Lacock Sunday Decr 11th
My Dear Constance
I received yours of the 9th yesterday – I was greatly distressed at Your account of poor Goodwin’s state, and Could think of little else during the remainder of the day. But you all seem to be doing everything for him that possibly can be done. I am glad that my room is such a convenience, and that Henriette is so good a nurse. By the way, has she had any news of her family since the commencement of the siege of Paris? Have they written by balloon? A large number of letters have certainly come that way, and been delivered safely, though some have been blown out into the far Atlantic. I have not had time to read Mr Roach’s sermon yet, and therefore do not send it today, as I think it makes no difference to you. Todays Standard duly mentions his presentation to the living, under the head of ‘Ecclesiastical Intelligence’ – I have paid the expenses attending the presentation, amounting to £11. I expected they would have been rather more. We have had no snow here, though some bitter cold days. Today however the temperature is comfortable – I hope all the rest of you continue well – and that you do not overtire yourself, which I am rather afraid of. I enclose Caroline’s letter
Your affte
Henry