Chippenham ^<1>

11^t Sept. 1838

Dear Sir,

I have asked my Son ^<2>, the Question w^ch you wished – respecting a Magistrate’s acting without having taken the Oaths to the present Queen – & he informs me, that it would subject him to a Penalty of £100 –

He thinks that the Oaths may be taken before two Magistrates at Petty Session but will be able to speak more decidedly on this point as soon as he can get a sight of an Act of Parliam^t lately passed –

I have mentioned to my Son, the Proposal w^ch you were kind enough to make this Morning, that he should act as my Deputy, until you had matured your Arrangements for the future management of your Estates – & I have the pleasure to say, that he has readily consented to do so – I therefore intend to avail myself of the permission & trust it may be mutually advantageous – as, while it relieves me from a duty, w^ch in my present state of health, I am sometimes hardly equal to – it will at the same time, enable you without any hurry, to make such Arrangements as you may think most desirable – & if you should wish it, to consult my Son upon the subject –

I remain
Dear Sir
Y^r obliged Sev^t

W. H. Awdry

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Notes:

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

2. West Awdry (1807–1892), solicitor, Chippenham.