Chippenham <1>
August 6th 1832.
Dear Sir
Above I beg to send you Copy of the Resolutions agreed to this day, at a meeting held at the Town Hall Chippenham, and handed me by the Committee with a request to forward them you and solicit your Assistance. – I did not attend the Meeting as I was not acquainted with your feelings on the Subject and therefore was unprepared to give a satisfactory reply to any appeal that might have been made to me. – the Sitting Members have subscribed £25 each, and I understand that it was the general impression of the Meeting, considering the high Situation in which you now stand in this Borough, a similar Sum might be expected from you. – I think it right to give you this Information, and under all circumstances, I would venture to suggest the propriety of your meeting the expectations of the People, as I do not consider there is the least doubt of your Election for the Borough, and it will greatly add to your popularity. –
I shall be much obliged by your early reply, as it is desirable to get the Dinner over next Week if possible
I am
Dear Sir
Yours very faithfully & obliged
Wm Wilmot Junr
There will be from 1500 to 2000 Persons to feast –
<Copied at top of letter>
Resolved <2>
1st That it is the wish of the Meeting, that the passing of the Reform Bill should be celebrated –
2<o?> That there should be no Illumination on the occasion –
3d That it is the Opinion of this Meeting that the most suitable method of celebrating the passing the Reform Bill <sic> is by giving a public cold Dinner to the Poor of the Parish –
4th That a Committee be appointed for carrying the foregoing resolution into effect –
5th That the following Gentlemen constitute the Committee with the power of adding to their number –
(Here follow the names of the Committee)
W. H. F. Talbot Esqr
31, Sackville Street
London
If not there to be forwarded immediately
Post Office <3>
Cowes
Isle of Wight
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Copied at top of letter.
3. Readdressed in another hand.