Copy.

Chippenham

July 10 1845

Dear Sir,

In compliance with your instructions I have measured and marked the required distances from Lacock Abbey to the proposed Wilts and Somerset Railway. I find that nine-tenths of a mile will just reach the centre of the Line, as marked out, about half way down the hilly field on Wick Farm ^<1>, but as the Line approaches Wick Lane the same distance will reach more than 100 yards beyond the centre of the Line.

I have placed three marks, one furlough apart, which William Humphries ^<2>, a lad from M^r Talbot’s <garden?> will be enabled to point out.

I can put up more marks if required but I do not think it necessary as the above proves that the Line as at present marked out is contrary to the Agreement made between M^r Talbot and the Directors.

I am Dear Sir
Yours respectfully

“R. D. Settle”

West Awdry Esq

Chippenham

10 July 1845

Dear Sir,

I <submit?> copy of a letter just received from M^r Settle; from which it appears that the prepared line of Railway will run within 9/10^ths of a mile from the Abbey as at present surveyed –

I am Dear Sir
Your obliged Ser^t

West Awdry

H.F. Talbot Esq^r

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Notes:

1. Wick Farm, Lacock, Wiltshire.

2. William Humphries, probably son of John Humphries, also a garden assistant.