Chippenham <1>
27 July 1861
Dear Sir,
I hope you will not think me ungrateful, or insensible of your kindness in writing to condole with me and my family on our late sad bereavement, because I have not earlier thanked you for doing so, believe me I feel most grateful to you and the many kind friends far and near who have addressed me on the subject and trust they will attribute my silence to the true cause – Bitter as my Cake has been when I call to mind how much more bitter it would have been both for my widowed friend as well as for myself but for the merciful interposition of Providence I feel I ought to be very thankful that our loss has not been greater. it gives a bright Lining to the dark Cloud which at first threatened to overwhelm me – The Account you read in the Times was not true in its details tho’ unhappily too true in fact. Thank God it was no worse!
With kind regards to Mrs Talbot <2> and all your family and my repeated thanks to them and yourself
Believe meYours obliged
West Awdry.
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.