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Document number: 01299
Date: 29 Oct 1823
Postmark: 11 Nov 1823
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: FEILDING Elisabeth Theresa, née Fox Strangways
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 29th January 2012

[this is written on the same sheet as a note from Capt Feilding - see Doc. No: 01107]

Genoa.
29 October

My Dearest

We had no idea the difficulty of finding a house would have been so great, but as the road from Milan has only been finished two years they have not yet began [sic] to build here upon speculation, for the influx of ferestini[?]<1> is only beginning. the Duke of Devonshire <2> arrived here this morning impromptu to go in the Euryalus <3> with Capt Clifford to Naples, having put off a whole party of Austrians who were to have dined with him to day at Milan. I long to hear you got safe thro' the Douane de France <4>. I believe we shall shal take Lord Byron's <5> house, it is out side the Gates. Have you heard any thing of Mrs Bligh <6>, She wanted to be presented to the King of Naples <7> & Mrs Hamilton our Ambassadress <8> refused upon which She left Naples with Mr & Mrs Long Wellesley <9>, & it is supposed they mean to winter at Rome all 3 together. Before Mr B - came away he challenged Mr L. W. who refused to fight (saying that if conviction took place in the courts of Justice it would be time enough to fight, but that till he was declared guilty he was to be assumed innocent. <10> Mr L. W. had fought a duel before he was married therefore I suppose he thinks his reputation is established. Mr B. went to England saying he should post Mr L. W. in every club in London. So it rests at present but I conclude more has passed in our Island about it.

We guess you will would be at Lyons last Monday, & at Paris Saturday next, & in London the Thursday after.

God bless you dearest

I cannot say I like the thoughts of Genoa for long
I cannot write you a comfortable Letter till we are settled - every minute going to look at houses which never do

W. H. F. Talbot Esqr
31 Sackville Street
London
Inghilterra

Notes:

1. Probably holiday-makers, tourists, related to 'ferie', ie, holiday.

2. Sir William George Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858).

3. British frigate.

4. French Customs.

5. George Gordon Byron (1788-1824), poet.

6. See Doc. No: 00963.

7. Ferdinand IV, King of Naples (1751-1825).

8. Juliana Hamilton, wife of Sir William Richard Hamilton.

9. William Pole-Tylney-Long-Wellesley (1788-1857), and his wife (the former Mrs. Bligh), Catherine Tylney-Long-Wellesley.

10. No closing bracket.