Harrow <1>
Saturday
Dear Papa
I have been so busy these last days doing trials that I have not been able to answer you.
I asked Mr Simpkinson, <2> about getting to Paddington, and he said he thought I had better go by Main to London; and if by that means I should not be there in time, he will arrange about my going by road; to get to Paddington any how in time for the 10 oclock train. I believe especial leave must be obtained to go by road. A special train leaves Harrow Junction on the holiday morning. The name of the inn or now, rather, hotel here, is still the “king’s head.” It as a large portrait of Henry the Eighth. I think I stand a good chance of my remove into the “upper shell.” Trials are nearly over I saw Mr Sotheron <3> here on Governors speech day.
Your affectionate son,
Charles Henry Talbot
Notes:
1. Harrow School: WHFT attended from 1811–1815 and his son Charles from 1855-1859.
2. Rev John Nassau Simpkinson (1817–1894), author.
3. Thomas Henry Sutton Sotheron Bucknall Estcourt (1801–1876), MP.