Dear Sir,
I am sorry I am unable to leave home this Evening but perhaps a few lines will answer every purpose. Mr Saunders <1> is anxious to have an interview with you respecting the proposed Railway to Melksham <2> &c with a view to obtain your Consent to act on the Committee with the Gentn whom I have already named to you with the addition of Mr Long <3> who, I understand, has agreed to be Chairman: He will be happy to wait upon you in Town or at the Abbey & shew you the proposed Line – if you are decidedly opposed to the Line altogether I presume you would decline acting on the Committee but if you think it likely to be carried, at all Events, I should think it wod be well for you to take a part in it in order that you may have a better opportunity of protecting your own interests. I hope I shall be well enough to get out tomorrow, if so, I will take the chance of seeing you before you leave home – if you do not see me perhaps you will be kind enough to give me a line at your convenience as Mr Saunders has requested to hear from me.
I am Dear Sir
Your obliged Servant
West Awdry
Rowden Hill <4>
Wednesday 15th May
Notes:
1. Charles Alexander Saunders (1796–1874), Secretary, Great Western Railway.
2. Melksham, Wiltshire: market town near Lacock, 2 miles S.
3. Probably Walter Long (1793–1867), MP.
4. Chippenham.