[monogram]
Dabton
Feb 10th 1869
My dear Papa
This is to wish you many happy returns of the day, and all sorts of other good & excellent things from all here, little & big with a great number of kisses – Jack & Connie thought I should send you something, but they could not decide what! We have a lot of lilac purple & white crocuses in blossom! everything is wonderful I received your letter this morning, many thanks for it. I shall like to see your specimens of bloom when you can show them to me – I think this is a year to be g kept on record – as I dare say we shall never see such another. –
You will like to hear, I dare-say that I have got one of our English clergeman’s [sic] daughters (in Dumfries) to come here & pay us a useful visit & help me with the children, till I can go from home & look for a governess – she will be a great relief to me – her name is Miss Edith McEwen – she is a very nice sensible girl, but would not take a governesses’ [sic] situation – The new fight between Major Walker, Sir S. W is decided on –
Good bye
yr most affecte daughter
Tilly
post is off.
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire