London
1st June 1841
Dear Constance
I met with several delays but no accidents.<1> The scene at Chippenham was very animated in consequence of the multitude of people assembled, & the fineness of the weather. But since only one line of rails was ready, we were obliged to wait till the London train came in, which delayed us half an hour, & we did not start till half past four. We arrived at Wootton Bassett Station in 37 minutes – When we got near London, at Hanwell, we overtook a disabled train with their fire out. We took compassion on them & pushed them before us to London; – They were the holiday folk enjoying themselves on Whit Monday; they made our train a quarter of a mile long, and we advanced slowly with such a burden. We got to Paddington in 4 hours from Chippenham but on alighting another delay of half an hour took place on account of the immense confusion of passengers’ luggage. However it was a very beautiful afternoon, & Windsor looked extremely well in the setting sun.<2> My mother & Hora <3> spent the evening at home & by themselves, which was unusual. Caroline <4> actually went on Sunday; they say there never was anything like the bustle the last day. Lord Mt E. <5> had a fine passage & went on to Liège the same day he arrived at Antwerp, and felt already better for his journey. My mother proposes visiting Lacock next week, & says Miss Cotton will not be at all in her way.
The 3 kinds of cream all arrived good & are much esteemed. Poor Madlle Rachel <6> has made herself ill with overexertion in the hot weather. If she is recovered she will perform gratis for the Polish exiles next Saturday. The Duchess of Sutherland <7> has lent her beautiful hall for the occasion.
Your affte
Henry
Have you sowed the Mitella?
Mrs Talbot
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Constance was concerned about the speed and safety of rail travel - see, for example, Doc. No: 03972.
2. It is possible that WHFT photographed Windsor that day. Through the request of his half-sister Caroline, WHFT had just received permission to 'make drawings' at Windsor Castle. See Doc. No: 04253 and Doc. No: 04254.
3. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother, and Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.
4. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.
5. Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797–1861), WHFT’s brother-in-law.
6. Elisabeth Rachel Felix (1820–1858), French actress, known as Rachel.
7. Lady Harriet Elizabeth Georgiana Howard, Duchess of Sutherland (d. 1868).