Green Street
Novr. 23rd
Dear Henry
Upon our arrival in Town yesterday I found a letter from Theresa <1> in which she says “I do hope I am the first person to tell you the news of cousin Henry Talbot’s intended marriage”; <2> her wish is gratified, for I had not before heard of it – As an old friend I cannot resist the temptation I feel to express how much pleasure the intelligence has afforded me, & to offer my very sincere congratulations upon the fair prospect of domestic happiness which I understand is your’s, & which from the choice you have made, by all accounts is likely to be fully realized – I never saw Miss C. Mundy but she has a pretty name, I am told a pretty person, and as your wife to be, I am inclined to take for granted that she has also an attractive mind, if she is not fond of flowers you must make her so & then – make me her acquaintance – My Mother <3> unites with me in every kind wish – I daresay your time & pen is fully taken up, I will not plague you by expecting an answer to our congratulations – unless you feel positively inclined to write I am very glad William <4> has at last gained promotion, I heard from him about a fortnight ago, when he appeared to have made up his mind to remaining the Winter at Naples, but the tone of his letter was cheerful & uncomplaining & therefore he well deserves to be agreably dissappointed –
Believe me dear Henry
Yours very Sincerely,
M. Murray
Henry Fox Talbot Esqr
F. Mundy Esqr. <5>
Markeaton
Derbyshire
Notes:
1. Possibly Theresa Anna Maria Digby, née Fox Strangways (1814–1874), WHFT’s cousin.
2. WHFT’s marriage to Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880) on 20 December 1832.
3. Lady Anne Charlotte Murray, née Grant (d. 1844).
4. William Thomas Horner Fox Strangways, 4th Earl of Ilchester (1795–1865), botanist, art collector & diplomat.
5. Francis Mundy (1771–1837), politician and father of Constance Talbot.