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Document number: 8735
Date: Fri 31 Jul 1863
Dating: corrected to calendar
Harold White: 31 Jul 1865 ?
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: TALBOT Ela Theresa
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 1st September 2003

Hotel de l’Europe Venice

July 31st Friday.

My dear Papa,

We were very sorry to see by your letter to Monie this morning that you were unable to find accomodation at St Moritz. What a pity it is that all the nice places are so overun with tourists in the season! but could you not have thought of some other place where you could have been comfortable for a short time and got some bracing air to do you good before going home? Monie wrote to you yesterday morning before the arrival of your telegram and directed to St Moritz – The letter contained an inclosure for Goodwin inquiring the character of a servant.

There does not seem to be any likelihood of our being able to leave Venice for at least a fortnight; for Mama yesterday when talking over our plans, said herself after quietly considering the subject that she really did not feel strong enough for a move at present, and I do not think she is; for though she continues to make progress, it is so very slow; that day by day one sees but little difference, and she finds that if she is out in a gondola for more than an hour at a time that she is much fatigued. Now it would never do to set out before she is tolerably confident of reaching Como without a breakdown. We have quite given up any idea of staying at any of those other places recommended by the doctor as we hear on inquiry that they are all very crowded and uncomfortable, bad cookery &c – in short no English comforts! – So what is proposed at present is to wait here till about the middle of August then go by short stages to Como, spending a few days, or perhaps a week at Milan where the hotel Ca<v?>aur is particularly recommended.

Monie has given you an account of the fearful storm on Wednesday night – Some hailstones that were picked up, were they say of the size of half a <decanter!?> We could not see them owing to the dark, but by the noise they made judged that they must be quite extraordinary. Many of the household were up the greater part of the night as the water of the cistern being flooded was pouring into the house.

The weather today seems muggy close and oppressive, without much sun as yet.

Mama got your letter, written from Bellagio. It would, I should think be very pleasant there now that there is no great crowd, but one must be patient and wait …Venice is considered to be particularly healthy this year and there are more travellers than usual at this season. The german ladies, our neighbours at the tâble d’hôte with whom we have become acquainted, remain here all through next month.

Good-bye dear Papa

Yr affectate daughter Ela

Tilly and John are probably now at Cotehele and intend to pay a visit at Markeaton on their way home

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