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Document number: 06841
Date: Tue 23 Aug 1853
Dating: corrected from 22nd Mon
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: TALBOT Constance, née Mundy
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Collection number historic: Acc no 21043 (envelope only)
Last updated: 24th June 2015

Greta Bank Monday Tuesday Aug 23d

My dear Henry

We were very glad to get a letter from you on Saturday, – and I hope you have received mine ere this. I almost wonder at your travelling on by night to reach Birmingham for your resting place. We have a great improvement in the scenery since I wrote last – The air is partially cleared & the effects of the wild passing clouds are beautiful. Saturday Mr Wilson was so kind as to take Charles to the top of Skiddaw – he Charles being almost over anxious to go – They started rather before three & were back soon after 7. having performed both ascent & descent on foot – Mr Wilson was of opinion that a pony would occasion them more trouble than its assistance would be worth. And indeed I think walking was better on such a day – to keep their blood in circulation – We, are on the plain, thought the air of Saturday very mild; blowing from the South West; they on the Mountain, were very cold. The wind rose on their return & rain began to fall – but they did not get enough to wet them. Other parties who went up a little later, would certainly get a good soaking – We had very heavy rain all the night, but a fine pleasant day again yesterday – all the pleasanter for the dust being laid. –

When you were making memorandums for Lacock, I forgot to mention two things. One was the new window of the tapestry bedroom. I hope you will examine into its state of forwardness, & exhort Mr Gale to push the work on while the present dry weather lasts. The other is, to tell Wilkins to place the new rustic seat by Bleak House, under cover. I meant to have given orders to that effect before I left home. Perhaps the most commodious & the driest place would be at the foot of the Laundry Stairs: – but you can consult him, if it so pleases you –

Your affte
Constance.

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts.