lacock. –
By this time we suppose that Constance<2> is quite settled at Edinburgh but I have had no time to write to her lately. – Next week we are going to pay Mr Cavendish<3> a visit in Buckinghamshe & then on to Moreton for Christmas – I have two Great nephews and a Great niece –born since my last visit as Louisa Mary Fetherstonhaugh<4> has actually now six Children – They are going to settle in London soon after Christmas permanently.
By implication in a letter from Charlton I fancy that Mrs Strangways<5> is now living at Melbury which I did not know till last week but of which I am very glad. –
Mr Mundy’s<6> kindest regards
Yr affte Cousin
H G Mundy
[envelope:]
Henry F Talbot Esqre.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. George Wilkins (b. 1814), gardener at Lacock.
2. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (30 Jan 1811 - 9 Sep 1880), m. WHFT 20 Dec 1832.
3. Hon Richard Cavendish (1794-1876), of Thornton Hall, Bucks, widower of Elizabeth Maria Margaret Cavendish, née Hart (d 1858). Their daughter, Emilia Maria Georgiana Cavendish (1845-1929) m Francis Noel Mundy in 1864.
4. Louisa Mary Fetherstonhaugh, née Frampton (d 1924) (Henry F’s dau) m Rupert Pennyfether Fetherstonhaugh (1832-1900).
5. A letter from William Charlton Frampton. Mrs Amelia Fox Strangways, née Marjoribanks (d 1886), widow of John George Charles Fox Strangways (1803-1859).
6. William Mundy (1801-1877), politician, WHFT's brother-in-law.