My dear Henry
I fear I shall be too much hurried to accept your invitation to Laycock on my way to London, I am just about starting, & do not mean to halt by the way. If the weather should be fine I shall steam it to Bristol but if not, I go by Gloucester. This is the third and I hope positively the last edition of reform. <1> I have no doubt the bill will be a better one than the last. Auctior et emendatior, circa J. Russell. <2> My house is roofed in and though I say it, most superbly executed. I am very curious to see your gallery, but that must be deferred till another opportunity, I hope your builder has satisfied you as mine has me. I am going to make a terrace 130 feet wide, with a pierced quatre-foil parapet and flights of steps, and I have a new design for a tower, most gorgeous to behold.
Ever truly yours
C R M Talbot
Margam <3>
Dec 14
[envelope:]
W. H. F. Talbot Esqr
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. The third reform Bill was introduced in December 1831, and eventually passed its third reading in the Lords in June 1832.
2. ‘Greater and more perfect, about J. Russell’. Lord John Russell (1792–1878), statesman was the principal framer of the Bill.
3. Margam Park, Glamorgan: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.