Chippenham
11 Jan 1849

Dear Sir,

I enclose a note from M^r Sotheron on the subject of draining Bewley Common,^<1> which I would have spoken to you about personally to-day, had I not been obliged to go in another direction; As time is in our object with M^r Sotheron I think it better to forward it, and if it meets with your approval I will see the other Owners of Leazes in the Common and endeavour to obtain their assent to his proposal, which cannot but be highly advantageous to all, as well as to the Parish generally in providing the Poor with Labor; at this Season.

I rem Dear Sir Your obliged Serv^t
West Awdry

P.S.You are the owner of 15 or 16 Leazes out of 31 –

[envelope:]
W. H. F Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey

[enclosed note:]
Bowden Park
9 Jan^y. 1849

My dear Sir

Every time I go out of my premises the neglected state of the Common both above & below the Hill in point of Drainage strikes my eye. I must think the problem might in one season be solved if it were properly drained and if only [?] were laid out upon it in pond drains, I am sure it would be repaid in 2 or 3 years by the increased value of the [?]. The wet condition of the land also I am certain very prejudicial to the health of the neighboring cottages:

At this moment when Labour is scarce, it would be a great relief and boon if the owner of the Leases could be induced to incur a moderate expenditure and if M^r Talbot would intimate to me his assent to a limited sum per Leaze and would authorize me to set about the work, I should have time by beginning immediately to get the job completed before I go up to London; and I should be most happy to undertake it for the sake of the Parish-

I am dear Sir yrs tuul,
J H Sotheron

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Notes:

1. Just east of Lacock Abbey, across the River Avon.