Venice
Monday Sep. 21st
My dear Papa,
Ela <1>received your letter last night and desires me to thank you for it. I am not sure whether your former one to Mama <2> has been mentioned, it arrived it all safe. I hope Charles <3> got one from me which crossed his. I mean to write to him again soon, from Padua, if I have time there, & if not from Bologna. We intend leaving Venice this week, unless any impediment arises; but the weather has become a little unsettled lately with the equinox, and we are very anxious to wait until this is offer over that Mama may avoid any risk of catching a chill in unfrequented Hotels. This is the first thoroughly wet day we have had. It is quite a novelty, and rather agreable from the rarity of the case, only it has made our bedrooms so dark it is impossible to see to do anything there.
The night before last we had a sudden violent squall which blew all the windows open, letting a gush of such very warm air it was quite comical, and next morning we heard that the bathing establishment at the Lido had been much damaged and some of the steps carried away; so the next storm will probably quite put an end to that pastime until next year. We went to one of the glass manufactories the other day, and witnessed the process of making a coloured glass bead for one of those necklaces of which you see so many in the shops. The ball was first blown over a gas flame, and then the enamelled pattern put on it whilst quite red hot, so neatly and dexterously; bands of gold and little flowers & leaves, all formed from slender straws of glass of different colours, applied to the hot ball, until they stick on like so much thick paint. The streams of tourists continue unabated, and the dinner table has grown so large, that we, at the end, are almost pushed out of the window! Dr Namias<4> has given us an introduction to the professor of Botany at Pisa, so that when you come you will find a friend ready made and of genial pursuits, and I hope Ela will be able to procure a flower now and then from the Botanic garden to draw during the winter. Do you study the aspect of Italian affairs much? We naturally do, but are not I think much the wiser in consequence, as the reports are so contradictory, and the Italian papers are worse than any for spreading false reports; but it seems certain that the Italian gouvernment [sic] have asked for the withdrawal of the french troops from Rome, and have been refused, which I am afraid was to be expected. But now that the Pope has grown so warlike, he might be trusted to look after his own concerns! We have heard from more than one private report that the Emperor Napoleon is in a very shaky condition, weakened in mind and body, and that is the reason that the papers always keep assuring us that his health never was better!
We are glad to hear of the departure of our box. It’s [sic] contents will be very useful in the winter, and it is expected to take a month on its journey from London to Livorno. Did you know whether Goodwin <5> pre-paid the carriage?
It has grown so dark that I really cannot see, and so must say goodbye. Everybody sends their love –
Your affectionate daughter
Rosamond.
Notes:
1. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.
2. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
3. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
4. Dr Giacinto Namias, the head of the Women's Section of the Venice Hospital, was known for his advocacy of the health benefits of bathing. Assisted by his multi-lingual assistant, Dr Levi, he was recommended in traveller's handbooks as the best person for foreigners to consult.
5. George Goodwin (d. 1875), footman at Lacock Abbey.