Sackville Street <1>
Wednesday 16 Novr
My Dear Henry
I am desired to tell you that the Tailor whom you desired to be paid 2 or 3 pounds by Wright, <2> has brought a bill of ten pounds, and he wishes to know if it is right, as the difference is so great. But to be more exact, I find upon enquiry that the bill is 9··18··0 & for ready money he will make it 8··2··6 - Is Wright to pay it? answer by return of post.
If the tree is legally cut down, very well. I thought Neighbour Harman <3> had been exercising some of his encroaching propensities.
I passed yesterday evening at Lansdowne House, <4> I find My Sister <5> better, but very much depressed still.
Wright says he paid a bill for you to the same tailor in August, & he cannot help thinking it is again included in this. If you will look for the receipt this can easily be ascertained. The first article in the bill is without a date, which favours the supposition. It is concluded thus "Bill delivered"
credit price - cash price
7··18··0 - 6··8··6
I am sorry I did not see Southey[?]
affly yr
E F
I will do my best for Ela's <6> zoological Education.
My Uncle <7> has left a very odd will it seems. The least to Susan, <8> only the interest of £2000 for her life. To the others more, and absolutely.
Tell Horatia <9> that Lord Winchilsea <10> is going to be married to Miss Bagot, <11> the Maid of Honour, and his daughter Lady Caroline Finch Hatton to Mr Turnor <12> (they are very particular in spelling his name with an O) with twenty thousand a year. He was a friend of poor Kerry's <13> and Louisa <14> says he is no great thing himself.
Lord Ilchester <15> is at Melbury. <16> I was disappointed not to find him here. He went down to the Funeral.
I think we shall re-appear Saturday night. Have you looked for the Meteors?
H. F. Talbot Esq
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
2. James Wright, footman to the Talbots & Constable for Lacock.
3. Probably Ezekiel Harman.
4. Lansdowne House, London: home of the Marquis of Lansdowne, WHFT's uncle and cousins.
5. Louisa Emma Petty Fitzmaurice, née Fox Strangways, Marchioness of Lansdowne (1785-1851), wife of Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne; Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, 1837-1838; WHFT's aunt.
6. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835-1893), WHFT's 1st daughter.
7. The Hon Charles Redlynch Fox-Strangways, who died on 4 November 1836.
8. Probably the daughter of Charles Redlynch Fox-Strangways.
9. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810-1851), WHFT's half-sister.
10. George William Finch-Hatton, 10th Earl of Winchilsea (1791-1858).
11. Emily Georgiana, daughter of Sir Charles Bagot. The marriage took place on 15 February 1837.
12. Lady Caroline Finch-Hatton (1816-1888) married Christopher Turnor on 2 February 1837.
13. William Thomas Fitzmaurice, Earl of Kerry (1811-1836), MP.
14. Probably Louisa Emma Fitzmaurice.
15. Henry Stephen Fox Strangways, 3rd Earl of Ilchester (1787-1858).
16. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.