August 18th
Coedriglan <1>
My dear Henry
We are very glad to have so improved an account of Mr Feilding <2> and I hope his recovery will now proceed without any relapses I am sorry that you have deferred coming here till just after we shall have left home but you must go to Lanelay <3> first and let us come in for the end of your stay – do not forget to look at Clevis Cottage near Newton – the post town is Bridgend – it is near the sea & I think would suit you if you only wish for a temporary residence – The election being contested is very vexatious and it is supposed the votes will be very nearly balanced – one is always inclined in such cases to fear the worst – The storm on Saturday was tremendous here but has not done so much damages as we feared an oak tree is blown down in the flower garden but not one of the foremost – and the tulip tree there is broken – All the flowers laid flat but the are not much hurt – we have some pretty picottees and pinks which I should like you to see – We are to go to Swansea the 7th and to Tenby the week after – Give my love to Aunt Lily & Horatia <4> –
Your affectionate cousin
Charlotte Traherne
H. Fox Talbot Esqre
at the Marquiss of Lansdowne
Richmond
Surrey
Notes:
1. Coedriglan, near Cardiff, Wales: home of the Rev John Montgomerie Traherne, husband of WHFT’s cousin Charlotte.
2. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
3. Llanely, or Lanely, Glamorganshire: home of Lady Mary Cole and Mary Thereza Talbot.
4. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother, and Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.