Chippenham <1>
5 May 1866
Dear Sir,
I am sorry to hear you have been so poorly. The weather here during the last week has been most trying. I have agreed to sell the Oak Timber at Nethermore <2> to a Timber Merchant here named Riscsare[?] for £210ּ payable in 3 months - and that at Wheelers Wood to John Gale <3> at £60ּ payable at Michas It has all been measured and valued by Brinsden and the prices agreed on are nearly £20ּ in advance. I thought therefore it was not expedient to incur the expence of an Auction, particularly as the Season is far advanced. I will make a further remittance to Coutts <4>' next week to your credit: I am called upon for a return of your assessed Taxes for the part year - I believe it should be
| 4 | Male Servants - Vizt |
| Butler. Footman - | |
| Coachman. & Gardener. | |
| 1 | Under Gardenerּ |
| 1 | Carriage (4 wheels) drawn by one horse |
| 1 | Cobourgh - do <5> |
| 2 | Horses - & Armorial bearings |
According to this I return you have discontinued 1 Carriage and 1 Horse since May 1864. If this should not be correct please to let me know as soon as you conveniently can as the Return should be made next week. All seems well at Lacock. I saw Geo. Wilkins <6> yesterday. With best compts to Mrs Talbot <7>
I remain dear Sir Yours obliged
West Awdry
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Nethermore Farm and Wood, Lacock, Wiltshire.
3. John Gale, carpenter at Lacock.
4. Coutts & Company, bankers, London.
5. The cobourg was a two-wheeled covered carriage, used especially in the country.
6. George Wilkins (b. 1814), gardener at Lacock.
7. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811-1880), WHFT's wife.