Chippenham ^<1>

June 20^th
1822

Dear Sir,

I am very sorry to trouble you again upon an unpleasant Subject, but I know not how to avoid it, under the circumstances – I was just making arrangements for presenting your £20– to the Club, when I rec^d information that another Club in the Village had a Bond for One Hundred pounds – & as I conclude you would not like that any distinction should be made upon such an occasion, I have thought it best to avoid any further conversation with the Parties, till I can ascertain your wishes upon the Subject –

As it will probably be of little consequence to the Clubs, whether they receive the Money in large or small Payments, I take the liberty of suggesting for your consideration, that Ten Guineas given to each, yearly, till the whole is paid off, would answer their purpose & I think would be very gratefully received – If this Idea should meet your approbation I will take care to do it in such a way that it shall be considered entirely as a Present & not as any recognition of Debt –

I sent M^r King ^<2> the Particulars of the Lease w^ch I mentioned to you in Town & I have no doubt that he will have that & the two others, ready for your Signature, before you return to the Continent – I am afraid from <illegible deletion> present appearances, that I may not succeed in getting in £150 – more, to Hammersly’s ^<3>, before you leave Town as I had hoped when I saw you last, but I will do the best I can –

I remain Dear Sir
Y^r Obliged & Obed^t Ser^t

W. H. Awdry

W. H. F. Talbot Esq
31. Sackville S^t
Piccadilly
London

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Notes:

1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.

2. Of William Read King & Son, solicitors, London.

3. Hammersley & Company, bankers, London.