11 Moray Place
7th December.
My dear Papa,
We arrived quite safely and not much tired yesterday at one o’clock, and when we are unpacked and have made a few necessary alterations in the rooms, I think we shall be very comfortable.
But we have been made unhappy by the discovery of a sad misfortune in the loading of our luggage at Oakfield; – in lifting the harp-case to the top of the carrier’s cart, which they persisted in filling too full, it fell to the ground, on the edge of the stone steps, and the poor harp is dreadfully injured. We feared irrepareably so, as the foot is nearly broken off, but Wood’s people hold out a faint hope of being able to restore it and have carried it off to be well examined. Is it not sad? and poor Mamie <1> is very unhappy, as she was attached to her harp as to an old friend, and especially on account of those who gave it to her. I am sure you will be very sorry; and as for us we have felt all upset this morning by so melancholy a beginning. But now I must tell you how prosperous our journey was. Mr Carlisle Wake <2> came to Oakfield to see us off – It was fine, and very mild, but no sun. Arrived at Carlisle at 6 – really you ought to patronise the County Hotel, the tea is so particularly good. We started without any difficulty at 8 next morning, and though the train was tedious reached Edinbro’ before one. It poured the whole day. Tilly <3> came at 3, looking very well though a little pale, and so brisk and animated. She is coming to dine with us today, as Mr Clark <4> has an engagement. It is very fine and warm today, and the pavement drying. I am so glad that Charles <5> really joined the rifle corps, as all active exercise must be good for him, and I have the greatest hopes that his stay here will have a very beneficial effect.
The new Bishop <6> of Carlisle is the son of Ld Waldegrave <7> – The brother of Ld Clarendon, bishop Villiers <8> has been transferred from Carlisle to Durham I think lately. What you say about America interested me much as we had not time to study the newspapers properly for some days.
They are waiting for my letter so I must break off hurriedly.
Your affectionate daughter
Rosamond.
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
2. Carlisle William Wake (1815–1890).
3. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd<.sup> daughter.
4. John Gilchrist-Clark (1830–1881), Scottish JP; WHFT’s son-in-law.
5. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
6. Hon Samuel Waldegrave (1817–1869), Bishop of Carlisle from August 1860 until his death on 1 October 1869. See Doc. No: 08264, which confirms the 1860 dating of this letter.
7. William Waldegrave, 8th Earl of Waldegrave (1788–1859).
8. Henry Montagu Villiers (1813–1861), Bishop of Durham, brother of George William Frederick Villiers, 4th Earl of Clarendon (1800–1870), statesman.