Monkton, <1>Chippenham.
4 Jan: 1862
Dear Sir,
I understand that a new Company have determined to work the Seend iron Mines and Mr W. Locke who is deeply interested in the result speaks with confidence of the undertaking. I am afraid he will lose a great part of the arrears of Rent &c (£3500) due to him from the Sarls <2>, but Mr <Meek?> tells me that he expects to receive the accruing rent with punctuality – With regard to the Sarls the plan is to carry on their London business for the benefit of their Creditors in the hope that during the year of the Exhibition it may be done with considerable advantage. I understand their debt to the London & City Bank is £20,000. Sir Richd Carden 6,000 & upwards cum multis aliis – The furnaces &c have been entirely given up to Mr Locke for securing his debt – Brotherhood has for some time disengaged himself from this Concern as well as that at Westbury – The latter is going on favorably I believe – tho’ not doing a great extent of business. I was asked to attend a Committee Meeting to-day at Lacock to examine and report on the Accounts of the Church Restoration. the deficiency was larger than was stated at the re-opening – viz: £160 – instead of £100 – but additional Subscriptions reduced it at once to £40. May I venture to ask you to allow me to add your name to the list? I am sure it would be very gratefully acknowledged? x
I shall be going to Bath next week and will endeavor to select a suitable paper for your library and get Fortune to put it up. The news from America is cheering and will I hope be confirmed –
x With regard to the expences about the Church I ought to add that there has been no Parish Rate, but every thing has been done voluntarily so there is no Parish debt
With best regards to Mrs Talbot <3> and all your family
I remain dear Sir Yours obliged
West Awdry.
Notes:
1. Monkton House, Chippenham, Wiltshire: Awdry family home.
2. Sarl & Company, London.
3. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.