[The letter is in the BL and its envelope is in the NMeM.]
Chippenham <1>
13 May 1842
Dear Sir,
The enclosed Circular has been sent to every Guardian – the Report of Dr Watson <2> is certainly not a favorable one either as to the site of the Workhouse or the general appearance and state of health of the inmates which he describes as below par – I will inform you the result of the Meeting on Friday next – My own opinion is that some alterations and improvements will be made with a view to afford greater facilities for exercise &c I do not think it would be prudent to have any Communicatn with the Comrs till the Guardians have decided on their course – the expense of Dr Watsons visit will be borne by the Union generally –
Fry <3> & his Surety are to sign their agreement, (which they have approved) on Tuesday when I hope to settle finally with Fussells <4> Executors – Hayward has not paid his full Rent to Lady day<5> but promises to do so shortly – I have his Brothers undertaking to see it paid – if you are about to leave England will you have the goodness to say to whom I am to remit during your absence – I shall have £300 to pay over as soon as I receive the balance of Haywards Rent –
I am Dear Sir Yours truly & obliged
West Awdry.
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr.
London
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Possibly Dr Watson the physician from Bath.
3. A farmer in Lacock. [See Doc. No: 03169].
4. The family of Stephen Fussell, tenant and Church Warden of Lacock.
5. Thomas Hayward (b. 1783), tenant farmer, Wick Farm, Lacock. Lady Day is one of the traditional English quarter days, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, on 25 March.