Lacock. April 2nd 1865
My dear Mr Talbot,
I have received notice from My Lords of the Priory Council that they are satisfied to accept the proposed site for the school, that is one essential step joined, the next is to have the plans approved which I hope we shall not have much difficulty about. The next step will be to raise the funds, I intend to make myself liable for £100, that is to say I shall collect that sum from my own personal friends not connected with this parish. Sir John Awdry has not said what he will do, more than that he will do as much as he possibly can, and is very anxious about it, Mr Henry Awdry has likewise told me he will give as much as he can afford, Mr Caldwell I am very doubtful of: Mr Merewether is away from home but returns the end of this week when I shall attack him. The other landowners I have not yet asked as I did not consider till now that we were in a sufficiently advanced state to go to them. I should be glad to know what you will do, as soon as possible so that I may be able to bring a good statement before the general public, I should like to know if possible so as to bring forward the matter at Mr Eastes vestry.
There is a fine specimen of Phajus grandiflorus is in blossom in the stove which Wilkyns has been trying to keep back for you to see, also a Onita blossom, very fine are the Strelitzia regina. I hope it will not be long before your arrival.
Yours
Edward P. Nicholl
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq
13 Great Stuart Street
Edinburgh