Neath <1>
July 14 1830
My dear Henry
Being in the middle of an active canvass, I did not receive your letter so soon as I ought, neither will it be in my power to see you at Margam <2> as I shall not be there, but shall be delighted if you will come after this business is over. I have not as yet heard of any real opposition though one is continually talked of ideal phantoms constantly rise in rapid succession only to be demolished and prove themselves men of straw –.
My family go to Cowes on Saturday. I am delighted to hear you are going to finish your gallery. My house shews nothing but vast & substantial foundations of masonry resembling Cyclopean work, though upwards of 120 men have been at work nearly three months, the stone works beautifully –
Ever truly yours
C R M Talbot
W. H. F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock AbbeyChippenham
Post office <3>
Chepstow
Monmouthshire
Notes:
1. Wales.
2. Margam Park, Glamorgan: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
3. Readdressed in another hand.