Chippenham <1>
28 June 1859
Dear Sir,
I can pay over £300 in any way you will direct, and shall be happy to accommodate you with a Sum of £500 on loan whenever you may require it – I am glad to hear Your Daughters Wedding went off so satisfactorily; I hear the Old people at Lacock were very happy and only regret that I could not be present with them –
Our South Wilts’ Election takes place tomorrow – I do not hear of any opposition to Mr Herbert – I am afraid I shall have to represent the High Sheriff on the occasion – We have had our share of Elections in this County during the last two or three years but the High Sheriff is put to no expence beyond his mere travelling Expences – now adays – Thanks to the Reform Bill of 1832.
Since you left this Neighbourhood I have been in possession of the Iron Works at Seend (on behalf of the Sheriff) and proceedings in Chancery have since been instituted by Messrs Sarl & Co <2> to restrain <it?> from selling – This has been followed by steps to “round up the Compy” after which I suppose Messrs Sarl or a new Company will endeavour to carry on the Undertaking. I hope under happier auspices – They will certainly have bought experience very dearly. I am very thankful that I was able to restrain some of my own family from Embarking in the matter though I was thought to be over cautious in the course I took – I have agreed with the G. W. R. Co for the purchase of the odd pieces of Land adjoining yours on very favourable <terms?> (£50 pr Acre) I have no doubt Mr Baily would give you £100ּ pr Acre for the field near his Mill but I am afraid not more – I will take an opportunity of sounding him on the subject.
Yours truly & oblig
West Awdry
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Sarl & Company, London.