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Document number: 01981
Date: 07 Apr 1830
Dating: confirmed by publication of pamphlet
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: PORTER Charles
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 26th February 2010

Rectory, Wing
near Uppingham
Rutlandshire
April 7th

Dear Talbot

I have to thank you for the pithy little pamphlet, on Parliamentary Reform,<1> which, as it came from you to me, I suppose I may ascribe to your pen.

It must be confessed that your plans are feasible, safe and advantageous, and this confession would disarm all opponents to Reform on principle - but, do not suspect me of being one of that number - on the contrary, tho' 'I never meddle with politics', I see the unreasonableness of a sullen aversion to all mention of reform; and as a friend to the church, I should like to see a gradual, but sound amendment of its abuses.

Have you had an answer from the Rector of Laycock, <2> respecting my chance of the cure? Although the period, at which I should enter upon go to Laycock, is yet distant; I am anxious to have it decided soon - several curacies have been named to me, which I do not apply for, in the hope of becoming your neighbour. It is also necessary for the comfort of our family, that I should know where we are to pass the next winter; and it would be proper that I should give my present Rector ample notice of the time of my leaving Wing <3> -

When you were so kind as to offer your influence to procure for me the curacy of your parish, I thought the time too distant for either party to engage; I have since changed my opinion, as I see how difficult it is to meet with employment in the church, at all suited to my wishes. and having my thoughts & wishes bent towards Laycock, I do not exert myself to look out for other curacies.

Believe me, Dear Talbot, very truly yours
Charles Porter

a sad calamity has come upon my neighbour, the Rector of Lyndon <4> - I name this, as the report might reach your ears, which you would not know where to fix. Is not your plan of registering county votes, the plan adopted in Ireland, since the Catholic Relief Bill? <5>

W. H. Fox Talbot Esqre
31. Sackville Street
London


Notes:

1. WHFT, Thoughts on Moderate Reform in the House of Commons (London: James Ridgway, 1830). Two years later, WHFT was to be elected a member of the Reform Parliament.

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

3. He became the curate of Barnack. [See Doc. No: 02078].

4. Richard Rocke, born in India ca. 1798, Rector of Lyndon from 1828 until his death on 27 July 1830.

5. Catholic emancipation, the achievement of full civil rights for Roman Catholics, including the right to sit in Parliament. This was conceded in 1829 after Daniel O'Connell (1775-1847), was elected MP.