Edinburgh
March 24^th 1860. –

My dear Papa,

I think that I was rash enough to prophesy spring weather, in my last letter, and today we have snow again! – The ground was quite white and thickly covered with it this morning, but now it is all melted, so you may think what a state the streets are in. Yesterday it rained – so I think the weather is cracked, and does not know what it is about. M^r & M^rs Maxwell started this morning to go back to Dabton, which I do not expect will be looking very cheerful; but they have been more than a month in Edinburgh, and do not generally stay away from home so long. We had a very pleasant walk in Comely Bank Nursery garden the other day, and got some nice things. 2 Ceanothus which you advised, and one or two other things with hard names – Also Daphne hybrida – which I do not think you have at Lacock, it is very sweet, and hardy against a wall. I suppose you will have received a list of plants from them before now. It was to be sent at once. You will be glad to hear that I have now got quite rid of my cold, and accomplished two dinner parties without being at all the worse for them. Today I also came down to breakfast, for the 1^st time since we have been in this house. Mama will like to hear that M^rs Primrose has asked us to dinner on Tuesday. We thought it would be a pity not to go, as they are so pleasant, and I suppose it will be a very small party, otherwise we should have declined, as it is the same night as the Club Ball, which we are going to, and two things at once is a good deal to undertake. – Johnnie has gone up to drill today, but he thinks he is getting quite accomplished, so does not now go every day. I am curious to see the uniform – It is not quite finished, and I believe will be exceedingly ugly; the colour is that of cinders, or sandy grey, with red braid – it is quite correct, according to the government pattern. The object is to be as invisible as possible, but they do not seem certain whether it will have that effect. I suppose we shall have great gatherings and practisings in the summer, when I intend to go and see. Charles wrote to me in such an enthusiastic manner, about M^r Ross’s triumphs at Hythe, and his son’s practisings at Whorlton, that I think he half regrets not having undertaken anything yet himself!. Please give my love to all. I hope all colds are now well –

from y^r affectionate daughter
Matilda.

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^{re Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire-}