Oakfield Oct. 11 –

My dear Papa

We have now quite Autumnal weather here, and on Tuesday morning the mountain tops were for the first time covered with a sprinkling of snow – some of which still remains, although fast disappearing under the bright rays of the sun. The wind east or northeast is very cold and Charles will feel it so in travelling I fear – for I suppose he intended making a two days journey though he did not say so –

I am now reading Burton’s last journey in Central Africa and if you can find it easily, I should be obliged if you would bring with you D^r Livingstones map which you gave me & which I believe to be in the small bookcase (among other maps and guidebooks) on the large table near the fire in the library – (the table with the little drawers I mean) but if it is not there, never mind, as there is a sufficiently good map in Burtons book to follow his route, which is all that is necessary.

We are glad you intend bringing us back your portraits of the French Emperor &c and if you are disposed to add to your collection the English Royal Fam^ly. perhaps if you have time to spare in London you may like to examine M^r Mayall’s cartes de visites at 224 Regent S^t So I enclose the advertisement. If good we think they would make a very interesting addition to the others. –

I have not much news today as the Post brought us no letters – I suppose you heard that the last accounts from Dabton of Tilly’s progress continued remarkably good –

With love to Charles I remain dear Papa Your affec^te daughter
Ela

Mamma thanks Tally for his last letter and desires me to say that the Pony is expected and will be taken care of whenever it comes –

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham