Merthyrmaur <1>
26. Oct. 1838
My dear Talbot
I should have acknowledged the receipt of your “Hermes” <2> long ago – but I had no means of procuring a frank – We have at last quitted our marine retreat at Tresilian, where Charry <3> enjoyed herself greatly.
We read your little work with much interest – tho’ Charry says it is too learned for her. I hope that you will be induced to go on with the publication.
My neighbour B. Pryce sent the observations on the term Harp to the Merthyr Guardian. Subsequently I shewed them a letter from Parry <4> the Welch [sic] Melodist – in which he complains of your observation that the word occurs “in all the Europæan languages” – As this remark does not hold good [illegible] Welch, Parry asks whether you consider that not to be an Europæan language?
We hope that your Northern tour turned out prosperously – & the Scientific Meeting worked well.
Charry begs her love to Mrs Talbot <5> and our little friend Ela. <6>
Hoping that what you saw in our part of the County may induce you to revisit it, I remain,
Yours very truly
John M. Traherne
[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Merthyr Mawr, Glamorgan, on River Ogwr.
2. WHFT, Hermes: or Classical and Antiquarian Researches, No. 1 (London: Longman, Orme, Green, Brown & Longman, 1838).
3. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.
4. John Parry (1776–1851), Welsh composer.
5. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
6. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.