12 March 1863.
Dear Sir,
I am glad you were satisfied with the proceedings at Lacock on your Son’s birth day – The Dinner Bill amounts to £15 · 14 · 0 – the numbers exceeded what I expected, but I found I could not curtail it without Causing dissatisfaction. Our festivities here on the 10th went off very well – We dined upwards of 1750. besides about 1600 children who were treated with Cake and a silver 3d. The weather was perfect – Edinburgh must have looked very beautiful, illuminated – indeed Every thing connected with the great Event of the day seems to have prospered and given the fullest satisfaction both in Town and Country. The young Ladies at Bowden Park intend to remain there. Sir Thomas Gladstone and his Co-Trustees have been pleased to ask me to superintend their affairs there.
With best Compts to Mrs Talbot <1> & your family
I remain Yours obliged
West Awdry.
H F. Talbot Esq.
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq
11 Great Stuart Street
Edinburgh
Notes:
1. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.