Chippenham ^<1>

22^d July 1826

Dear Sir/

I am very glad to find by your Letter of the 17^th Ins^t that you approve the preliminary Steps which I have taken respecting the exchange of Land with M^r Montagu. – Nothing further need be done at present, as M^r Montagu’s Son does not come of age till October (I believe) & then there will be the necessary legal Proceedings to enable them to sell, w^ch will probably not be completed before the beginning of next Year – & till all this is finished, it would not be prudent to incur any expence on your part – I have got the promise of M^r Montagu’s Agent for making an exchange upon equal terms, at that time – I mentioned in my last Letter, that there were a few scattered Lots in the neighbourhood of Lacock, which might be sold by auction if you approve of it – Will you do me the favor to examine your local Rent Roll (at leisure) & give me your opinion about it – The Buildings on one or two of the Lots, are in such a very dangerous state, that I am afraid it may be necessary to take them down to prevent their falling, w^ch makes me the more desirous of selling before the Summer is over –

I am Dear Sir
Y^r Obliged & Obed^t Ser^t

W. H. Awdry

W. H. F. Talbot Esq
Richmond
Surrey

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Notes:

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