H. F. Talbot Esq^r

Sir

I have sown the annuals as you directed some of them in the house are come up but some are bad seed. I have potted off a great many of the plants you sowed in boxes –, Some have done well and some have not come up – I have sowd the grass you sent in Lady E^{s <1>} garden it sowd about half of it. and as I could not procure seed here & have not had time to go to bath or any place where it can be had I have sowd it with the sweepings of the hay loft. – and if it dont answer I will get some first of p^ty –

M^r Paley ^<2> wishes me to enquire if you will let him have some of the stones that were taken up from the edges of the Gravel walks – there might be a few spared but I do not wish to part with many of them in case what may be wanted. –

Every thing goes on as usual. I will write a general report how things are and send on Friday. – I have exchanged of the Carters and one of the Justicea with M^r Heals[?] for 2 fine plant of the Fuscia Gracilis –

I am
Sir your ob^dt Serv^t
John MacPhail

Lacock Abbey
May 20^th 1828

W. H. F. Talbot Esq^r

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Notes:

1. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.

2. Rev James Paley (1790–1863), Vicar at Lacock.