Caledonian Hotel
25th of Feby 1860.
My dear Papa,
I was very much surprised at getting such a fat letter from you this morning, and wondered what there could be inside of it – however I made a pretty good guess before I opened it – and found that I was right – thank you very much indeed for the engravings, some of which I think are most successful, especially one of Furness Abbey, & the Villa Borghese. Johnnie is especially interested in the views of Berne, and he wishes to know if the successful one is that which you exposed to the sun for a shorter period than usual. Please thank Mamie very much for her nice long letter, and everybody else for the messages contained in it – I endeavoured to give a proof of "discretion", by still remaining in doors today, as it is windy, and my cold is not yet gone, though it is much better, and not worth staying in three days for – Tell Mamie, that I think she will be amused to hear that besides her pretty little ‘unfading’ bouquet, I received a real one today, from an unexpected quarter, Dr Moir had been into the country and brought back some camelias, &c, from Mr Law the grocer’s garden, and some of these he gave to me – I said that I should write and tell you, which amused him very much – He has called here twice, and it happened to be just à propos, when I wanted a little advice for my cold – Today I showed him the engravings, in which you know he is very much interested – The 75th Highlanders came last night, but so much later than was expected, that it very much spoilt the intended effect – I watched for them with a great deal of zeal through the window, but I cannot say that I saw much more than the smoke of the engine when they arrived – However, I will send you the ‘Courant’, that you may see the account – I will mark another thing, the announcement of an Italian Opera here, for I want Mamie to tell me if she ever heard of these singers before, and if she imagines that it will be worth going to – I am inclined to go and see – Johnnie gave me such a pretty book today. It is an illustrated copy of Goldsmith’s poems, with all the pictures printed in colours – I think this must be quite new, for I have not seen another example of it. – I wish I could send it you to look at – But for the present, I must content myself with sending my love to all –
from your affecte daughter
Matilda –
[envelope:]
H.F. Talbot Esqr.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire-