Chippenham ^<1>
26^th Feb.1835

Dear Sir,

I annex a copy of Captⁿ Rooke’s ^<2> Letter rec^d last night – thinking you might like to consider the subject again, before you see me –

I am Dear Sir Y^r Oliged Sv^t
W. H. Awdry

W.H.F Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey

(Copy)

28 Crescent Bath Feb 25 / 35

Dear Sir,

I have just rec^d yours of the 23^d last concerning the Rent to be paid by me for the privelege of laying down Water pipes & building a Reservoir – I conclude my offer of £1 – per annum is not considered enough – I understand the Reservoir is to be near a Hedge & that it will occupy about 6 or 8 square feet of Ground –

I say again if my offer which was made at your request (or rather M^r Talbot’s) is thought too small, it rests with M^r Talbot or you to state what you consider I ought to pay – the Pipes will be at least 18 meters underground, therefore will destroy no land when laid down – it must rest with you to say what you require, I can say no more on the subject than I have, it is not in my opinion for a Tenant to say what Rent he thinks proper to give–

Awaiting M^r Talbot’s decision on this subject

I remain dear Sir yours truly
(signed) F. W. Rooke

P.S. I conclude I may commence on my Reservoir immediately –

To W. Awdry ^<3> Esq.

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Notes:

1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.

2. Captain Frederick William Rooke (1782–1855), of Lackham, Wilts.

3. William Henry Awdry (1778–1847), solicitor, Chippenham.