Lacock Abbey
Decr 7th
Sir
I beg to inform you that I received this Morning one Dozn packets of Roots and 2 sorts of Bulbs I have sown one pot of each sort and planted the Bulbs and put them in the Stove as you directed we have got a Black horse Sent upon trial from Mr Candles at Chippenham <1> we have had him nearly three weeks and find he will suit us very well Age six years next april price 25 Gunies Mr Fry have examined him and think he is worth the Money I have shown him to Several good Judges and they like the Apearance <sic> of him very much Mr Fry told me that Mr Candle is often employed to get horses for people and would not be likely to deceive us my agreement with him was to try the Horse for a month or more if I like and if he did not suit and you did not approve of the price to return him free of expence will you please to inform me about it I am sorry to tell you that Mrs Marchant <2> is very ill and not likely to remain long Should she require any little comfort will you please to alow me to give it her Daughter <3> is staying with her and wished me to mention it to you
I beg to remain Sir your most obedient Servant
Geo Wilkins
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Mrs Marchant (d. 3rd March 1854). See Doc. No: 06930.
3. Mrs Fitzsimmons, wife of Cornelius Fitzsimmons, Scottish gardener at Lacock Abbey. See Doc. No: 06873, which dates this document to 1853.