Dabton <1>
Thornhill
Oct 13th 1873
My dear Papa,
I thought you would like to hear that we had decided at last that Jack <2> should go to Eton when he leaves May Place. I wanted Harrow <3> – but he was most anxious himself to be sent to Eton, and especially for the reason that all his friends among the boys were going there – and we have been able to arrange for him to go to the same house where his great friend Arthur Gladstone is to be – Mr Gladstone of Capernoch’s grandson – a very nice boy. The house is kept by a master of the name of Woolley Dodd! I do not know if I have spelt the name right – and Jack’s name is down to enter at Easter after next – 1875 – when he would be 13¾ old! which is considered a good age – and quite long enough to have spent at the preparatory school – he would then have been there exactly four years – and he is already near the top of the first class – if he can keep his place – I forget whether you heard that he had got a prize for the holiday task – which delighted him much. I am very sorry that Charles <4> is still complaining so much. John <5> is going to write to him to tell him the name of a doctor in Bournemouth much recommended. – I hope Rosamond <6> is all right again – it is rare for her to be complaining: Here there have been a great many people complaining of rhumatism [sic] which is not astonishing, considering the excessive wetness of the season. We had a lovely morning today – and the Walkers of Dalry left us to return to Edinburgh in most brilliant sunshine – but it soon clouded, and we had tremendously heavy rain, and hail which lay thick on the ground for some hours afterwards – in the middle of the storm there was a very vivid flash of lightning and loud thunder – just one peal – very near & loud! it is also very cold for the season – with every now & then a soft muggy day! – I hope to have an improved account from Monie of everybody’s health next time – and that your visitors were to come when wanted – it is a great pity that Mr Shakespear <7> was not to accompany his wife & daughter – All the children send love – & with the same from myself, I am
your most affecte daughter
Tilly
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Dabton, Dumfriesshire: home of WHFT’s daughter Matilda.
2. John Henry Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Jack’ (1861–1902), WHFT’s grandson.
3. Harrow School: WHFT attended from 1811–1815 and his son Charles from 1855-1859.
4. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
5. John Gilchrist-Clark (1830–1881), Scottish JP; WHFT’s son-in-law.
6. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
7. Probably a relation of Mary Anne Thackeray, née Shakespear (1793–1850).