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Document number: 7918
Date: Thu 14 Jul 1859
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: GILCHRIST-CLARK Matilda Caroline, née Talbot
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 1st September 2003

Speddoch Dumfries N.B.

Thursday July 14th 1859

My dear Papa,

I hope that long before this time you have quite got rid of your troublesome cold, and are able to enjoy the hot weather by taking pleasant drives, and viewing Edinburgh under quite a new aspect. – I should think it must be looking beautiful just now, if the distance Keeps clear, which it does not always do, even here in the country. The house here always remains cool and pleasant, even in the middle of the day, and besides, though the weather is hot, it is not sultry, there is always plenty of air – Mr & Mrs Maxwell came over to see us yesterday, and were introduced to our four thriving plants of Osmunda Regalis, that we brought from Loch Fine – they had gone to Inverary the only a few days before we did, and though Mrs Maxwell was on the look-out for ferns, yet she missed seeing this one, as she does not Know it by sight, and did not suppose that such a large fern was found in this country. We are going to Dumfries this afternoon, for some things wanted in the house, and hope to have some time to spare for a nursery garden, as we want to choose some roses while they are in flower – the garden will admit of a good many additions. – The gardener is a very intelligent man, and a universal genius – as, besides his principal calling he is a basketmaker, joiner, and locksmith! – It is always ‘send for James Fergusson” when anything is out of order. – I was very sorry to hear of poor Goodwin’s illness, which seems to have been very serious – but as the last accounts are more favourable, I hope he is now regaining his strength – and going into the country will be a good thing for him.– I am become quite perplexed about the war – do you think the cessation of hostilities likely to end in a peace? and why was it proposed by the French? One would have thought that after so many advantages, their interest would have been to push on still further – but perhaps they are afraid of trusting any longer to the Fortunes of War – I hope soon, dear Papa, to have a letter fr you, and remain yr affecte daughter Matilda

I meant to enclose a note to <ill.del.> Rosamond – but have not time – Please thank her for her letter – and say that the parcel had not reached Dumfries yesterday, but we shall enquire for it today – I have two very nice notes from Valletort & Charlie. – I think it particularly Kind of the latter to have sent me a souvenir, as we have seen so little of him, from Valletort I had always rather expected one. –

yr affectionate Matilda

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