Trin Coll. <1>
Thursday 13. Jany
My dear Father,
I believe you heard when we were in Edinburgh that I was in communication with Mr Headlam <2> with a view to selling the pony. The farmer who sold it me, Mr Laing, <3> would take it, but wishes to know the price that is set upon it. Mr Headlam says that if I will tell him the lest least sum that I would take, he will see if he cannot get more. As he says, I think it unlikely that the man should be willing to give twenty pounds for it, and in Cumberland it seems that we sh are not likely to find a purchaser. I should suggest 15 £ fifteen pounds as the least price that will be taken. What do you think of the proposition. If you approve of it, I will write to Mr Headlam and authorize him to the make the best bargain he can, 15 pounds being the minimum. There is no need to recapitulate the reasons why he the pony must be sold, as I suppose they are satisfactory to you –
I saw Mr Mathison <4> yesterday, and he recommended three different men as a classical tutor, besides Mr Ware, whom I had at the beginning of last term, and whom I liked, and only left because I thought myself unable to read. I mean to give Mr Ware a fair trial, this term if I can get him. I went to his rooms yesterday twice but they were shut, and I don’t think he can be up yet –
Your affect son
Charles H Talbot
Notes:
1. Trinity College, Cambridge.
2. Rev Arthur William Headlam (1826–1909), clergyman and private tutor to Charles.
3. George Leng, a farmer, see Doc. No: 08308.
4. William Collings Mathison (1817-1870), tutor at Cambridge, author, Rector, Dickleburgh, Norfolk.