[monogram: MCG]
Carruchan Dumfries
Aug. 21st 1868
My dear Papa,
I was so very glad to hear of your safe return to Lacock, as I had been wondering for some time whether you had returned yet or not – & thinking of writing on the chance. I hope you were not too much tired with the long journey – and that you now feel tolerably rested after it – We have not been able to go home yet, as there has been a great deal of illness about Thornhill especially scarlet fever, and it was not thought prudent to go ourselves, or take the children back to Dabton until we heard a better account of the health of the neighbourhood. The little ones are all very well. Willie and wee Mary only arrived from Southerness an hour or two ago, so that I did not see them until today, though we returned to Dumfries on the 11th just ten days ago – Jack & Connie came here on Wednesday, with Miss White, also from Southerness I continue to like what I see of the latter very much – My only fear is that her health will not be strong enough for what she has undertaken, but I hope that may improve now that she is living in a more bracing air – She is very pleasant, and quite a Lady. – I did not write to you yesterday, when I got your letter, (forwarded from Dabton) because I thought you would like to hear whether the box had arrived safely – and as John was going to Dabton for the rent Collection yesterday he enquired for it, and found it all right – we have unpacked it since and found all the things perfectly safe, and the glass and everything else in perfect preservation – I am quite overwhelmed with so many, pretty things all at once! and Connie screamed with delight at her hat! – John is also very much pleased with his share of the contents of the box. I have not shown Jack his things yet, as it is so near his birthday, that I thought it would be better to wait, and give them to him on that occasion. I must now give you some account of all our expeditions – We staid a fortnight in London & then went to Cotehele, where we staid 8 or 9 days & enjoyed ourselves very much. It is such a dear old place. From there we went to Mt Edgcumbe for two days, & then began to turn northwards sleeping one night at Gloucester & from thence going for three days to Markeaton – from there we easily reached Dumfries in a day – I was rather glad to find myself back again after so much going about –
Will you give Charles my love, & thanks for his letter which arrived on the same day as yours – I will write to him soon – All at Markeaton were very well & flourishing – Noel & Emily are gone abroad now for a short tour – Aunt Caroline & Ernestine were both looking well – & Valletort also – but poor Katie is very thin & delicate looking – I must send this as post is going –
Yr affecte daughter
Tilly
Now do you like this paper? This is the first sheet I have used of it.
[envelope:]
[rear flap monogrammed:] MCG
H. F. Talbot Esqr.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire.-