Dear Sir/
On sending to your house yesterday, to make enquiries after Mrs Talbot, <1> I learnt that you were gone to Southampton, and I am induced to trouble you with this letter – by my anxious wish to hear of Mr Mundy <2> & his family. – I had heard no intimation of any illness; – and therefore, the account of the Newspaper shock’d me more than I can express; – and greatly am I distress’d in the loss of so invariable a friend, and by the idea of the sorrow, & the inexpressible loss experienced by my long valued friend Mr Mundy, and his family. – I am very desirous to hear of them all; – and I hope you will not think it too much to ask, if I request you to answer these enquiries, – as I am so unacquainted with particulars, & the present state of the family, that I know not to whom amongst them I might write most properly. – I am anxious, at a proper time to be remember’d to all with the sincerest kindness – and I hope Mrs Talbot will take an opportunity to do this, receiving herself from me & my daughter, the most earnest wishes for support & consolation under so severe a sorrow. –
I shall feel particularly obliged by your kindness in replying to me – &
I am dear Sir Yr very sincere
Maria Sneyd –
21st of March 1836
Dartmouth Row, Blackheath, Kent.
W. H. Fox Talbot Esqre
Southampton
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
2. Francis Mundy (1771–1837), politician and father of Constance Talbot; he had just lost his wife Sarah Leaper Mundy, née Newton (d. 10 March 1836), WHFT's mother in law.