Melksham
Aug 281846.
Dear Sir,
It is important to the Company to obtain possession as soon as possible – I only meant that under any circumstances they must have it in a few weeks. I cannot therefore consent to a days delay longer than the law allows until we have possession but if you will give immediate possession – & if you will forward the wishes of the company as to the diversion of the Roads the Company will then purchase the whole of the <Field?> <late?> Fussels at the sum which you paid for it they will purchase the two corners at 22a & 23a at the rate of 240 £ per acre they will give you the third Bridge (it being so placed as to serve Mr Bailey also) and will give you 5 per Cent interest till the purchase is completed and they will meet your wishes by not pressing for the completion of the purchase until sufficient time has been allowed you to make Arrangements with your Trustees – I wish it however to be particularly understood that unless <illegible deletion> all these propositions are agreed to they will not hold themselves bound by any one of them separately.
When I speak of immediate possession I mean this to refer to every portion of the Land which may be required either for the Line or for the Diversion of the Roads –
I will be answerable that every thing in the Agreement shall so far as the Company are concerned be fully and fairly acted up to but I cannot take upon myself to say more nor can I undertake to do more as to the repairs of the proposed new Road than is required by the Railway Clauses Act which fully provides for the interests of the Public.
I trust though I have expressed myself in a very explicit manner you will see the reasonableness of what I say – I am sure the terms proposed are very much to your advantage –
I have not again referred to the extension of the works a little nearer the Abbey as we had before settled that question –
I hope your health will be benefited by your proposed Tour and remainDear Sir
Your faithful Servant
H G Awdry
W H F Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey.