Sir/
At the earnest request of Mr Thomas Montgomerie <1> who arrived at Garboldisham yesterday evening the very painful duty devolves on me, as the friend who in the absence of the family was called in by the domestics and neighbours, to communicate to you the fearful circumstance which occurred early on Thursday morning at the parsonage. -
My poor friend Mr George Montgomerie <2> was found by his servant on going into his bedroom lying dead on the floor in such a state as to leave no doubt but that he had hastened his end -
He had during the last fortnight been at times rather depressed, particularly since the sudden death of the old nurse Mrs Ashfield, and the awful deed must have been committed under the excitement of incipient fever, and yet no blame can possibly attach to anyone, as he continued to the last all his accustomed occupations -
Mr Crisp and Mr Frederick Montgomerie are expected this afternoon -<3> and I can only pray that they and all the friends of the family may be supported by God's grace under this awful visitation -
I am, Sir, Your Obedt Servant
T. B. Wilkinson
Harling Rectory
Jany 19th 1850
Notes:
1. George's older brother, Thomas Molyneux Montgomerie of Garboldisham (1788-1855).
2. Rev. George Stephen Molyneux Montgomerie (1790-17 Jan 1850); close friend of Talbot family, artist, Rector of Garboldisham, near Thetford, Norfolk.
3. George's brothers, Capt Crisp Molyneux Montgomerie (1776- 19 Jun 1850) and Frederick Molyneux Montgomerie (1798-1898).