Chippenham ^<1>

March 2^nd 1826

Dear Sir,

The N^os of the Cottages lately sold are as follow – viz – M^r J. Awdry ^<2> 124 M^rs Pettifer 98 – M^r Beaven 130 –

With respect to the Field called Blackmore Coppice & the Acre of Common Land, I am not aware of any consideration that you have omitted in your Calculation – The particular circumstance which made that Land sell so much beyond its estimated value, I apprehend to be, that it was situated near the Farms of two wealthy yeomen – who were each determined to have it, if possible – no criterion could be formed from the sale of this Land, as to the value of any other, unless it should happen to be situated in a similar way –

The reduction of 10^s/ P^r annum took place in the time when Land was generally reduced & after repeated representations that it was beyond its value –

The Coppice Wood was about three years growth in Cloves Wood at the time of sale – it proved very indifferent when it was last cut –

M^rs Beaven is the Mother of the Person who has purchased the Wood & the other Land – The Son has managed the Farm for some time past & I knew that he was desirous of purchasing it, rather than lose the occupation – the other Competitor was M^r Tayler who bought the Common Land & who rents the adjoining Farm to Beavens –

I am glad to receive your explanation respecting Ambrose Hunts Cottage & Withy Beds as it exactly agrees with what I should have thought desirable – I will look out for such odd bits of Property as may be advisable to sell in this way & submit the same for your consideration –

I received the Deeds from M^r King ^<3> a few days ago & have communicated the same (by his desire) to M^r <Tilby?> & am now expecting M^r Beaven, daily, with his Purchase Money & Interest from the 11^th of October – agreeably with your instructions, I shall now remit it thro’ my Bankers without paying Commission –

I remain
Dear Sir
Y^r obliged & obed Ser^t

W. H. Awdry

P. S –
When the Money is paid to Hammerslys ^<4> I intend sending you a statement of that & other remittances on the same Acc^t – with particulars of the Auction Expences &^c – that you may see the exact Balance thereon – if I do not hear from you in the mean time, I will direct it to Sackville S^t –

1826 March 2
W. H. F. Talbot Esq
*Worthing
Sussex
*If not there,
to 31 Sackville S^t
Piccadilly
London

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Notes:

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

2. John Awdry (1766–1844), solicitor, Reybridge.

3. Of William Read King & Son, solicitors, London.

4. Misspelling of Hammersley & Company, bankers, London.