Chippenham
7 Jan: 1851
Dear Sir,
I called at the Abbey this morning to show you the enclosed Note which I received from Mr Merewether either since I last saw you respecting a cottage & 2 pieces of Garden Ground at the top of Bowden Hill wch he would be very glad to purchase to enable him to make a better approach to his intended residence – They lie quite detached from every thing belonging to you – they are together 3 roods & 24 poles and are let at £7·7·0 pr Acre: As I understood from your Servant you might not return for a fortnight I think it better to forward Mr Merewether. Note; I thought Stone would have had a heavier punishment for the robbery of your Plate, but I expect he will be soon heartily tired of the Tread Wheel
I remain dear Sir
Your obliged Sert
West Awdry
<enclosed original letter from Merewether>
Westbrook
Chippenham –
Dear Awdry,
Close to the spot where I am about to build my house at Bowden Hill there are two small pieces of land belonging to Mr Talbot. One is the bit I rent, & the other is close by with an old Cottage on it. They are on different sides of the common & are together an acre, more or less. As they are on each side of what will be my entrance, I need not say that their possession would materially add to the comfort of my future residence – I fear that I am taking a great liberty in enquiring if Mr Talbot would kindly permit me to buy them – nor should I venture to do so, but that they are both quite apart from his other property & are detached patches. Should he decline to do so, I cannot say a word in the way of murmur, but should he oblige me, I should take it, as it would be, as a very friendly & neighborly act. I should not think of course of any negotiation with Mr Talbot as to price, but would leave it to be settled by any body whom he might select.
I am
Yours truthfully
Henry Alworth Merewether