[written on the same sheet as a note from Mary Thereza Talbot - see Doc. No: 04176]
My dear Henry
I hope you will come to us first as we are most conveniently situated for the beginning of your exploring expedition – we shall be happy to receive you whatever day you choose to fix for your arrival. We have been looking out for eligible seats for you to enquire about and have found so many that we are almost afraid you will fancy the country must be deserted – in the first place there is Cottrels within a walk of our house, unfurnished, to be had for a mere trifle – the view is the same as from us. You might buy the furniture of the present occupant, the Poor law commissioner, who is to leave it in August and means to sell the furniture by auction when he goes – then if you must have the sea side there is Fontigary – perhaps Porth Kerry Mr Romilly’s <1> new house may be to be let, also sea side and pretty but very inconvenient as to markets & post – From Lanclay you might see Coytrahen and Nolton house – Near Clemenstone and Dunravin Penlleni Castle, Penlleni Court and a house of Mr Franklin’s in the village of Lisworney – Near Merthyrmawr <2> is Clevis Cottage (sea side) & near Margam is Greenfield – Britton ferry – another home near Biglan – Landough – and near Penllergaer is the Rhydrnys – Lower [Skelty?] – Parkworn – Coleridge house and Gloucester place – Now of all these I should of course give my vote for the first mentioned. – I cannot give you particulars of all but [illegible deletion] have got some advertisements for you to see when you come – our house is only five miles from Cardiff – the nice long days now are just the thing for looking about and we shall enjoy puffing each part of the county you need not doubt – my love to Mrs Talbot <3> and the children <4> –
Your affectionate cousin
Charlotte Traherne
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. Probably John Romilly, 1st Lord Romilly of Barry (1802–1874), son of Sir Samuel Romilly. [See Doc. No: 03512].
2. Merthyr Mawr, Glamorgan, on River Ogwr.
3. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
4. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter, and Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.