Chippenham <1>
27th Feby 1828
Dear Sir –
Mr Hayward <2> called on me yesterday & requested that I would inform you of an offer which he had received for the small Rick of Hay at the Abbey – as that Rick is of rather inferior Quality, he thought you might be inclined to part with it & he thinks he can get £3– pr Ton for it – He desired me also to mention ask if you would like to have the Stew Ground fed this year in order to have it well cleaned, if so he should be happy to rent it for the Season – He said it would be a convenience to him with a view to furnishing Milk &c. for the Abbey –
I have paid all the Bills mentioned in the List you last sent me – also your Gamekeeper – I find upon looking over the state of the general Account, that it is at present rather over drawn & I will therefore beg the favor of your ordering some little remittance to go on with till the April Audit – Mr Reading <3> informs me that his Expences will not exceed £20– pr Week, for some time to come –
I am Dear Sir Yr Obliged & Obedt Servt
W. H. Awdry
W. H. F. Talbot Esq
31 Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Thomas Hayward (b. 1783), tenant farmer, Wick Farm, Lacock.
3. David Reading, builder, working on Lacock Abbey.