Kensington Gore <1>
Decr 31st
1842
My dear Talbot
I learnt from you, when I was in India, that Capt Feilding <2> had bequeathed to me as a memorial of our long friendship, the inkstand which used to stand upon his table<3> – I need not say to you that I was warmly affected by this proof of his recollection, and I am anxious that this inkstand should find a place in my library. I would ask you therefore to give directions that it be conveyed to me –
I was unfortunate in not seeing you when I was at Bowood, <4> and regretted your absence on the day on which I called at Lacock
most truly &c yrs
Auckland
Envelope:
Henry Fox Talbot EsqreLacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. The Aucklands lived in Upper Gore House, Kensington Gore, London.
2. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780– 2 September 1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
3. The inkstand does not appear in Feilding's will, so there must have been a separate document of gift.
4. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.