Augst 14.
My dear Henry
Thank you very much for the Cuttings sent by Edward Nicholl.<1> I wish you would some day “make it convenient” as they say hereabouts, to come and see yourself what our garden looks like, as it has immensely improved since your last visit, which as far as I can recollect took place during the Civil Wars of the Roses! We are just ordering our Bulbs from Haarlem thanks to Constance’s<2> recommendation some years ago. It arrives perfectly and we have splendid Hyacinths &c &c &c every spring. I was disappointed not to hear more of all the poor people at Bowood from Edward, but he knew nothing but what I was already aware of. I suppose Ly Le <3> is gone or soon going to Scotland. With best love to all
Yr affte Cousin
H G Mundy
Caroline will be pleased at Charles’s appointment In Lord [Abrem’s?] staff<4> so I am very glad of it. –
Notes:
1. Rev Edward Powell Nicholl (1831-1902), Vicar of Lacock from 1864 until his resignation in 1870; photographer.
2. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (30 Jan 1811 - 9 Sep 1880), m. WHFT 20 Dec 1832.
3. Lady Emily Jane Fitzmaurice nee de Flahault 1819-1895, widow of Henry Fitzmaurice, 4th Marquess of Lansdowne (1816-1866), Baron Wycombe, MP; WHFT's cousin.
4. Lady Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding (1808-1881), WHFT's half-sister, and her son, Lt Col Charles Ernest Edgcumbe (1838-1915).