Chippenham
8 Nov: 1836
Dear Sir,
On the other side I send you a Copy of Mr Coombs <1> Letter just received – I am going from home tomorrow for the remainder of the Week on my return I hope to have the pleasure of calling upon you.
I am Dear Sir Yrs faithfully & Obliged
West Awdry.
H. F. Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
(Copy)
Dr Sir,
Fisherton Anger
If the Contract as originally drawn had been executed by the parties I think Mr Talbot could have been compelled to present the Nominee of my Client and after the Church had been full under that presentation by the Institution and Induction of the Clerk, to convey the Advowson pursuant to the terms of the Contract – The Contract however was not executed but is it not the fact that the Negotiation for the purchase was carried on upon the spirit of it? and if so is there any great difficulty in the Case – I am fully sensible that it would be prudent to be well advised before we proceed further and I should be disposed to take Counsels opinion on the Case if I knew what Mr Talbots views are – but in the absence of any information on that head I do not think it right to incur the expence.
I shall hope to hear from you in a few days what course Mr Talbot means to pursue
I am Yrs
Hen: Coombs
Salisbury
7 Nov: 1836
To
West Awdry Esq.
Notes:
1. J. M. Coombs. [See Doc. No: 03368]. The enquiry was about Fisherton Anger, Salisbury, Wiltshire. WHFT had inherited the advowson (the right to present a new Rector to St Clement's Church) from his father, Davenport Talbot, and held it until 1849. The new Rector would enjoy the income and assets of the living, including the Rector's house. St Clement's was demolished in 1852 and parts of it were incorporated into the new St Paul's Church.