Chippenham <1>
8th June 1838
Dear Sir,
I have referred to Reed’s <2> Account in March last – & am glad to find, that there is no charge for board Wages for himself or the House Maid – during the time you mention –
On the subject of a resident Bailiff, I am really very much gratified to find that your opinion is quite in accordance with my own & I had so completely satisfied myself of the necessity of having such a Person on your estates, in order to assist me in getting in the Cottage Rents – under the altered circumstances of the Country – that I had determined to call your attention to the subject – in the course of a few Weeks – I anticipate much advantage, from having such a Person to co operate with me, in other respects, if he is thoroughly trustworthy – & you may rely upon my best endeavours to procure one – at the same time, to be well satisfied of his fitness for the office – by previous enquiries – The great reduction in the amount wch you have to pay for Poor’s Rates – will, I hope, be equal to the amount of his Wages – & I have little doubt of saving something considerable, by the superintendance <sic> of such a Person with regard to repairs – as it is quite impossible for a Steward being some Miles off – to check Trades Men’s Bills in detail – but a resident Bailiff can easily do this, if he does his duty – On the subject of any alteration in your Garden Establishment, I do not profess to be able to give any decided opinion – as it is not exactly in my way – all that I would therefore venture to recommend – is, that great caution should be used in selecting such a Person, if he is to act as the general Bailiff – & for my own sake as well as for your Interests, I would use my best endeavours to procure a proper Person –
I am dear Sir
Yr obliged Sert
W. H. Awdry
W.H.F. Talbot Esq
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Misspelling of John Reid, head gardener at Lacock Abbey.