Speddoch
Dumfries N.B.
Tuesday Augt 16th
My dear Papa,
We were very glad to hear by your little note received yesterday, that you had had a pleasant journey, and that the Bouvardia is so happy. I hope it will prosper to remind you of your little short peep at Speddoch – The success of the Sportsmen on the 12th was not very great. they got 7 grouse & 1 snipe – but still they fared better than some. Mr Maxwell went to what is thought the best spot for grouse about here, and only shot 1 bird! – John is gone out again today, to try his fortune. & I am to accompany lunch up to the moor at 2 o’clock, if it is fair – so I am now anxiously watching the clouds which look decidedly inclined to rain – Charles left us this morning at ½ past nine. He hoped to reach Grasmere about 5. o’clock – having a tiresome waiting at Kendal – an hour I think – he could almost walk to Windermere in that time. – I am afraid there is a very poor chance of any. one’s meeting with adventures of any description between Dumfries & here – I encountered none but did not find the way tedious as I read 33 pages of “Northanger Abbey” – and found it very amusing. Yesterday & Sunday were two of the most lovely days possible but Saturday was very wet – However we contrived to get a walk in the evening – and a very pleasant long one on Sunday after Church, on the other side of the river –
I think I must now put on my hat, as here is a gleam of sunshine; & so I will stop writing for the present. When you have time, I should like very much to hear some account of poor Mr Fry, who I hope is recovering from his accident –
From your most affecte daughter
Matilda –
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire.-