Lacock Abbey
Feb 21. 1834
My dear Henry
Thank you for Mr Gisbornes <1> letter to the Unionists of Derby. – I think it is written too much in the form of a sermon to make much impression, besides I do n have not heard that it is the fear of violating the Oath which prevents their disuniting. But as of course you have not had time to read it yourself my observations will be wasted upon you. –
I am sorry to hear you are so tired, but you will have tomorrow & Sunday for a nice long rest. –
Mr Feilding <2> managed to catch cold the other on Wednesday after trying a hot air bath. – and all yesterday he was very miserable indeed & had a return of the pain in his face. – but today I am happy to say he seems greatly improved, though without any apparent cause. He has again left his own room & is established in the gallery. –
I have told Fitz Simmons <3> about getting some pots ready for the rest of the seeds. – today he has been digging & raking your botanic garden, you have no idea how nice it looked. – Pray keep all the parcels till you come & can bring them yourself. – Mr Feilding has says he can easily wait for England & the English, <4> & my things are not of the slightest consequence. –
Lady Elisabeth <5> is afraid I have been trying to persuade you to abandon your duties which she says is very wrong; pray do not imagine I wish you to do so. – The letter for Somerset St. <6> may be sent by the 2d post or Edward <7> whichever suits your convenience. –
Mrs Gwynne <8> encloses one for Fanny, <9> & mine please to frank to Laura.- <10>
Yr affecte
Constance. –
Notes:
1. Rev Thomas Gisborne (1758–1846).
2. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
3. Cornelius Fitzsimmons, Scottish gardener at Lacock Abbey.
4. Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, England and the English (1833).
5. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
6. 17 Somerset Street, London, the home of Matilda Feilding (1775-1849), WHFT's 'aunt' - sister of Charles Feilding, his stepfather.
7. Edward, a valet to WHFT.
8. Mrs Gwynne (d. winter 1841/1842), lady’s maid, cook and housekeeper to Elisabeth Feilding.
9. Fanny Fox-Strangways (d. 1863).
10. Laura Mundy (1805–1842), WHFT’s sister-in-law. As an MP, WHFT had franking privileges and was entitled to free postage. Members commonly gave signed covers or envelopes to friends. At the time, the recipient paid for postage (to ensure that the letter was delivered). This arrangement was withdrawn in January 1840 with the introduction of the Penny Post, which instituted uniform costs and pre-paid stamps.